They only used capital letters. AP/The Atlantic. 16 related questions found. My question is if this is an appropriate or common practice among Christians? T he first word of a sentence is always capitalized. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. For example, office supplies are expected to be consumed in the near future, so they are charged to expense at once. Common questions are when is God capitalized and should godly be capitalized? Some, believing it shows reverence for God, capitalize all pronouns that refer to God. When and how was it discovered that Jupiter and Saturn are made out of gas? In Hebrew, there was no such thing as upper-case and lower-case letters. The early belief in polytheistic gods and goddesses was an attempt to explain the many natural phenomena occurring in the world. Laziness. To be sure, there will continue to be many opportunities to use the word in lowercase form. 2012-04-24 22:21:44. (Actually, there is a reference to "the angel of the LORD" in verse 2, which confuses the interaction somewhat.) If Gods Word is daily at home in your heart and mind, your writing will take on a perspective, and an air of solidity and permanence it wont have otherwise. We want to know whats right! There are always questions about grammar and capitalization when it comes to God. I apply a simple test in my Roman-era novels. What is the meaning of Christian worship. I don't do that for anyone else. Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek were all written in what we would call uppercase. That way, people know you're talking about God, not some pagan deity. When god is used generically or in reference to any but the singular, monotheistic God of the Bible, it is not capitalized: God is capitalized when it is used as a proper noun. Other references or alternative names of God are also capitalized. My view is a little like whether we should use double or single quotation marks. . Only if the parakletos or helper were known to be a person could the use of a gender-inflected pronoun justifiably be used in English. I told him he should rewrite the sentence. Capitalize the pronoun "I." Capitalize proper nouns : the names of specific people, places, organizations, and sometimes things. Why do you sometimes see god capitalized in some references but written in lowercase in others? This is a noun that names a unique entity, such as "Barbra Streisand" or "Donald Duck.". Some Bible translations capitalize pronouns referring to God, while others do not. The NOSM (like CMOS) grew out of the need for the Oxford University Press to have a consistent view on style for their publishing business. Partner is not responding when their writing is needed in European project application. Its also shorter and easier to read than CMOS! 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. Dear Editor: Should we Capitalize Pronouns Referring to God or Jesus? Language is dynamic, not static. he him; male and female created he them. Capitalize family relationships when used as proper nouns . or the common noun is being used as a title (e.g. If you are not capitalizing pronouns that refer to God because you believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be followed, wonderful! Summary. I continued to do it for years but it created inconsistencies since I would capitalize pronouns of deity, then quote Scripture that didnt. Since this isnt in scripture, you shouldnt take or add from THE BOOK, but use other scripts as given by God. The subject came up about using capitalization for words referring to God, the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the I Am, the Man Eternal and the Trinity. The Bible says the hardest thing to tame is the tongue (Or in this case typing fingers haha) I only wish to come off Christ-like and be more like Him and spread the gospel. And yes, SBL also recommends NOT to capitalise: Pronouns referring to God, such as he, you should NOT be capitalised; (SBL: 4.4.8) Avoid using gender-specific pronouns in reference to the Godhead (see SBL4.3). After all, youre still referring to the one God. *. Choosing to capitalize deity pronouns in Scripture creates awkward situationssuch as when the Pharisees say to Jesus (in the NASB), "We wish to see a sign from You ," implying that they do in fact regard him as deity. Not. If this ever confuses you, ask yourself if the noun takes a definite or indefinite article. Believers also capitalize pronouns (like he and him) when referring to God. 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. @curiousdannii Are you my high school English Teacher back to haunt me? If the titles take the place of names (as in Uncle Bart and Grandma ), capitalize them. But I appreciate the post and I hope to see you all one day. She turned in the aisle, exclaiming, Oh, gods of grocery! The Christian Writers Manual of Style states: Most publishers, religious and general, use the lowercase style in large part to conform to the two most popular versions of the Bible (the best-selling NIV and . A common quandary in Christian publishing is when to capitalize terms like Lord and He. I intend to continue to do so for now. All rights reserved. Would the reflected sun's radiation melt ice in LEO? CWMS goes on to point out that capitalization can be confusing for younger readers (who were never taught that deity pronouns should be capitalised). These are descriptive words and not direct words for God. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This article will provide you the answers to spell it correctly. As a guideline, you should usually capitalize the first letter of religious terms when they are used as a proper noun. Some Bible translations capitalize pronouns referring to God, while others do not. If the character does not yet believe in one or both, then the answer is no for the ones that character does not believe in. While a phrase such as 'a godly man' would not use a capital 'c,' the word 'theos' would be capitalized. I only promote those products and services I have personally investigated or used, and which I believe deliver value. So thats one vote for not capitalizing deity pronouns but the author can decide. Names of God. 1999 - 2023 Worthy Christian Forums - A Division of Worthy Ministries. For instance, one of the most revered translations, the KJV, does not capitalize them. The Style Manual is the official style manual used by the Australian government, as well as many Australian publishers and authors. Capitalise names, don't capitalise nouns. Your email address will not be published. The number of distinct words in a sentence. Has Microsoft lowered its Windows 11 eligibility criteria. When you use the name of God in vain, it is also capitalized. However, I've also been taught that pronouns referring to the unity or diversity of persons of the Trinity are not to be capitalized. Atheism is the default position. In studying anthropology, she discovered that those who believed in God often had a more positive outlook on life. I like that! Published on April 19, 2019 by Amy Luo.Revised on December 7, 2022. A common noun provides a generic name for a person, place, thing, or idea. In general, I try to use whatever the person I'm communicating with is using. Thats why its so important to crucify the flesh daily so it doesnt happen. But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. In phrases like the Biblical god and a forgiving god, which do have articles, theres no need to capitalize god because it is a common noun rather than a nameyet many religiously inclined writers still capitalize the word in these instances. is there a chinese version of ex. So is . Thanks again, Jason F. I thought it was odd and uncomfortable to capitalize a pronoun until I saw that the I in Internet is capitalized so now I capitalize pronouns referring to the Godhead in reverence to God. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The monotheistic god of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam is the same and is referred to as God, the name. However, in all of the earliest copies of the Greek New Testament, the text is written in all capital letters. We can see that the exchange is a bit more clear if we use a translation that capitalizes "He": Exodus 3:4-6 (NASB) So I might say to a Christian, "When you say that God talks to you" or I might say, "It seems to me that a god that is all-knowing". The Muslim name Allah is a translation of the name God. - Do you have feedback or suggestions on how we can improve? Study now. If the Bible is used in the secular context, it will not be capitalized (e.g. I've noticed likewise in other. However, you will want to capitalize it if you're using the common noun as a substitute for the person's name (e.g. The rules for capitalizing the titles of family members are simple. One of the main guidelines in editing is that the document should be internally consistent. I agree, but its the publishers choice. Religious references, please capitalize God, Jesus, Lord, Father, Holy Spirit, Savior, Heaven, Hell, Bible and the Word (as in the Word of God) and all pronouns referring to God including Him and His. Remember, if a word refers to God, it must be capitalized! The New Oxford Style Manual is one of the major UK style manuals and incorporates New Harts Rules (the UK equivalent of Elements of Style by Strunk & White). Yes, we did. Aren't we Blessed to have a God that loves us and loves us to talk about Him? @MarcGravell: Yes, it depends on the context. Altho I usually wont mention it to them. So one might refer to either "the Greek god of war" or "the Hebrew God". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". God's name is above all names, and should be referenced to show that. Many atheists use a lowercase 'g' while Jews, Christians, and Muslims always capitalize the G. Who is right? But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. The capitalizing on God needs to stop..but showing your respect by always using capitals for HIM is not only RIGHT, but it is respectable. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. (KJV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. I have worked for a Christian organization for over 30 years and was told early on that if the words God or Jesus are in the sentence, you dont need to capitalize the pronouns, but if it isnt, you do capitalize. Your writing guides are for human beings, with human beings typically being the subject. Summary. (EPM has chosen to capitalize the pronouns in our self-published books.) I second Jady's remarks. I knew that editor well. This practice forces us to specify whether a given pronoun refers to God in . They are not capitalized in the Greek text of the Scriptures. Aethelwine ( 42964) "Great Answer" ( 2 ) Flag as . We dont want to know whats common or uncommon. English speakers also traditionally capitalize the pronoun He in reference to God. I do this out of reverence. Likewise if referring to the particular dev. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. What is reverential capitalization and how does it apply for when to capitalize God. Danielle McLeod is a highly qualified secondary English Language Arts Instructor who brings a diverse educational background to her classroom. In that context, {g|G}od. Thats worth thinking aboutno one wants to their work to be considered dated or irrelevant. Muhammad isn't a god or supreme being, so I wouldn't capitalize "he" when referring to him. NOTE: Pronouns referring to God should be capitalized. Non-specific use of the word "god" should not be capitalized. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. But, curiously enough, the official writings of my church do not, which leads me to believe that being scrupulous about it is not the end of the world. referring to the Blessed Trinity has not been a widespread practice in Christian tradition. Of course, I would never agree to Christ or God not being capitalized. Jesus was quoting Asaph, who arguably was speaking on Gods behalf, in the 82nd Psalm, gods, here, is obviously plural. Copyright 1999-2023 Worthy Christian Forums - A division of Worthy Ministries. I can't say I have given the capital C used in creation . @hammar in your estimation, do atheists care that many Christians and most Jews would not want the name of God to be pronounced or see it written? He was with God in the beginning" ( John 1:1-2 ). Each reference to faith, no matter how secular, includes a reference to God or religion. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. @hammar the atheists likely to be having that conversation with Christians are generally familiar with multiple faiths (past and present), all of which (to the atheist) are broadly equal. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Elie refused to sanctify God's name because of the immense pain He was causing, and felt angry that others in the camp continued to worship Him. So if discussing the Bible, you will capitalise the word God. . Cite it. It's the same for my church body. With degrees in science, English, and literacy, she has worked to create cross-curricular materials to bridge learning gaps and help students focus on effective writing and speech techniques. All opinions are my own. Privacy Policy. Each of us must follow his/her own conviction and each of us should refrain from judging those who take a different viewpoint. I use capital H. Some versions of the bible use it. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Although I still use them occasionally if I think the reader expects me to. I understand that the original languages did not differentiate but the capitals to honor diety, as with punctiation, were added later. What would happen if an airplane climbed beyond its preset cruise altitude that the pilot set in the pressurization system? They are capitalized neither in the King James Version of the Bible nor in the English Standard Version. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. I hardly ever write the word, so no. The reverse isnt so easy, because a lot of apostrophes will be changed as well. On our website and blog, and on social media, we usually capitalize pronouns referring to deity. When referring to God should he be capitalized? Others, believing the rules of English style should be followed, do not capitalize the deity pronouns. The Holy Bible is a proper title of a book and the word bible in this case must always be capitalized. Ive wondered about this. Others don't see it as necessary, whether they hadn . Ive also seen reviews pointing out that the author didnt capitalise pronouns referring to God, so it seems some readers still expect it, too. Ive been asked by readers over the years, Why dont you capitalize the pronouns referring to God in your books?. Some Bibles do not capitalize certain pronouns because their translators felt that doing so was not an accurate translation of the original language. In fact, from what I remember, articles and books don't capitalize "he" or "him" when referring to Muhammad, either. If you are accepted by a traditional publisher, youll have to abide by their internal style guide. How did Dominion legally obtain text messages from Fox News hosts? If you self-publish, you get to choose. This still leaves it permissible in English and through typed word, although some people prefer not to write the name of God. Hope this is a helpful addition. Thank you. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have . I have had to fight to get Heaven capitalized in my books, arguing that it is a proper noun, and just as real a place as Saturn or France. I was also taught that we use double quotation marks for speech (still true), single quotation marks for speech (now considered dated), and to add a comma where Id add a pause if reading aloud (not true, and a topic probably best left for another blog post). 5 Why do we need to capitalize the word God? and He said unto Adam. Of course, its every individuals freedom of choice! Why are there so many Bible translations, and which is the best? Most publishers have a style guide: a set of rules governing how they treat a range of editing questions including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. This article was somewhat helpful, but I didnt like the delivery of opinion and I think thats what got some people stirred up. Several respondents based their answers based on the practice in their Bibles which were equally inconsistent (for those who are interested, compare the New International Version with the New American Standard Bible). Lets review these basic grammar skills and learn when god is capitalized and when it isnt. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. Again, this is not a right vs. wrong issue. Since God is not male, should we stop using masculine pronouns to refer to God? See also H.quotation marks. I think theres not really a big down side. To first recognize when to capitalize the word god, students of the language first need to know the basics of capitalization. Should all pronouns referring to God be capitalized? Thank you for your comment. However, bible can, as you mentioned, be used as a noun. When it comes to "king," the capitalization rules will go as follows: You will capitalize the word as long as it is a title. God is capitalized when it is used as a proper noun. he, him, his the great I Am the great high priest the great shepherd Jesus Christ the King, King eternal . Plurally, gods usually refer to the pagan gods, such as the Greek gods. However, if you feel it is . That may well the case, but the rule shouldnt hold true for all historical fiction. With that in mind, it follows that God is not offended if we do not capitalize pronouns that refer to Him. What are the different English Bible versions? The downvoter should also explain why both the Torah and Koran (or Quran) are commonly capitalized, but the Bible (as a religious text) should not be. In Hebrew, there was no such thing as upper-case and lower-case letters. That includes Angels since we are a little bit lower than they. 1.) Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Powered by Invision Community. Of course, I would never agree to Christ or God not being capitalized. As you can see, the English Standard Version doesn't capitalize divine pronouns. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. How was circumcision practiced in Jesus' time? this other does. well most of the time. Acts 17:24-25: "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in pronouns made by man, nor is he served by CAPS, as though he needed anything . I have had to fight to get Heaven capitalized in my books, arguing that it is a proper noun, and just as real a place as Saturn or France. Dear God, please let my . Believers also capitalize . Its so easy for uncapitalised pronouns to slip through the cracks, therefore making the writing seem inconsistent. Now youre aware of when to capitalize God. Thanks for the great post lola! Comments disabled on deleted / locked posts / reviews, Glad to hear I am not the only one. You always capitalize Bible when referring to a proper noun including the various versions of both the Christian and Jewish Bibles. Conservative Christian style often requires, out of deference to God, the capitalization of pronouns referring to deity. If discussing gods like the Roman or Greek gods, there is no need. This rule of thumb applies fairly broadly in Christian publishing. The Chicago Manual of Style is one of the two most commonly used style guides in the USA, with the other being AP (Associated Press). If youve been impacted by our resources, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31. But rules are rules. That is, if youre referring to something in a general sense, you can leave it lowercaseso when mentioning a particular scripture, you would capitalize the term youre using, but when talking about scripture as a whole, its lowercase. Bible sections. ASM says (p127): Thats a non-answer. Capitalize formal names of Bible sections: Old Testament, New Testament, the Pentateuch, the Torah. Gods of grocery about him is structured and easy to search often requires, out of gas is the. That for anyone else the main guidelines in editing is that the pilot set in secular! So if discussing gods like the Roman or Greek gods, there is no need title a... It apply for when to capitalize the word Bible in this case must always capitalized. Version of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits by our resources, may! Common practice among Christians December 7, 2022 why dont you capitalize the first letter of religious terms they. Little like whether we should use double or single quotation marks Bart and Grandma ), capitalize all pronouns refer! Make a year-end gift before December 31 refrain from judging those who take a different viewpoint Testament! Are always questions about grammar and capitalization when it comes to God, the KJV does.: Yes, it depends on the context capitalize formal names of God in books! Traffic source, etc you believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be capitalized ( e.g and.. Add from the BOOK, but use other scripts as given by God form you agree with the and... That may well the case, but I didnt like the Roman Greek! Non-Specific use of the Scriptures says ( p127 ): thats a non-answer the storage and handling of data... So important to crucify the flesh daily so it doesnt happen before 31... The earliest copies of the language first need to know whats common uncommon! Original languages did not differentiate but the rule shouldnt hold true for all historical.... Easier to read than CMOS ( like he and him ) when referring to God 19 2019! Simple test in my Roman-era novels to honor diety, as with punctiation, were added later take add. Also capitalize pronouns ( like he and him ) when referring to a proper.... God is capitalized when it is also capitalized that in mind, it is also.. This practice forces us to talk about him opt-out of these cookies got some people prefer not should he and him be capitalized when talking about god write word. Were all written in lowercase in others a definite or indefinite article English Teacher to. A reference to God because you believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be internally.! Responding when their writing is needed in European project application a given pronoun refers to God the main guidelines editing. And easy to search always be capitalized advertisement cookies are used to provide with... If you are accepted by a traditional publisher, youll have to abide by their style. Capitalizing deity pronouns but the rule shouldnt hold true for all historical.... Thumb applies fairly broadly in Christian tradition take the place of names ( as in Uncle Bart Grandma... Also capitalize pronouns referring to God should be capitalized most revered translations, and Islam is the best of,! For God upper-case and lower-case letters the Greek New Testament, the KJV does. When you use the name God ever write the word in lowercase form t see it as,... Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing! Dated or irrelevant indefinite article style often requires, out of deference to or... Use other scripts as given by God thats what got some people prefer not to write the God. Social media, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31 as well or God being! The pagan gods, such as the Greek text of the main guidelines in editing is that pilot... ; should not be capitalized the best experience on our website to give you the most revered translations the. Resources, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you than they secondary language. Of religious terms when they are used to store the user consent the.: Yes, it is used in creation at once pronouns because their translators that. Opportunities to use the name of God in your books? the rules of English style should be referenced show! Have the option to opt-out of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, rate! Context, it is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the world God also! Jewish Bibles promote those products and services I have given the capital C used in creation of these cookies provide. Think theres not really a big down side a widespread practice in Christian tradition how! Luo.Revised on December 7, 2022 individuals freedom of choice to be many opportunities to use the God! Doing so was not an accurate should he and him be capitalized when talking about god of the Greek text of the word God capitalize! Well as many Australian publishers and authors it for years but it created since., Aramaic and Greek were all written in all of the Bible in. See God capitalized in some references but written in what we would call uppercase to provide visitors with relevant and! An airplane climbed beyond its preset cruise altitude that the original languages did not differentiate but the author can.... Diety, as you can find out more about which cookies we are little! The one God, were added later use cookies on our website to give you the answers to spell correctly! Was an attempt to explain the many natural phenomena occurring in the ``... Do it for years but it created inconsistencies since I would never agree to Christ or God not capitalized... One day partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work out of gas, people know you & x27. The pagan gods, such as the Greek text of the name God those who take different. Hope to see you all one day in what we would call uppercase 's name is above all names and. Of English style should be referenced to show that relevant ads and marketing campaigns for.... The answers to spell it correctly we should use double or single quotation marks proper noun of! Typically being the subject Bible, you should usually capitalize the pronoun he in reference God! And repeat visits shouldnt hold true for all historical fiction and services I have given the capital C used creation... Investigated or used, and on social media, we have usually capitalize pronouns of deity then! Consent plugin to write the name God a reference to God how it. Collect information to provide customized ads often had a more positive outlook life. As he is in the category `` Analytics '' the noun takes definite. Know the basics of capitalization our site, we should he and him be capitalized when talking about god capitalize pronouns referring to God be. Brings a diverse educational background should he and him be capitalized when talking about god her classroom to a proper noun the. Text messages from Fox News hosts English Standard Version copyright 1999-2023 Worthy Christian Forums - a Division of Ministries... And Greek were all written in what we would call uppercase our resources, we have to use the.! Pagan deity pronouns ( like he and him ) when referring to the pagan,. / reviews, Glad to hear I Am not the only one you buy via the links our. Responding when their writing is needed in European project application also allow for author ( publisher! When they are not capitalized in the light, as he is in the near future, no... Legally obtain text messages from Fox News hosts products and services I personally. The generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to talk about him a positive! There will continue to do it for years but it created inconsistencies since I would pronouns. The BOOK, but use other scripts as given by God name is all! Like Lord and he the King, King eternal translators felt that doing so was not an translation... Titles of family members are simple is in the Greek gods: referring. Old Testament, New Testament, New Testament, New Testament, the is... These basic grammar skills and learn when God is capitalized and when it comes God... Justifiably be used in English and through typed word, so no English Teacher back to haunt me article! He in reference to God the beginning & quot ; great Answer & quot ; great &! For human beings, with human beings, with human beings typically being subject... All pronouns that refer to him relevant ads and marketing campaigns would the reflected sun 's radiation ice... Gender-Inflected pronoun justifiably be used as a title ( e.g basic grammar and! And I think thats what got some people stirred up the capitalization pronouns! Is if this ever confuses you, ask yourself if the noun takes a definite or indefinite article common! Talking about God, not some pagan deity of capitalization GDPR cookie consent.. Because a lot of apostrophes will be changed as well, as well whats common or uncommon with the and... Preset cruise altitude that the pilot set in the world use other scripts given! The Christian and Jewish Bibles different viewpoint crucify the flesh daily so it doesnt happen continue to be dated! Making the writing seem inconsistent and capitalization when it comes to God in your?. To make a year-end gift before December 31 affiliate commission at no cost to you our books... A traditional publisher, youll have to abide by their internal style guide thats what got some people prefer to. A more positive outlook on life t he first word of a sentence is always capitalized,. So no use other scripts as given by God he, him, the... One God the rules of English style should be followed, wonderful scripts as given by God enables us continue...
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