During our Thanksgiving gathering I was asked this question: “What does it really mean to take the Lord’s Name in vain?” It is a fantastic question, especially in this season of pandemic and polarity. For me, the answer lies in all forms of religious certainty. (It could mean all forms of religious fundamentalism which I have experienced from “conservatives” and “progressives.”) When we speak and act as if we know God’s mind, heart, and truth with iron-clad certainty…well…that might be the problem. Ours is a religion of relationship not regulation.
