Is it worth the division?

I have been debating what to write about and since it has been awhile since my last “philosophical” post, I figured it’s time for one of those. However, between Kempurr walking all over the keyboard and the power going out, this might prove rather difficult! But, let’s give it a shot!

            On my way to a job interview last week we drove by a church/“temple” of a denomination called “Mita”. Out of curiosity I looked them up and they broke off from the Pentecostals but have become something very strange. Anyway, I will not go into that, I say it as prep for what I want to discuss this week….using the name of God.

            “Using the name of God? What do you mean? Taking his name in vain?” Well, no…not really; that is a subject for its own post! I am actually thinking about two different questions: 1) What is his name?...what is the right way to pronounce it?  and 2) Should we use it on a regular basis?

            What prompts these questions actually come from years of observation, experience and personal conviction. I am going to lay out my thoughts but remember, they are just that, MY thoughts. They are in no way meant to be judgmental or holier-than-thou, just personal opinions.

            Let me address the elephant in the room first and foremost. Yes, I associate with the Messianic Jewish faith (actually, Messianic Israelite but again, that is something to write about at a different point). Orthodox Jews do not use the name of God except possibly on Yom Kippur. However, I am not orthodox so my views are not leaning one way or another because of my background/upbringing. My views are from my own study, observation and choice. And no, I am not offended if His name is said or mispronounced or anything. Also, no, I am not a Hebrew scholar I have only studied beginning Hebrew but I will incorporate what I do know about it. Okay, moving on.   

            In Scripture a bunch of different names for God can be found, and depending on your translation, these names do differ slightly. However, some denominations are extremely particular about what name to use and how to use/say it. Jehovah Witnesses for example. Jehovah is the only correct name and way to say it. Never mind the fact that it is transliterated from Hebrew where there is no “J” letter or sound. The Hebrew letters used to get “Jehovah” are the same ones that the Jews use to get “Yahweh” or “Yahveh”.

            The letters are Yod, Hey, Vov, Hey which literally translated is YHVH. The Jehovah witnesses change the “Y” to “J” and insert vowels e, o, a. The vowels can present a problem or they cannot. In the Hebrew scrolls, there are no indications of vowels as only Modern Hebrew uses “vowel points” or markings to indicate the presence and pronunciation of vowels. That being said, a fuss can be made over the fact a letter was changed to create the name “Jehovah”. Depending on your belief, that letter change can create strife among believers. But consider this. Yahweh is the standard interpretation of His name used by Jews (although they do not say “the name”), and that of Messianic believers. However, in scripture a Vov is used which is the “V” sound. However, depending on the area the Jews live in the pronunciation could be either V or W. (here is an article to learn more:  http://www.yrm.org/yahveh-yahweh.htm ) So, that brings us to the first question: What is His name and how do we pronounce it?

            Let me answer that question with another question (gotta love that right?!), does it matter? “Sacrilege! Heretic!” Yes, I know, but just hear me out. If God has multiple names in Scripture and he knows when we call on him, does how we say his name really matter? Just like if a child mispronounces his parent’s name, does the parent suddenly not understand or refuse to answer? Is it suddenly an offense to the parent that the child did not say their name correctly? And, if we can’t say His name correctly, why don’t we just call him by one of His other names that we can pronounce?

            This leads straight into question 2: should we use His name on a regular basis? Obviously there are times that scripture says to call upon the name of the Lord. And in those times, we absolutely should; but what about the rest of the time? My opinion is this: do I call my Dad “Dana” on a regular basis? No! I call him Dad, Daddy, or Father. I only call him “Dana” when I am telling someone else about him, filling out paperwork, etc. It would be disrespectful for me to call him by his name because he is not my peer; he is my parent and always will be. Yes, I am an adult, but he is still my Dad.

            Something else to think about is the division this has caused. I ask these 2 questions because within my “denomination” this concept has caused strife and division to the point of breaking off and starting different “fellowships” (the irony!) and some shunning. That seems very wrong to me. We are to be in unity with believers! “But scripture says to ‘be ye separate’” yes it does, but this is not the context to which it is referring. We all believe in one true God, yes? We all believe He has “one only begotten son” that died as permanent atonement for our sins, yes? That it is only through this son, forgiveness of sins and baptism that we can receive salvation, yes? Then what is the big deal about His name? Why are we allowing that to cause division among believers both within a particular denomination and between different denominations? It’s seems a bit Pharisaical to me.

            Now, to be perfectly clear with you; I chose to not say or use the name of God personally. However, I am in no way offended if you chose to use it or say it differently than I do. I prefer to call God “Father” or Adonai (which is a title rather than a name) but that is just because it helps me in my walk with Him. Not everyone is the same so maybe calling upon His name regularly is best for you, so be it. My point is, do not let this be a point of division any more. It is not a Salvation issue, it is really personal preference if you think about it. And personal preference is not something that should ever be allowed to divide His children. It is much like children in school having a “secret” club that only their friends are allowed in. It causes hurt, anger, strife and is actually not beneficial in anyway, so does this arguing over pronunciation and use of His name.

            Okay, I am getting off my soap box now.  Thank you for reading about something near and dear to my heart. Have a great week all y’all!