Why is it a Tradition to write "G-d" as opposed to "God" ?

Question

While I understand that it is a Jewish tradition in regards to the 3rd commandment, and that the word is neither spoken or written by them. It still does not make sense to me, in the sense that the word "God" is still only a -physical- manmade term.

I don't believe that "God" is the true "name" of God, as names are still only -physical- manmade terms as well. To me, words (names) have been created merely to initiate a rough form of communication amongst us (the physical being).

While the commandment states, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain..." Many scriptures also indicate that our very thoughts are known by God at all times.

Thus, I believe that the -Being- which the name "God" describes deserves the utmost respect, but I am hard-pressed to believe that speaking or writing the term "God" -- w/o any ill-will towards the All-Mighty "I Am" -- is taking His name in vain.

For, in my opinion, it is only a conscious thought that creates the ill-will in us.

Any thoughts on this?

Answer 1

Thank you for sharing your opinion about someone else's tradition. I am still curious why you care so much about it. Does this tradition oppress you somehow? Have Jews pestered you to stop throwing "the name" around so much? Do you get confused when people write "G-d"?

I have traditions of my own that I don't expect other people to follow, nor do I intend to follow traditions with which I am not familiar, except perhaps temporarily, out of respect or curiosity. Traditions are a way of visibly signifying and reinforcing a belief and shouldn't need defending unless they actually harm people. In this case, Orthodox Jews choose not to pronounce the sacred name out of respect for the transcendence of their deity and also choose to visually remind themselves of that choice. It imposes no obligation on you.

Our Euro-American culture developed in a strictly monotheistic world. Consequently we have no distinct name for the deity. The observant Jews chose to continue their visual tradition rather than take the shortcut provided by a change of language. It is a way of being devout, taking an extra step to show respect. Why would you begrudge them that?

You are free to use any spelling, pronunciation or even name you like (as long as people can understand what you're talking about). So what's the problem? Are you feeling guilty for hijacking their god and scriptures and afraid they won't approve of your interpretation? (Too late for that.) Live and let live.

Answer 2

Well, that is a very good question. The truth is, you are right, that the word G-d isn't actually G-ds real name, His real name, (there are many holy names, depending on the certain attribute which is being "strongest",) and G-ds real "names" religious Jews don't even utter during prayer, they are of extreme holiness and this is part of what Kabballah is. So during prayer we use the name G-d which is also holy, and it remains holy in any language , ie: not just hebrew. So for us english speakers, it has the same holiness, and therefore we cannot write it fully, also we don't say "oh my G-d", rather we could or would use the term "oh my gosh"
In hebrew even the word G-d (which as I have tried explaining isn't G-ds actual name) has special things involved with the actual lettering of the word, which in English doesn't exist, but since not all Jews that want to be religious, (and pray in English) know Hebrew, the word G-d has the same amount of respect as the hebrew translation.
This is a bit hard to convey without giving examples and explaining more, but I have tried my best.
Try looking up more info if you want on the net, basic Kabballah will give you a better idea of what I mean.
All the best.

Answer 3

The quotation fro the Bible refers to a 'Name' of God. 'God' is a word, not a Name supported by the scriptures written in languages and dialects close to the era of mylord Jesus Christ. In Arabic Bible, the Name Allah is mentioned in the very first line, then for thousands of time in subsequent pages. The word: God is familiar to English knowing people only. The insistence on this name-word GOD alerts the readers in Arabic, Hebrew, Syriac, Aramaic... By the way, the other Glorious Names in those languages are: Allah, Elahi/Elohim, Rabb. Whereas in the Holy Quran there about 99 Names beside Allah . This is a very good question. We ought to recite that Name which the Christ did. Names can never be translated; the pronunciation may differ.

Answer 4

This is just another example of how religion, philosophy and human thought evolves over long periods of time. What may have seemed wrong a few thousand years ago may seem silly now. Beliefs that existed a few thousand years ago may seem silly now. However, tradition often holds, regadless of the application of reason. This is getting psychological but I do believe that this has something to do with man's fear of the unknown and tendency to utilize caution over reason.

Answer 5

It's just the way inwhich Jewish people show their reverence for the Almighty.

Answer 6

Josiah, i'm neither a "fundie" nor a Catholic, yet as a Lutheran, i will answer a minimum of a few of your questions: our church (Missouri Synod) does partake of communion a week, inspite of the incontrovertible fact that, some Lutheran church homes do no longer; we don't have "altar calls" (it extremely is for evangelical church homes, i think of); I have not have been given any concept what "being slain interior the spirit" is--lower back, it might desire to be a fundamentalist concept; interior the e book of Acts, early Christians worshipped on the 1st day of the week (Sunday) as unfavorable to the Jewish custom of Sabbath (Saturday); the instructions for commencing any church ought to come from Christ by examples interior the Scriptures, no longer any human (bishop or in any different case); and we do have faith in water baptism. As for a "schizmatic"--schizm ability to divide, so i assume you're touching on someone who motives a branch interior a non secular physique.

Answer 7

Don't know, but think it is along the lines of the Jews calling 'YHWH' the Name, or Hashem out of fear and respect.

Answer 8

It's like when you're talking about President B--h.

Answer 9

They don't want to "offend" anyone...

sigh.

Answer 10

atheists just forget they have an "o" key