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Posts Tagged ‘Bible’

What About Miracles, Prophesies? – Book Review “Impossible Love”

Posted in Bible, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, Word of God, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on April 27, 2025|

by Mike Edwards
(I had a tumor removed from my brain 4/21/25. Please excuse mispellings/mistypes. Not sure brain all there)

I dare you to read Impossible Love  and not be awed – a true story of a couple concerning an African Civil War, Miracles, and Hope Against All Odds. It is the first book in a while I couldn’t put down. I do not wish to be critical of scholar Craig Keener and his wife Medine, who is a scholar in her own right. They are an amazing spiritual couple.  I can’t carry their water. Google Craig to see all the scholarly books he has written, which are often the main Seminary text on the topic covered. Many of his books have influenced my views. After I read, I wondered if many may question their level of faith if not believing in prophecies and miracles as this couple does.  Now, the Keener’s don’t claim when mentally hearing God’s voice that they are always right. But does God know the future to advise us ahead of time, and can we expect miracles if we pray enough?

 Is the Bible really inspired? 

I sense the Keeners’ believe God inspired the entire Bible, meaning God controlled and approved all written down. We can’t prove the writers always understood God perfectly. I have written here it is difficult to prove God controlled what written down. It matters because few acknowledge their interpretation may be wrong, so gays are often condemned, women’s leadership roles are limited despite their gifts, and it is suggested a fiery torturous afterlife awaits infidels – all in God’s name. I interpret differently. I believe best to assume God didn’t inspired the Bible, so we feel free to question interpretations that contradict common moral sense. Why would God create us to have moral intuitions contrary to God’s?

Did God really ordered Israel to commit hundreds of atrocities in the OT – “… put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys” (I Sam. 15:3).  Such genocidal behavior makes no human moral sense. God’s possible justification of violence can lead to imitation of violent solutions such as capital punishment, blowing up abortion clinics, or unnecessary wars in the name of God. It matters your view of the Bible and if inspired by God! 

Is prophesy in the Bible God knowing the future? 

I have written here why God can’t know the future, thus prophecies in the Bible or now can’t possibly know the future. It is natural to think an all-knowing, powerful God knows future outcomes. But to assume God knows the future suggests a predetermined future which makes freedom nonsensical. Another view is that God joins us relationally in a free, unknown future concerning our decisions. God isn’t hiding the future from us. When one assumes prophesy is God knowing the future, one may wonder why God doesn’t warn us all of upcoming tradegy? See Does Prophecy In The Bible Really Predict The Future?

 The Keeners’ don’t seem to suggest their dreams or prophecies they share are definitive. I think their beliefs in an inspired Bible and their interpretations is influential. I am not convinced prophecies from God about the future can be distinguished from mental impressions we may have.

Why does it matter! 

In reading the Keener’s experience, one may think they should expect to hear from God who they should marry. Such a belief can led to inaction or choosing the wrong partner. I don’t believe God has one partner in mind for anyone, or that you should wait to hear from God before making a decision. God gave you a brain and God can’t tell you if your future partner will be faithful or may betray you. Make decisions based on the wisest path at the time based on current partner’s actions and conjoint future aspirations. God will be there with you in such decisions and future challenges. These concerns are relational important with God Read the book for more discussion on the topic.

Why is it important whether God knows the future or not? 

A known or set future suggests one isn’t truly free to choose otherwise. God may know all possibilities, but the future must be open if we are truly free. To the contrary, God’s will isn’t some hidden plan to discover that God keeps from us. God can’t tell you if the person you want to marry won’t end up betraying you or the job you take won’t end up being phased out. We surely have God’s blessing choosing the wisest path known at the time based on past experiences, current circumstances, and future aspirations. God joins us in considering risks to change the world for better. God’s moral ways are not mysterious or hidden. God seeks only to influence us to do all the good, rather than evil, that we can in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as we can. Jesus prayed God’s will be done on earth as in heaven (Mt. 6:10). God’s plan is not a detailed blueprint but a general one to set us free to love.

What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?

How Do We Discover God’s Will For Our Life?

 Do miracles happen

I am not one to believe in miracles mostly because I haven’t experienced or seen such events. But I also don’t think the Bible is totally made up reporting miracles. Also, one cannot deny Craig Keener’s scholarship on miracles as reliable reports exists all over the world. I am not going to try to convince you either way. I don’t know! But I think it is important to consider personally if miracles are possible or not. Most of us have asked God for a miracle in our life, even unbelievers. Most would admit the answer usually has been “no.” Did we not pray enough? Are we not faithful enough as the Keener’s or other individuals who reports miracles?

One has ever right to ask why doesn’t God intervene more than God does. I prefer to assume God always desires to intervene miraculously. One possible better explanation for miracles is that various biological factors are involved such as cells and organs. If God doesn’t deny human freedom, it may not be a stretch to say God has to account for natural freedom as well when it comes to miracles in nature. Perhaps miracles can happen when God’s uncontrolling love aligns with countless factors known and not known. God cannot intervene singlehandedly, but a loving God is dying to intervene miraculously by all means whenever circumstances will allow. I am not sure the Keener’s would agree. It is important to understand why God may not be able to answer.

This post is about your relationship with God!

Don’t assume that all of the Bible is inspired by God. Don’t condemn your child, who says they are gay, because of your interpretation of a supposed inspired Bible. Don’t assume God knows the future? Maybe God didn’t know your spouse would betray you. Maybe God grieves with you because God can’t control freedom, etc? Your understanding of God and God’s power in a world of freedom matters in your relationship! My understanding of God empowers my relationships with God and others I seek to treat like I want to be treated.

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. Mike also writes on his own site that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

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God Can’t Stop Your Suffering And Evil!

Posted in christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on April 14, 2025|

By Mike Edwards

It is reasonable to ask why a loving. all-powerful God wouldn’t stop suffering that serves no good purpose. Please don’t tell rape survivors or a tortured loved one that God had a good/hidden purpose for not intervening. It is true some suffering may eventually serve a good purpose just as an addict hitting rock bottom. Any human parent that has the power to prevent a rape, murder, sexual assault and doesn’t isn’t truly loving. Why would we judge God, who is supposedly all-powerful, any differently if a Creator surely created us to love like them?

God can’t be all-powerful logically 

Most who have grown up in the institutional church have been taught that God is all-powerful. Logically, how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? It makes no sense to say God can exert all power and creatures can exert some power. Even the Bible doesn’t claim God is all-powerful and can do anything. God can’t tempt others (Jas. 1:13). God can’t lie or be unloving. God can’t make one believe or freedom would be a farce. 

In defense of freedom

It is not logically possible for God to create freedom unless there is the possibility of love or hate.  I don’t know of any human parent who brings children into the world not desiring their children freely reciprocate their love as opposed to being forced. Without freedom we could accuse God of not creating the very best world where only true, authentic relationships can develop. Freedom allows human to develop qualities of moral character that cannot be created initially.  Freedom cannot guarantee a pain free universe.

God can’t be all powerful and be loving

Perfect love can’t be controlling for explaining why God can’t intervene in suffering. This may be an unsatisfactory explanation to many – but better than some rationalizations given. A parent may think they know best for their adult child, but interfering in a child’s life could make them even more rebellious. I am suggesting maybe God can’t control some evil because God’s very nature is love and true love is uncontrolling. Controlling love is an oxymoron. Even the Bible claims love does not insist on its own way (I Cor 13:5).

Typical rationalizations to defend what God doesn’t intervene in suffering:

  • It is claimed a mystery how God can allow evil but not be evil. Humans don’t get a free pass if they can stop evil but don’t. Some claim all evil eventually leads to good as if some grand plan by God. Hardly! Ask sexual abuse victims or family members of murdered victims.
  • We sinners have no right to question a Holy God. This is not the moral of the story of Job
  • God doesn’t have to be fair because They are God! It is nonsense to suggest God requires impartiality in us but not of Themself (James 2:1) 

No, God doesn’t plan or control tragedies in your life 

  • God doesn’t plan for you to be unable to have children if you desire to be a mom or dad
  • God doesn’t plan for your body to be wrecked by cancer
  • God didn’t want you sexually or physically abused as a child
  • God didn’t want your partner to leave you by wanting a divorce
  • God didn’t want your loved one murdered or severely injured in a car accident
  • God didn’t want you let go from your job

What about miracles and God not being all-powerful?

I admit I don’t have the best explanation for how God can do miraculous things – against natural laws such as bringing Jesus back from the dead – and not be all-controlling. I am convinced miracles are real but lots of prayers asking for healing aren’t answered. Thus, why I write.  Do miracles not happen because some people are less sinful or beg better at the feet of an arbitrary God? A possible better explanation for healings is that various biological and environmental factors are involved such as cells and organs. It may not be a stretch to say God has to account for natural freedom as well. Perhaps miracles can happen when God’s love aligns with countless factors known and not known. God cannot intervene singlehandedly, but a loving God always wants to intervene whenever circumstances will allow.

Why bother to pray then?

We don’t have to assume God can answer our prayers but doesn’t for some unknown reason. God suffers with us, but the unfortunate truth in a free world is suffering happens, though God is dying to help. We can pray but we can be more understanding when God can’t answer our prayers. Lean on God and others for emotional support and encouragement in difficult times. Prayer is more than asking for things. We can also talk to God for self-examination, for sharing our concerns so to not feel alone in a chaotic world. Seeking God’s influence in our lives can lead to making wiser choices. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom and other factors makes one’s suffering worse. God is tireless in working through individual lives to change the world.

God. where are you in suffering?

In our suffering we don’t have to feel God doesn’t care or that God could do something and doesn’t. God knows and empathizes with us in our suffering. God grieves with us. God can empower, inspire, and accompany us. God can influence us to follow Jesus’ example which can make for a much grander world. God doesn’t derive pleasure by seeing us in pain but the unfortunate truth in a free, uncontrollable world is that God’s power it limited and suffering happens. Lean on God and others for emotional support and encouragement in difficult times.

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

 

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The Word of God

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, Word of God, tagged , , , , , on April 9, 2025|

by Jim Gordon

When we hear someone talk about the Word of God, we immediately think of the Bible. I believed this for many years while growing up in church and being part of the institutional church.

As I started my religious deconstruction, I paid more attention to the words written in the book of John, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’. Following that, there was this, ‘And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth’.

Obviously, this made me question the idea that the Bible was the word of God when the Bible itself was saying that Jesus is the Word of God.

So many of us focus on the Bible, almost making it part of the trinity. But, it is not the Father, Son and Holy Bible. We also focus on what version of the Bible is the true word of God. These verses state that Jesus is the true Word and is alive and living within us by the Spirit.

If we were never again able to read from the Bible or hear it read to us, we still have the Living Word of God within us to teach us and guide us. We are also told that ‘the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you remain in Him’.

When we read our Bibles, no matter what translation we prefer, we can be sure that the Spirit who lives within us brings those words to life, teaches us what God has for us and gives power to those words. Apart from that, the Bible is just a book that teaches us about what others thought about God. But the important part is that it leads us to Jesus who is the living Word of God.

Jim Gordon and his wife left the institutional church after spending over fifty years within the system. Jim wanted a way to express his thoughts and concerns about the religious system and why he and his wife decided to leave the institution but not their faith in God. Jim can be contacted by email at: jimgordon731@gmail.com

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Should We Assume The Bible Isn’t Inspired By God And Does It Matter? – All Rants Against The Bible Here

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, Word of God, tagged , , , , on April 6, 2025|

By Mike Edwards

If you read my weekly Post you are probably tired of my harping on the Bible. The word Bible has occurred over a 100 times in the title of my Post in the past decade or so.  See here.  This Post is an attempt to say all I feel needed about the topic of inspiration and the Bible. Honestly, I sometimes share some of the same content, just change the Post title to look at the topic asking a different question.

Many hearing claims that God inspired the Bible assume all characterizations in the Bible about God are true. They assume inspiration means God approved all recorded by the writers. They don’t think of inspiration as meaning that God encouraged or motivated writers/editors to record their understanding of God, thus possible being right or wrong.  I felt inspired to write this Post about God. That doesn’t mean all I claim about God is necessarily true.

It is important to realize that we can’t prove the Bible is or isn’t inspired by God. Besides, the Bible is literature that requires interpretation and we don’t all agree on the correct interpretation even concerning moral issues such as if God condemns gays or not. There are moral reasons to assume the Bible is not inspired. One then may ask how can we know God if not through the Bible, and others concerns such as how to read the Bible, whether to tell children bible stories, etc.

Can we prove the Bible is inspired by God or not? 

Can We Prove The Bible Is Inspired By God?

Even if we could prove God inspired every word in the Bible (God controlling the writers always accurately portrayed God), the Bible requires interpretation and such interpretations could be right or wrong

What Is Main Reason We Should Question if God Inspired The Bible?

Is The Bible Really The Word Of God

There are many important moral reasons to assume the Bible isn’t inspired by God 

Why Is It Important To Consider Bible Not Inspired?

 9 Reasons To Not Trust The Bible’s Claims About God!

How The Bible And The Quran Can Be Dangerous!

 How can we understand God if not through an inspired Holy Book?

 Do We Understand God Through The Bible or Common Moral Sense?

 Questions that may arise if questioning the inspiration of the Bible?

Are Biblical Stories Helpful Or Harmful To Children?

 Why Is One Defensive If Suggested The Bible May Have Errors?

 How Cn We Make Reading The Bible Less Difficult And More Enjoyable?

 Can We Stop Saying Our Nation Needs To Get Back To Biblical Truths?

 Can I Follow God If I Can’t Stand Reading The Bible?

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

 

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Healing Divisions within the Body of Christ

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Ekklesia, institutional church, Jesus follower, Love of God, The church, tagged , , , , , , , , , on April 4, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

When I think about the institutional church world today, I am disturbed that it is divided into so many different groups and denominations. We will all have a little different interpretation of the Bible, a little different understanding of doctrine and we will not agree on everything. Yet, we certainly should be able to love one another and accept each other even when we differ on these things. Afterall, we are all following the example of Jesus and we all love God.

It is hard to understand why this happens when God tells us we are to be one as Jesus and God are one. We have to understand that we are human and it is easy to lose sight of our first love. If we could only stay focused on Christ, listening for the guidance of the Spirit, loving God and loving others we could look past our differences and love one another with a godly love.

The problem seems to be that we are unwilling to see any other viewpoint other than our own. There are those such as my wife and I that do not attend an organized church. There are those who attend a church every time the doors are open. Some attend a house church, some meet with fellow believers at cafe’s, parks or restaurants and others meet in their homes over dinner. We should accept these differences and love one another rather than argue over who is right and who is wrong.

There really is not a right or wrong way to assemble together and we need to stop expecting everyone to do things exactly the same way. We should respect others viewpoints and focus on loving them rather than expecting them to see things our way.

Things will not change until we start focusing on what is common in our lives rather than the differences. The common focus should be on Christ, the head of the body. After that, we should focus on loving others rather than arguing about the differences in interpretation.

We also should keep in mind that we are all constantly changing as God brings new truth to us. We are all learning and changing as we are ready to accept new truths. The opinions I had ten years ago are completely different from some of the views I have now. I am sure in another five or ten years they will change again as the Spirit leads me into more truth.

Sometimes we are afraid to accept others interpretations because we feel if we do not hold to our way of thinking, we are compromising and not standing up for what we believe. We do not have to give up how we interpret the Bible or whether we attend church or not, but neither should we think everyone else is wrong. Besides, we really are not responsible for convicting people of sin, leading them into truth or even saving them. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. We are told to love God and love others.

When we realize we are each equally important functioning parts of the body, and Christ is the head, we can start to change how we feel about those who do not see things the way we do. We can begin to accept our brothers and sisters in Christ just as they are, realizing we are walking as one with God even in our differences.

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Michael Donahoe was added as a writer as his views fit perfectly with those of Done with Religion. He also writes on Substack at https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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Can We Prove The Bible Is Inspired By God?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Word of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 30, 2025|

By Mike Edwards

Many who claim the Bible is inspired by God seem to imply that God guided and controlled the writers, ensuring they wrote exactly what God intended, even while using their own vocabularies and styles. What proof do they have for such a claim?

Circular reasoning is not proof

Verses like 2 Timothy 3:16 (“All Scripture is God-breathed”) and 2 Peter 1:21 (“men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God”) are used to support the idea of divine inspiration and inerrancy. My claiming this Post is inspired by God doesn’t make it so. Those who claim this proof would not accept the Koran being inspired by Allah because internally it claims to be so

Fulfilled Prophecies are not proof

It is claimed the Bible contains hundreds of prophecies that have been fulfilled with precision, demonstrating God’s sovereignty and inspiration. I have written  here why it is doubtful God’s knows the future, thus negating genuine freedom. Thus, prophecies aren’t likely claiming what will happen in the future. They can’t. God doesn’t know what will happen in the future. Did God really have Jesus killed so God’s supposed words could be fulfilled? One can assume most prophecies are conditional because God changes if people will repent of their evil ways. See here.  Old Testament passages interpreted as Messianic prophecies could be conditional – Jesus will be killed if people don’t turn from evil.

Many passages, assumed to be Messianic, are not interpreted as such by many biblical scholars. Psalm 22 is often interpreted as regarding Jesus’ crucifixion, including reference to Jesus’ broken bones (Jn 19:36). Other scholars suggest this psalm regards a current suffering individual and later claimed by NT writer as referring to Jesus.

It is often claimed archaeological confirmation prove God’s inspiration of the Bible

Many archaeological claimed discoveries are disputed. One only needs to internet search biblical archaeology to notice not all biblical scholars confirmed the historical accuracy of all biblical accounts.  For example – findings do not support the biblical account of Jericho’s destruction around 1400 BC, as was uninhabited during Joshua’s supposed invasion. These scholars are not intentionally trying to disparage the Bible

Unity of the Bible written by 40 authors over 1500 years

The unity of the Bible having an undisputed message is debatable. Contradictions are one reason to doubt God’s inspiration/oversight of the Bible. If God can raise the dead, God can obviously control transmissions of words supposedly given to the biblical writers – but God didn’t! The list of contradictions may be trivial but are sizable (See Gregory Boyd, Inspired Imperfection, Chapter 1):

  • II Sam 24:1 says God incited David to sin; I Chr 21:1 blames it on Satan
  • 2 Kgs 24:6 says Jehoiakim had a son; Jer 36:30 says Jehoiakim didn’t have a son to reign after him
  • Does God take pleasure in destroying (Deut. 28:63), or does God take no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11)?
  • Does God punish children for the sins of parents (Ex. 34:7; Num. 14:18), or does God never punish children for what parents do (Ezek. 18:20)?
  • Matthew says Jeremiah rather than Zechariah spoke about the thirty pieces of silver (Mt 27:9-10. Zech 11:12-13)
  • Did Jesus say the rooster would crow once after Peter’s three denials (Mt 26.34, Lk 22:34, John 13:38), or did the rooster crow twice (Mk 14:30)

9 Reasons To Not Trust The Bible’s Claims About God!

Why it matters if you assume the Bible is inspired by God 

An inspired Book can lead to violence in God’s name. God supposedly orders Israel to commit hundreds of atrocities in the OT (i.e. I Sam 15:3). God’s assumed justification of violence can lead to imitation of violent solutions such as capital punishment, blowing up abortion clinics, or unnecessary wars in the name of God. An inspired book can lead to false claims about God concerning moral issues. The truth is biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible says about gays, women, hell, and other moral issues. See here.  See here.  See here.  Gays are often condemned, women’s leadership roles are limited despite their gifts, and it is suggested a fiery torturous afterlife awaits infidels in God’s name. It is perfectly okay to question if writers always understood God perfectly. It is only natural to wonder if God’s actions would ever violate our moral intuitions of a loving God regardless of one’s interpretation.  

Can We Prove The Bible Is Inspired By God?

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

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What May Be The Greatest Unknown Sin?

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, tagged , , , , , , on March 24, 2025|

By Mike Edwards

We can’t be certain about God’s true character much less if God exist. Whether one believes in a God has an obvious faith component. Let’s not accuse those who believe in a God as needing a crutch or accuse those, who question the reality of an invisible God, as being wicked and ignorant of their feelings. If wrong to doubt God exists, Christians sin if doubt God in tough times. Christians are wrong a lot and destroy relationships by being so damn certain! 

The illusion of “certainty” may be the greatest reason we fail living by the golden rule

It requires some faith that a loving God is real. Feelings aren’t visible proof. Trusting there is such a God is no different than flying. We can’t be sure the plane won’t crash – we fly because we have reasonable faith that all safety precautions have been performed to land safely. Many God-followers or leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what to believe about God according to their interpretation of the Bible. Politicians seem hell-bent in claiming certainty regarding policies such as climate change, though there are reasonable arguments on both sides of the aisle. Open-minded uncertainty could go a long way to healing our nation and personal relationships.

Why might we love certainty?

Many find comfort psychologically in certainty rather than uncertainty. One may believe the seemingly certain narrative because unknowing can create anxiety. Also, disagreeing with friends or those in leadership about God’s character can lead to conflict and loneliness due to isolation. It doesn’t matter if those who proclaim certainty have good intentions or believe their ideas are right about God. Unless we are talking about universal accepted evilness such as rape, openness is critical in case we are wrong.

What is the path toward truth in an uncertain world 

What actions in relationships should guide us? Perfect ones of course. We may not always know what perfect love is, but we somehow know we ought to love others like we want to be loved. A parent’s perfect love surely is the same as God’s love. I don’t know one person, whether a church-goer or not, that doesn’t think any God worth believing in must be a perfect, loving God. Even atheists would agree if they thought a Supreme Being existed. The Bible even implies such an idea: “Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Parent is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). We still must decide what perfect love is, but God surely didn’t create us to be totally clueless.

Why doesn’t God reveal more certainty? 

Billions of lives have been harmed by the Bible not being clearer that slavery or restricting women’s roles, etc. are certainly wrong. The only rationalization I know at this time why God seems so hidden is that God’s awing or overwhelming presence may only lead to fearful obligations to obey. The road traveled of learning, reflecting, and not being pressured may best lead to lasting convictions and more meaningful relationships. But God doesn’t get enough credit for communicating through our moral senses. There is almost universal belief that we ought to love one another how we want to be loved. Evils such as rape, sexual abuse, murder, stealing, etc. are universal beliefs. We don’t always know how to love best but we aren’t morally clueless.

Uncertainty can lead to acting more loving.

Truth is often not known but to be pursued. If you find one rational person that has a difference of opinion from your own, you should consider their opinion. I don’t care if it concerns the safety of vaccines, climate solutions, whether Hell literally exist, or if God condemns gays. We often don’t recognize what doesn’t work in our personal relationships always doesn’t work in the public arena. Partners who act as if they are always right and their partner is wrong are headed toward divorce or a sucky relationship. Having good intentions by believing you are right for the whole doesn’t matter when certainty isn’t universal. Being unable to declare the certainty or morality of our opinions forces us to listen and express ideas openly that can lead to the greater good. God doesn’t attempt to force but influence us to make choices with the interest of others in mind.

What May Be The Greatest Unknown Sin?

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

 

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Words are a Matter of Interpretation

Posted in Bible, christian living, Ekklesia, Love of God, The church, Word of God, tagged , , , , , , , on March 20, 2025|

by Jim Gordon

So often, what we say and what we mean are two different things. Words can mean different things to different people.

Take for instance the word church. Most of us think of a building where Christian’s meet every Sunday for an organized, pre-planned service of music, prayer and a sermon by a paid pastor. In reality, church is better described by the word ekklesia. It is people who are following Christ and allowing Him to live and love through them. Church is not a place, a building, or the house of God and it is not at a set time or day. Church is the body of Christ, each of us equally functioning as parts of the body under Christ, living our lives each day by letting Christ live through us, loving and accepting others.

How about the word Christian. We think of people who love God, go to church, pray, read their Bible and try to do the right things. Actually, Christian is a man-made word that originally was used to describe those who followed the teaching of Jesus and were doing the works of Jesus. Today, rather than being the true sense of following Christ, it is more widely known as a religion. Christians are considered people who believe in Jesus, go to church, follow specific rules, adhere to a set doctrine, pray, read the Bible and try to get more people to come to their church. We think of Christians in the same sense as Jews, Muslims, Hindus and a host of other religions rather than a way of life walking with Jesus.

When we talk about prayer, we generally think of a set time when we make our requests known to God and thank God for answered prayer. In many formal meetings, prayers are written out and followed word for word to make people sound more spiritual. Actually, prayer is just talking like you would talk to a friend or relative only you are talking to God. Not only talking, but being quiet and listening for God to speak to us through the Spirit. Believe it or not, prayer is not spoken in King James English. It is talking to God just like we talk to anyone else.

What about the Bible. Of course, our first thought is a book that God inspired men to write. If we look closer at John 1:1, we find that the Bible is not a book at all. “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God”. Actually, the Word of God is Jesus. He is the inerrant, all powerful, living Word of God. The Bible is a book that contains writings of men that tell us about God and leads us to Jesus. By reading the Bible, we can learn a lot about God and the love God has for us, all shown through the life of Jesus. What we do not want to do is make the Bible equal to God. The Bible is not part of God, it is a book that tells us about God and leads us to Jesus.

The word worship is generally thought of as a time during the organized service when people are led into song and outward praise to God by a leader paid to bring people into an atmosphere of worship. The style of worship also varies greatly from group to group. Many people think worship is singing, meditating, lifting of hands or dancing. Worship is a true sense of reverence and adoring praise to God. It is personal and does not need a professional leader to bring us to this point. It is a sincere and earnest thankfulness we have for God. It can be by song and outward signs or it can be quiet and inward meditation.

I am sure there are many other words we could come up with that would fit here, but the main point is it is not as important the word we use, but the true meaning. In our life of service to God, Jesus is the focal point. It does not boil down to our doctrines, beliefs and man-made efforts. It is following Christ, allowing Him to live through us by the Spirit and giving God the throne of our lives. Jesus is the head of the body, the rest of us are equal parts with various giftings and functions.

Jim Gordon and his wife left the institutional church after spending over fifty years within the system. Jim wanted a way to express his thoughts and concerns about the religious system and why he and his wife decided to leave the institution but not their faith in God. Jim can be contacted by email at: jimgordon731@gmail.com

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Why Is It Important To Know Hell Is A Myth?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on March 2, 2025|

By Mike Edwards

I write a good bit about the topic of Hell to defend biblical and moral reasons to reject. See here.  See here. Polls in the past few years suggest about 60% of Americans believe in Hell as a place many go after their death. I would suggest a large percentage who believe in Hell think it may be a literal place of everlasting torture/suffering. That is a lot of people, when including their relationships, where such views negatively influence others about God’s character. Is God a sadistic torturer? I think it is important to put this view of Hell to bed for many reasons.

Hell gives people a wrong impression of God, thus turning people away 

A loving God couldn’t possibly torture anyone forever since such pain serves no lasting purpose. Humans wouldn’t even create such a place for their worst enemies. Hitler was condemned for torturing millions of Jews; God is said to torture billions unending. The only reason to think a loving God would create such as a place as Hell would be if we believed a Book taught such a horrific thing. It doesn’t. (See links above) If we humans really believed Hell made moral sense, we would never cease from warning our friends to repent to escape Hell.  A moral God can’t be a hellish, sadistic, torturer. 

Hell prevents a genuine relationship with God   

What kind of relationship comes forth when threatened with endless torture if you don’t obey. Are you close to your parents because of fear or respect. Fear doesn’t lead to change but trying to avoid getting caught. God isn’t saving you from Hell, but hoping to help you become more the person you desire to be while here on life. Fear may work temporarily in the religion or political arena, but it can’t last. Jesus came to encourage living a life worth living – not to get you out of Hell. The advantage of a relationship with a loving God is that there is a voice outside imperfect beings – a God who inspires, forgives, and encourages. Genuine changes result when knowing you are deeply loved by a parent or God empowering you to reflect such love to others.

Hell encourages a hidden agenda in our relationships 

Conversations with God-followers often feels like them trying to change your beliefs. We all hate when our partner doesn’t listen and just wants to give advice. Many avoid spiritual discussions because they can smell a hidden agenda a mile away. It’s wrong to engage in friendships with others for the purpose of converting them to believe as you do, without advising upfront your agenda. I was taught God’s good news was saving people from Hell so they could get into Heaven. I was wrong according to Jesus. See here.  All I know to do is to focus on living where actions speak louder than words in case others want to pursue convos about God. God may truly exist! 

Hell can impact one’s view of justice in God’s name 

Many interpret the Quran or the Bible advocating killing Jews or condemning gays respectively, because Allah or God supposedly approves such actions. Extremists don’t acknowledge their interpretation could be wrong or that the writers possibly didn’t understand God perfectly.  God supposedly ordered Israel to commit hundreds of atrocities in the OT – “… put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” (I Sam. 15:3) God’s possible justification of violence can lead to imitation of violent solutions such as capital punishment, blowing up abortion clinics, or unnecessary wars in the name of God.  

Hell represents wrongly the main message of the Bible and Jesus

The main message of the Bible and Jesus isn’t about avoiding Hell to get into Heaven. It is so important to know that God cares about you here and now and not about just the afterlife. Jesus spoke of a life worth living being a loving life empowered by God. Jesus’ salvation was about living a meaningful life here on earth with God’s help. The Bible/Jesus/God’s message isn’t dropping to your knees to avoid Hell to go to Heaven after death, but start loving now – a path toward great relationships.  See here.

God only seeks to inspire you to avoid a life full of regrets

I believe Jesus spoke of loving God not to get into heaven but to receive help in loving others as you love yourself now. You may be different than me, but I get help from God in pursuing a life not full of regrets. Try it! It’s on God to come through for you if you choose to follow. Jesus when leaving this earth spoke of having God’s spirit within us. If you refuse to love, you may end up a lonely, regretful soul.

Why Is It Important To Know Hell Is A Myth?

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

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What God Can’t Stand The Most!

Posted in Acceptance, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on February 23, 2025|

By Mike Edwards

You probably thought I was going to rant about some sin in your life. Nope! Read on. God is like the cool grandparent I try to be. My grandchildren are still young but when I am with them, I don’t rattle keys to entertain them and hope they go away. I get on the floor and play despite back issues. I tell them you can’t have all the sugar you want, but I will understand you want it and we will work it out. I won’t say do as I say, not what I do – most of the time. I confess that I am more the 4-hour type than the 24/7 type grandparent. When they get older and more independent, we can hang out longer. I did enough all-nighters with my kids.

What kind of parent is God?

I may not do all that my kids wish I did with their kids but when my kids are in pain, I am as miserable as hell. I am convinced God as well when we are in pain. Something breaks and my kids need money, I am there unless using money to get high! A work responsibility comes up and you need childcare, I may have to break my 3-hour rule. I can’t stand them having ANY anxiety about a duty coming up. I can’t stand when their heat quits at their home in the winter. Imagine how God feels when those in poor countries die due to harsh weather and they have no shelter.

I got a feeling God is a more caring, lover than I am. The type of relationship I only know to compare God and me is a parent-child relationship. And God has a lot more children/creations than I do. You may have been taught God feels angry and you will reap the consequences of your sins. So, I guess God has emotions. If God can feel angry, God can feel sadness, etc. I understand tough times may build character, but God hates unnecessary challenges we may face because we live in a broken world. God can’t stand when you are in pain!

How does God love us? 

God’s love surely is the same as supreme parents – other-directed not self-consumed. Love gets excited when we do well and make a difference in the lives of others. Love anticipates, hopes for my success, believes in me. God is pulling for me, even when failing, because I do the same for my children. God may worry but still hopes. We are dependent on our children for intimate relationships. God is dependent on us. God puts trust in us by giving us freedom. A God who claims to love but doesn’t believe in, hope for us, doesn’t love us at all. Heck, even the Bible claims God wants to be friends with us (John 15:15, James 2:22-23), as I do with my adult children.

How dare you compare God’s love to human love!

Even the Bible suggests God’s love is the same as perfect human love: “Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Parent is perfect” (Mt. 5:48); be imitators of God (Eph. 5:1); be merciful like God (Lk. 6:36). God must love like perfect humans. Bible folks say we are made in the image of God. God’s image is our perfect image! It is only intuitive that God’s love means what we mean when saying we love others on a deep level. Even those who accuse God of being mysterious agree. When one’s interpretation of Scriptures suggest God appears evil from a human perspective, they are assuming God and human love are the same by accusing God of being mysterious.

But can’t God control our suffering unlike earthly parents?

Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

God can’t stand if you don’t understand how much God loves you

It pumps me to no end when my parents or partner feels genuine respect for me! They committed to me not knowing how the relationship would turn out. God too! If you claim to love someone, you trust them, you hope they succeed, you have faith in them. Even some who don’t believe Jesus was really divine and human, they believe Jesus may have been the most perfect person in the world like God. Jesus had trust, hope, and faith in others. So does God! God is the kind of spiritual Parent I have longed for in my journey to love others like I want to be loved.  How do you want to be loved by your parents? That is how God loves you!

Resource and must read: Wm. Curtis Holtzen, The God Who Trust: A Relational Theology Of Divine Faith, Hope, and Love 

What God Can’t Stand The Most!

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

 

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