I recently watched a musical and was struck by something unexpected—not the dazzling costumes or catchy songs, but how casually the name of Jesus Christ was thrown into dialogue as an expletive. It wasn’t just once, but repeatedly, used as a throwaway phrase in moments of frustration.
To me, this wasn’t just another example of Hollywood or the arts being “edgy.” It reflected something deeper—a cultural shift where reverence for sacred things is slipping away. And as Christians, this should concern us.
It’s one thing to hear profanity or crude language in media. But when it’s the name of Jesus Christ, the very name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12), we have to pause and ask: What does this reveal about our society?
The Weight of His Name
The name of Jesus isn’t just a historical reference or a casual phrase—it carries divine significance. Philippians 2:9-10 reminds us:
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
This is the name that demons flee from. The name that heals the sick and raises the dead. The name that represents love, redemption, and ultimate authority.
And yet, in mainstream culture, it is often misused, stripped of its meaning, and treated with indifference.
How Culture Shapes Our View of God
Language shapes our thinking. When a culture consistently trivializes something, it dulls our sense of its value.
C. S. Lewis. Source: Wikipedia
C.S. Lewis once wrote, “The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
Could it be that this casual disregard for the Lord’s name is part of a larger erosion of reverence for God?
Think about it. No other religious figure’s name is used as a profanity in our culture.
You never hear someone exclaim “Muhammad!” or “Buddha!” in anger. But “Jesus Christ”? It’s everywhere.
And that alone tells us something.
The Third Commandment: More Than Just Speech
Many Christians remember the Ten Commandments, but sometimes we reduce “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7) to merely avoiding swearing.
But this command is so much deeper than just avoiding using “Oh my God” or “Jesus Christ” in a flippant way.
To take something “in vain” means to empty it of its value.
That can happen in different ways:
- Casual speech – using Jesus’ name thoughtlessly.
- False representation – claiming God’s name but acting contrary to His character.
- Manipulation – invoking God’s name for personal gain or to justify sin.
Jesus Himself warned about careless words:
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” (Matthew 12:36)
As believers, we’re called to honor God not just in how we live, but in how we speak.
Engaging the Arts with Wisdom
So, what do we do about Hollywood and media that misuse Jesus’ name? Should we boycott? Protest? Demand censorship?
Here’s what I believe: We need thoughtful engagement—not knee-jerk outrage.
1. Encourage Respect for Faith
Freedom of speech is valuable, but respect for faith matters too.
When appropriate, we can voice concerns with grace, helping creators understand why this matters.
Would Hollywood ever allow racial slurs or offensive jokes about other faiths? No. Yet Jesus’ name is freely tossed around as a joke or insult.
Let’s speak up thoughtfully in conversations, on social media, or even directly to content creators.
2. Support Media That Honors God
If we want more faith-honoring content, we need to actively support films, books, and music that respect God’s name.
Instead of just complaining about the bad, let’s champion the good.
When a film or TV show respectfully portrays faith, share it, recommend it, and support it.
3. Use It As a Conversation Starter
Instead of just being offended, use these moments to start discussions:
“Do you know why Christians care so much about this?”
Many people genuinely don’t realize that using Jesus’ name carelessly is offensive to believers.
If we explain with kindness, we might open the door for meaningful conversations about faith.
A Higher Standard for Our Own Speech
It’s easy to point fingers at Hollywood or secular culture. But before we do, we should ask:
- Are we honoring His name in our daily conversations?
- Do we use Jesus’ name in worship but treat it lightly in frustration?
- Are we teaching our children to reverence the name of Christ?
This issue starts with us.
The Lord’s Prayer. Source: Unsplash
The Lord’s Prayer begins with: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matthew 6:9)
If Jesus taught us to begin prayer with reverence for God’s name, shouldn’t that shape how we speak every day?
Living as People Who Honor His Name
Honoring Jesus’ name goes beyond just avoiding saying it carelessly.
It’s about how we live, speak, and reflect His character.
- Speak with reverence. Let your words reflect a heart that treasures God’s name.
- Teach respect. Instill in your children and those around you the importance of honoring Jesus.
- Engage culture with wisdom. Challenge misuse of His name thoughtfully while modeling grace.
- Be an example. Let your life testify to the power of His name.
When the world takes Jesus’ name lightly, let’s be people who lift it high.
Because His name is worthy of all honor, all worship, and all praise.
In a world where Jesus’ name is often misused or dismissed, how can we, as believers, reclaim its reverence in our daily lives? Whether it’s through our words, our worship, or the way we engage with culture, we have the opportunity to reflect His holiness in everything we do. How do you personally seek to honor the name of Jesus amid a culture that takes it lightly? Let’s start a conversation—share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
