Hi to all my Forum Friends,
In the discussion I began titled "An Atheist's Perfect Solution For God And Creationism?" -- the discussion seems to have taken a turn toward discussing the common usage of God's name in a way we Christians feel is derogatory. In that discussion a number of folks have shared their thoughts on the subject. So, please allow me to also share my feelings on this issue.
Most of you have friends who are Christian; even if you are not. What this discussion, regarding taking God's name in vain, boils down to is -- showing respect for those friends who are Christian, and for people you meet, or are around in the general public, not knowing if they are Christian or not. If you know that a word or phrase may be offensive to others -- why do you feel a need to use it in front of them? And, this applies equally to oral conversations, to written dialogues, and posting on public forums such as the Religion Forum and Facebook.
Would you walk up to a friend and tell him/her that his/her mother or sister is a prostitute (using the more common street words)? Of course you would not. Why? If for no other reason, even if you could know it is true -- you would not say this, out of respect for that friend's feelings.
Putting the shoe on the other foot, how would you feel if that were your mother, your sister, your wife, or another member of your family? Yes, it would bother you, it would offend you. And, Christians feel just as strongly about the name of our God.
So, even though you may not believe in God -- and therefore the use of His name as an exclamation, or to add emphasis to your statement, may not bother you -- the fact that it does bother others around you should be reason enough to not do it.
This is why we ask you not to use His name (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit), His initials (OMG), or any variation of His name (Jeesus, geez, jeese louise, gosh, etc.) -- as slang expressions, exclamations, or emphasis in your comments.
At times, when I have had Friends do this in front of me, saying, "OMG" or "Oh, my God" or some such exclamation -- I will smile and ask them to please continue their prayer. Do I do this to be nasty? Of course not. I do it to remind them that they are taking God's name in vain -- and to remind them that this does offend me.
Most of you are intelligent enough to add alternative words to your vocabulary. Several have mentioned, "We hear it every day!" or "We hear it on television, movies, etc., all the time." Just because the people on television or in movies spew trash; does not mean that you must spew trash? We all know that Hollywood and all the entertainment industry has long ago abandoned any sort of moral values in their work. But, just because those highly over-paid misfits do it -- is no reason for normal, intelligent people to do it. Let's not live by the maxim, "Monkey see, monkey do!"
Just my thoughts. Let's all strive to have mutual respect for one another. And, no, the fact that I, or another Christian, tells you that atheism is wrong is not showing a lack of respect -- no more than you saying you do not believe in my God is showing a lack of respect for me. We can agree to disagree on many issues -- without sacrificing our ability to have civil discussions.
And, that goes for name calling from both sides of the aisle. I have seen folks on the Religion Forum who tell us they are Christian. Yet, they post derogatory names and comments against those with whom they disagree. That is wrong! And, especially if those folks truly are Christian -- and are calling others derogatory names. We, as Christians, are called to set an example -- to show that we are Christ Followers.
So, let me close by answering a couple of my more dedicated followers on the Religion Forum. No, telling folks that heaven and hell are real places -- and, that every single person must choose which he/she wants as their eternal home -- is not being nasty.
Christians know, for a fact, that heaven and hell are real and are the only two eternal destinations for all people. We know that all people will live eternally. We just want to point everyone toward the more pleasant eternal home.
That, my Friends, is love -- not a slam, nor hate, nor being nasty. That is Christian love for all people. If we did not feel a Christian love for you; we would not care what happens to you for eternity.
But, we do care. And, we want, with all our hearts, to share heaven with each and every one of you.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
