SUMMARY

1. To take God’s name in vain means to speak it unnecessarily, idly or frivolously.  It is very wrong to lie on oath in a Law Court; oaths should only be taken in very special and serious circumstances.  It is very wrong to use God’s Name as a swear-word.

2. We must always speak God’s Name reverently, bow at the Holy Name of Jesus, genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament, and in general speak with reverence of all holy things.

References

1. Criminal Justice System Northern Ireland (2005) The trial.  Giving evidence.  Available from: http://www.cjsni.gov.uk/victim_walkthrough/FAQ/faq_thetrial.htm (Accessed 20 August 2010) (Internet).

2. © The Archbishops’ Council (2000) The Canons of the Church of England, 6th edition.  B9 Of reverence and attention to be used in the time of divine service.  Available from:
http://www.churchofengland.org/media/35579/sacraments.pdf (Accessed 09 December 2011) (Internet).