Saints LightThe Second Commandment: A Holy Name
Treat God's name with love and reverence, and never call on Him to back a lie. Our own word should be so honest that we rarely need an oath.
What this lesson teaches
- In Scripture, God's name stands for God Himself, so it calls for reverence.
- Blasphemy is the gravest sin against this commandment; careless use of God's name is a lesser but real fault.
- An oath calls God as witness, so false or needless oaths dishonor Him.
- Every person's name deserves respect as a sign of their dignity.
Catechism paragraphs this lesson cites
- CCC 2142-2149
- CCC 2150-2155
- CCC 2158-2159
CCC means the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Saints Light teaches it in its own words and never quotes it. Look up any paragraph in a printed copy or at vatican.va. See every lesson by paragraph in the Catechism index.
Scripture read in this lesson: Exodus 20:7; Matthew 5:37.
A sample question from this lesson
What is the most serious sin against the second commandment?
- Forgetting to pray before meals
- Using a nickname for a friend
- Swearing on a Bible in court
- Blasphemy, speaking against God with hatred or contempt
Show the answer
Blasphemy, speaking against God with hatred or contempt. Blasphemy directly attacks God's honor. Careless use of His name is less serious but still a fault (CCC 2148-2149).
The lesson in the app has three questions, each with an explanation.
Words to know
- Blasphemy
- Words or gestures of hatred, reproach or defiance against God, the Church or sacred things.
- Oath
- Calling on God as witness that what we say is true or that we will keep a promise.
More terms in the Catholic glossary. More passages in the Scripture index.
Read the full lesson in the app
"The Second Commandment: A Holy Name" is lesson 3 of The Ten Commandments. In Saints Light you get the whole teaching, the Scripture quoted in full, all three questions and a step to live it this week.
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