What God May Really Be Like – Misbeliefs About God

One reason I had to quit calling myself a Christian was when it became associated with being anti-gay, etc. It is hard for many to hear anything positive about God when leaders imply that God and the Bible condemn gays. Leaders fail to admit their interpretation could be wrong, yet they destroy many individuals and families presuming they are right about God’s heart. Leaders must stop implying or presuming God condemns gays for being gay. It is clear leaders’ lack of support. You don’t have to say explicitly what one is implying with their words. Just ask where they stand with God and gays. I am convinced for many it would be a negative stance or “I love you but….”

Leaders should know better

It is seldom admitted literature requires interpretation or one’s interpretation could be wrong, thus one’s understanding of God could be wrong.  Even if you believe your Holy Book is inspired by your God, our interpretations are not inspired. Besides, it is rarely admitted that it cannot be proved one’s sacred book is inspired by their God. We cannot prove God inspired every word in the Bible (God controlling what writers/editors thought and recorded). If we did not assume literature is inspired, but rather the writers wrote what they believed was true of their God, we could avoid extremism. If we didn’t assume biblical writers always understood God correctly, this leads to more open discussions what God is really like. See link: Shouldn’t we assume the Bible isn’t inspired by God – all rants against the Bible

God loves gays

Nothing may be more destructive to God’s reputation than when Christian leaders explicitly or implicitly condemn gays in God’s name. Gays no more choose who they are attracted to than straights can? Many gays will tell you they have always been attracted to the same sex. 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 See: God Loves Gays

There is real debate if the Bible condemns  gay relationships

See here.

I love you but …..

 It is impossible to not feel personally attacked when one utters “I love you but I hate your sin.” Especially if being gay isn’t a sin. 

Many, because of their understanding of the Bible, will respond with some version of “I love you; I hate your sin.” This is not a phrase found in the Bible. One is hard pressed to find anywhere in the Bible where this is a recommended strategy in relationships whether the Bible clearly condemns a behavior or not. It is impossible to not feel personally attacked when one utters “I love you but I hate your sin.” What is heard is I or God don’t love you.

But some actions are really harmful

It can be argued that hating alcoholic behavior is loving because alcohol abuse is harmful. Hating homosexual sex is only loving if homosexual sex is sinful. But do we tell a drug abuser that we love them but hate their behaviors? You don’t tell anyone coming for help with their addiction that you love them but hate their behavior. You simply say I love you and let’s do this together. They probably already hate their own behaviors. When someone is overweight, which is a lot of us, should we say “I love you but I hate you are fat?”

Please don’t reject a gay child in God’s name!

Some parents condemn their child because the Bible supposedly does. Not all agree. See here.  When there are any doubts what the Bible might be advising, God-followers must take the most compassionate, less judgmental stance toward others. Many parents know in their hearts to not judge their child but they are torn when hearing others claim the Bible condemns homosexuality.

Please stop!

Even if you think God and the Bible condemns gays, please don’t imply or speak for Christians and claim God condemns gays. Leaders seldom state directly God condemns or gayness is a sin but it is implied. Come out and say you don’t know even if you believe being gay is a sin,  unless afraid of losing your position or donations. Hopefully, you do that for women’s roles. Surely, you admit there is debate concerning if women can be priests or pastors. This is another topic that breaks my heart when leaders presume their interpretation is inspire to deter women from pursuing their gifts or subjecting a wife under a husband’s authority which often can lead to domestic violence.

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I have argued ad nauseum about possible lifes about God concerning many moral issues. Biblical scholars and laypeople don’t agree on many moral issues according to the Bible. I am convinced many inclined to believe in God but don’t is becauses of claims made about God according to the Bible by those who call themselves Christians. I believe a literal Hell is a biblical myth. .  See here.  We get wrong that God thinks women can’t serve in the same religious or marriage roles that men can.  See here. Also, we get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. See here.

Is the problem the Bible or interpretation?

It is seldom admitted literature requires interpretation or one’s interpretation could be wrong, thus one’s understanding of God could be wrong.  Even if you believe your Holy Book is inspired by your God, our interpretations are not inspired. Besides, it is rarely admitted that it cannot be proved one’s sacred book is inspired by their God. We cannot prove God inspired every word in the Bible (God controlling what writers/editors thought and recorded). If we did not assume literature is inspired, but rather the writers wrote what they believed was true of their God, we could avoid extremism. If we didn’t assume biblical writers always understood God correctly, this leads to more open discussions what God is really like. See link: Shouldn’t we assume the Bible isn’t inspired by God – all rants against the Bible

Leaders should know better

 I grew up going to church as a young man. It wasn’t until I attended a year of seminary in my early twenties that I realized Christian leaders had different opinions on many moral issues. I remember being shocked in one of my classes. We reviewed a book that three professors at my seminary wrote together with three different view concerning God and the end times. And God forbid – one professor actually believed and wrote that women could be pastors of churches and   be in authority over men. Not all professors agreed.

One of my pastors growing up told me leadership is being certain. I disagree. Pastors rarely admit in the pulpit about their experience in seminary or what they know to be true. Not all agree on interpretation regarding biblical passages that address moral issues. Great leaders don’t have to always be certain. Parents know this. One of my biggest regrets as a parent was being so damn certain of my interpretation of Genesis regarding the beginning of creation when my son came home believing in evolution.  

Biggest interpretation error?

The biggest myth may be that God’s main message according to the Bible is that salvation is about going to Heaven or Hell rather than how to live life here on earth. That certainly can’t be true if Hell isn’t real even according to the Bible where such a though originates. It is important to know that God cares about you here and now and not about just the afterlife. The Bible/Jesus/God’s message isn’t dropping to your knees to avoid Hell to go to Heaven after death, but start loving now – a path toward great relationships.  God’s main desire is for you to avoid a life full of regrets. See  What Is Main Message Of The Bible/Jesus That Christians Get Wrong?

What about eternal life according to the Bible?

Jesus was asked by a religious leader how to have eternal life. (Lk.10:25-37). Jesus elsewhere defined eternal life as beginning in the here and now (Jn 17:3), not what awaited in the afterlife. I doubt the leader had in mind how to get into Heaven away from this Earth. Jesus simply said to love God and your neighbor. “Eternal” appears to be on the quality not quantity in life. Jesus spoke of a life worth living being a loving life empowered by God. Jesus’ salvation was about living a meaningful life here on earth with God’s help. The Bible/Jesus/God’s message isn’t dropping to your knees to avoid Hell to go to Heaven after death, but start loving now – a path toward great relationships.

God only seeks to inspire you to avoid a life full of regrets

We are told the message of the Bible is Jesus coming to give you salvation to save you from Hell so you could enter Heaven. I believe Jesus spoke of loving God not to get into heaven but to receive help in loving others as you love yourself now. You may be different than me, but I get help from God in pursuing a life not full of regrets. Try it! It’s on God to come through for you if you choose to follow. Jesus when leaving this earth spoke of having God’s spirit within us.  If you refuse to love, you may end up a lonely, regretful soul.

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

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In my last Post I wrote about something very controversial. One may be in God’s grace same as a believer and not know it. See here.  What inspired me to write it is that I have many friends who very much live a life of love, yet don’t think of their lifestyle motivation being because of inspiration or belief in God. God is seldom if very mentioned in their conversations. They live a very moral life, that puts to shame many who refer to themselves as Christians or believers. Many are inclined to believe in a God, though hesitate to take a leap of faith.  

 Now let’s discuss what about those who are skeptical or just don’t even believe in God.  

The Bible may be a main reason for hesitation or unbelief

I am convinced many inclined to believe in God but don’t is because of claims made about God by those who call themselves Christians. It is seldom admitted literature requires interpretation, so your understanding of God according to the Bible could be wrong. Biblical scholars do not agree what the Bible teaches about many moral issues.  I am convinced a literal Hell is a biblical myth.  See here.  We get wrong that God thinks women can’t serve in the same religious or marriage roles that men can.  See here. Also, we get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. See here. But the biggest myth may be that God’s main message according to the Bible is that salvation is about going to Heaven or Hell rather than how to live life here on earth. People reject God based on claims about hell, women, gays. It is important to know that God cares about you here and now and not about just the afterlife. See:

Shouldn’t we assume the Bible isn’t inspired by God – all rants against the Bible

Evil concerns

Perhaps the main reason many who may be incline to believe in a Supreme Being but aren’t motivated to take the leap of faith is because of the presence of so much evil in the world and God doesn’t intervene. Some explanations are better than many rationalizations give. Perhaps, God can’t be all -powerful because love isn’t controlling.  See:

https://thomasjayoord759927.substack.com/p/the-problem-of-evil?

Thomas Oord beliefs have brought me the most comfort during my medical challenge. See:

Why Did God Allow My Brain Tumor

Hidden argument – reveal yourself God!

Another fair argument about whether God really exist is why then is God so hidden. The idea that if an all-loving God truly exists and wants to have a personal relationship with those desiring such a relationship, why doesn’t God make their presence obvious. Such signs could convince many, removing distress and uncertainty. See Greg’s post:

https://whileiwasthinking.com/2020/11/27/a-silent-god/

 Can’t all enter heaven anyway?

Another good reason to believe God doesn’t required belief in God to be in his grace or achieve eternal life is both intuitive and biblical. The best way I know to understand God’s love is how I or a parent loves their children. My love isn’t based on if my kids show they love me or believe in my guidance. I can’t stop loving them. Neither can God!

There is some biblical evidence that in the afterlife, God welcomes all and will attempt to convince them and live with God forever. There are rational reasons God doesn’t appear physically here on earth. Beside the majority of people born in this world didn’t have access to a Bible or know of Jesus. See:  All Will End Up In Heaven According To The Bible

C’mon Edwards…you have to believe Jesus resurrected from the dead?

See Boyd and Eddy sited in  Was Jesus Real Or Legend?

Jesus’ disciples didn’t believe Jesus’ claims of resurrection until seeing the spike marks three days later after the Cross. Maybe if you saw someone die on a Cross and saw them alive days later, you would believe too. And believe that Jesus was more than human. Are you leaning toward than away from God. God welcomes you.

I currently am convinced Jesus’ resurrection isn’t legend and has historical verification, but others may not. I don’t believe God hates me if I change my mind. Jesus’ disciples didn’t believe Jesus was coming back from the dead, despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles beforehand, until seeking Jesus after his death with their own eyes. I would like to think many of us seeing a man or woman coming back from the grave, after killed on a cross, would be convinced.  I have a hunch God cares the most that you believe in the possibility of a loving God to begin a faith journey.

I have a hunch God especially loves skeptics!

Personally, I don’t want to dimmish the power of belief in a loving God. God’s influence in my life has been awe-inspiring. A parent obviously loves a child who struggles to accept them and their ways. We don’t unlove our skeptical children. Is God any different? Spiritual or human parents don’t desire forced love, which isn’t genuine, but hope for consideration and to prove the possibility of a better relationship. Many may not pursue a relationship with a God they are inclined to believe in because of what they have heard from others what God is like. Don’t believe everything you hear! God only seeks to love you like you wish you were able to love others.  This is the God you can believe in and seek influence in living a purposeful, meaningful live.

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

Understandings and mental views of God shape your belief in God and your relationship with God. God surely delights more in one seeking to know God than the ninety-nine, offended by one’s interpretation of the Bible, who already know their Creator (Lk. 15:3-7). Biblical interpretations must be plausible based on what a loving God should be like.

God demands we bow the knee or burn in Hell

There are good reasons to not believe a literal Hell is a reality in the Bible. See here.  Terrorists demand belief in their God or they don’t even wait to kill you in the afterlife like the God of the Bible supposedly does. The God I believe isn’t a terroristic God. My God gave me a brain to imagine what a loving God does to those who don’t believe while living a short time here on earth.

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

Inspired Books lead to inspired interpretations

We all know what a horrible sin sexual or physical abuse is. I wish to highlight unknowledged or unrecognized sins. I readily admit I was quilty of this sin in my 20’s at least. I have written previously that I thought “being so certain” may be the greatest unrecognize sin that drives people away from God. See Sin Of Certainty  I am now ready to anoint another major sin. They are related. Being so certain about your biblical interpretation of what God is like is doing great harm to God’s reputation in my opinion. Even if you believe your Holy Book is inspired by your God, your interpretations are not inspired.

It is rarely admitted that it cannot be proved one’s sacred book is inspired by their God. We cannot prove God inspired every word in the Bible (God controlling what writers/editors thought and recorded). If we did not assume literature is inspired, but rather the writers wrote what they believed was true of their God, we could avoid extremism. If we didn’t assume biblical writers always understood God correctly, this leads to more open discussions what God is really like. See link: Shouldn’t we assume the Bible isn’t inspired by God – all rants against the Bible

What are the moral differences that matter?

There is very little dispute among believers and unbelievers about most of the 10 commandments. I will provide below links on the issues claimed about God that many don’t agree on that impact millions of lives. Christians often don’t realize biblical scholars don’t agree on matters such as women roles, if God really condemns gays, if hell if literally true, and if only Christians go to heaven. See links below. I will suggest below how I decide which interpretation is most likely true. I am open to discussion/debate on my views, so I am stating what I strongly believe is true about God.  Unfortunately, many leaders and Christians proclaim certainty or thrown around the word heresy toward those that don’t agree.

• I am convinced a literal Hell is a biblical myth.  See here.  
• I think another myth is that God thinks women can’t serve in the same religious or marriage roles that men can. See here.
• We get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. Another myth. See here.
• But the biggest myth may be that God’s main message according to the Bible is that salvation is about going to Heaven or Hell rather than how to live life here on earth. Heaven is available to all religions. See What Religion Goes To Heaven? People reject God based on claims about hell, women, or gays. But it is so important to know that God cares about you here and now and not about just the afterlife.

Leaders should know better

 I grew up going to church as a young man. It wasn’t until I attended a year of seminary in my early twenties that I realized Christian leaders had different opinions on many moral issues. I remember being shocked in one of my classes. We reviewed a book that three professors at my seminary wrote together with three different view concerning God and the end times. And God forbid – one professor actually believed and wrote that women could be pastors of churches and   be in authority over men. Not all professors agreed. One of my pastors growing up told me leadership is being certain. I disagree. Pastors rarely admit in the pulpit about their experience in seminary or what they know to be true. Not all agree on interpretation regarding biblical passages that address moral issues. Great leaders don’t have to always be certain. Parents know this. One of my biggest regrets as a parent was being so damn certain of my interpretation of Genesis regarding the beginning of creation when my son came home believing in evolution.  

 So how do we discern what God is like?

God must be perfect. I imagine anyone who believes in a God/Creator thinks that such a Spirit must be perfectly moral. No other God is worth believing in. If you believe in a Creator, surely you assume such a perfect Creator would create us in their image? I think the best analogy to a perfect God is what a perfect Mother or Father is like. We all have a clue being a child of parents.

Now, knowing perfection isn’t always black and white. Does justice for victims include capital punishment of the guilty? Should I allow my child to hit bottom in their addiction or intervene. It may depend on their age. But should I allow my son to be abusive to his dates? Hell hath no fury! Unless you are a terrorist guided by your interpretation only of a supposed inspired Book by your Creator, trust your moral intuitions. There are universal agreements on my moral issues such as murder, abuse, even coveting. You have to choose which interpretation that you feel best represents God. I go with my moral intuitions since I am convinced God created us to love like God loves. Those who read my blogs will recognize views of God that I believe do the most harm to God for those who want to believe in God but claims made about God by Christians drive them away.

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

God Doesn’t Condemn Gays

Understandings and mental views of God shape your belief in God and your relationship with God. God surely delights more in one seeking to know God than the ninety-nine, offended by         one’s interpretation of the Bible, who already know their Creator (Lk. 15:3-7). Biblical interpretations must be plausible based on what a loving God should be like.

Nothing may be more destructive to God’s reputation than when Christian leaders condemn gays in God’s name. Gays no more choose who they are attracted to than straights can? Many gays will tell you they have always been attracted to the same sex. 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? It is impossible to not feel personally attacked when one utters “I love you but I hate your sin.” What is heard is I don’t love you. Especially if being gay isn’t a sin.  See here.

God Loves Gays!

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

Understandings and mental views of God shape your belief in God and your relationship with God. God surely delights more in one seeking to know God than the ninety-nine, offended by         one’s interpretation of the Bible, who already know their Creator (Lk. 15:3-7). Biblical interpretations must be plausible based on what a loving God should be like.

God is bias against women READY

Those who read my blogs often are probably sick of me ranting against those who condemn gays or women in God’s name according to the Bible. Biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible says about these and other moral issues. Let’s stop being dogmatic. Since interpretations aren’t infallible, we can use our moral intuitions as well to understand what God is really like. The Bible must not be used to further the abuse of women at the hands of men. I am not sure why any fair-minded person would think women can’t fulfill the same roles as men unless believing a Book about God teaches otherwise. Most agree not allowing equal roles because of skin color is immoral. Choosing who should lead the company based on gender is obviously bigotry. The most qualified or gifted should surely lead the company. Why not in church?  See here.

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com

Let’s define believer. I am not referring Christianity or any particular religion. A believer can be one who believes in God or a Supreme Being.  Jesus disciples likely believe in a God or what Jesus taught, but Jesus only encouraged them to follow Him. He didn’t require certain beliefs and the disciples initially did not know Jesus as the Son of God. Do you follow a loving God’s teachings?

What may be two main reasons people today reject Christianity.

First, people are told they must believe in certain doctrines. Religions sometimes call them Creeds. Christianity may be one of the main religions that pushes beliefs in creeds as central. Such as Jesus is fully man and fully God. Then you get into God is omnipresent, etc. I won’t bore you. My main point is you don’t need to know or believe in Creeds to be a believer. Jesus didn’t require it of his disciples. Their beliefs progressed as they got to know Jesus by simply following Him.

Secondly, I believe the main reason many reject Christianity is the beliefs claimed to be true of God. The problem could be what you are hearing about God! Hell is certainly a message Christians get wrong. I am convinced a literal Hell is a biblical myth.  See here.  We get wrong that God thinks women can’t serve in the same religious or marriage roles that men can. Another myth. See here. Also, we get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. Another myth. See here. But the biggest myth may be that God’s main message according to the Bible is that salvation is about going to Heaven or Hell rather than how to live life here on earth See here:  What Really Is The Gospel According To The Bible?

People reject God based on claims about hell, women, or gays. But it is so important to know that God cares about you here and now and not about just the afterlife. If Christianity would drop their insistence or supposed beliefs about God, I believe many more may be willing to follow God since they are inclined to believe in a Supreme Being.

It doesn’t matter what religion you claim even according to the Bible

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). Did Jesus really mean God only saves those who accept Jesus? Keep in mind the majority of people born into this world have never heard of Jesus or had a Bible. This verse could easily be interpreted to mean Jesus’ way of life is the best path toward God. The path to God is through love. (See God After Deconstruction, Oord/Fuller Chapter 9). We Christians need to be less condemning and more open to God’s love and message to people of all religions. See What religion goes to heaven

What one belief only matters according to all religions?

Many religions claim one main belief. Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism—the strongest common ground is treating others well. Jesus said when asked what the greatest commandment was:  “Love God and love your neighbor.” [Matthew 22:36-40] Loving God is following God’s ways, surely meaning loving your neighbor as you wish to be loved.

But what about the resurrection and Jesus is the Son of God

Many didn’t believe Jesus claims of resurrection until seeing the spike marks three days later after the Cross. Maybe if you saw someone die on a Cross and saw them alive days later, you would believe too. And that Jesus was more than human. Are you leaning toward than away from God. The Good News throughout the Gospels refers to a Kingdom here on earth now. The kingdom of God “has come upon you” (Mt 12:28) and “is in your midst” (Lk 17:21).  God’s presence back then and now is available to influence godly living here on earth

 So, do you believe in God and the golden rule?

If you believe loving others like you want to be love is central in living, you are on the path to a relationship with God. None of us act on this belief perfectly. If you don’t believe this, good luck on your death bed regarding relationships. Want to die with few regrets. Follow godly living. Want your relationships to suck, don’t follow the golden rule. Few will show up at your funeral. So, if you are inclined to believe in a loving God, whatever you imagine a loving God is like and aren’t a terrorist, you may be a believer.

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

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Understandings and mental views of God shape your beliefs in God and a relationship with God

God views you as scum and is pissed!

I only know what a loving God may be like according to how a parent should love their child. I figure God didn’t create us to be better lovers than God. My kids weren’t always saints but I hated their behavior, not them. I would suggest that Scripture shows that God sees human beings as deeply loved, valuable, and made in His image, even though we are also broken by sin. See here.

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

Zionism has come more into the spotlight, especially during conflict between Iran and Israel and the U.S. I do not wish to condemn Zionism. I think it can help to understand why one believes as they do. One has rights to any beliefs, as long as not encouraging violence toward others. I do condemn extremists that suggest their God sanctions the death of infidels or gays or violates the rights of women.

What is Zionism?

It is argued Jewish people should have their own nation in their historic homeland. Obviously, all people and religions have a right to exist. Claiming a historic homeland is unique. Someone use to own the land that I own now having paid cash. I did not forcefully take it away from the previous owner. Nations are different thought because conflicts are often settled with war. It is a tough argument to say all ownership should predate conflicts. We have a worldwide mess if going to claim land right are paramount to pre-war/conflict.

Why do Zionism believe in their unique claim to a historic homeland?

Right to existence is a no-brainer. Any other view is extremist. In Judaism the land is seen as promised to the Jewish people by God in their sacred, inspired Book by God (Hebrew Bible). Beside a desire for safety and self-determination, Zionists believe in a historic homeland because of ancient roots and religious significance. They believe the Bible is God’s promise/prophecy for their future.

I have argued it is likely prophecy doesn’t predict the future. I have claimed prophecy can’t be God knowing or predicting what happens in the future. God can’t know an undetermined future. It is likely prophecy is conditional to respect freedom. God warns what could happen if Israel rebels against God’s ways or to others that don’t respect God’s morality. See:  Does Prophecy In The Bible Really Predict The Future?

Believing in an inspired Book can lead to extremism

It is rarely admitted that it cannot be proved one’s sacred book is inspired by their God. We cannot prove God inspired every word in the Bible (God controlling what writers thought and recorded). There are extremists with any religion whether Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. If we did not assume literature is inspired, but rather the writers wrote what they believed was true of their God, we could avoid extremism. Use common moral sense to understand God, rather than assuming biblical writers always understood God correctly. See Shouldn’t we assume the Bible isn’t inspired by God – all rants against the Bible

The problem often is how supposed inspired texts by God or Supreme Being are interpreted. It is rarely admitted that our interpretative views of God according to the Bible or Koran could be right or wrong. I admit I could be wrong and always invite discussion. Some say God condemns gays according to the Bible, others interpret the same passages differently. We should always question interpretations, whether literature is inspired or not, since biblical scholars interpret differently the same passages.

Many Christians interpret Israel plays a role in biblical prophecy. One may believe to not follow how they interpret Scriptures is to disobey God’s supposed future plan. As if God commanding them what they must believe. Many claim dogmatically that the Bible predicts future events such as what is happening in Israel currently and the end-times when Jesus returns down to earth. This can be a form of extremism, though far from inciting violence toward unbelievers.

Going forward

I understand many may especially support Israel for important military and intelligence reasons. Those who oppose giving Israel support should consider for America’s own protection. Many people’s views are often shaped by the media they consume. We should consider all opinions. We must encourage healthy debate. I suspect many may oppose supporting Israel over America’s own citizens for financial reasons.  We have enough financial problems without giving so much money away to other nations. I have some sympathy for this. When I have a choice, I am going to protect and support my family financially over other families. I don’t think that is totally selfish. A family or nation is often more capable of aiding others because they are strong and united. To support Israel solely based on biblical prophecy is misguided. No one can claim because “the Bible says so.”

Related Posts:

Why Are People Pro Israel?

Are We Living In Biblical End-times?

Click on FOLLOW button on this page to enter email address to be notified of future Posts. No other unrelated emails will be sent. Go to About/Using This Site tab at top of page or Menu on phones to help navigate this Site. I also blog at http://donewithreligion.com If you wish to discuss anything I have written, you can email me at medwar2@gmail.com  

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