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In trouble for G-d.

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In Medias Res II

PostPosted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 3:14 pm


It's In Media Res, I have been permabanned.

So, I used G-d throughout my entire essay regarding deistic and theistic worldviews in the enlightenment anndddd;

My TA told me AND I QUOTE FROM MY ESSAY "Your use of G-d is surprisingly irritating and I would advise you to discontinue using it. You are not sacrificing anything (can't make out his bad hand writing) don't be shy or ashamed of the G. word".

Okay, generally I have a lot of patience, but I do not have any patience for ignorance.

What do you guys think of this? Is this acceptable?

NOTE: my professor said it was acceptable before I wrote it, my TA made some interesting comments that were borderline slandering me FOR being a theist,
PostPosted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:06 pm


TA's are seriously the most irritating people in the world, but definitely definitely DEFINITELY talk to your professor. I would also suggest talking to the TA outside of class, and explain to them it isn't shame or you trying to be annoying, it's you doing what you think is correct. Bring up in this conversation that your professor approved the use of "G-d".

kingpinsqeezels


LordNeuf
Crew

PostPosted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:51 pm


Quintilian
It's In Media Res, I have been permabanned.


Wait what? why did you get the B& Hammer?

as for the whole G-D thing, I would have to see the essay before pronouncing my final judgement.
PostPosted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:08 pm


A bit late on chiming in here, but I have to say that the hyphen is a bit annoying if He is referred to a bunch of times within a paragraph. It stops the whole essay from flowing. Perhaps you could have used HaShem instead and defined it as another term for G-d in parentheses at the beginning of the essay? That would get you away from having to use it over and over again. Just a thought...

I'd talk to the professor if you feel insulted by the TA. If that doesn't help, you can go to higher authorities if you really feel like this was an attack on your religion and not just some ignorant statement. Did you talk to the TA about the inappropriateness of his/her comments?

ChiJadey


In Medias Res II

PostPosted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:13 pm


I had already told my TA, he said fine.

I'm not going to make a fuss considering that I received a very good mark, just wanted to see what the appropriateness of this is to you guys XD
PostPosted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 5:24 am


Some people put in dashes when they want to swear or are not comfortable with the language they'll be using, or when they think other people aren't comfortable with the language they'll be using. Others put in dashes for respect, but that's very rare. Your TA probably never heard of not writing out the full name of G*D. Now that you've enlightened the person, he/she will probably be fine with it.

That said, why not write out God? It isn't HaShem's real name; it's just a word that English-speakers use, a translation at best. If you'd be comfortable writing it out, but feel that it is commanded that you not do so, then you'd be find writing it out. (But if you'd be uncomfortable writing it out, of course, don't write it out.)

Divash
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Lycanthropos

Lupine Guardian

PostPosted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 5:37 am


*agrees with Divash*
PostPosted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 1:47 pm


Divash
That said, why not write out God? It isn't HaShem's real name; it's just a word that English-speakers use, a translation at best. If you'd be comfortable writing it out, but feel that it is commanded that you not do so, then you'd be find writing it out. (But if you'd be uncomfortable writing it out, of course, don't write it out.)
I remember my audience. If there's a possibility someone reading what I write would take office to G-d being written out, I don't write it out. However, none of my friends are observant Jews, so I'll speak it, write it, sing it, whatever. I believe it's just a translation, and no name we use can be identified as His real name. However, I'd much rather explain than offend!

kingpinsqeezels


LordNeuf
Crew

PostPosted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:13 am


Ok, here's my thoughts over the whole issue.

This falls under the the tenant of "Separating the Holy from the mundane"

When we talk of G-d here, we're teaching others within our community and within our religion about The Holy of Holies, HASHEM. We are to keep his name sacred, and talk of the message that HASHEM has given our wise prophets to teach the rest of us.

However, when you're writing about a survey of religious beliefs, you are doing something mundane, you're discussing how others talk of God, and how they worship God. Even though we all worship the same God differently, it is outside of the realm of the sacred to talk about what others do.

So in short.

"Jews give praise to G-d, with other Jews" and "People, in general, discussing religion, talk about God."

Does that help?
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