ARE PEOPLE REALLY "That" OFFENDED BY GOD?

[Agnes B. Levine]

While I was making final changes to my book last week, I was advised to change the word, "God" to "Higher Power."

The reason it was suggested was that people who do not believe in "God" would not be offended. Well, I thought my life ended as I looked around for lightening to strike this person. I decided I was standing uncomfortably close to this person, too, so I stepped back a step or ten! Smile.

Now, we entered into this discussion about using the word, "God" versus "Higher Power." I believe in God. I believe He is my Higher Power. I believe He is my Creator.

Now, my question was this: if people really wanted to read my collection of work and be inspired, would they pass over my book or toss it when I mentioned God. I mention God right from the start so it won't be a surprise to readers on page 150...

So, my friend stated that because everybody may not believe in "God" per se, he/she would be offended enough to not want the book if I am suggesting that "God" heals in any way, shape, or form. I say, "Not so."

I believe that even if I believed that a head of cabbage created me, and I stumbled across my book, I could read it and feel comfortable that the author might worship "God" and I could transfer that same belief system to my head of cabbage. Then I could continue to be inspired and informed without having any ill feelings.

Of course, if the book (any book) told me that I must convert my religious belief system in order to find value in the information, etc., that would be an altogether different story. I would probably toss the book or give it away to somebody I felt would accept that type of logic.

What do you think? I will tell you how I handled it a little later. (Smile)

Agnes B. Levine
Author of: "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206

[Joseph R Alila]

Ms Levine,
there is nothing offensive in calling God God. Calling God a Higher Power is like trying to call a spade a big spoon, but a spade is never a big spoon functionwise.
I know a few languages, and each has a word, a single word, for God! It is never a combination of words in those languages. Look, the President of a country is a higher power; our bosses at work are higher powers too. My wife is a higher power to whom I defer in every conversation.

JR

[Agnes B. Levine]

Hi Mr. Alila,

I could not agree with you more! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you invite me to be your friend, too.

Agnes

[Joseph R Alila]

Ms Levine,
you are most welcome.

[jackjames]

The debate over what is acceptable reading material has now added the question of whether teens should be reading the Twilight saga penned by Stephanie Meyer. Not since Harry Potter came onto the scene has a series of books caused quite as much of an uproar on the teen reading scene. Discussion of fantasy books always raises questions, whether written by J.K Rowling, C.S. Lewis, or J.R.R. Tolkien, the question of appropriateness for Christian teen audience seems to come up.

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