Hatrack River Writers Workshop   
my profile login | search | faq | forum home

  next oldest topic   next newest topic
» Hatrack River Writers Workshop » Forums » Open Discussions About Writing » ?

   
Author Topic: ?
C@R3Y
Member
Member # 9669

 - posted      Profile for C@R3Y   Email C@R3Y         Edit/Delete Post 
When you mention "God" in a story, I already know his name is capitalized. What I'm foggy about is what if you are saying "the god"? Is it supposed to be "the god" or "the God". I know it's a pretty small question, but I don't remember for sure which way is correct.
Posts: 193 | Registered: Oct 2011  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Robert Nowall
Member
Member # 2764

 - posted      Profile for Robert Nowall   Email Robert Nowall         Edit/Delete Post 
It's not really "the God" in English, near as I can tell...if it were "the Lord," it would be okay. But I suppose if you're referring to a god other than God, it would be okay to small-g spell it...

Others will have thoughts on it, maybe more accurate than mine...

Posts: 8809 | Registered: Aug 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
extrinsic
Member
Member # 8019

 - posted      Profile for extrinsic   Email extrinsic         Edit/Delete Post 
Depends on the context. A proper noun is traditionally capped. Since the downstyle capitalization principle came into fashion circa mid 18th century, a common noun is lower case. Tenuous? When in doubt, leave it out is a useful principle. However, for reading ease, when in doubt, shout it out.
Posts: 6037 | Registered: Jun 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
History
Member
Member # 9213

 - posted      Profile for History   Email History         Edit/Delete Post 
I concur that the capatilized form is the equivalent of a proper name. Thus, using "the Bob" or "the Jeff" or "the Ellen" would be nonsensical.

"The Lord" is a designation of rank. Much as Captain Smith or Colonel Jones. In Scripture you thus find "The Lord G-d"* and where "The Lord" is used alone, the proper name of the Almighty is inferred in context.

The use of "the god" would be to indicate differentiation between those who believe in multiple different gods--i.e. "the god Zeus" or "the goddess Astarte", etc.

The exception occurs in Scripture between those who believe in the One G-d and those who do not,again in differentiation between Israel and the Nations (not Israel)--e.g. "the G-d of Israel".

Respectfully,
Dr. Bob

P.S. Following traditional Orthodox Jewish practice of respect for the Holy Name, I write "G-d" without the "o" in ephemeral email, letters, and Forum posts. In my story submissions, however, I spell the Name completely because most do not understand the Orthodox convention.

Posts: 1475 | Registered: Aug 2010  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Merlion-Emrys
Member
Member # 7912

 - posted      Profile for Merlion-Emrys   Email Merlion-Emrys         Edit/Delete Post 
How about you give us the sentence in question? What god is being referred to as "the" and in what context, both conceptual and grammatical? There are a LOT of variables when it comes to that.
Posts: 2626 | Registered: Apr 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Smaug
Member
Member # 2807

 - posted      Profile for Smaug   Email Smaug         Edit/Delete Post 
I'm thinking that if you used something like "the God of Fire" it would be a title, and therefore capitalized. But, it you were using something like "the god they worshipped" it wouldn't be.
Posts: 440 | Registered: Aug 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
enigmaticuser
Member
Member # 9398

 - posted      Profile for enigmaticuser   Email enigmaticuser         Edit/Delete Post 
There is also the stylistic freedom that says you can do either. Depending on a pov a diety might be The or just A. In most circumcstances The is really euphamistic for "the real one" or "the highest rank one." In my experience.

So then the a, the, or The becomes a matter of pov. Does the character see this diety as a local character, or the overlord as it were, or does he perhaps not even believe he exists but acknowledges the custom of the place.

Posts: 336 | Registered: Jan 2011  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
MartinV
Member
Member # 5512

 - posted      Profile for MartinV   Email MartinV         Edit/Delete Post 
English uses capitol letters much more often than my first language. I've grown accustomed that as soon as I wish to make something important, I use capitol letters. We'll see if that's a healthy thing to do, I guess.
Posts: 1271 | Registered: May 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

   Close Topic   Feature Topic   Move Topic   Delete Topic next oldest topic   next newest topic
 - Printer-friendly view of this topic
Hop To:


Contact Us | Hatrack River Home Page

Copyright © 2008 Hatrack River Enterprises Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classic™ 6.7.2