What God May Really Be Like – Misbeliefs About God

Can We Stop Saying “God Willing?

Those of who have a relationship with God desire for others to consider how such a relationship can benefit them in being more they person they desire to be deep down. Thus, we need to be concerned the influence on others the claims we make about God. It matters how God is portrayed thus perceived by others. I cringe when well-meaning people passionate about God say things like “it’s all part of God’s plan” or “this was God’s will.” Certain things we say can give wrong impressions about God. It is impossible to feel God cares when undeserved suffering visits our doorstep, and someone implies that such suffering is God’s desire or will. A fair question is “why you and not someone who deserves certain consequences for their immoral behavior.”

Many end their podcast, speech, etc. by saying “God willing” implying it is up to God if they show up again to do another podcast or event. Athletes suffer an injury on the field and imply it was God’s will. I don’t think suffering is ever God’s will. There may be consequences of actions that lead to positive change, but aren’t necessarily initiated by God. “God willing” implies God is in total control of life, death, events in future suggesting God is responsible for joys and our suffering.

God doesn’t determine life, death, or injury 

Biblical support is often given to claim God is in control of all events in our lives. It is sometimes suggested God caused Hezekiah’s death. In 2 Kings 20:1 and Isaiah 38:1, the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah: “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.” Actually, the Bible claims later God extended his life. And I will add fifteen years to your life.”(2 Kings 20:5–6). In the Old Testament prophetic announcements of death don’t necessarily mean that God actively causes death.

God isn’t responsible for your suffering

God doesn’t plan or control tragedies in your life. We don’t have to believe God is punishing us, that God has abandon us, or that God doesn’t care. God can’t be all powerful, thus controlling, and be loving. See What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?

God isn’t in complete control 

Perfect love is uncontrolling. It is intuitive to assume an all-powerful, almighty God has complete control. We sometimes assume God has total control when we say “why God” during suffering. It is often said that God has a plan for your life or everything happens for a reason. This implies God is responsible for tragedies in your life. I doubt that! See Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

What, no guarantees in life? 

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

What can we say instead of “God willing”? 

We can always say God’s will is we never suffer. God suffers with us when we suffer. God is already doing all the can to love on us. I have been dealing with brain cancer. I am often asked how someone can pray for me. I am convinced God in the healing business/love without being asked.  See Why Pray If Most Prayers Are Unanswered? I don’t get on my high horse and lecture others, but what I want to say for prayers: “God is already doing all they can for me in terms of my illness. Please pray I continue to reach out to God for influence, encouragement – whatever my circumstances – to keep my friendship with God alive.” So far so good, but I am early in my journey!

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

Can We Stop Saying Everything Happens For A Reason!

Can We Stop Saying We Know What Biblical Truths Are?

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

Can We Stop Saying “Biblical Worldview”?

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

Why Pray If Most Prayers Are Unanswered?

There has been much discussion about prayer with the latest tragedies – Charlie Kirk’s assassination, children wounded and killed during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, etc. Why pray when God obviously doesn’t intervene with so much evil in the world.  Let’s be honest – are the majority of your prayers answered in the way you pray? It is important to understand two views on the purpose of prayer. Our mental view (unanswered prayers) of God determines the depth of our relationship with God and how you pray.

God can’t be all powerful and loving, thus controlling your suffering 

Some deal with unanswered prayer with the thought that God may say “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” depending on what aligns with His will and what’s ultimately best. I believe most would suggest God says no or wait A LOT. But maybe God can’t say yes though desires to do so. It is possible that God can’t be all-powerful, thus answer many prayers. Logically, how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power?  It’s not that we didn’t pray enough with the right words and behaviors so God will answer. God can’t make one’s partner willing to stop drinking without violating their freedom. God can’t interfere in a job matter without impacting all who are interviewing. What if two make the same request to God? Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here.  God can’t just wave a magic wand. See:

Can And Does God Control Your Suffering?

Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

https://c4ort.com/essays/god-cant-be-all-powerful-and-all-loving/

Another view is that prayer is more relational 

God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help.  Maybe God’s answering prayer is not as arbitrary as it feels sometimes.  Prayer may be less about changing God’s mind and more transforming the person praying — deepening awareness, gratitude, and alignment with divine values. Some religions suggest prayer may be seen more as a means of cultivating spiritual connection rather than a request that an external deity fulfills specific wishes. The “answer” may come as insight, peace, strength, or changed circumstances, not necessarily the exact outcome you asked for. Prayer and meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and foster resilience. Prayer can be a way to stay connected to God — like keeping a friendship alive, less about giving God new information and more about sharing your heart. In this view, prayer isn’t trying to change God; it’s letting God change you — shaping your desires, calming your fears, and aligning you with love and wisdom. Prayer is talking to gain support not manipulating for gain. 

Relational prayer been a life-saver in my battle with brain cancer

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor April 2025. I don’t have to believe God caused my cancer for some hidden reason, or even that God allows my cancer – this suggests God can do something but doesn’t. We must come up with a better explanation that God simply allows – thus controls – evils but isn’t responsible for such evils. A God who can prevent evil but doesn’t is counter-intuitive to love. No loving parent or God sits idly by when they could prevent tragedies such as rape or murder. Are we to believe God doesn’t care, God is punishing us, or God has abandoned us and left us clueless about the grand plan? God doesn’t just allow your suffering!  See why-did-god-allow-this-cancerous-tumor-in-my-brain/

Final thoughts on prayer

• Even when circumstances don’t change, prayer often changes how a person experiences them. People who pray regularly sense peace or clarity, greater compassion, a deeper trust that they are not alone in what they face.
• God is always listening. God hates suffering and is always doing all they can to intervene. We don’t have to pray so God can take action. God is always loving on us.
• In our suffering we don’t have to feel God doesn’t care or that God could do something and doesn’t. God knows and empathizes with us in our suffering. God obviously grieves due to all the evil in the world. God suffered when Jesus was crucified. God suggested through Jesus’ example and words what kind of life lived by all here on earth can make for a much grander world. God doesn’t derive pleasure by seeing us in pain but the unfortunate truth in a free world is suffering enables me to better help and influence others that our prosperous times don’t. Jesus’ miracles turn heads, but Jesus’ suffering changed the hearts of billions of followers.
• We don’t have to assume God can answer our prayers but doesn’t for some unknown reason.
• Prayer isn’t as complicated when we understand the challenges of running a universe where freedom exists. God can’t change one unwilling to change. God has the interest of all in mind. God can’t make one be a better parent if they have no desire to change. God can’t answer the prayer for both people asking for the same job.
• We can also talk to God for self-examination, for sharing our concerns so to not feel along in a chaotic world. Seeking God’s influence in our lives can lead to making wiser choices. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom and other factors makes one’s suffering worse. God is tireless in working through individual lives to change the world.
• Praying can remind us to offer help. God is an omnipresent Spirit. God already knows needs before spoken. It is easier sometimes to pray for someone rather than take cooperative actions with God. This may be the most common way that God answers prayers. Rather than praying your friend’s partner stop drinking, which is harming their family, see if your friend would rather you say something to their partner. When you know two friends are in conflict, speak to the one wrongly denying any wrongdoing. God always seeks our permission to use our lives to help others.
• Prayer is more than asking for things. We can also talk to God for self-examination, for sharing our concerns so to not feel along in a chaotic world. Seeking God’s influence in our lives can lead to making wiser choices. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom makes one’s suffering worse. God is tireless in working through individual lives to change the world.

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 Inspired Books Lead To Supposed Inspired Interpretations, Turning Others Away From God

It should be obvious, but wasn’t to me early in my journey with God, that even if the Bible is inspired by God, our interpretations of the Bible are not inspired. It is rarely admitted that our interpretative views of God according to the Bible could be right or wrong. Some say God condemns gays according to the Bible, others interpret the same passages differently. Even if we could prove God inspired every word in the Bible (God controlling what writers thought and recorded), we should always question interpretations since biblical scholars interpret differently the same passages. Supposed inspired interpretations lead others away from God.

But when we don’t assume God inspired the Bible, interpretations are more likely to become discussions rather than definitive declarations about God.

Supposed inspired interpretations lead to violence

The challenge is many interpret their inspired Book as God being violent or advocating violence. This has led to imitating or justifying violence in the name of a perfect loving God. We can’t prove God controlled the writers’ thoughts to always understand God perfectly. We should always  question if God really inspired the writers’ thoughts if contradictory of a loving God.

Many interpret the Quran or the Bible advocating killing Jews or condemning gays, because Allah or God supposedly approves such actions. Many don’t acknowledge their interpretation could be wrong. God supposedly orders Israel to commit hundreds of atrocities in the OT – “… put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys” (I Sam. 15:3). God’s possible justification of violence can lead to advocating capital punishment, blowing up abortion clinics, or unnecessary wars in the name of God.

Did God really “say” death for cursing, gathering sticks, etc.

When it comes to many of the laws, the OT claims God spoke these words (Exodus 20:1). Biblical writers rarely claim audible God-speak. “God said” recorded hundreds of times in the Bible is most likely a figure of speech expressing inner impressions or understandings about God – right or wrong. We can’t be sure the writers heard inner God’s voice correctly?

• Did God really mandate whoever curses their parents be put to death (Ex. 21:17)?
• Did God really mandate to death a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath (Num 15:32-36)?
• Did God really require death for adultery (Lev 20:10)? That’s a lot of bodies today
• Did God really command whoever does work on the Sabbath be put to death (Ex 31:15)?
• Did God really command death for those who blaspheme the name of the Lord (Lev 24:16)?

See 9 Reasons To Not Trust The Bible’s Claims About God!

Inspired interpretations lead to wrong views of God 

Supposed inspired interpretations give the wrong image of God, thus turning others away from God. Ancient literature subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive word on truth. The truth is biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible says about hell, women, gays and other moral issues. See here.  See here. See here. Gays are often condemned, women’s leadership roles are limited despite their gifts, and infidels face a torturous afterlife – all declared to be true in God’s name. People often reject God because of such claims made about God.

We quit using our moral intuitions, therefore possible trusting wrong interpretations 

Many who claim that God inspired all written in the Bible to be true about God suggests we are made in God’s image. (Gen 1:27) If God is good, this suggests God created us with an inborn sense of good and evil. Self-evident rights aren’t hidden in the Bible or any Book. Even the Bible suggests we aren’t morally clueless. We are encouraged to be perfect like God (Mt. 5:48) or follow God’s example. (Eph 5:1). When we don’t assume God inspired the Bible, we are more likely to use common moral sense when interpreting the Bible. I admit my views could be wrong. 

What is the path forward? 

The Bible still can inspire useful thinking about God. The Bible is God’s story beginning with Israel and culminating with the life of Jesus that we don’t possess in other documents. God may have inspired/encouraged the writers to write but didn’t necessarily approve of everything written about God. When reading the Bible, contemplate what a loving God is really like. Enjoy what God is trying to reveal to you about your Creator and how to treat others. 

A Book must not replace our relationship with God and common moral sense. Questioning the Bible may lead to knowing God better! Interpretations about God’s love, that don’t match how you and most know you ought to love your neighbor, may be amiss. Consider how to go the extra mile.  Consider what actions might possibly lead to reconciliation or change in hearts if others open. The Bible is valuable because it suggests handling challenges from a spiritual than human perspective. How can we live a life of love and treating others like we want to be treated?

See previous posts on the Bible:  All Rants Against The Bible

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  

Why God! Is God Responsible For My Suffering?

Many religions — like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism — hold that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. That creates the “problem of evil” – If God is good and powerful, why does suffering exist? Different religions respond in various ways:

• Free will defense: God allows suffering because free will is necessary for genuine love and moral choice. If God prevented all evil, we’d be robots without moral agency.
• Soul-making theodicy: Suffering helps develop virtues like courage, compassion, and resilience. Without challenges, we couldn’t grow spiritually.
• Divine mystery card: Some argue that God’s reasons are beyond human understanding — that we can’t see the full picture from our limited perspective (as in the Book of Job).

God can’t be all-power and all-controlling

• Open Theism reject the idea of an all-controlling God. Instead, God works with creation through influence. In this view, God suffers with the world and works to heal it, but can’t unilaterally prevent all suffering. See A Loving God Can’t Be All-Powerful!

When it feels like God is responsible or allows suffering

Others come to see suffering not as something caused by God, but as something used/allowed by God. They might say: “I don’t believe God wanted this pain, but He met me in it.” That view may work for some, but I believe many hold onto this view because convinced God must be all-powerful. It can be natural to ask, “If God could stop this, why didn’t He? Many feel betrayed or abandoned by God. Some find it hard to pray. This reaction isn’t a lack of faith — it’s an honest human response to suffering. Feeling angry with God can be part of a genuine relationship — it means you still believe. God can be questioned!

If we maintain that God limits their Power, this suggests God can do something but doesn’t. We must come up with a better explanation that God simply allows – thus controls – evils but isn’t responsible for such evils. A God who can prevent evil but doesn’t is counter-intuitive to love. No loving parent or God sits idly by when they could prevent tragedies such as rape or murder. We feel God leaves us clueless – are we to believe God doesn’t care, God is punishing us, or God has abandoned us and left us ignorant about the grand plan? God doesn’t just allow your suffering!  

Maybe God doesn’t cause or allow suffering

Please know there are alternative views of God if currently struggling what claims you have heard. Accepting God is not all-powerful has help me deal with brain cancer. See Why Did God Allow This Cancerous Tumor In My Brain?

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  

Why Jesus Didn’t Necessarily Die On Cross As “Payment For Your Sins”?

It is said often the main message of the Bible or the gospel is Jesus dying on the cross as a payment for our sin. Jesus took on our punishment so we could be forgiven by God  (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24) Unbelievers are often advised to pray to God “ I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory, but I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins. Lord, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank You for saving me, for loving me, and for giving me a new beginning.” This couldn’t be the Gospel if Jesus didn’t have to die, but crucifiers choose to kill a  supposed liar who felt threatened by Jesus’ influence.

Jesus never said anything about coming to receive punishment for our sins 

There are many theories/interpretations by scholars what Jesus’ death on cross signifies. So, we can’t know for sure and be dogmatic, but it has always bothered me that the traditional story about the Cross has depicted God as a blood thirsty Deity who can only be satisfied by the death of a child. I am convinced God loved people before Jesus died, and would love people now even if Jesus hadn’t died. The Cross can change our mind about God, not God’s mind about us. Jesus showed love by suffering because of what sin does to you. Jesus won people over by not jumping off the cross. Due to the injustice of the Cross, people live differently. The Cross reveals our ugly, violent nature not God’s violent nature. Death was not Jesus’ mission, but being put to death reveals what God trying to change – ways of people/evil. 

Biblical prophecy about Jesus isn’t God knowing or predicting the future 

It is natural to think an all-powerful God knows everything including the future. The Bible suggests in many passages that God doesn’t know the future, including Jesus’ crucifixion. For example, in the beginning the writers suggested that an all-powerful Being doesn’t know much less control the future. Genesis 6:5-6 speaks of God regretting decisions: “God saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on earth…God regretted that he had made human beings on the earth and his heart was deeply troubled.” Does God really make regrettable decisions? Other biblical passages refer to God changing their mind depending on what choices humans freely make. It isn’t that God keeps themselves from knowing the future. It’s that an undetermined future is unknowable.

God must love freedom

The only God worth believing in is a loving God. God must be a lover of freedom. Freedom is necessary for the highest good in relationships – authenticity. If God didn’t create freedom, we could accuse God of not creating the “most loving” world. God always respects the freedom to change. God didn’t force anyone to kill Jesus. They could have accepted Jesus’ message. The most talked about prophecies in the Old Testament is the forthcoming of the Messiah Jesus and their subsequent death. But Jesus prayed to God that He might be spared of dying on the Cross (Mt. 26:39). Such prophesies seem wrongly interpreted, because Jesus’prayer seems meaningless unless Jesus’ life could have been spared. Jesus’ death on the cross was not inevitable because Jesus didn’t have to die.

To insist God required Jesus be murdered on the Cross in place of you isn’t Godly or parental love. Google “theological views of Jesus’ death” for many interpretations about Jesus’ death. Did Jesus and the Romans have no choice but to murder Jesus for an unjust cause? Soldiers die for one another because of a cause they believe in. Jesus thought his message was worth dying for. Jesus accepting death than powering over others may be the reason billions have been influenced to live unselfishly. Jesus wanted to change our attitude about God, not to change God’s attitude toward us. What kind of God sees how the world has turned out and doesn’t just say the Hell with it, but instead enters such a world to experience underserved suffering via the Cross to inspire and relate?

Hell, NO! 

Has the real Gospel been hijacked? Church folks have been told forever that Jesus’ life and death on the Cross was to spare us from going to Hell to appease God’s angry about our sins. Can human, much less spiritual relationships, be built on fear and angry rather than love and grace? No wonder many don’t want to talk to us God-folks. We are too busy trying to save them from a fiery afterlife rather than discussing how God’s presence in our life now helps us become more the person we desire to become deep down. Godly living in this world leads to a meaningful life with less regrets.  The Good News couldn’t be about escaping a fiery, torturous God if such a hell isn’t biblical. See 12 Reasons To Believe Hell Is A Myth!

 What was Jesus main message? 

God doesn’t think we are scum. God doesn’t require violence for justice. 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? 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. If Jesus didn’t have to die on the Cross, then Prophecies predicting his death are most likely conditional on how people respond to God. God always respects the freedom to change. God didn’t force anyone to kill Jesus. They could have accepted Jesus’ message.

It is said often the main message of the Bible or the gospel is Jesus dying on the cross as a payment for our sin. Jesus took on our punishment so we could be forgiven by God  (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24) Unbelievers are often advised to pray to God “ I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory, but I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins. Lord, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank You for saving me, for loving me, and for giving me a new beginning.” This couldn’t be the Gospel if Jesus didn’t have to die, but crucifiers choose to kill a  supposed liar who felt threatened by Jesus’ influence.

Is Israel Really God’s Chosen Nation Forever?

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, allowing such interpretations to guide their foreign policy views. But many fail to recognize that biblical experts don’t agree on the meaning of many passages that may or may not relate to future events. There is no consensus of beliefs about prophecies in the Bible regarding Israel.

Prophecy beliefs impact national foreign policy which can lead to violence/wars. It is assumed in God’s name that America has a godly/theological/biblical duty to support the Jewish state. We can avoid bringing in disputed theological beliefs by supporting all people who live by moral/humane values regardless of nationality.  A nation has a duty to look out for the people of their own nation regardless of religious beliefs. Any nation can gain God’s favor by living by moral/humane values. Foreign policy should not be guided by disputed theological interpretations/religiosity. 

Prophecy can’t determine the future and value freedom 

It is natural to think an all-powerful God knows everything including the future, that prophecy is peering into the future. The Bible suggests in many passages that God doesn’t know the future. A known or set future suggests one isn’t truly free to choose otherwise. Even the Bible speaks often as if God doesn’t know the future. God hopes Israel would accept God’s guidance, but Israel often turned against God (i.e., Jer. 3:19-20). We don’t have to play mental gymnastics by assuming God is only pretending to not know future decisions. Other biblical passages refer to God changing their mind depending on what choices humans freely make. Freedom is necessary for the highest good in relationships – authenticity. It isn’t that God keeps themselves from knowing the future. It’s that an undetermined future is unknowable.

God joins us in an open future, including the future downfall or rise of nations. Futures are not predetermined. God wants us to truly feel free to pursue our own dreams without strings attached, unlike some earthly parents. God only desires to influence us to do all the good we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as we can. The future is open to God as well. God may know all possibilities, but the future must be open if we are truly free and God is truly loving.

What are biblical prophecies?

Its unlikely prophecy is peering into the future. I have written here why God can’t know the future, thus prophecies aren’t likely claiming what definitely will happen in the future. One can assume most prophecies are conditional because God changes if people will repent of their evil ways. God’s nature requires most prophecies predicated on human actions being conditional. For example, in the Old Testament Jonah advised Ninevah they would be destroyed in 40 days, but then God relented because the Ninevites turn from their evil ways. The most talked about prophecies in the Old Testament is the forthcoming of the Messiah Jesus and subsequent death. But Jesus prayed to God that He might be spared of dying on the Cross (Mt. 26:39). Such a prayer seems meaningless unless Jesus’ life could have been spared.

What about the End times?

One can’t write about prophecy without a comment about the end-time supposed predictions in the Bible. There is much talk of biblical prophecies coming to pass because of what is going on between Israel and Hamas. Is God coming again [rapture/tribulation/Armageddon] to destroy this world as we know it and set up God’s reign? There is some biblical evidence that the end times mentioned refer to what happened in the first century, thus having been fulfilled:

• The Apostle Paul assured his audience they have not missed the “day of the Lord” (2 Thess. 2:1-12). Why was Paul’s audience fearful they could miss the coming of Jesus if such a coming is supposedly a rapture-removing, visible, world-ending coming? The disciples did not think of Jesus’ coming as being visible as they ask: “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age” (Mt. 24:3). Besides, Peter writes to his readers in the first century that “the end of all things is at hand” (1 Pe. 4:7).

Why it Matters

Assumptions about biblical prophecy and Israel can lead to foreign policy decisions in God’s name that don’t fulfill God’s desires at all. Foreign policies should not be based on theological ideology based on a complex interpretation of biblical prophecy. This doesn’t represent citizens who don’t share such theological beliefs, whether believers in God or not. A nation’s policies should be based on the protection of all its citizen within a moral framework.

A chosen nation can give a wrong view of God – God choosing to love one nation more than other nation, and not based on actions. Our understanding of God significantly influences our relationship with God and how we treat others. Finally, believing the world is coming to an end and somehow God is going to rescue you in the sky can lead to passivity. We mustn’t wait on God to “fix” things by coming again. We must do all we can for the next generation! 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 or acting controlling. God joins us in our joys and sorrows.

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  

What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?

Early in my relationship/journey with God, I struggled knowing what God’s plan was for me in marriage, career, etc. Athletes often stated events, even tragic injuries, happened in their life according to God’s will. This implies God has a specific plan in the future for those devoted to God. I so desperately wanted to please God but was clueless. I was set free when I read a book that argued that the Bible doesn’t defend that God has a specific plan for individuals. How can we know what God desires in our life?

One Has Ever Right To Ask Why God Is So Hidden?

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

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

God Can’t Have A Specific Plan because Of Freedom 

Freedom is necessary for authentic relationships. God’s constant interference and presence could prevent a superior world from emerging. A set future suggests one isn’t truly free to choose careers or in relationships. God may know all possibilities, but the future must be open if we are truly free. God can’t tell us if our marriage will end in divorce or our job eliminated. See here.  We surely have God’s blessing choosing the wisest path known at the time based on past experiences, current circumstances, and future aspirations. When the Bible says God grieves with us in our suffering, we can know God agonizes with us each step of the way while celebrating our joys. God’s plan is not a detailed blueprint but a general one to set us free to love.

God can’t be controlling of the future 

I have suggested an all-loving God and all-controlling God is an oxymoron. See here.  Besides, controlling love is an oxymoron. Ask adult children with such parents. Even the Bible claims love does not insist on its own way (I Cor 13:5). God can’t be unloving, thus controlling sometimes. The Bible can be used to defend or oppose believing God is all-powerful or controlling. For instance, the Bible says God changes their mind based on human decisions made. That hardly appears to be a controlling attribute. So much evil in the world surely proves a perfect, loving God can’t be in total control. God can’t advice how the future will turn out. God can’t know the future.

If we claim that God simply limits their Power, this suggests God can do something but doesn’t. We must come up with a better explanation that God simply allows – thus controls – evils but doesn’t cause evils. A God who can prevent evil but doesn’t is counter-intuitive to love. No loving parent or God sits idly by when they could prevent tragedies such as rape or murder. No, all evil doesn’t eventually lead to good as if some grand plan by God! Ask sexual abuse victims or family members of murdered victims. Are we to believe God doesn’t care, God is punishing us, or God has abandoned us and left us clueless what the grand plan? God doesn’t sit by and allow your suffering! 

God doesn’t have to tell you what to do morally?  

A Creator surely doesn’t create their creations to be clueless about love. Rational beings know they should love loves others like they want to be loved. God joins us in considering risks to change the world for better. Moral knowledge isn’t hidden. Universal moral outrage over murder, lying, stealing, etc. and an inborn desire to treat others like we want to be treated hints of a Creator’s influence through our moral intuitions. Non-moral decisions are open.

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

In God’s defense, it is not possible for God to create freedom unless there is the possibility of love or hate. Without freedom we could accuse God of not creating the very best world where only true, authentic relationships can develop. Freedom also allows humans to develop qualities of moral character that cannot be created initially. Freedom though cannot guarantee a pain free universe.

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

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

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

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

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

God is dying to help you love others as you want to be love!

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

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

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  

How To Avoid Turning A Child Away From God!

Don’t take personally whether your child adopts your spiritual views or not. It’s their journey. Don’t assume they are being rebellious. There are personal or intellectual reasonable objections to not believe in God. Be careful how you portray God. Our mental views of God shape our attitudes toward God. Have a plan how you want to turn your child toward and not away from God. See link below for more elaboration. 

How Do You Not Turn A Child Away From God?

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  

5 Of The Worst Beliefs That Make Believing in God Difficult!

Claims made by Christian leaders about God, according to their interpretation of the Bible, keeps believers and unbelievers distant from God. Our relationship with God cannot exceed our views of God. Even if a Book is inspired, interpretations are not. Few admit that their interpretation may be wrong. The only God worth believing in must be a perfect Lover. God surely is like  the perfect human being—defined by love, empathy, and moral perfection. We cannot know God perfectly, but we can use our moral intuitions to guide our understanding.

God is not a hellish or sadistic 

Biblical scholars don’t agree a literal Hell is a reality in the Bible. See here.  A terrorist’s God seeks to kill infidels in this life, not waiting for the afterlife. God is nothing like such a god by burning/torturing forever infidels, only waiting until the afterlife. A loving God can’t be 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. Who does God allow in heaven?

No, God doesn’t just let Christians into heaven

The majority of people born into the world didn’t have a Bible or know of Jesus. Most people accept or rebel against a certain religion based on the family born into whether it is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. A child sexually abuse by their father may struggle to accept a God who is most often betrayed as our Father in Heaven. No human or spiritual parent brings children into the world requiring their eternal destination be based on circumstances out of one’s control. A loving God can’t be a God of chance! 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? This verse could mean Jesus’ way of love is the best path toward God.

We don’t know what happens after life here on earth. No one can claim the Bible, subject to fallible interpretation, has the definitive answer. We are free to speculate what a loving God might do.  It is reasonable to believe a loving God that is able to create will take forever, if necessary, to save everyone from themselves. God only wants to help you become the person you deep down desire to come. Careful the regrets you, your family, and friends will feel at the end of your life if not pursuing a godly life now. Careful that our character developed here on earth may make the change process longer and more painful in the life to come. See what-god-may-really-be-like.com/what-religion-goes-to-heaven/

No, God doesn’t hate or condemn, gay people 

Please stop saying “God loves the sinner hates the sin.” Being gay isn’t a sin.  Why would God condemn gays when they can no more chose who they love than straights can. Why would anyone choose to be gay when faced with condemnation, bigotry. We all know the psychological harm when one must hide their sexuality. Biblical scholars who respect the Bible don’t believe Scriptures condemn gay monogamous relationships. See here. Since we can’t claim our interpretations are inspired by God, shouldn’t we choose the least harmful view? See here for more rants on God loves gays.

No, God doesn’t ordain men to be in authority over women 

Does God really call women to not serve equally with men in marriage and in the church? 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. The most qualified or gifted should surely lead a company. Why not in church? It is a big deal! Views on gender roles effects directly half of the human population. Men in authority over women whether in public, private, or church life is conducive for abuse at the hands of men.

We can’t know if biblical writers always wrote what they think and influence by their patriarchal culture, thus what God thinks. But, even if believing writers were inspired/told by God, Paul a main writer of the New Testament can be interpreted to suggest or not suggest hierarchical roles.  See here.   Let’s choose the least harmful biblical interpretation. Galatians 3:28 may be God’s ideal: “There is neither Jew or Gentile, neither slave or free, neither male nor female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28).”

God can’t be all-powerful and in complete control 

God cannot be all-powerful or controlling and be true to God’s nature. See here. A God who is truly loving would not be a God of control but rather one who allows for free will and authentic relationships. Logically, how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? The belief of God being in complete control makes God responsible for evil.

Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God cannot intervene in evil or suffering without human help. Even the Bible claims love does not insist on its own way (I Cor 13:5). Claiming God allows evil is not a better solution. A God who supposedly allows evil but doesn’t do anything to intervene is no different than a parent who stands by and watches their child suffer. Evil and suffering in the world may be because God can only intervene when there is human cooperation, both by evildoers and non-evildoers.

The good news for many is that God can’t be responsible for evil or their suffering. I have brain cancer. I don’t have to believe God doesn’t care or that God could do something and doesn’t. God knows and empathizes with us in our suffering. God grieves with us. God can empower, inspire, and accompany us. God can influence us to follow Jesus’ example which can make for a much grander world. God doesn’t derive pleasure by seeing us in pain but the unfortunate truth in a free world is suffering happens. Lean on God and others for emotional support and encouragement in difficult times. See what-god-may-really-be-like.com/evil-and-suffering/

Where is God?

Billions in the past have believed in the possibility of a Creator. They couldn’t all be lunatics. Nations can only have spiritual revivals when their view of God possibly changes. Do you want to be more “in” with God? I am not sure there is anything to lose in beginning a journey of faith if the desire is to live life with fewer regrets. Personally, the biggest reason for being a God-follower is the inspiration and encouragement I sense in striving to be a better human being. Give God’s influence in your life a chance if so inclined. Moral values aren’t just found in a supposed inspired Book. It is only intuitive that a Creator loves the ways their creations ought to love one another. We all seem to know the question we ought to ask ourselves – am I loving others perfectly? Or am I loving others like I want to be loved.

What Does AI Say About Your Blog?

Clicking on the link below will take you to an internet summary of my blog. Doing so will lead you to article links that support the stances I take. Or you can search “what god may really be like Mike Edwards.” I agree with its summaries. Maybe you can do a similar search to find summaries for your blogs.  what+igod+may+really+be+like+MIke+Edwards&summary=1&conversation

Mike Edwards, writing under the title “What God May Really Be Like,” suggests that our understanding of God significantly influences our relationship with God and how we treat others.

He argues that a perfect, loving God is worth believing in, and that such a God is likely similar to a perfect parent—other-directed, patient, kind, and hopeful, rather than authoritarian or judgmental.

Edwards contends that our image of God can dictate our actions, and if we perceive God as harsh or punitive, we may emulate that in our own behavior. He emphasizes that God may not be the warlike or wrathful figure some interpretations suggest, pointing to biblical examples like Abraham and Moses, where God listens and adapts rather than asserting absolute authority.

Edwards also challenges the idea that God is a sadistic torturer or homophobic, asserting that such views contradict the universal moral intuition to treat others as we wish to be treated. He believes that God’s love is akin to the love of a parent who desires a genuine relationship, celebrates our victories, and remains hopeful even in failure.

Furthermore, Edwards posits that God may be more like the perfect human being—defined by love, empathy, and moral perfection—since we cannot know God perfectly but can use our moral intuitions to guide our understanding.

He also questions the compatibility of an all-powerful and all-loving God, suggesting that genuine freedom in creation may limit God’s power, making the problem of evil a legitimate concern.

Ultimately, Edwards encourages open discussion about God’s nature, believing that a God who is loving, relational, and not controlling is more consistent with human experience and moral intuition.

Another search says:

Edwards, in his writings, explores the nature of God and how human understanding of God influences both personal relationships and societal actions. He suggests that our image of God can dictate our actions, and if we believe God is punitive, we may emulate that in our treatment of others.

Edwards also emphasizes that a perfect God’s love cannot be controlling, and thus, the concept of God being all-powerful may be flawed.

He argues that a God who is truly loving would not be a God of control but rather one who allows for free will and authentic relationships.

Edwards also discusses the idea that our understanding of God shapes our attitudes toward God and our relationship with Him, suggesting that the more we respect our earthly parents, the closer we are to them, and similarly, our relationship with God cannot exceed our views of God.

Furthermore, Edwards suggests that the Bible is not the definitive way of knowing what God is like, as it requires interpretation and scholars do not always agree on the meaning of the same passages.

He also suggests that the only God worth believing in or having a relationship with must be a perfect Lover, and that God cannot be all-powerful or controlling and be true to God’s nature.

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