Cursing God
Question
Among 7 commandments for non-Jewish, sixth one is “Don’t curse God.” What does this command means? As I have been in great distress because G-d has separated me from someone whom I love most. And I have been complaining to him, and also mocking him as he didn’t did anything when I was left alone. Does this means I was cursing G-d? I am still in pain, and I can’t pray but only mock and request.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question!
It is so nice to hear from a Non-Jew who endeavors to follow the 7 Laws of Noah. These are the only laws a non-Jew must keep in order to have a fulfilling relationship with God and go to Heaven!
They are known as the “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).
The 7 laws are:
1. Don’t murder.
2. Don’t steal.
3. Don’t worship false gods.
4. Don’t be sexually immoral.
5. Don’t eat a limb from an animal that is still alive.
6. Don’t curse God.
7. Establish a system of justice.
Any human being who observes these laws goes to heaven.
You mention that you are struggling with the 6th commandment, not to curse God, due to some frustrations you have experienced.
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) explains that cursing God or "blasphemy"(as described, for example, in Leviticus 24:15), would be to curse God using the names of God and then pronouncing bad for God in God’s name.
For example saying: “May Richard kill Richard” (but substituting “Richard” for “God”) would be an example of a true “curse.” Actually, although it is awful to use the word “God” in any negative context, such as in the example just given, one would have to use one of God’s holiest Names to truly violate the prohibition on “cursing.” According to most sources, “God” is a title, not His name.
Maimonides in his “Laws of Foreign Worship” 2:7 discusses this further.
In conclusion, my guess is that you haven’t violated the true ban on cursing God though one should always be respectful towards Him. It is fine to be upset, angry, frustrated, and you should let God know it! Turn your feelings into prayers and you will find healing!
Take a look at the website https://www.netivonline.org/ which specializes in helping non-Jews with religious beliefs. There is a wealth of information there that you will find useful and inspiring. It is also worth looking up the “Noahide” or "B'nai Noach" movement and consider joining them!