We live in a world where there are almost as many views on God as there are people who have them. These views, or the understanding we draw from them, come from what we read, what we hear and what we think about afterwards.
The bible, which is the source of most information about God (along with the Qur’an and Torah) are all written by men, with the imprimatur of divinity passed down through the ages.
We are told, that these are God’s words. But we know, that iterations of these books have been touched by man, time and time again. Rewritten, edited, and translated until … Well, until its source is based almost entirely on faith.
Who wrote these books? Who changed and edited them and why? We have found ancient books (through scrolls) that apparently were once part of the bible, but were removed. Who made those decisions and why?
If I gave you a code for an App, in its printed form that was 32 pages and then told you that it originally was 41 pages when I received it, you would naturally ask — what was removed and why did you remove it?
I could argue that it was unnecessary or unneeded or that it made the App less attractive, but why would you accept it on face value? Whose to say my edits improved the original or simply made my vision for the App more possible.
There are a long series of faith-based points that must be passed before we end up in a modern religious argument.
That there is a God.
That he did create Adam and Eve and all the rest.
That he did cast these two out of the garden.
That he did dictate the Bible to man.
That he did offer up his son. That Jesus was his name and that he died as described.
The list is actually much, much longer but this will suffice. By what I have read and understood over the years, it would seem that God created the “Game of Man”, partially for entertainment reasons. Otherwise why create flaws that distract and challenge within Man, and then condemn those that sin, when sin was obviously avoidable?
It seems to be a design flaw. But in God?
Religions exist to explain God’s will. To interpret the fine print.
I believe in God and in the universe at large. Religions on the other hand, are flawed, in that they all too frequently take on the view, passions and prejudices of those in charge.
It’s easy to say God spoke to me, while standing at the pulpit, and telling one’s followers what must be done next. But very difficult, when seated in the gallery, to disagree and be heard. It’s the way the rituals and protocols have been arranged.
I liked your story and your intent. Just my take on it.
