Does using titles, rather than names, reduce the transparency of the Christian delusion?

Question

For example, virtually every passage in English-language Bibles that contain the words “the LORD” was originally just “YHWH” – God’s name (over 6700 instances in all).

Would saying ‘YHWH sent his only begotten son, Jesus of Nazareth, born of Mary of Nazareth, Sister-in-law of Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah…’ come off as more readily ridiculous than ‘God sent his only begotten son, Jesus (The) Christ, born of The Virgin Mary…’?

Certainly, referring to your boss as ‘The Boss’ is much more authoritative and less open to questioning than calling your boss ‘Bill’. But at the same time, referring to your wife as ‘Julia’ instead of ‘my wife’ creates the appearance of being in a much more intimate and personal relationship.

So are titles used in place of names to create a façade of authority and titularity?
If someone refers to worshipping Zeus, Allah, or any other ‘named’ god, does it more readily conjure images of delusion?

booellis - I know polysyllabic words are frightening for someone of your stature, but next time? Try doing what you're supposed to and turn the other cheek.

Answer 1

Interesting question, one I've never really thought about. I am annoyed with the constant use of 'the LORD' that you see in some English Bibles and in the answers of quite a few Christians here on YA. I don't see why it must be in all caps when capitalizing just the L would do..

I would think referring to God as 'the Lord' is simply a term of respect, as you might say, "Mr. Graves said to me..." instead of 'Pete said to me...' when referring to your boss.

You are probably right in thinking that use of the title is meant to convey a sense of authority. Consider that the King James version of the Bible was written in the early 17th century, when the writing style was far more formal and florid than it is now.

Answer 2

I guess I can see your point. God does sound more authoritative than YHWH. Using a personal name does seem more intimate, like a friend or family member, while the title seems to get more respect IMO.

My faith, however, requires me to say out loud that no matter what I call Him, he is still God and I have faith in Him. =)

Answer 3

Perhaps it does.... perhaps it doesn't.
Then again, perhaps it doesn't matter if centuries of lawful enforcement of the book have left their stain upon the populace.

If could just as well refer to god as "purple jelly cube" and people would still believe it fervantly.


Besides... what is even funnier is the people that believe the English translation of the Bible is the unquestionable, flawless word of God ..... and yet don't understand that translation between languages is incapable of perfection, due to the deviations in the language being uncorrelated... and thus different words technically having different precise meanings in context to which no precise comparison exists.

Answer 4

You need to get the Big Picture. It is not about labels. It is about transferring the proper idea from one language to the next. Hebrew to Greeks- Greeks to Latin- Latin to German- and all of the above to English.

Answer 5

I agree.

Every now and then it is fun to call Jesus, Joseph and Mary's son in a question, just to get the "He was the SON of GOD replies.

Answer 6

Jesus is many things, He is all that you said there plus the Creator of the Universe and our King.

Answer 7

such big words coming from such a little man. Words are words and faith is faith. God knows your true intent and that is what's most important. You may want to remember that.

Answer 8

they are all equally delusional, praise be to poseidon