Chapter 4 2nd Commandment  “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.”

Introduction  God confides his name to those to believe in him.  The gift of a name indicates trust and intimacy.

Introduction  Thus, we must not abuse this name, but keep it in mind in silent, loving adoration - introduce it into our own speech to bless, praise, & glorify.  This commandment may seem puzzling - many think it simply forbids cursing, vulgarities, and other violations of etiquette.

There is Power in Language  In Genesis Ch.1, God creates by speaking.  God brought the animals to Adam to be named – Adam then had dominion over them.

There is Power in Language  Parents name their children.  We show respect for elders or superiors by called them by their title and last name, rather than the familiarity of just using their first name.

There is Power in Language  Think about how important it is to know someone’s name.  And what it feels like to forget that name when you have to introduce this person to someone else.

There is Power in Language  Why did your parents choose your name?

God Entrusts His Name to Moses  I AM WHO AM  This is an unexpected invitation to intimacy, a show of trust that is not to be betrayed.

The Law of Christ: Moral Theology for Priests & Laity by Bernard Haring, CSSR  Names God is called in the Bible:  Yahweh- proper name for God in the Jewish scriptures, from the Hebrew verb “to be”  God is our Mighty-Helper

Prophetic names of the Messiah  Emmanuel (God-With-Us)  Wonder-Counsellor  God-Hero  Father-Forever  Prince of Peace  Jesus

All the Prophetic Names of the Old Testament  Point to the providential offer of God’s tender care and love for all people.  BUT The Climax of the Revelation of God’s Name Comes Through Jesus Christ

Jesus the Good Shepherd  He knows and calls his sheep “by name”.  The name is a basis of a new relationship, of independence, and protection. “I know my sheep & they know me.”

Honoring God’s Name  Recognizing the depth of love of God for us and holding it dear. “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”.  To call upon the name of the Lord means to place oneself under the protection and dominion of the name of the Lord.

Misuse of the Holy Name  Ranging from profane language (using the name “in vain” to diabolic disdain or scorn for it).  The sin of “vain use” of holy names, often called profane language, is a venial sin.

Misuse of the Holy Name  It is more malicious to use God’s name in vain as an expression or manifestation of emotions which are in themselves disordered and sinful (feelings of vexation & impatience, unrestrained or unjust anger).  Dishonoring God’s name needs to be challenged.

Speaking the Truth  The 2 nd commandment highlights the sin of perjury.  We commit perjury when we make a promise under oath & either do not intend to keep it or simply fail to do so.

Speaking the Truth  Perjury is an offense against this commandment because of the nature of an oath.  Oath: swearing – with God as our witness – to the truth of what we say.

Definitions  Yahweh – proper name for God in the Jewish scriptures, from the Hebrew word “to be”  Providential – pertaining to God’s all-knowing & loving ordering of events  Passion – Jesus’ suffering after the Last Supper leading up to his death

Definitions  Inculpable – without blame or guilt  Profane - mundane and ordinary; not set aside for holy purposes; irreverent or contemptuous of God.  Venial Sin – a less serious sin (compared to a mortal sin)

Definitions  Censure – official disapproval or condemnation  Malicious - deliberately harmful  Vexation - irritation or annoyance  Minutiae – minor or trivial details  Narcissist – one who feels excessive self-love

In Our Image by Matt McDonald  We take God’s name in vain when we suggest to others that we have a complete understanding of who God is and what God wants others to do.  Instead, we need to have greater humility & accept that God is mystery.

Taking God’s Name in Vain  Because of lack to a physical image of God, we create an idea of what he looks like. (e.g. “an old gray haired man”)  People in the past have manipulated His word to justify murder, racism, misogyny (hatred of or hostility to women), & innumerable other sins.

Taking God’s Name in Vain  To come to a clear understanding of the person of God, we have to consider that perhaps we have made God out in our minds to be something that He is not.  God is who He is regardless of what we think of Him – we are lacking in humility to think otherwise.

God is Revealed in History Especially Through Jesus Christ  God has entrusted to the Church that revelation to safeguard & interpret in light of new questions & issues that face us.

God is Revealed in History Especially Through Jesus Christ  What we must keep in tension is our belief in this authentic revelation & the realization that all language about God is analogous language & metaphor.

God’s Awesomeness  Just as a sculpture cannot understand the artist, we can never fully understand God.

God’s Awesomeness

 Our attempts at talking about the awesomeness of God will forever fall short of capturing God.

God’s Awesomeness  We need humility, reverence and awe when we call upon the name of God.

SPELLING  awesome  censure  dominion  Emmanuel  glorify  intimacy  irreverent  malicious  Messiah  mundane  narcissist  perjury  praise  profane  prophetic  vain  Yahweh