Talk:Godman (Hindu ascetic)

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[edit] Deletion Request Argument

Wikipedia is not a colloquial dictionary. There are psychotics that claim to be the "messiah" but this does not mean the the word "messiah" is a colloquial term for psychotic people. There appears to be a fallacy of thinking here. This is not an academic usage, but a critique of those who claim false divinity. Godman also has a serious academic usage in philosophy of religion.

I completely disagree. The information in this article does not come from a dictionary, but from an encyclopedia, written by an Phd. academic. Andries 20:13, 6 April 2006 (UTC)

There is no reason for this page any longer, "Godman (colloquial)" because nothing links to it. All links for "Godman" are currently pointed directly to Godman itself, so who will be reading this page? chris 20:24, 7 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Idomatic

I changed the word "colloquial" to "idiomatic." I think this is what was meant even more precisely if you check out the word "idiom." Interestingly the article on "idiom" includes that it can be a "colloquial" word or phrase -- but is not literal which I think is exactly how "godman" is used in this instance. But if you don't like it please change it back. Chris 14:18, 29 April 2006 (UTC)

All the information is backed up by the listed references. The main reference used the word "colloquial", but none of the references use the word "idiomatic". I will revert. Andries 14:43, 29 April 2006 (UTC)

Andries, That's fine. Why not email me directly. I would like to discuss some things. I think we are on the same page on a lot more than you think. My email is chrisott1@cox.net Chris

[edit] Deletion Request Seconded

As managing editor of Hinduism Today and Hindu Press International daily news service, I review dozens of articles from the English-language press in India. This term "Godman" is used almost exclusively by this media in an insulting manner when refering to any Hindu swami or religions leader. It is not, as asserted in this entry, a "colloquial" expression as it is not a translation of any Sanskrit title. It therefore has no academic or common usage beyond conveying an insult. As you will note, all sources for this entry are non-Hindus. Arumugaswami 03:08, 20 July 2006 (UTC)

I have to admit that it is my impression too that the term is sometimes used in a pejorative manner, but I do not have a source for that so I cannot write it in the article. Andries 17:18, 26 August 2006 (UTC)

I also agree that this is an unnecessary entry. I would like to note, however, that I've heard Sri Ramakrishna referred to as a "godman of India", and in these cases, the title was most definitely not conferred as an insult. --Ganeshananda 22:02, 26 September 2006 (UTC)