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

How Can You Vote for Them?

by Jim Gordon

I am not much into politics and I certainly do not put much hope or trust in politicians. I very seldom make political statements since I feel politics is a personal thing. Who to vote for or if to vote is up to each individual. I also realize that not everyone who reads our articles are from the USA or of the Christian faith. So, bear with me since this will be from an American and Christian perspective.

First off, whether you vote Democrat, Republican, Independent or third-party is entirely a personal choice. I understand the concept that as Christians we live in the Kingdom of God and we trust God as our head and pledge no allegiance to man. Yet living in this world we believe in the political process and we vote for those we feel is best to lead the country. I believe in praying for our leaders and trying to get the best people into office for the good of the country no matter which party they represent.

Either way we look at this, the one thing that really bothers me is seeing Christian people and especially those in leadership positions making comments such as “if you are a Christian why are you supporting this person”, or, “if you were a real Christian, you would not be voting for that candidate” or “you cannot be a Christian and be a Democrat” or “you cannot be a Christian and vote Republican”.

I personally think that Christians who make these type statements should keep their views to themselves. We all should have the right to vote for the person we feel is best, and to do so without someone trying to put a guilt trip on us for having a different view, especially when it comes to our Christian beliefs.

I understand pastors giving their personal opinions when asked about who they like as a candidate, we all do that, but that should be done on a personal and private basis. I do not believe that should be done from the pulpit or during a church service. I believe that political parties do not define our Christian beliefs. I personally know Christians who are Republican, Democrat, Independent and who claim no political group at all. I believe it is wrong for a Christian to use their religious belief to guilt another person and say they should not vote for a particular party or candidate.

I think most people are smart enough to listen, read and decide for themselves who they want to support. Most people want the best for our country and they believe they are voting for the person who will do the best job to fulfill that purpose, no matter which party they represent.

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

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

Who Should We Vote For?

By Mike Edwards

I try to keep my Posts for the most part spiritual in nature as opposed to political. But those two arenas share commonalities. Both suppress freedom of speech or at least open dialogue. Try claiming God doesn’t condemn gays. You are called a heretic in many religious places. Dare to argue Covid vaccine benefits versus risks and you are called a misinformer or conspiracist. It seems to me freedom of speech is critical. May the pursuit of truth win! 

Should we vote on a candidate based on sexual history?

Currently, there are two candidates running for President in November 2024. You may need to google several search engines about their possible past sexual behaviors. If guilty, they simply join a list of past Presidents. Isn’t it more important current behaviors than past transgressions they may regret? We don’t know if they regret their sexual past because no one ask, and our past sins aren’t necessarily best to be made public. Ask their partners. And since none of us were there in the bedroom in the past, we may never know the full truth. So, basing one’s vote on past sexual behaviors is tricky. We may find no one qualifies.

Should we vote based on one character’s – if a racist, Jew hater, etc.?

Both candidates are accused of being anti-democratic. Often, candidates are accused of being a racist. In past decades racists didn’t hide their hatred for those not their color. It was obvious. I admit I am tired of being accused a racist because I am a white dude. I married my daughter with my blessings and I have biracial grandchildren. Crazy but I love them as much as the white grandchildren. I never agreed with my parents that whites can’t share the same water fountains as blacks. Yes, I am old. I am not sure we can ever definitely determine one character behind closed doors or what is claimed by others. If candidates openly proclaimed they hate Jews (i.e. Nazis) – I don’t vote! 

Vote on what you feel best for your country, children, and grandchildren

The joke is all politicians lie. Look for one who lies less. If you lean left make sure you read from those who lean to the right. I think it is fair to say the majority of mainstream media outlets lean left so the search is more challenging. If you lean right, make sure you understand policies and viewpoints of those on the left. I would suggest it’s not about one’s personality, unknown private affairs, but policies for our future.

Best decisions (finances, etc.) are made not just with our feelings but our cognitions too! Who has the best economic policies that help those who live paycheck to paycheck, not those who can survive inflation because fortunate to have extra monies? Who has the best border policies that protect us from letting in those who wish to harm us with drugs or who are on terrorist lists, etc.? Who has the best crime policies that protect us from evil people while pushing for equal justice for all?  Who best advocates for free speech so the best ideas can win the truth debate? You decide!

Who Should We Vote For?

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 We Stop Saying Everything Happens For A Reason!

 By Mike Edwards

Well-meaning people use the phrases “everything happens for a reason” or “God willing.” God willing implies that God controls the good AND God controls evil. If you experience tragedy, did God not want goodness in your life. If you so desperately want to have a child, is God making you infertile for a reason? Does God really allow rape or any evil experienced for a reason? If God allows something to happen, that means God could have stopped evil but choose not to. I would struggle having a relationship with a God or human parent with that attitude.

God can’t be all-powerful and humans have freedom

Logically, God can’t be all-controlling or all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? Besides, a perfect God’s love can’t be all-powerful. See here.  A God who supposedly can stop suffering but doesn’t is no different than a parent who stands by and watches their child suffer. Evil and suffering in the world may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly. God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here.

God can’t control the present or the future for any reason

God can’t know the future for that suggest there is a predetermined future making freedom nonsensical. God’s plan is not a detailed blueprint but a general one to set us free to love. 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. Heresy alert – God doesn’t know! God joins us in an open future. We surely have God’s blessing choosing the wisest, more loving path at the time based on past experiences, current circumstances, and future aspirations.

Can there be Good News despite lack of guarantees!

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

A uncontrolling God can be more relatable

God loves like how you wished you loved others. God hates when prayers can’t be answered. God feels the same pain you are experiencing. God shares the dreams you have for your future.  Conventional thinkers don’t like to suggest God has feelings of vulnerability, but they don’t mind talking about God’s wrath. If God can be angry, God can be sad. God hates when we are suffering. If God truly loves, God hurts when you hurt. We may wish God would just intervene but there may be legitimate reasons why God can’t. But God is with you each step of the way as we reach out to others for help as well. Imagine what God could do if an entire world sought God’s guidance in loving others!

Can We Stop Saying Everything Happens For A Reason!

Can We Stop Saying We Know What Biblical Truths Are?

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

Can We Stop Saying “Biblical Worldview”?

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

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 Decide What God Is Really Like?

By Mike Edwards

I try to answer this question often in my blogs over the years. After all, I named my personal blog some 15 years ago “What God May Really Be Like.” I use the word “may” because I got tired of preachers always being certain what God is like. I recognized such an attitude because I offended enough people early on being so damn certain! I ended up leaving the institutional church because religious folks often assume their interpretation of the Bible was correct and can’t discuss differences. My moral intuitions didn’t always agree with their interpretation.

It matters what you think God is like

Our understanding of God can determine the depth of our relationship with God and how we might treat others. If God really created Hell, we may think we should emulate God in our attempts to judge and punish. If God condemns gays, we will condemn gays out of devotion to God. If we believe God thinks men have authority over women at home or in church, that will filter down to our wives, daughters, and friends and stifle their gifts. See It Matters If Your God Is Nurturing Or Authoritative!

You can’t always depend on the Bible

Some interpret the Bible to claim God condemns gays. Others who have the same respect for Scriptures interpret the Bible not condemning monogamous gay relationships. See here. Sometimes, biblical writers seem to contradict one another. Hebrews 10:26 says: “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.” But I John 1:7 says “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” So, did the Cross forgive us from our ongoing addictions, though we know we are hurting ourselves and others? Or are we screwed in God’s eyes if we continue willful behaviors after we see “the light?”

God must be perfect!

I imagine anyone who believes in a God/Creator thinks that such a Spirit must be perfectly moral. No other God is worth believing in. If you believe in a Creator, surely you assume such a perfect Creator would create us in their image? I think the best analogy to a perfect God is what a perfect Mother or Father is like. We all have a clue being a child of parents. Now, knowing perfection isn’t always black and white. Does justice for the victim’s family include capital punishment? Should I allow my child to hit bottom in their addiction or intervene. It may depend on their age I suppose. But should I allow my son to be abusive to his dates? Hell hath no fury!

Trust your moral intuitions unless . . . 

If your biblical interpretation is contra to your moral intuitions, why would God create you to intuitively feel differently? You can also assume that maybe biblical writers didn’t always understand God perfectly at the time. Do you think your God believes that you have authority over the opposite gender that they don’t have over you (I am talking to you men), please reconsider! Give me an inch and I may take a mile. We don’t always know what a perfect God would do. But a place to begin in imagining what God is like is how you believe you ought to treat others – unless you are a terrorist that relies on your interpretation of a supposed inspired Book!

How Do You Decide What God Is Really Like?

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 Religious Leaders Hold To Questionable Beliefs?

By Mike Edwards

Are you willing to admit you may be wrong in your view of God. We can all agree God hates sexual abuse. I have no doubt that God doesn’t condemn gays, even according to the Bible, but I am open to discussion if you are. Disputable beliefs have different consequences for the layperson as opposed to leaders. Livelihoods can be at stake for religious leaders if they don’t preach certain beliefs according to the expectation of denominations or people in the pews. 

One’s view of the Bible is a problem

It is assumed God approved everything written about God in the Bible. The problem is God isn’t always portrayed as loving. See here.  Even if the writers understood God perfectly, which we can’t prove, we can’t claim our interpretations are perfect. Biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t interpret/agree what the Bible says about God’s views about gays, women, hell, and other moral issues. A Creator surely loves the ways their creations ought to love one another. Perfect Godly and human love must be the same. A supposed inspired Book must not replace our discussion of common moral sense given to us by our Creator.

People loving certainty is a problem

Laypeople often find comfort psychologically in certainty rather than uncertainty. One may believe the seemingly certain narrative because unknowing can create anxiety. Also, disagreeing with friends or those in leadership about God’s character can lead to conflict and loneliness due to isolation. It doesn’t matter if those who proclaim certainty have good intentions or believe their ideas are right about God. Openness is critical in case we are wrong.

Not claiming certainty can have great consequences for those in leadership positions. It is not easy changing your mind in front of people you have advised to believe something different. Laypeople often crave certainty, so less than dogmatism can lead to anxiety for the flock. Threats of job security for leadership is real if disagreeing with the popular but uncertain narrative. In politics different opinions might not lead to reelection. Pastors risk being kicked out of the pulpit.

So, are we clueless what God is like? 

A Book cannot be the sole determinate of what God is like since the same passages are subject to different interpretations. Our inborn sense of good and evil, not an ancient Book, tells us sexual abuse or murder is immoral. A Creator surely loves the way creatures intuitively think they ought to love. We all seem to know the question we ought to ask ourselves – am I loving others perfectly? There will be less disagreements when we don’t insist on our interpretation of a Book. People deep down know how to handle disagreements. Until we all ask ourselves “am I acting toward others like I want to be treated,” we are destined to fail and come to a solution. 

Christian leaders must recognize their hypocrisy!

I am sure I don’t always know my own hypocrisy, but I recognize hypocrisy when I see it! Many conservative Christians leaders accuse the current government Administration and health officials of misleading by maintaining their interpretation is scientific truth. It’s hard to understand the scientific truth keeping bars open but not churches during the pandemic. It used to be not science if there wasn’t debate. Well, it isn’t biblical truth because you say it is according to your interpretation. It is true science is fluent. It is also true we can’t prove God exist much less that our view of what God is like is correct. ‘Uncertainty” falls both ways – religion and science. 

Freedom of expression because of uncertainty is critical to lead forward 

Freedom of ideas are what separate democratic societies from dictatorships. Freedom is often quashed because individuals claim certainty in their beliefs. Christians leaders condemn gays in God’s name because the Bible says so, and demands others believe as they do. They don’t consider they may be wrong. See here.  Climate experts don’t agree with the narrative concerning climate change. Claiming certainty rather than defending one’s position is not how a democracy works. One must have the freedom to make their own decisions when there is uncertainty. Religion and science are playing God (Superior) in the lives of others by claiming they know the truth and we are too stupid to decide for ourselves!

What is a religious leader to do?

When universal agreement doesn’t exist, such as the evil of sexual abuse, it must become obvious that one must be allowed to form their own opinions since uncertainty exists. We must stop being so damn certain of our understanding of God according to the Bible, especially when our interpretations are contrary to our moral intuitions. The central message about God in the Bible seems to be to strive to love others like you want to be loved. I will debate anyone who thinks a loving God, by Jesus’ example, encourages treating others like shit. We can stop labeling those who disagree with our biblical interpretations as heretics. We can stop calling those who disagree with our views of science as conspiracists. Thousands of denominations exist because of the focus on uncertain beliefs. I am convinced the only belief God cares about is loving others as you best know how!

Why Might Religious Leaders Hold To Questionable Beliefs?

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 May Be The Main Reason We Can’t Agree To Disagree?

By Mike Edwards

I written here many fears we may face in sharing certain beliefs with others. I am probably being too simplistic suggesting a main reason why we don’t discuss our differences whether it be about God or politics, but I am looking how to begin a discussion. I know many don’t venture certain discussions because of the consequences. Pastors loss their job if certain opinions about God are contrary to what their congregation believes. We have seen medical doctors’ licenses threaten with not agreeing with the Covid vaccine narrative. But I am desperate to understand why we avoid important conversations. Don’t we get closer to the truth sharing our opinions with one another?

We avoid pain by staying away from certain conversation

For one to question a main belief they have been taught in church all their life, such as if Hell is real, can create doubts about 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. Perceived certainty rather than uncertainty is more comforting psychologically. Unknowing can create confusion or anxiety. Anxiety is avoided by not discussing one’s beliefs with others who believe differently. I imagine also many avoid certain discussions because they don’t feel able to defend their position or they prefer to avoid possible conflict generally.

I have written here how assuming certainty during uncertainty can be a relationship destroyer. 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. Assume uncertainty if you have one rational friend who believes differently from you whether it’s about religion or politics.

Civil discussions are critical in the pursuit of truth 

Obviously, we may also avoid disagreements because such discussions can get heated. We must control our emotions when discussing our beliefs. We must talk to others like we want to be talked to. We must stop labelling others. We often are quick to consider or call others heretics or conspiracists when differing in religion or politics. How about thinking one has a different opinion than resorting to name calling!  

How can we begin having civil discussions?

• We must stop thinking 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, accepting that misinformation isn’t opinions that don’t agree with our own
• We can begin conversations by looking for areas we agree
• We can defend our reasoning, respect the opinions of others, and commit to pursuit of truth

What about those who refuse to agree to disagree?

Do Christians or God-folks always look the other way or forgive uncivility – not treating others like they want to be treated? I don’t have to accept those who demand a literal Hell is biblical at the expense of unbelievers in their journey here on earth. See here.  If one insists Hamas raping women and burning babies alive is justifiable because of perceived past disputes, I will condemn you. Jesus didn’t forgive the Pharisees before condemning their ridiculous religious laws. Open-mindedness doesn’t mean there aren’t common, universal, moral beliefs. Wisdom is required!

What May Be The Main Reason We Can’t Agree To Disagree?

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 Should Christians Be Known For?

by Jim Gordon

Christianity is the same no matter what country we live in, but for this article, we are talking mainly about here in the United States. In this country, we have a lot of people who claim to be Christians. What does that mean and how should we be able to recognize them?

As Christians, people should be known for their love. Their goal should be to follow the example of Jesus. Those of us who claim to be Christians go about showing our faith in different ways. Many feel that if we can preach in public, be a pastor, evangelist, or missionary, they will be known as good Christian people.

Others think if they give regularly to their church, or to programs to help the poor and other social justice issues, they will be known as good Christians. Many will base their identity on their works and all the good things they do to show they are good Christians.

Unfortunately, many will put their faith in political power, trying to force their beliefs on everyone. By doing so, they think they will make the country better by making laws based on biblical law and their interpretation of Christianity.

Basically, all these things are a waste of time. First, we are saved by grace, it is a gift from God and there is nothing we can do to earn it or pay for it. Second, the only way that Jesus says we are to be known as His disciples is by the love we have for one another.

Jesus told us to believe on the one who God sent and to love others as you love yourself. When we try mixing New Testament grace with the Old Covenant law, we are getting away from the truly good news and we are not loving one another as Jesus meant.

Some Christians think that by posting the ten commandments in schools, or requiring prayer in schools, or placing religious items in public buildings, it will show their Christian beliefs and force people to think about God. Now, I am not an advocate for putting religious postings in public buildings, but if there is going to be anything, the Sermon on the Mount would be much better. Rather than forcing biblical law on an entire country, promote the fruit of the Spirit, being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Christianity should not be anything other than loving God and loving one another. We should be following the example of Jesus and never force our religious beliefs on anyone. God gave us freedom to choose, as Christians, we should do the same.

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 A Miracle Save Trump?

By Mike Edwards

It has been claimed that God protected Trump by a miracle from being killed on July 13^th. Franklin Graham, perhaps the most well-known Christian leader, claimed that God saved President Trump from being killed. Proclamations such as these raises many questions about God’s character in the minds of many.

Why doesn’t God intervene more often?

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

What possibly leads to thinking God’s love is arbitrary?

Many Bible-folks assume God is all-powerful, which demands an answer to why God displays Their power or not. Why God acts arbitrarily isn’t easy to answer if God is truly loving, unless you always blame unanswered prayer due to one’s sins. Often, it is proclaimed God’s ways are higher than ours and God is working it all out for good. Tell that to a woman raped! It may also be suggested that we sinners have no right to question a Holy God, or that any good is more than we deserve since God’s standard is perfection and we all fall short as sinners. Some relationship!

God can’t be all-powerful

It is natural to think 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, logically how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly. Controlling love is an oxymoron. God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here.

Miracles

Lots of prayers asking for healing are obviously not 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 is dying to intervene whenever circumstances will allow. 

How does God intervene? 

God intervenes through people. Securities measures could have been better at Trump’s rally to lessen the chance of a horrible crime. God could have intervened if the assassin didn’t choose to believe that he was somehow doing the world a favor by supposedly taking an evil man out who has been compared to Hitler. All politicians should stick to attacking their opponent’s policies. It was by chance that Trump turned his head to look at a chart that allowed the bullet to pierce his ear than skull. God is in the influence business with people doing the right thing.

Did A Miracle Save Trump?

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