What is taking God’s name in vain

[Peetem]

I hear people all the time say “OMG” or “Lord help” (including Priests).

Do either of these qualify?

[anawim]

On a Hebrew for Christian site:

...Commandment states: lo tisa et shem Adonai Elohekha lashav, “You shall not lift up (lit. “carry”) the Name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exod. 20:7). Note that the Hebrew word lashav (לַשָּׁוְא), usually translated “in vain” in English, means in an empty or thoughtless manner (the LXX translates it as ἐπὶ ματαίῳ, "worthlessly" or "thoughtlessly"), though the word might also be rendered as “for show,” that is, insincerely or for sake of others. Obviously "lifting up the Name" of God ‘lashav’ includes invoking the Divine Presence in profane and vulgar ways, but it also includes "lip-service" expressions of faith, mechanical confessions, heartless acts of service, and so on. “Lifting up the Name” should never be used as a “weapon” against others, nor should it ever be used to justify or practice violence. You cannot "call upon God’s Name" in the truth without first exercising genuine reverence by recognizing the sacredness of life, the value of other people, and the LORD’s all-consuming glory, love, and power...

This understanding is why Jews will not even write the name of God, but rather leave out the vowel: G-d.

My thinking would be that is a bit extreme. However, it might be best to err on the side of caution. Don't say OMG when something like No Way! would suffice.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Most directly, it is swearing a false oath in the name of God, or breaking such an oath without being released. But any casual misuse of "God" or "Jesus" is at least venially wrong.

[Doom]

However, the reason for the severity of the commandment is that the REAL violation of the commandment is to commit evil in the name of God. For example, when Islamic terrorists shout "Allah Ackbar" (God is good) before going on a killing spree, or when a Catholic hospital named after a saint performs abortions, or 1,000 other examples.

That is the real misuse of God's name; all the other violations are child's play. I have seen this interpretation of the verse is offered from both Jewish commentators (such as Dennis Prager) and Christian commentators (Father Groschel on EWTN). I think this is what the commandment is really about.


God "will not hold you guiltless" if you commit evil in his name, or offer religious justifications for evil actions.

[Peetem]

These make sense. Thank you.

[zeno]

A little late here but I would suggest reviewing what the CCC says on the subject
https://www.vatican.va/content/catechis ... _holy.html