Why do Christians who believe the ten commandments continue to take the Lord's name in vain?

Question

please don't comment if:
1. your not going to actually answer the question
2. give me crap.
3. Tell me Christianity is dumb/false

I never do, because it seems like the most respectful thing. I mean.. it's the LORD'S name.
so yeah.. Does it just not seem like an important enough commandment?
I really don't mean this as criticizing question.. I really am just curious.

wow. thank you guys. it cleared stuff up. I kinda didn't understand it before. and most of you were very respectful of my question and really answered it.. again.. thanks.

to Lady Morgana, i'm sorry people were rude when answering your questions. thanks for answering mine though.

Answer 1

I love this question!

It really disturbs me when anyone uses the Lord's name in vain--especially when they claim to be believers!!

It is just so wrong.

And if one doesn't believe--they shouldn't be using his name as an oath either!

Answer 2

Dear Amy,

i think quite simply it's because people are sinners. Every Christian will struggle with different things that the Bible instructs us not to do. For the Christian who doesn't struggle with swearing- they may struggle with honoring their father and mother, or this or that.

i'm sure many will repsond to that by saying that Christians are hyporcrites. And i think that's off because Christians have never claimed to be perfect.

One thing the Bible teaches is that God looks at the heart- and i think that the thing is not always just what Christians do- but when they fail to do the right thing- what is their attitude towards that. i know when i first came to Christ (at age 18) i really, really struggled with swearing. i remember one time i dropped a cup on accident and said "oh, ship (or something similar- ya know?) and it was just a habit. Through much prayer-- i think the Lord really helped me get rid of that habit.

As a Christian i don't know that i think about the 10 commandments all the time and rank them in importance. i know that i can dangerously violate any commandment and this is where a person's relationship with God matters.

The NT makes it simple: Love God and Love others, and definitely using the Lord's name in vain is not loving God.

i don't think it's fair to comment on other people and why they do what they do? But i can just humbly say as a Christian that people are at different places in their relationship with God and the common thread hopefully is that when you do something that is not pleasing to the Lord and you realize it- that you confess it to the Lord- and do your best not to do it again or to take steps to help!

Hope that helps. Appreciate your question. Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 3

vain (v³n) adj. vain·er, vain·est. 1. Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless: a vain attempt. 2. Lacking substance or worth: vain talk. 3. Excessively proud of one's appearance or accomplishments; conceited.

This isn't being smart alecky. I have never figured out how vain got into Exodus or come to be used in the phrase you quoted.

I'm going to post this, but continue to look for a while.

OED says vain means "of no value" So perhaps the phrase means Taking Gods name as of no value, and I haven't seen many do this. Not believing in a specific God's Name is not saying it is of no value.

Answer 4

If they do, then they aren't truly converted. Taking the Lords name in vain also refers to calling ones self a Christian and not behaving like one. Not just using his name as profanity.
Also, why do they insist in keeping 9 of the commandments yet deny the 4th. Sabbath is Saturday not Sun-day.
You cant have it both ways.

Answer 5

The same reason Christians commit adultery and lie and steal and dishonor their parents and... you get the idea.

We've somehow come to this unfounded conclusion that some sins are worse than others. "Little white lies" are only a little bit bad, but "Baby killing" is a one-way non-refundable ticket to hell. Your statement of it seeming "like an important enough commandment" makes my case for me.

That's what makes Christianity unique among religions--it is not based on works. Christians have already been forgiven for all their misdeeds throughout their lives. An unfortunate side-effect, though, is that Christians know that they don't have to be perfect, and can get lazy with their faith.

Answer 6

Why do they tell lies, or steal, or covet their neighbors property, or commit any of a zillion other possible sins? Because people are infected with the sickness of sin, all people, including Christians. The fact that you don't commit this one sin is really quite meaningless for there are others that you do, and to transgress one part of the law is to transgress all of the law.

Answer 7

What funny answers. I love Jesus and revere God's word, and you know what? I swear. Today I was so mad I sad God d___ it. And I say it often. Why? Because I'm a bad person and a bad Christian or not a real Christian? Of course not. Because I am a person who gets upset and frustrated easily and I don't know how else to let off steam.

I'm sure glad Jesus loves me, even despite my shortcomings.

Answer 8

Hello Amy. Why do you think Roman Catholic priests commit sexual abuse? Or why do Christians go to war, and kill people?Why? Because in spite of the rigid rules that the Ten Commandments are-God intended us to sin, and break them.If we didn't sin at all, we wouldn't need to return to the Earth at all.God gave us the ability of free will. It would be nice wouldn't it if we chose not to kill or abuse, but regretfully we are far from perfect.But we should learn from our mistakes, and try and take a more positive path.

Answer 9

people who do this, or any other sin (false God, etc.) are simply caught up in the world today. we're moving so fast and worried about NOW, but no one is thinking about the future. I'm Catholic and personally think the only real curse word is g-- d----. simple as that. i dont say it. sure i've heard christians say it. mostly out of anger, but they went to confession or felt really bad upon it. just pray for these people and pray for yourself too.

Answer 10

perhaps because some of them are hypocrites.

(I would like it to be noted by your fellow Christians that I was respectful and answered very honestly, without crap, and that I actually answered the question. I must say that I have asked this same courtesy from Christians when I have posted questions as a pagan Witch, and I have not received the same courtesy, ever. )


Bright Blessings,
Lady Morgana )0(