As a spin-off from this other conversation about the theological critique of George W Bush's religious language, I'd be interested in hearing from others about your views and your teaching on the subject of blasphemy. What do you teach those who are new to the faith about the meaning of the second commandment: "You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God"?

What sort of practical examples do you use to illustrate the nature and prevalence of blasphemy in today's world?

To me, President Bush's claims that his policies and actions are willed by God and authorised by God are about as explicit example as I could think of, but it seems that not all Christians take offence at such use of the name of the Lord our God. What sort of real life examples of misuse of the Lord's name really offend and grieve you, and what sort of teaching on the subject of blasphemy do you provide for your people?

Peace and hope,

Nathan

My response:

My left-field response might be linked to an incident I experienced (again)

last night.

At the MSO Handel's 'Messiah' (in St Patrick's Cathedral - hard seats!) I wondered again about those who deliberately remained seated during the Hallelujah Chorus...

Near us was a couple of women who were obviously lovers: they displayed that during Interval in no uncertain terms...

Once my pharisaical self would have castigated their lifestyle-choice...

My pitying self might have felt awe at their shaking their fist at God...

But my pastoral self now asks 'How has the church/God failed you, do you feel?'

And my theological self asks: what kinds of sinners are 'allowed in or shut out?' These two and others like them were shut out by the former archbishop of that place - George Pell...

Blasphemy? For me it's something to do with misusing/misunderstanding God's character - not just a form of words about God...

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher