“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”
For Christ’s sake, this is one of the stupidest, egotistical, small-minded and absurd notions one can imagine. For starters – as with Commandment I – why wouldn’t an omnipotent being create humans that didn’t have this “flaw” if it’s so critical (as to be the subject of a Commandment)? More importantly, one earns love and respect; it isn’t mandated. Be fair, wise and honest, and people won’t take your name “in vain.” In fact, if there is anything that’s likely to provoke and promote one’s name being taken in vain, it is to force compliance with such an edict. Surely any god would realize this about the human nature ree created.
Why should God give a good goddamn about this anyway? You know, “sticks and stones …” And wouldn’t a God that loves everyone be able to easily demonstrate to anyone with the anger or unconcern (or whatever it is that might lead someone to take rees name in vain) the reasons why that anger, unconcern, etc., is inappropriate without a Commandment? Whatever happened to logic and reason?
In any event – as “For Christ’s sake” and “goddamn” herein makes abundantly clear – anyone in this country may take God’s name in vain anytime ree wishes. Laws against doing so were repealed and/or overruled long ago, and are forbidden under th United States Constitution. Thus, that’s now three of three Commandments that are totally contrary to this nation’s basic legal framework. Yet, still, it is argued that the Ten Commandments are foundational documents in the American legal system.
At FACTS, we believe that every individual has the right to use whatever words ree finds appropriate. Again, others should be free to choose not to hear those words. We would encourage people to try to understand why some individuals use “offensive” words as well as why they, themselves, find the words offensive. We would also recommend that they carefully weigh to benefits of hearing the speaker’s ideas against the displeasure, etc., of the unwanted exposure. But if anyone wants to take the Lord’s – or any other person or thing’s – name in vain (or in any other manner), that person has an absolute right to do so.