A Few Questions About the Word of God

The Bible is said to be the Word of God -
a belief that many people regard with awe.
But I have several questions that I need to ask.
First, do I need to ask forgiveness for taking God to task?

I have no desire to offend anyone or say anything unsavory,
but is it the Word of God that there be no commandment against slavery?
I do not want to create division or schism, 
but why is there no commandment against racism?

Some years ago, a family member of mine was assaulted.
Many of us were in shock, with mouths agape,
which led me to ask why 
is there no commandment against rape?

When I asked this next question, the replies
were uncomfortably vague and obtuse.
Why is there no commandment
against child abuse?

And why, in the Old Testament, are there so many accounts depicted
of these horrific crimes being committed?
I refuse to accept the notion of a vengeful God,
but how could a divine being be so...flawed?

If I'm going to believe in God,
then I'm going to believe in one that's loving and forgiving;
but after years of church and Bible study,
I have to say that I have misgivings.

Nowadays, I am less religious and more spiritual,
coming as it does from observation - mostly empirical.
For me, faith is not a given. 
In my heart and mind, it is a constant struggle - 
a debate with much argument and rebuttal.

Through it all I continue to pray
hoping, anticipating, that the grey
clouds of doubt will lift
and the Creator will see that I do not go astray.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Vaso Avatar
April 19, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Very well said, sadly I am much more outspoken on the matter, more about humanity, not the 4200 god we invented!
Healey Avatar
April 20, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Thank you. Where I live (Newfoundland), religion is still a touchy subject and the scandals involving clergy years ago are still a deep wound on the psyche of the people here. When I was growing up, Newfoundland was very much a church-going society. Not anymore. In fact, one of the churches in St. John's has recently become a mosque. Times have certainly changed. Take care, Arthur. Regards, Jim
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