Allow Each Other to Follow Their Path

by Michael Donahoe

Is it aggravating to anyone else, or is it just me? I mean the fact that no matter what you believe, what your interpretation, someone always has a completely opposite view.

You get excited about hearing some truth that really connects, and the next thing you read an article by another Christian person that completely disagrees with what you just heard.

Even more than that, most of us Christians get mad when someone disagrees with us and is different. We get on Facebook and make ourselves look crazy because we talk about brotherly love, then we fight and argue with someone because they interpret things differently….and mostly about things we cannot prove one way or the other.

We really have to stop and think that whatever it is we believe, whatever our interpretation, not everyone is going to agree with us. There is no reason for us to get mad at someone else for being different.

Some of the things we believe in life are basically all a matter of faith. We have our opinions and beliefs, but normally we cannot prove them as fact. Yet, we will argue our point and get mad at others because they do not accept our views. Just because someone has a different viewpoint does not mean we cannot accept them and listen to their views.

We need to keep our ears open to the leading of the Spirit, and follow on our own path looking to Jesus. That does not mean any and every path is the right one, but we cannot be the judge of who is right and who is wrong.

Jeremy Myers, in his book ‘Dying to Religion and Empire’ states, “The beautiful thing about following Jesus is that while he leads us all in the same direction, there are millions of different paths he can take to get us there. His goal, of course, is to advance the Kingdom of God on earth through the people of God who are being conformed into the image of God”. We need to follow Christ as he leads us, and then be ready to love all people, no matter if they are on the same path or not.

Let’s stop arguing, fighting, and demanding that everyone agree with us, and love those we meet along the journey. Enjoy the diversity and differences in others and use it as an opportunity to learn new things and accept people who are different than us.

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

What I Used to Think

What I Wish I Had Known

by Jim Gordon

Having grown up in church all my life, there are many things I used to think and believe that have changed over the years. If I could go back fifty years and tell myself some things about my beliefs and interpretations, it would be broken down into a few different areas.

The first thing I wish I had known sooner is the New Covenant did not start at Matthew Chapter One. I never thought about Jesus living his earthly life under the law. The New Covenant did not start until His death and resurrection. When we start reading in Matthew, we are reading about the life of Christ here on earth while living and teaching under the law. He came to fulfill the law. We are restored and live by grace because of that, not by any good work we do.

I never truly thought about the fact that the Spirit of God lives within us. I always thought God was way up there in heaven, sitting on a huge throne looking down on us. I now realize God is within us. We do not have to wait until we get to heaven to communicate with God. The Spirit of God is within us. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is within you. We are not God, but we are one with God, just as Jesus prayed in John 17. He is with us each and every second.

I always went along with the church being a building. I was told that we go to the Lord’s house to worship. I never thought about us being the Church, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Christ is building a Church made without hands, a Church made up of His followers. We no longer have to wait until Sunday and go to a building to meet with God. The Spirit lives within us each and every day. We have fellowship with one another anytime two or three gather in His name. That can be in a living room, a restaurant, a pub or café, and it can be on any day, because every day is the day the Lord has made.

I used to look to the Bible as the word of God. I felt we got all our information and leading from God through the Bible. Now I know the Bible is the written words that God inspired men to write. The true, perfect, powerful Word of God is Jesus. As John 1:1 says, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And John 1:14 says the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus in the one we worship and follow, not the Bible. We learn from the Bible, it is good to see how God provided a way for us to have access and be restored to God. It is good to read how others acted and reacted and how God dealt with them. Unfortunately, too many of us want to make the Bible part of the trinity and worship it. The Bible is not part of God. Jesus is the word. The Spirit of Christ guides us. Study the Bible, learn from it, but do not worship it and look to it as our guide when the Spirit is our guide.

The Christian life is an ongoing, daily learning process. Sometimes we get to thinking we cannot question what we have been taught over the years. It is not wrong to question. It is not a lack a faith to wonder and seek truth. In all honesty, if we are not changing, growing, questioning and learning, I would have to wonder if there wasn’t something wrong. The Holy Spirit lives within us and He is fresh and current, and is our teacher and guide. Our interpretations and views will definitely change over time as He leads us into truth. I just wonder in the next twenty years what it will be that I wish I knew now.

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

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

What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?

by Mike Edwards

It is often said that God has a plan for your life or everything happens for a reason.  This suggests God is all-controlling and implies God is responsible for tragedies in your life. I doubt that! One may think an all-powerful, almighty God knows the future and has complete control. But, how can God be all-controlling and humans have some freedom? Even the Bible claims love does not insist on its own way (I Cor 13:5). Controlling love is an oxymoron. What would a loving, uncontrolling God want for your future?

Freedom requires an unspecific plan for your life by God

A known or set future suggests one isn’t truly free to choose otherwise. God may know all possibilities, but the future must be open if we are truly free. God can’t tell you if the person you want to marry won’t end up betraying you or the job you take won’t end up being phased out. We surely have God’s blessing choosing the wisest path known at the time based on past experiences, current circumstances, and future aspirations. When the Bible says God grieves with us in our suffering, we can know God agonizes with us each step of the way while celebrating our joys. God’s plan is not a detailed blueprint but a general one to set us free to love.

No, God doesn’t plan tragedies in your life!

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. Freedom also allows humans to develop qualities of moral character that cannot be created initially. Freedom though cannot guarantee a pain free universe.

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

Does God have any plan for us? 

Has the real message of Jesus been hijacked? Many of us who attended the institutional church were taught that God’s main mission was to save us from hell so we could go to heaven after death here on earth. All we had to do was say a prayer: “Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Help me to live for you.” I can find no place in the Bible where Jesus advised such a prayer or demanded certain confessions to follow Him. The Good News couldn’t be about escaping a fiery, torturous God if such a hell isn’t biblical. See here.

Understand Jesus, understand God! Jesus didn’t speak of a certain prayer to repeat. Jesus commended Zacchaeus for recognizing a journey necessary to avoid personal destruction. Salvation is not a future destination but a currently reality (Lk 19). Jesus told the woman who had committed adultery: “go now, and leave your life of sin” (John 8). When Jesus was asked by a religious expert how to have eternal life, He simply said to love God and your neighbor (Lk.10:25-37). Jesus understood loving God leads to loving your neighbor. Jesus hung with the despised to reveal God’s love for all. Jesus confronted the religious who kept laws but didn’t follow Jesus with their heart. Jesus sought changes of the heart for the good of the world. Godly living in this world leads to a meaningful life with less regrets. 

God can influence despite being invisible and inaudible 

God’s will isn’t some hidden plan to discover. God’s plan can’t be a detailed blueprint but a general one to set us free to love. Rational beings know they should love others like they want to be loved. Many decisions aren’t black and white, even for God. Do we speak up about one’s behavior or risk driving them further away? God joins us in considering risks to change the world for better. God’s moral ways are not mysterious or hidden. God seeks only to influence us to do all the good, rather than evil, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as we can. Jesus prayed God’s will be done on earth as in heaven (Mt. 6:10).

What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?

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

Please Stop Claiming You Know Biblical Truth!

By Mike Edwards

Christian leaders of companies or religious institutes often claim they are guided or adhere to biblical principles. This implies biblical understandings are agreed upon by all who follow the Bible, and non-followers have less than ideal morals. Supposed biblical truths have harmed billions of people – women, gays, non-Christians.

The Bible can’t be the sole determinant of truth 

Ancient literature subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive word on truth. The truth is biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible says about gays, women, hell, and other moral issues. See here. See here. See here.  Gays are often condemned and women’s leadership roles are limited, despite their gifts, in God’s name. It is suggested a fiery torturous afterlife awaits infidels. Is this how a loving God would love? A Creator surely loves the way creatures intuitively think they ought to love. Please consider that your interpretation isn’t necessarily biblical or more moral.

Truths aren’t hidden in a Book

Self-evident rights aren’t hidden in the Bible or any Book. We all have an inborn sense of good and evil. No reasonable human being doesn’t respect the universal compulsion to treat others like we want to be treated. Who but the guilty don’t agree sexual abuse or murder is evil. We must have open discussions which laws are the most caring for the greater good concerning non-universal matters such as immigration or climate policies. Personal beliefs about God can be shared in the public arena without imposing or assuming we all agree what biblical truths are.

Belief in God or unbelief is not an excuse for chaos

Politicians often claim or imply that our rights are given by God. Any such belief is personal not universal and should be stated so. Self-evident rights may be found in a Book or natural law, as we all have an inborn sense of good and evil. Rational beings know sexual abuse is evil. We can though have healthy debates what policies are for the greater good. Christians can share their personal beliefs in the public arena without imposing or assuming all agree what biblical values are.

What language did Jesus use in personally representing God?

Jesus did not come to overthrow Roman rule to establish a Christian nation. Jesus seemed to understand freedom of personal beliefs is necessary for authenticity, the highest good in personal relationships or a relationship with God. Jesus never told anyone to take a knee and express certain beliefs to be saved. See here.  When Jesus was asked what were the greatest commandments, He said to start loving God and your neighbor as yourself (Mt. 22:34-40). Jesus understood loving God influences and inspires loving others to the fullest. Jesus told the woman who had committed adultery: “go now, and leave your life of sin” (John 8). Sin destroys and doesn’t lead to personal happiness in the long-run! God desires to help avoids regrets in this life. 

How can Christian express their views of God in the public arena 

We can avoid accusations of Christian nationalism by the words we use. Jesus didn’t come to establish a Christian nation. You may personally believe your rights come from God, but not all believe in or have a relationship with God. Respect the beliefs of others through your words. And rights don’t come from man/woman (Government) either. Don’t come off pushing God or your own beliefs on others. Regardless of beliefs, until we all ask ourselves “am I acting toward others like I want to be treated,” we are destined to fail. I would argue that natural law and biblical law, if we could assume perfect understanding of God, are surely one and the same. We can at times express our beliefs about God to others and how personally God encourages us to carry out our mission to treat others well. But we can all discuss what is loving referring to personal beliefs!

Please Stop Claiming You Know Biblical Truth!

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 Is The Greatest Destroyer Of A Nation?

By Mike Edwards

Countries ruled by Dictators where there is no personal choice have failed miserably. Human nature cries out for freedom and to not be led like sheep. Democratic nations or those who have some assemblance of freedom are fortunate if able to fight for their rights. Politics, religion, and science/health practices have something in common that is dividing our country and families. We easily recognize this destroyer in our family/personal relationships but not in public arenas.

Certainty leads to close-mindedness and refusal to discuss differences 

If you find one rational person that has a difference of opinion from your own, you cannot be certain of your opinion. I don’t care if it concerns the safety of vaccines, climate solutions, or if God condemns gays. There are rational or rights to opinions on both sides. Couples who claim certainty 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. You can spot destructiveness or evil a mile away – those who censor other opinions. Leaders play God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming to know the truth and we can’t decide for ourselves.

Why can’t we be more openminded? 

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. Anxiety is avoided by not discussing one’s beliefs with others who believe differently. For one to question a main belief they have been taught in church all their life, such as if Hell is real, can cause one to question other beliefs they have been taught. Questioning if the Covid shots are safe in the long-run, if we have gotten the shots, can raise anxiety about our health. What if we pushed others to get the shots and we end up wrong? Trusting authority always can sometimes be misguided.

The most benign explanation for denying freedom of choice is one who believes they are doing the best for all concerned. This denies uncertainty. The more evil explanation for censoring the opinions of others is one’s desire for control which leads to power over others, intentional or not. Control and power often lead to security (jobs). Control and power flourish when others are not allowed to discuss alternative opinions in the public arena. It isn’t science or theology if there isn’t debate. That is why we often change our mind when able to participate in discussions. One way to judge one’s motive is to question why they fear debating others if they are so sure they are right.

How can we know what is true 

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. Most decisions are not black and white and require open debate by those in authority. One must have the freedom to decide what is the best decision for themselves, or the powerful rule the powerless. 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.

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. Christians leaders often claim we must be guided by biblical principles. They assume their interpretation is correct. It is common to hear one argue “The Bible says” without adding “according to my understanding.” The truth is contrary biblical interpretations exist for many moral issues. Hell, we can’t be sure if there is a literal Hell according to the Bible.  See here.

What is God so hidden?

Religious people may ask why God doesn’t make truth more obvious. 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. Maybe God speaks to us in non-dramatic ways (influence) out of love!

The path forward to save a Nation

• We must first stop claiming our views are morally superior to those we disagree with unless speaking of universal accepted moral truths
• We must handle differences with physical and emotional civility
• We must begin conversations by looking for areas we agree
• We must discuss differences by defending our reasoning, respecting the opinions of others, and commit to growing in understanding
• We must be openminded. Consider why you are afraid to defend your belief if you supposedly know the “truth”
• We must protect one’s freedom to choose when the possibility exists we could be wrong
• We must stop censoring or labeling others as heretics or conspiracists that we disagree with
• We must stop supporting politicians who advocate censorship or label those who disagree with them as mis-informers. Why believe their view if they can’t defend their views for the supposed good of the world?
• We must use language that conveys respecting one’s right to believe in a Creator or not

What Is The Greatest Destroyer Of A Nation?

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

Can And Does God Control Your Suffering?

By Mike Edwards

I wasn’t sure what to title this Post. “Does” is more personal but “can” speaks to whether God is able to control our suffering in the first place. We must decide if God can or can’t control suffering to consider why God does or doesn’t control our suffering. 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. It is also obvious God doesn’t answer many prayers to relieve suffering.  One may claim God is all-powerful or Omnipotent to show respect toward God, but can a God who is supposedly perfect be controlling?

God can’t control your suffering logically 

How can God be all-powerful, yet humans have some power or control? Even the Bible insist love does not insist on its own way. (I Cor 13:5) In God’s defense it just is not logically possible for God to create freedom unless there is the possibility of love and hate. If God could stop a bullet, that doesn’t change the gun holder. God can’t solve human selfishness. It is worth considering that God can’t be all-powerful or controlling and be true to God’s nature. Evil and suffering in the world may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly without being controlling. God can’t interfere in suffering without human help.

God can’t “allow” your suffering morally 

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. Please stop with “all evil eventually leads to good” as if some grand plan by God! Ask sexual abuse victims or family members of murdered victims. We are left to believe God doesn’t care, God is punishing us, or God has abandoned us and left us clueless what the grand plan is.   

Don’t miracles prove God is all-powerful despite freedom? 

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 God surely intervenes whenever circumstances will allow.

A less powerful, controlling God may be good news! 

In our suffering we don’t have to feel God doesn’t care or that God could do something and doesn’t. God knows and empathizes with us in our suffering. God obviously grieves due to all the evil in the world. God suffered when Jesus was crucified. God suggested through Jesus’ example and words what kind of life lived by all here on earth can make for a much grander world. God doesn’t derive pleasure by seeing us in pain but the unfortunate truth in a free world is suffering enables me to better help and influence others that our prosperous times don’t. Martin Luther King’s suffering moved the scales from the eyes of many how they tolerated bigotry. Jesus’ miracles turn heads but Jesus’ suffering changed the hearts of billions of followers.

Can And Does God Control Your 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

How Is It Possible A Good God, Evil, And Suffering Co-Exist?

By Mike Edwards

Many are inclined to believe a good God exist but rightly question why then so much evil in the world exists. It doesn’t help some of the explanations given by Christian leaders. A great deal of suffering is either self-inflicted or inflicted upon us by others because of personal evil. Abuse, adultery, and addiction are decisions that cause harm relationally or individually. Freedom doesn’t always explain why an all-powerful God doesn’t intervene more often, especially when evil doesn’t lead to any good in the future.

Freedom is a good thing 

It is not logically possible for God to create freedom unless there is the possibility of love or hate.  Human parents hope their children freely reciprocate their love than being forced. Without freedom we could accuse God of not creating the very best world where only true, authentic relationships can develop. Freedom also allows humans to develop qualities of moral character that cannot be created initially. Freedom though cannot guarantee a pain free universe.

But, why doesn’t a supposedly all-powerful God intervene more often?

Freedom can explain why much of evil exist, but why doesn’t God intervene more often if all-powerful? It cannot be argued all evil leads to a greater good. Physical abuse can lead to the cycle continuing for generations. Lots of prayers asking for healing are obviously not answered. Is God’s love infrequent? Do miracles only happen because some people are less sinful or beg better at the feet of an arbitrary God?

A possible better explanation for healings is that various biological and environmental factors are involved such as cells and organs.  If God doesn’t deny human freedom, it may not be a stretch to say God has to account for natural freedom as well. It may not be a stretch to suggest miracles can happen when God’s love aligns with countless factors known and not known. God cannot intervene singlehandedly, but God surely intervenes by all means possible when circumstances will allow.

Typical rationalizations to defend an all-controlling God include:

• It is claimed a mystery how God can allow evil but not be evil. Humans don’t get a free pass if they can stop evil but don’t. Some claim all evil eventually leads to good as if some grand plan by God. Hardly! Ask sexual abuse victims or family members of murdered victims.
• We sinners have no right to question a Holy God. This is not the moral of the story of Job
• Any good is grace and more than we deserve since God’s standard is perfection and we all fall short as sinners. Then, my sinful parents loved better than such a supposed loving God!
• God doesn’t have to be fair because They are God! It is nonsense to suggest God requires impartiality in us but not of Themself (James 2:1)

We may have to accept God isn’t all-powerful

A God who can prevent evil but doesn’t is counter-intuitive to love. It is worth considering that God can’t be all-powerful or controlling and be true to God’s nature. Controlling love is an oxymoron. How can God be all-powerful and creatures have some freedom? Evil and suffering in the world may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly without being controlling. God can’t interfere in suffering without human help.

It may be more comforting for some to believe God can’t control their suffering than God sits idly by. One can stop questioning if they are being faithful enough. We can believe though that God empowers and inspires others to choose to do good. God knows and empathizes with us in our suffering. God obviously grieves due to all the evil in the world. God suffered when Jesus was crucified. God suggested through Jesus’ example and words what kind of life lived by all here on earth can make for a much grander world.

How Is It Possible A Good God, Evil, And Suffering Co-Exist?

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

Even in Christ, We Walk Different Paths

by Jim Gordon

After being in the organized church for well over fifty years and seeing all the different denominations, beliefs and interpretations, one thing makes me sad. That one thing is to see so many followers of Jesus fight and argue over the different paths we take in our walk with God.

Now that is not saying that all roads lead to God, but while trusting in God and following the example of Jesus, we are going to take many different paths during our life here on earth. We are going to be different from other followers of Jesus, but we are following the same example.

Those of us outside the institutional church should not divide and separate ourselves into us versus them groups. In the same manner, those who are part of the modern-day church should not look down on and separate from those outside the institution. We need to accept that we both love God and are following the example of Jesus along the path that is for us.

I think this is what working out our salvation means. Not that we have to work to earn our salvation, but we continually learn as we follow the example of Jesus in our salvation. We, as Christ followers, will take different paths in our walk with God. We should not expect everyone to walk the same path.

I think this also relates to religion. Jesus was not a Christian and Christianity is not the only religion that leads to God. Many people follow different religions and quite often that is based on where they were born. As an example, most people born in the middle east follow Judaism or Islam. People born in the far east follow Confucianism or Taoism. People of the Indian (India) descent follow Hinduism or Buddhism. Can God draw people from each of these religions? Of course! Religion is not the answer. We were all created in the image of God and God loves the world.

We are to be accepting, loving and kind to all we have contact with each day. It seems we are more concerned about acting and believing the exact same things and following what we think is right. If we do not live that way, we want to fight, argue and separate ourselves rather than accept that God works in each of us in different ways. God made each of us differently, and God leads us along different paths as we walk toward a common goal.

Rather than expect everyone to be just like us, let us start loving one another the way Jesus loved people while he walked the earth. We should not let different religions, interpretations and ways of walking with God be a stumbling block to a loving fellowship with one another.

Besides, we are not going to show anyone how to follow the example of Jesus when all they see is arguing, disagreements and separation among those following Jesus. We will not be good examples of the love of God by insisting people conform to our way of thinking and following our rules and interpretations. The only way people will know we have something worth checking out is when they see those following the example of Jesus loving one another, caring for one another, building one another other up and being loving and kind to those who walk a different path.

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

Did You Know The Bible Says Nothing About Marriage?

By Mike Edwards

There is no word for “husband” or “wife” in Hebrew (the older testament). There is also no word for marriage (pairing up) in Hebrew. The English Bible should more accurately use “to take” rather than using the word “marriage.” I will let you decide in a patriarchal society which gender is taking who. In the older testament, the man didn’t marry but took the women. Even the Greek (newer testament) didn’t have a word for husband or wife. We must be careful what we assume a biblical marriage is when biblical writers had no such concept of the marriage institution as we know it. Please see Jennifer Bird Marriage In The Bible for many of the insights below. 

In the Bible marriage was between two men

In the Bible marriage was typically a contract between two men – the father of the man and the father of the woman. A payment was often made by the father of the woman to the father of the man. In a patriarchal culture a woman was basically viewed as property – first to her father and then to the man given to by the father. Was this really God’s ideal?  I’m not a woman, but I doubt women want to go back to biblical pairings. The women in the Bible seem given to the man to have children and build his legacy. Men, if this is your cup of tea, you are reading the wrong blog! 

In the Bible marriage (pairing) often was not between just one man and one woman

It was a very common arrangement in the OT for men to have multiple women. Most are familiar with the stories of two supposed spiritual giants in the Old Testament – Kings David and Solomon. Who hasn’t heard David was a man after God’s own heart. Not always the God I know! Solomon had hundreds of women at his disposal. Polygamy was never condemned in the Bible. Do we really want to go back to biblical pairings? My wife would argue one man is enough of a cross/burden to carry!

In the Bible relationships weren’t based on mutual respect and love

We have laws in the Bible, supposedly advocated by God, where men were required to impregnate their brother’s woman if her man died. (Deut. 25:5) I don’t read where the woman has any say so in the matter, in case she didn’t want to have a child with her “brother-in-law.” My wife’s sisters probably feel the same way. Then in Deut. 22:13-21 God supposedly advocates a woman being forced to stay with a man who lied about her virginity. Again, the woman had no say so. Biblical relationships were hardly built on mutual respect and love. Times have changed hopefully?

Newer Testament didn’t exactly advocate for more women rights

It doesn’t seem much changed from OT times to when Jesus lived. When Jesus advised that a man could only divorce a woman for adulterous reasons, the disciples said “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” (Mt. 19:9-10) They seemed to think marriage is about men’s rights. Also, though Jesus didn’t exactly say so, you mean to tell me Jesus didn’t think women could divorce for the same reason? This passage has multiple interpretations, so we are free to speculate what an ideal marriage is in God’s eyes.

What about gay marriages?

If the Bible doesn’t speak about heterosexual marriages based on mutual and respect, it can’t possibly report on gay relationships based on mutual respect and love. We Must Rethink The Bible When It Comes To Gays!

What kind of marriage does God want? 

Personally, I don’t want anything to do with biblical pairings (marriages). And biblical marriages didn’t happen in churches administered by a preacher-type. Do my partner and I need a redo to have a godly marriage? I admit I can’t read God’s mind, but I know how I ought to treat others especially women. I don’t want any father telling a woman who she must marry for money. I certainly don’t want my parents telling me who to marry. They struck out. I have been married 41 years with three great kids. Turns out she is the saint, not their beloved son. Read the Bible for possible wisdom, but seek to have a godly marriage instead of a biblical marriage.

Did You Know The Bible Says Nothing About Marriage?

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