CATECHISM

Q. What is the Second Commandment?
A. The second Commandment is, ‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain’.

Q. What are we commanded by the second Commandment?
A. By the second Commandment we are commanded to speak with reverence of God and all holy
persons and things, and to keep our lawful oaths and vows.
Lawful. That which is according to the rule of law.
Oath. To call God to witness the truth of what we say. An oath must have the qualities of
truth, judgment, and justice. (Jer. 4:2)
Vows. Deliberate promises made to God to do something supernatural, which we are not
already bound to perform.

Q. What does the second Commandment forbid?
A. The second Commandment forbids all false, rash, unjust, and unnecessary oaths; as also
blaspheming, cursing and profane words.
False oaths. Those which are not true. Taking a false oath is called perjury.
Rash oaths. Those taken without sufficient judgment or reflection.
Unjust oaths. Those taken with the intention of doing wrong.
Unnecessary oaths. Those taken without sufficient reason.
Blaspheming. Speaking in an evil or impious manner of God or His Saints, or any holy
thing relating to God.
Cursing. Calling down evil or harm on ourselves or our neighbour, or on any of God’s
creatures.
Profane words. Speaking in a light or joking manner, or making game of anything
belonging to God or His service.
 
Q. Is it ever lawful to swear or to take an oath?
A. It is lawful to swear, or take an oath, only when God’s honour, or our own, or our neighbour’s
good requires it