Part Three: Life in Christ › Section Two of Part Three: The Ten Commandments ›› CHAPTER 1: You Shall Love the Lord Your God with All Your Heart and with All Your Soul and with All Your Mind ››› Article 2: The Second Commandment

› IN BRIEF

Questions and Answers

2203. What is the second commandment? (CCC 2142) The second commandment is: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
2204. To what virtue does it belong to respect the name of the Lord? (CCC 2142) It belongs to the virtue of religion to respect the name of the Lord.
2205. What part of human behaviour does the second commandment mainly govern? (CCC 2142) The second commandment governs mainly the use of speech in sacred matters.
2206. When only is man allowed to introduce God’s name in his speech? (CCC 2143) Man is only allowed to introduce God’s name in his speech to bless, praise and glorify it.
2207. What does it mean to fear God’s name according to Cardinal Newman? (CCC 2144) According to Cardinal Newman to fear God’s name means to realize that He is present.
2208. What is the sin of blasphemy? (CCC 2148) The sin of blasphemy is to utter against God - inwardly or outwardly - words of hatred, reproach or defiance.
2209. Why does “you shall not take the name of the Lord in vain” forbid false oaths? (CCC 2150) “You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain” forbids false oaths, because every oath engages the name of the Lord and a false oath calls on God to be witness to a lie.
2210. What is the sin of perjury? (CCC 2152) The sin of perjury is a promise made under oath with no intention of keeping it or a promise made under oath which later is not kept.
2211. What proves that Mt 5 “Do not swear” does not exclude swearing as such? (CCC 2154) The fact that St Paul in his letters calls on God as witness proves that Mt 5 “Do not swear” does not exclude swearing as such.
2 Cor 1,23: “I call on God as witness upon my soul.”
2212. When is the Christian name received? (CCC 2156) The Christian name is received in Baptism.
2213. What is the function of a patron saint? (CCC 2156) The function of a patron saint is to provide:
1. an intercessor
2. a model of charity.
2214. Which Baptismal names should be avoided? (CCC 2156) Baptismal names that are foreign to Christian sentiment should be avoided.
2215. How does the Christian begin his prayers and activities? (CCC 2157) The Christian begins his prayers and activities with the Sign of the Cross: “in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”