ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on June 27, 2004

Dear Bill: No, the question is not infantile, it is a good question and frankly an important question since most of us technically blaspheme without knowing it. Any utterance of the name of God, Jesus, the saints, etc. that is not in deliberate discussion or in prayer is blasphemous. If one stubs their and says, "Jesus, Joseph, and Mary that hurts", they are blaspheming unless they are truly offering that as a prayer. The same goes for "Good God", "Jesus", etc. Unless such utterance is meant to be a prayer, then it is misusing God's name in that instance. So the question is the intent of the person who utters God's name, or the name of the saints. Is it REALLY a prayer utterance, or is it merely an utterance to express suprise or amazement- "good God, that is weird". Is that talking to God telling Him how amazed we are? The other day I stubbed my toe and said, "Oh God that hurts". I hadn't a thought in my head that I was actually talking to God, thus that utterance was blasphemous. Although this common utterances said carelessly are technically blasphemous, we are not meaning to be blasphemous (I least I hope not), thus at best the utterance is most likely venial. We should, however, start paying closer attention to our language and will be held accountable before God for our due care and prudence, or lack thereof. Here is the Catechism on blasphemy: 2148 Blasphemy is directly opposed to the second commandment. It consists in uttering against God - inwardly or outwardly - words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one's speech; in misusing God's name. St. James condemns those "who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called." The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ's Church, the saints, and sacred things. It is also blasphemous to make use of God's name to cover up criminal practices, to reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to death. The misuse of God's name to commit a crime can provoke others to repudiate religion. Blasphemy is contrary to the respect due God and his holy name. It is in itself a grave sin. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary