What God May Really Be Like – Misbeliefs About God

What Are Some Ways To Combat Terrorism And Extremism?

I wanted to title this how to combat religious extremism. But, those who hold to extreme views of God according to their interpretation of the Bible are not typically beheading people. True spiritual leaders don’t advocate blowing up others but sacrifice their own life to influence others. We all want to do our part in making this a better world. God bless the men and women who take the fight to ISIS. Certain evils just require guns than words. I doubt there are any pacifists when their child is being attacked. Terrorists don’t believe in isolationism but seek to kill those in other lands who don’t hold to their same personal beliefs.

We desperately need our brave soldiers to combat their warriors. We can do our best to prevent others from becoming warriors. We must combat radicalization. First, we must inform authorities even on our own family members when we notice beliefs that can lead to killing innocent people. Also, we must examine our own personal beliefs of a loving God to discern if they can negatively influence or be construed as extreme. We must err on the side of debatable interpretations that are less likely to violate the rights of others. 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.

The Law must insist on certain beliefs to avoid the violation of rights of others. We can’t yell fire in a movie theatre if there is no fire because lives can be endangered trying to escape. We can’t murder or steal. But, we have a right to form our own personal beliefs as long as they don’t violate the rights of others. It is so critical to understand the God of the Bible has determined love is the freedom to believe in God or not. God understands controlling decisions doesn’t results in true love. Freedom is necessary for authenticity, the highest good in relationships. Any religion that is based on control than service is not truly religious.

It is important to defend not only does God respect the right to choose your own personal beliefs in this life, but God does not torture people after death for such decisions. God doesn’t control decisions in this lifetime or the life to come. The traditional understanding of Hell, where you will burn forever after death for not believing in God while on earth, is highly debatable and morally indefensible. Jesus used the word Gehenna, wrongly translated as Hell in the New Testament, to illustrate how spiritual death is as horrible as physical death. Gehenna was a real valley near Jerusalem that was used as a dump where fires were kept burning that enemies disposed of those slaughtered. God is a respecter of freedom in this life and the life to come.

Terrorists and other religious extremists always have views that proscribe gender roles more oppressive for women than men. Women do not need male leadership; women need unselfish men who have the heart of a servant. Even loving leadership invites men in impasses to solve conflicts differently than through normal conflict resolution means between two friends. God did not create a male-controlled relationship in the beginning. The God of the Bible does not suggest women are under the authority of men as if half the world needs a mediator with God. This encourages dominance on the man’s part and dependence on the woman’s part. Couples are free to agree on their own roles in marriage, but we must not insist the Bible teaches women are to be submissive to men in a way men are not similarly submissive to women.

The primary goal of terrorists and religious extremists is conversion. I believe Christianity or any religion must differentiate enough by avoiding conversion as its main thrust. It is unavoidable to attempt to convince others of moral beliefs that encourage treating others like you want to be treated, but we must avoid attempts to convert other to a set of beliefs associated with our religion. Jesus had no evangelical spiel and other sought to encourage people to shun evil and do good. Jesus encouraged spirituality for self-interest and the interests of others. Jesus did want us to know God was the kind of Creator or Parent who desired a friendship to encourage such a journey. The desire to convert suggests a hidden or not so hidden agenda that isn’t friendly. We simply must love others as they want to be loved and can share in natural ways we are convinced our Creator has our back. Since Hell doesn’t exist and billions have lived who have never heard of Jesus or the Bible, a loving God would not require certain beliefs for a relationship.

Lastly, we must not insist a Book is more important than one’s personal relationship with God. Interpretations of writings written thousands of years ago are fallible. Discuss opinions gracefully as you embark upon a journey with your God. Jesus when leaving this earth didn’t promise to leave us with a Bible but His Spirit so we might be able to discern evil from good (Jn. 14:16). The Bible was never meant to be used as a rule book. Jesus would advise a woman to turn the other cheek for an abusive husband. Read the Bible as a story about God. Develop a relationship with God and others. As you get to know God, God will guide you on your journey.

How Can One Read The Bible Without Being Totally Frustrated?

It is understandable why many avoid reading the Bible. It isn’t easy to relate to cultures thousands of years ago vastly different than ours. Some passages seem to suggest God commanded the killing of women and children in times of war even if preventable. Many scholars, who are not chauvinists, interpret certain passages to teach men are the leaders of women. God help women! God may respect the right to choose your own personal beliefs in this life, but does God really after death torture people for such decisions?

Many agree that the Bible is chocked full of wisdom. It is not natural to forgive others of certain sins but many partners are glad they had another voice speaking to them. Who thinks to talk in parables to go through the backdoor of a resistant soul? Parables enable us to continually think on a subject to try to understand and eventually accept positive applications in one’s life. The Bible is not a book you read once. You can read the Bible over and over and come away with fresh insights that help in relationships.

We may forget that the New Testament had not been written during Jesus’ lifetime. Today, most only read the New Testament because the older testament is so confusing. Yet, without the newer testament shortly after Jesus’ death, Jesus’ message exploded and led to billions of followers. The Bible can be a two-edge sword and often the pointed end is use to discourage and divide. My point is Jesus when leaving this earth didn’t promise to leave us with a Bible. He instead left us with His Spirit so we might be able to discern evil from good (Jn. 14:16).

The Bible was never meant to be used as a rule book. We all chuckle at the story when someone was looking for guidance, they opened the Bible and happened upon the verse “then he went and hung himself.” The Bible is not a book to definitely tell others what to do in their circumstances. When Jesus said turn the other cheek, He wouldn’t advise a woman to allow an abusive husband to continue to beat her. Develop a relationship with God, consult people you respect, and God will guide you in making a wise decision in your situation.

Interpretations aren’t infallible as most know. Don’t argue over interpretations. Consider one another’s opinion gracefully, if they don’t violate the freedom of others, to work out your own convictions with as much consistency as possible. The Bible was not written to be divisive to those willing to read it. Much of the Bible is clear that we can agree to disagree on the more difficult passages.

Read the Bible as a story so God can relate to you. The Bible wasn’t initially written as a bunch of chapters and verses but a story about God’s desire for a relationship with those God created. You may be one that likes to read the Bible with a commentary at hand. Just understand interpretations are fallible unless talking about murder. I have some good news. God gave us brains. Enjoy the Bible as a story about your Creator. As you get to know God, God will join and guide you in your journey of life.

What Is The Greatest Sin Of All In God’s Eyes?

God has the reputation of having a short fuse, but I don’t buy it. Based on my past actions I have just been given too much slack. Deserved suffering isn’t hard to explain and I get less than I deserve. Be self-centered if you prefer to be lonely. Be a controlling parent if you want the kids to only visit if you got money they want. God must be a forgiving God because I am pretty sure I am out of free passes and still breathing and writing. But, there is one sin God can’t forgive!

No, uncommitted sex isn’t the worst sin in God’s eyes. One may think perhaps murder is the greatest sin. After all no matter if you admit and take responsibility for your actions, you can’t resurrect one’s family member or friend. You will never be able to give back cherished future memories you have robbed one from being with their loved one. Apparently though, God didn’t get the memo. God’s hall of fame includes Moses, King David, and Paul. God choose these men to represent God to millions of others. These three men had at least one thing in common – they killed another person out of angry, lust, or for power.

No, committing the same sin over and over and over and over and over isn’t the greatest sin. If repentance means changing the first time we screw up, then none of us can claim to be totally forgiven by God. Repentance means you accept what everyone knows – you are a screw up. Repentance simply means you know you need to repent. That is it!! There are consequences in human relationships for not changing the first time, but God doesn’t say I forgive if you never do it again. All we have to do is stop pretending and recognizing we are self-centered. Go easy on the judgment of others. It could have been us.

No, committing the unpardonable sin mentioned in the Bible isn’t the worst sin. Many may be familiar with the unforgivable or unpardonable sin (Mt. 12:31-32). Most scholars agree those who committed the unpardonable sin at the time of the above writing were those who refused to accept the witness of the Holy Spirit to who Jesus was, even accusing Him of being demon possessed. They weren’t seeking Jesus’ forgiveness at the time. But, the Bible is clear that those who deny and accuse Jesus but then seek forgiveness, Jesus welcomes them with open arms.

There may be a reason that not forgiving others of their sin is a pretty big deal in the Bible. God is said to forgive us if we forgive others (Mt. 6:14). If the guilty are sincere and truly understand the pain they have caused others, they would forgive others instantly to stop their pain. The Bible implies giving forgiveness depends on confession: “If a brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them” (Lk. 17:3). It takes two to tango so forgiveness can lead to total healing. Jesus didn’t pray to forgive before whooping up on the religious in the temple for misrepresenting God. They weren’t sorry! Apparently, forgiveness is conditional.

The greatest sin of all is unconfessed sin and not seeking genuine forgiveness. Not even God can forgive unforgiveness! Let’s stop heaping guilt on others because they don’t forgive others who deny any wrongdoing. Neither should we waste our time with revenge or sulking in bitterness. The greatest sin when confronted is refusing to admit, take responsibility, and make amends after failing to treat others like you want to be treated. If you think you are right while two or more of your friends or family confront you of wrongdoing, think again! Okay, one person could be wrong, maybe even two family members. But if most of your family or friends agree against you, stop committing the greatest sin of all that prevents healing in relationships.

Why Does God Oppose One Christian Nation?

God doesn’t advocate for one nation under God because this would require God’s love to be controlling. God has always desired freedom of beliefs for the possibility of authentic relationships. Parents guide and sometimes must impose their beliefs on their children in the beginning, but eventually a parent hopes their children will make similar choices on their own because of self-interest and the interests of others. God wouldn’t be a good terrorist or religious extremist since God is opposed to forcing personal beliefs on others.

But, isn’t God in the business of choosing one nation under God such as with Israel in the Old Testament? God choose Israel as a mouthpiece to introduce God in the beginning, for God desired to have a relationship with all nations. God intended through Abraham to bless all nations (Gen 12:3). Other nations could look to Israel to see what God was really like to compare God against their gods. God choosing Israel wasn’t favoritism as only one nation could be chosen by God for the Messiah to be born into to represent God. It isn’t favoritism when all win. Unfortunately, Israel twisted God’s choice as if they were privileged over others.

Believing God desires one nation leads to individuals not respecting the rights of others to freely make their own choices. There is chaos when nations don’t require certain moral actions for the protection of others. One is not free to steal from a neighbor without consequences. But, whether people desire to believe in a God or not and what behaviors that inspires, if not violating the rights of others, is one’s own business. Some believe God and the Bible are opposed to same sex relationships between two consenting adults, so they seek to impose their beliefs on others. Such personal decisions are between one and their Creator.

I believe the Bible only speaks to same sex relationships in the context of infidelity or violence such as rape. Who doesn’t know that any sexual behaviors that are mindless, selfish, uncommitted engagements, as opposed to consensual monogamous relationships, are wrong? Church folks condemn gay relationships but they get divorced half the time. One best examine their own life before condemning gay couples who are committed. Should a baker who personally believes homosexual marriages are wrong be forced to sell wedding cakes to gay couples? Honestly, I am not sure why a gay couple would want to patronize such a business, but forcing choices on the baker or a gay couple seems to me similar behaviors.

God may hope for all nations and people under God because God has our best interest in mind. God is not a representation of our earthly parents but the perfection of the human parents we have always desired. A nation abiding by the Ten Commandments is not a bad thing since God always has the interests of others in mind. But, choices and relationships must not be forced. This is a violation of God’s very nature. Pushing beliefs on others doesn’t lead to the highest good in relationships. God followers who believe their relationship with God can benefit others can live in a way that others may want to consider their God.

What Can A Friendship With An Invisible God Be Like?

It may sound crazy to some but having a friendship with an invisible Creator may offer more than what earthly friends can provide. No one though wants a friendship with a Creator you do not respect or have concerns. Identify any concerning character issues about God that may prevent even the desire to pursue a relationship. God doesn’t mind the hard questions in discerning what God is really like contrary to what we have been taught or think. 

God is always available in times of hopelessness. God always seeks to lend a hand when struggling with how we treat others or with habits that we just can’t seem to change. God doesn’t have a limit on how many relapses will be tolerated. God isn’t going to pile more guilt on us. God already know we heap enough guilt on ourselves. We already suffer consequences for our actions. God doesn’t have to create more damage. God seeks to continually assure us of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love so we don’t every give up no matter how demoralized we may feel. God will never give up on us or lose hope. 

God is always available in times of suffering. One though during such times may wonder why a loving God doesn’t alleviate their suffering. Everyone understands deserved suffering. Treat the children like crap and they may not visit when older. What about undeserved suffering? God if all powerful surely could intervene more often with evils whether just to one person or millions. A plausible explanation could be that when God created freedom God’s essence required their love never be controlling. God cannot prevent evil if there is to be true freedom any more than a parent can prevent a child from hating them. God did join us in undeserved suffering through Jesus to give hope that some good can come out of our suffering as it did Jesus’.  

God is always available in times of loneliness. We should reach out to friends during such times but they can’t always be available when we are experiencing such feelings. Friends can’t always be available in the middle of the night. We may feel sometimes that we are overburdening our friends by constantly going to them with our concerns. God’s shoulders surely are much bigger. God isn’t burdened by their own problems that they have created. We can’t always be available to our friends when we are struggling ourselves.  

God is always available in times of indecisiveness. We are confronted with decisions on a regular basis. No matter how much a parent may love their child they may be bias. A parent may point their child in a certain direction for a career because of how a child’s choices reflect back on them. God only has moral biases for the good of all. God is the supreme listener. God speaks to us mostly through self-reflection. Since God’s love is not controlling, God only wants us to feel free to make decisions based on our gifts and aspirations.  

God may not be visibly present but God unlike many friends has the time, strength, and patience to just be together. I know how friends can be sometimes because I am a friend. We can get frustrated rather than show patience, we can give advice rather than listen, we can be overbearing rather than understanding change must always come from within. God is open to formal or informal times in talking anytime anywhere. Just speak or think your mind when not preoccupied with tasks. God just wants to come alongside and help you to cope and make decisions in your best interest.

Did Jesus Want To Mystify Others By Talking in Parables?

One may get the wrong impression about God if thinking Jesus desired to be purposely mysterious at times in interacting with others. Does God think we aren’t capable of knowing God fully? Oh how I wish I had the abilities of Nathan to reach those who initially reject the straightforward truth about their actions. King David was knee deep in cover-up mood (2 Sam. 11). David saw Bathsheba, wanted Bathsheba, had Bathsheba, found out Bathsheba was pregnant, brought her husband Uriah back from war to lay with his wife but he wouldn’t, so then David sought to have Uriah killed at war without knowing he was set up by King David.

Nathan would not have gotten anywhere with David telling him directly he had sinned with Bathsheba and he needed to repent. David was not about to admit he had done anything wrong. In his mind this was one big secret that David hoped to take to his grave. So, Nathan told David a story of two people, one with power over the other and how the powerful took advantage of the less power for his own gain. David then pronounced his indignation and judgment on the evil done by the powerful. “Then Nathan said to David. “You are the man!”… (2 Sam 12: 7).  Whoops! Many times we will deny our immoral behavior. We will condemn others for their actions before realizing that our own actions are just as despicable.

Now, we may better understand why Jesus spoke in parables. Jesus’ teachings were not intentionally mysterious as if His ways are not understandable. Jesus would have preferred to not talk in parables but in straightforward ways, but human nature sometimes requires different ways to convince people for their own good. Like with children sometimes, straight talk falls on deaf ears. Parables are a different approach to get to the heart of a matter. Mark 4: 11-12 doesn’t suggest Jesus keeps secrets: “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, they may be every seeing but never perceiving…” Jesus had just said: “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (verse 9). God’s direct message often is only perplexing to one’s heart not the mind.

Jesus used parables to not reveal Himself as the Messiah directly as He didn’t want to limit His ministry before having to accept His fate. Parables also served other purposes with Jesus’ audience. Directness is over-done sometimes. Directness often goes in one ear and out the other. Parables cause us to continually think of a subject to try to understand and eventually accept the application in one’s life. Parables, rather than directness, can stir those that may be interested and simply drive the uninterested away. Sometimes, we cannot understand Jesus’ parables at one point in our life but when open-minded to spiritual matters, we may more readily accept Jesus’ claims to always have our best interest in mind.

Why The Heck Did God Initiate A Relationship With A Bunch Of Laws?

Reading the Bible, especially the Old Testament, can be confusing. Sometimes, we forget the Bible is a story with a beginning and a hopeful ending. The Bible is worth reading because it is God’s words to us about what God is really like. I know my wife without her letters explaining herself, but her words can give me deeper insights. Keep in mind though Jesus when leaving this earth didn’t promise to leave us the Bible but His spirit to remember Him (Jn. 14:26). God’s spirit within each individual is more valuable than others’ biblical interpretations.

If one dares to read the OT, it is easy to be totally confused about the “law” stuff. If I want to have a relationship with someone, which God did with us, I am not sure I would introduce myself through laws. Yet, I did the same thing as a parent. In the beginning of the relationship my children weren’t ready to necessarily talk about my eventual dreams – being friends. Can you see their eyes rolling! God didn’t load down Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel, with a bunch of laws but it was necessary in the beginning with a nation full of individuals.

A parent knows fully well a list of does and don’t is not the pathway to a friendship. Parents understand stressing the importance of obedience is necessary for a child’s own good, but these conversations are meant to lead to something greater. A parent doesn’t in the beginning require obedience before they will love their child. God has never demanded adherence to any laws before establishing a relationship. God just loves us like parents love their children at birth. 

We can forget that the Bible is not just a bunch of chapters and verses but a story about God and relationships with those God created. Many passages hint as to why God begin the relationship with laws. Laws help to make us conscious of our sins (Rm. 3:20). Really, the Law is only necessary for lawbreakers and not for those who treat others like they want to be treated (I Tim. 1:9). God perhaps made so much of the laws in the OT as it was the best place to start in a relationship to lead to the eventual knowledge God wanted us to know. I can’t obey even the laws clearly in my best interest. Such failures reveal my need for God’s help and guidance.

God or any parent in the beginning of a relationship somehow seeks to reveal a desire for a friendship and why such a relationship can be in their best interest in the long-run. Such knowledge and understanding often can only come from experiences. Rules in the beginning of a relationship can help lead to the intimacy so badly desired. God felt laws could best lead to the eventual goal. The next time you read the OT and are in the midst of a bunch of confusing laws, don’t think of God as overbearing and complicated but think of God as a parent giving a child what they need to hopefully lead to a shared, joyful relationship.

Are We Better Off Without The Bible?

The Bible can be used to unite and encourage and at other times to divide and discourage. Keep in mind that billions of people have lived and died without any knowledge of the Bible or who Jesus was. The Bible isn’t necessary in life but can be profitable. If an interpretation of the Bible makes no rational or relational sense what a loving God would truly be like, it is probably wrong. Any religion that acquires rather than gives power is false. What about those who blow others up in the name of God? The majority knows in their heart a loving God respects the freedom for one to choose their own beliefs if not violating the rights of others.

We are better off without the Bible if its readers don’t recognize that interpretations are fallible. No one can claim they know for sure the author’s intended meaning. We cannot be sure that the writers recorded inspired thoughts from God as opposed to their own perceptions of God. We cannot know for sure that Genesis 1-11 is historical facts or stories intended by the writers to convey theological truths. Lack of surety is a price to be paid, but the truth is that human reasoning is necessary in the interpretation process. Dogmatism only divides not unites.

We may be better off without the Bible if its readers treat the Book as an idol to worship. When the Bible becomes the focal point we end up idolizing interpretations which may be wrong characterizations of God. We establish our own Creeds to follow as if they are God’s word. This only leads to divisiveness. The Apostle Paul warned against such divisions among followers: “I follow Paul (Baptists); another, I follow Apollos (Methodists); another, I follow Cephas (Catholics); still another I follow Christ” (I Cor. 1:12). Differences about the Bible lead away from how we can love our neighbor like we want to be loved.

We may be better off without the Bible if its readers don’t guard how they discuss the Book. So many denominations and factions among those who worship the same God are evidence that the Bible is dividing than uniting. We must consider one another’s opinion gracefully, as long as they don’t violate the freedom of others, to work out our own convictions with as much consistency as possible. The Bible was not meant to be a book of rules to divide people. Much of the Bible is clear that we can agree to disagree on the more difficult passages.

We may be better off without the Bible if the readers consider any belief sacred other than Jesus’ message. The beliefs the Bible speaks out against are immoral beliefs which lead to self-destruction or destruction of others. Jesus’ only sacred belief, other than obvious immorality, was that our Creator loves and forgives us in hopes we may be the same toward others. Jesus taught God seeks to empower us toward a life of doing good and shunning evil in a troubled world. Jesus came to dispel any preconceived notions about God other than God desires a relationship so to help you be the person you deep down want to be. Beliefs, which do not violate the rights of others, are between God and an individual.

It can be helpful for individual religions to have a representative book so that the different worldviews can be discussed in a respectful manner. All religions have some truth, but written records allow contradictions to be weighed to determine what is the more likely truth about a loving God. But, we are better off without the Bible when one does not consider their interpretations possible fallible. We are better off without the Bible when it becomes a rules book and an idol rather than a consideration for wisdom. We are better off without the Bible when our discussions lead to abusive behaviors toward one another as opposed to opportunities for reflection. We are better off without the Bible when any belief is considered sacred other than self-discovery about God to become a better person so to make a difference in the world.

Why Wasn’t Jesus Simply Ignored?

Most people accept according to recorded history that a man named Jesus lived some two thousand years ago. Our calendar strongly suggests such a man lived – B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (after death). Jesus’ impact seems undeniable. Jesus was only in the spotlight for about three years of His life but has over a billion followers. What is disputed was if Jesus was who He claimed to be – the one prophesized in the Old Testament to come to represent God.

People claim all the time to be someone they aren’t. It is difficult to capture all the culture factors some two thousand years ago, but today if someone claims to be sent by God we simply assume they have some mental disorder. We certainly don’t beat and mock them and hang them on a Cross. Why was Jesus treated differently? Why did folks get their panties in a wad simply because Jesus claimed to represent God?

I don’t know for sure the answer to that question but I have some hunches. Jesus pissed off mainly the religious people. Jesus wasn’t killed by atheists or those who didn’t go to church. Religious leaders who prayed daily and went to church a lot begged Roman authorities to put this man in his place – the grave. One Roman leader was ready to simply ignore Jesus and label Him a lunatic. That is want we would do today but not the religious folks back then!

The religious leaders of that day had certain rituals and Jesus seem to tell others one doesn’t have to go through hoops to have a relationship with God. Of course the Pharisees supervised those hoops so their control over others was being challenged. I got a hunch that was part of their huffiness. What the Pharisees did ignore though was Jesus’ message and view of God. Take some time this Easter to reflect what was so special about this man named Jesus.

Jesus only told people to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. What parent doesn’t tell their kids to love, respect, or trust them if they have their best interest in mind. If I dared asked that from my children, and I am far from perfect, why can’t a perfect God ask for such love without being egotistical. Jesus’ view of God was obviously not like those in His day. Jesus said God was willing to forgive the worse of sinners. Jesus said it is never too late. That matters to some who think they have done too much for God to really love them. Jesus said you can go directly to God and don’t need others to supervise/mediate/be a go-between in the relationship.

Suppose Jesus was right about God? What do you need to hear from your Creator? Jesus probably said at one time or another God could deliver. Jesus knew God was like a perfect parent – always hoping, praying, willing to be by your side to help you be the kind of person you desire to be deep down. I bet you want to better love your neighbor as yourself, or you wouldn’t have read this far. We need help loving the unlovable because we act that way sometimes too. Some need to know God loves them no matter their past, current, and future failures. Some need to feel closer to God in times of suffering to somehow get through such times.

What do you want or need from God? Talk to God, ask others who seem to know God. If God is real , God won’t ignore you!

“WHY GOD” Can’t You Control All This Madness?

We all ask “why” questions – Why did they act that way toward me? Some may question why so much evil exist if God truly loves. The problem of evil is one main reason people indicate why they don’t believe in God. There may not be a satisfactory answer for many, but how we answer this question for ourselves can determine whether we believe in God or in the midst of suffering wonder if God truly exist. It doesn’t matter if you accept my explanation but rather any explanation that allows understanding in difficult times.

Thomas Oord in his book The Uncontrolling Love of God offers the best explanation for me at this time to this age old question. Freedom is the only path to authentic relationships which brings the most joy in relationships. There is no greater feeling than knowing your partner, child, or friend love you because they want to and not because they have to. The Creator is certainly powerful beyond imagination but not even an almighty God can force true love. God like parents had a choice – to not create or create knowing loved ones may experience suffering or true intimacy. Even humans know “controlling love” is an oxymoron and not love at all.

Humans, unlike God, are tempted to control to avoid pain for themselves or others. It is impossible for God to create without freedom or to create and control. God’s nature instead is love which never controls. Since God’s love is uncontrolling, God can’t stop evil resulting in so much suffering. What God’s love can do is prevent evil through the free decisions of other to change or intervene in the lives of others. God can influence in all the appropriate ways, but divine love limits divine power. It is impossible for God to create without the possibility of suffering.

This explanation for many may make God seem less powerful. Another perspective is that a parent’s love may actually be greater when they don’t control their child. God’s love is greater than the greatest imaginable. If I don’t stop my children from hurting themselves or others, it may be the only hope they have to eventually freely choose good and experience the joy that comes from that. I hesitate to compare because God, unlike humans, is incapable of controlling. God can no more control thus prevent suffering than God cannot love.

The uncontrolling love of God is a better explanation than God “allows.” When we say God allows, the impression is that God stands by when God could stop evil. Who admires people who stand by in the name of freedom while people’s rights are being violated? How can we justify God doing nothing if God could control evil in the first place? God cannot stop evil, thus act controlling, except  by intervening in the lives of others without violating their freedom.  God can no more control others than God can choose to not love others perfectly.