While I do type His name, God, I have a great deal of respect for those who rever His name so much that they chose not to. Please see my post: "Why take the "O" out of God?" http://www.mypraize.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=214&func=view&id=298287&catid=8 What does bother me a great deal, is when I hear Christians say something like, "Oh my God!" or "God! I hate when that happens." or "My God! When are you going to learn..." It bothers me when Christians use His name, to exclaim something, and they are not refering to Him out of reverence or respect. If it is a legitimate cry to God for help, or crying out to Him for any reason, then that is a different story... However, we all know that those instances are not what I am refering to. We do not even allow chat users on MyPraize to type, "OMG" as I feel that this is just as bad and irreverant. Am I alone on this? Am I taking it too far? I would rather someone have enough conviction to not even utter His name, or to type it out, than to use it in such a non-respectful way. -Matt

I absolutely agree, although I can think of worse manners to take His Name in vain (through our lifestyle, for example). However, I can not say that it bothers me especially when a non-Christian does this, at least, any more than it bothers me that they are not a Christian to begin with, since the act is merely evidence of an untamed tongue and the moaning of a beast who is not dead (or, I would say, who is still dying, if performed by Christians). Now, something I recently confronted myself on was portrayed usage of His Name in vain. Really, I can't say that a Christian actor taking His Name in vain while portraying a depraved character is any worse than a Christian actor raping a girl to portray a rapist.

Does it really make much sense for a non-believer to say (or type) "Oh my God"? I mean, He's not really their God. Now, "Oh my god" (little g) might make sense, but that's not really relevant to the discussion since it isn't particularly irreverent. . .kinda like "Oh my word" or "Oh my stars." My $0.02

Well, yes and no. In Jewish and Messianic circles, we speak of "guarding" the Torah. English translations often referring to "keeping" G-d's Word, but in reality, the Hebrew word used is closer to "guard" the way one might "guard" a city. In order to guard a city, we might build moats, or walls, ramparts OUTSIDE the city limits, in order that the city proper not ever be breached. Likewise with G-d's Word. Since it IS something Holy, which we don't want to see trampled, we often go slightly beyond what His Word actually tells us to do, simply to protect and "build a wall around" everything that He actually did tell us to do. I don't really believe that "G-d" is His Name. It is a common noun, which we make into a proper noun, for the purpose of expressing that we ARE talking about The One True G-d. Therefore, I also don't believe that these things are taking His TRUE Name in vain. BUT that said, it IS better to go the extra mile to keep Holy what is Holy. I would guess that many of us here know Him by no other name, so it certainly is appropriate that we don't misuse or take lightly the Name by which we call Him. We could debate whether or not it's truly sacriligious to do so, but ultimately, I think your policy is building good habits in people, either way, so I support it.

[b]MisterNathan wrote:[/b] [quote] Now, something I recently confronted myself on was portrayed usage of His Name in vain. Really, I can't say that a Christian actor taking His Name in vain while portraying a depraved character is any worse than a Christian actor raping a girl to portray a rapist.[/quote] Interesting... ;) I am not too sure that I would do either of those as an actor... -Matt

[b]MaddMatt wrote:[/b] [quote][b]MisterNathan wrote:[/b] [quote] Now, something I recently confronted myself on was portrayed usage of His Name in vain. Really, I can't say that a Christian actor taking His Name in vain while portraying a depraved character is any worse than a Christian actor raping a girl to portray a rapist.[/quote] Interesting... ;) I am not too sure that I would do either of those as an actor... -Matt[/quote] Well, if everyone is perfect in a film, that kinda makes for a dull film. :P

[b]MisterNathan wrote:[/b] [quote][b]MaddMatt wrote:[/b] [quote][b]MisterNathan wrote:[/b] [quote] Now, something I recently confronted myself on was portrayed usage of His Name in vain. Really, I can't say that a Christian actor taking His Name in vain while portraying a depraved character is any worse than a Christian actor raping a girl to portray a rapist.[/quote] Interesting... ;) I am not too sure that I would do either of those as an actor... -Matt[/quote] Well, if everyone is perfect in a film, that kinda makes for a dull film. :P[/quote] Hmm... However, in a film to make people aware of child abuse, and to help a cause to get people involved or to educate people on child abuse, and child sex crimes the actor would not "actually" rape a girl. It would merely be insinuated. The actual act would not take place. If the actor actually uses His name in vain, then the act is real, and not perceived. -Matt

[b]MaddMatt wrote:[/b] [quote]Hmm... However, in a film to make people aware of child abuse, and to help a cause to get people involved or to educate people on child abuse, and child sex crimes the actor would not "actually" rape a girl. It would merely be insinuated. The actual act would not take place. If the actor actually uses His name in vain, then the act is real, and not perceived. -Matt[/quote] Or IS it real? ;) I, for one, always think about God when saying just the noun 'god'. If I, as an actor, had a line in which I was supposed to use His Name in vain...it wouldn't really be in vain for me, as I would have Him on my mind, and it would effectively be me uttering the Name of One who is on my mind. :)

[b]MisterNathan wrote:[/b] [quote] Or IS it real? ;) I, for one, always think about God when saying just the noun 'god'. If I, as an actor, had a line in which I was supposed to use His Name in vain...it wouldn't really be in vain for me, as I would have Him on my mind, and it would effectively be me uttering the Name of One who is on my mind. :)[/quote] Nathan, my brother... I love you. I really do. But, I'm not buying it. But at least I know how you have it justified. Thanks, -Matt