I have an issue that could be called a "pet peeve". It is something that I find very irritating. It bothers me that people will post prayers or even discussions with words like this: "god", "lord", "jesus", "savior", "bible" and "holy spirit". These words are proper names and should be capitalized. It makes me feel that the person posting is showing disrespect.
What say you?

2/26/2009 10:43:31 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Interestingly enough, there was a big of a debate about this issue on Gospel.com a few months ago. If you look at the top right of the website, there are four orange links. These change, and sometimes they will say "Jesus" or "The Bible." It used to be that they were all lowercase, and this caused some minor outrage. The web site designer insisted it was just for aesthetic reasons, and he intended no disrespect, but there was enough outrage that it eventually got changed. So, you're not alone, Mrs. Piggy.

So, I'll share my opinion as well - it bothers me too. However, I think I'm able to not let it bother me all that much because I can rationalize that when people do it, it's out of ignorance, not disrespect (and I mean ignorance in the literal, not the pejorative sense, to mean lacking knowledge). I doubt very much anyone is using a lowercase "j" to deliberately show disrespect, they just don't know any better. When I am able to remember this, it does not bother me as much.

What REALLY bothers me is when people make up new words (or new meanings for words) and they catch on in the general public. My new favorite "non-word" is choiceful - which apparently means "to be more deliberate and discriminating so that we make better, more informed decisions". I hate that one.....

I have also hated for a very long time the use of the word "impact" as a verb. "John, have you considered how this new marketing campaign will impact sales?" They even use this on CNN now, so it's not going to go away anytime soon.

3/1/2009 7:13:54 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Before I was born, my mother taught English (as well as Greek and Latin). She did her best to redirect her calling to teach by indoctrinating her children. When I need language assistance, I can often replay an internal instructional tape from childhood. Since that is outdated technology, the tape is a little crackly and garbled, so I often make mistakes - if my mother knew how many, I'd be instantly subjected to new lessons.

I sometimes have the opportunity to review the results of a popular US standardized test given to students prior to college admission. I am amazed by the number of intelligent individuals who score poorly on the language portion - even if they ace other components of the exam. I feel sorry that they lack the foundation that was cemented in my early development. However, it is easy to see that since we are communicating more rapidly these days, capitalization and punctuation therefore tend to be viewed as unnecessary hindrances to speed and volume.

It's intriguing to observe my three-year-old son speaking English, but with the Spanish grammar given to him by his mother. He dutifully stacks his adjectives after the nouns by saying phrases such as "the car red" or "the dinosaur gigantic". I think this grammatical rule is one of a few logic advantages languages closer to Latin have over English.

However, I see the expressiveness and dynamicity of English as solid strengths of the language. I thoroughly enjoy most new words because they boost the creative and expressive power of our language. I can't say that I've ever come across "choiceful", or that I am now fond of the word, but it is easy to see where it may have originated and how it is useful. When the positive to neutral aspects of discriminating caved under the negative baggage of the word, this new word was coined to fill the void. Many new verbs sound silly, but some do strike people as having an ability to express more than standard verbs. "Impacting" has made it as a new verb because it speaks more to some.

If I were to be an English purest, I would be lamenting the fall from popularity of the words thee, thou, thine and ye. I think they can be useful and fun.

I was told the Hebrew and Greek languages used to write the Bible both make a distinction between you plural and you singular. With those flowery sounding, but now defunct words, English language also had that same ability.

Formerly, thee, thou and thine were singular. You, ye , and your were plural. In modern English, of course, this distinction has been lost, and the pronoun you can mean either you plural or you singular. This adaptation amounts to less precision.

However, the King James version of the Bible forever preserves these forgotten words. For example:

John 3;7
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.

Jesus said this to an individual (thee), Nicodemus, but the message was intended for all humanity (ye).

Perhaps, whomever made the choiceful decision to toss thee, thou, and thine overboard has negatively impacted the English language.

3/2/2009 12:07:11 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Ryan,

You crack me up!

3/4/2009 1:09:14 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

I can see where you are comming from, but try not to let someones grammer distract you from there worshiping the Lord God. A hard heart will never result in anthing good. I as well forget to capitilize things and spell words wrong constantly when discussing Jesus. It's a common mistake.

God Bless.

3/4/2009 2:23:37 PM by KyleLyn, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/4/2009

Amen i don't worry about things like that, i make mistakes myself, and God knows i don't think it fusses Him

3/4/2009 6:28:36 PM by mammak, Member of Delve into Jesus since 9/3/2008

That's so amazing to me. I am the only person who visits this site that has a pet peeve. Quite amazing, indeed.

No harden heart here. I understand mistakes. I made one when I posted this discussion. I didn't realize that nothing bothered you guys. Now, I know.

3/4/2009 7:21:04 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I've found it does bother me. I get that little gut kick in my stomach feeling especially when I know non-Christians are writing the word. Over my years on at least 15 different forums/discussion boards, people who tend to lowercase "God" and "Jesus" and other Godly names, tend to lowercase typical names like "anthony" or "jacob."

I've also found it's more out of laziness and on the forums I've ran, the admins and I try to encourage grammatically correct posting.

3/5/2009 9:20:19 PM by sirkibble2, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/5/2009

I THINK IF I PAID ATTENTION TO WHO SPELLED WHAT IN WHAT WAY THEN I'M NOT IN IT FOR THE RIGHT REASON PET PEEVES ARE A FORM OF ARROGANCE ALSO FROM MY UNDERSTANDING,BUT HEY WHO AM I TO JUDGE RIGHT?

4/27/2009 4:20:07 PM by jodieblunt, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2008

Jodieblunt,

Are you aware that yping in all caps is equivalent to yelling? Or am I arrogant to notice that, too?

4/27/2009 4:23:30 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

no i sure wasn't but thats a perfect example of the whole thing lol, because actually i just had typed that way GOD as my witness ,but no ma'am i sure wasn't aware and in no way form or fashion was i experiencing any particular feelings to posess me to yell sorry for the misunderstanding though,GOD BLESS

4/27/2009 8:05:55 PM by jodieblunt, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2008

LOL. Sorry to pick you. I notice things like that because I read ALL the time. I tend to notice typos, misspelled words, etc. If I could retain half of the stuff I read, I'd be rich. Forgive me for my arrogance.

4/27/2009 9:29:21 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

no problem,but i tend to notice things like that too you know like when you asked me if i knew that yping in caps was considered yelling hahahahahaha you know i had to get'cha hahahahahaha but nah it's not a problem ms piggy not at all, oyea you learn something new every day my wife told me the same thing about the caps though i didn't have a clue,never been that type to be so involved with what way to type i mean can't you tell by my run on sentences hahaha i did know that. GOD bless you mspiggy and again sorry for any misunderstanding LOL

4/27/2009 10:41:18 PM by jodieblunt, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2008

We need to be careful what we say and with what gets us going, i for one have problems with spelling, typing and understanding this computer, but i keep going i can't look at the screen and type so if caps lock is on i don't retype it so it's not yelling for me, i had to leave school in grade 6 i hated school , i still don't like reading, i am so happy with my use of this computer i don't care what people think, i like to pray, so none of this is important our heart is, God knows us and where we are at and He is pleased, what my pet peeve is the pet peeve , it says come as you are. PRAISE GOD

5/1/2009 12:02:50 AM by mammak, Member of Delve into Jesus since 9/3/2008

i agree with you 100 mammak,because honestly i don't think when we make it to heaven and stand before GOD,he's going to be like,'WHY DID YOU SPELL MY NAME IN LOWER CASE',so no it's not an issue you know,but thank you for that one because caps isn't yelling for me neither bro,besides i don't take fun in checking to see who spelled what this way and that way,sometimes we can get a lil too carried away with certain things,but with all due respect to anybody i offended i apologize for any misunderstandings,but amen to that mammak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/1/2009 4:45:40 PM by jodieblunt, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2008

I have something approximating a pet peeve to share but, before any angry darts are thrown my way, I'll hold up the following scripture as my shield:
Jude1:9
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"

Capitalizing names has already been mentioned in this discussion; I hope I always use capital letters each time I write God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.

When I see other Christians writing their views about God with a lack of capital letters, I always assume that has nothing to do with a lack of respect for God.

Reverence for God can be obviously observed in the thoughts expressed - even when it is not seen in capital letters.

Lately and everywhere, I have been noticing that many Christians, who do not have the tendency to neglect capital letters when writing proper nouns, seemingly write the name of Satan without a capital S on purpose.

Though I'm rarely hip to Christian trendy-ness, I get that. Not capitalizing the name of Satan can express a slew of thoughts on how awful he is with just one casual stroke.

Enough cannot be said of how destructive Satan is, yet I confess that not capitalizing his name bothers me.

I do not respect Satan or want to send any honor his way.

I capitalize the name of Satan because my desire to show deference to the rules of the English language is greater than my wish to insult Satan by giving him the middle finger of grammar.

I'm sure most would see not capitalizing the name of Satan as a justified act but, I'm afraid that's just the kind of sucker punch which Satan can't resist returning to the sender.

Satan is defeated yet he fights on. He is likely to be eager to engage anyone who will get into the ring with him.

In the sporting world, I'm all about every play being a gutsy grab for points. However, in spiritual warfare, I see the wisdom in the old saying about the best offense is a good defense.

In one sense, any spiritual offense we could legitimately launch is really just lining us up behind the defense of God.

So, like the archangel Michael, I'll call on the Lord to rebuke the devil instead of me provoking Satan with a grammatical insult.

Am I standing on solid ground here, or am I out of step with the mainstream of Christianity again?

7/31/2009 12:14:57 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

"Middle finger of grammar" ... !?

No one can write like you, Ryan, and no one cracks me up quite like you do, either. I can't wait to meet you someday, in this world or the next. I think we would have a ton of fun together.

7/31/2009 5:04:46 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Amen to all of the above,and i mean that, yet he can have the lower case s from me. God bless

8/1/2009 1:32:02 AM by mammak, Member of Delve into Jesus since 9/3/2008

Ryan,

You da man! That's not poor grammar, but my attempt at slang. This topic is getting a lot of play considering nobody has a problem with any "little" thing. I go out my way to spell satan with a small "s" as he is so insignificant, with his defeated self.

8/1/2009 5:02:31 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

First, a scripture:
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Okay, I admit my mind hoards pet peeves like one of those old eccentrics you see on the news who collects like sixty cats inside a tiny house.

I rarely use the word peeve, but whenever I hear it, I instantaneously think of beer. That's because the word for beer, in the native language of my parents, is piwo - which is pronounced, to the best of my ability, as "peev-o".

Unlike during my college days, the only six-pack I'm now interested in would refer to the condition of my abs, not the content of my fridge. Thanks to the wonders of aging, you can't get ripped if you want your abdominals to be ripped.

Nevertheless, every so often I have to buy beer. I guess I blame my wife for too much but this one is definitely her fault since she needs the suds for a chicken dish.

A beer run is not something that requires a second thought in most places throughout the US. However, after moving to the Bible Belt, I've found it to be a feat of faith. It's interesting how different denominations, and regions of our country take varying stances on issues.

With an affection that now seems irreverent, we'd refer to our family church as "St. Stan's Bar & Grill", when I was a kid in New York. Here in Florida, much of the local religious community considers alcohol to be sin. My wife has no tolerance for their lack of tolerance so, I'm not sure why it's always my job to buy the beer plus all those other evil ingredients her recipe repertoire requires.

When I must buy beer in the grocery store, I nervously scout the premises for any known church-goers. When the coast is clear, I hide the beer under a big bag of something-or-other to protect innocents from my poor example - or maybe to shield myself from messy scorn.

Then, I wonder how far should I go? Should I also return the ice-cream to the freezer to avoid enticing someone to fall off the diet wagon? Or, what if a pair of covetous eyes should spy the root of all evil when I open my wallet to pay for the loot?

There's too much guilt in this shopping conflict - but declaring my Conscientious Objector status does not faze my wife.

I've reason to fear, even though I've only been busted for beer once. Unfortunately, I was caught by a sweet matron from my church. She seemed so hurt and disillusioned. I was concerned that I had ruined her day and that she may forbid her granddaughter to play with my daughter.

Now my fear has snowballed. It's been eight weeks since the crime and in this time we haven't once seen this family in church. I hope they all haven't succumbed to my backsliding; sitting home on Sunday mornings, watching football - and swilling beer!

Since I occasionally have to buy alcohol, to keep peace at home, I thought I could make an official beer buying t-shirt to wear to the store. Something printed with scriptures like Deuteronomy 14:26 or Psalm 104:14-15 - A shirt that says, "Yeah, I read my Bible and buy beer - and I'm standing on these scriptures when I do."

However, I think that may be too contentious, so I've formulated a more humble game plan. The next time I'm outed for buying hooch, I'll look my accuser straight in the eye, and desperately blurt, "Pray for me!"

That will give the offended party something productive to do plus, that can't be bad for me either. I've also taken to whistling and singing this little ditty for courage:

Peev-o, Peev-o, it's off to shop I go.
While pondering whose faith is weaker,
The Tsk-tsk-er or the Beer-sneaker?
Peev-o, Peev-o, Pet Peev-o.

Seriously, I don't want to offend anyone; I am uneasy about pursuing my liberty at the expense of someone else's faith - even unintentionally. The possibilities of doing so seem to be endless.

Much to my surprise, my understanding has recently grown closer to the position of those who feel alcohol consumption is wrong for the Christian. However, this growth has been despite the arguments many typically use to say booze is sin.

I wish those who wanted to teach me about the evils of alcohol could do so by directly addressing the scriptures that others believe to be pro-alcohol scriptures.

Also, arguments that avoid parroting the popular but erroneous historical, cultural and linguistic references would be more refreshing than an ice-cold beer on a summer afternoon in Florida.

At least, if the total temperance types could just come up with a catchy jingle of their own to accompany their position, I'd be much more likely to see the light!

11/10/2009 11:34:18 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Hilarious!! Try buying the beer at room temp and carry the recipe with you to show your church members should they spy you. Who knows, they might want to try it out.

11/10/2009 11:53:20 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Ryan,

I read this a few days ago while my wife and I were in a hospital waiting room (nothing serious...) and I laughed out loud. It had been a long, boring wait and your post made my day. Thank you.

I don't know what you do for a living (I've asked at least once and you've refused to say) but if you're not a professional writer, then it is the world's loss.

11/13/2009 4:14:26 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Michael,

When I do settle on a career, I'd be happy to inform you of my selection. Unfortunately, there is no call for a Certified Peevedologist in the local labor market.

11/13/2009 9:45:41 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

lol i usually try to capitalize. Most the time if i dont i go back n fix it or it will bother me for not doing it. But i guess its not that big of a deal.... i guess you can say thats one of my pet peeves lol

11/19/2009 2:41:25 PM by dmaimone1, Member of Delve into Jesus since 11/6/2009

Just to chuck in an extra angle to the captalisation discussion:

It is my understanding that the original languages that the scriptures were written in, did not use capitilisation. As a result people had to excercise judgement to undertand when, for example, 'spirit', referred to God, when it referred to the spiritual life in a person, and when it referred to the 'alive' part of a person.

I have a friend whose "pet peeve" is using the generic "God" or "Lord" to refer to the one, true, living God. This is because people who are not Christian refer to their gods as God, and even Satan is referred to as 'God' or 'Lord' by those that serve him. I think the Old Testament equivalent was the word "El", which refered to any deity including the Canaanite gods. It is my understanding that that is why the God of the Israelites was called El Shaddai. This title distinguished him above other "Els" as the being the God that has ALL power/strength/authority.

Perhaps then, it would be better if Christians made the distinction too, and instead of calling Him 'God', we refer Him as The All Mighty God. I know some people capitalise every letter of the word God to make this distinction (they're not shouting him name lol).

PS. I notice a lot of people refer to themself as "i" not "I. Is this a sign of humility or laziness? (okay, I admit, "i" do it too! I think it's a bad habit picked up from texting.)

PPS. I guess another pet peeve of some people might be that there is no spelling or grammar check option that can be used when writing a post. Actually, I am interested to know if there is anyone who feels so strongly about using proper grammar that they write their post in "Word" first! (or maybe they received a better education than I did and were actually taught all the English grammatical rules and exceptions.)

Finally, my pet peeve:
*People who use a "z" in capitaliSe. (Jokes! -I love you Americans)

11/29/2009 1:12:08 PM by Clair, Member of Delve into Jesus since 9/7/2009

Clair,

I'm pretty obsessive about spelling and grammar as well, and few things annoy me more than when I realize after the fact that I have made a spelling or grammar error. You and I are not alone in this. I've heard from quite a few people who compose their posts in Word first.

Although there is not a spell check on Delve Into Jesus, several of the new web browsers have one built in. I use Google Chrome, which has one, as does Firefox. Internet Explorer does not (unless this has changed with version 8), and I'm not sure about Safari.

11/29/2009 2:53:13 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Actually, LORD, in reference to Almighty God, is spelled with all caps in the Bible.

11/29/2009 4:09:36 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I am completely new to this site but i would like to congradulate whoever began this post because a pet peeve of mine on many Christian sites is that if you disagree with the status quo you are attacked by many of the others, something i witnessed having never posted myself. I am here looking for support, discussion, and answers from all of you. But i need to feel like i can be honest in my questions and my responses, but respectful always. Disagreement? of course. I know my own mind i am searching for what you know and think and feel that may be useful to me, though i may not always agree. regarding the pet peeve i was taught, for example to use formal language in prayer, thee, thou, etc. as well as in writing. Common sense and experience taught me that in passionate discussions with the Lord, formal language doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, so i abandoned it. But i beleive those practices come from trying to show reverence and respect for God. so i agree with everybody, no God doesnt care what case you write in but showing Him respect in our various ways is important and sometimes individual. i am not a very good typist and was never so happy when everyone abandoned caps and punctuation in general as it really slows me down. My first ever post anywhere, thanks.

6/22/2011 1:33:00 AM by Jesse, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/22/2011

Hello Jesse,

That would be me. I haven't posted in a while and was very surprised to see your response in my email box today. My lastest issue is that I have worn the letters off my keyboard and have to correct every other word.
I still cringe when I see my LORD's name in rype with lower case letters. Maybe one day I will pray for deliverance from it,until then, I'll suffer in silence.
God bless you real good.

In His Service,
mrspiggy

6/22/2011 4:00:25 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Jesse

Welcome to Delve Into Jesus! It's great to have you here, and I'm delighted that your first post was with us! I hope you will find many topics here that interest you, and that your first post will not be your last.

6/23/2011 5:28:55 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Mrs. Piggy,

Welcome back, it has been a long time! In a "past life", I used to work for Logitech, and I still have many good friends who work there. I have a basement full of keyboards, and can get new ones for a great price. I'd be happy to send you one - just say the word....and no, I'm not kidding, I really will send you one if you want. It's the least I can do for everything you've done for Delve over the years.

6/23/2011 5:31:34 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Hello Michael,

Thank you for your kind and generous offer. I have really missed Delve. Blessings to all!

6/23/2011 7:40:54 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008