Large Catechism: Misusing the Holy Name (I 49-58)

How do we misuse God's holy name? Unfortunately, it is far too often and frequent. Luther looks at misuse both in the secular realm and the spiritual realm. "All misuse of the divine name happens first in worldly business and in matters that concern money, possession, and honor" (53). "But the greatest abuse occurs in spiritual matters. These have to do with the conscience, when false preachers rise up and offer their lying vanities as God's Word" (54).