Yahwism
|
|
Yahwism is the specific use of Tetragrammaton as a name of God. More broadly, it may be a religion based on the worship of what it may call "Yahweh".
Judaism forbids the use of this name in it explicit form. See also the name of God in Judaism for more details:
- Pronouncing the tetragrammaton: All modern denominations of Judaism teach that the four letter name of God, YHVH, is forbidden to be uttered except by the High Priest, in the Temple. Since the Temple in Jerusalem is no longer extant, this name is never pronounced in religious rituals by Jews. Orthodox Jews never pronounce it for any reason. Some non-Orthodox Jews are willing to pronounce it, but for educational purposes only, and never in casual conversation or in prayer. Instead of pronouncing YHVH during prayer, Jews say "Adonai".
- Jewish law requires that "fences" be built around the basic laws, so that there is no chance that the main law will ever be broken. As such, it is common Jewish practice to restrict the use of the word "Adonai" to prayer only. In conversation many Jewish people will call God "HaShem", which is Hebrew for "the Name" (this was first used in Leviticus 24:11). Many Jews also write "G-d" instead of "God". While this later substitution is by no means required by their religion (only the Hebrew name, not the English, is holy), they do it to remind themselves of the holiness attached to God's name.
- English translations of the Bible generally render YHVH as "the LORD" (in small capitals), and Adonai as "Lord" (in normal case). In a few cases where "Lord YHVH" appears the combination is written as "Lord GOD".
It is claimed that Karaism and Talmidaism are all forms of "Yahwism".