I love your perspective. I never thought there was a man on a throne or some other version of that. I grew up Jewish, and to be honest, never understood what they thought god is. To me, God is Universal energy, Love, Light.
Me too, Pam! It really clears up all the questions that come from imagining the man on the throne. I think, too, that this perspective helps us feel closer to—not farther away—from that loving energy. Thank you.
Loved this article. Just this week I had a discussion with a very dear friend about what God will look like and will we see him when we die. She said the same as you and God is a source energy. So exciting to now have this beautiful image.
You had two parallel reflections of God from different sources. It truly is a beautiful image. Thanks for letting me know about the serendipity of my article with the discussion you had with your friend. I love when that happens.
I want to say OH MY GOD about your Article and perceptions!!! Since a small child I have known there was more to everything than (catholic church ) in my case! I remember telling my mother (when I was 7) and sent to my room for some punishment “When I get big and you get small I am going to punish you!” I always knee there was much more out there. But the main thing your article made me realize was the GOD thing!!! When I am in a decision process, or need help, I ask my late husband for help. He always comes through. I believe spirits are there who want to help us. I always leave out the “GOD” word because I was not sure that it was a single entity! I always say, instead, “the powers that be” and you have put it all together for me with your research!!! Thank you! You do not realize how much that particular article meant!!! It put all I have debated into perspective!!! Please put it into your next book... it needs to go public!!
Thanks Jeanne! Yes, my next afterlife book will be about these eye-opening perspectives that create paradigm shifts within us to literally change our lives. I'm glad it spoke to you in the way it spoke to me when I realized it.
Hi Bob... I haven't stopped reading in case you were wondering. Just took a break. But I've been thinking about you a lot lately which tells me to get in touch.
You're article on God is superior. Exactly as I've believed for years but couldn't articulate it nearly as well as you always do. Thank you again for being you. ❤️
Hello Sharon, I'm so happy to hear from you. Thanks for following your impulse to say hello and adding your thoughtful comments. I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you're doing well. ♥️
When Jesus came to Earth it was as a man. And the Trinity is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit all as one entity. So of course most Christians would think of God as a man. But of course he had to come to Earth as something a human could relate to. Everything you say makes perfect sense though. Thank you for giving all of us more to consider.
I’m certainly glad you decided to share your odyssey with us. I too grew up in a Catholic household. I had this vast and expansive feeling of love and care for all living being as a child, as I do now. I largely attributed that to our creator. Yet, I feel closer to the spiritual world now more than I ever did as a practicing Catholic [not to say that if this works for anyone it’s wrong]. I feel that the capacity to know Source as love, and not need an intermediary, nor have boundaries or prerequisites on how to connect, has truly changed the entirety of my life.
Thank you for giving us all a platform to gather, share our stories, and hear your insights. I’m elated to have a community of like-minded brothers and sisters.
Thank you, Maria. You've said so much here that I think is important. I'm pleasantly surprised at the profound comments this article has inspired. Regarding your final statement, I'm glad this platform has provided that for you. I know others feel the same. And I hope the community interaction here grows in this light. Keep smiling.
Hi Starla, that's a great question. As you know, I don't claim to be a religious scholar, but in reference to what I wrote in the article, it was a human being who wrote Genesis 1:27. As I had written, "Somewhere in history, someone invented the idea of the one-and-only God. And, of course, this one-and-only God looked and acted just like a man." You may have spotted the origin of what I was referring to. I appreciate you mentioning it.
Bob, today's article helped me recover from feeling triggered by the Hamas/Israel war. I didn't realize I was affected by war trauma. I was a 20 yr. old Vietnam war bride. Many years later I was trained by the VA to be a war trauma therapist for vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I also ran groups for Vietnam vets. Today's article reminded me God does not create war; men create war. War offers many lessons about power, control, winning, losing, life, and death. While meditating today I pictured Israel and Hamas soldiers looking at each other, acknowledging each other's differences, and experiencing being seen by the other.
Hi Susan, your words hit me like profound wisdom derived from years of experience. I couldn't be more pleased that my article helped you in that way. I had a similar awakening when I recognized it myself, although for different reasons. It certainly removed the tension I felt when viewing God with the old paradigm.
May I add that I'm sorry you're experiencing current events in a way that is resurfacing old trauma. I often think of moments like this as opportunities to recognize that more healing is needed, at which point the catalyst for healing often shows itself if we're aware enough to notice it. Perhaps my article is a step in the direction of that catalyst for you. I wish you well, and appreciate you sharing this with me. Your words are powerful.
Bob, I totally agree with you and commend you for that excellent description. I wonder how it took so long for humans to realize that “Father God” just isn’t so. The religious refuse to part with that cozy image so you may get plenty of flak on this.
Thanks Ann. It wouldn't be the first time. Interestingly, most Christians who read my work feel aligned with what I write. Of course, most of my readers lean toward logic.
Bob, thank you for again pointing a way to sharing more, in a gentle, loving way, and inspiring us (me) to do the same.
I love the perspective (and one I agree with) about "God" being a term that evokes a very particular image/response in folks, and explaining that using a different word isn't to dismiss or deny, but to allow more room for what is being said. Nice.
As always, thank you so much Bob for sharing your journey with us. I, for one gain so much from your writing and perspective and I cannot tell you how much it continues to encourage me to keep an open mind...in other words, an investigative mind, such as you do. Wayne Dyer always used to say "Be open to everything and attached to nothing..." I find that really helps me not hold so tightly to any belief system, so that if a greater truth presented itself, I couldn't let it go.
I appreciate your perspective on god. I was raised in an evangelical home that was very much focused on heaven/hell, good/evil and oh my goodness...sin!!! I could never get away from sin! It was confusing for sure, but I am still thankful for my upbringing. It provided me with a perspective that helps me relate to others who still believe that way and I am grateful for that.
However, these days, I tend to focus on practicing love, humility and taking personal responsibility for my choices....that always keeps me grounded because I realize I don't have all the answers, but love to discover new things. I no longer need to be right about anything anymore, just take responsibility for my beliefs and choices I make. Makes my life so much easier.
I remember once asking an atheist friend of mine if he believed in god to which he immediately replied "absolutely not." I was reading out a book of questions and decided to replace all of the words that said "god" with "love" and voila...what do you know...he believed in god after all; as did I!
Hi Leasa, I'm grateful for your feedback and comments. I think that what you've added here is so powerful that I am going to remain brief in my response to avoid any distractions from what you've written. I'll simply add that I think replacing the word "God" with "Love" is an inspired exercise, and I love how it brought you and your friend into agreement. Shine on with love.
I love your perspective. I never thought there was a man on a throne or some other version of that. I grew up Jewish, and to be honest, never understood what they thought god is. To me, God is Universal energy, Love, Light.
Me too, Pam! It really clears up all the questions that come from imagining the man on the throne. I think, too, that this perspective helps us feel closer to—not farther away—from that loving energy. Thank you.
Loved this article. Just this week I had a discussion with a very dear friend about what God will look like and will we see him when we die. She said the same as you and God is a source energy. So exciting to now have this beautiful image.
You had two parallel reflections of God from different sources. It truly is a beautiful image. Thanks for letting me know about the serendipity of my article with the discussion you had with your friend. I love when that happens.
I want to say OH MY GOD about your Article and perceptions!!! Since a small child I have known there was more to everything than (catholic church ) in my case! I remember telling my mother (when I was 7) and sent to my room for some punishment “When I get big and you get small I am going to punish you!” I always knee there was much more out there. But the main thing your article made me realize was the GOD thing!!! When I am in a decision process, or need help, I ask my late husband for help. He always comes through. I believe spirits are there who want to help us. I always leave out the “GOD” word because I was not sure that it was a single entity! I always say, instead, “the powers that be” and you have put it all together for me with your research!!! Thank you! You do not realize how much that particular article meant!!! It put all I have debated into perspective!!! Please put it into your next book... it needs to go public!!
Thanks Jeanne! Yes, my next afterlife book will be about these eye-opening perspectives that create paradigm shifts within us to literally change our lives. I'm glad it spoke to you in the way it spoke to me when I realized it.
What an insightful article.
I love the way you point out the implications of viewing God as an entity such as “father” and then viewing God as energy.
I came to the same conclusion that God was energy, but realizing now the value of making the transition brings me a deep feeling of peace.
Thank you
I'm not surprised you came to this conclusion. Thanks again for your comment.
Hi Bob... I haven't stopped reading in case you were wondering. Just took a break. But I've been thinking about you a lot lately which tells me to get in touch.
You're article on God is superior. Exactly as I've believed for years but couldn't articulate it nearly as well as you always do. Thank you again for being you. ❤️
Hello Sharon, I'm so happy to hear from you. Thanks for following your impulse to say hello and adding your thoughtful comments. I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you're doing well. ♥️
😁🤗🤚
Well put, as always.
Hi Bob..
When Jesus came to Earth it was as a man. And the Trinity is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit all as one entity. So of course most Christians would think of God as a man. But of course he had to come to Earth as something a human could relate to. Everything you say makes perfect sense though. Thank you for giving all of us more to consider.
Thank you Starla, that's all I hope to do, share new perspectives that provide readers with new ideas to consider. I appreciate your feedback.
I’m certainly glad you decided to share your odyssey with us. I too grew up in a Catholic household. I had this vast and expansive feeling of love and care for all living being as a child, as I do now. I largely attributed that to our creator. Yet, I feel closer to the spiritual world now more than I ever did as a practicing Catholic [not to say that if this works for anyone it’s wrong]. I feel that the capacity to know Source as love, and not need an intermediary, nor have boundaries or prerequisites on how to connect, has truly changed the entirety of my life.
Thank you for giving us all a platform to gather, share our stories, and hear your insights. I’m elated to have a community of like-minded brothers and sisters.
Thank you, Maria. You've said so much here that I think is important. I'm pleasantly surprised at the profound comments this article has inspired. Regarding your final statement, I'm glad this platform has provided that for you. I know others feel the same. And I hope the community interaction here grows in this light. Keep smiling.
What are your thoughts on Genesis 1:27 that tells us that God created man in his own image? I would think that is why we picture God as a man.
Hi Starla, that's a great question. As you know, I don't claim to be a religious scholar, but in reference to what I wrote in the article, it was a human being who wrote Genesis 1:27. As I had written, "Somewhere in history, someone invented the idea of the one-and-only God. And, of course, this one-and-only God looked and acted just like a man." You may have spotted the origin of what I was referring to. I appreciate you mentioning it.
Bob, today's article helped me recover from feeling triggered by the Hamas/Israel war. I didn't realize I was affected by war trauma. I was a 20 yr. old Vietnam war bride. Many years later I was trained by the VA to be a war trauma therapist for vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I also ran groups for Vietnam vets. Today's article reminded me God does not create war; men create war. War offers many lessons about power, control, winning, losing, life, and death. While meditating today I pictured Israel and Hamas soldiers looking at each other, acknowledging each other's differences, and experiencing being seen by the other.
Hi Susan, your words hit me like profound wisdom derived from years of experience. I couldn't be more pleased that my article helped you in that way. I had a similar awakening when I recognized it myself, although for different reasons. It certainly removed the tension I felt when viewing God with the old paradigm.
May I add that I'm sorry you're experiencing current events in a way that is resurfacing old trauma. I often think of moments like this as opportunities to recognize that more healing is needed, at which point the catalyst for healing often shows itself if we're aware enough to notice it. Perhaps my article is a step in the direction of that catalyst for you. I wish you well, and appreciate you sharing this with me. Your words are powerful.
Bob, I totally agree with you and commend you for that excellent description. I wonder how it took so long for humans to realize that “Father God” just isn’t so. The religious refuse to part with that cozy image so you may get plenty of flak on this.
Thanks Ann. It wouldn't be the first time. Interestingly, most Christians who read my work feel aligned with what I write. Of course, most of my readers lean toward logic.
Bob, thank you for again pointing a way to sharing more, in a gentle, loving way, and inspiring us (me) to do the same.
I love the perspective (and one I agree with) about "God" being a term that evokes a very particular image/response in folks, and explaining that using a different word isn't to dismiss or deny, but to allow more room for what is being said. Nice.
Thanks Bruce. Glad it resonated with you. I really like the way you described it in that last sentence.
As always, thank you so much Bob for sharing your journey with us. I, for one gain so much from your writing and perspective and I cannot tell you how much it continues to encourage me to keep an open mind...in other words, an investigative mind, such as you do. Wayne Dyer always used to say "Be open to everything and attached to nothing..." I find that really helps me not hold so tightly to any belief system, so that if a greater truth presented itself, I couldn't let it go.
I appreciate your perspective on god. I was raised in an evangelical home that was very much focused on heaven/hell, good/evil and oh my goodness...sin!!! I could never get away from sin! It was confusing for sure, but I am still thankful for my upbringing. It provided me with a perspective that helps me relate to others who still believe that way and I am grateful for that.
However, these days, I tend to focus on practicing love, humility and taking personal responsibility for my choices....that always keeps me grounded because I realize I don't have all the answers, but love to discover new things. I no longer need to be right about anything anymore, just take responsibility for my beliefs and choices I make. Makes my life so much easier.
I remember once asking an atheist friend of mine if he believed in god to which he immediately replied "absolutely not." I was reading out a book of questions and decided to replace all of the words that said "god" with "love" and voila...what do you know...he believed in god after all; as did I!
Thank you again for all you do for us.
In deep gratitude,
Leasa
Hi Leasa, I'm grateful for your feedback and comments. I think that what you've added here is so powerful that I am going to remain brief in my response to avoid any distractions from what you've written. I'll simply add that I think replacing the word "God" with "Love" is an inspired exercise, and I love how it brought you and your friend into agreement. Shine on with love.