Pen Names, Nicknames, Anonymity, And The Bible
Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI
Biblical Authority Ministries, June 11, 2025
I’ve used a pen name before and so have many others to which
I was privy. Sometimes a pen name is used for safety—which is one reason I used
one. Other popular creationists have used one as well—consider John Woodmorappe
(who wrote an excellent article
on pen names), Jason Lisle, and others who still retain them.
Some use pen names for protection in academic circles where
science fields can be a nightmare for those who
believe the Bible—because the religion of secular humanism dominates those
fields. There really is some subtle hatred hurled at creationists and I’ve had
to help mentor and encourage many who have hit certain crossroads in secular
academia.
Nevertheless, there are a host or reasons pen names, or even
anonymity are used.
What Can We Learn From The Bible?
The Bible does not explicitly condemn or prohibit the use of
pen names or anonymity in writing. In fact, the book of Hebrews still causes
debates as to whom the author really is!
There are several biblical examples where anonymity or
pseudonymity is present—often for the sake of humility, thematic focus, or
rhetorical effect. One such notable example is Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes,
who identifies himself by the name “Qoheleth,” which some translate as “Preacher” or “Assembler”.
Solomon’s use of this name instead of his common name may demonstrate
a purposeful anonymity that serves the theological and philosophical goals of
the text. Other biblical books also exhibit anonymous or indirect authorship:
- Hebrews:
As mentioned, the author is unnamed, though many have speculated about
authorship such Paul (more specifically a translation of a possible letter
from Paul to the Hebrews), Apollos, New Testament prophets, etc. The lack
of an explicit name has not diminished the book’s value or authority.
- Job:
The narrative does not tell us who wrote it (many suspect Job himself,
Moses, a prophet during the Judges, etc.), yet the book remains one of the
most profound explorations of suffering and divine sovereignty.
- Many
Psalms: While some are attributed to David, one to Moses, Asaph, or
others, many are anonymous.
- Historical
narratives (e.g., Judges, Samuel, Kings) and several prophetic
writings contain editorial shaping, collective histories, or uncertain
authorship.
In these examples, the focus is on truth and
divine inspiration, and the author is not a necessity. Proverbs 27:2, NKJV says, “Let another man praise you, and not your own
mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.” Anonymity or pseudonymity can
reflect this biblical virtue, especially when the intent is to point others to
God rather than oneself.
Scripture stresses honesty and integrity in
speech and conduct. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:2, NKJV, affirms, “But we have
renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling
the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending
ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”.
This implies that if a pen name or anonymous identity is
used to deceive, manipulate, sin, fraudulent use of someone else’s name, or
escape accountability, it would conflict with biblical principles. This is when
one goes into error.
Jesus Himself sometimes instructed people not to tell others
about His miracles (e.g., Mark 1:44), not out of deceit, but to control timing
and focus. Similarly, in John 7:10, Jesus went to the Feast of Tabernacles
"not openly, but as it were in secret," showing that anonymity or
discretion can serve godly purposes. Jesus even hid His identity from the those
on the road to Emmaus until the proper time (Luke 24:13-35).
Biblical precedent supports the
use of pen names or anonymity when used for reasons like humility, thematic
focus, or protection. Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes) is a clear example. Truth,
honesty, and intent are key.
Scripture opposes deceit or
self-serving anonymity but allows discretion when it aligns with God's
purposes. The authority of a message in Scripture rests on its alignment with
God’s Word, not the fame or visibility of the author.
Thus, using a pen name is not inherently wrong in light of
the Bible, especially when the intent is godly, the content is truthful, and
the purpose is to glorify God rather than self.
Nicknames and Second Names
In the Bible, nicknames often reflect a person’s character,
role, or transformation. Saul, who was also called Paul, a persecutor of early
Christians, went by the name Paul after his dramatic conversion on the road to
Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). The use of his other name (called a dual name (often
due to language) or possible nickname or other form of second name could be
relevant.
Then Saul, who also is called
Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him (Acts 13:9, NKJV)
Saul is more of a Hebrew/Israelite name. Whereas Paul is
more of a Roman name—considering he was an apostle called to the Gentiles. This
might be of importance. The shift of use may have helped him connect with the
Greco-Roman world.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, was nicknamed Barnabas,
meaning "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). This name, given by the
apostles, reflects his generous and uplifting nature, seen when he sold his
land to support the early church and vouched for Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:27).
Barnabas’ nickname highlights his role as a supportive leader and peacemaker.
Such name changes/additional names or nicknames in the Bible
often carry spiritual or symbolic weight, marking a shift. For example, Abram
became Abraham ("father of many") when God made a covenant with him
(Genesis 17:5). Jacob was given the name Israel (Genesis 32:28) and so on. These
names weren’t just labels but reflections of God’s calling or character traits,
but shows God’s work in their lives.
Secondary names like Paul and Barnabas show how early
Christians embraced new identities aligned with their faith, mission, and
actions—a practice that underscored their commitment to God’s purpose.
Nicknames And Pen Names Uses
Growing up—I’ve had a host of nicknames. Some play off of my
name—Bodimeister, Hodgiebaby, or Bodi-wan (a college nickname playing off of
Obi-wan Kenobi) and others that are less reputable—like my older brother’s use
of “Bonehead” throughout my youth! In fact, to this day, I use my college
nickname for by band name.
Dr. Jason Lisle used a pen name while at the university for
academic reasons. Once completed, it was no longer of necessity to remain
protected. I have no problem using pen names for research purposes to protect
oneself from aggression, attacks, and violence.
When writing I’ve sometimes used the pen name David
Ishmael Abrahams for safety as well. My name really is David and as
Christians, we are of the spiritual family of Abraham (Galatians 3:7-9). Though
there are several variant spellings of Bodie, the Germanic is simply Bode or
Boden. Though pronounced different, growing up people would often joke to me
that things would “bode well for me” being funny.
If something bodes well, it means that the events
will be favorable or good—which is what Bode means. Boden more specifically
means messenger.
Interestingly, Hagar, Ishmael’s mother, received a
message from God concerning Ishmael that it would bode well for him. And God
had favor on Ishmael and made him into a great nation. The name Ishmael relates
to this message and means that God will hear; I gravitated to that name
as part of my pen name because of some intriguing overlap in nature and meaning.
There have been times, I needed to use a pen name for
safety. For instance, I once wrote a chapter on Judaism under a pen name and
the publishers knew this and it was worked out in advance (this is quite
common). Before publication, I had had an altercation with a man advocating
Judaism who threaten me (after we began discussing the resurrection of Jesus!)
and the police had to get between us and remove him from the premises.
For my safety and those around me, I wanted a little time
between that person watching my every move and my upcoming publication
on Judaism—which could have set him off again. After some time allowing this
person to “cool off”, I happily gave the talk associated with the chapter at a
World Religions conference under my given name. Sometimes one needs to conceal
themselves for safety. Jesus once hid Himself for safety too.
Then they took up stones to
throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through
the midst of them, and so passed by. John 8:59, NKJV
Protection And Safety
Being Ken Ham’s son-in-law, puts me as a target from many
who despise our stance on biblical authority. I’ve personally had white
supremacists come into my office that I debate against and they left unhappy.
I’ve had vegans,
LGBT+,
old
earthers, atheists,
disgruntled employees, Muslims, and so many more groups and individuals upset
with me. The saddest is when fellow Christians are angry because we disagree
over theological stances, misunderstandings, or science models.
These are sad situations but it shows I’ve been a target and
have to be concerned about my safety and the safety of my family and those in
ministry around me. The point is, there is a time for anonymity and the use of pen
names. None of these are for deception but protection.
Pen names, nicknames, hiding one’s identity, and anonymity (not
self-serving anonymity) were often used in Scripture. As a closing thought, consider
a big picture understanding of God—He has many names and not all of those names
were revealed in Genesis 1:1. He reveals them in His timing and just because
someone doesn’t know a particular name, doesn’t mean that name is sinful to
use.
God purposely has some books of the Bible with anonymity as
to authorship. And when it comes to the gospel itself, God has permitted a veil
to remain covering the eyes of some about whom Christ really is (2 Corinthians
3:14-17).
