May 15, 2026

Letters to the Editor

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Living the faith means applying it to all aspects of life, reader says

In the recent letter to the editor section regarding a letter writer upset about the use or “weaponizing” of God’s name in a political context, I would offer these reflections.

We are taught by Christ himself to say—and to live—the Lord’s prayer daily, actually unceasingly.

“Hallowed [holy] be thy name” is stated imperatively, as a commandment or mandate, not a “be kind” platitude or suggestion. And that phrase starts that prayer, indicating its prime importance.

Whether the realm is political, social, moral, etc. is immaterial.

Living your faith means applying it to all aspects of life. It is irreverent and sinful to reduce God’s name to a curse, an exclamatory interjection, an expletive or an offhand color commentary. He is present in his name, and reverence in all contexts is simple respect that anyone of any faith situation can be sensitive to observe.

The reality is, there is very little reverence in action in the world, and people truly cannot control their language.

To try to “politicize” the use of God’s name—or to draw a Catholic exception around its abuse or misuse—belabors what is simply a choice to sin, or not to sin. And that is the answer.

- Deborah Hals | Bloomington

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