If God Changes His Mind, Should We Reconsider What We Think The Bible Guides?

by Mike Edwards

This Post was inspired by a light reading of  The Widening Of God’s Mercy – Sexuality Within The Bible Story  God in the Bible condemns gays, but the father/son scholars don’t tackle the verses claimed to teach that God condemns gays. See here.   The Hays imply even if God supposedly does condemn gays and that is the correct interpretation – God can change his mind to feel differently after what is recorded in the Bible. So, even if you believe the Bible teaches God condemns gays, that may not be God’s attitude today toward gays. Many believe the Bible suggests the husband is the leader of the wife which I  doubt  but anyway, God may change his mind in many circumstances. Since the Bible is used as a rule book in many situations, let’s use the Bible to suggest God can change his mind.

God changes their mind in biblical times, so how about now? 

• “And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.” [I Sam 15:35)
• “And the Lord was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.” (Gen 6:6-7)
• Many know the story of Moses getting God to compromise concerning sparing the disobedient. (Ex 32). When might God compromise with us today what we think the Bible claims in our situation? 

Even God’s laws given are updated and changed 

• “I gave them statutes that were not good and ordinances by which they could not live.” (Ezek 20:25)
• Ex 21:23-25 says “eye for eye” but Jesus updated (Matt 5:39)
• Jesus changed the law regarding the Sabbath (Mk 2:27)
• Exodus 20:24 allows sacrifice on any altar but that then changed to only one location (Deut 12:13-14). (p.55) 

I don’t wish to suggest the Bible should be used as a rule/guide book what to do in your situation since interpretations are infallible, but even in the same culture and times biblical laws were updated depending upon circumstances. What you think the Bible commands you to do, might God sit down and discuss? I know this Post can be used to justify anyone’s evil behavior, but if you think God changes his mind on sexual abuse, think again! 

How does the Bible guide us today?

I think Karl Barth is right: the theologian shouldn’t ask “What the apostles and prophets said, but what we must say on the basis of the apostles and prophets.” (p 4). This supports the idea that even in biblical times God changed his mind and updated laws. Even if you believe the Bible’s writers were never wrong what God thought and that God condemns gays, please consider what God may say today in your relationships with gays, your partner, etc. You may believe the Bible commands capital punishment, but is that what God thinks today in your situation and what you claim about God to others? Using the Bible as a rule book is complicated.

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

If God Is Real Why Then Is God So Hidden?

by Mike Edwards

I had a tumor removed from my brain recently. Please excuse misspellings/mistypes. Not sure brain all there

Many believe in a God or the possibility that God exist. There are understandable reasons often cited as to why people doubt there is a God/Divine Being. Atheists and believer agree – the only God worth believing in must be perfectly loving. If such a God exist, why doesn’t God intervene more with so much evil exist in the world? I have suggested an all-loving God and all-controlling God is an oxymoron. See here. Another reason many may doubt God exist is that a loving God surely is personable, why then doesn’t God reveal themselves more rather than be hidden? What loving parent does that if desiring to be known?

Is it reasonable God stays hidden but may not speak to us demonstratively out of love

Just because earthly parents sometime know and advise what is best for their older child, such advice doesn’t always work out. In fact, overzealousness can lead to one feeling controlled, thus rejecting what is best for one’s own good. God’s awing or overwhelming presence may only lead to fearful obligations to obey than having to trust. The road traveled of learning, reflecting, and not being pressured may best lead to lasting convictions and more meaningful relationships. God supposedly came in person but Jesus’ miracles didn’t obtain the results some may suggest if God would stop hiding. God may not speak to us demonstratively out of love.

Freedom is absolutely necessary for authentic relationships

God’s constant interference and presence could prevent a superior world from emerging. Moral knowledge isn’t hidden. Universal moral outrage over murder, lying, stealing, etc. and an inborn desire to treat others like we want to be treated hints of a Creator’s influence through our moral intuitions. Non-moral decisions are open. True freedom can’t exist if God somehow knows the future and can tell us if our marriage will end in divorce or our job eliminated. See here.  A Creator may not reveal themselves for humane reasons we haven’t thought of. The Bible was more direct communication, but it has been used to force beliefs on others despite subject to interpretation. Uncertainty, not certainly about God, protects against imposing beliefs on others which is not God’s nature. Different opinions communicated respectively can stand together as we continually evaluate the most loving approach.

An unreasonable reason God is hidden……BUT Most who encourage believing in God suggests the Bible teaches one’s destiny in the afterlife is determined by what they believe while here on earth a brief time. The first chapter of Romans is often used to suggest all who don’t believe in God are suppressing what they know to be true. But it seems the biblical writer assumed his audience believed in God but ignored God to justify their evil ways…. “many knew God…they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God” (Rm. 1:21, 29). The writer’s audience simply sought to justify evil ways. Those who believe aren’t necessarily needing a crutch and those that don’t believe aren’t always wicked and unaware of their feelings. Many want to believe in a God but doubt because God is so hidden. How can a loving God possible hold such people accountable for unbelief? But I doubt God does.

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). Did Jesus really mean God only saves those who accept Jesus? Keep in mind the majority of people born into this world have never heard of Jesus or had a Bible. This verse could easily be interpreted to mean Jesus’ way of life is the best path toward God. The path to God is through love. (See God After Deconstruction, Oord/Fuller Chapter 9).  Selfishness has no excuse. We Christians need to be less condemning and more open to God’s love and message to people of all religions. A loving God wouldn’t only let Christians into heaven when the majority of people born into this world died without knowledge of Jesus the Christ. Besides, one’s religion or rebellion against a certain religion is often based on the family born into whether it is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. A loving God can’t be a God of chance. No human or spiritual parent brings children into the world requiring their eternal destination is based on circumstances out of one’s control.

I have a hunch God especially loves skeptics!

Most agree an unloving or tyrannical God isn’t worth believe in. A parent obviously loves a child who finds it easier than their others children to accept them and their ways. But we don’t unlove our skeptical children. A greater pain may be when our children ignore us. Spiritual or human parents don’t desire forced love, which isn’t genuine, but hope for consideration and to prove the possibility of a better relationship. Many may not pursue a closer relationship with a God they are inclined to believe in because of what they have heard from others what God is like. Don’t believe everything you hear! God only seeks to love you like you wish you were always able to love others. We all have great parents or at least wish our parents had better loved us in certain ways. This is the God you can believe in to set out to live a purposeful, meaningful live.

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

Books That May Change Your View Of God!

By Mike Edwards

I wrote here 10 books that help changed my view of God for the better than what I had been taught at an earlier age. Intuitively, is God worth believing if not perfectly loving? Humans can only understand such love according to what perfect human love is like. See here.  I don’t always know what exactly such love is, but I would disregard biblical interpretations that don’t seemingly lead to loving your neighbor more according to your moral intuitions and understandings of perfection.

What inspired this Post is lately I have been cleaning out my book shelves. I am getting older and eventually all these books got to be moved somewhere. I probably had over a thousand books to begin with. I think I got it down to 100 books. I kept those that are favorites authors or those that I may read again. I am convinced one way to pursue truth is reading the ideas of others.

To add to my original list of 10 books is 5 more that I just didn’t want to leave out. Some are dated but worth your consideration. I think I am done:

• Chris Holtzen – The God Who Trusts: A Relational Theology of Divine. God is more loving humanly speaking than biblical folks give credit for. If God can be angry, God can be sad. God feels the same pain I do when my children are suffering. One can only get as close to God as their image of God allows.

• Clark Pinnock &Robert Brow – Unbounded Love. This book early on confirmed what my gut had been telling me for years about the true nature of God.

• Clark Pinnock’s – A Wideness in God’s Mercy. I happily was empowered to imagine that God may eventually saved all people either here on earth in the life to come.

• Mickelson – Women, Authority, and the Bible. One of the first books I read on biblical gender roles that confirmed my intuitive views on men and women roles at home and in the church. So many books on the subject followed.

• Talbott – The Inescapable Love Of God. Talbott argues Western theological tradition has managed to twist the New Testament message of love, forgiveness, and hope into a message of fear and guilt.

Books That May Change Your View Of 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

What God Can’t Stand The Most!

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

What Are Harmful Lies About God?

By Mike Edwards

I know “lies” is a strong word. There are many types of untruths. One is caught stealing via video but denies guilt. Then, there are less offenses. Christians leaders often make claims about God “according to God’s word.” They know fully well others who accept the authority of the Bible have a different interpretation of the same passages, yet they don’t openly share this. The Bible can be the main culprit for turning many away from God. A Book can’t really be held responsible for one’s actions, but certain views of the Bible proclaimed can be the problem. I don’t claim to always be right but I am admitting that. Decide for yourself what is likely true of a loving God.

A literal Hell is a lie! 

I am convinced that God creating a literal Hell is a biblical myth.  See here.

Women can’t be priests or preachers and should be more submissive than men is a lie

I doubt God would put men in leadership position over women, in marriage which has encouraged dominance on the man’s part leading to atrocities women face at the hands of men. Like many views about God, the Bible can also be interpreted to endorse roles according to gifts not gender. Shouldn’t the most qualified or gifted, whether male or female, be appointed CEO, preacher, or priest? That God thinks women can’t serve in the same roles as men is a myth. See here.

God condemns gays is a lie

A loving God couldn’t possibly condemn gays when they can no more choose who they are attracted to than straights can? If you are a straight man, don’t you naturally have to fight not looking at naked women than men? Ask gays their battle! Who chooses to be gay when one has to hide their sexuality because of bigotry and hostility? We claim God condemns gays according to the Bible. Another myth. See here.

God inspired, thus approved, all written in the Bible is a lie

See here.

Salvation in the Bible is about avoiding Hell and getting into Heaven is a lie

The main message of the Bible/Jesus isn’t about going to Heaven or Hell but how to live life here on earth. That is true salvation. See here.

God is all powerful and controlling, thus allows evil, is a lie

If God allows evil, that mean God can stop evil and doesn’t. God can’t be loving and controlling. See here.  See here.

Jesus dying on the Cross so God didn’t have to kill you is a lie

God is not a blood-thirsty Jesus killer. Demanding the blood of an innocent party doesn’t legally resolve another person’s guilt. My going to jail for a friend’s wrongdoing doesn’t somehow clear my friend of their crime. God didn’t violate Judas’ freedom by requiring he betray Jesus. Jesus accepting death than powering over others may be the reason billions have been influenced to live unselfishly. God isn’t pissed at you for sinning. God just wants you to change for your good and those you have relationships with. See here.

You are doomed in the afterlife if not a Christian is a lie 

A loving God wouldn’t only let Christians into heaven when the majority of people born into this world died without knowledge of the Bible or Jesus. One’s religion, or rebellion against a certain religion, is often based on the family born into whether it is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. Is God a God of chance? I am convinced all will meet their Creator in the afterlife and decide whether they want to live with God forever or not. See here.  See here.

You can’t be a God-follower if you don’t attend an institutional church is a lie 

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. Paul warned against the harm of divisions, also known as Denominations, among followers. (I Cor. 1:12) Let’s seek more. Some of us grew weary of religion but not God. See here.

God is pissed and views you as scum is a lie

God is not an angry egomaniac. God doesn’t want to be feared as if that leads to inspiring relationships. If God was so worried about their ego, God would not have given us freedom to contradict their wishes. God’s unforced desire for glory is no different than a loving parent’s desire for respect. They only want what we deep down desire – loving others like we want to be loved. I only know what a loving God may be like according to how a parent should love their child. My kids weren’t always saints but I hated their behavior, not them. See here.

God isn’t moral – humanly speaking – is a lie. 

Even atheists believe One claiming to be God must be perfect. We must question biblical writers’ understanding of God if interpretations are contrary to people’s ideas of a perfect, loving God. When the Bible challenges us to be perfect like God (Mt. 5:48), the assumption is we can know what perfection is. Godly and human perfect love must be one and the same. See here.  See here.

God is a prayer genie is a lie

Praying doesn’t make God more caring. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom can makes one’s suffering worse. Did I not pray or beg enough? Prayer isn’t about manipulating for gain but pursuing a relationship with our Creator for self-examination, sharing concerns, and not feeling alone in a chaotic world. God is not a Genie in a bottle who can singlehandedly all by themselves make things instantly happen without our help to change the world for good. See here.  See here.

God being an end-of-the-world doomsayer is a lie

God isn’t going to destroy the world in the supposed battle of Armageddon. One might ask if the Bible teaches God is going to destroy the world in the future, why did Jesus tell his audience that supposed predictions about the world ending would happen in their lifetime (Mt. 24:34). Jesus seemed to not be speaking of a sky-opening, physical rapture, or Jesus wouldn’t have warned of the signs to not miss His coming (Mt. 24:3-4). In the first century the temple and Jerusalem were destroyed and millions of lives were lost. Biblical Judaism ceased to exist. This could have been the end of the age that Jesus warned of. See here.

An ancient Book subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive voice of what God is really like. I can use my moral intuitions and common sense to imagine what a loving God is like. I am not clueless. A perfect human and spiritual parent surely have much in common.

What Are Some Major Lies About 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

Does God Really Punish Us?

By Mike Edwards

If you believe in a God, it is normal to wonder if our suffering is from a punitive God for past sins. We never live up to our standards, much less God’s, so it can be tempting to wonder if God is teaching us a lesson. I am convinced God doesn’t actively punish us, as if God can control everything that happens in the world. I have a hunch we simply reap what we sow. It is true some sow a lot of evil and reap very little! If you believe God is in control of punishment, you must believe God is letting a lot of evil slide and maybe not your own.

We can’t just rely on the Bible to advise us of God’s character

God isn’t nearly as active in punishing in the New Testament as in the Old Testament. We have to wonder about the seemingly contradiction. Didn’t God supposedly inspire all writers? In the OT God is often reported to  punish Israel as a nation for evil and rewarding good. Maybe OT writers were confused if sacrilegious to not express God as all powerful and controlling. But then even the OT is contradictory at times. Job is described as blameless and righteous (1:1) and doesn’t escape suffering.

What is Godly love? It seems intuitive that perfect Godly and human love are the same. Heresy alert – maybe exploring perfect human love provides more insight to God’s role in punishment than the biblical writers which we have to interpret their thoughts anyway.

God can’t control the consequences of your actions!

I have written here  that God can’t be all-powerful or controlling and be true to God’s nature. How can God be all-powerful and creatures have some freedom? Even the Bible claims love does not insist on its own way. (I Cor 13:5) So, God can’t control evil and suffering in the world. See here.

Evil and suffering in the world may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly without human help. If God can’t control the amount of suffering we do or don’t receive, God can’t control the punishment we do or don’t receive.

How does punishment work if not controlled by God?

I know worrisome for some that God not in complete control, but some may be more comforted to believe when suffering that God isn’t sitting idly by. God is always empowering and inspiring all to help others. We also don’t have to blame God why others don’t reap what they sow. Wrongdoing has its own punishment due to regrets or loss of relationships. Selfish people often don’t have many friends or few attend their funeral. God, like loving parents, is hoping for change before it is too late. God’s love, mercy, and encouragement, not God’s threat of punishment, can lead to becoming the unselfish person we desire to be.  For the selfish – good luck looking back on life without regrets unlike the unselfish!

Does God Really Punish Us?

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

Why Doesn’t God Prevent Evil And My Suffering?

By Mike Edwards

Many don’t have more of a relationship with God because they can’t justify why an all-loving, all-powerful God doesn’t prevent more evil in this world. Anyone inclined to believe in a God likely believe such a God must be all-loving. No other God is worth believing in! So, why doesn’t a supposed all-loving/powerful God intervene in evil or suffering more than they do. 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 any differently if a Creator surely created us to love like them?

If God Is All-Powerful …. 

Most who have grown up in the institutional church have been taught that God is all-powerful. God can cause miracles without any human help or cooperation. It seems only intuitive that an all-powerful God can control suffering if able to create, be in all places at one time, resurrect Jesus from the dead, etc. But it is obvious God doesn’t answer many prayers to relieve suffering.  One may claim God is all-powerful or Omnipotent to show respect, but a God acting arbitrarily toward human suffering isn’t easy to answer – unless blame unanswered prayer due to one’s sins.

Maybe God can’t be all-powerful 

A less popular assumption is that God can’t be all-powerful. Logically, how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? Besides, a perfect God’s love can’t be all-powerful. See here. Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly. God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here.

Don’t miracles prove God is all-powerful? 

I believe in the possibility of miracles but lots of prayers asking for healing aren’t answered. Is God’s love infrequent or arbitrary? Do miracles not happen because some people are less sinful or beg better at the feet of an arbitrary God? I believe a better explanation for healings is that various biological and environmental 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. 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. 

Who do you imagine God is like?

The Bible can’t be the definitive word on God since subject to interpretation and questioning if God agrees with all written about God. We are free to speculate. Most Bible-quoting folks believe we are made in the image of God. If a Creator exists, perhaps that Creator informs us through our moral intuitions how we ought to love others. Image bearers should act as we think a loving God/human parent should act. I am convinced God is always seeking to intervene when possible.  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. Lean on God and others for emotional support and encouragement in difficult times.

Why Doesn’t God Prevent Evil And My Suffering?

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

Shouldn’t Christians Stop Being So Damn Certain!

By Mike Edwards

One of my biggest regrets in my journey with God is being so damn certain when younger. I was certain evolution was false because the Bible supposedly claimed so. I was so certain Jesus’ main message was how to avoid Hell. It is never too late to change. I tried to make amends when possible, especially with my children, but unfortunately such a reputation sometimes lingers with those you are closest too. In the past I used the poor excuse that my certainty was just being passionate. I wish I had known the advantages of not coming off as a “know it all (certain).” I am responsibility for my actions, but I also had no role models who led by being open-minded.

The truth is biblical scholars aren’t certain about God and moral issues

Many claim that God tortures those forever in the afterlife if reject God here on earth, that God rejects women in leadership roles, and God condemn others for being attracted to the same gender. Who can blame others for rejecting a God contrary to our moral intuitions! One’s view of God is often based on one’s interpretation of the Bible or belief that the biblical writers understood God perfectly. We can’t prove the biblical writers were always right about God but even if the writers had perfect understanding, the Bible is subject to interpretation. 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.

There are sound philosophical reasons to not be certain if God exist

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.

Some rightly can’t understand what a good God – the only God worth believing in – doesn’t intervene more in this world with evil. I have suggested a possible explanation here as espoused by biblical scholar Thomas Oord. It makes the most sense to me, but it may not satisfy you or others. People that don’t accept apologetic reasons given for God and evil are not being rebellious.  Also, why is God so hidden if God truly wants us to believe in God. There are plausible explanations but let’s not condemn those who reject any argument put forth. Save confrontations for those who say “I don’t care if there is a God. I will treat others however the hell I want to.” 

Can we be certain of anything?

Certainty is an illusion unless talking about universal moral sins such as rape or incest. Adultery isn’t only wrong in the eyes of the betrayer. I am convinced all know how a loving human should act, whether they never had a Bible (majority born in this world) or don’t believe in God. Many decisions are not black and white and require open debate. May the best, most common-sense position win. One must have the freedom to decide what is the best decision for themselves, or the powerful rule the powerless. It is common to hear one argue “The Bible says” without adding “according to my understanding.” As mentioned, the truth is contrary biblical interpretations exist for many moral issues.

Uncertainty can be a good thing!

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 literal exist, or if God condemns gays. We often don’t recognize what doesn’t work in our personal relationships doesn’t work in the public arena either. 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. Open discussions can lead to a greater good for the most. Imagine a world:

• If we were open to defending our beliefs civilly

• If we closely guarded one’s freedom to choose when the possibility exist you could be wrong

• If we stopped calling those who disagreed with us heretics or conspiracists

• If politicians encouraged open discussions to better discern together the greatest good for all

• If Christians didn’t always claim their biblical interpretation is correct

Shouldn’t Christians Stop Being So Damn Certain!

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

Why Might People Reject Or Not Believe In God?

By Mike Edwards

I don’t have any polls or mass audiences to rely on to answer this question definitely. I am convinced it is important we speculate, because how we answer this question can impact how we view and talk to others about God.  It is important for God-followers to understand there are many, many reasons why someone either rejects God or hesitate to believe in a God in the first place.

What do many Christians claim about those who reject God?

The first chapter of Romans in the Bible is used to suggest all who don’t believe in God are suppressing what they know to be true. But it seems the biblical writer assumed his audience believed in God but ignored God to justify their evil ways. 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. We all have friends who don’t share our belief in God, but they are just as moral.

People reject God for good reason because of claims made about God 

Many claim that God tortures those forever in the afterlife if reject God here on earth, that God rejects women in leadership roles, and God condemn others for being attracted to the same gender. If I believed that, I may reject God also. Who can blame others for rejecting a God contrary to our moral intuitions! One’s view of God is often based on one’s interpretation of the Bible or belief that the biblical writers understood God perfectly. We can’t prove the biblical writers were always right about God, but even if the writers had perfect understanding the Bible is subject to interpretation. 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.

Many rightly reject God for personal reasons

A child sexually abuse by their father may struggle to accept a God betrayed as our Father in Heaven. Does God really judge them? Some are open or desperately want to believe in God but can’t get their head around why a loving God doesn’t intervene more with so much evil in the world. Does God really judge them? Why would a gay person believe in a God who supposedly condemns them for sexual attractions they no more choose than straights. The truth is many aren’t rebellious but question why God is the way God-believers claim God to be like!

There are reasonable objections to not believe in God

Some rightly can’t understand what a good God – the only God worth believing in – doesn’t intervene more in this world with evil. I have suggested a possible explanation here as espoused by biblical scholar Thomas Oord. It makes the most sense to me, but it may not satisfy you or others. People that don’t accept apologetic reasons given for God and evil are not being rebellious.

Also, why is God so hidden for those who truly want to believe in God. Many may reject God because God doesn’t reveal themselves more. This isn’t rebellion; they want to believe. Let’s condemn those who say “I don’t care if there is a God. I will treat others however the hell I want to.”

How do we treat those that do or don’t believe in God?

There are many reasons why one might believe in God or not. Let’s listen to their personal journey without judging them. Personally, believing in the possibility of a God hasn’t led to perfection but has offered a moral guide in my relationships. But I know friends who are agnostic and put to shame some Christians’ treatment of others. I have a close relationship with God perhaps due to being raised in a home that focused on God. Then again, others in my situation may go a different direction because of the difficult relationship I had with my parents. Trust me – I’m no moral giant! Scholars don’t agree the Bible definitely says those who don’t believe in God in this life will be rejected by God in the afterlife. I am convinced a loving God will have a personal conversation with all in the afterlife whether to continue in the afterlife together. I suppose character pursued in this life may influence one changing their mind.   

Why Might People Reject Or Not Believe In 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

Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

by Mike Edwards

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 here what God’s plan is for your life.

God can’t be controlling

Logically, God can’t be all-controlling or all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? Besides, controlling love is an oxymoron. Ask adult children with such parents. Even the Bible claims love does not insist on its own way (I Cor 13:5). God can’t be unloving, thus controlling sometimes. In God’s defense, it is not possible for God to create freedom unless there is the possibility of love or hate. Without freedom we could accuse God of not creating the very best world where only true, authentic relationships can develop. We must rethink if God can have unlimited control or power.   

God doesn’t plan tragedies in your life 

No, God doesn’t plan for you to be unable to have children if you desire to be a mom or dad

No, God doesn’t plan for your body to be wrecked by cancer

No, God didn’t want you sexually or physically abused as a child

No, God didn’t want your partner to leave you by wanting a divorce

No, God didn’t want your loved one murdered or severely injured in a car accident

No, God didn’t want you let go from your job

Doesn’t the Bible claim God is all-powerful?

The Bible can be used to defend or oppose believing God is all-powerful or controlling. For instance, the Bible says God changes their mind based on human decisions made. That hardly appears to be a controlling attribute. So much evil in the world surely proves a perfect, loving God can’t be in total control. If a Creator exists, surely a Creator loves the ways their creations ought to love one another. I am convinced true Godly or human love can’t be controlling.

Does God just “allows” your suffering? 

If we hold on to God simply limits their Power, 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 doesn’t cause 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. No, all evil doesn’t eventually lead to good as if some grand plan by God! Ask sexual abuse victims or family members of murdered victims. Are we to believe God doesn’t care, God is punishing us, or God has abandoned us and left us clueless what the grand plan? God doesn’t just allow your suffering! 

The possibility of a less powerful, uncontrolling God!

The only God worth believing in must be loving. God’s nature can’t be all-powerful or controlling. In our suffering we don’t have to feel God doesn’t care or that God could do something and doesn’t. Good news – 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 world is suffering happens. Lean on God and others for emotional support and encouragement in difficult times.

Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

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

How Do You Have A Relationship With An Invisible God?

By Mike Edwards

Those of us that grew up in the institutional church were often advised to have a daily quiet time reading the Bible, and have a prayer list to follow, to maintain a close relationship with God. That works for many. Many of us though don’t get a lot out of reading the Bible. Ritual praying rather than spontaneous prayers seems less relational. I will suggest some alternatives at the end after addressing some challenges of a relationship with One you can’t see or hear.

How can we know what a relationship with an invisible God is like? 

If there is a Creator, it is plausible they instilled in their creations a way to know them. An invisible, good, perfect God could reveal themselves through perfect human love. God is like a perfect human parent! God or parents don’t ask for worship or respect for egotistical reasons, but so we might become more like them. A relationship with God, if perfect, is surely better than any amazing human relationship we wished we had.

Our views of God matter

Our mental views of God shape our attitudes toward God. My view of God inspires me to pursue perfection in my relationships without being paralyzed by guilt when failing. I have the “want to” to be perfect. I believe that motivation comes from God! I am convinced God only wishes for all to consider the possibility of a loving God who desires to help you in your journey of becoming the person deep down you want to become. You wouldn’t being reading this blog if you weren’t such a person.

Many may not pursue a closer relationship with a God they are inclined to believe in because of what they have heard from others what God is like. Don’t believe everything you hear! God only seeks to love you like you wish you were always able to love others. We all know how we wish our parents had loved us. This is the God you can believe in to live a purposeful, meaningful live.

• If we think God is hard to please and pissed off about sin rather than what sin is doing to us, we may judge others just as harshly rather than showing patience and mercy.
• If God supposedly condemns gays, we will condemn gays out of devotion to God.
• If God can prevent evil and doesn’t, isn’t that like a parent who arbitrarily decides to watch their child being sexually abused or not? Maybe God can’t love perfectly by controlling freedom. God can only stop evil with the help of others or not create freedom!

God can influence despite being invisible 

Personally, the biggest reason for being a God-follower is the inspiration and encouragement I sense in striving to be a better human being. If God is real, they should be able to make their case with each individual. Influences in our life don’t have to be audible or certain. My parents aren’t alive, but I am still influenced by them in my decisions. I sense God’s encouragement to continually strive to make the best decisions I know at the time in a free world. Pursuit of a godly life is never in vain! 

Why is God so hidden? 

God may not speak to us demonstratively out of love. Just because earthly parents sometime know and advise what is best for their older child, such advice doesn’t always work out. In fact, overzealousness can lead to feeling controlled, thus rejecting what is best for one’s own good. 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.

Habits to stay connected with God

Individuals must find habits that personally help in feeling like they have a relationship with God. I can share what works for me. As mentioned, it is important to constantly challenge our views of God. We have to constantly analyze views of God that may set us up for failures to obtain a connection. I find reading the Bible by itself challenging. I find reading books that discuss the Bible and its possible teachings lead to self-talk in what God is really like. Writing is an outlet for me. It is a habit that keeps me thinking about God in my life. For others it may be walks in nature or listening to sermons online. Just find a way to keep thinking about God in your life. Those quiet conversations allow God’s influence in how we treat others.

I am convinced one has nothing to lose by giving God the benefit of the doubt. Besides, that puts the onus on God to influence you that they are real. The God I know seeks to influence 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. Such a plan leads to true individual and worldly happiness in the long-run. God through their influence has made me a better man, husband, father, and friend or at least better than if on my own. I have experienced God’s encouragement to continually strive to be better.

How Do You Have A Relationship With An Invisible 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