When We Take God's Name in Vain
Every God...
What does it mean “to take God’s name in vain”? Apparently, not everybody knows the answer. However, “don’t take God’s name in vain” is a common reprimand. Respect God and God’s name.
I am not disrespectful, but I am not religious. I don’t believe in God.
My interest in “taking God’s name” is purely linguistic. God is not a name.
It is a label, a concept, a brand. But not a name. In different languages, the word “God” sounds differently for this particular reason. We translate words, but not names.
If God hears everything, including thoughts, he knows everything, including intents, understands everything, including content and context, then I am in no danger. Because I never mean any harm. God knows that I am not disrespectful. God knows my quest for knowledge is to be encouraged, not to be condemned. God knows.
I am speaking on God’s behalf. “You are not allowed”, you would tell me. “Neither are you.” But you think you know the rules. Who told you? God? Right.
Admit it, we don’t know. We were told. We respect God, but we decided to abandon old beliefs. There were other Gods/gods before. Does it mean we lost respect for the dead/fallen, fallen out of favour? Oh, yes. Not only, we don’t remember them all.
Seeing and Believing
- Seeing and Believing - The New Yorker
This casualness carries over to conversations with God. The Vineyarders asked him “for admission to specific colleges, for the healing of specific illness—even, it is true, for red convertible cars.” Some women had a regular “date night” with Jesus.
Perun visited Toronto today, it was such a thunderstorm!
“In Slavic mythology, Perun (Cyrillic: Перун) is the highest god of the pantheon and the god of thunder and lightning. His other attributes were the fire, mountains, the oak, iris, eagle, firmament (in Indo-European languages this was joined with the notion of the sky of stone), horses and carts, weapons (the hammer, axe (Axe of Perun) and arrow) and war. He was first associated with weapons made of stone and later with those of metal.
Like Germanic Thor, Perun is described as a rugged man with a copper beard. He rides in a chariot pulled by a goat buck and carries a mighty axe, or sometimes a hammer. The axe is hurled at evil people and spirits and will always return to his hand.”
El – el – el – el – el …
I don’t know everything and neither do you. Do you realize that old times still echo in our language?
El – el – el – el – el …
Huh?
I am not singing, I am not tripping. I am saying God – god – god – god – god …
Is it really so bad to say “Good Lord!”, “Oh, my God”, “God dammit”, “Jesus Christ!”? I don’t know. To me, it is only an exclamation that has nothing to do with God; it is something – a linguistic atavism. I grew up in an atheistic country, but similar expressions were used fairly widely. “God!”
Even my son picked it up somewhere, but not only he says “God!”, but the person he imitates apparently says it with such exaggeration “Goooooooood!” that I jump up every time I hear it. You will have no trouble figuring out his displeasure. No, you don’t need to know the word. Does he understand what he is saying? He has no clue. It is very pervasive, he cannot get rid of it, not that he is trying. Maybe he is more attached to the power of the expression than to the word itself. But God knows what is what.
You would say, we are not seven-year-olds, we are adults, we know what we say. I would not be so sure.
How many times do you say “God”? Don’t try counting. It’s impossible.
Every time I say “God” … In Russian, the phonetic combination “god” means “year”. Now imagine how many times the word gets thrown around – “every “god”…
What exactly are you saying?
I wonder how God perceives names. He does not have a problem with translation. He understands everything in every language. But it might get quite noisy hearing same words meaning different things.
Let’s look at those names that contain the word “el” – God. Which God? I don’t know. It’s not specified. But I know that you are not disrespectful. Unaware, maybe, but not disrespectful.
What exactly are you saying?
Name: Daniel – translate and use its original meaning – “My Judge is God”.
Name: Emmanuel– translate and use its original meaning – “With Us is God”.
Name: Gabriel– translate and use its original meaning – “My Might is God”.
Name: Ariel– translate and use its original meaning – “Lion of God”.
Name: Nathaniel– translate and use its original meaning – “Gift of God”.
Name: Michael– translate and use its original meaning – “Who resembles God?”
All I am asking you to do – substitute. Just play along.
- “Who resembles God?” did you brush your teeth today?
- Not yet. I don’t want to and I am not going to.
- Go to bed, or there will be no TV the whole day tomorrow.
- Who are you going to see tomorrow, “My Judge is God”?
- “Lion of God”?
- I am not quite sure you can, I talked to his mother and he has piano lessons.
- You know, darling, this boy “The Gift of God” is such a terrible influence on our “With us is God”. Maybe it is time to stop the relationship with that family.
Do you get my point? It’s absurd!!!
Translate your names and go around with the translation. How does it feel?
I know what you would tell me – it is ridiculous. Wait…
There are names that you understand and I doubt you would tell me it is ridiculous.
Christian, Christopher, Christos, Jesus.
- I’m Christian.
Does it not sound the same? How can we go and throw around the word “Christ” so often without even realizing t it?
Because it became a habit. Just like with other expressions that contain the word God.
Never mind. My son “Whose Judge is God” was told “You are not a Christian”. He is not.
I told him – respond “No, I am not Christian, I am Daniel, I am “My Judge is God” and, please, leave it up to God to judge me.
Poor boy has difficult time at school. And even though I told him the meaning of his name, I thought it would go above his head. But no, he remembered. I guess it bothered him enough to be called “not a Christian”. Is everybody supposed to be a Christian?
What does it mean to tolerate beliefs of others? To accept that all Gods that are being believed in exist? To respect all Gods and not throw their names around like soccer balls?
I respect your beliefs. I respect all Gods. The only thing I don’t want to is to be told what to believe in and be reprimanded for making my own choices. My choice is to question. Questioning is not disrespect. Neither is thinking. Our minds are made for thinking.
Yet, I would have made a different choice for my son’s name. Why did I choose a name that contains two words that I don’t like “God” and “judge”? That is a separate story. Daniel’s story. Maybe it was providence. I don’t deny that God exists, I doubt that people are knowledgeable of who he/she/they … You get my point.
Like everybody I have my preferences. I don’t like name Christian. To me, it lacks imagination. Nobody goes around saying “My name is Muslim”. Maybe I am ill-informed. I am. I was.
I remembered that there was a singer Muslim Magomaev – very talented. His name was pronounced “Mou’slim”. Words migrate from one language to another, transform, emphasis is changed, spelling is changed, and sometimes it is really hard to see interconnectedness of everything.
So, there you go: Christian, Muslim. Why not Buddha? There are Dianas and Aphrodites and Venuses.
Sometimes, when you least expect…
- What is your name?
- Alla.
- Don’t you dare! Your name cannot be Allah.
- Yes, my name is Alla.
It is a Russian (?) name for girls that is probably originates from Greek “other”. I don’t know. It’s not my favourite, but it is a name. But God knows what it means and he knows that by naming girls Allas we don’t mean to offend anyone, least of all, God.
Russian Prima Donna
Alla Pugacheva was a prima donna of the Soviet pop culture. She was rather a scandalous figure, talented, but odious. The song that I included has nothing to do with God/gods and theophoric names. I am showing that there are people under the name of Alla. She sings a Russian version of the very famous song “La Paloma”.
The clip was changed to the song itself (not the girl singing karaoke)
She is such and such and such...
The second clip, you don’t have to watch, but it is an eight-year old girl sings Alla Pugacheva’s song about a wife left by her husband for another woman. The abandoned wife devotes most of her energy to say how bad the other woman is and how good she is herself and how could he leave for that baby with a soul of a cat (In Russian to call a woman a cat is not very flattering). It is vulgar and funny at the same time, but to see a girl singing it, it is simply hilarious. For me, or for those who understand Russian. I hope that maybe with time there will be at least a few readers who understand both Russian and English.
Theophoric Names
No, I haven’t lost my mind. Coming back to the names. It is very simple. Parents want the best for their children. When names were created the best concepts were used and there was no better or divine concept than God. Names that contain word God or names of Gods are called theophoric. Every time the name is called, it gets God’s attention “Don’t forget to protect the bearer of your name.” “In God we trust”, yes indeed, but we’d better call Him more often lest He forgets.
So, that is precisely what you are doing even if you don’t realize it.
- God! God! God! God! God!
- How dare you taking God’s name in vain!
- I? What did I do? It was not my idea.
You know what is a good idea? Check out what your name means. Or the names of your loved ones. Because theophoric names just like other names were created with love, given with love and they echo love from all those generations. It was not disrespect.
Maybe all those people who choose theophoric names for their children cheat by trying to be first in line and getting God’s attention. Which God? I don’t know.
Daniel, my son. Were you given to me by God or did I give you to the world?
I don’t know. The only thing I know is that I LOVE you.
Did I cheat by naming you Daniel just like others?
I don't know. But God knows I had a different name in mind.
Do I call God every time I say your name?
I don’t know. I hope it is not all in vain.
But only God can judge.
- Theophoric name - Wikipedia
A theophoric name embeds the name of a god, both invoking and displaying the protection of that deity. Some names of theophoric origin remain common today, such as Theodore.
© 2011 kallini2010
Comments
I so agree you can not take God's name in vain based on the title God , because there are many god's. Which God would be the subject of vain conduct.
The movie ('Spiderman Some-Number-or-other') was somewhat entertaining inasmuch as there was a lot of movement and carnage and buildings and cars flying in all directions, but what it was lacking, I'm afraid, was a plot.
However, it was much, much better than 'Noah' which I saw a couple of days ago. That was possibly the most cringe worthy, embarrassing, pile of garbage I have seen in my long and vaguely interesting life.
I should have stayed at home and read your comment above, Svetlana. That was much more interesting, intelligent and entertaining; I am still smiling at "I used to make my own sense, but now I have to buy it at the store. It's cheap, but has poor taste."
Thank you. You are an absolute diamond.
Svetlana, I have just seen this comment, and as I am about to trail off to the cinema, I'll answer in more depth later. I promise not to make any more sense than now, but you wouldn't expect me to, would you?
Fondest regards,
Ian
How nice to be brought back to this hub because someone else did.
The song that your Muslim sang reminds me so much of an aria from a Zarzuela Opera. Maybe it is. It would be pleasant to find out if I am correct.
Note: Zarzuela operas originated from those played and written for the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.
"Zarzuela Palace is the de-facto residence of King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Sofia and their family. The palace is on the outskirts of Madrid, near the Royal Palace of El Pardo.
Hello, Svetlana; it's a long time since we "spoke".
Fondest regards,
Ian
Hi, Kallini, I've scanned your very impressive profile and decided to read this one - I don't know why I have missed it.
My thoughts: By giving anything a name, we minimize its being to fit into our limited pattern of thoughts. The Power that keeps this universe intact is beyond human comprehension. Having the utmost respect for it actually stands to reason. Holding it in contempt is ridiculous.
People play with the word 'God' as if it is something they can handle, like a tool. Using the word not as a name to be used when you talk to or about the bearer of it, is according to my humble opinion but only a sign of a poor vocabulary.
Apart from prayers/praying, I honestly don't like to hear or say 'OMG', or any other phrase containing the name/word God.
IF GOD is anything like a human, I can imagine how disgusted he must be, hearing his name taking in vain. I would climb the walls if I have to hear "Oh, my Martie', or 'Martie' in every second sentence spoken by every Dick, Tom and Harry.
Have a good day, Svetlana!
OK, your IVAN is my JOHN...
One family branch must have all names start with 'J's... Now wtf...?
you have me thinking... I will strive to never be predictable where you are concerned!
Hugs, Teresa
Dear Svetlana,
I can feel your mind thinking all over your words. I enjoy thinking, questioning and smiling with you as I read. I have a book as big as a tome and it has a name a page... breaking down meanings and all kinds of interesting info. You are enticing me to get it off the shelf...
Your style is readable and my cup of tea. Voted UP and UABI (it is beautiful to question everything...) Hugs, Teresa
kallini,
"My regular readers are like HP family."
Just since yesterday, your HP family has grown by one. Well, OK, still knocking on the door, hoping to be taken in, but I'm definitely hanging around to try and make sure that happens.
"Not to be a pedant, check out the feedback for this hub: Zero in the "Awesomeness" as well in all the other categories."
Check again, sunshine. That's my fault for being so carried away with the AWESOMENESS of your work, that I forgot to rate it! I've just fixed that,(check your buttons) but, think about how many others may have read you, been equally blown away, and in that state of awe, made the same mistake of forgetting to rate you. Seriously.
"I on the other hand have no identity whatsoever. To call myself a writer..."
Your HP identity is all about your EXCELLENCE as a writer. That's the identity that every Hubber craves. But, very few others (that I've read) have anything like your eloquence and (seemingly, I know it's a skill)easy way with words.
You write at a level that leaves most of us in the shade.
There's a lyrical subtlety and beauty in what you write, a depth of feeling and emotion; and a powerful symmetry of thought and expression. 'Engaging' isn't a strong enough compliment by any means, but I can't think of a better word, sorry.
If HP was about rewarding first class writers, rather than those contributors whose lowest common denominator work 'pandas' best to Google, your work would qualify you to be at the top of the class. You're at the top of mine.
For me, the fact that English is not your native language makes your skill at communicating (not just writing; communicating), in English even more breathtaking. Unlike you, English is the only language I know. If you were writing, even at the most elementary level, in Russian, I'd be lost.
You're an inspiration, kallini. Thankyou.
With all my imperfections, I must be ultra adorable.
Talking of buttons... I am going to have to learn not to use the ; when I mean the ' .
I cannot believe how many times I write "I;m wonderful," when we all know that I should have written "I'm crap".
I agree the buttons are inadequate. Where is Zenith? Where is enlightening? Where is OMG? You guys are having a lot of fun today.
There aren't enough buttons to click. I can't think of any suggestions, but I'll have to cogitate.
Very little interest, Svetlana? Or not a volume of interest from those who skim and then click AWESOME?
Anybody reading you will know, as WOL has discovered, that you are a writer, and an exceptional one.
Wow, what a fabulous writer you are! I was on my way to your 'man of my dreams' piece, but paused to look into this one. So glad I did. Beautifully constructed, and beautifully expressed (imho).
Probably because of what we've been discussing at Twilight Lawns' hub, the line that stopped me here was:
"Do I call God every time I say your name?"
To which I'd have to say, I think that would depend on the action, or the object, or both... (smile)
Love your work.
What an interesting journey, my friend! Of course, I agree with your theory of the names and its always fun to weave with you through the journey your mind takes from one thought to another. Rated up and awesome. Take care Svetlana.
Great post..Thanks
Your writings reveal what an interesting lady you are indeed. I feel compelled to read them. I never knew Daniel was a god that is interesting to know. I have always liked the name. The name is a prophet in the Bible of Christianity and he was favored by God. Personally I think judging a child for his name is cruel and uncalled for. I think I will follow you as I like what I have read so far.
The humor was clear and based on the amount of time you had to prepare was quick, concise, with a sharp edge. You might be a natural. I almost thought to recommend a comic club. But did not think that would resolve any problems other than put you directly in the path of oncoming laughter.
I will patiently wait for your comic Hub.
OK, I undrerstand.
Are these rates in Canadian or American dollars? Do you take a check?
I beg your pardon. No, really. I just revisited 'Creating a Vision -It's right there.'
I offer idea one in the 101 ways to make money quest.
It occurs to me that with your background, it would take just a few hours of study to pass the state (Canada's equivelant) test to get an electricians license. Then you would have to charge people fifty dollars an hour to install light switches.
Now, only 100 more ideas to go.
Good luck. oh, - don't begin to think your writing is bad. It is not bad. You challenge yourself, hence you challenge others.
And I began with I beg your pardon.
101 ways to make money is an ideal Hub. The chore sets you off on a journey of discovery. And the destination is somewhere you want to be. The chore satisfies your needs on several levels. It will lead to the discovery of how money can flow into your bank account. You get to write about the experience and you may even find some joy or laughter to share with your son. I am sure there are silly ways to make money and serious ways.
I don’t mean to make light of the circumstances. The act of ‘commiting marriage’ seems to far off the charts.
How long ago did you receive that Masters in Engineering? I am very confused as to why that platform did not elevate you to the position that you rightly deserve.
Doing somersaults over toadstools and catching rides on dragon flies is all great escape if catching moonbeams stops at dawn. But that beats the heck out of retail. Are there no universities that you could infiltrate? You belong with thinkers, even though few will Tango.
If you 'M.F.M.' make sure there is a lot of money and he is old!
Michelangelo slaved away with chisel and hammer, chipping marble. Tough work, but beauty was produced. Did he produce for me, or himself? Continue to produce beauty, sooner or later there will be discovery.
Good for you, my dear friend. Your life is for you to live, not the lives of others vicariously. No one reads my hubs any more, except for a couple of Sunnie's followers, A.A. & Mck and Sunnie, herself. As you know, my aim is to write, and I am happy doing that, but when I find that no one else is interested, I begin to realise (as if I hadn't realised it already) that perhaps I have nothing to offer.
Does that sound childish and spoilt? Well that is what I am trying to convey.
When you wander through your museum of wonderfulness, it is easy to become mesmerized. You offer up beautiful pictures, incredible music and twists and turnbacks for your readers to maneuver.
Can you teach dance? as part of your Pronto plan?
You are so right, Mck. I love reading Svetlana's hubs. They are not to be taken lightly. I sometimes feel as if I have been smoking just a little wacky backy when I do.
Great one. as usual, my friend. I like 'La Paloma' too.
Ian (Gift of God)
....your hubs are like epic journeys into the mind and what a fabulous mind you have my friend - I have featured your name on my Hub introduction page - so hopefully more people can see/feel/be moved and read what I have been raving about (madly) all along !!!!
Thank you for your videos at FB and as always they are appreciated - as you are my friend!
Hey this was such a nice write up. Very unique I enjoyed the pictures.
rorshak sobchak
In the Jewish religion, you can not utter or even spell Jehovah's name. How did they teach their kids who God is? They have many titles for God, but treat his name as very sacred.
Why are kids harrassing Daniel about his belief or non-belief in God? Why are children concerned over such matters? I've known many Jesus's in my life, all sorry individuals. Guess their parents didn't anticipate that happening.
You build your Hubs into castles with your carefully constructed words, where I throw a straw hut together and call it good.
Your work here, as with your other Hubs, are fathoms deep.
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