Question:
Answer:
Onomatodoxy is the so-called “name-worshiping” heresy that the Russian Orthodox Church condemned in a synod in 1913 and the Patriarch of Constantinople a year earlier.
A Russian monk advanced the idea that “the name of God is ‘God Himself’ and can work miracles.” It was condemned as pantheistic because the monk argued that there was an “energy” to this name—which has never been an official title attributed to God—and thus could be invoked to work miracles by individuals.
The Catholic Church certainly teaches that we must have reverence for God and his name, particularly for the holy name of Jesus. This is outlined in the Second Commandment (see CCC 2142ff.). And that Jesus can impact hearts and work miracles through the holy invocation of his name, but it’s Jesus’ divine prerogative how he acts. We can’t manipulate him through the arbitrary use of his name. In addition, as noted, the Church has never invoked “God Himself” as a formal name or title of God in general or regarding any of the three members of the Holy Trinity.
Consequently, avoid the heretical practice of onomatodoxy and encourage others to do the same.