|
The Orthodox Pages
|
||||
Back
   |
|
|||
|
|
Yesterday in a text I wrote “Ο Ιησούς χριστός α παναγια μου” and someone told me that the way I remarked was blasphemous, is this so?
Answer to Question 527 When we mention Christ’s name we must be careful not to use it habitually and meaninglessly. This is taking the Lord’s name in vain as if it is of no significance. It is common to respond to a surprise or on hearing gossip concerning someone with “Oh my God!” “Ου Χριστος!” It has become such a common response that people just blurt out Oh my God! at almost anything even a funny joke. The Irish use “Mary mother of God and baby Jesus fairly loosely.” People often use God's name as an oath to defend themselves saying “I swear to God I didn't know” or “swear to God it wasn't me” etc. Cypriots often use God's name or the Mother of God's in anger “Θεέ μου Θεέ μου κανί” (My God, my God enough) “Παναγια μου με πέλλανες” (Mother of God you've driven me mad).
Screaming out God's name in anger cannot be considered prayer because it is used blasphemously and no different to how many Greeks blaspheme by shouting out the devils name. Greeks from mainland Greece often use the blasphemous phrase “Γ.... την Παναγία σου” (F*** your Mother of God). There are many ways people use God's name in vain. In pleasure people shout out: Oh God that was fantastic, in shock: Jesus man you scared the life out of me, in irritation: Oh for Christ's sake leave me alone, in annoyance: God dammit I made a mistake. All these occasions and many more are taking the Lord's name in vain. Written down some of these phrases may appear to be a form of prayer, but it is not just the words by themselves, but the tone of voice and content in which they are used that makes them taking the Lord's name in vain. I know habits are hard to break, but most of these occasions can be avoided or replaced with other remarks that don’t mention God in any way. We should only use God’s name in prayer or when talking about religious matters. If we become aware of the significance of using God’s name then it becomes easy to break the habit.
|
|
||
