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Lies About God!Don't Believe Everything You HearMike Edwards Please see my website: for additional writings on subjects within this book as well as other topics All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version, Copyright 2005 by the Zondervan Corporation All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the author. Updated March 2020. The gods of the nations in biblical times were described as either male or female. By contrast, the Jews did not speculate about the gender of God. God is referred to as father and a pregnant woman crying out in labor (Isaiah 42:14). In the Old Testament the word for God’s spirit is feminine. The Greek noun for the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is gender-neutral. Female and male best describe God’s image (Genesis 1:26), though I doubt God has a vagina or penis. One way to best capture God’s essence is to think of God as our Perfect Heavenly Parent or Creator as opposed to our Heavenly Father, especially for those who have a poor example of an earthly father. Unfortunately, most languages do not have gender-neutral pronouns. Because of this frustration, sometimes I will use God a second time in a sentence rather than She/He. I also may use the gender-neutral pronouns Their/They/Them when referring to God. CONTENTSIntroductions: Who Is This Book Written For3How Can We Know What Is True About God?4So What God Doesn’t Condemn Gays, Treats Women Equally ………6It Is Best To Question If The Entire Bible Is Inspired By God7How Can We Read The Bible If Not Inspired By God?9Certainty Is An Illusion10Top 15 Things I Wish Others Knew About God12Lies About God:God Is Not A Hellish Sadistic Torturer!16God Is Not A Homophobe!18God Is Not A Sexist!20God Is Not An Excluder Of Religion!22God Is Not A Terroristic, Extremist God!24God Is Not A Controlling Lover (Evil And Suffering)!26God Is Not A Prayer Genie!28God Is Not A Moral Hypocrite!30God Is Not A Mysterious, Hidden God!31God Is Not An Angry, Egomaniac!33God Is Not A Blood-Thirsty, Child (Jesus) Killer!35Appendices: God Is Not A Hidden Agenda Proselytizing Friend38God Doesn’t Know The Future And Why It Matters40God Doesn’t Elect Who Goes To Heaven Or Hell42God Doesn’t Close Heaven After Death To Non-Christians45What Is God Saving Us From Since Hell Doesn’t Exist?47God Doesn’t Care If We Go To A Church Or Not48Bibliography 501Who Is This Book Written ForFor years I have written with those in mind, who either attend the institutional church or don’t, that may be turned off by God because of what others claim about God according to the Bible. We hear claims made about God according to the Bible they don’t make sense of a loving God according to the way we have been created morally. In an upcoming chapter I will share my views on the Bible and if inspired by God. I don’t quote a lot of Bible verses, as passages can often be quoted to defend whatever side of the fence you stand on. I know “lies” is a strong word to use in a title and I hesitated to use it. I also admit thinking certain titles draw more attention. My heart suggests more a title Possible Lies About God, because I readily admit no one can prove what an invisible, inaudibly God is truly like. I am reacting to those who don’t readily admit their interpretations and understandings of the Bible aren’t infallible. Most agree the only God worth believing in must be loving and perfect. Let’s have open-minded discussions what perfect love looks like. You can disagree with me but please don’t claim certainty according to a Book subject to interpretation. This Book is intentionally brief. More are likely to read such a book. I wish to whet your appetite for future conversations about God to decide for yourself what God is really like. What you may have heard about God may not be true. Such claims about God often begin with: “The Bible says…… There is some duplication in the chapters as many lies are interrelated and rely on understandings of the Bible. Our understanding of God can greatly influence our relationship and closeness with our Creator. I suppose some people turn away from God to justify their self-centeredness and not because of confusion about God’s character, but they aren’t reading this book. I am convinced many avoid getting to know God or struggle in their relationship with God because of what they believe about God’s nature. Why follow Someone you cannot respect? There are countless interpretations of the Bible and the writers are not available to ask what they meant. Thus, because my fundamental belief is in a God of love as opposed to a non-relational God, I choose to “err” in my interpretation on the side of grace, mercy, and love. I believe that certain notions of God that are presented in the church or by religious folks can be harmful because they are presented as the “truth.” God has been pursuing our friendship from the beginning of the creation. This is conveyed when we read about the story of the Garden, the story of God's pursuit of the Israelites to bless all nations, and the story of Jesus's birth, life, death, and resurrection. You may have heard some things about our Creator that has caused you to not pursue God further. You may have had some events in your life that made you feel the Creator didn't care about you. I pray this small book may help you to reconsider. God has always been after a relationship but well-meaning Christians seem to imply God is after our obedience. By putting obedience before the relationship, it seems we produce either Pharisaical hypocrisy or a relationship with God that produces little fruit or resemblance of the example set by Jesus. A performance-based mentality seems to produce religiosity. A trust-based relationship can produce genuine faith. I am convinced God has always been after earning our trust. I believe we have much to gain from a relationship with our Creator. 2How Can We Know What Is True About God?The truth is we can’t prove that God exist or doesn’t exist. Either belief takes faith. If God does exist, shouldn’t those who believe have faith that such a Creator can reveal themselves to those that question? If a Creator does exist, most agree only a perfectly good or loving God is worth believing in. Such a thought or statement is nonsensical if we don’t have some notions of what perfect love is. God surely loves us the way we know we ought to love others. God and perfect human love must be the same.The Bible even suggests perfect human love and God’s love are the same: “Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Parent is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). We may not always know what perfect love entails but at least we always know the question we ought to ask ourselves - am I loving others perfectly also known as am I loving others like our Creator loves. God is often claimed a mystery because one’s interpretation of Scriptures suggest God appears evil from a human perspective. Such interpreters sense intuitively God and human love are the same. Moral intuitions are a guide in what true love is.It is plausible a universal compulsion to treat others like we want to be treated is how a Creator might communicate how to treat others if in that person’s shoes. I don’t know any God or non-God person that doesn’t value the golden rule in relationships. Rational people don’t always agree what is our moral obligation concerning immigration, climate change, abortion, health care, taxes, or responding to evil dictators that murder their own people, but calm dialogue allows evaluating the challenges we encounter.Women, gays, and non-Christians We must question if a loving God really favors men over women in leadership roles which has encouraged centuries of domestic abuse and other atrocities women face. We must question if a loving God really condemn gays, who have to hide their sexuality because of bigotry and hostility, when gays can no more choose who attracted to than straights can. We must question if God would torture infidels forever for beliefs while on earth only for a short time. Humans wouldn’t even create a place such as Hell for their worst enemies.We don’t know what God’s perfect love is only according to the Bible. We can’t prove that God inspired every word of the Bible, controlling the writers’ thoughts to understand God perfectly. The writers may have been on the same spiritual journey we all are on in discovering what God is really like. Not questioning when reading a Book has led to sick and weak minds carrying out immoral acts contrary to common moral sense. God didn’t necessarily have in mind that recordings about God wouldn’t be questioned to discover what God is truly like. Uncertainty, rather than certainty, can be a good thing.Certainty has led to forcing “supposed” truths onto others. It is hard to be relational when so damn certain! It is universally accepted that it is evil to kill or behead someone because of their beliefs unless you are a terrorist. Problems begin when insisting on our interpretation of a supposed inspired Book. God may not communicate more clearly, because God’s awing or overpowering presence may only lead to fearful obligations to obey. The road traveled of learning and reflecting may best lead to lasting convictions. The Bible was more direct communication, but it has been used to force beliefs on others despite subject to interpretation. Different opinions communicated respectively can stand together as we continually evaluate the most loving approach.How can we best determine what is truly evil? Terrorists deny that murdering or beheading others for their beliefs is evil. One main clue about extreme behaviors is if our actions demonstrate loving others how we wish to be loved. Would terrorists accept their wives and children being murdered or beheaded for different beliefs from another group claiming God-speak? Even extremists want to be treated with loving kindness. I would ask extremists how we can be certain their Book is really God’s words or that they have interpreted correctly. I assume the conversation would go downhill until one accepts Books can’t be proven to be entirely inspired. It matters what we think God is like!Our mental images of God shape our relationship with God and how followers might treat others. The more you respect your earthly parents or God, the closer you are to them. We can’t claim with certainty, which may not be a bad thing, what God would do in every situation but human perfection is our best starting point for discussion. We can’t know what God is exactly like, but continually evaluating the most loving approach openly with others is better than claiming certainty and being wrong. Imagine what God is like. You may be right! 3So What God Doesn’t Condemn Gays, Treats Women Equally ………!What we believe about a person impacts our relationship. What we believe about God influences our relationship with God. I couldn’t have any kind of real relationship with my parents when I didn’t respect them or they didn’t seem to really care through their actions. What can we believe about God and why does it matter? We can’t know what God is always like through the eyes of the biblical writers? We can’t prove God controlled the cognitions thus writings of the Bible, or writers simply expressed their own understanding of God at that time. Regardless, scholars interpret differently if the biblical writers believed God condemned monogamous relationship of the same gender, if God believed only men can serves as priests or pastors, etc. You cannot avoid considering how you think a loving God truly loves others because interpretation is required. What do you imagine God is like? Atheists and believers agree. The only God worth believing in and following is a perfect God. We may not always know what perfect love entails but at least we seem to know the question we ought to ask ourselves - am I loving others perfectly? It is only natural to think a Creator would love us and others how we were seemingly created to love others. We can’t claim with certainty what God would do in every situation but human perfection is our best starting point for discussion. Our imaginations about God may be more correct than claimed interpretations of a Book. It matters what you claim about God!Did God really condemn gays according to the Bible? Did God really appoint men in authority over women which has been conducive for abuse and other atrocities women have face at the hands of men? If God can do Hell, we may think we should emulate God in our attempts to judge and punish. The traditional meaning of Hell is nowhere to be found in the Bible and few would imagine a loving God would create such a place. How can faith in a loving God make a difference? Most of us want to be a better version of ourselves. Most are convinced an unselfish life than selfish live lived is a better legacy. What I believe is morally true about God intuitively is a far better version of God than what many claim according to the Bible. Most of us are decent people to begin with. Personally though, I am a better partner, father, and friend than I would be because of the insights, encouragement, and forgiveness that I sense from my Creator. A right view of God may be the help our world and individuals need in striving to be who we deep down desire to be. 4It Is Best To Question If The Entire Bible Is Inspired By GodMany scholars acknowledge the Bible has numerous possible contradictions which is reason enough to question the Bible’s inspiration since God is assumed to be perfect. Does God take pleasure in destroying (Deut. 28:63), or does God take no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11)? Does God punish children for the sins of parents (Ex. 34:7; Num. 14:18), or does God never punish children for what parents do (Ezek. 18:20)? Questioning the Bible may lead to knowing God better. Why wouldn’t we question the Bible since we can’t prove is inspired by God? Circular logic is used to argue the Bible is inspired by claiming the biblical writers make such a claim. Besides, the passage most commonly used to defend inspiration is – “All Scriptures is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16) - is subject to different interpretations. God-breathe could literally mean God-spirited, meaning God uses writings to touch our spirit. Humans are said to be God-breathed and we aren’t infallible. Questioning avoids the slippery slope toward supposed inspired interpretations. It doesn’t matter if you believe the biblical writers/editors always understood God perfectly because the Bible is literature which requires interpretation of a writer’s meaning and application to personal circumstances. Biblical scholars who respect the authority of Scriptures interpret differently what God thinks about divorce, gender roles, homosexuality, and the afterlife which impacts ever person every born. Infallible Books, as opposed to fallible Books, often lead down the slippery slope of justifying interpretations as if infallible. Questioning avoids justification of violence and other immoralities in God’s name. The idea of an infallible or inspired Book has led to assuming God’s views on morality only come from a Book. Terrorists kill infidels in the name of God. Extremists don’t question putting men in authoritative positions over women. One country only recently loosen restrictions on women’s ability to travel without male guardian permission. WHAT! Such ideas could only come from a supposed infallible Book about God. Imagine if terrorists or extremists had to question if God didn’t endorse every word in a Book. A fallible Book may actually lead to less violence and violation of rights.We must question if God really condemns women, gays, and other religions! How could a loving God favor men over women in leadership roles which has encouraged centuries of domestic abuse and other atrocities women face? How could a loving God condemn gays, who have to hide their sexuality because of bigotry and hostility, when gays can no more choose who they are attracted to than straights can? How could a loving God approve only Christians go to heaven, when the majority of people born into this world rebel or adhere to the religion where born. Is God a God of chance?Jesus as the final authority on God isn’t the solution. Even if we argue all of Scriptures must be understood through the life and death of Jesus, since Jesus was God, this doesn’t solve knowing what God would do. We still have to interpret Jesus according to a Book. Rational people don’t agree on God and violence according to Jesus. When Jesus said love your enemies, does this mean He would say never to kill to love innocent victims when no other option seems to exist? We can’t always know when Jesus spoke about certain subjects without stating exceptions or used hyperbole to emphasize a point being made. It is claimed we can’t know God if not through the Bible.Only a perfect or good God is worth believing in! Who doesn’t know a good God hates beheading people because they don’t share your beliefs unless a supposed infallible Book supposedly speaks for God? God doesn’t get enough credit for communicating through our moral intuitions. Criminals often don’t defend their actions; instead, they deny committing such crimes. A Book couldn’t be God’s only type of communication because a copy of the Bible and knowledge of Jesus hasn’t been available to the majority of people born into this world. Problems often begin when we stray from common moral sense and insist on our understanding from an inspired Book. Is certainty really better than uncertainty about the Bible? Total certainty is an illusion because even if God is Truth, we still have to discern what is Truth. Biblical scholars can’t agree if God desires preachers or priests be women or gay? It is suggested viewing the Bible as “inspired imperfection,” or we should view all of the Bible through Jesus’ eyes. As mentioned, even if Jesus was God in person His words still require interpretation. Uncertainty, not certainly about God, protects against imposing beliefs on others which is not God’s nature. Different opinions, expressed without physical or verbal aggression, can stand side by side as we continually evaluate the most loving approach.Read the Bible with a questioning and open spirit.We can’t prove that God inspired every word of the Bible, controlling the writers’ thoughts to understand God perfectly. The writers may have been on the same spiritual journey we all are on – discovering what God is really like. Not questioning or reading a Book with an open mind has led to sick and weak minds carrying out immoral acts contrary to common moral sense. It only makes intuitive sense that a Creator surely love us and others how we were seemingly created to love others. Even extremists want to be treated with loving kindness. We may not always know what perfect love is, but surely God’s love and perfect human love are the same. 5How Can We Read The Bible If Not Inspired By God?There are many things we can’t prove. We can’t prove God exist; we can’t prove God doesn’t exist. We certainly can’t prove that God inspired every word of the Bible, controlling the writers’ thoughts to understand God perfectly. The writers may have been on the same spiritual journey we all are on – discovering what God is really like. Not questioning or reading a Book with an open mind has led to sick and weak minds carrying out immoral acts contrary to common moral sense. Did God really inspire what the writers always claimed about God? God supposedly would send wild animals to kill the children of the disobedient (Lev. 26:22)God supposedly orders the murder of women, children, infants, and animals in war (I Sam. 15:3)God supposedly ordered killing boys and non-virgin women but sparing virgins for the warriors (Num. 31:18)God supposedly approved rebellious children put to death (Lev. .20:9)God supposedly approves a wife’s hand being cut off when grabbing another man’s genitals (Deut. 25:12)God supposedly insisted on animal sacrifices but later OT writers say God prefers contrite hearts over animal sacrifices (Ps. 51:16-17, i.e. Jer. 7:22, Micah 6:6) Writers/editors of the Bible didn’t intentionally lie about God. God may not have intended the Bible to be anything other than recorded experiences of beginnings with God that we don’t possess in other documents. God didn’t necessarily have in mind that recordings wouldn’t be questioned. These stories are written down for our reading, reflecting, and discovering what God is truly like. Why it matters how you read the Bible.There are contrary biblical interpretations for most major issues. Scholars rightly debate if the Bible condemns monogamous same-sex relationships. Family are destroyed because parents out of devotion to God condemn their child for feelings they can no more control toward those of the same sex than straights can control toward the opposite sex. You have every right to doubt a loving God tortures anyone forever, which serves no lasting purpose, when humans wouldn’t even create a place such as Hell for their worst enemies.Read the Bible with a questioning and open spirit. Those not growing up in church don’t understand all the fuss. Who thinks literature subject to interpretation should be read so dogmatically? We must question interpretations about a loving God that make no moral sense. It only makes intuitive sense that a Creator surely love us and others how we were seemingly created to love others. Even extremists want to be treated with loving kindness. We may not always know what perfect love is, but surely God’s love and perfect human love are the same. 6Certainty Is An IllusionTotal certainty is an illusion because even if God is Truth, we still have to discern what is Truth. For example, does God desire preachers or priests be women or gay? I am convinced so many people are leaving the institutional church, but not God, because of lack of open dialogue. It’s hard to be relational when you are so damn certain!Certainty is not found in a Book even if infallible. It is implied that we can only know God through the Bible. Newsflash - literature always requires interpretation. You are interpreting my meaning as you read this chapter. Am I saying God disapproves all certainty or that uncertainty isn’t all bad? A fallible, not infallible Book, more encourages questioning than demonizing views to the contrary. God-followers seem unaware, as I was, how they come off morally superior based on their assumptions about the Bible. How can we know God if certainly not through the Bible?Only a perfect or good God is worth believing in! Who doesn’t know a good God hates beheading people for unbelief unless a supposed infallible Book speaks for God? God doesn’t get enough credit for communicating through our moral intuitions. Criminals often don’t defend their actions; instead, they deny committing such crimes. A Book couldn’t be a Creator’s only type of communication, because the majority of people born into this world didn’t possess a Bible or know of Jesus. Problems often begin when we stray from common moral sense and insist on our understanding from an inspired Book. Where has certainty in God’s name gotten us? It is logical to suggest we can’t be certain what an invisible, inaudibly God thinks, but supposed certainty has led to justifying slavery and revered theologians such as St. Augustine and John Calvin not firmly opposing the execution of those not agreeing with their theology. Certainty has led to condemning gays, though scholars who accept Scriptures as authoritative, don’t agree the Bible disapproves of same-gender loving, monogamous, consensual relationships. Women, though gifted, are denied entrance into the priesthood or pastorate in God’s name. Uncertainty doesn’t have to lead to chaos or lawlessness.As mentioned, the Bible can’t be the definitive guide what God would do because scholars even biblical scholars disagree what God says about divorce, gender roles, homosexuality, hell, the afterlife, etc. Uncertainty unless talking about beheading infidels, not certainly about God, protects against imposing beliefs on others which is not God’s nature. Different opinions, expressed without physical or verbal aggression, can stand side by side as we continually evaluate the most loving approach.Uncertainty must exist in a free world. Freedom is absolutely necessary for authentic relationships. God’s constant interference and presence could prevent true intimacy from emerging. Freedom leads to a great deal of unpredictability. The only way for a God to protect us completely against emotional or physical harm is to create robots. God can’t promise you a certain outcome in relationships or jobs and still be a respecter of freedom. God deals as much with uncertainty as we do, as not even an all-powerful God can know a free, undetermined future. Uncertainty about God may be out of love.God’s awing or overpowering presence may only lead to fearful obligations to obey. When parents push their agendas, even if in their child’s best interest, they may resent or rebel against coercion and never turn back. If God communicates in less demonstrative ways, this may allow for heartfelt choices. The road traveled of learning, reflecting, and non-coerced choices may best lead to lasting convictions. Moral knowledge isn’t hidden. Amoral decisions are open. Maybe God speaks to us in non-dramatic ways out of love!Uncertainty can lead to acting more loving. Being unable to declare the certainty or morality of our opinions forces us to listen and express ideas openly. Forcing beliefs doesn’t lead to long-lasting change. Starting a conversation with “I may be wrong” more likely leads to new understandings and creative solutions. Try it in relationships! Uncertainty doesn’t result in lawlessness. Who doesn’t know God hates murder, sexual abuse, stealing, adultery, even not treating others like you want to be treated? Continually evaluate the most loving approach is better than claiming certainty and being wrong. A loving God only wishes to influence us to make choices with the interest of others in mind.7Top 15 Things I Wish Others Knew About GodI can’t prove God exist but millions including me aren’t irrational to think a Creator created the world around us. Atheists and believers agree. The only God worth believing in is a perfect God. We can only understand perfect love through the lens of human love. We don’t always agree what such loves looks like but human love is a reasonable starting point. The main reason many oppose views below is out of devotion to God because what they believe the Bible says about God. God is not a Bible worshipperFirst, we can’t prove the biblical writers always understood God perfectly unless you take their word for it. Secondly, literature requires interpretation so no one can claim their view is the right one. We can’t ask the writers what they meant. Thirdly, the Bible isn’t likely God’s main communication, because the majority born into this world never had a copy or knew of Jesus. God didn’t create Hell God is not a sadist. A God who teaches forgiveness seventy times seven couldn’t possibly create Hell to torture anyone forever. Such pain serves no lasting purpose anyway. Humans wouldn’t even create such a place for their worst enemies. The traditional understanding of Hell doesn’t exist in the Bible. The word hell, a substitution not translation for certain Hebrew and Greek words in the Bible, appears to have been invented over the centuries to scare people into obedience.God doesn’t let only Christians into heaven 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. Secondly, 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? God doesn’t condemn gays 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?God isn’t a sexist God wouldn’t put men in leadership position over women 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. God can lead women and men in trying to out serve one another. Shouldn’t the most qualified or gifted, whether male or female, be appointed CEO, preacher, or priest? God is not an extremist or terrorist kind of God Terrorists seldom are Jesus-type individuals who seek to love others like they want to be loved. Doesn’t true religion seek to serve not be served? Loving spiritual or human parents bring children into the world hoping their children freely reciprocate their love for authentic relationships. Forced love is an oxymoron. God couldn’t possibly want to control beliefs through fear. God isn’t hidden or mysterious God is not a mysterious, hidden Deity. A relational God’s seeks to be understood. God dropped manna from the sky and separated the Red Sea to escape the enemy, but how did that work out? God communicating through the Bible has led to much divisiveness as evident by the tens of thousands of different Christian sects. A universal belief in and hatred for evil versus good suggests God has revealed themselves. God’s overpowering presence in our lives may only lead to consuming guilt or brief obligations to obey. God’s lack of interference may allow us to make heart-felt, lasting choices. God is not a moral hypocrite humanly-speakingGod is not a moral hypocrite humanly-speaking. 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. God can’t control evil and suffering without helpThe magnitude of evil in the world is a main reason people indicate they don’t believe in God. It seems God creating freedom necessitates one being able to do as much harm as they can do good. Authenticity, the highest good in relationships, is impossible without freedom. Not even God can force true love. It can be misleading when we say God “allows” evil, as if God stands by when God could stop evil. God can’t control or violate freedom and love perfectly. God can only stop evil with the help of others or not create freedom. God isn’t a prayer geniePraying 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. God doesn’t have a hidden agenda in relationshipsIt is wrong to engage in friendships for the purpose of manipulating them to your beliefs. God’s agenda couldn’t be wanting to save people from Hell, since the traditional meaning of Hell doesn’t exist in the Bible. Friends aren’t evangelistic projects. Jesus’ agenda was to simply love people in the moment. Jesus wanted other to know God loves them and seeks to help them be who they want to be deep down if desiring such help. God isn’t 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 desire for glory is no different than a loving parent’s desire for respect. 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. God isn’t a Jesus killerDemanding 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. We killed Jesus. Jesus accepting death than powering over others may be the reason billions have been influenced to live unselfishly. God is not a future fortune tellerMost probably don’t think much about whether God knows the future or not. The truth is not even an all-powerful God can do the impossible such as change the past, force true love, or know an undetermined future until it happens. God isn’t failing to communicate a “known future” so we can avoid bad relationships or decisions. God suffers with us rather than simply gaze into a future crystal ball. God created freedom and seeks to partner with us to make for a better world. God is not a church-going traditionalistIn 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 Who we follow than traditions we personally think are important. Notice I didn’t suggest which I think God believes when it comes to issues such as immigration, taxes, climate change, etc. Total certainty, unless beheading people for not sharing your beliefs, is an illusion. What we need is honest, open dialogue. Opinions must stand side by side as we continually evaluate the most loving approach. Problems often begin when we claim moral superiority either from our own moral sense or our understanding of a Book. Lies About God:God Is Not A Hellish Sadistic TorturerGod Is Not A HomophobeGod Is Not A SexistGod Is Not An Excluder Of ReligionGod Is Not A Terroristic, Extremist GodGod Is Not A Controlling Lover (Evil And Suffering)God Is Not A Prayer GenieGod Is Not A Mysterious, Moral HypocriteGod Is Not An Violent WarmongerGod Is Not A Blood-Thirsty, Jesus Killer8God Is Not A Hellish, Sadistic Torturer! ?A loving God creating a place such as Hell opposes common moral sense. Most don’t want to believe or act as if Hell is real. Wouldn’t we all be yelling like lunatics to family, friends and strangers to avoid Hell? Hell exists because of a supposed correct interpretation of the Bible. Humans wouldn’t even create such a place for their worst enemies! The Old Testament says nothing about Hell. The Hebrew word Sheol in the Old Testament is wrongly translated as Hell. Sheol was used to describe a place of darkness occupied by the dead regardless of beliefs, not a torture chamber for unbelievers. Job, an extremely righteous man in God’s eyes, desired to go there to escape his tremendous suffering (10:21-22). God only warned Adam and Eve of death, not Hell, if eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Noah failed to warn evildoers about Hell before their death by Flood. The popular understanding of Hell is not in the OT. Recent translations simply translate Sheol as “Sheol.”Jesus said nothing about Hell.Jesus used the Greek word Gehenna, that has been translated into the word Hell, maybe in three to four discussions with disciples or religion leaders and never to a big crowd. Gehenna was the name of a real valley near Jerusalem filled with garbage and even dead bodies. Fires were set to get rid of the garbage and smell. We don’t normally translate names of valleys with a different name. Jesus used the word Gehenna symbolically to illustrate to His listeners what current decisions would lead to their destruction and death on earth, not that they would burn forever after death. Gehenna should be translated as Gehenna.The Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the NT, never once warned this dire fate!But, the Book of Revelation speaks of a Lake of Fire!The Bible only suggest that both believers and unbelievers will face some kind of judgment after death. Fire in the Bible is used more metaphorically than a literal fire where people are kept alive to torture forever after death. The Book of Revelation is the only place Lake of Fire is mentioned, but if dragons with seven heads are considered figuratively why wouldn’t the Lake of Fire be a metaphor? Why would a loving God torture anyone forever since such pain serves no lasting purpose? Hitler was condemned for torturing millions of Jews for a brief time; God is said to torture billions not briefly but forever. Don’t people need the fear of God to change? Fear only leads to trying to avoid getting caught. How real is faith if only to avoid Hell? God’s continual encouragement and mercy, not the fear of Hell or gloomy uncertainty of God’s favor, is our necessary nourishment for making lasting changes of the heart. What about references to fearing God in the OT? Fearing God can be interpreted as respecting God’s ways to avoid personal heartbreak and the destruction of others. Genuine changes result when knowing you are deeply loved by God empowering you to reflect such love to others. Can there be justice if there is no hell? Punishment doesn’t bring back a victim’s robbed memories of the future due to the murder of a loved one. Real justice is understanding your victim’s pain and accepting the harmfulness of your actions. After death God may bring to memory every action of betrayal and how it felt to their victims. The cleansing and educative effect may take longer for some than others. Humans like God may forgive their enemies if they truly regret their actions and seek forgiveness. There are many reasons to doubt Hell is real other than because not in the Bible!Hell encourages hidden agendas in relationships which we despise. If Hell is true, we must always secretly try to convince friends to accept our beliefs to avoid destruction.Hell can lead to a violent view of God. God’s justification of violence to be appeased has led to excusing our own violent solutions in the name of justice. Hell makes it seems as if we humans are better lovers than God. Most of us would not treat our enemies, much less our children, the way God supposedly treats unbelieving children. 9God Is Not A Homophobe!Many of us were taught to believe God condemns gays because the Bible says so. Some may be unaware biblical scholars who respect the Bible believe Scriptures do not condemn gay monogamous relationships. The truth is literature require interpretations which are not infallible. Please don’t condemn gays because of a Book. Ever moral fiber in my body knows a loving God doesn’t condemn gays when they can no more choose who they love than straights can. Some argue it just isn’t natural!Why would anyone choose a lifestyle subject to rejection and abuse? None of us decided one day to be attracted to the same or opposite sex. It is proven or we can at least say science isn’t conclusive why we have desires for the same or opposite sex (Karen Keen, Scripture, Ethics And The Possibility Of Same-Sex Relationships, Chapter 7). It is a myth that sexual choices are always the result of some trauma or rebellion in our lives. If we don’t know why one has feelings for the same sex, we mustn’t speculate or judge but love instead. God can’t be a psychological abuser.We know the psychological harm done when one must hide their sexuality because of bigotry and hostility. So, shouldn’t we be guided by love – how should I treat others if I had the same non-choices? The harm isn’t in being gay, the harm is in condemning others for being gay. Mental health problems aren’t because one is gay but because one is force to hide their true identify or face rejection and condemnation. God can’t be a family destroyer. It is impossible to not feel unloved and rejected when someone says “I love you but I hate your sin.” Most parents’ hearts break when they think their devotion to God requires them to give their child some version of “love the sinner, hate the sin” speech. Our moral intuitions tell most that God is not bias against females, people of color, or gays. A parent need not reject a gay child according to the Bible. The Bible is silent on monogamous same sex relationships, while supporting relationships that show love and concern for one another. What does the most common biblical passage used to condemn gays say? In Romans 1 the motivation for same-sex relations was because of excessive lust not love. The writer possibly had in mind what he saw around him - men having sex with boys or sex with male slaves. Sexual behaviors that are abusive, unequal, controlling, mindless, selfish engagements, as opposed to consensual monogamous relationships, are immoral to any rational human being. The church acts as if all gay relationships are the same; opposite gender relationships aren’t the same! What did Jesus say? Matthew 19 and Mark 10 are said to suggest Jesus condemned homosexual relationships by using Adam and Eve as the original intent and norm for marriage. The context is Pharisees citing Moses to justify divorce. Jesus used the example the audience were familiar with – Adam and Eve. Jesus spoke out against casual attitudes about marriage. Isn’t permanence in marriage, if couples continue to act loving to one another, in the best interest of couples and children? We cannot say definitively Jesus is condemning same-sex relationships who don’t have a lackadaisical attitude toward marriage. Jesus is an advocate for committed love. What about Sodom and Gomorrah? The Sodom and Gomorrah story may be the easiest to dispute when it comes to biblical interpretation. Genesis 19 and Judges 19 are stories about men seeking to assault male guests receiving hospitality in a local household. In both stories women horribly are offered as an alternative for sexual pleasure which should caution us against applications of these stories. The story is about gang rape and as has nothing to do about loving, consensual, same-sex relationships (David P. Gushee, Changing Our Mind, Chapter 11). Calling out gays is hypocrisy anyway even if you believe the Bible condemns gays. It is common to use Paul’s list of sins to call out gays but not the greedy and slanderers (I Cor. 6: 9-10). Chances are you have been greedy more than once this week by keeping more than you need and not giving the rest to those struck by tragedies. Remind me to say “I love you, but I hate your behaviors.” Church folks condemn gay relationships but they get divorced half the time. Let’s take the log out of our own eye before condemning gay couples!So, anything goes!Let’s don’t insult others by comparing homosexuality to pedophilia, bestiality, etc. Sex with children is not the same thing. Friends are coming to us about themselves or their children about a very personal matter, and they are speaking about consensual, adult relationships. There are no victims in consensual love. So, we can’t hate any sin? Hating homosexual sex is only loving if homosexual sex is sinful. Hating alcoholic behavior is loving because alcohol abuse really is harmful. Gays of course can marry. Procreation isn’t a criterion for marriage. We don’t deny infertile couples the right to marry. It is argued the world could not have populated in the beginning! We are no longer in that situation and the world will continue to populate because not all couples are gay. We have unwanted children who need loving couples. Is adoption by a same sex or different sex couple not a better situation than groups homes or orphanages? Many gay couples are far better parents than many opposite sex parents. Don’t worry! Loving couples don’t try to scare a child straight or gay. The Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament doesn’t encourage celibate life as some holy grail. Paul in fact offered marriage as an outlet if unable to control passions (I Cor. 7). It is hard to deny most of us wish to enjoy the pleasure of marital sex and have a hard time being faithful otherwise. Why would God condemn same-sex marriages if the Bible doesn’t condemn or consider same-sex, faithful relationships? 10God Is Not A SexistMost would agree equalitarian rather than hierarchical relationships are less likely to lead to the mistreatment of women. Many husbands assume leadership means making final decisions in an impasse. Best friends, in marriage or other dyad relationships, don’t require a leader. Few would dare justify only allowing men in leadership roles in business; I doubt God feels any different who the preacher or priest is. Let’s stand on the side that is potentially less abusive to half of God’s creations. Doesn’t the Bible though argue for loving authority?It is said that the Apostle Paul, who wrote a lot of the New Testament, teaches men have spiritual authorities that women don’t. Some may be unaware the Bible can be interpreted to endorse roles according to gifts not gender. Paul affirmed and didn’t condemn women praying and prophesying (I Cor. 11:4-5). Paul mentioned in practically the same breath that roles are according to one’s gifts and doesn’t mention gender (I Cor. 12:4-11). Romans 16 is only one of many chapters in the Bible that speaks of women in leadership roles, similar to both Priscilla and Aquila teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26). Passages like this presuppose that women can teach men.Did Paul really use the example of Adam and Eve to suggest a universal model for leadership to avoid women leading men astray (I Tim. 2:12-15)? It is just as likely Paul used the first couple as an example of what to avoid – Eve prevailing upon Adam to go against God’s ways. But, if such a sin keeps women from preaching for eternity, maybe men shouldn’t preach either. Besides, Paul says Adam was responsible for what happened in the garden (Rom. 5:12). Paul in this same Timothy passage advises women to avoid certain hairstyles or jewelry (I Tim: 2:9), but seldom do churches make the same prohibitions as they do women teaching. God can’t possibly be bias toward gender or skin color.I am not sure why any fair-minded person would think women can’t fulfill the same leadership roles as men in the spiritual or work realm unless believing a Book teaches this is God’s will for humankind. Most would agree not allowing equal roles because of the color of your skin born with is immoral. I would suggest denying women equal roles, because of the gender born, is emotional abuse if they are gifted to lead. A good God surely doesn’t advocate racism or favoritism. Even in the Old Testament female leadership isn’t condemned. OT times, where patriarchal and female concubines were rampant, would likely be an era to speak against female leaders. The role of a prophet was clearly a mouthpiece for the very words and council of God. Miriam, the sister of Aaron, was a prophet (Ex 15:20) who helped lead Israel (Mic. 6:4). Huldad also was a prophet (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chron. 34:22). Queen Esther had great influence and clear authority (Esther 7-10). Deborah was a prophet (Judg. 4:4) who also served as a Judge of Israel, which was the highest leader position in Israel at this time. Saying “a woman’s place is only in the home” is not a biblical one. What about God’s gender and Jesus’?But Jesus was a male and God is our heavenly Father! If people already didn’t listen to Jesus in the first century do you think they would listen to a female Jesus? Jesus encouraged equality between the sexes against culture norms. The gods of the nations in biblical times were described as either male or female. By contrast, the Jews did not speculate about the "masculinity" of God, and God is never ever referred to as male. We must be careful to not assume God is more male simply because our English translations use male pronouns when referring to God. God was also described both like a woman in childbirth (Isaiah 42:14), a mother who does not forget the child she nurses (Isaiah 49:14-15). Both male and female best describe God's image (Genesis 1:26). A reason for more male references by the biblical writers is likely because of the patriarchal cultures the writers lived in. There are so many reasons to not encourage men having authority over women. One person wrote to the editor of a newspaper “…it’s been bothering me since 9/11. What’s the difference between the strain of Islam that proscribes gender roles and its counterpart in Christianity that does the same thing, albeit with a different set of prohibitions? Religious extremists would rather be dead than advise husbands to love their wives as their own bodies as the Apostle Paul did (Eph. 5:28). In any religion justification of the different treatment of women from men is usually because of a Holy Book that speaks for God. Common moral sense is assumed to be the enemy. Literature always requires interpretation and we may be wrong, so we must use common moral sense as well. Appointing men in authority over women can be conducive for domestic abuse and other atrocities women face at the hands of men. 11God Is Not An Excluder Of Religions!The majority of people born into this world died without any knowledge of the Bible or who Jesus was. Also, John Hick rightly acknowledges: “…in the vast majority of cases, probably 98 or 99 per cent, the religion to which anyone adheres (or against which they rebel) depends upon where they are born. When someone is born into a Christian family they are very likely to become a Christian, whether practicing or nominal; when into a Muslim family, very likely to become a Muslim; if into a Buddhist family, to become a Buddhist – and so on round the world” (Who Or What Is God, p. 73). A loving God wouldn’t ignore the realities of our world by insisting one only comes to God by believing in Jesus. God isn’t a God of chances! The Bible doesn’t rule out decisions after death regarding one’s eternal destination. John 5:25 says that the dead will hear the voice of God and those who hear will live. Verse 29 says those who have done evil will be condemned but we do not know whether repentance will take place. Romans 14:11-12 says: “It is written: As surely as I live, says the Lord, “every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God." So then, we will all give an account of ourselves to God.” Why couldn’t some make a decision at Judgment? I Peter 3:18-20 speaks of Jesus preaching to those in Noah’s day who were disobedient. Preaching is normally for the opportunity to respond. I Peter 4:6 goes on to say that the dead can live according to God’s spirit. Eternal decisions after death doesn’t diminish the blessings of changing here on earth. A merciful God can best decide when enough chances are given. Many scholars also believe the Bible teaches all people eventually get into Heaven. Those of us who grew up in church are familiar with Bible verses interpreted to mean the wages of sin is death/Hell if we don’t confess Jesus is Lord (Rom. 6:23; 10:9). Bible folks don’t even have to look up those verses. The Bible also says: “For as in Adam all died, so in Christ all will be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22). Many Bible scholars who respect the authority of Scriptures interpret this and other verses to mean only those who have never died are excluded from heaven. Obviously, all have or will die. The Bible teaches forgiveness is unlimited (i.e. Mt. 18:21-22), but is that not true of God after one’s last breath here on earth? We can’t be certain, so we are free to imagine what a loving, merciful God would do. Jesus didn’t refer to his followers as Christians. Jesus simply asked people to follow Him. Jesus seemed more concerned with the benefits of living a loving life than beliefs. God used the human means available to reveal themselves through the life of Jesus, but the Bible was never meant to be God’s only communication. A universal desire to treat others like we want to be treated hints God’s spirit has always existed. Jesus’ message has been exemplified by many great leaders such as Gandhi. We can know in our heart Jesus’ main message – love others like we want to be loved. Hell’s non-existence requires rethinking the afterlife for all. Hell’s supposed existence is why many insist one must believe in Jesus to avoid such a destination. It turns out Jesus or the Bible says nothing about the traditional understanding of Hell. Paul, who wrote the majority of the New Testament, never once warned this dire fate. Why did Noah or the OT say nothing about tragic consequences for evil? Jesus used the Greek word Gehenna that was translated into the word Hell in some of our Bibles. Gehenna was the name of a real valley near Jerusalem used by Jesus to illustrate kinds of lives here on earth that lead to death here on earth, not what happens to people in the afterlife. We must avoid all appearances that a good God is like a terrorist or extremist. Terrorists believe you must be of a certain religion or be killed. If our Creator believed this way, why haven’t they controlled evil here on earth by dashing to pieces those who don’t accept God’s ways. A loving God knows true love and lasting convictions are obtained when chosen freely than forced. An infallible Book would not be so dangerous if extremists acknowledged literature is subject to interpretation, thus their interpretation cannot be proclaimed as “certainty” in God’s name. We must allow personal views to be challenged without declaring “The Bible says…” No human or spiritual parent would bring children into the world requiring that one’s eternal destination is based on circumstances out of one’s control. It is true bad and good religion must be distinguished, but the Bible mustn’t be used to claim all must convert to Christianity to be accepted by God. 12God Is Not A Terroristic, Extremist God!The idea that the entire Bible is inspired or approved by God, without questioning, often leads down the slippery slope of supposed inspired interpretations speaking for God. The idea of an infallible Book obscures for many that true religion seeks to serve not be served! If certain claims about God in any Book are questionable of a morally perfect God (most agree One claiming to be God must be perfect), it is doubtful God inspired such false beliefs. We must avoid claiming a good God is determined solely by a Book. Jesus when leaving this earth didn’t promise to leave us with a Bible but God’s Spirit in discerning good from evil (Jn. 14:16). Supposed right beliefs or interpretations are less important than simply loving others. Those not growing up in church don’t understand all the fuss. Who thinks literature subject to interpretation, written thousands of years ago, should be read so dogmatically? A fallible Book can lead to listening to different opinions as we continually evaluate the most loving approach. The Bible wouldn’t be God’s main communication anyway, because the majority born into this world never had a copy.We must avoid implying a loving God seeks to control freedom of beliefs. One would think a God who is powerful enough to create, unless a respecter of freedom of beliefs, would annihilate immediately those who choose evil and oppose God. God’s love in the Bible is most frequently compared to that of a human parent. Human or spiritual parents bring children into the world hoping their children freely reciprocate their love for authentic relationships. Forced love is an oxymoron. A good God couldn’t possibly want to control beliefs through fear. We must intervene with family or whoever when we notice one’s beliefs leads to forcing their religious practices on others or blowing up innocent people. Terrorists don't just blow themselves up to spread their gospel. Jesus suffered Himself because He believe His message would change lives for the better. A loving God surely respects the freedom of beliefs in this life and after death, encourages men and women to be equally vulnerable to one another, seeks only to convert others from evil actions, and guides through a relationship and not a book written thousands of years ago.We must avoid claiming a loving God’s view of women hints of inequality. I am not suggesting all religious extremists are saying Paradise is a lustful adventure for men at the expense of women, but it is important to not be dogmatic that the Bible teaches women are under the authority of men in the God of the Bible eyes. This can encourage dominance on the man’s part.?Women and men surely need unselfish partners who have the heart of a servant. Some religious extremists would rather be dead than advocate for that. We must avoid proscribing gender roles which more frequently are used to oppress women than men. We must avoid suggesting a loving God would torture unbelievers before or after death. Delayed torture is still torture in the eyes of many. We mustn’t claim Hell is real because biblical scholars don’t agree the traditional understanding of Hell exists in the Bible. Most humans wouldn’t even create such a place for their worst enemies! The word hell is a substitution not translation for certain Hebrew and Greek words and seems invented over the centuries to scare people into obedience. A loving God respects the right to choose your own personal beliefs in this life, and God wouldn’t torture people after death for such decisions. Conversion to certain beliefs is never the loving goal. I believe Christianity or any religion must differentiate themselves from terrorists or extremists. Who doesn’t know it is right to encourage treating others like you want to be treated? Jesus had no evangelical spiel other than to encourage people to shun evil and do good. Jesus encouraged spirituality for self-interest and the interests of others. Billions have lived who have never heard of Jesus or the Bible. A loving God would not require unknown beliefs for a relationship. 13God Is Not A Controlling Lover (Evil And Suffering)!The majority of evil results from the freedom to be kind or cruel toward others. It seems God creating freedom necessitates one being able to do as much harm as they can do good. There is not some divine or “greater purpose” in the suffering of innocent people. But authenticity, the highest good in relationships, is impossible without freedom. Not even an almighty God can force true love. God, like parents, had a choice – to not create or to create knowing suffering was a possibility in the pursuit of intimacy. Divine love limits divine power. God can’t!!! Saying God can’t may seem sacrilegious, but a God who can prevent evil but doesn’t is no different than a parent who stands by and watches their child being physically or sexually abused. Are you dissatisfied with conventional answers such as: “It’s all part of God’s plan;” “God wants to make you stronger;” “God’s ways are not our ways;” “You didn’t have enough faith;” “Everything happens for a reason” (Thomas Oord, God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils, p.11). If evil is some grand scheme God can control, why does the Bible say God hates evil so much? God doesn’t cause or allow evil! God doesn’t cause evil but some say God allows evil to bring about a greater good. Oord reminds us greater good doesn’t always happen. A surgeon may break open your chest to save your life, but what purpose is served from rape, torture, betrayal, murder, deception, corruption, incest, and genocide as if part of some good plan? From this twisted perspective, evil is good! When we say God allows, it gives the impression God stands by when God could stop evil. No one respects those who stand by in the name of freedom while individual rights are being violated. God can’t control or violate freedom and love perfectly. God can only stop evil with the help of others so to not violate freedom. Or not create freedom!What about miracles if God can’t supposedly control? It may be easier to explain God’s uncontrolling nature if miracles could be refuted. Miracles happen as many attest, but miracles don’t happen because people grovel at the feet of an arbitrary God who has to be begged to love more. A good God surely is always working to heal, but so many biological and environmental factors are involved. Maybe it is not a stretch to say God can’t control human freedom as well as non-human factors. I am convinced God will intervene by all means when circumstances allow. Miracles can happen when God’s uncontrolling love aligns with countless factors known and not known. It matters if God supposedly knows the future. A young woman may ask God for wisdom in marrying their partner. All think it is a match made in heaven, but the husband becomes abusive and the children suffer. What kind of God doesn’t warn if God knew this was going to happen? Evil is the result of current and unknown future human free decisions. Not even an all-powerful God can create and guarantee life without death, violence, suffering, and struggle and yet there be free will necessary for genuine relationships.God is not a magic prayer genie!A good God surely doesn’t cause or want us to suffer. Praying doesn’t make God more caring. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Jesus’ prayer to avoid the Cross may be the best model in times of suffering. Jesus asked God to intervene but God if you are unable please stay close to me. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom can makes one’s suffering worse. Did I not pray enough? Did I not beg enough? Did I not behave enough or have the right attitude? It isn’t that we didn’t pray enough with the right words so God will answer.Is God a mystery and we can’t understand evil and suffering?Some appeal to mystery by declaring God ways are not our ways to rationalize their interpretation of the Bible, but how can we have a relationship with a God we can’t understand with the brain God gave us? How we are supposed to know and love like God if God is mysterious? The Bible says to be perfect like God, but we can’t know what this means if we can’t know what perfect love is. God’s love surely is like perfect human love. If God calls favoritism evil but plays favorites, this plainly makes a supposedly loving God evil. Why did God even create?God knew the risks of freedom as do human parents. Are we wrong to bring children into a world hoping they will want to reciprocate our love but knowing our children could cause suffering or suffer at the hands of others? Suffering is avoidable only if God had not created or allowed freedom. Few argue that no freedom is better than freedom. God and parents risk creating which can lead to great joy or great pain. One is not possible without the other.What is God doing?God is tireless in working through individual lives to change the world. Hitler may have been stopped if others had gotten involved in his life as a child or when plotting his evils early on. Perhaps the only way to defeat evil in us, other than destroying at the first hint, is for us to persevere and overcome evil. Also, suffering can enable us to be of use to others in a world where suffering is inevitable if any freedom is present. Martin Luther King’s suffering moved the scales from the eyes of many how they tolerated bigotry. 14God Is Not A Prayer Genie!Let’s be real! More prayers are unanswered than answered. The amount of evil in the world suggests God doesn’t intervene most of the time. Many prayers that are claimed answered could simply be humans taking action. God didn’t make your partner stop drinking; they finally hit bottom and got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Many are rightly disheartened about God when claims about prayers don’t match up with reality. God can’t be a controlling lover. Controlling love is an oxymoron. Besides, not even an all-powerful God can give us free will and not give us free will at the same time. Genuine freedom must involve the right to do as much harm in proportion to how much good one can do. It isn’t that God has the power to do something and doesn’t. It’s that God can’t. God can’t control evil here on earth if God respects freedom. Is God to blame for suffering? A good God surely doesn’t cause or want us to suffer. Praying doesn’t make God more caring. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Jesus’ prayer to avoid the Cross may be the best model in times of suffering. Jesus asked God to intervene but God if you are unable please stay close to me. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom can makes one’s suffering worse. Why did God heal them and not me? Did I not pray enough? Did I not beg enough? Did I not behave enough or have the right attitude? It isn’t that we didn’t pray enough with the right words and behaviors so God will answer. God is already doing all God can. Why bother to even pray then? Maybe prayer is more talking and sharing with God then asking for things and for God to override freedom. Maybe prayer is meant to help us not feel alone in a chaotic world. Prayer is more talking to gain support than manipulating for gain. God is always available to talk about anything on our heart, but we best leave running the universe to a loving God who has the interest of all in mind.Don’t miracles prove God can control what God wants? One must admit miracles aren’t that frequent. The Old Testament reveals amazing miracles don’t always lead to inspired living. Jesus’ miracles turned heads but Jesus’ suffering turned hearts of billions of followers. We can pray for others but God is already doing all they can. Are we? Miracles can happen as many can attest to, but miracles don’t happen because people grovel at the feet of an arbitrary God who has to be begged to love more. Miracles happen when God’s uncontrolling love aligns with countless factors known and not known. Prayer is not a substitute for action. It is easier sometimes to pray for someone than take supportive actions which is the most common way that God answers prayers. Rather than praying your friend’s spouse stop drinking, which is harming their family, see if your friend would rather you say something to their spouse. When you know two friends are in conflict, speak to the one wrongly denying any wrongdoing. God always desire permission to use our lives to help others.The Bible says you can ask for anything you want in God’s name!Our interpretations must account for what a loving, uncontrolling God can do. Passages such as Mathew 7:7 are lifted out of context to support the false prosperity gospel: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Isn’t this passage in context simply saying that if we parents give good gifts despite our imperfections, will not God as our perfect Parent always want to give good gifts. First-century readers didn’t assume this was a blank check for any request. The Apostle Paul expected followers would face persecution for their beliefs (2 Tim. 3:12). How can we pray? We might replace the word “praying” in the Bible with “talking.” We can talk to God for many reasons including pursuing a closer relationship with our Creator to be more like God, for self-examination, for sharing our concerns, and not feeling alone in a chaotic world. We tell our children associating with the right people leads to making wiser choices. Maybe prayer is to motivate us to be more loving like God toward others. God is not a Genie in a bottle who can singlehandedly all by themselves make things instantly happen. God is surely doing all they can to influence for good and seeks our help to change the world for good. See Mark Karris, Divine Echoes: Reconciling Prayer With the Uncontrolling Love Of God15God Is Not A Moral Hypocrite!Many rightly don’t pursue God if claims about God make God appear immoral. In simple terms a moral hypocrite is one who loves others differently than they tell others how to love. Does God? God surely loves others like humans were created to love one another. We don’t always know what perfect love is, but I doubt God would say “do as I say not what I do.” Aren’t God’s morals the same as perfect human morals? Most think One claiming to be God must be morally perfect. The Bible tells us to be perfect like God (Mt. 5:48), but we can’t know what this means if we don’t know what perfect, moral love is. We can’t follow God’s example if God’s good is sometimes evil. God’s love surely is the same as perfect human love. God is morally perfect humanly-speaking. Doesn’t God care to be understood and relatable? I don’t know many who would claim a good God or the God of the Bible doesn’t desire a relationship. This is what makes the story of Genesis so moving. Other ancient near east creation stories tell a story of humans being held in contempt by the gods. The God of the Bible esteemed humans in the beginning and desired a close relationship. If God is claimed to be mysterious at times or God’s evil is good sometimes, how are we supposed to know and love like God? We may only think God and human morals are different because of an inspired Book. It isn’t natural to think God has different moral expectation of themselves from those God created. That is why interpreters play the mystery card because they understand some explanation is required when their views of God are incompatible with most people’s idea of a loving God. Since they believe God gives us our mind and conscience, some rationalization is needed. God surely can’t be a moral hypocrite humanly-speaking. It is true we don’t always agree what true or perfect love is. Common moral, loving sense is not the enemy. Don’t let your interpretation of a Book, which could be wrong, override the golden rule with others of different gender, color, or sexuality. Terrorists or extremists justify immoral treatment of others by hiding behind a supposedly infallible Book. Even if the Bible is infallible, one must never claim their interpretations are infallible since they could be wrong. Actions of love are always more important than any beliefs you may have. Loving others like you want to be loved is the same as true, human, godly love! 16God Is Not A Mysterious, Hidden God!Biblical interpreters will often play the mystery card when their interpretations suggest God’s morals are not the same as human morals. They understand some explanation is required when their views of God are incompatible with most people’s idea of a loving God. Since they believe God gives us our mind and conscience, some rationalization is needed. It is possible our interpretation is wrong or biblical authors didn’t always understood God perfectly. Why would a relatable God desire to be mysterious?I don’t know anyone who would claim a good God or the God of the Bible doesn’t desire a relationship. This is what makes the story of Genesis so moving. Other ancient near eastern creation stories tell a story of humans being held in contempt by the gods. The God of the Bible esteemed humans in the beginning and desired a close relationship to help oversee the universe. The idea of a relational God wanting to be mysterious may only come from a Book. If God is mysterious, why does the Bible ask us to be like God? Jesus, who represented God here on earth, assumed we could easily understand God: “Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Parent is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). We may not always know what perfect love entails, but knowing the difference from evil and good isn’t rocket science. Even if you don’t read the Bible, one would assume a good God would exhort us to hate evil. If God is evil sometimes humanly speaking, are we supposed to hate God?The Old Testament doesn’t declare God a mystery. We can’t have the intelligence and knowledge of a God who can be in all places at all time. We may not be able to comprehend all plausible moral reasons why suffering and a good God can co-exist. That doesn’t make God a mystery. Isaiah 55:8-9 is the most common passage to justify that God sometimes is a mystery: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…” This passage isn’t suggesting we cannot understand God. God exhorts us to forsake our wicked ways and thoughts (v.7) and turn to God’s higher, righteous ways and thoughts (vs. 8-9). The New Testament doesn’t claim God is mysterious.The word mystery or mysteries is referenced about 27 times in the New Testament. Jesus’ teachings were not purposely hidden but rejected and not pursued. Jesus didn’t prefer to speak in parables, but sometimes it is better to not speak the truth in a straightforward manner. When King David didn’t listen to God, God sent Nathan to confront in a form of a parable. God’s direct message is only perplexing often to one’s heart not the mind.The mystery of Christ is a second theme in the NT. God’s plan to bless all nations through Israel by way of Christ wasn’t fully revealed until NT times. Paul says: “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2: 3-4). God may not be as hidden as it seems. A universal desire to treat others like we want to be treated may be a personal external force communicating through our moral intuitions. We seem to know we ought to abide by the golden rule. We all have an innate knowledge of right and wrong. What rational person doesn’t believe murder, lying, stealing, or adultery is wrong? Most criminals don’t defend but deny their actions. At least God isn’t hiding an unknow future.It is natural to think an all-knowing, power God has special insights into future outcomes to help us avoid problems. To say God knows the future suggests a predetermined future making freedom nonsensical. 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. Freedom must be important to God as controlling love is an oxymoron. God joins us in an open future. We surely have God’s blessing choosing the wisest path at the time based on past experiences, current circumstances, and future aspirations.How was it when God spoke more or showed up in person? Direct communication isn’t always magical. God supposedly spoke audibly when giving Moses the Ten Commandments. Some misunderstood God by not helping an injured soul on the Sabbath. Jesus was said to be God in person, but His miracles didn’t obtain results suggested if God would just stop hiding. Jesus had a 24-7 relationship with twelve men, and they struggled to believe everything that came out of Jesus’ mouth. Jesus’ example than words seems to change the world. Maybe God speaks to us in non-dramatic ways out of love!God’s awing or overpowering presence may only lead to fearful obligations to obey. When parents push their agendas, even if in their children best interests, they may resent or rebel against coercion and never turn back. If God communicates in less demonstrative ways, this may allow for heartfelt choices. The road traveled of learning and reflecting may best lead to lasting convictions. Loving parents want their children to freely reciprocate their love, not feel manipulated. Maybe God doesn’t have to speak to influence. We know God’s influence when we have thoughts to be a better partner, parent, or friend. Maybe we just have to be open to God’s Spirit. 17God Is Not An Angry, Egomaniac!We often are not invited to know God and understand God’s love for us; we are taught to fear God and be scared of eternal damnation. God’s love seems worse than human parent love. A true relationship cannot develop under such a grave threat. Could the emphasis on God’s judgment than love be the reason for lack of transformation of many who call themselves Christians? Genuine love is when I am motivated out of love and appreciation for that person and not when I am fearful of some consequence or possibly getting caught. Why does the Bible often portray God as an angry hothead?Many OT passages just can’t be rationalized away. The story starts off by God destroying the world minus eight with a Flood. Even if it was a local as opposed to global flood, the metaphor still stinks! There were surely a few people innocent of evil so horrific to escape such actions by God. Who doesn’t think it is wrong to drown just one child in a bathtub? It gets worse by killing babies in Egypt and God supposedly ordering the Israel army to “not spare them: put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys”(I Sam. 15:3). Passages such as this seem to advocate evil behaviors in God’s name. Hundreds of passages also speak of God’s love and mercy. Did the biblical writers at times think it sacrilegious to not portray God in controlling terms like the others gods at that time? I wish the writers had clearly indicated God was angry at evil as opposed to people. God violent one minute and merciful and loving the next minute sounds like an abusive spouse or parent. We have every right to question if the writers’ views of God evolved over time.Doesn’t the Bible really say “fear God” or else? We are often encouraged to fear God as if God thinks such fear and obligatory loves leads to a genuine relationship. God supposedly demands fear for ego reasons or as a sign of reverence. Fearing someone seldom leads to an inspiring relationship with that person. Some scholars suggest “fear God” is better phrased “respect God.” God’s request for respect (glory) is no different than a loving parent’s hope for respect because their love should have their child’s best interest in mind. Are humans really holier or more moral than God?A human parent warns or gets upset with a child’s actions not in their best interest or the welfare of others, but that doesn’t lead to them wanting to annihilate their child. What God or parent doesn’t know sin has its own consequences; God doesn’t seek to pile on the anger. God doesn’t worry that their unimaginable love gives us further license to keep sinning. Acting selfish is humanly natural and doesn’t wait for permission. A loving God surely seeks to continually assure us of their love so we don’t every give up no matter how demoralized we may feel. How could God be egotistical!If God was so worried about their reputation, God certainly would not have given us freedom to contradict their wishes. All the evil in the world suggests God isn’t controlling. God is not more concerned with restoring their honor than expressing a desire for a relationship freely chosen. Many religions today imply their god expects certain beliefs or face immediate extinction. Not the God of the Bible! And what kind of all-powerful God wants to be friends? Abraham (Jm. 2:23) and Moses (Ex. 33:11) are called God’s friend, and Jesus called the disciples His friends (Jn. 15:15). God is our Creator and Friend.God isn’t possessive of their glory.What kind of parent wants to be alone in their glory? Many are aware of verses where God supposedly demands glory, but Jesus says in John 17:22 says to all who believe: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.”? We cannot be God, but we can strive to be like God. God’s request for glory is not self-infatuation. Imagine a world that glorified God in all they did! There would be no evil or suffering caused by others in the world. There would be no physical or sexual abuse in the world. There would be no bigotry based on the color of skin or gender you were born. There would be no locking of cars and houses. God gets a bad rap when portrayed as selfish or obsessed with themselves.18God Is Not A Blood-Thirsty Child (Jesus) Killer!One may only believe God required a violent death of an innocent victim, much less God’s own child, because they have been taught an inspired Book by God supposedly makes such a claim. How does an innocent person suffering really atone for another person’s sins? Guilt is not somehow magically removed by someone else’s confession of a sin they didn’t commit. Even imperfect human parents forgive a child without punishing another child. One has to wonder if a God who truly loves requires blood to be appeased before forgiving. Freedom created by God is a farce if Jesus had to die!If Jesus had to die, then Judas had no choice but to betray Jesus. If God predetermined that Jesus had to die so God could forgive our sins, those who killed Jesus where not free to choose otherwise. Crucifiers were not free to come to their senses that one simply claiming to be the Son of God doesn’t deserve to die a gruesome death on a Cross. Child sacrifice was an abomination to God in the Bible. Interpretations suggesting God requires child sacrifice must be questioned. In the Old Testament God through prophets declared child sacrifice was an abomination (Lev. 20:2-5; Jer. 32:35). Did God break the Ten Commandments “Thou shall not murder?” Old Testament passages interpreted as Messianic prophecies could be conditional – Jesus will be killed if people don’t turn from evil. God requiring violence opposes God’s non-violent nature. Most agree Jesus’ message was one of non-violence, though sometimes violence may be necessary to protect victims. Turn the cheek, go the extra mile, etc. are familiar sayings (Mt. 5:38-42). The Bible also encourages striving to be perfect by imitating God (Mt. 5:48, Eph. 5:1). Believing God requires violence often leads to humans justifying violence in the name of God. The Cross actually reveals our ugly violent nature not God’s.Jesus and the Bible sometimes contradict the necessity of blood to forgive our sins. Jesus forgave the paralyzed man before His bloody death (Mt. 9:6-9). Jesus sure seemed to accept supposedly evil people in society before His blood was spilt on the Cross. Why does the Bible talk so much about the Cross defeating evil, rather than the Cross defeated evil so God could forgive us (Gal. 1:4, I Jn. 3:8, etc.)? Jesus seemed on a mission to help us battle ongoing evil, not to pay for a once-for-all crime. If blood was necessary for God to forgive, why did even OT writers over time begin to write that God doesn’t like animal sacrifices but contrite hearts (Ps. 51:16-17, i.e. Jer. 7:22, Amos 5:21, Micah 6:6). Even in the NT God is said to not desire or be pleased with sacrifice and offerings though offered in accordance with the law (Heb. 10:8). These passages contradict passages that supposedly teach God required Jesus’ death to forgive us. But, don’t Bible verses also say Jesus died for our sins? Many passages insinuate that Jesus died for us (I Pe. 3:18, Rom. 5:8, I John 3:16, etc.). They don’t say Jesus died for God’s sake. Jesus could have died because of our sins rather than for our sins. Jesus’ death actually proves violence doesn’t solve differences. Jesus’ message was acceptance and forgiveness lead to healing. If the Bible was crystal clear the purpose of Jesus’ death, why do so many theories exist as to why Jesus died?Why did Jesus die?It is okay to speculate why Jesus was willing to die on the Cross. Biblical scholars haven’t figured it out. Jesus jumping off the Cross or overpowering His enemies was expected or hoped for but we would have learned nothing. We may still be talking about Jesus’ message of radical love as the best path for reconciliation, because He was willing to die rather than power over others. Jesus’ desire to inspire unselfish living empowered by our Creator is what really changes the world. Jesus’ death rather than His power has inspired billions. Jesus’ death can enable us to not feel overwhelmed by guilt and truly loved by God by what God is willing to do. Terrorists blow others up for a message they feel strongly about. Jesus only blew Himself up for a message He believed very strongly in. Soldiers often sacrifice their lives because they are convinced certain freedom are that important. Jesus died in hopes we may understand true freedom is found by understanding what God is really like.God forgives if we seek God’s forgiveness – no strings attached! God is dying to forgive you of wrong doing in hopes to inspire you to change for your interests and the interests of others. God's love and mercy, not God’s need for punishment, is our necessary nourishment in being the person we desire to be. That doesn’t get you a free out-of-jail card for a serious crime. That doesn’t mean when forgiving a friend that has betrayed you, that you have to pretend the relationship is back to the way it was. It takes two to tango. Unfortunately, many don’t seek forgiveness from humans or feel a perfect Creator accepts us and could simply forgive us for sins we have a hard time forgiving ourselves for.God ask us to do what God does – be open to freely forgivingGod didn’t kill Jesus by requiring Judas betray Jesus; we killed JesusGod does not need violence, much less an innocent victim, to be satisfiedJesus not responding sought to stop the cycle of violence – violence begets violenceAppendices: God Is Not A Hidden Agenda Proselytizing FriendGod Doesn’t Know The Future And Why It MattersGod Does Not Elect Who Goes To Heaven Or HellWhy I Doubt God Closes Heaven To Anyone After DeathWhat Is God Saving Us From Since Hell Doesn’t Exist?God Doesn’t Care If We Go To Church Or NotAppendix AGod Is Not A Hidden Agenda, Proselytizing Friend!Friends can smell a hidden agenda a mile away. It simply is wrong to engage in friendships for the purpose of converting them to your beliefs without advising upfront this is your agenda. It should be obvious that we need to start acting like true friends act toward one another. We engage in relationships because we are interested in having friendships with others, both to love and be loved. Discussions about spirituality or God best come up naturally. God has been a respecter of freedom of beliefs from the very beginning. Why would a God who is powerful enough to create not annihilate immediately those who choose evil and oppose God? Jesus did not force God on others but discussed spirituality in a natural, relational way. Jesus brought up spiritual matters when it seemed appropriate and was accepted. Jesus’ agenda was to simply love people in the moment, not to manipulate them. Even the Son of God in the Bible didn’t require certain beliefs. Jesus simply invited His disciples to follow Him and see for themselves as opposed to adhere to a set of beliefs. He told Levi (Matthew): “follow me” (Lk. 5:27). Jesus basic message could be summarized as: “But to you who are listening I say: …. Do to others as you would have them do to you” (6:27-31). Jesus only encouraged those seeking a better life to follow His example. We all know the story of how Jesus responded to the religious elite who had caught a woman in adultery (Jn. 7:53-8:11). When Jesus rightly shamed the crowd, they dropped their stones and left Jesus and the woman alone. Jesus didn’t lecture, pray with the woman, or tell her to go to church. Jesus simply said: “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus showed the woman all she needed to know – God loves you and encourages you to do what you know is right in your heart. Many may be surprised what Jesus said when asked how to have eternal life. Jesus did not warn one to run like/from Hell. Jesus simply advised to love God and your neighbor. One saves their life by running from selfishness. A religious expert asks Jesus: “what must I do to inherit eternal life” (Luke 10:25). Jesus didn’t admonish one to get on their knees and pray for forgiveness. Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself” (10:25-27). Jesus knew loving God can empower us to be the person we deep down desire to be. What does God believe in and desire for us all? People feel manipulated rather than loved when spiritual folks have an agenda. Engage in relationships only with the desire to love others as they wished to be loved. The Gospel is simply that our Creator desires a relationship to influence us for the world and our own good. Jesus only wanted to help others listen to their heart. I am convinced a close relationship with my Creator helps me to be a better man, husband, father, and friend. Loving parents seek the admiration and respect of their children, so they want to follow in their footsteps to make this world a better place. Similarly, knowing and understanding God’s radical love can inspire selfless love toward others.Appendix BGod Doesn’t Know The Future And Why It MattersI understand many may not think about or find all that relevant whether God knows the future or not. It may sound sacrilegious or odd to suggest an all-powerful God doesn’t know the future. But even an all-powerful God may not be able to do the impossible such as change the past, force true love, or know an undetermined future until it happens.It matters if God can know possible future suffering. A woman asks God for wisdom in marrying their partner. All think it is a match made in heaven, but the husband becomes abusive and the children suffer. It is hard to imagine God wouldn’t warn if God knew this was going to happen. Much of suffering is the result of current and future human free decisions. God and parents risk creating knowing this can lead to great joy or great pain. Not even an all-powerful God can create free will necessary for genuine relationships and guarantee life without death, violence, suffering, and struggle.Decisions and our relationship with God are less complicated if the future is open. The greatest freedom perhaps in believing God doesn’t know the future is realizing God isn’t failing to communicate or we may disappoint God with decisions. God isn’t hiding a “known” future for important decisions. We already know the mind of God when it comes to moral decisions; otherwise, God supports us in making decisions that make our lives and the lives of others better. There isn’t one correct decision to make in a free world. Joy and good can be achieved by taking any number of paths and avoiding immoral paths. God wants us to feel free without strings attached, unlike what we may feel from human parents when making decisions. It matters relationally if freedom is real. Most agree love must be freely chosen, or we are simply robots than humans. How am I truly free to make decisions if the future has already supposedly happened? A determined future contradicts that God created us with the freedom to make our own choices. We don’t have to rationalize God created freedom but somehow future decisions are predetermined.A God who doesn’t knows the future is more relatable. When the Bible says God grieves with us in our suffering, we can know God agonizes with us each step of the way and deters any suffering possible without violating freedoms. God is not aloof as if simply gazing into a future crystal ball. God’s uncontrolling nature doesn’t mean God isn’t active in making for a better world. God constantly seeks to inspire us to shun evil and strive for a better world. What about the Bible or prophecy?Hundreds of biblical passages could be cited to defend either God does or doesn’t know the future. The Bible speaks about God sometimes regretting certain decisions (i.e. Gen. 6:6). If God knew the outcome of certain decisions by knowing the future, why would God make such regrettable decisions? Does God really know what decisions are made ahead of time but pretending otherwise? The Bible often speaks as if God thought the future was open, thus undetermined and unknown. Prophecies aren’t peering into the future but can serve as warnings. Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him three times but Jesus also prayed Peter’s faith would not fail (Lk. 22: 32-34). Predictions by God can be conditional. A professor may observe a student and warn they will fail their class but hoping the student avoids such failure. Keep in mind the future is not totally unpredictable for humans much less God. A skilled physician can predict the death of a seemingly healthy individual because of symptoms that escaped the untrained eye. Remember, God’s Spirit is present everywhere, thus God’s knowledge is unimaginably extensive. God is loving not controlling.God can’t control the future if God is to act uncontrolling and respect freedom. God can’t make someone truly love others and not harm others. If God can create, God can fulfill a promise to provide eternal life after life here on earth for those who desire to be with their Creator. Meanwhile, God seeks to partner with us to make for a better world.Appendix CGod Doesn’t Elect Who Goes To Heaven Or HellGod does not play favorites. Not even the Israelites in the Old Testament were God's favorites. They were a chosen vessel through which God could bless all nations. "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed though you" (Gen 12:3). A nation had to be chosen by God through which the Messiah could be sent to save the world from themselves. God is not exclusive when it comes to nations or individuals.?John Calvin and other theologians have suggested the Bible teaches that God elects only certain individuals for eternal life because God always gets what God wants. Obviously, not all believe in God. If we believe God elects certain people to salvation, this requires us to believe God foreordains many millions of humans to eternal damnation without any choice in the matter. It is defended that humans not elected?or favored are still responsible for not choosing God. It is suggested that God is not unjust because all people are depraved and would not choose God without God's interference. One can see inherent moral dangers to suggest God is such a Parent. Wouldn't we accuse earthly parents of immorality if they showed similar favoritism toward their children? There is not a quota on God’s grace. ?Selective election by God is indefensible exegetically and morally. The Bible is abundantly clear that God’s grace is universal. Salvation is a gift from God available to all through faith. The most familiar verse in the Bible is only one of hundreds that speak of all peoples' freedom to choose or reject a relationship with our Creator: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”?(Jn 3:16). ?Only a few passages at first reading seemingly contradict this, but a careful study of these passages will reveal that God elected Christ to save the world and not that God elected only certain individuals. Our God extends His grace to us all. Only God is capable of such profound love.??There are thousands of biblical passages that cannot be understood in any other way than that God’s grace is universal. The New Testament is clear that Jesus came to save all. One only needs to read in one sitting?the gospels to be convinced. Freedom for all to accept or reject God rings throughout every book of the Bible. For instance, it is obvious when reading through the Gospel of John that God’s grace is available to all who choose. Christ said to Nicodemus (3:14-18):Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.Christ said to the Samaritan woman at the well (4:13-14):Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”Christ said in response to those Jews persecuting him (5:24):Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.Christ said in response to the disbelieving Jews (8:24, 51):I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins…Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.Christ said to Martha (11:25-26):I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?Jesus clearly spoke as if all may believe in Him for eternal life. The message of the Gospel of John is similar to the rest of the New Testament's teachings.? I Timothy 2: 3-6 could not be clearer that Jesus came to save all who desire to be saved:? "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, Christ Jesus himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.”?It is abundantly clear that the Bible teaches that God’s grace is available to all. Salvation is a gift from God available to all. We must defend that we have a choice over our destiny, then to suggest that we are held responsible but unable to choose. God’s grace is not limited to a select few – the elect – at the exclusion of others. Our God extends grace to us all. Faith as a condition does not declare faith as a work (Rom. 3:27; 4:16). Receiving grace is a neutral work. Man is free to choose or resist God’s grace.???Ephesians 1 – Electing Christ!Ephesians 1 is believed to suggest God preordains certain individuals to salvation, thus excluding others. When first reading these passages, it may seem God predetermines individuals to salvation, thus excluding others. We see thought the chosen are those who choose God’s gift of salvation. The writer’s readers who chose faith through Christ will be saved. (I Cor 2:7) Ephesians 1:3-13 says: 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment--to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth through Christ. 11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.Verse 4 says God chose believers before they believed. But, verse 5 explains God’s predestination act is that of choosing Christ as the Savior for those who would accept God’s gift. God not respecting one’s freedom to choose is foreign to the context and the rest of Scriptures. God predestinates those who choose to believe in Christ. Similarly, Romans 8:29 says those God foreknew were those conforming to the likeness of God’s Son.? In verse Eph 1:11 Paul repeats again we are chosen through Christ. On what basis is one chosen through Christ?? “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (v. 13). I Peter 1:18-21 confirms the object of God’s election is Christ to save all those who believe: For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.???Certain people heard the gospel and did not believe. It is not suggested that such people do not believe because they were not predestined to believe. God foreordains those who believe in Jesus to become holy and to be God’s children. Ephesians 1:13 ("when you believe") suggest one’s belief in Christ is a present reality, not something that has been reached in eternity past. Yet, the emphasis in Romans 8:28-30 and Romans 9-11?is not on human freedom, but God’s sovereignty as evidenced by God’s mercy toward those who cannot achieve their own salvation. When sin entered and destroyed the world, God elected to save through Christ any that would believe. Richard Rice’s comment is a fair summary based on what we understand about God’s nature.?? The plan of salvation thus represents an aspect of God’s original, comprehensive preparation for human life. God formulated this plan in view of the possibility of sin. He implemented it in response to the actuality of sin. The original formulation of the plan from “the foundation of the world” (I Peter 1:20) does not necessarily imply that the intrusion of sin in human affairs was a foregone conclusion. It only means that God had perfectly prepared for every possible development, including this most unfortunate one. (God’s Foreknowledge and Man’s Free Will, 64)Salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned, but it must be received. When there is debate concerning the meaning of the biblical text and God’s character, we should err on the side of the interpretation that portrays God as more relational and rational to the human senses. The Calvinistic position logically leads us to believe that God exercises mercy and grace arbitrarily when it comes to salvation. We as Christians would admonish one another in Christ, on the grounds of scriptural teaching, if mercy was exercised in such an arbitrary fashion. A theology, which teaches that God loves and desires to save all people, is the most biblical one.?The interpretation which declares that God chooses beforehand those who are to believe in Jesus Christ, thus passing over the rest of humankind, must be rejected. It is unbiblical to suggest that God’s grace is limited as opposed to universal. Salvation is a gift from God available to all. Our God extends His grace to us all.Appendix DGod Doesn’t Close Heaven After Death To Non-ChristiansA Universalist believes God welcomes all to spend eternity in Heaven after death here on earth. Some may make a choice here on earth to have a relationship with their Creator and continue on after death. Some may not believe in God here on earth but misconceptions about God will be cleared up when meeting God. Some believe in Purgatory where some exist until convinced of God’s true love for them. The truth is only God knows what happens after death. Let’s be open-minded and hopeful!Hell, as a place for unbelievers, doesn’t really exist according to the Bible. One main reason many don’t believe in universalism is because Hell supposedly exist. A Book may be the only place one would think such a place exist. Jesus used the Greek word Gehenna that was translated into the word Hell in some of our Bibles. Gehenna was the name of a real valley near Jerusalem that was filled with garbage and even dead bodies. Fires were set to get rid of the garbage and smell. We don’t normally translate names of valleys with a different name. Gehenna should be translated as Gehenna. Jesus used the word Gehenna symbolically to illustrate what kinds of lives lead to death here on earth, not what happens to people in the afterlife. Hell’s non-existence allows hope for heaven for all. Eternal life in the Bible isn’t about one’s destiny after death. Jesus didn’t think of eternal life as something after death but a quality of life that begins here on earth. Jesus was asked by a religious expert how to have eternal life. Jesus simply said to love God and your neighbor (Lk.10:25-37). No one is going to Heaven if such actions are required according to God’s standards. If entering Heaven depends on certain beliefs or saying the sinner’s prayer, wouldn’t Jesus have responded differently? Jesus talked about how true living begins on earth by knowing how much your Creator loves you. Such knowledge can empower being the unselfish person we desire to be deep down. Can there be justice if all go to heaven? Punishment doesn’t bring back a victim’s robbed memories of the future due to the murder of a loved one. Real justice is being forced to understand your victim’s pain and accept the harmfulness of your actions. After death God may bring to memory every action of betrayal and how it felt to their victims. The cleansing and educative effect may take longer for some than others. Humans like God may forgive their enemies if they truly regret their actions and seek forgiveness. Justice from a fair, merciful God is possible despite people being given a second chance after death. A loving God would never determine one’s destiny on chance encounters. Did the thief on the cross get lucky while others were out of luck because they didn’t sin enough to get a Cross next to Jesus. Believing our destiny depends on a set of beliefs has led to some wacky baptizing practices or hoping your skeptical child hasn’t reached that age of accountability before being thrown into Hell. Do you really think God is going to judge all based on beliefs during a short time here on earth influenced by so many random factors? Why would God pretend that every reason for a person refusing God in this life is equal? Does God really forgive a serial killer who may have warning of their last breath but not others, who commit far less heinous actions in this life, but were killed suddenly in a car accident? Some rightly despise their Heavenly Parent because of the abuse suffered by their earthly parent. Some have numerous opportunities to respond to God while others have very few times. Is God’s grace dependent on circumstances or God? Our beliefs are often determined by where we were born or the family we were born into. Our destiny cannot be based on certain beliefs about Jesus in the Bible when the majority of people born into this world died without any knowledge of the Bible or who Jesus was. Those with a Bible may have misunderstood God either because of poor role-models or what others taught about God. God is not going to let one final destiny be controlled by others. Meeting God will clear up any confusion and remove any causes that led to erroneous thinking. A loving God can’t stop being forgiving at the moment of one’s last breath. Thinking an eternal God can stop being forgiving is doubtful, even according to the Bible. We are told to forgive our enemies as many times as necessary but God doesn’t do the same? God can’t stop being God somehow after our last breath by refusing to forgive any offense. I cannot imagine even imperfect human parents ever cutting off a child when finally accepting responsibilities for their actions. There isn’t a deadline or time limit on God’s love. Even the Bible possibly suggests all go to Heaven eventually. Why wouldn’t one want to believe God is a Universalist where all are allowed to have eternal life if freedom and justice can be defended in such a scenario? Several biblical passages can be plausibly interpreted to suggest all enter heaven one day: “For as in Adam all died, so in Christ all will be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22, i.e. Rom. 5:18-19, Philip: 2:10-11). God is obviously full of second changes. Heaven may be more populated than many people imagined. I doubt any reading this or their loved ones would deny such an invitation by God. If the Bible can possible be interpreted this way why can’t the possibility be entertained. The one main reason Universalism may not be true. Some people, even if they were given infinite chances in eternity, may still reject God forever. Sometimes our choices made for a long period of time define who we are. Others may argue no one in their rational mind would not want to live with a God truly loving. But, how can universalism be true unless God’s love in the end is coercing or controlling? The truth is we cannot know for sure what happens after death when we meet our Creator in person. Bible scholars have used certain verses to lean on either side of the fence about whether God gives second chances or not. I suggest therefore we take a stance based on an understanding of a loving God. All have some inclination what a good God would do when it comes to second chances after death just as we think how a loving parent should respond to a child in such circumstances. Appendix EWhat Is God Saving Us From Since Hell Doesn’t Exist?God isn’t a sadistic torturer who has to be appeased by killing their child. Humans wouldn’t even create such a place to torture their enemies after death. Hell was an invention over the centuries to scare people into obedience. Such fear only paralyses or leads to hiding stuff; a relationship with God can lead to life changes. What really is God’s good news? The Bible says nothing about the traditional understanding of the word Hell. Gehenna, the Greek word translated as Hell in the New Testament, was the name of a real valley nearby Jerusalem with a history of terrible slaughter. Gehenna is best translated Gehenna. There is no word in Hebrew or Greek for "hell." Jesus used Gehenna to illustrate decisions that lead to death here on earth, not that they would burn forever after death. The Apostle Paul who wrote most of the NT never refers to Hell. Noah, or any prophet in the OT, never warned of Hell as a consequence for behaviors here on earth. Was Jesus main message to get the hell away from earth to enter Heaven? The word “heaven” appears the most in the Gospel of Matthew. The Kingdom of Heaven isn’t talking about going to a place after death. Jesus speaks of bringing heavenly love to earth – “on earth as in heaven.” Jesus said nothing about dropping to your knees to avoid Hell to go to Heaven after death. But, didn’t the Apostle Paul say “the wages of sin is death” (Rm. 6:23)? Paul is speaking of spiritual death because Paul is still alive though sin has put him to death (Rm. 7:11). Paul mentions Heaven twice in Romans and he says nothing about Jesus dying so we can go to Heaven (Rm. 1:18, 10:6). What does the Bible say God is saving us from? 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’ focus wasn’t on quantity of life after death but about a life worth living here on earth. Jeremy Myers says it best: “When Scripture teaches about being saved from sin, it is not referring to escaping hell and going to heaven when we die, but to the deliverance from the devastating and destructive consequences of sin in this life.” only cares about saving us from ourselves. God hurts because we are hurting ourselves and those around us. God seeks to encourage us to pursue heavenly than worldly ways. God seeks to empower us to be the person we deep down desire to be. Unselfish love in relationships is in our best interest. It was this message Jesus was willing to die, rather than save Himself, in hopes to inspire following in His footsteps through expressions of radical love. Jesus encouraged mercy, forgiveness, and going the extra mile in our relationships because that is how God loves us. Jesus sought changes of the heart for the good of the world. Loving God is loving others to the fullest. Appendix FGod Doesn’t Care If We Go To A Church Or NotWe need to rethink if God is a church-going traditionalist. In the Bible Jesus confronted the most religious leaders who claimed to represent God. The ways of organized religion are often not God’s ways. Jesus seemed to be more of a spiritual than religious person. God in the Bible didn’t demand you must attend a church building a certain day of the week in order to be spiritual. Traditions sometimes can obscure what is really important. The Bible never speaks of church as a place to attend. The Bible calls individuals “the church” and are encouraged to care for others as themselves. The church doesn’t go to church. We can be seduced into thinking that attending church is all that matters and not how I treat others the rest of the days not spent in church. Traditions forced can lead to thinking that God only loves me if I honor certain customs. God, like any loving parent, loves their children even if they act immoral. Loving parents simply encourage children to make for a better world. We don’t need to assume church teachings or creeds don’t necessarily represent God’s beliefs. The mere presence of so many religious and denominations suggest no one has the corner on truth. Such divisiveness can hurt God’s reputation. The presence of Denominations suggests followers do not believe the same thing or even get along. Why would those possibly interested in hearing what we believe want to join us? Organized groups by nature develop structured beliefs but biblical interpretations are fallible. Individual beliefs may only happen when “the church” meets wherever without an official structure.Ways of a church are not always God’s. People may form their views of God by observing and assuming churchgoers are God’s representatives. The church building can be a place for people to organize to serve others in need. Some will admit though often the church gathers only to be with one another, thus isolating themselves from others in a world in need. Layers of structure can take money away from those who need it most. Groups anywhere can seek to serve others without having to adhere to a set of beliefs other than obvious moral laws What does God encourage the church to do? Each person in their relationship with their Creator can decide which environments give the most encouragement. No one though needs a mediator between God and them such as a pastor or priest. The institution of church worked for me for years and continues to work for many, but people need to feel free than obligated to pursue God on their own terms. Obligatory relationships are seldom life transforming. Church is not always a place where genuine relationships are built. I certainly didn’t share my burdens openly in that meeting. Do not feel obligated or believe God thinks any less of you if decide to not attend the traditional church. Seek to encourage and be encouraged anywhere without structured leadership. BibliographyIf any required acknowledgments have been omitted, it is unintentional. Please notify me and it will be rectified in future editions. Gushee, David P. Changing Our Mind. Landmark Call for Inclusion of LGBTQ Christians with Response to Critics. Michigan: Front Edge Publishing, 2019.Hicks, John. Who Or What Is God? And Other Investigations. New York: Seabury Books, 2009. Karris, Mark Gregory. Divine Echoes: Reconciling Prayer With the Uncontrolling Love Of God. California: Quoir, 2018.Keen, Karen. Scripture, Ethics And The Possibility Of Same-Sex Relationships. Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018. Oord,Thomas Oord. God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils. SacraSage Press, 2019. Rice, Richard. God’s Foreknowledge and Man’s Free Will. Minnesota: Bethany House Publishers, 1980. ................
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