Why?

So why has the Church preached that God is our judge and that He reserves punishment for our sins?

The surprising answer is that they don't know God.

But why?

They are trained to adhere to a strict orthodoxy.

They identify with the establishment.

They have a negative view of humanity.

It is more about power and control than love.

They think more about the needs of the institution than the needs of the community.

God says about them: "The shepherds also have no understanding, they have all turned to their own way, to their own gain, one and all."  Isaiah 56:11 (NRSV)

But you won't hear that preached in church.

Jesus said of them: "'you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering."  Luke 11:52 (NRSV)

"'Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you, and these know you that you have sent me.'"  John 17:25 (NRSV)

So don't believe in the Church's punitive, retributive God.

He does not exist.

The reality is so much better.

This is the good news.

So go into your room and close the door.

Pray to God with a sincere heart.

And He will answer.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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