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Posts Tagged ‘christian living’

Does God Ever Advocate Violence To Stop Evil?

Posted in Acceptance, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on February 1, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

There is so much violence throughout the world. Evil is alive and well even in churches, synagogues, and mosques. Shouldn’t we fight against evil? Must God-followers always lay down their arms according to Jesus’ words and example? Does non-violent reactions really end evil. Pacifism in my opinion is unrealistic. Evil only end when all individuals and nations decide to stop victimizing others.

More and more God-followers are rightly advocating for a loving than wrathful God. Many suggest since Jesus is God Himself, we should follow His words if we think they contradict an Old Testament prophet’s understanding of God.  It’s too simplistic to think the Bible was written so we can simply turn to a page to get an answer for our problem. I might give my kids different advice when dealing with similar or different circumstances. Jesus too! Should you confront, should you divorce, etc.? It depends! Seek God and the wisdom of others who are slow to be certain. See: Does God Ever Advocate Violence To Stop Evil?

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like

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Inclusion is Not a Bad Word

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Community, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on January 26, 2026|

by Michael Donahoe

Have you noticed how many people seem to only include their preferred group? They only include people who think like them, have similar interests and likes. If you think differently or have different views and opinions, people feel you should stay in your own group with like-minded people, but leave the other group alone.

We seem to find this attitude in every walk of life, but within organized religion or institutional church it seems even worse. We all should be accepting of people in general in our daily lives. Yet, we see this so often within Christianity with the wide variety of denominations and interpretations of the Bible.

When it comes to including people who we see as completely different from us, African-American, Native-American, White, LGBTQ, Atheist, Muslim, Jew and so on, we tend to want to keep each group separate. We think as believers in God we need to separate ourselves and not associate with those who see things differently. Why is it the word inclusion seems to make so many Christian people cringe?

Really, behind all the labels we put on people we are all basically the same, so why not associate and get to know people who we feel are different from us? We can learn from one another, get to know one another and find that we really are not all that different.

We see Jesus do this all the time when reading the gospels in the Bible. He did not differentiate people based on their religion, belief, lifestyle, sexuality or nationality. He did not separate himself from those who thought, believed and lived differently. He loved and accepted all people and showed them the love of God.

Obviously loving and accepting people does not mean total agreement, nor are we going to always get along in life and live happily ever after. Yet I believe it does mean treating others the same, with respect, kindness, acceptance and with the love of God through the power of the Spirit within.

Inclusion is not a bad word. It is not a bad or unholy way to live. Inclusion is about ALL of us. Inclusion is about living full lives – about learning to live together. It makes the world our classroom for a full life. Inclusion treasures diversity and builds community. It is about our abilities – our gifts and how to share them. Inclusion is the way of God and the way of showing the love of God to all we meet.

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Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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What Is Misinformation? Should We Censor Misinformation?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

Try claiming God doesn’t condemn gays. You are called a heretic in religious places, despite disagreement among scholars what the Bible claims. Dare to argue Covid vaccines have risks and you are called a mis-informer or conspiracist. It isn’t science without debate. The problem is condemnation of expression of opinions. The solution is encouraging civil discussions. Certainty is a myth except in the eye of the beholder!

See: What Is Misinformation? Should We Censor Misinformation?

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Top Posts for 2025

Posted in christian living, Love of God, tagged , , on January 20, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

Many rightly wonder if what Christian leaders claim about God is true. Who can blame them when God supposedly created a place such as Hell, to torture forever those who don’t believe in God a short time here on earth. In Posts I  often propose a question, which can paint one’s view of God. I try to keep a page length with bold subtitles. It concerns a question about God that I wish people would be willing to discuss about God, so they could draw their own conclusions than what many Christians claim to be true about God.

 Why Did God Allow This Cancerous Tumor In My Brain?

Getting Saved Isn’t About Going To Heaven Or Hell!

Hell No! Hell Is A Myth!

A Loving God Can’t Be All-Powerful!

Which Religion Leads To Heaven?

God Loves Gays!

Should Christians Always Forgive Those Who Deny Guilt?

What Can Good Marriages Do Even Better?

What May Be The Greatest Unknown Sin?

What About Miracles Prophesies – Book Review Impossible Love

If God is Real, Why Then Is God So Hidden?

What Is God’s Love Really Like?

Should We Assume The Bible Isn’t Inspired by God And Does It Matter – Rants Against The Bible

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like

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The Spirit Lives Within Us

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, Word of God, tagged , , , , , on January 13, 2026|

the Spirit is Our Teacher and Guide

by Michael Donahoe

Growing up in the organized church, we were told that the Holy Spirit came to reside within us once we accepted Christ. We were also told that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we have no need that any man should teach us. Yet when it came to really emphasizing what that meant and how to hear the Spirit, the church seemed to have dropped the ball in that area.

We do not seem to hear a lot of teaching on what it means for the Spirit to live within us. We are not told how to listen for the Spirit and what are we actually supposed to be listening for. Jesus said that his sheep hear his voice, yet most of us were taught that his voice is really the words written in the Bible or spoken by the pastor.

We have heard it said that if it is not in the Bible it is not of God. We are told God only speaks to us through the written word, yet there are so many interpretations, various doctrines and so many verses that were written to a specific person or group of persons many years ago. These writings were often for a specific time period that no longer relates directly to us except as an example to learn about the nature of God.

I feel so much has been lost over the years from when the original writings were done. So many of the translations have changed the original meanings because of changes in times, customs, word meanings, traditions and such. Without the Spirit bringing to life the words we read, and through confirmation through the voice of the Spirit within, we are really left to our personal views and opinions and what others have told us the written word means.

The Bible is not God and it is not a god. The Bible was inspired by an infallible God yet written by very fallible men, men who were inspired yet wrote with their personal views and ways of writing. The Bible is about people trying to find, follow and fellowship with God and it teaches us ways to do that. The written word leads us to the Living Word, who is Jesus. ( read the article, In the Beginning Was the Word by Michael Clark ).

The Bible tells us that the Spirit now lives within us. Yet so often, even though we say it we do not act like we really believe it. Time and time again the Bible mentions we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we have the mind of Christ, the Spirit and the Kingdom are within you. And time and time again we seem to go right on thinking God is far away from us and all we can do is read from the Bible or have some pastor tell us what God is saying.

There are many people who say they speak for God, but they are nowhere close to being a godly example. It is easy to say God told me this or that, or say God told me to tell you something yet the person saying such things is only going on their personal feelings and interpretations. Anyone can say God told them this or that and they expect us to do what they say, but we need to listen to the Spirit for ourselves and listen for the confirmation from within as to what is of God and what is not.

I believe if God says the Spirit lives within us and we can hear his voice, then it is something not to be taken lightly. As followers of Christ, we can rely on the Spirit within us to teach us and guide us into the truth. We have to be listening and open to God to know the voice of the Spirit, but we can hear it and know it is from God. To say that we can only hear from God through the written word is to miss a more intimate fellowship with God.

Is the Bible to be ignored? Are we to stop reading the written word and only follow what we feel is the voice of the Spirit? No, both the written word and the Living Word that lives within us are important. The written word is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Yet without the Living Word bringing those words to life, it is just a book about humans trying to find God. We need to be listening for the quiet voice of the Spirit of Christ who actually lives within us for truth and guidance. Sometimes he will speak directly in our spirits, sometimes he will speak through his written word and sometimes through others.

Also remember that God is alive and the Spirit is within us. Do not think that God can only speak through one particular means. Yet do not jump at every voice you hear, make sure it is the voice of the Spirit. Although the Bible says we have the mind of Christ we also have the mind of Jim, or Mike or Betty. We are still human and need to be sure we are hearing from the Spirit of Christ and not our natural spirit. Still, Jesus said His sheep hear his voice, which to me says we can hear and know it is from God.

We also know that the Spirit can speak to one person one way and another person in a different way. Just because the Spirit is speaking to me does not mean he is telling you the same thing. Just because I hear the Spirit say something to me does not mean it is something that has to be announced to everyone. It may be that he is speaking to me for something I need to do or learn and it is not meant for others to hear.

My friend Michael Clark wrote about this topic and said in his article: Jesus is the Word of God! He speaks to those who are His sheep. They know His voice and will not follow the voices of strangers (read John Ch. 10). Yet, so many Christians have said to me, how can I know when Jesus is speaking to me? To many of them the answer is, unplug! You are listening to and reading too many teachers. Break this habit of heaping to yourself teachers who tickle your ears. Get alone with God until you start hearing His whispered voice. Talk with Him and let Him be your friend above all friends.

Just as we think of the church as a building with an organized program, it is so much more than that. The Church is a community of people daily following the Spirit and living in the kingdom of God during our life now. We think of the word of God as a book, yet the true and living Word of God is so much more than that. Jesus is the Living Word of God and we can hear the voice of the Spirit which is within us. We can hear his voice through the written word, but keep in mind that God speaks in more ways than one.

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Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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Why Do People Reject That God Saves All To Heaven Eventually?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Kingdom of God, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 4, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

Universalism is a theological belief that God eventually saves all to go to heaven after death. Some may even experience open-mindedness in the afterlife after meeting their Creator. God never gives up. God’s love is relentless. This doesn’t mean some won’t reject God though it is hard to conceive some rejecting a perfect place such as heaven as opposed to death (Hell is a Myth, See here. ) It is hard to believe but possible that some people, even if they were given infinite chances in eternity, would still reject God forever. But universalism as least means all have final chances after meeting their Creator in the afterlife, to believe and accept God’s ways.

Why universalism makes godly sense 

Does God’s loving nature allow stopping to forgive? There are consequences in this life and there may be painful reckonings in the life to come, but a loving God can’t stop showing grace. Why would God undergo a complete character lobotomy after we take our last breath here on earth? Is a thief going to enter Paradise but not others with lesser sins because they weren’t next to Jesus hanging on a Cross right before their last breath? God’s grace doesn’t depend on whether one has more opportunities to respond to God than others. Even imperfect human parents wouldn’t cut off a child who eventually accepts responsibilities for their actions. Universalism is possible or even probably true because there can’t be a deadline or time limit on God’s love. There isn’t on my love for my children. Am I a better lover than God?  We are told to forgive our enemies as many times as necessary but God doesn’t? 

Universalism seems true even according to the Bible 

Many may reject universalism because they believe the Bible teaches against it. Many who reject universalism often resort to name calling rather than defending their views – referring to those who reject their claims as heretics. What many may not know is there are many biblical scholars who believe the Bible can be interpreted to teach God saves all eventually. See: All Will End Up Heaven According To The Bible!

Universalism seems true because Hell is a myth: 

Many who believe God exists agree God has given us moral intuitions to discern evil from good. We don’t need a Book to know sexual abuse or murder is wrong. God creating a literal Hell where people are tortured for billions of years for beliefs held a short time here on earth isn’t possible morally or biblically. See here. See here. Humans wouldn’t even create such a place for our enemies. God or humans can’t possibly be happy in heaven if loved ones are tormented after death forever. If God supposedly has such control over happiness, why not use the same power over rebelliousness?

Without Hell is there is a reason to consider faith in God here on earth? 

It is implied Hell/fear is necessary to want to follow God. The Bible seems to suggest God seeks to empower us to be the unselfish people we deep down desire to be, not to be fearful of a destiny to be tortured forever in the afterlife. Jesus sought to inspire others to seek God’s help in loving others for the good of the world. Jesus simply commended Zacchaeus for recognizing a journey necessary to avoid personal destruction because of sin. Salvation is not a future destination but a currently reality (Lk 19).  Jesus told the woman who had committed adultery not how to avoid hell but: “go now, and leave your life of sin” (John 8).  Why pursue God without fear? Surely a loving God seeks to encourage us to pursue heavenly than worldly ways here on earth for our own happiness.

What about Justice? 

The Bible talks about everyone, whether having faith here on earth or not, will be judged (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:12). Punishment doesn’t bring back a victim’s robbed memories of the future due to the murder of a loved one. Justice can be understanding your victim’s pain and accepting the harmfulness of your actions. After death God may seek for all to face every action of betrayal and how it felt to their victims. The cleansing and educative effect may take longer for some than others. Humans like God may forgive their enemies if they truly regret their actions and seek forgiveness. Justice from a fair, merciful God is possible despite people being given a second chance after death.

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like

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God is Like Jesus, Loving and Kind

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on December 30, 2025|

by Jim Gordon

I grew up in the traditional church environment and followed the religious teachings and doctrines over the years. I have seen a lot of things that I now question and wonder why things were done that way.

Over the years, many of us have come to see God as super human being sitting on a huge throne up in heaven just waiting to punish us for our mistakes. We see God as being far away, impersonal, judgmental and many times as someone to fear.

Yet when we think about the life of Christ and know he was sent from God to show us what God is really like, we come to see God in a different way. When we read about how Jesus lived and treated people, we see him as loving, compassionate, kind and accepting. Jesus came to show us that God is the same way.

After Jesus left this life on earth God sent the Holy Spirit to live within us. Think about it, God in Spirit form lives within us and among us right now. God is not a super human being way up there somewhere far away, but is Spirit and is right here within us.

God is not out to get us and punish us every time we mess up. I think God gets a bad reputation from some of the writings in the Bible due to mistranslations, different word meanings and not understanding customs of the times. I believe men, although they were inspired by God, wrote down some of their personal views. Obviously, if you were inspired by someone to write a book you would still write it from your perspective. Anything man has a hand in is going to be flawed. The Bible, when combined with the leading of the Holy Spirit is purposeful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, and in guiding us to the living Word of God who is Jesus.

Rather than running around being afraid of God and waiting for the judgment of God to fall, look at Jesus and see that God is love. Whenever correction is needed it is only for our good and it is done in love. Just as a loving parent sometimes corrects their child. it is done in love and for the child’s own good. We are not waiting to be destroyed by a God who loves judgment and condemnation. We are living with a God who is love, who created us and who wants the best for us during our time on earth.

Stop being afraid of God and continue to seek fellowship with God. If you hear a pastor telling you that God is out to get you and that you had better shape up or else, get away from there and find brothers and sisters in Christ who will be encouragers and who will help build you up rather than condemn and scare you. Fear of judgment will not lead you into a loving relationship with God. Only true, godly love will be what draws us into fellowship with God. God is love. For those of us who are followers of Jesus we should also be known for our love. As Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Live a godly life by loving people. Rather than being known for judgment, condemnation, hatred and what you are against, show the love of God. Be kind to all people and be known for your love of your fellow human beings.

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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Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Lifestyles, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 17, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

For most of us here in the United States and around the world, Christmas is being celebrated on December 25. It is a time of excitement and goodwill toward others. Everyone is excited about buying gifts for others and giving gifts to their loved ones. We are all excited of the thought of receiving gifts also. For some, it is a time of religious celebrations, and for others, it is a time of family celebration and the enjoyment of being together.

Yet, just because Christmas seems so popular, we need to remember that there are several other holiday celebrations going on here in the states and around the world. Following are a few of the more known holiday celebrations going on during this time of year:

Christmas

For Christians, it is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus into our world. Many go to church and enjoy the story of Jesus being born to Mary and Joseph. We love to sing the familiar Christmas songs, enjoy the spirit of love during this season and tell everyone Merry Christmas.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights which begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so Hanukkah can fall anywhere from November 28th to December 26th. “This holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E.” People celebrate Hanukkah by lighting their menorahs, spinning dreidels and eating delicious foods!

Kwanzaa

In the United States, roughly five million people celebrate Kwanzaa each year! Kwanzaa is a seven-day holiday that celebrates African culture. It begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, there is a Kwanzaa Karamu, which is a big feast. Gifts of Kuumba (creativity) are given to loved ones. Kwanzaa is also celebrated through lighting the Kinara, performing and listening to traditional music and discussing African principles and history.

Winter Solstice

For Pagans, December means the holiday of Yule is coming! It falls on December 21st, which marks the winter solstice. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice celebrates the rebirth of the sun, because days get longer from this point.

Las Posadas

From December 16th through December 24th, Las Posadas is celebrated by some Hispanic families in the United States. It is a nine-day celebration before Christmas, beginning with a procession with candles, songs and sometimes even people playing the parts of Mary and Joseph who lead the parade. Every night of Las Posadas is celebrated with gifts, piñatas, song, parties, tamales and prayer.

Diwali

While this holiday falls a little bit before the rest, Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is a five-day long Hindu holiday celebrating life and the victory of good over evil. Taking place in October or November, each day of Diwali has a different legend it celebrates, but the holiday is filled with fireworks, feasts and family. The date of Diwali is determined based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days, beginning on the first day of the lunar new year. The 15th day of the new year is the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with a parade. The Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of Spring and is a time to be spent with family and loved ones, eating and enjoying time together.

So, this holiday season think outside of the Christmas box and appreciate a diversity of great holidays celebrated by others during this most wonderful time of the year. We here at Done with Religion hope that all of you enjoys this joyous season following the beliefs and traditions that you follow and enjoy. Happy Holidays to all.

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Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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Can We Stop Saying “God Willing?

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on December 14, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

Those of who have a relationship with God desire for others to consider how such a relationship can benefit them in being more the person they desire to be deep down. Thus, we need to be concerned the influence on others the claims we make about God. It matters how God is portrayed thus perceived by others. I cringe when well-meaning people passionate about God say things like “it’s all part of God’s plan” or “this was God’s will.” Certain things we say can give wrong impressions about God. It is impossible to feel God cares when undeserved suffering visits our doorstep, and someone implies that such suffering is God’s desire or will. A fair question is “why you and not someone who deserves certain consequences for their immoral behavior.”

Many end their podcast, speech, etc. by saying “God willing” implying it is up to God if they show up again to do another podcast or event. Athletes suffer an injury on the field and imply it was God’s will. I don’t think suffering is ever God’s will. There may be consequences of actions that lead to positive change, but aren’t necessarily initiated by God. “God willing” implies God is in total control of life, death, events in future suggesting God is responsible for joys and our suffering.

God doesn’t determine life, death, or injury 

Biblical support is often given to claim God is in control of all events in our lives. It is sometimes suggested God caused Hezekiah’s death. In 2 Kings 20:1 and Isaiah 38:1, the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah: “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.” Actually, the Bible claims later God extended his life. And I will add fifteen years to your life.”(2 Kings 20:5–6). In the Old Testament prophetic announcements of death don’t necessarily mean that God actively causes death.

God isn’t responsible for your suffering

God doesn’t plan or control tragedies in your life. We don’t have to believe God is punishing us, that God has abandon us, or that God doesn’t care. God can’t be all powerful, thus controlling, and be loving. See What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?

God isn’t in complete control 

Perfect love is uncontrolling. It is intuitive to assume an all-powerful, almighty God has complete control. We sometimes assume God has total control when we say “why God” during suffering. It is often said that God has a plan for your life or everything happens for a reason. This implies God is responsible for tragedies in your life. I doubt that! See Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

What, no guarantees in life? 

Freedom cannot guarantee a pain free universe The best news is God isn’t controlling sufferings we experience in our lives. God wants us to truly feel free to pursue our own dreams without strings attached, unlike some earthly parents. God only desires to influence us to do all the good 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. The future is open to God as well. God joins us in a true friendship by sharing our joys and sorrows in our journey to be the person we deep down desire to be. 

What can we say instead of “God willing”? 

We can always say God’s will is we never suffer. God suffers with us when we suffer. God is already doing all they can to love on us. I have been dealing with brain cancer. I am often asked how someone can pray for me. I am convinced God is in the healing business/love without being asked.  See Why Pray If Most Prayers Are Unanswered? I don’t get on my high horse and lecture others, but what I want to say for prayers: “God is already doing all they can for me in terms of my illness. Please pray I continue to reach out to God for influence, encouragement – whatever my circumstances – to keep my friendship with God alive.” So far so good, but I am early in my journey!

Can We Stop Saying “Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin”!

Can We Stop Saying Everything Happens For A Reason!

Can We Stop Saying We Know What Biblical Truths Are?

Can We Stop Saying Our Rights As A Nation Come From God?

Can We Stop Saying “Biblical Worldview”?

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like 

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Why Pray If Most Prayers Are Unanswered?

Posted in Acceptance, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on December 7, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

There has been much discussion about prayer with the latest tragedies – Charlie Kirk’s assassination, children wounded and killed during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, etc. Why pray when God obviously doesn’t intervene with so much evil in the world.  Let’s be honest – are the majority of your prayers answered in the way you pray? It is important to understand two views on the purpose of prayer. Our mental view (unanswered prayers) of God determines the depth of our relationship with God and how you pray.

God can’t be all powerful and loving, thus controlling your suffering 

Some deal with unanswered prayer with the thought that God may say “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” depending on what aligns with His will and what’s ultimately best. I believe most would suggest God says no or wait A LOT. But maybe God can’t say yes though desires to do so. It is possible that God can’t be all-powerful, thus answer many prayers. Logically, how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power?  It’s not that we didn’t pray enough with the right words and behaviors so God will answer. God can’t make one’s partner willing to stop drinking without violating their freedom. God can’t interfere in a job matter without impacting all who are interviewing. What if two make the same request to God? Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here.  God can’t just wave a magic wand. See:

Can And Does God Control Your Suffering?

Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

Another view is that prayer is more relational 

God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help.  Maybe God’s answering prayer is not as arbitrary as it feels sometimes.  Prayer may be less about changing God’s mind and more transforming the person praying — deepening awareness, gratitude, and alignment with divine values. Some religions suggest prayer may be seen more as a means of cultivating spiritual connection rather than a request that an external deity fulfills specific wishes. The “answer” may come as insight, peace, strength, or changed circumstances, not necessarily the exact outcome you asked for. Prayer and meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and foster resilience. Prayer can be a way to stay connected to God — like keeping a friendship alive, less about giving God new information and more about sharing your heart. In this view, prayer isn’t trying to change God; it’s letting God change you — shaping your desires, calming your fears, and aligning you with love and wisdom. Prayer is talking to gain support not manipulating for gain. 

Relational prayer been a life-saver in my battle with brain cancer

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor April 2025. I don’t have to believe God caused my cancer for some hidden reason, or even that God allows my cancer – this suggests God can do something but doesn’t. We must come up with a better explanation that God simply allows – thus controls – evils but isn’t responsible for such evils. A God who can prevent evil but doesn’t is counter-intuitive to love. No loving parent or God sits idly by when they could prevent tragedies such as rape or murder. Are we to believe God doesn’t care, God is punishing us, or God has abandoned us and left us clueless about the grand plan? God doesn’t just allow your suffering!  See why-did-god-allow-this-cancerous-tumor-in-my-brain/

Final thoughts on prayer

  • Even when circumstances don’t change, prayer often changes how a person experiences them. People who pray regularly sense peace or clarity, greater compassion, a deeper trust that they are not alone in what they face.
  • God is always listening. God hates suffering and is always doing all they can to intervene. We don’t have to pray so God can take action. God is always loving on us.
  • 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 obviously grieves due to all the evil in the world. God suffered when Jesus was crucified. God suggested through Jesus’ example and words what kind of life lived by all here on earth can make for a much grander world. God doesn’t derive pleasure by seeing us in pain but the unfortunate truth in a free world is suffering enables me to better help and influence others that our prosperous times don’t. Jesus’ miracles turn heads, but Jesus’ suffering changed the hearts of billions of followers.
  • We don’t have to assume God can answer our prayers but doesn’t for some unknown reason.
  • Prayer isn’t as complicated when we understand the challenges of running a universe where freedom exists. God can’t change one unwilling to change. God has the interest of all in mind. God can’t make one be a better parent if they have no desire to change. God can’t answer the prayer for both people asking for the same job.
  • We can also talk to God for self-examination, for sharing our concerns so to not feel along 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.
  • Praying can remind us to offer help. God is an omnipresent Spirit. God already knows needs before spoken. It is easier sometimes to pray for someone rather than take cooperative actions with God. This may be the most common way that God answers prayers. Rather than praying your friend’s partner stop drinking, which is harming their family, see if your friend would rather you say something to their partner. When you know two friends are in conflict, speak to the one wrongly denying any wrongdoing. God always seeks our permission to use our lives to help others.
  • 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 makes one’s suffering worse. God is tireless in working through individual lives to change the world.

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like

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