Blasphemy In Christianity Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

What is blasphemy?
Is blasphemy a sin?

Does Christian theology
condemn blasphemy?

It is written “Thou shalt not
take the name of the LORD
thy God in vain; for the LORD
will not hold him guiltless
that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20: 7.

This is blasphemy against God’s name.

Blasphemy? Is blasphemy a serious sin?
Is blasphemy the most serious sin?

The major creeds, the statement of beliefs,
the formal summary of the principles,
of Christian faith and Church theologians;
condemn blasphemy as very serious,
even the most serious of all possible sin.

Is blasphemy unforgivable?

Be careful brothers and sisters in Christ.
Some types of blasphemy are unforgivable!
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is
spoken of as unforgivable - the eternal sin.

“However, whoever blasphemes
against the holy spirit has no
forgiveness forever, but is guilty
of everlasting sin.” Mark 3: 29.

There is however, dispute over what form
this blasphemy, against the holy spirit may
take; and whether it qualifies as blasphemy
in the conventional sense. So, confusing?

The Lutheran Book of Concord calls blasphemy
“the greatest sin that can be outwardly committed”.

The Protestant Heidelberg Catechism declares
“no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more
than the blaspheming of His (God’s) Name”.
For those with questions this confessional document
answers, about 100 questions, about blasphemy.

The Westminster Larger Catechism of the Church
of England, Scotland and in Presbyterian churches
worldwide explains that “The sins forbidden in the

third commandment are, the abuse of it in an ignorant,
vain, irreverent, profane... (by blasphemy) ...to profane
jests, ... to charms or sinful lusts and practices.”

The Baptists wrote in the Baptist Confession of Faith:
“Therefore, to swear vainly or rashly by the glorious
and awesome name of God…is sinful, and to be regarded
with disgust and detestation. …For by rash, false, and vain
oaths, the Lord is provoked...” Clearly unacceptable!

John Calvin during the Protestant Reformation
found blasphemy to be intolerable, stating: “when
a person is accused of blasphemy, to lay the blame

on the ebullition of passion, as if God were to endure
the penalty whenever we are provoked.” A no! Calvin
proclaimed absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.

Thomas of Aquino, Saint Thomas Aquinas, an Italian
priest of the Catholic Church in the Dominican Order
“it is clear that blasphemy, which is a sin committed

directly against God, is more grave than murder, which
is a sin against one's neighbor. … it is called the most
grievous sin, ... it makes every sin more grievous.”

If these documents and authorities
are not conclusive enough for you,
then view the Catholic Encyclopedia
for an extensive article on blasphemy.
Or dozens of other definitive sources.

One thing however is absolutely clear.
Blasphemy in Christianity is serious sin.


Copyright © Terence George Craddock