In the literature of the Bible the ancient Hebrews enter into a covenant (legal) relationship with God. The core of this agreement is called the 10 commandments. This episode discusses command 3, Blasphemy. This act is defined as defaming the name of God by speaking of or using his name in an empty to vile manner. Violating this command is very common occurrance in "Christian" countries. If the penalty listed were applied today, Western society would cease to exist for lack of citizens! To moderns this offense can seem trivival. Someone in the heat of an argument or in shock at an outrageous event uses God's name in vain; should this be a capital offense? The text tells us that violating this command is deeply offensive to God. This topic allows those unfamilar with Bible thinking to obtain a glimpse into the foundations of Western civilization.
