Should god be spelled with a capital G?

Question

Yes I'm aware that "god" is a proper noun and technically should be spelled with a capital, but I have been corrected on this many times and have not been corrected for spelling zeus or budda without the capital.
Does it really matter that I choose not to capitalise?
The truth is, I choose not to since I deny the existence of an inteligent force which guides the universe. In the English language, is it correct to consider an abstract construct as a proper noun, or should the spelling be down to the writer and his beliefs?

motorcitysadman and sarah, you didn't read the question fully did you?

Some good answers so far- If i've got this right it seem that in a statement such as "God is love" god should be capitalised but in "Is there a god", it souldn't be.

It seems that this comes down to whether or not I giv "God" or "A god" an identity or talk about it as an idea, and since I can only talk about it as an idea, no capital is necesary. Does this make sense?

Answer 1

God spelled backward is dog. Should dog be spelt with a capital

Answer 2

If you want to write in proper English (a rarity on this site, but still):

If you are using the term "god" as a noun, such as "In ancient Rome, each household had a patron god," then you should not capitalize.
If you are referring to a specific diety of a religion, or the proper name of a mythological figure, then it should be capitalized: "Joe remained faithful to God, even though Zeus threw thunderbolts at him and Buddha thumbed his nose at the whole thing."

While linguistic standards reflect cultture and should change as cultural standards change, the purpose of language is clear communication, so your personal beliefs would in this case prohibit clear understanding of your message. In other words, make sure people know what you're talking about - using proper punctuation does not put you on any religion's team.
If it really bothers you, just tell yourself you are writing about fictional characters, not your personal diety.

Answer 3

Most of the stuff I read on here is compleatly void of capitals, periods, comma's it's like a whole new way of writing. Personally i find it mildlY irritating, but, HEY, who am I to judge, language and spelling has been changeing very gradually over the millenia.

Oh! yes sorry, I don't think G-god really gives a fig, or is it Fig?
Just so long as you show respec............

Answer 4

Why did you spell English with capital E inside the sentance?:D... I think it's your "form" of protest or of expresing what you feel, what you think...and you want others to know that from your writting... Corectly when you talk about the One and only One God (christian religion mostly) then you write it with capital G because this is His name. When you are talking about the ancient civilization (take roman or greek form example) the gods had names like Mars/Ares and refering to those, gods can be with lowarcase letter written.

Answer 5

God should be capitalized..not based on if he exists but because its a proper noun and a name...it is always capitalized in all text i see. and i think Zeus and Budda should be as well.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

Yes, always with a capital G.

Answer 8

I think that question should depend on your beliefs. I always spell God with a capital G. You will capitalize a state, the name of a cousin whom you hate, even the name of a restaurant, but you won't capitalize the name of the most high? The one who breathed life into your lungs...just my opinion.

Answer 9

If you're talking about God Himself, and using it as a name, then yes. If you're talking about a god like Zeus as a common noun, then no.

Answer 10

yes, and if you are Jewish with a dash instead of an o like this: G-d because Jews believe that G-d is a holy name and should therefore never be erased, buded, stepped on, thrown out... oh and btw it is Buddha no Budda