Why Do People Sometimes Omit a Letter in Deities’ Names?

Introduction

Throughout history and across various cultures, people have often altered the spelling of words or names associated with deities. One common practice is the omission of a letter in a deity's name, such as "Krsna" instead of "Krishna" or "G-d" instead of "God." This article explores the reasons behind this linguistic phenomenon, particularly in the context of the prohibition of idolatry.

The Prohibition of Idolatry

The omission of letters in deities’ names can be traced back to the prohibition of idolatry in religious beliefs. Idolatry is more than simply the worship of physical idols; it encompasses the portrayal of the ultimate object of worship through any means, including ideas and linguistic expressions. For instance, Mariolatry (the worship of Mary), bibliolatry (the worship of the Bible), and idealatry (the worship of abstract ideas) all fall under this broad prohibition. This prohibition is rooted in the idea that the ultimate object of worship cannot be represented or reduced to a rigid term or concept.

Language and the Ultimate Object of Worship

When it comes to referring to the ultimate object of worship, the linguistic aspect becomes crucial. In English, there is no fixed term or expression that can rigidly designate this ultimate object. Any attempt to use a proper name to refer to it presupposes that there is a distinct entity or concept, which is precisely what the prohibition of idolatry seeks to avoid. The ultimate object of worship cannot be a specific term or entity that can be named or idolized, as such naming would be a form of idolatry.

The Problem of Variant Spellings

The use of variant spellings, such as "Krsna" instead of "Krishna" or "G-d" instead of "God," serves a specific purpose in religious discourse. These alternative spellings are not merely stylistic choices but are designed to convey a subtle message. They call attention to the fact that the ultimate object of worship is beyond rigid naming or idolization. By using a slightly different spelling, the speaker or writer emphasizes the fluid and sacred nature of the concept of the ultimate object of worship.

Analogies with Literary Fiction

To further illustrate this point, consider an analogy from literary fiction. Just as characters in a novel cannot refer to the author using a proper name, language users cannot rigidly designate the ultimate object of worship using a single term. In a novel, the author is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, but the characters within the novel cannot encounter the author in the same way. Similarly, the ultimate object of worship, which is omnipresent, cannot be rigidly designated within the language used by worshipers. Any attempt to name or idolize it would be a form of idolatry and fall outside the bounds of proper religious practice.

The Logical Consequence

This linguistic and religious phenomenon is a logical consequence of the condition of ordinary beings in relation to the ultimate reality. It is akin to the difficulty in finding a term that can describe the ground shared by both light and darkness (yin and yang) in a way that encompasses both aspects. Just as yin and yang cannot be reduced to a single term that encompasses both, the ultimate object of worship cannot be reduced to a rigid name or concept that idolizes it.

Conclusion

The omission of letters in deities' names, such as "Krsna" or "G-d," is a linguistic and religious practice that stems from the prohibition of idolatry. These variant spellings serve to remind us of the fluid and sacred nature of the ultimate object of worship, ensuring that it remains beyond rigid naming or idolization. This practice is a salient example of how language is used in religious discourse to convey complex spiritual ideas and maintain the integrity of the faith.