Why Christians and Jews Use a Hyphen in G-d: A Respectful Practice Across Faiths
Years ago, I was enlightened about a practice that spans both Jewish and Christian faiths. It involves using a hyphen in place of the letter 'o' when writing 'G-d'. My friend's father, a Jewish man, explained the reason behind this practice, and it resonated with me so much that I began integrating it into my own faith observances.
Understanding the Practice
The practice of using a hyphen in 'G-d' stems from a verse in the Bible that instructs followers to destroy everything associated with false gods. The reasoning is that if a person were to write 'G-d' as 'God', there might be a temptation to misinterpret or disrespect the true meaning. By writing the name as 'G-d', believers aim to prevent any unintentional sacrilege, including the act of erasing or disregarding the holiness of the name.
Backstory and Initial Skepticism
One memorable instance occurred when I witnessed this practice firsthand. My friend explained that in that particular Bible verse, Deuteronomy 12:3-4, the text instructs followers to remove all things connected to false deities. They reasoned that if 'G-d' were written as 'God', it might be taken too casually, leading to its erasure or misinterpretation. This was a deeply factual and respectful act, born from a place of reverence for the divine name.
As a Christian, I adopted this practice out of the same sense of respect. Naturally, I followed suit, not intending to challenge or contradict, but to express my reverence for the sacredness of the name.
The Reaction and Misunderstanding
Unfortunately, my sincere intentions didn't always resonate with others. In religious communities, practices like these can be misinterpreted. Those who are unfamiliar with the reasons behind such practices might view them as laughable or unnecessary. In Jewish communities, this practice can sometimes be ridiculed by those who do not follow it, a phenomenon I have personally witnessed.
One notable incident was when a conversation about religious practices went haywire on Quora and Facebook. I shared my reasons for using the hyphen, and instead of genuine curiosity, I faced ridicule. Some, who had no idea the significance, simply dismissed it or made light of it. It's unfortunate that in a digital age, where transparency is key, such misunderstandings can spread so quickly and negatively.
Respect and Understanding Across Faiths
It's important to recognize that such practices can be seen as an expression of deep respect and reverence for the divine. They often originate from a genuine desire to honor and protect the sacredness of something integral to one's faith. Reflecting this in your own faith can be a powerful act of solidarity with those of different backgrounds.
What may seem like a small practice to outsiders can carry significant meaning within a religious community. It's crucial to approach such practices with openness and a willingness to understand the motivations behind them. In doing so, we can foster greater respect and understanding across different faiths.
Lastly, it's important to always ask questions and not assume understanding. A simple inquiry about the reasons behind a practice can lead to greater empathy and a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways in which people express their faith.
There are eight million stories in the naked city, this has been one of them. Through this story, I hope we can learn that there's often more to a practice than meets the eye, and that understanding it can open up new horizons of respect and harmony.