Hey there,
My father never cursed … ever.
Well, truthfully, there was one time shortly before his death when he was hospitalized with an illness, suffering from dementia, and highly agitated. In his anger, he threw out a curse word … and I was shocked. It was the only time I ever heard foul language come from his mouth.
He was a member of the “greatest generation” and a true gentleman. I don’t know if he cursed when he was around “the guys.” But never when he was in earshot of me.
I remember growing up there were words that couldn’t be said on television during Prime Time. But they could get away with it on cable TV.
My, how things have changed.
Cursing and swearing permeate our culture.
Movies, television, music, and books.
People of all ages use curse words … and there isn’t even a concern to shelter children from hearing it.
It’s become normalized and that’s really a shame because it goes against the second commandment:
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”
The old fashioned term for it is blasphemy, but it’s alive and well in our present day culture.
In gathering the resources for this week’s issue of Genuflect, I’ve come to better understand that the second commandment of blasphemy not only covers taking the Lord’s name in vain … it also involves cursing, name calling, and more!
I thought my vocabulary was pretty clean, but now I know what I need to work on if I want to reach my eternal home in heaven. You too may find some surprises in better understanding the second commandment.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
What is Blasphemy?
The term blasphemy is often misused and misunderstood. Or maybe it’s just ignored. Fr. Joseph Levine shares the definition according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. And he explains objective blasphemy and intentional blasphemy.
The Concept of Blasphemy | St. Peter Catholic Church
Blasphemy Against The Holy Spirit
The Bible speaks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as being an unforgivable sin. What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? And if God is merciful and forgives all, then how can there be an unforgivable sin? Mary Fairchild clears up the confusion.
Is Blasphemy Against The Holy Spirit The Unforgivable Sin? | Learn Religions
Blasphemy Against Holy Things
The second commandment directly speaks to taking the Lord’s name in vain. But did you know the Catechism of the Catholic Church says blasphemy also “extends to language against Christ’s Church, the saints, and sacred things?” You may want to check this out.
Is it Blasphemy to Speak Against The Saints or The Church? | Shameless Popery
Is Swearing a Sin?
Using the Lord’s name in vain is a sin. But there’s other types of swearing, like calling someone a vulgar name and there’s using foul language in general. Are these sins too? You may be surprised.
Is Swearing a Sin? | Aleteia
Is “Oh My God” bad?
Some people say “Oh my God!” as an expression of surprise. Is that considered taking the name of the Lord in vain? Monsignor Charles Pope explains and offers up an alternative for those of us who want to break the habit.
Misusing “Oh, my God!” | Simply Catholic
Subtle Misuse of God’s Name
Do you ever get creative with your expressions or exclamations? Maybe switch out a word or two? Or use an acronym? Dan Byron explains why these creative adjustments are also a sin. Here’s what you need to know.
You Shall Not Take The Name of The Lord, Your God, in Vain | Catholic Stand
Laws Against Blasphemy
Blasphemy seems like an outdated offense … something people may be stoned for back in ancient times. But according to Pew Research, 40% of countries and territories had blasphemy laws on the books in 2019. Here’s where they are and what you should be aware of in your travels.
40% of World’s Countries And Territories Had Blasphemy Laws in 2019 | Pew Research Center
Couple on Death Row For Blasphemy
Catholic couple Shagufta and Shafqat Emmanuel were falsely imprisoned on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy. They were finally released in 2021 after 8 years. Shagufta shares her harrowing experience.
Pakistan: ‘I Spent 8 Years on Death Row Falsely Accused of Blasphemy’ | Vatican News
genuflect: related
You may enjoy Genuflect’s other articles about the 10 Commandments:
Following God’s Directions: The Ten Commandments
Delving Into The First Commandment’s Deeper Meanings
Remembering to Keep Holy The Sabbath
Honoring Your Father And Your Mother
The Fifth Commandment’s Call to Respect Human Life
Uncovering The Sin of Adultery
Stealing: It’s About Respecting More Than Property
NOT Bearing False Witness Against Your Neighbor
Uncovering The Sin of Adultery
Coveting Your Neighbor’s Goods
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