I've been doing this for more than a dozen years now. And I've never actually written anything on what the site is about. It seemed obvious to me. And yet, I guess it really isn't obvious to everyone. Just like the Bible's not obvious to everyone. So now, here's God versus religion: faith, love and trust in God. What this site is really about.
Summary
The website “God versus religion” explores the differences between man’s interpretation of religious texts and God’s actual words. It aims to deepen understanding by examining biblical contexts, languages, and historical perspectives. Here’s a summary of the key points from the current page, which is both it's own topic and an example of the site in general:
Reflective Bible Study: The author shares insights from over a dozen years of reflective Bible study, focusing on the meanings of God’s Word with additional historical and linguistic context.
God vs Religion: The site explores the contrast between what God says about Himself and man’s interpretation through religion.
Old Testament Imagery: It discusses the concept of “stringing pearls” from the Old Testament and provides examples of how Jesus is represented in both the Old and New Testaments.
New Testament Insights: The page delves into New Testament imagery and the role of Jesus as a shepherd, the vine, and the relationship with His followers.
The site and this page encourage readers to explore their beliefs and understand the Bible’s teachings in depth for a stronger faith, love, and trust in God.
The conclusion of the page emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible in its historical and cultural context to deepen one’s faith, love, and trust in God. It encourages readers to explore beyond their current religious teachings and consider the perspectives presented in both the Old and New Testaments. The author advocates for reflective Bible study and personal discernment, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. to achieve a more profound and informed belief system. Ultimately, the site aims to facilitate learning, understanding, and a stronger relationship with God through comprehensive study and discussion.
I'm going to take you through an example, using the image below, to illustrate how topics are generally presented here. There's a conclusion at the end, to sum up my approach. I pray you get that far.
Most often, my writing is a reflective Bible study. Because of the way I choose topics, they often follow application and/or topical study formats as well. My goal isn't to tell anyone what to believe. Rather, it's to open up the meanings of God's Word, the Bible, with additional information most people don't have.
The Bible was written by and for people in a different time, of a religion other than Christianity, in languages other than those most of us use today, and with much history that we don't learn today. There's also a lot of contexts that so many people just don't have time to put together.
The Rabbis used to do something called stringing pearls when they spoke. We read it in the Bible when we see portions of various verses strung together in the New Testament that reference back to the Old. I try to get some of that here as well. There are so many things that were so obvious to Jesus' listeners at the time, but we just don't get it anymore. I try to explain them as part of the language and context pieces of what I write.
So, with that as a background, let's get a sample of God versus religion - what God said, as opposed to what you may have heard or been led to believe.
The adjacent image shows something that should be at least somewhat familiar.
Green grass and water.
Of course, Jesus.
A white dove.
But the people are dressed in modern-day clothes.
A picture is worth a thousand words
So, what's in the image?
What does it mean?
Old Testament Imagery
From the Old Testament, think 23rd Psalm.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
Ps 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Ps 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
Ps 23:3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Ps 23:4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Ps 23:5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
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I just read you article on evil verses the knowledge of evil and I was literally floored. I was absolutely amazed. You have God’s Truth in you. What you wrote came from that very light that you referenced. The things you wrote already existed inside me. It’s hard to explain but it’s like your were testifying to the truth that exists within me. Who are you? I can’t find an authors name anywhere in that article or this website.
Hi James – first, thanks for your feedback. It really helps to keep me going.
No, there’s no full name here, although my first name is Chris. It’s about God, not me – that’s one of the reasons I don’t give a name.
To me, the more important part is how I got here. I suppose I should really put together something on that. Right now, it’s pretty much spread out all over the place. Anyway, after I retired I have so much more time to study, reflect, write, and teach a reflective/application Bible study at the church I attend. While we’re all unique, many of the issues we deal with in life are common to other people. Then we have various responses to the things that come up in life. In the classes I lead, we find all sorts of things that we have in common even though we’re all different people. Looking at things in our life from God’s point of view – as opposed to our own wishes and desires – points out the similarities and the differences, and therefore also our uniqueness as a child of God.
Sorry to take so long to reply. I had COVID for 3 days, then it took about 2 months to recover from the bronchitis/pneumonia that followed.
Thanks and God bless you,
chris