collapse

* Recent Posts

Re: "Christ Is King" by SirPalomides
[Today at 08:57:21 am]


Re: "Christ Is King" by SunflowerP
[Yesterday at 11:06:51 pm]


Re: "Christ Is King" by SunflowerP
[Yesterday at 10:30:17 pm]


Re: "Christ Is King" by Darkhawk
[Yesterday at 08:31:19 pm]


Re: "Christ Is King" by Darkhawk
[Yesterday at 07:54:40 pm]

Author Topic: God/desses and Capitalization  (Read 6042 times)

GoldenSiren

  • Sr. Apprentice
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2012
  • Posts: 75
  • Total likes: 0
    • View Profile
God/desses and Capitalization
« on: June 30, 2012, 04:54:21 pm »
Hello there! :D:

So, as per usual I was searching around on the thread, and noticed that some people capitalize both the name(s) of their god/desses, and the third person pronouns tied into the sentences (e.g. I follow Odin. I love Him and all of His principles...). Personally, I don't do this, even for the Christian Yahweh. The god/desses I follow have never shown any preference for it. But I'm curious. Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?
Déjà Moo
/ˌdāZHä ˈmo͞o/
noun

The feeling that you\'ve already heard this bull before :lub:

Nachtigall

  • Master Member
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 287
  • Total likes: 0
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2012, 05:20:05 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Hello there! :D:

So, as per usual I was searching around on the thread, and noticed that some people capitalize both the name(s) of their god/desses, and the third person pronouns tied into the sentences (e.g. I follow Odin. I love Him and all of His principles...). Personally, I don't do this, even for the Christian Yahweh. The god/desses I follow have never shown any preference for it. But I'm curious. Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?

 
I do capitalize the pronouns most of the time (at least while writing about my religion, not while simply discussing the Gods as mythological characters). The deities I honor also have never shown any preference, it just seems like a natural thing for me to do.

Aster Breo

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2990
  • Country: 00
  • Total likes: 144
    • View Profile
God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2012, 05:41:39 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?

I capitalize the pronouns as a way of showing respect.
"The status is not quo."  ~ Dr. Horrible

Rhyshadow

  • Sr. Master Member
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 717
  • Total likes: 0
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2012, 05:47:35 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?

 
Quote from: Aster Breo;62287
I capitalize the pronouns as a way of showing respect.

 
I usually do it, just as Aster says - it's a way of showing respect, in that 'They' are different and above the normal 'they'

callmechaos

  • Sr. Newbie
  • **
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 0
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2012, 05:54:07 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?

 
I really have a strong dislike of the Christian religion, and the more i watch documentaries about it, and read up on it, and watch things like the god debate, i lose more respect for it. So, in order to piss Christians off, I like to type god lowercase. However, I don't treat my gods the same. Names usually are uppercase, pronouns lowercase.
-CallMeChaos-

Starglade

  • Master Member
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 404
  • Total likes: 1
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2012, 06:39:24 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280


 
IMO, the capitalization of pronouns associated with deity comes mostly from our cultural familiarity with that way of doing things via the KJV translation of the Bible. (Yes, I capitalize the B. It's respectful, just as with the Koran/Quran.) It may well predate that. I'm not a scholar in any field that would lend credence to my opinion--it's just that, my opinion, based on what I've seen and experienced.

With that said: I follow what I find to be the norm in the culture I'm dealing with. Tibetan deities (those that have been absorbed into Tibetan Buddhism--Buddhism itself is entirely nontheistic, and a philosophy rather than a religion) are written with initial capitals, but pronouns are lowercased in the materials I've found, so that's what I do. The Indian and Chinese deities' names are also written with initial capitals (Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara, Kwan Yin). When I have reason to write about YHVH (or however I'm referring to Him at the time), I do what I did, just then; I capitalize the third-person pronouns, because that's how it's traditionally done in Biblical translations I've dealt with.

When in Rome, in other words.
"The Eightfold Path is sometimes called the pathless path. Each step brings a growing awareness that enlightenment is in the here and now--in the world and in our relationships as we read these words . . . now." -- Jonathan White
http://grammargeddon.com

RandallS

  • Site Admin
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Location: NE Ohio
  • Posts: 10311
  • Country: us
  • Total likes: 296
    • View Profile
  • Religion: Hellenic Pagan
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2012, 07:16:58 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
But I'm curious. Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?

I generally do capitalize pronouns referring to deities, simply because I consider them every bit as important and as real as the JCI God. As pronouns referring to the JCI God are capitalized in standard English, I feel they should either be for all gods or no gods -- so I capitalize them for all.
Randall
RetroRoleplaying [Blog]: Microlite74/75/78/81, BX Advanced, and Other Old School Tabletop RPGs
Microlite20: Lots of Rules Lite Tabletop RPGs -- Many Free

Elani Temperance

  • Master Member
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2012
  • Posts: 446
  • Total likes: 0
    • View Profile
    • http://www.littlewitchmagazine.com
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2012, 07:55:35 am »
Quote from: Aster Breo;62287
I capitalize the pronouns as a way of showing respect.

 
This. I have always used capitals to address Them. It's a sign of respect for me and a way to set Them apart from mortals.
Where I ramble on: Baring the Aegis
Where I try to be coherent: Little Witch magazine
My PaganSquare blog as hosted by Witches & Pagans
Hellenic Polytheistic charity circle Pandora\'s Kharis.

MoonCrone

  • Sr. Apprentice
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2012
  • Posts: 93
  • Total likes: 0
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2012, 10:27:03 am »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Hello there! :D:

So, as per usual I was searching around on the thread, and noticed that some people capitalize both the name(s) of their god/desses, and the third person pronouns tied into the sentences (e.g. I follow Odin. I love Him and all of His principles...). Personally, I don't do this, even for the Christian Yahweh. The god/desses I follow have never shown any preference for it. But I'm curious. Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?


I do..  it's polite, and shows respect.  :)  
But it's not expected of me... I don't think...  it just sort-of comes "naturally".  
Well, I think it does, perhaps it's not, I dunno!  You got me thinking now...! :confused:
It\'s all about the Ebb and Flow...

Morag

  • Senior Staff
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Location: witch's hut down the lane
  • *
  • Posts: 2735
  • Country: ca
  • Total likes: 356
  • cranky witch mom
    • View Profile
    • Priestess of the 3
  • Religion: Priestess of the 3
  • Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2012, 11:18:25 am »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Hello there! :D:

So, as per usual I was searching around on the thread, and noticed that some people capitalize both the name(s) of their god/desses, and the third person pronouns tied into the sentences (e.g. I follow Odin. I love Him and all of His principles...). Personally, I don't do this, even for the Christian Yahweh. The god/desses I follow have never shown any preference for it. But I'm curious. Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?

 
I capitalize Their pronouns. It shows respect, and it shows that They are different from -- and greater than -- mortals.

And I'm not going to lie -- it drives me nuts when other people consistently don't capitalize pronouns for the gods. I wouldn't presume to tell others what to do, but I silently grind my teeth every time I see a lowercase pronoun for a god or goddess. (Don't even get me started on not bothering to do initial capitals on Their names.)
Pray drunk. Hex sober.
Priestess of the 3
"The most powerful god at any given moment is the one who can solve the moment's problem."
-Darkhawk

Lokabrenna

  • Sr. Master Member
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 829
  • Total likes: 2
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2012, 05:25:44 pm »
Quote from: MoonCrone;62354
I do..  it's polite, and shows respect.  :)  
But it's not expected of me... I don't think...  it just sort-of comes "naturally".  
Well, I think it does, perhaps it's not, I dunno!  You got me thinking now...! :confused:


Sometimes I do it and other times I don't, it puts me in mind of my Catholic upbringing, and sometimes I feel that by doing it, I'm replicating the same "pattern" when I've spent so much time trying to get away from it.

SkySamuelle

  • Sr. Master Member
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 717
  • Total likes: 2
    • View Profile
    • http://seastruckbythecrossroads.wordpress.com/
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2012, 05:58:41 pm »
Quote from: Rhyshadow;62288
I usually do it, just as Aster says - it's a way of showing respect, in that 'They' are different and above the normal 'they'

 
Seconding this. When I write in a hurry, I might let the capitalization go  but as a general rule, it feels right to differentiate. I can enjoy a more 'familiar' connection with a few deities but that doesn't mean They are not Other. We are not equals and it doesn't feel demeaning to admit that - I am a divine spark, but They are the fire to that spark and I honor Them because of that. At the same time... it doesn't feel right with the Christian Father god (even I just made an exception:p).

I rationally believe that Randall is right but then... call it pettiness, call it keeping score, or something else but it's like by using capital letters with that I would be pledging an alliance I don't feel. I do recognize it's probably silly, yet...:ashamed:
“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.” ― Neil Gaiman *
Currently blogging at: http://seastruckbythecrossroads.wordpress.com/
Icon by jewelotus

Annie Roonie

  • Sr. Master Member
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 915
  • Total likes: 1
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #12 on: July 01, 2012, 06:12:47 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Hello there! :D:
 Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?


Sometimes. Some of my Catholic past comes up with it and some nuns were not shy about stating their opinions of why other Gods do not deserve capitals which I found rather off putting. And I've worked with grammar and usage vipers who let themselves be offended by these kinds of details.  Part of me loves that people care about these things, but I have also seen people diminish others for not holding these usage guidelines to the same degree of importance (a lower case G could earn a kid a smack back in the day).

I try and will continue to be mindful (I know I slip up) when replying to a post, to use the example set by the OP. But is is more out of respect for the OP than the Gods. When I do slip up, it is never meant to be offensive.

monsnoleedra

  • Sr. Master Member
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Banned!
  • Posts: 957
  • Total likes: 2
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #13 on: July 01, 2012, 06:20:49 pm »
Quote from: GoldenSiren;62280
Hello there! :D:

So, as per usual I was searching around on the thread, and noticed that some people capitalize both the name(s) of their god/desses, and the third person pronouns tied into the sentences (e.g. I follow Odin. I love Him and all of His principles...). Personally, I don't do this, even for the Christian Yahweh. The god/desses I follow have never shown any preference for it. But I'm curious. Do you do this? If so, what is you're reasoning behind it? If not, why don't you?


Been thinking about this one a few days now.

If it is a proper name, regardless of how I may feel about the god / goddess in question, then I tend to capitalize it.  Thus I'd capitalize the Christian God just as quickly as i'd capitalize Hecate / Hekate.

Pronouns differ a bit for me though.  If I use the pronoun in a paragraph where I have already identified the god / goddess then I usually capitalize it.  Yet if it is generically pointed to an unidentifed group then I tend not to capitalize it, unless I want to make it stand out as an identified yet unknown persona.

I also find I tend to capitalize unknownable concepts such as Spirit, Gitchie Manitou, Great Spirit, etc that are more than gods / goddesses to the cultures that use them.  Yet they can also serve in the place of gods / goddesses outside of those culture's.  For instance if I am referring to Spirit as a devine force and body I capitalize it.  Yet if it is spirit as in some facet of the soul then I tend not to capitalize such.
 
I can't say any of the gods / goddesses I follow and am sworn to have said to capitalize their names or pronouns that pertain to them in writing.  Yet education wise it influences me heavily.  Thus gods / goddesses in thier historical or spiritual facet I'll capitalize yet if I am speaking of them in a mythological facet I may or may not depending upon the focus I intend to take with the item being written.

About the only exception to this is if I get in a hurry and get messy in my grammar.  Saddly that mainly happens on message boards because I tend to get lazy in grammar and type with entering before I look it over closely.  Spelling wise now that is something different that has gotten worse over the years, especially after hitting my head.

GoldenSiren

  • Sr. Apprentice
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2012
  • Posts: 75
  • Total likes: 0
    • View Profile
Re: God/desses and Capitalization
« Reply #14 on: July 02, 2012, 03:19:17 am »
Quote from: Morag;62360
I capitalize Their pronouns. It shows respect, and it shows that They are different from -- and greater than -- mortals.

And I'm not going to lie -- it drives me nuts when other people consistently don't capitalize pronouns for the gods. I wouldn't presume to tell others what to do, but I silently grind my teeth every time I see a lowercase pronoun for a god or goddess. (Don't even get me started on not bothering to do initial capitals on Their names.)

--drily-- I apologize for being one of those people that will inevitably make you grind your teeth :ange: I'll share my reasons why I don't do it. It's mostly two big ones. The first one is that it just became a habit when I stopped following the Christian God (I do though, as you can see, capitalize names/titles). Minor rebellion if you will, though I have long gotten over that pettiness. But it was the beginning.

The other reason, and also the biggest one (and I don't know if it's like this for any other people) is that capital letters are like a neon sign to me. Maybe that was one of the reasons people (way back when) began to capitalize a god/dess's pronouns like that? :confused: Anyways, to me a capitalized word or two (such as names, places etc.) in a paragraph is fine, and it shows the proper emphasis. However the problem with pronouns is that when they show up, there are usually quite a few of them. So when I read or write something that has that many capital letters in one paragraph, that little flag that goes off in my head each time, and then what the person is trying to say, or even what I am trying to write, becomes really jerky when I'm reading it in my mind (It sort of ends up being like: I really like PAUSE to talk about STOP random things PAUSE to people STOP I don't know :p). I can't count the number of times I've had to reread a passage because I lost my train of thought noticing all the little capitalized words. I really think it has something to do with the ADD I swear I have >.>
 
So really, I don't do it myself for purely selfish reasons. It's not that I don't respect the god/desses, I really do. It personally just short-circuits my brain :p

Is it like this for anyone else? I kinda feel like a weirdo now... :o
« Last Edit: July 02, 2012, 03:21:09 am by GoldenSiren »
Déjà Moo
/ˌdāZHä ˈmo͞o/
noun

The feeling that you\'ve already heard this bull before :lub:

Tags:
 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
5 Replies
2506 Views
Last post August 22, 2011, 05:05:54 pm
by addy
22 Replies
4693 Views
Last post December 12, 2013, 12:56:13 am
by Enid
33 Replies
6948 Views
Last post December 01, 2012, 08:25:57 pm
by Hrútsvinr
20 Replies
3412 Views
Last post May 09, 2013, 12:47:22 pm
by Phouka
18 Replies
3879 Views
Last post January 01, 2017, 04:37:58 am
by Immortal

* Who's Online

  • Dot Guests: 249
  • Dot Hidden: 0
  • Dot Users: 2
  • Dot Users Online:

* Please Donate!

The Cauldron's server is expensive and requires monthly payments. Please become a Bronze, Silver or Gold Donor if you can. Donations are needed every month. Without member support, we can't afford the server.

* Shop & Support TC

The links below are affiliate links. When you click on one of these links you will go to the listed shopping site with The Cauldron's affiliate code. Any purchases you make during your visit will earn TC a tiny percentage of your purchase price at no extra cost to you.

* In Memoriam

Chavi (2006)
Elspeth (2010)
Marilyn (2013)

* Cauldron Staff

Host:
Sunflower

Message Board Staff
Board Coordinator:
Darkhawk

Assistant Board Coordinator:
Aster Breo

Senior Staff:
Aisling, Allaya, Jenett, Sefiru

Staff:
Ashmire, EclecticWheel, HarpingHawke, Kylara, PerditaPickle, rocquelaire

Discord Chat Staff
Chat Coordinator:
Morag

'Up All Night' Coordinator:
Altair

Cauldron Council:
Bob, Catja, Chatelaine, Emma-Eldritch, Fausta, Jubes, Kelly, LyricFox, Phouka, Sperran, Star, Steve, Tana

Site Administrator:
Randall

SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal