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Why I write G-d.

MessianicShmuely

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Why I write G-d

Many people ask why do I type 'G-d' ~ Well 1st of all it's because I am a Messianic Jew. Secondly, I write it like that as a sign of respect and to remember that His Name should always be something unique and special. Why do you write it that way you may ask? This is to avoid taking His Name lightly or in vain
Why is G-d spelled the without an "o" throughout Jewish writings?
Any Hebrew Name of G-d is forbidden to erase. From the Torah's exhortation to destroy idolatry, we learn out the prohibition not to destroy the Name of G-d. (see Deuteronomy 12:3-4) In Exodus 20:7 it says, "You shall not take the Name of the LORD your G-d in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain."
It is forbidden to erase or deface the Name of G-d, and this prohibition applies to all languages. We, therefore, insert a dash in middle of G-d's Name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.
It also is a way of showing respect such as when on the Internet where it can be profaned and disrepected. In the Bible, in prayer books and Holy writings G-d's Name is written properly, for there is no fear that one will discard a Holy text.
Although "G-d" is really just a title and not His Name, it certainly is a word which is reserved for Him alone (as opposed to "Creator" or "the benevolent one" which can be used in other contexts as well). We show respect to G-d by not defacing or discarding a word which is designated for Him.
Note that if you disagree with another poster's decision to omit or include the hyphen, you should not publicly criticize or ridicule said poster.
Sha'ul (Paul) wrote: "To the Yehudim(Jews) I became as a Yehudi(Jew), that I might gain Yehudim(Jews); to those who are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain those who are under the Law;" 1 Corinthians 9:20 Hebrew Names Version

Point in History: Between 890ce to 940ce, the Hebrew Scriptures added vowels to the Torah. Before this, the Torah had no Vowels. Thus the Name of G-d was written YHWH
 

Athaliamum

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No one will or should (I might say) ridicule you for writing G-d, many people do write it that way here.

Just the same however there are those, like myself, who have no problem with writing it with the "O", we too should not be ridiculed for doing so. To me the word "G_d" (which I write this way for you) is a title or position, it is not His name, so therefore is not taking G-d's name in vain.
 
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ContraMundum

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Just because early Hebrew omitted vowels doesn't mean English needs to.

I have no problem with the practice, and on occasion find myself doing it. But, I try not to because English is not the sacred language and the logic of the Orthodox behind omitting vowels in English is IMHO based more on sentimentality and piety than on common sense. "God" is a word about God, not His Name. As one Rabbi once told me, it's OK to say "God" to a Gentile.
 
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ContraMundum

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Having just said what I did above, I think it's ok for religions to have their own commonly used language. If you came to my congregation you'd think Elizabethan English was the only liturgical language God was deemed to understand. Some people think Latin is like that, or Patristic Greek, or whatever. It's part of being religious, and I actually can respect that, despite the defiance of logic.
 
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TexasBluebonnet

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Why I write G-d

Many people ask why do I type 'G-d' ~ Well 1st of all it's because I am a Messianic Jew. Secondly, I write it like that as a sign of respect and to remember that His Name should always be something unique and special. Why do you write it that way you may ask? This is to avoid taking His Name lightly or in vain
Why is G-d spelled the without an "o" throughout Jewish writings?
Any Hebrew Name of G-d is forbidden to erase. From the Torah's exhortation to destroy idolatry, we learn out the prohibition not to destroy the Name of G-d. (see Deuteronomy 12:3-4) In Exodus 20:7 it says, "You shall not take the Name of the LORD your G-d in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain."
It is forbidden to erase or deface the Name of G-d, and this prohibition applies to all languages. We, therefore, insert a dash in middle of G-d's Name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.
It also is a way of showing respect such as when on the Internet where it can be profaned and disrepected. In the Bible, in prayer books and Holy writings G-d's Name is written properly, for there is no fear that one will discard a Holy text.
Although "G-d" is really just a title and not His Name, it certainly is a word which is reserved for Him alone (as opposed to "Creator" or "the benevolent one" which can be used in other contexts as well). We show respect to G-d by not defacing or discarding a word which is designated for Him.
Note that if you disagree with another poster's decision to omit or include the hyphen, you should not publicly criticize or ridicule said poster.
Sha'ul (Paul) wrote: "To the Yehudim(Jews) I became as a Yehudi(Jew), that I might gain Yehudim(Jews); to those who are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain those who are under the Law;" 1 Corinthians 9:20 Hebrew Names Version

Point in History: Between 890ce to 940ce, the Hebrew Scriptures added vowels to the Torah. Before this, the Torah had no Vowels. Thus the Name of G-d was written YHWH

Hey, thanks for explaining this issue and why you feel the way you do. After reading it, I have to say that it's...refreshing. I mean, coming from my standpoint where...well pretty much the entire world is missuing the name of G-d, I think this kind of respect is a nice change. I've been on the fence about this myself, particulary when mainline Christians read the way I've been writing this out, and worrying that they'll think I've flipped, but your post makes a lot sense. I'm still not sure how that'll translate into the way I write my books and all, but I feel that it's a good way to show respect. But I also don't criticize those who don't. Just want to make that clear as well. :hug:
 
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TexasBluebonnet

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It does not offend me that others write it with an 'o'. I say do as you feel the Holy Spirit... the Ruach ha Kodesh is convicting you. As for me the Ruach convicts me to omit it.

Shalom B'Shem Y'shua ha Mashiach!
Shmuely

Personally, I think it makes sense. And I can see both views of those who do and those who don't. I kinda like it though because of my personal experiences and all.
 
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Espada

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Whilst I do understand where you come from on this in omitting the o, I do not agree with you.

For me G-d (i will write it this way out of respect for your beliefs) is not one of the names of Adonai (and I know neither is Adonai, technically but I feel it better to use than the tetragrammaton, whether in English or Hebrew). Sometimes we do have a habit of keeping the traditions of the past and not focussing on what His command truly says.

Just my twopence.
 
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Henaynei

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All the above reasons are good and valid, but for me the most valid is that there are a great many gods in this age... I use G-d to distinguish that it is of the One True and Living G-d, the G-d of Avraham, Yitzkhak and Yaacov and **none other** that I am speaking.... so far no supporters of other gods have supplanted this form when speaking of their demons....
 
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TexasBluebonnet

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All the above reasons are good and valid, but for me the most valid is that there are a great many gods in this age... I use G-d to distinguish that it is of the One True and Living G-d, the G-d of Avraham, Yitzkhak and Yaacov and **none other** that I am speaking.... so far no supporters of other gods have supplanted this form when speaking of their demons....


That's a good point you made. And you're right about that. I haven't seen that either. :thumbsup:
 
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MessianicShmuely

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All the above reasons are good and valid, but for me the most valid is that there are a great many gods in this age... I use G-d to distinguish that it is of the One True and Living G-d, the G-d of Avraham, Yitzkhak and Yaacov and **none other** that I am speaking.... so far no supporters of other gods have supplanted this form when speaking of their demons....

Very true I haven't seen any other false deity do that either! Todah Rabah!!
 
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TexasBluebonnet

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My opinion? I think only G-d can inspire that much reverence. I mean, when was the last time a Hindu god did anything for his followers? You know?

*actually from what I understand they have...well a lot of gods. More than I can recall. So weird. *shakes head.
 
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TexasBluebonnet

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My opinion? I think only G-d can inspire that much reverence. I mean, when was the last time a Hindu god did anything for his followers? You know?

*actually from what I understand they have...well a lot of gods. More than I can recall. So weird. *shakes head.


Okay, I did a little googling. I think the # is 48. But I could be wrong. :eek:
 
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LadyGarnetRose

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I never have an issue with anybody writting or typing G-d.

In fact I don't even notice it until somebody points it out. I WRITE G-d when refering to our Lord. But type God when on the internet... I think it's because I know that nothing is ever fully lost within the ether that is the internet...

We're all learning to speak one language again... hmmm maybe that's another thread...
 
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