Why Don’t Our Children Ask Our Advice?

By Mike Edwards

I am writing another Post out of frustration. See here.  I am not angry. I just wish my grown kids asked my advice more about things that matter in life – how do you have a better marriage, what are key actions to parent, you can’t prove God exist so why do you care? When younger kids just need to be feed and loved. My kids are in their thirties. Maybe you as I do have a decent relationship with your kids, and I am not a control freak because of the way I was parented. I married up for sure! My kids still visit or yours may visit if we screw up less than we succeed. Maybe actions matter more than words!

Don’t judge least you be judged 

Maybe we need to look in the mirror. Okay, maybe I need to look in the mirror. How many times have I reached out to older men for relational advice. It wasn’t that I knew it all. I was in the counseling profession and thrive on hearing and sharing feelings. I can count on one hand how many times I have reached out for advice. Lately, I am focused on trying to age graceful. This getting old sucks and I probably could use some pointers. I had a person in mind and he passed away. I never reached out. I suppose there are many reasons we or our kids don’t reach out.

Would all be great if God gave advice in person?

Okay, if God already speaks to you audibly why are you bothering reading spiritual blogs? The truth is that even if God spoke to us in person, God can’t tell you if your partner won’t end up betraying you or your new job won’t end up being phased out. God joins us in an unknown future. See here.  In relationships, overzealous advice can lead to feeling controlled, thus rejecting what is best for one’s own good. The personal road traveled of learning, reflecting, and not being pressured may best lead to lasting convictions and more meaningful relationships. Maybe, it’s  all about the relationship, not advice, as one travel on their own journey.

Actions speak louder than words 

Influences in our life don’t have to be audible. My parents aren’t alive, but I still sense their influence – good or bad. God can’t tell us either that our decisions will work out, but I am convinced I benefit from God’s silent influence. I am convinced God influences me how to be a better partner, parent, or friend we desire to be deep down. I sense God’s encouragement to continually strive to make the best decisions I know at the time. God isn’t as hidden as we might think and it may be for our own good. Maybe that is how a parent-relationship works.

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 

Is A Godless Nation An Immoral Nation?

By Mike Edwards

Let’s stop with the excuses! Certain actions are immoral regardless of whether you claim faith in God or no faith at all. I am bias that a belief in a moral, loving God can be a tremendous influence on one’s behavior, but nations are not doomed because of lack of belief in God. There are moral atheists and friends who don’t wear God on their sleeves that put to shame us people of faith. Faith is an individual choice!

God never intended to force belief

God created freedom for a reason. Forced love is an oxymoron. 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.  True love doesn’t insist on its own way (I Cor 13:5). We are dependent on our children for intimate relationships. God is dependent on us. God would only give us uncontrolled freedom if seeking a partnership and friendship with us.

Can right be determined from wrong without God or religion? 

No religion can claim right from wrong according to their revered book. Many claim to be certain about God according to the Bible, but biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible says about gays or women rights.  See here.  See here.  Supposed right interpretations or that God agreed with what was recorded has led to many abuses. Are we really claiming those who never had a Bible didn’t know right from wrong? Whether you believe in a Creator or not, most rational people agree on many moral actions. Perfect rights or laws are those that demonstrate loving others like we want to be love. Freedom to debate such actions is essential. 

Our rights don’t come from other human beings 

I believe the Declaration of Independence and Constitution makes the U.S. unique from most other countries. They declare we all have “unalienable rights” such as freedom to speak. See here. No Government or Dictator can take such rights away. Our Democracy allows representation through voting, though certain individual rights must be safeguarded. There must be true debate of differing opinions to possibly arrive at the most caring decision.

How do we create a more loving Nation?

I am bias. Many positives can result from a belief in a divine Lover. Such a Being can empower and inspire us in our relationships with others. Regardless though of your faith, most rational beings agree on many universal moral values (murder, stealing).  And no – climate control, immigration, taxes, health care, are not universal laws! Freedom to discuss contrary opinions can lead to the most caring decisions. Ideally, good ideas win the debate. Opinions about the Covid vaccines were squashed and we were mandated to get the shot to protect Grandma, but it turns the shots didn’t prevent infection or transmission.  Until we all ask ourselves “am I acting toward others like I want to be treated,” we seem destined to fail.

Is a Godless Nation An Immoral Nation?

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