Dear Mr. Shea,
In reference to Flora Smith's question on capitalizing pronouns referring to God, I would CHALLENGE you to rethink your answer. Just because “Biblical writers didn't do it” and you've “never seen the sense of it” DOESN'T mean it shouldn't be done! Never mind pleasing everybody, or even the sweet little lady who had the wisdom to submit her letter, how about the One Who so generously endowed you with the gift of writing? Shouldn't our talents be used primarily for the greater honor and glory of God? As a writer you have a responsibly to us readers to BOTHER with it! Just because something may FEEL natural doesn't mean it's in your — or our — or most importantly, GOD'S best interest.
This Year of the Eucharist would be an excellent time to render to God what rightly belongs to God … all the reverence and respect that is due Him …even in the details of the written word!
I would appreciate your comments.
May the Holy Spirit grant us to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation!
Sincerely,
Mary Jo
Fountain, Colorado
Mary Jo:
Neither the biblical authors, the translators of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible nor the Catechism of the Catholic Church capitalize the divine pronoun. I would politely suggest that none of these documents is deficient in the love of God and that it is presumptuous to suggest that they (or their authors and translators) are. Capitalization of the divine pronoun is a convention that grew up for a season in English. I have no objection to those who practice it. However, speaking for myself, I've always thought it artificial and have never bothered with it. Unless you can find me something in the Church's teaching that tells me that God is especially pleased with those who capitalize the divine pronoun, I think I will forego the practice.
As a writer, I have a responsibility to speak the truth charitably. I do not have the responsibility to believe, nor do my readers have the right to impose upon me, the notion that, unless I bind myself to every expression of personal piety dear to my readers, I am not acting in “God's best interest” or giving him “all the reverence and respect that is due Him.”
A reading of Romans 14 is instructive here. Its basic teaching is, “In essential things: unity. In non-essentials: liberty. In all things: charity.” You are welcome to capitalize the divine pronoun and I will not attribute artificiality to you. Please do me the kindness of not attributing defects in devotion to me simply because I do not share your enthusiasm for capitalization.
May God bless you and yours,
Mark Shea
Senior Content Editor
Catholic Exchange
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