Mortal Sin

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

I've kind of been on the more scrupulous edge lately, so I wanted to ask a quick question.

 

Taking the Lord's Name in vain. What exactly is that?

 

It kind of makes me uncomfortable when people say things like, "Lord/God help us/me." as a simple exclamation. I feel like that would be taking the Lord's Name in vain. If someone says (somewhat unconciously, "Help us." or something like that, would that be considered the same thing?

 

Also like in a song, "God knows we're worth it..." would singing that count as taking the Lord's Name in vain?

 

 

[cappie]

Here is the CCC for the full treatment: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c1a2.htm (one will also note there that technically what using God's name in vain is)

 

Speaking against God in a contemptuous, scornful, or abusive manner. Included under blasphemy are offenses committed by thought, word, or action. Serious contemptuous ridicule of the saints, sacred objects, or of persons consecrated to God is also blasphemous because God is indirectly attacked. Blasphemy is a grave violation of charity toward God. Its gravity may be judged by the capital punishment on the Old Testament, severe penalties of the Church, and in many cases also of the State for blasphemous speech or conduct. In order for a person to sin gravely in this manner, he must use blasphemous expressions and realize the contemptuous meaning of what he says or does. (Etym. Latin blasphemia,blasphemy; from greek blasph_mein, to speak ill of.) 

 

Jokes or comments that are irreverent to God or holy things..can be mortal or venial...depending on the intention and the matter.

 

As for the habit of saying "oh my God" --this should not be done...but would usually fall into I think the area of profanity....and often in the habit area..or inadvertant use...which may mean no sin happened at all....

 

Addendum (in looking at one of the older moralists): Profanity as mentioned above ..is as I said..not blasphemy (see ccc) ...but rather is
characterized by the disrespectful use of the Holy Name in anger or thoughtlessness...(sometimes it can be serious of course too..for example when the anger that causes it is aimed at God or via scandal etc)

 

Of course talk with your confessor too as to particular questions that come up for you.