Why spell it g-d? (Earth, Deuteronomy, HaShem, vain, Commandment)

[Abram]

I've got to know why and who is spelling it g-d. What belief system (religion) and what is the reason behind this. Should I be posting g-d out of respect for their belief or God for mine? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

P.S. Even my spell check doesn't know this spelling.

[linwood]

Originally Posted by Abram

I've got to know why and who is spelling it g-d. What belief system (religion) and what is the reason behind this.

I believe it`s Judaic, I could be wrong.

[Aqualung]

It's just respect. This way you're not using the name in vain, just for the sake of an internet debate. At least that's what I understand of the practice.

[eric]

From Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/name.htm#Writing):

Jews do not casually write any Name of God. This practice does not come from the commandment not to take the Lord's Name in vain, as many suppose. In Jewish thought, that commandment refers solely to oath-taking, and is a prohibition against swearing by God's Name falsely or frivolously (the word normally translated as "in vain" literally means "for falsehood").
...
Normally, we avoid writing the Name by substituting letters or syllables, for example, writing "G-d" instead of "God."

[Aqualung]

Ah, thanks for that clearification.

[Abram]

Originally Posted by eric

From Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/name.htm#Writing):

Jews do not casually write any Name of God. This practice does not come from the commandment not to take the Lord's Name in vain, as many suppose. In Jewish thought, that commandment refers solely to oath-taking, and is a prohibition against swearing by God's Name falsely or frivolously (the word normally translated as "in vain" literally means "for falsehood").
...
Normally, we avoid writing the Name by substituting letters or syllables, for example, writing "G-d" instead of "God."

I liked the simplicity of that site. To write it is not bad, it's the concern of what someone might do with it. So if I was a Jew I could never destroy a piece of paper with any of his names on it? What do you do with it?

[Jayhawker Soule]

Deuteronomy 12

1. These are the statutes and the ordinances, which ye shall observe to do in the land which HaShem, the G-d of thy fathers, hath given thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.
2. Ye shall surely destroy all the places, wherein the nations that ye are to dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every leafy tree.
3. And ye shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods; and ye shall destroy their name out of that place.
4. Ye shall not do so unto HaShem your G-d.

By writing "G-d" one precludes he possibility of destroying the written name in any way - even by accident.

[Abram]

So should I start typing G-d? I'm starting to lean to yes.

[Eynah]

I would say that it's up to you, and no one can tell you if you should or not.

[Aqualung]

I don't think anybody would get mad if you didn't. After all, it's not your religion. But, if you are leaning toward yes, don't go against your concience.