May 3, 2007: Issue 187
Capitalize bible when you mean the specific book that is the basis for Christianity:
Many people find stress relief in Bible verses.
Lowercase it when you refer to any other book.
Her guide has become the bible of home decorating.
Similarly, capitalize god when you refer to a single, universal deity:
She credits God as much as her cardiologist for her recovery.
Lowercase god and related terms when you refer to one of multiple deities, or when you use these words metaphorically:
A frieze on the portico depicts the ancient Greek god of wine.
Let this color goddess show you how a simple hue can change everything.
Lowercase related pronouns:
“I sense Allah—his presence and his love—in my garden,” she says.
“In his mercy, God brought us to Dr. Hastings,” he says.
This last rule follows Words Into Type, The Chicago Manual of Style, The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage, and The Associated Press Stylebook. But if you’re worried about offending readers, you might be wise to write around the issue, paraphrasing quotes or using partial quotes when necessary:
She senses Allah’s presence and love in her garden, she says.
“God brought us to Dr. Hastings,” he says.
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