The purpose of this abbreviated article is to address a few aspects of the controversies surrounding the name(s) of the Creator, including the various pronunciations, inform the unaware, and plainly state our position on the matter in order to prevent conflict.
Introduction
If you are unfamiliar with the controversy surrounding the name(s) of the Creator, then consider yourself blessed. In that case, perhaps this short article may encourage you to refrain from the fray.
Otherwise, if you refer to the Creator by a specific name and pronunciation that you feel is correct, it is important to you that everyone agrees with you, and you are considering engaging with Chosen Glory, then this is most certainly for you.
Just the thought of this article even potentially being necessary is troublesome. Yet sadly, the associated debates surrounding this issue are now decades old and still going strong.
Demands of a Religious Spirit
Some with religious spirits have made it their mission to require everyone everywhere to comply with their demand to utilize what they feel is the correct name and pronunciation of the Creator. They sometimes become fixated, obstinate, unforgiving, demanding, and even abusive about it.
If this is new to you, you may think I am exaggerating. After all, “who would raise such a fuss over such a thing”?
That would be reasonable. However, I assure you that there are people who are not reasonable about all of this. Sadly, I have dealt with several. Hence, this article. When we encounter people who wage these wars, they rightfully conclude that they are incompatible with the Chosen Glory ministry.
How the Creator is referenced at Chosen Glory
After many years of study, I have concluded that the precise pronunciations of the specific name(s) of the Divine “I AM”, and the Messiah Jesus / Yeshua, are unknown and that the best attempt to be certain of them is often just a little bit more than speculation. Sometimes it’s well grounded, but when distilled down, it’s still a guess, nevertheless. I am also aware of the controversies surrounding the word “God”.
At Chosen Glory, you will see and hear Jesus referred to in different ways. For various reasons, I often refer to Him as “Master” Yeshua. Our Heavenly “Father” is referred to variously, including “God” and “HaShem”. “HaShem” is a Hebrew word found in Deuteronomy 28:58. The English translation of HaShem is “The Name”.
“If you are not careful to follow all the words of these instructions, written in this book, to fear this glorious and awesome Name [et Ha-Shem אֶת־הַשֵּׁ֞ם],” Deuteronomy 28:58
Addressing the Great “I AM” as “HaShem” may have particular merit. Another common Hebrew term used in the Bible to reference “The God” is “Adonai“. Adonai means sovereign, master.
“Blessed be ADONAI, God of Israel, for He has looked after His people and brought them Redemption. Luke 1:68 TLV
The Most High’s primary criteria when addressing Him is that it be done with love, adoration, and reverence.
We enjoy discussing the higher ways of the Most High and encourage everyone to draw their own conclusions on issues such as this. However, we are not interested in being considered as a mission field on the matter (again).
Conclusion
Some will disagree with this article. However, I believe the Creator is neither impressed with nor concerned about vowels, consonants, accents, or the precise pronunciations of uncertain concepts, words, and names that HE knows, but that He ALSO knows have been lost to human history.
In addition, while it is wise and beneficial to sincerely seek the heart of God through available resources, and while knowledge of the Biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek may help do so, the Most High is not impressed with mere knowledge. He has much higher priorities.
The primary language of God is the language of the heart.
People look at the outward appearance,
but the “Eternal I AM“ looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
While there is merit to this discussion, the God of Love certainly does not condone His people squabbling over something that is impossible to definitively prove.
The Bible is clear that the Creator is FAR more concerned about His glory, His people, and our experiential union with Him than etymology, especially obscure etymology. And so that (union) is where I prefer to place the bulk of my attention. This is one reason I avoid vain religious disputes now more than ever.
Chosen Glory places the highest priority on being in union with the infinite Spirit known as the Ancient of Days, including the written Word (Bible), which is a manifestation of the Messiah, creation, and all of the other ways that He reveals Himself to us.
“What commandment is the foremost of all?” Yeshua answered, “The foremost is, `HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE Eternal One OUR GOD IS ONE AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE ETERNAL ONE YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ (31) “The second is this, `YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28b-31
Thank you. Peace and grace to you!
Parson Rayphe
Chosen Glory