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I have been reading a lot of past threads and am puzzled by the frequent use of the hyphen in the word G-d on this forum. I understand about not "taking the Name in vain" but I thought only orthodox Jews applied the rule in that way. Much as I relish the thought of you all being orthodox Jews posting here incognito, something tells me this is not the case. Why the hyphen, then?

Anne

Dear Anne,
I think in doing so most around here are paying tribute to Leonard who now uses the hyphen in order not to call in vain. Look for example at the "Dear Heather" booklet...

Tom

Yes, I for instance write G-d when I'm writing about Cohen or here because he writes so.
Tom

Ah that's you, Nouria

Same thing for me, Anne

In this case an entertainer trying to enact the meaning of his name "priest" has been handed the mantle of religious leader and his fans are followers in religious observance. It may seem bizarre or misguided to some but what else do they have? The Pope? Elvis ( name also translated "God Lives") also gave birth to a church and his gaudy impersonators are priests in the Church of Elvis. Compulsions and threats of Orthodox Judaism twisted human souls so badly they were in need of the psychoanalytic movement that followed it. It is hard to believe that a deity would feel insulted by having a name spelled out (though words are always inadequate) but religion and reason rarely go together.

Hi Ms. Anne Nouria ~

I wasn't aware that religions had monopolies or copyrights on inspiring ideas. If I come across something that I resonate with, I feel that simply being human allows me to observe it in my fashion. To not be able to somehow feels 'prejudicial' to me. I don't use it in Leonard's honour; but, rather, it was through Leonard that I became aware of that practice and its meaning/significance. I use it places other than here, and whilst speaking of things other than Leonard. For me, it's become an even more 'representative' way of speaking of the awesomeness that we know as "God," so for me it feels right to spell the 'name' "G~d."

~ Elizabeth

Ohter words that we cannot spell out out on some parts of the net, and in less enlightened times in books and printed matter are , for example, " f--k," . Does that mean we show double reverence for that word by using two hyphens?

Sometimes I write "G-d", especially when directly or indirectly quoting LC or someone else who uses this, sometimes I use the spelling "God". I don't have problems with using "f--c", or "f**k", or "f...", or to spell it out clearly, like Leonard Cohen did, for example, in TFG: "FUCK GOD!" (Breavman saying this, if I remember well.)

I wouldn't, however, start picking on people who use veils for some words as long as they're not trying to censor my spelling.

Cheers, and have f-n.

Tom

Maybe it is related to the same thing but I thought in the original Hebrew language vowels were not spelled out.

Baaaa.

p.

Just to clarify matters a bit: my question was very genuine. Like many newcomers (I think), I was struck by the number of people who use the hyphen and I wondered if there had been a general agreement to do so (in a thread I hadn't read) or if everyone had made an individual decision, and if so, why.

My question had as much to do with group dynamics as with the respect of the second commandement.

I'm very careful with that word myself.

Anne

partisan wrote:Baaaa.

p.

long time no see, p.

howdy

Tom

Anne.A.L wrote:Just to clarify matters a bit: my question was very genuine.

Dear Anne-who-once-was-Nouria ,

just to clarify matters a bit more: it wasn't one of your posts I had on my mind, when I wrote: "I wouldn't, however, start picking on people who use veils for some words...".



Cheers
Tom

If others here want to follow L C 's use of G-d, I really don't mind or care very much one way or another. I will continue to write God with a capital G.