Several weeks ago Geri Jensen wrote a letter expressing her concern over religious indoctrination of youth and adults with the picture of a “loving God” that is conflicted by the doctrines of Divine punishment, and the belief that human beings are “wretched and unworthy” in “God’s” sight.
I ask, does Geri not have a good point to make and a legitimate concern? I think she does. This picture of “God” is damaging. I applaud her honestly for rejecting belief in the “God” that she briefly described. I reject belief in that “God” myself.
However, what if we could use our imagination? What if we could replace that picture of God with a picture of another God? One who is the exact opposite of the one Geri brought to view. . A God who loves you unconditionally, as a unique individual, right now – just the way you are. Period. . A God who values your freedom of choice more than you, yourself, do. . A God who does not want your blind faith submission, but who encourages you to use your reason to carefully and honestly investigate both sides of a controverted point, weighing the evidence. . A God who is so completely unselfish that he values your happiness, your well-being, and even your life more than he values his own. . A God who is not the source of suffering, but takes responsibility for it, and is willing to be misunderstood and maligned in the process. . A God who is absolutely trustworthy, and is infinitely patient. • A God who would never use force or intimidation to compel you to believe in him, or obey him. . A God who does not require sacrifice to appease him. . A God who does not judge you, but is willing instead to be put on trial himself, and subjected to intense scrutiny. . A God who is willing to be a servant, but not a slave master. . A God who is the source of life, and not the source of death. . A God who you don’t have to be afraid of because he never changes. I close with a question. If a God like this could exist, would you want him to?
Jay Schulberg
Grand Marais
Leave a Reply