Holy is His Name
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Uniqueness of God's Name (2142-2143)
The second commandment (also belonging to the virtue of religion) prescribes respect for the Lord's name and governs the use of speech in sacred matters.
God's name is a unique word. Because God confides his name in trust and intimacy, we must not abuse this name or use it in speech except to bless and praise God.
The Mystery of God (2144-2146)
Respect for his name shows a respect for the mystery of God himself. "There is a class of feelings which we should have to an intense degree as if we literally had the sight of Almighty God" (John Cardinal Newman).
Believers must witness to God's name without fear. Respect for Jesus' name should permeate preaching and catechizing.
The second commandment forbids the abuse of God's name and also of the names of Jesus, Mary, and the saints.
Promises (2147)
Promises made in God's name must be respected in justice, so that God is not made a liar.
Five Forms of Blasphemy (2148)
Blasphemy has many forms:
- Words spoken, inwardly or outwardly, of hatred, abuse, or defiance of God
- Failing to respect God in speech
- Misusing God's name
- Language against Christ's Church, saints, or sacred things
- Using God's name to cover up criminal practices
- Seriously harming people in God's name
In itself, blasphemy is a grave sin.
Other Sins (2149)
Other sins include:
- Oaths, which misuse God's name and show disrespect
- Magical use of God's name
"God's name is holy when said with veneration" (St. Augustine).
Rejecting False Oaths (2150-2151)
By an oath, someone asks God to witness what is affirmed. God is used as a pledge of one's own truthfulness.
All false oaths must be rejected because God is the norm of all truth. A true oath highlights this relationship of human speech with God's truth. A false oath asks God to be a witness to a lie.
Types of Perjury (2152)
Other sins include:
- Perjury - Making a promise with no intention to keep it
- Promising under oath to commit an evil deed
Jesus' Teaching (2153-2154)
Jesus said, "Do not swear at all. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes' or ‘No'" (Mt 5:34). He wants an awareness that God's presence and truth be honored in all speech. Great discretion must be shown in calling upon his name. Jesus' words do not exclude oaths made for grave and right reasons (as in court) (2 Cor 1:23, Gal 1:20). An oath can be taken only "in truth, in judgment and in justice" (Canon 1199).
Other Circumstances of Refusing an Oath (2155)
An oath in trivial matters or in certain circumstances must not be taken. Oaths can be refused when asked by a illegitimate civil authority, and must be refused when contrary to the dignity of persons or the Church.
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