If you arent talking about the christian god. Would one capitalize god?

It's a noun, so yes. Christianity doesn't own the capitalized form of the word.

No. I capitalize god when debating religious people online just to be polite. The only reason people capitalize god is out of respect because it's a title (Like people capitalize "him" when refering to god). If you don't believe in it, no need for respect.

Doesn't it technically have to be capitalized because it's a name, though?

No. "Yahweh" and "Jehova" are names. "God" is just a generic English term for a deity. Like I said, Christians capitalize the generic noun "god" just like they capitalize the pronoun "him" when referring to Yahweh (they think it shows respect or some shit like that; there are even Christians that won't spell out "god" but say "G-d" instead because they consider the word "holy"). Same thing with "lord". Just because people say "Lord help me!" or something like that doesn't mean you have to always capitalize lord. People only do it when they have a specific deity (Yahweh or Allah for example) in mind. If you don't believe in it, don't worry about capitalization.

[This message has been edited by Elephantitis Man (edited 03-01-2007).]

Should a name be capitalized. .. yes

Technically, it should probably be capitalized when referring to the Christian god. Even if the word "god" can mean any deity, when Christians say something like "God created the world in 7 days." they're generally referring to "God" as a name of a deity as well.

edit: I feel stupid. I just realized the op said "aren't", not "are". Nevermind then. As long as the religion's deity in question isn't named "God", then you wouldn't have to capitalize it (in english) since in that sense it's just an informal noun.

[This message has been edited by cakezone (edited 03-01-2007).]

When referring to the god of Islam/Christianity/Judaism, it is grammatically acceptable to capitalize the word "God" or "He," however, there is no rule that states you have to.

You may choose not to, but for the sake of confusion it is generally practiced, even if you aren't religious.

The guys in Cunning Linguists (http://tinyurl.com/9vhwr) could probably give a more technical explanation if that's what you're looking for.

He serves God.

He serves his god.

The only reason I use God, is because I think it looks better that god. I'm strange I know...

For what it's worth, my god doesn't give a shit how you refer to him/her/it/them/whatever.

"Monty" is okay, as is "Charlie".

Oh, when I was thinking of a differant kind of capitalizing.

quote:Originally posted by Hare_Geist:

It's a noun, so yes. Christianity doesn't own the capitalized form of the word.



id just like to say that your an idiot! we christians capitalize God because that is his name!!! saying a god is not the same as God! when talking about Zeus you wouldnt say "that God is my favorite"! wow you people are idiots!

(dont get all hyped up and start argueing im just making fun of your response)





[This message has been edited by Masta Thief (edited 03-02-2007).]

aw man this is to great! your the same guy who makes fun of me for misspelling words! you no longer have the right to say anything about my writting!(hare_geist)

quote:Originally posted by Elephantitis Man:

No. "Yahweh" and "Jehova" are names. "God" is just a generic English term for a deity. Like I said, Christians capitalize the generic noun "god" just like they capitalize the pronoun "him" when referring to Yahweh (they think it shows respect or some shit like that; there are even Christians that won't spell out "god" but say "G-d" instead because they consider the word "holy"). Same thing with "lord". Just because people say "Lord help me!" or something like that doesn't mean you have to always capitalize lord. People only do it when they have a specific deity (Yahweh or Allah for example) in mind. If you don't believe in it, don't worry about capitalization.





hahahahahah! you guys must only have a 2 grade education or something!



[This message has been edited by Masta Thief (edited 03-02-2007).]

I would capitalize on gullible idiots without feeling bad. Besides, its impossible to make money in a non mutally beneficial manner unless you are a scam artist or something like that. You cant force someone to buy something, they do make the choice on their own. So you really shouldnt feel bad about making money ever.



edit:

O lol you ment capitalize like Godnot make money. My bad lol.

[This message has been edited by CBUM (edited 03-02-2007).]

My grade 12 English teacher took a mark off my essay because the word "god" wasn't capitalized.