# Poll about taking the lord's name in vain **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 19, 2009, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590 "2009-04-19T02:48:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/261 "2009-04-21T17:24:59Z")
> [@auburntiger11](#): > > Also a judge here in alabama was forced to take the ten commandments down in his courtroom in a lawsuite, I guessed you missed that one all over the news. You do know that the judge was never penalized, censored, censured, or otherwise insulted for expressing his personal beliefs. Had you actually paid attention to the news stories as they came out, including the stories reporting on the decision of other judges in the successive cases involving Judge Moore, you would recognize that what he did was to enshrine his personal beliefs in a public area where he was supposed to maintain neutrality on such subjects. ---
**Author:** ![Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/262 "2009-04-21T17:27:31Z")
Actually, I’ve never had anyone request this of me, but I know a few christians and I try (but not always succeed) to not curse in front of them. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/263 "2009-04-21T17:34:26Z")
[Roy Moore](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore). His problem was placing a large sculpture of the 10 commandments on PUBLIC PROPERTY. Regardless of your personal beliefs, this country was founded on the basis of freedom of religion. Which means that any establishment of one particular faith is unConstitutional. There is such a thing as separation of church and state. Look up “Establishment Clause.” Roy Moore is entitled to his beliefs. He is NOT entitled to have them endorsed by the state, nor SPONSORED by the state. Especially using tax payer money. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/264 "2009-04-21T17:36:09Z")
> [@auburntiger11](#): > > Skald the Rhymer > If you can show me particular verses on this I can tell you. But if it speaks against it, then by my standards, which are the Bibles, it is wrong. You can take that however you want it. So…God is against the use of apostrophes? I did not know that. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/265 "2009-04-21T17:41:27Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Your first link is the opposite of what you’re looking for- it’s two instances of religious students suing their schools, not the other way around. > > So you don’t think standards have been changing constantly since Christ was around? Things just started getting all flaky in 1952, or something? And the second seems to be an instance of some idiot trying to make money and get some publicity. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/266 "2009-04-21T17:44:18Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Roy Moore is entitled to his beliefs. He is NOT entitled to have them endorsed by the state, nor SPONSORED by the state. Especially using tax payer money. In the interest of accuracy, the monument was paid for by donors, not state funds. > [@](#): > > You do know that the judge was never penalized, censored, censured, or otherwise insulted for expressing his personal beliefs. Had you actually paid attention to the news stories as they came out, including the stories reporting on the decision of other judges in the successive cases involving Judge Moore, you would recognize that what he did was to enshrine his personal beliefs in a public area where he was supposed to maintain neutrality on such subjects. He was, however, expelled from the Alabama Supreme Court for refusing to comply with the federal court order requiring that the monument be removed. He later went on the record as an opponent of an amendment to the state constitution which would have removed the (overruled) language from the Alabama statutes which requires separate schools for whites and blacks. Great guy. > [@](#): > > And the second seems to be an instance of some idiot trying to make money and get some publicity. Doubt he’ll make money. He’s certainly going to lose his suit. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/267 "2009-04-21T18:05:54Z")
> [@auburntiger11](#): > > Guinastasia > [http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=9058](http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=9058) > [A Lawsuit Against Bible Publishers? | Thoughts From a Christian Worldview](http://christmytreasure.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/a-lawsuit-against-bible-publishers/) > > Ther are more I only looked for like two seconds, I dont have all do for this. Also a judge here in alabama was forced to take the ten commandments down in his courtroom in a lawsuite, I guessed you missed that one all over the news. Heh-heh…you’re kidding, right? ---
**Author:** ![auburntiger11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bbe5ce/32.png) [@auburntiger11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/auburntiger11)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/268 "2009-04-21T18:19:35Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > So…God is against the use of apostrophes? > > I did not know that. Yeah you didnt know that? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/269 "2009-04-21T18:29:19Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > Heh-heh…you’re kidding, right? He’s introduced a useful new word: _lawsuite_. Noun. means a series of attorney’s offices connected in series. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/270 "2009-04-21T18:32:48Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Frankly, I thought the same way, until I started reading **Lochrian’s** posts. Now I’m on the opposite side in an an absolute sense, just because I don’t want him representing me (I’m an atheist too). I frequently feel the same way about certain religious folks, so I know what you mean. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/271 "2009-04-21T18:59:00Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Saying the words “God” and “Jesus Christ” is not swearing and cussing. You can hear those words in church every sunday. They are not profanities. So to you, the two below statements are analogous? “Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins.” “Jesus H. tap dancing Christ! Get a load of the tits on that broad!” ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/272 "2009-04-21T19:03:42Z")
> [@Lord\_Ashtar](#): > > So to you, the two below statements are analogous? > > “Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins.” > “Jesus H. tap dancing Christ! Get a load of the tits on that broad!” Can I say “Clark Joseph tapdancing Kent”? He’s a type of Christ, and only slightly more fictional than Mary’s son. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/273 "2009-04-21T19:04:31Z")
You can make _anything_ an expletive if you put enough emphasis on it. Is “holy cow” profane? How about “cheesed off”? “Rats!”? ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/274 "2009-04-21T19:18:53Z")
> [@auburntiger11](#): > > Diogenes the Cynic, I dont know how to use multi-quote. But the problem with the changing standards is just that. We have to have a set of standards to live by that don’t need to be changed over time or it will in the long run result in chaos. You have to live with a clear set of standards or you will be lost. This is what is happening to this society, and its not just this issue or the issue of gays, its every aspect of our life. If you dont have a clear set of standards where must you stand, it doesn’t have to be the Bible, though it should. But how do you know whats right? with no standards, right is a relative, but standards hold stronger than what you view is right. What, precisely, do you mean by “live with a clear set of standards or you will be lost?” Are you speaking in reference to gay people? Can you elaborate on that? > [@](#): > > If you would reread what I wrote I didnt say being called a bigot had to do with not saying the Lord’s name in vain, but being called a bigot on my view of gays, and yes I have been called a bigot for my view on that issue. Of course you’d be called a bigot for that. It defines the word! > [@](#): > > You are correct, christians are not a minority in this country; however, the televised media is so anit-christian but lets be tolerant of other religions its almost comical. And if you dont think a lawsuite has ever been brought upon someone for saying something that offended somebody of their religious views, if you don’t beleive all of this then you are the naive one. You can bring a lawsweet upon anyone for anything. It’s up to the judge or jury to determine if it has merit. Lawsweets are how we settle matters that appear vague or unfair. > [@](#): > > You are probably older than I am, I am just a college student but this is the way I view things based on what I hear and my experiences. I have never tried to impose my religion on some as I have never been in a situation where this has been appropriate, but this is just my stand on the way things have become in this great country of ours. You may not try to impose your religious beliefs on others, but you are not oppressed, nor are you treated like a second class citizen because of your religious beliefs. “This great country of ours” is not without fault on many issues. Allowing religion to seep into our secular society is always a mistake. If you want to see where the majority of court battles regarding religion are, take a look at [http://www.au.org/site/PageServer](http://www.au.org/site/PageServer) and [http://ffrf.org/legal/](http://ffrf.org/legal/). ---
**Author:** ![costa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@costa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/costa)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/275 "2009-04-21T19:27:01Z")
when one uses the word "GOD"he beseaches for help.if he uses that term loosely.he has no contrl over his language.as is to be pitied.one used the word as in a prayer.same as one makes the sign of the cross.it is a prayer. my two bits worth. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/276 "2009-04-21T19:33:01Z")
I.beseach.you.to.fix.your.comma.key. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/277 "2009-04-21T19:41:45Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I.beseach.you.to.fix.your.comma.key. \ ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/278 "2009-04-21T19:57:29Z")
> [@costa](#): > > when one uses the word "GOD"he beseaches for help.if he uses that term loosely.he has no contrl over his language.as is to be pitied.one used the word as in a prayer.same as one makes the sign of the cross.it is a prayer. > my two bits worth. what if i just wanna say something liek hey jehovah hows it going today whats the weather like up there in heaven is that ok (You have to talk to them in their own language, guys.) ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/279 "2009-04-21T20:01:33Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > what if i just wanna say something liek hey jehovah hows it going today whats the weather like up there in heaven is that ok > > (You have to talk to them in their own language, guys.) You forgot the periods. Epic fail. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2009, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590/280 "2009-04-21T20:04:14Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > You forgot the periods. Epic fail. I did NOT forget the periods. I declined to use them. You’re thinking that **costa** ’s style is born of a conscious, cummingsesque choice, when it is far more likely that he/she simply does not know the rules of English usage, and thus punctuates and capitalizes randomly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-about-taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/493590.md?page=15)