Be a Better Writer--CAPITALIZING PRONOUNS FOR GOD

[KCilano]

I guess I'm an old rebel, but capitalizing the pronouns goes right along with the Hebrew, not completing the word G-d, out of reverence. Just because the secular world doesn't do it is not a good enough reason for me. The grammar rules have changed, but for the better? I don't agree. I do appreciate the information though, as surprised as I am that it is an actual rule. Some rules are made for change.
KCilano

[glorybee]

I guess I'm an old rebel, but capitalizing the pronouns goes right along with the Hebrew, not completing the word G-d, out of reverence. Just because the secular world doesn't do it is not a good enough reason for me. The grammar rules have changed, but for the better? I don't agree. I do appreciate the information though, as surprised as I am that it is an actual rule. Some rules are made for change.
KCilano

Well, it's not just the secular world. It's the majority of versions of the Bible, and the Christian Writers Manual of Style, too.

But as I said in the lesson, if you're more comfortable capitalizing, you should certainly do so. I just wanted people to be aware of contemporary thought on this, in case they submit something for a publication that does not capitalize. This way, no one will be caught off guard.

[oursilverstrands]

Um. I haven't.

Latecomer to this discussion and have nothing to add, but I laughed out loud at this one.

Lillian

[MommaClaire]

Better late than never?

Ok. "It is not a matter of respect" when it comes to the capitalization rules. I understand that. But shouldn't there be an EXCEPTION when it comes to God, Lord, Jesus, He, Him, etc? Seriously, I understand your point BUT in my heart, in my soul, EXCEPTION screams!

Going along with the basic rules hasn't helped Christianity at all and capitalizing is my personal stand. Maybe I'll forewarn an editor that I prefer to capitalize out of conscience but understand if they "correct" it for print because of grammatical rules.

I have to wonder if negative marks will be gained in a Weekly Challenge if we stick to our capitalized pronouns? I've used them so far.

I'm going to have to mull over this a good, long while. Sigh.

[glorybee]

Better late than never?

Ok. "It is not a matter of respect" when it comes to the capitalization rules. I understand that. But shouldn't there be an EXCEPTION when it comes to God, Lord, Jesus, He, Him, etc? Seriously, I understand your point BUT in my heart, in my soul, EXCEPTION screams!

Going along with the basic rules hasn't helped Christianity at all and capitalizing is my personal stand. Maybe I'll forewarn an editor that I prefer to capitalize out of conscience but understand if they "correct" it for print because of grammatical rules.

I have to wonder if negative marks will be gained in a Weekly Challenge if we stick to our capitalized pronouns? I've used them so far.

I'm going to have to mull over this a good, long while. Sigh.

The judges will NOT reward or penalize either choice that a writer might make--capitalizing or not capitalizing. Please rest your mind in that regard.

My primary purpose in writing this lesson was to familiarize writers with guidelines that some publishers might have, and not to cause a crisis of conscience. Continue doing what seems right to you, with the realization that some publishers may wish to use a different style that your preferred style.

[swfdoc1]

The judges will NOT reward or penalize either choice that a writer might make--capitalizing or not capitalizing. Please rest your mind in that regard.

My primary purpose in writing this lesson was to familiarize writers with guidelines that some publishers might have, and not to cause a crisis of conscience. Continue doing what seems right to you, with the realization that some publishers may wish to use a different style that your preferred style.

Jan,

Despite the fact that I am clearly on the other side of the capitalization issue from you, I am compelled to say: "GOOD ANSWER!"

[sarita2]

I know this discussion was held months ago, but I just noticed it and wanted to comment. Maybe the desire to capitalize the pronouns for God comes as a carry-over from the Hebrew? If I understand correctly, they were not allowed to say or write the full name of God, instead writing only the consonants. I think this was a sign of respect in fulfilling the commandment to "not take the Lord's name in vain." In other words, don't say it or write it lightly. I don't know if this really supports or undermines the campaign to capitalize pronouns of God's; it's just a thought.

[allpurposeguru]

Regarding when or when not to capitalize "scripture," I don't remember where I encountered this idea, but it works for me. It's Scripture when it's a synonym for the Bible. A portion of the Bible, a quotation, a specific reference, is a scripture.