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Posts Tagged ‘science’

Does God Really Take Us in Their Time – Charlie Kirk!

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 26, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

When Charlie Kirk was recently assassinated, it has been said or implied that God is somehow responsible for taking Charlie in his own time. The problem with this thought is that it dissolves others from evil and lays evil at the feet of God.

Why didn’t God intervene miraculously? 

It has been claimed that God supposedly intervene in saving Trump, but God didn’t save Corey Comperatore. Mr. Comperatore was the gentleman who shielded his family from being shot and was killed at the July 13 rally. Miracle proclamations only lead to implying God didn’t care to save his life for some unknown/mysterious reason. It implies God only cares to spare certain people from being murdered or raped but not others.  I doubt God’s love is so arbitrary.

Many Bible-folks assume God is all-powerful, which demands an answer to why God displays Their power or not. Why God acts arbitrarily isn’t easy to answer if God is truly loving, unless you always blame unanswered prayer due to one’s sins. Often, it is proclaimed God’s ways are higher than ours and God is working it all out for good. Tell that to a woman raped! Logically how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly. Controlling love is an oxymoron. God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here. Therefore, God doesn’t determine when someone leaves this earth. It was not Charlie’s time to go.

Who is responsible for evil 

God isn’t responsible. Guns aren’t to blame. It’s the person who pulls the trigger. It takes time for police to show up. One trained and carrying a gun can often prevent more deaths or their own death. How do you keep bad guys from getting guns illegally. There too many guns to do an all-out ban. At least let’s have an open debate. Charlie Kirk was murdered in cold blood while encouraging conversations with students on a college campus who disagreed with him.

I think there is an overlooked cause in Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Whoever pulled the trigger is totally responsible. But, many morally or mentally challenged people are provoked. Many fan the flames of hate. Some polls suggest millions think political assassination is a solution to those you differ with. Where are such thoughts encouraged? False name-calling can provoke one thinking they are doing the world a favor of ridding of certain individuals. Kirk and others are called Nazis and compared to Hitler. Hitler was condemned for torturing millions of Jews. Is this really true of Mr. Kirk or anyone these days called Hitler? Why are people so afraid to debate and discuss their differences? That is all Charlie Kirk did on college campus. 

What is the solution going forward in such a divided nation?

  • I believe there is a spiritual solution. The world is surely a better place when more people are being influenced by a spiritual force that encourages the golden rule. I am inspired being a Jesus-follower who taught this action
  • We must respect freedom of speech. Censorship, unless one is citing violence toward another person or people, is not what a republic/democratic society is all above. We must become more open to discussing our differences. All Charlie did was go on campus to have discussions about different opinions. Why are people so opposed to debating their views, instead of trying to censor opinions? Censoring is what really is anti-democratic
  • Stop with name calling. One isn’t a heretic for having a different interpretation of the Bible than you. One isn’t a misinformer that questions your science or health views – truth in these arenas is a pursuit. It isn’t science if there isn’t debate. It was argued it was misformation to claim Covid vaccines didn’t stop infection and transmission. Hopefully, those who thought that have changed their minds. In politics stop with calling everything a conspiracy. Attack policies not people

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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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What Is Destroying Religion And Politics?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on July 20, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

You may be asking what could religion and politics possibly have in common. Both arenas resort to name calling and leads to stifling of free speech. Religion much more in the past, and now politics has followed in its path. In religion if you don’t agree with one’s view of God or interpretation of the Bible, you are labeled a heretic. In politics if you disagree with one on immigration, climate change, etc. you are labeled a conspiracist. Often, these uncivil actions lead to denying or attempt to censor the opposing view point.

What is Free Speech.

It may shock some people that I believe the use of the N _ _ _ _ _ word should be allowed on any media platform to remain consistent in my views of free speech.  Even the evil behavior in my opinion behavior of denying that the Holocaust actually happened. Those who engage in such actions exhibit hate for black people or Jews. I say why let them hide behind such beliefs by not having the freedom to express themselves. One can be a racist in their thoughts or words but they cannot advocate violence toward those not of their color. I didn’t say race. There is one human race in my opinion. The melatonin of your skin determines your color.

Without such free speech, there can be no debate of ideas or information if blacks are inferior to whites or that Jews have not been grossly persecuted over the centuries. Such ideas should be exposed in public for others to know one’s beliefs. By chance one is open to change, free discussions can only possibly lead to change. I like my chances of winning the debate.

The problem with labels

What are often labeled conspiracies are really just theories/speculations. It isn’t a conspiracy if it could be true!  Truth should be viewed as a journey to be discovered. Anyone who accuses one being a conspiracist or heretic should have to defend their views that are supposedly truer, rather than attempting to censor. How can a conversation remain civil when name-calling begins. When one says they doubt a loving God would create a literal Hell, each should have to defend their position which may mean looking at different biblical passages. Many who believe in a literal Hell believe so because of their interpretation of Scriptures. Name-calling allows one to not have to defend their point of view and veers the conversation off the topic/disagreement at hand. The path to change is considering opposing beliefs. I find it hard to trust one when avoiding discussion/debate. It often turns out labelers/accusers are the source of misinformation.

What is a supposed Heretic?

Matters labeled heresies today are much different than earlier in history perhaps, but past and present accusers share something in common – accusers are claiming their interpretation of the Bible is the correct one. Many will proclaim “the Bible says” without acknowledging many don’t agree with their interpretation. Scholars do not agree on many moral issues. I was told often when younger that the Bible teaches there is a literal hell where unbelievers in the afterlife or tortured with fire forever after a few short years living here on planet earth. 12 Reasons To Believe Hell Is A Myth! Moral of story – don’t believe everything you hear claimed about God! See here. Other viewpoints are also claimed to be heresy without discussion:

  • God didn’t inspire the Bible, thus approved, all written in the Bible See here.
  • Salvation in the Bible isn’t about avoiding Hell and getting into HeavenSee here.
  • One can’t be a Christian if not attending the institutional church. In the Bible “Church” was not a building or a place attended once a week. Jesus referred to His followers as being the Church.  Jesus did not specify where followers must gather or what they must do. Find environments to be encouraged and inspire others to love as radically as Jesus did. Some of us grew weary of religion but not God. See here.

What is a supposed conspiracist?

The truth is settled science isn’t science. Turns out the so-called conspiracists weren’t the misinformers. For only a few examples:

  • Covid virus leaked from a lab – Many were kicked off/censored from mainstream platforms because they suggested the Covid virus came from a Chinese lab. Turns out they were right. The Government now agrees years later. We weren’t allowed to ask questions
  • Masks – Those who claimed masks didn’t prevent the spread of a virus were called mis-informers. Turns out a review that dug into findings of 78 randomized controlled trials discovered wearing masks made little or no difference in stopping the virus. See here. Lots of my friends who wore masks got Covid. Their level of symptoms no different than mine.
  • It has been declared in the past that the Covid vaccines prevented infection and transmission of the disease. That was the purpose of mandates and protecting grandma. Scientists and doctors who declared otherwise were censored, but it turns out they weren’t the mis-informers.

Free speech is necessary to allow the battle of ideas when certainty doesn’t exist 

A preacher can’t claim God condemns gays because the Bible says so. Many of us don’t believe the Bible says any such thing. See here. Most of us believe except true racists that all humans are created equal, not that one’s skin color determines superiority. Yes, the KKK is allowed to state their hate speech on public platforms. I like my chances of winning that argument in the free market of ideas.  I enjoy racists being exposed for their ideas. The only free speech that should be censored is that which encourages others to commit violence on others. You can’t say “any Jew you see should be killed.” 

How do we move forward

We should question authorities in all areas of our life in case they are wrong. Because of my early religious experiences and contrarian personality – I knew to question health experts who said to trust them without debate. I would suggest you are better off doubting what you have been told and verify it for yourself. It can save you from regretful decisions in the arenas of religion, science, and politics. Assume uncertainty if you have one rational friend who believes differently from you whether it’s about religion, science, or politics.

It should be intuitive those who reject diverse opinions is unloving and controlling. Most don’t except such behaviors in their personal relationships. Having good intentions by believing you are right for the whole doesn’t matter if you could be wrong.  We should all be discussing “What leads to the greater good.” Religious leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what they must believe about God according to their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Scientists or Politicians who refuse debate of their policies are no different. Leaders play God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming to know the truth and we can’t decide for ourselves.

Imagine a world that openly pursued truth

“When you tear out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” ― George R.R. Martin 

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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What is One Main Way To Discern Who May Be Telling The Truth?

Posted in Bible, christian living, religion, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on May 26, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

We can’t know for sure who is telling the truth when opinions exist on both sides of either religious or political debates. We have to make up our own mind. I admit I don’t always know who is telling the truth, so I am going to answer what trait pisses me off the most. By the way, if you think there is only one rational viewpoint on matters dividing us, please reconsider. I consider it irrational if one refuses to consider an opinion contrary to their own. In religion we have to decide whose view of God to believe – does God condemn gays or not. In politics we have to decide who to believe on matters such as immigration or climate change. Even in science, should we wear masks or not. Afterall, everyone who wore a mask ended up getting Covid. I wrote here several reasons how one might discern who may be more on the side of truth than others.

Question or doubt those that refuse investigation or debate 

One main reason to not trust one’s opinion when they refuse discussion or investigation. Dr. Fauci claimed rejecting him is rejecting science. But science is questioning science (i.e. some drugs approved initially are taken off the market). Religious leaders who claim their views are God’s Word and don’t invite debate – are they afraid to defend their views in public so individuals can decide for themselves and possibly disagree. Theologians who hide behind the Bible (“God said,”) are claiming to be holier than those than disagree with them. When voter fraud is claimed why refuse investigations unless hiding something? Politicians who don’t invite debate – don’t trust them further than you can throw them. Run from those who claim certainty and don’t try to defend their opinions. Why don’t they seek to defend the supposed truth to convince others?

Claiming certainty is a way to avoid investigation 

We must avoid claiming our truth is certain if not universal agreement. Who doesn’t think rape or incest is evil? Adultery isn’t only wrong in the eyes of the betrayer. Assume uncertainty if you have one rational friend who believes differently from you whether it’s about religion or politics. Couples who claim certainty when differences arise are headed toward divorce or a sucky relationship. God-followers and religious leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what they must believe about God according to their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Politicians who refuse debate of their policies are no different. Religious or political leaders play God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming to know the truth and we can’t decide for ourselves.

Censorship is a way to avoid investigation 

Free speech is necessary to allow the battle of ideas when certainty doesn’t exist. A preacher can’t claim God condemns gays because the Bible says so. Many of us don’t believe the Bible says any such thing. See here. Most of us believe except true racists that all humans are created equal, not that one’s skin color determines superiority. Yes, the KKK is allowed to state their hate speech on public platforms. I like my chances of winning that argument in the free market of ideas.  I enjoy racists being exposed for their ideas. The only free speech that should be censored is that which encourages others to commit violence toward others. You must peacefully protest without blocking the rights of others to go where they want. You can’t say “any Jew you see should be killed.”

We don’t always know what is truth, so it is important how we openly purse truth 

  • If only religious leaders didn’t always claim their biblical interpretation is correct and at least acknowledge literature requires interpretation despite supposed divine intervention. What are religious leaders afraid of if they have the truth?
  • If only we listened to everyone’s opinion civilly and sought to discern together what was the most loving action for the greatest good. It’s complicated!
  • If only we closely guarded one’s freedom to choose when the possibility exist you could be wrong, rather than calling others heretics or conspiracists.

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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How Do We Pursue “Truth” That Will Heal A Nation?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 28, 2024|

By Mike Edwards

Claiming Truth falsely can be destructive. Many Christian leader claim that we as a people and nation must rely on biblical truth. Can we always know what biblical truth is? Attempts have been made to censor mis-informers in the public arena. Can we always know what misinformation is concerning science or political policies? We must be careful what we claim as Truth and how we interact with others during uncertainty.

What is scientific or biblical truth? 

The bedrock of science use to be considering hypotheses to explain a phenomenon in the natural world. It is an educated guess based on the information we have currently have and could change if we get new information in the future. Drugs are often approved initially, only to be pulled from the shelves later after causing death. The truth is that it isn’t science if there isn’t debate!

Ancient literature subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive word on truth. Besides, even if all agreed that the Bible correctly interpreted confirms God condemns gays or forbids women in leadership in religious institutes, we cannot prove that the writers always portrayed God accurately. Any biblical truth claimed must also agree with natural truth such as sexual abuse is evil; otherwise, we must purse truth with an open mind.

Are there self-evident truths we can agree on?

No, one can’t just follow their own heart! What reasonable or rational person doesn’t expect the golden rule from others in their own relationships. Our inborn sense of good and evil, not an ancient Book, tells us sexual abuse or murder is immoral. Most criminals don’t defend their murders or thefts; instead, they deny committing such crimes. We don’t debate many laws, only what is a just punishment. It is a dictatorship not a democracy when we impose our will on issues such as pandemic responses, taxes, climate change, immigration, etc. Dictatorships don’t end well. Benefits and risks exist for most issues.

Freedom of speech is critical 

Denying free expression of belief is playing Superior in the lives of others. God is the example for God-believers. God has respected freedom of beliefs from the very beginning; otherwise, God who is powerful enough to create would annihilate immediately those who oppose God by choosing evil. Freedom is necessary for authenticity, the highest good in relationships, or we could accuse God of not creating the “best” world. A true debate of differing opinions, regardless if you think one is a heretic or conspiracist, is our best chance at arriving at the most caring decision for all concerned. Until we all ask ourselves “am I acting toward others like I want to be treated,” we are destined to fail. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t confront those who reject freedom of speech! 

Uncertainty can be a good thing 

Certainty rather than uncertainty comforts individuals psychologically. One may believe the seemingly certain narrative because unknowing can create anxiety. When only one side is presented, control and power grow intentionally or unintentionally. It should be intuitive denying diverse opinions is unloving and controlling. Couples who act as if they are always right and their partner is wrong are headed toward divorce. Having good intentions by believing you are right for the whole doesn’t matter when certainty isn’t universal. God-followers and religious leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what they must believe about God according to their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Politicians seem hell-bent in claiming certainty regarding policies such as climate change and immigration, though there are arguments on both sides. 

Should we avoid those who claim certainty and don’t pursue truth civilly?

One has every right to question when one claims certainty regarding non-self-evident truths. Even evil people don’t think others can violate their rights in ways that they violate others. A refusal to openly discuss or defend one’s views suggest an unhealthy dependency on “certainty.” If someone makes false claims of those who oppose them such as calling them racists, without being able to give specific examples, are they really interested in pursuing truth? How about “they have a different opinion!”

What are necessary paths to pursing truth? 

There are truths which almost has universal agreement. Do you know one person who denies adultery is wrong except the betrayer?

  • Shouldn’t Christian leaders quit always claiming their biblical interpretation is correct and at least acknowledge literature requires interpretation “according to their understanding?”
  • Shouldn’t we examine all Books about religion to discern what seems the most universally true? What are Christians afraid of if they have the truth?
  • Shouldn’t we listen to everyone’s opinion and seek to discern together what is the most loving action according to the circumstances?
  • Shouldn’t we first stop claiming our views are morally superior to those we disagree with unless speaking of universal accepted moral truths
  • Shouldn’t we can begin conversations by looking for areas we agree?
  • Shouldn’t we discuss differences by defending our reasoning, respecting the opinions of others, and commit to growing in understanding
  • Shouldn’t we stop labeling those who disagree with our biblical interpretations as heretics?
  • Shouldn’t we can stop calling those who disagree with our views of science as conspiracists?

Open-minded uncertainty, rather than supposed certainty, could go a long way to healing our nation and personal relationships. Imagine how different as a people we would be if religious and political folks had open discussions what are the most caring actions for the greater good concerning non-universal matters such as immigration or climate policies. Most religions agree the overriding moral guide is to love others like you want to be treated. Belief or lack of belief in God doesn’t give you an excuse to not treat others like you want to be treated.

How Do We Pursue Truth That Will Heal A Nation?

MikeEdwardsprofilepic125

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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Why Can’t We Discuss Our Political, Science, Or Religious Differences?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on October 8, 2023|

By Mike Edwards

Our world seems so divided. Christians often label others heretics if they don’t believe there is a literal Hell or that God doesn’t condemns gays. Hardly a conversation starter. Science seems to have followed in Religion’s footsteps. Those who question if Covid shots are as safe and effective as claimed are labeled anti-vaxers, though they may have gotten the flu vaccine for years. In politics opponents are labeled a racist or conspiracist without proof. If you avoid discussions when others aren’t acting irrational, I would love to hear your thoughts as to why. My email is at the end.

Why Christians may suck at discussing differences

I will use myself as an example unfortunately. It’s not meant to be an excuse. I believed decades ago that God condemned gays though they could no more control their attractions than straights. I was wrong. See here.  I used to believe God sent those who didn’t have the right kind of faith while here on earth to a fiery, torturous afterlife. I was wrong. See here.  I am convinced the only reason I believed as I did was because of my understanding of the Bible. How could I be devoted to God if I didn’t follow the Bible’s teachings? Christians may not listen to different beliefs because they assume their interpretation or a biblical writer’s understanding of God is right. Stay openminded!

How we discuss our opinions is important 

We often are busy thinking we are right and preparing our response than listening. There are obvious reasons to avoid discussions with certain people. It is difficult to talk to others if they don’t control their emotions or convey they are right and you are wrong. We can’t have discussions with those who are rude or close-minded. But disagreements are normal in relationships. We can’t always prove what we believe is true about God. We can’t claim without debate if Covid shots or all the childhood vaccines are as safe as claimed. We can’t claim without debate if our climate control measures are best for the most human flourishing. But there may be deeper reasons why we avoid discussions with those who have different beliefs.

Societal influences can discourage discussion

News or information outlets one listen’s to may only report one viewpoint for whatever reason and imply other views are conspiracy. It is best to be aware of both sides of a different belief to decide for yourself. Church leadership often imply contra views to their own are heresy. Threats of being excommunicated, censored by authorities, or losing your job are real. The solution is for all to be free to discussion opinions openly without threats. If you know the “truth,” why be afraid to defend your view!

Most humans desire to integrate with a group, get along with its members, and benefit from them. The loner must fend for themselves. Both disagreeing with the perceived popular science narrative or disagreeing with church leadership about God’s character can lead to isolation or being ostracized.  Being your own person is a tough business. Thriving societies must support individuals being allowed to form their own opinions when universal agreement isn’t obvious. Misinformation isn’t opinions that don’t agree with your own. You may end up being wrong!

The fear of uncertainty can discourage discussion

Certainty rather than uncertainty is more comforting psychologically. One may believe what seems to be the popular narrative because unknowing can create confusion or anxiety. One can avoid anxiety by not discussing their beliefs with others who believe differently. I imagine most Leaders prefer being seen as knowing (certain) than not knowing (uncertain). For one to question a main belief they have been taught in church all their life, such as if Hell is real, can create anxiety about what other beliefs may be in question. Questioning if the Covid shots are as safe and effective if we have gotten the shots, can raised anxiety about our health. What if we pushed others to get the shots and we end up wrong? There may be an easy out. We sometimes trust those in authority, but we may come to realize such trust was misplaced.

What are the consequences of avoiding uncertainty?

The science often changes with further investigation. Many religious beliefs are subject to interpretation of a Book. That is why there are thousands of denominations with their own creeds. Certainty, not uncertainty, can lead others astray if one is wrong. Also, when only one side is presented, control and power grow intentionally or unintentionally. It should be intuitive denying diverse opinions is unloving and controlling. Most don’t except such behaviors in their personal relationships. A refusal to openly discuss or defend one’s views is a denial of personal choice and suggests an unhealthy dependency on “certainty.” Relax! Universal truths exist. What religion denies the main thing – to love and treat others like you want to be treated.

There can be nefarious reasons for preventing discussions 

The most benign explanation for censoring the opinions of others is not necessarily the fear of losing power as much as the fear of losing security (one’s livelihood). In my counseling career, I often questioned the narrative concerning psychotropic medications. A client is owed a discussion of both the risks and benefits of such an intervention for mental healthiness. I didn’t always share my opinion with psychiatrists in charge. I don’t fear conflict. But I am sure I feared potential loss of a job because I was in the minority and low on the totem pole. In politics differing with the perceived popular opinion might not lead to reelection. Pastors risk being kicked out of the pulpit.

The more evil explanation for censoring the opinions of others is one’s desire for control and power over others. Control and power also have financial benefits. Control and power flourish when others are not allowed to discuss alternative opinions in the public arena. Many may fear liability if they admit they are wrong and participated in thwarting discussion. One way to judge one’s motive is by demanding answers as to why one is refusing debate. If you are so sure you are right, why do you fear convincing others? Religion and science are playing God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming they know the truth and we are too stupid to decide for ourselves!

What is truth?

Openminded people accept they may be wrong. We are more likely to be right when there seems to be almost universal agreement on the topic of concern. Most don’t defend rape, or physical or sexual abuse. Adultery isn’t wrong only in the eyes of the betrayer. But rational people do not agree on matters such as immigration policies, climate policies, marijuana legalization, if God condemns gays, if God inspired all of the Bible, etc. We must be willing to defend our views among one another rather than shut down those we disagree with. Those fortunate enough to live in a democratic society must accept the vote of the majority when comes to law setting. You can still defend your position in hopes of a future vote. May the best, most common-sense position win.

Love surely is the path forward to healthy discussions and debates 

My co-blogger rightly suggest love is the path forward. See here. We can strive to be the better person in conversation. But we have every right to oppose those who refuse to accept uncertainty and fight fairly. This can be done civilly but lack of freedom of speech is important for future generations. Leaders must be held accountable to be open-minded than certain. In our personal lives, we can try to engage with those who insist on certainty when it doesn’t exist but in time one may need to move on. We can stop labeling those who disagree with our biblical interpretations as heretics. We can stop calling those who disagree with our views of science or politics as conspiracists. Imagine how different as a people we would be if religious, science, and political folks talked openly for the common goal of pursing the greater good!

Why Can’t We Discuss Our Political, Science, Or Religious Differences?

MikeEdwardsprofilepic125

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. 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 Do Religion And Science Have In Common Unfortunately?

Posted in Acceptance, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , , on February 5, 2023|

By Mike Edwards

Religion and science share a common sin these days – claiming they certainly know the “truth.” We have an inborn sense of good and evil. Who doesn’t know rape, sexual abuse of children, murder is immoral? Most criminals don’t defend their actions; instead, they deny committing such crimes. The truth though is we don’t know the best response for the greater good on issues such as responding to a pandemic, taxes, climate change, immigration, etc. Benefits and risks exist for most issues. Religion and science are playing God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming they know the truth and we are too stupid to decide for ourselves!

Christians must stop hiding behind supposed biblical truth 

Religious folks hide behind their interpretation of a Book as government health officials hide behind their interpretation of science. Opposing views are said to be heretical or anti-science. But even if you believe the Bible is inspired by God, the Bible requires interpretation. We don’t all agree if the Bible opposes women priests or preachers or condemns gays. See here. Scholars don’t agree that a literal Hell is a reality in the Bible. The truth is leaders must stop being so damn certain despite what anxiety or challenges that may cause themselves or others!

Certainty may help to avoid fear but is an illusion 

Certainty rather than uncertainty comforts individuals psychologically. One may believe the narrative being proclaimed because unknowing can create confusion or anxiety. Disagreeing with the popular science narrative can lead to being ostracized. Disagreeing with church leadership about God’s character can lead to isolation. It doesn’t matter if those who proclaim certainty have good intentions or believe their ideas are best for society. They may be wrong! When universal agreement doesn’t exist, it should be obvious that one must be allowed to form their own opinions since uncertainty exists.

What are the consequences of avoiding uncertainty?

When only one side is presented, control and power grow intentionally or unintentionally; control and power are intoxicating and a part of human nature.  These internal forces flourish when others are not allowed to discuss or debate alternative opinions in the public arena. It should be intuitive denying diverse opinions is unloving and controlling. Most don’t except such behaviors in their personal relationships. A refusal to openly discuss or defend one’s views suggests an unhealthy dependency on “certainty.”  It isn’t science if there isn’t debate. The same goes for religious truths.  The beauty of a free democracy is that no one person or those in control get to play God.

Our Path forward

Leaders must be empowered and held accountable to be open-minded than certain. I left the institutional church due to the sin of certainty. We can try to engage with those who insist on certainty when it doesn’t exist, but in time one may need to move on. We can stop labeling those who disagree with our biblical interpretations as heretics. We can stop calling those who disagree with our views of science as conspiracists.

Imagine how different as a people we would be if religious and political folks were open to discussions for the common goal of pursing the greater good! You want to be supported to make your own decisions freely when there is uncertainty? Respect the rights of others to do the same. A voting democratic society surely is more humane and less dangerous than an authoritarian government style.

What Do Religion And Science Have In Common Unfortunately?

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. 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 Really Is “Truth” About Science Or God?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on September 25, 2022|

By Mike Edwards

We hear all the time to believe in the science (aka “truth”). God folks in the public arena argue we need to get back to biblical truths. The truth is there is less certainty in this world than acknowledged. We must stop assuming our view is superior regardless if your intentions are good. We were told Covid shots would keep us from getting Covid and transmitting to others. It didn’t. We are told God and the Bible condemns gays. Many don’t agree. See here. The truth is we must stop being so damn certain! 

Pursuing scientific truth

The bedrock of science use to be considering hypotheses in an attempt to explain a phenomenon in the natural world. It is an educated guess based on the information we have currently have and could change if we get new information in the future. Drugs are often approved initially, only to be pulled from the shelves later after causing death. Currently, our leaders have led the charge in not abiding by what most use to agree was the course of action in pursuing scientific truths.

Pursuing biblical truths

Religious folks hide behind their interpretation of a Book as politicians hide behind their interpretation of science. Opposing views are said to disagree with God or be immoral. But even if you believe the Bible is inspired by God, the Bible requires interpretation. We don’t all agree if the Bible opposes women priests or preachers or condemns gays. Not all scholars who believe in the inspiration of Scriptures agree that a literal Hell is a reality in the Bible.   

Are there self-evident truths we can agree on?

What reasonable or rational person doesn’t respect the golden rule in relationships? Certain laws are just common, moral sense. Our inborn sense of good and evil, not an ancient Book, tells us sexual abuse or murder is immoral. Most criminals don’t defend their murders or thefts; instead, they deny committing such crimes. We don’t debate many laws, only what is a just punishment. It is a dictatorship not a democracy when we impose our will on issues such as pandemic responses, taxes, climate change, immigration, etc. Benefits and risks exist for most issues.

Can we tell who isn’t interested in pursuing the truth?

One has every right to question when one claims certainty regarding non-self-evident truths. Even evil people don’t think others can violate their rights in ways that they violate others’ rights. A refusal to openly discuss or defend one’s views suggest an unhealthy dependency on “certainty.” If those who claim their views are “truth” make false claims of those who oppose them, without being able to give specific examples, are they really interested in pursuing truth?

Proceeding in uncertainty 

We must first all agree on the end goal by focusing on the most caring decision for all involved Stop demonizing by moralizing. God-followers must stop claiming their biblical view is morally superior among the religious or non-religious. Truths are not based on one’s personal feelings or one’s understanding of God through a Book such as the Bible. Truths can be pursued by open debate and common moral sense, not canceling different opinions. Seek to understand before being understood. Handle differences with physical and verbal civility. God believers want others to consider there may be a loving God. Then, we must “walk the talk” when have differing opinions.

What Really Is “Truth” About Science Or God?

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Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. 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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