Bachmann taking God’s name in vain?

by David Safier

Michelle Bachmann on God, earthquakes and hurricanes:

"I don't know how much God has to do to get the attention of the politicians. We've had an earthquake; we've had a hurricane. He said, 'Are you going to start listening to me here?'

If Bachmann believes that, she's a loon. But at least, if she believes it, she's being honest and righteous within her religious framework, and she should stick to it.  But now she's backing off the statement.

"Obviously she was saying it in jest," campaign spokesperson Alice Stewart told TPM.

Using God's name in jest, pretending to assign motives to God which you don't believe are true? I'm not a religious scholar, but doesn't that border on blasphemy? Isn't that taking the Lord's name in vain?

Oh, and isn't wanting to have it both ways just a little bit hypocritical? I'm not sure hypocrisy fits well with Christain principles either.

UPDATE: Jonathan Capehart at the Washington Post agrees.

[Even if she was saying it in jest] Bachmann is still in violation of Exodus 20:7 And the best way to not be in danger of being smited for using the Lord’s name in vain is to stop using the Lord’s name in vain. While I can’t and won’t speak for Him, I’m sure He’d appreciate it. So would a sizeable portion of the American people.