Is a capital H for Him really necessary when talking about God?

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Sharp

Sharp

Senior Member
#1
May 5, 2009
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#1
Or is it just a crazy Christian superstition?

Its fair enough to insist on a capital G for God or a capital J for Jesus, as these are names.

But a capital H for Him in the middle of a sentence...is it really necessary, and does it say anywhere in the bible that we should do this?

My bible doesn't use capital H's in the middle of a sentence.
 
L

Liesbeth

Guest
#2
#2
I would think that the use of capitals depends on the language and on readability. Capital: it is easy to see who is meant by Him. So there is no confusion. Jesus is a name, and in English we use a capital there. God is not really a name (and neither is father or spirit). I don't know enough about English to address this subject.
The use of capitals in Lord and LORD signifies the difference between Lord and the name YHWH (if your bible has that distinction).
 
phil36

phil36

Senior Member
#3
Feb 12, 2009
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Liesbeth is right, it signifies exactly who the 'him' is. we don't have to do it, but in some cases it clarifies, and some people do it out of respect, but you don't have to do it if you don't want to.

I do it, more for clarity of who the 'Him' is, and also for respect.

Phil
 
L

Liesbeth

Guest
#4
#4
To address the respect issue: you English speaking people are blessed with a language in which there is only one You. In many languages (like mine) there are different forms - one more formal one, showing respect and a more informal one. However, the formal one also shows distance. What to use for God? I always addressed Him formally - this is also the way it is done in the Bible and most people use that form. But I wonder: what would be the result of using the informal, familiar, we-are-friends way.
I guess I need to find out myself :)
 
phil36

phil36

Senior Member
#5
Feb 12, 2009
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#5
I think the best way is to look at Isaiahs reaction when faced with an almighty Sovereign God.. a Humble reverance.


Phil
 
D

Dread_Zeppelin

Guest
#6
#6
I do it because I love Jesus and I feel like it's a way I can show respect for Him. I was also taught by my parents that this was the correct way to write His name. In a day and age that puts no importance in correct english corrospondence I really dont see the harm.

Mayb I shud start talken lyke dis? :)
 
QuestionTime

QuestionTime

Senior Member
#7
Feb 16, 2010
1,435
20
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#7
Sharp said:
Or is it just a crazy Christian superstition?

Its fair enough to insist on a capital G for God or a capital J for Jesus, as these are names.

But a capital H for Him in the middle of a sentence...is it really necessary, and does it say anywhere in the bible that we should do this?

My bible doesn't use capital H's in the middle of a sentence.
Click to expand...

LOL, I do that all the time.

I suppose I don't need to do it, but why not? Isn't God worth it?

Quest
 
phil36

phil36

Senior Member
#8
Feb 12, 2009
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#8
Dread_Zeppelin said:
I do it because I love Jesus and I feel like it's a way I can show respect for Him. I was also taught by my parents that this was the correct way to write His name. In a day and age that puts no importance in correct english corrospondence I really dont see the harm.

Mayb I shud start talken lyke dis? :)
Click to expand...

Yeah well, I agree with you dread. Mind you my grammer is rubbish. It is a respect thing, also there is noo mistaking that it is A Sovereign Holy God we are talking about.

Phil
 
S

Slepsog4

Guest
#9
#9
The capitalizing of him to Him helps in two ways.

1. it reduces confusion about who is meant with the use of that pronoun
2. it is an elevated distinction of deity over mere humanity

I think it is a nice touch.

I have an earthly father who I call Dad. But God is my heavenly Father.
 
S

Shwagga

Guest
#10
#10
Sharp said:
Or is it just a crazy Christian superstition?

Its fair enough to insist on a capital G for God or a capital J for Jesus, as these are names.

But a capital H for Him in the middle of a sentence...is it really necessary, and does it say anywhere in the bible that we should do this?

My bible doesn't use capital H's in the middle of a sentence.
Click to expand...
It's probably the same reason some Jewish people type G-d instead of God. Just out of respect I guess, like Phil said.
 
L

lighthousejohn

Guest
#11
#11
Sharp said:
Or is it just a crazy Christian superstition?

Its fair enough to insist on a capital G for God or a capital J for Jesus, as these are names.

But a capital H for Him in the middle of a sentence...is it really necessary, and does it say anywhere in the bible that we should do this?

My bible doesn't use capital H's in the middle of a sentence.
Click to expand...
I do it out of respectful distinction between God and man. It helps me to distinguish when reading and editing my own writings. No superstition involved. I don't believe God is going to strike me dead if I do or don't. He is not that petty.

In Christ,
John
 
D

Dread_Zeppelin

Guest
#12
#12
lighthousejohn said:
I do it out of respectful distinction between God and man. It helps me to distinguish when reading and editing my own writings. No superstition involved. I don't believe God is going to strike me dead if I do or don't. He is not that petty.

In Christ,
John
Click to expand...

Your comment made me laugh. It is funny how some people think that little things make God furious. It reminded me of an old debate.
 
1

1still_waters

Guest
#13
#13
phil36 said:
I think the best way is to look at Isaiahs reaction when faced with an almighty Sovereign God.. a Humble reverance.


Phil
Click to expand...
Mixed with the Jesus who washed feet, the father who embraced his prodigal son.
 
M

machew

Guest
#14
#14
Capitalizing the H also makes it easier to distinguish which "him" you are referring to in a sentence when it is not completely clear. For example:

Through Him, his family was brought to the Lord.

Without the capital H, the sentence could be confusing, but it clarifies who Him and his is in this sentence.
 
phil36

phil36

Senior Member
#15
Feb 12, 2009
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#15
1still_waters said:
Mixed with the Jesus who washed feet, the father who embraced his prodigal son.
Click to expand...
Jesus was the true humble servant. Something we all should imitate.

Phil
 
C

calvina

Guest
#16
#16
Sharp said:
Or is it just a crazy Christian superstition?

Its fair enough to insist on a capital G for God or a capital J for Jesus, as these are names.

But a capital H for Him in the middle of a sentence...is it really necessary, and does it say anywhere in the bible that we should do this?

My bible doesn't use capital H's in the middle of a sentence.
Click to expand...
its not stated in the BIBLE but out of reverence to our Creator i use capital H and G to distinguish GOD and gods.a lot of gods but we have only one and true GOD
 
VW

VW

Banned
#17
Dec 22, 2009
4,579
9
0
#17
Sharp said:
Or is it just a crazy Christian superstition?

Its fair enough to insist on a capital G for God or a capital J for Jesus, as these are names.

But a capital H for Him in the middle of a sentence...is it really necessary, and does it say anywhere in the bible that we should do this?

My bible doesn't use capital H's in the middle of a sentence.
Click to expand...
I use the cap H to denote the Father or if addressing Jesus, and even when addressing the Spirit. It sets Him apart from the rest of the creation in my mind. I could not use caps for a while, due to an injury to my hand. I do not find it any trouble to us caps when signifying God. I hope that it does not offend you that I do. He just holds a very special place in my heart and mind, even the only place.

Is it a requirement? No.
 
KayCee

KayCee

Banned
#18
Aug 16, 2009
129
2
0
#18
Dread_Zeppelin said:
I do it because I love Jesus and I feel like it's a way I can show respect for Him. I was also taught by my parents that this was the correct way to write His name. In a day and age that puts no importance in correct english corrospondence I really dont see the harm.
:)
Click to expand...
Hi Dread_Zeppelin,

My hat's off to you! I'm in full accord with all your points. The "H" cap should be applied in all cases for the reasons that you've put forth: out of respect and also because, just as your parents taught you, it's the correct way to write His Name. Period. With respect to the the issue that you raise concerning "correct English correspondence", I direct you and our CC members to: Addressing Clergy

The above directive states that the pope is to be referred to as "His Holiness" or "Most Holy Father" (what a joke, huh?) and his pedophile cover-up hierarchical entourage as "His Eminence" (Cardinal) and "His Excellency" (Bishop). Note that the titles addressing these sexual misfits and their associated ilk are all in Initial Caps. These woman-hating clowns don't even deserve lower-case letter honorifics, let alone a capital"H".

A respectful tip of the KayCee fedora when in the presence of these "representatives of Christ on earth"? Guess again.

KayCee
 
phil36

phil36

Senior Member
#19
Feb 12, 2009
8,260
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#19
KayCee said:
Hi Dread_Zeppelin,

My hat's off to you! I'm in full accord with all your points. The "H" cap should be applied in all cases for the reasons that you've put forth: out of respect and also because, just as your parents taught you, it's the correct way to write His Name. Period. With respect to the the issue that you raise concerning "correct English correspondence", I direct you and our CC members to: Addressing Clergy

The above directive states that the pope is to be referred to as "His Holiness" or "Most Holy Father" (what a joke, huh?) and his pedophile cover-up hierarchical entourage as "His Eminence" (Cardinal) and "His Excellency" (Bishop). Note that the titles addressing these sexual misfits and their associated ilk are all in Initial Caps. These woman-hating clowns don't even deserve lower-case letter honorifics, let alone a capital"H".

A respectful tip of the KayCee fedora when in the presence of these "representatives of Christ on earth"? Guess again.

KayCee
Click to expand...
I took a visit to the site you provided. Man, they guys take the biscuit in demanding honour among men.

Phil... from now on I shall be Phil with a 'Capital 'P' '. :)
 
Sharp

Sharp

Senior Member
#20
May 5, 2009
2,565
20
38
#20
If its out of respect to God, then why don't we use a capital S every time we say God Said something, for example.

We criticise the messianic jews for typing G-d, but I think we're just as superstitious. Maybe I'm wrong.
 
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