What Is God Thinking?

10/14/2025

Spiritual Manipulation...
When They Use Religion and Cultural Beliefs to Manipulate You!

When you’ve been brought up in a household where you’re not taught to think for yourself, you develop ‘blind’ obedience. With blind obedience, there is an unquestioning compliance without critical thinking or moral consideration. When you see your parent as the second God, you will have no option but to listen to them because you see them as the gateway to ‘pleasing’ the lord.

In addition, the parent leveraged the African cultural aspect by asserting that failure to obey one’s mother would result in being cursed. Consider living with the constant fear of being cursed, not just for yourself but for all the generations that follow. In many African cultures, the weight of curses, particularly from parents or those who carried you in their belly for nine months, holds profound significance. Growing up in an atmosphere dominated by the fear of curses and the fear of hell, you may unknowingly subject yourself to various forms of abuse — be it verbal, sexual, physical, spiritual, or emotional — imposed by those who instilled these fears in you.

And as long as they’ve really manipulated you, it doesn’t matter if you have a huge physique, they will still control you. It’s just one instance of many but I am pretty sure, there are a lot of people who are going through this and they can’t really see a way out.

Fear and Guilt

The first thing they do is use fear and guilt. They make you really scared to stand up for yourself or challenge them or if you don’t obey them. They instill fears in you, like saying you’ll go to hell or be cursed. When they talk about “curses,” they mean punishments. They make you believe that if you resist, bad things will happen to you, like getting sick. All these negative thoughts in your head make you give in to their demands. You listen to them even when you realize the person manipulating you is mean and hurtful. You might see their jealousy and vengefulness, but because you’re afraid of being cursed or punished, you won’t stand up to them. That’s how they use fear to control you.

“Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” — Romans 13:2

We often see our parents, partner or our religious leaders from the point of authority and that means they can use a verse like that to assert that questioning or resisting authority (them), is similar to rebelling against God. This can create a sense of fear and guilt, discouraging you from challenging the established authority or challenging some of their actions even when you logically know that their actions are hurtful.

Isolation & Control of Information

The other aspect is isolation and control of information. Isolation, in this context, means that they will not allow you to meet other people or interact with individuals from different religions or even with other Christians who hold diverse perspectives. They will also not challenge you to ponder or study these things for yourself. They present themselves as the only key to salvation, asserting that you only have to listen to them. Thinking for yourself is not highly encouraged. The reason behind this is that when you engage with Christians or believers from different walks of life, it opens your mind and exposes you to alternative viewpoints even within the same religion.

They can also isolate you from other churches or believers by convincing you that theirs is the only right church or the only right religion. They assert things like, “This is the true Church,” to solidify the idea that they are the right authority. Once you are indoctrinated to believe that this is the only correct church or that they are the second God, you won’t even consider listening to someone else. You remain confined to that particular church because stepping out and exploring other churches might lead you to realize that your parents or priests were not entirely truthful. This deliberate isolation aims to keep you unquestioningly loyal to their teachings.

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” — 2 Corinthians 11:14

In a manipulative context, this verse could be twisted to suggest that alternative perspectives, differing beliefs within the church, or connections with individuals outside the church are deceptive and harmful. Manipulators may use this interpretation to isolate you from external influences, reinforcing their control over your beliefs and actions.

Challenging Isolation: Have you ever wondered why some Christians are in healthy relationships while others find themselves in abusive ones?

If you surround yourself with Christians in healthy relationships, you might begin to notice discrepancies and question the teachings of your parents or of your religious leaders. This is when you might start thinking that perhaps they are manipulating or using you. Does that make sense?

Prophecies and Predictions

Prophecies and predictions are other tools that your religious leader or parents may use to manipulate you. They might claim to have received a message from God, suggesting that certain events will unfold if you take specific actions. However, these prophecies often carry a negative connotation, emphasizing potential harm or undesirable outcomes. While occasionally they may present positive predictions, the underlying motive is to assert control. For instance, they may suggest that returning home will secure you a job or obeying them will bring your good fortune, playing on your desire for positive outcomes. This prophetic language is a manipulation tactic, making you believe that they possess special knowledge, leading you to trust and listen to them more.

When it comes to these prophecies, it’s a hit-and-miss situation. Sometimes, the predictions may seemingly ‘come’ true. However, due to confirmation bias, your mind tends to focus on the prophecies that align with reality, while those that do not materialize are often interpreted as a result of your repentance. Confirmation bias is a cognitive tendency to favor information that supports one’s existing beliefs or actions, reinforcing the notion that the prophecies are accurate and strengthening the influence of those making the predictions.

“But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.” — Jeremiah 28:9

Manipulators might twist this verse to suggest that their prophecies should be trusted and followed because, according to the verse, a true prophet’s predictions come true.

How Do You Break Free from This?

Breaking free from cultural and religious beliefs or manipulative influences can be an immensely challenging endeavor as these elements often feel deeply ingrained, similar to being a part of one’s DNA. The ultimate mindset is of course the point where you start thinking for yourself or questioning everything. But that may really way above or way beyond especially when you’re deeply afraid of what will happen or when you’re really deep in it.

Think For Yourself:

So, the best place to start is to think for yourself within the same-same religion or culture. For example, if you are a Christian, you can ask why some Christians are in healthy relationships while you may be in an unhealthy one. Start small by challenging these thoughts. When you’re dealing with someone who is verbally or emotionally abusive and you can’t see beyond them or beyond that box, open your bible and find verses that counter their hurtful ways. There are a number of verses which encourage you to walk away from spiritual manipulators and spiritual narcissists and encourage you to take care of yourself. You’ve not paid keen attention because the manipulator has always been the sole proprietor of religious information and they never encourage you to read for yourself. Some good examples are:-

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” — Proverbs 22:24–25

This simple verse suggests the importance of avoiding harmful associations to protect oneself from negative influences.

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’’ — 1 Corinthians 15:33

This is another verse underscores the influence of the company we keep. If a parent’s behavior or your partner’s behavior, in particular, is consistently harmful, distancing oneself might be a necessary step to preserve one’s well-being.

Those are just a few, I am sure you can find thousands of verses which encourage you to take care of yourself, keep healthy boundaries. Once you challenge or find these, use them as your counter-references especially when someone wants to use your religion to manipulate you or to basically harm you.

Expose Yourself To Different Churches/Cultures/Religions

The other thing you can do is expose yourself to different churches, cultures, or even different religions, and interact with non-believers. Spiritual manipulators often thrive on isolating you within a narrow belief system, controlling the flow of information, and instilling fear of exploring alternatives. However, when you interact with different people who are still human beings like you, you will get to understand or see life from a different perspective, away from the box you’re confined in.

This may allow you to critically evaluate your deeply-held beliefs and discern if they are supportive or manipulative. You will meet Christians who’ve left abusive relationships and are still believers, and probably their faith has even deepened. You will meet people from the same culture who are not afraid of cultural beliefs and have even been ostracized by their community, but they are still leading happy lives. You will encounter atheists who have never prayed a single day in their lives, yet they are successful, and they have not been plagued by significant misfortune, despite being non-believers. When you expose yourself to diverse cultures and different people, you’re able to see what’s possible for you, and it’s not the end of the world if you challenge that which is holding you back. It’s actually the best antidote to spiritual manipulation and the gateway to opening your heart to probably ‘true’ spirituality.

Spiritual manipulation limits your ability to think for yourself. The danger is in accepting these things as facts without questioning them. As long as your thinking is limited to a specific box, there’s a high chance you are being manipulated or you’ll be prone to manipulation. Break free by questioning and challenging everything. Challenge the fear and guilt they instill in you. Challenge the isolation they impose. Challenge the prophetic messages they claim to receive. And challenge the controlled information they feed you.

It’s challenging, but you have to break free from that box to live a more authentic life. Your God would not want you to suffer or be in tears. Your God would probably want you to explore and live a fulfilling life. So, think outside the box, challenge everything, and explore different perspectives. Visit different churches if you feel stuck. Break out of the monotony and realize that maybe no one knows it all. It’s challenging, but you have to get rid of that box for you to truly live.

Finally, it’s crucial to recognize that the messenger’s true nature influences how a message is conveyed. If the messenger is selfish, hateful, or vengeful, their message will likely reflect those qualities. Moreover, if the interpreter (you) carries deep-seated pain or harbors feelings of vengeance and resentment due to past experiences, you may absorb more of the negative aspects from the scriptures or interpret your religious teachings with cynicism. However, when your heart is pure and free from such burdens, you will find joy in your beliefs. The key lies in cleansing yourself by letting go of past pain, enabling you to move away from those who seek to manipulate you through your beliefs.

Written by Edwin Bii

04/08/2025

SUPERFICIAL FAITH:

Superficial faith, in a religious context, refers to a belief that lacks depth, sincerity, or genuine commitment, often characterized by an outward appearance of religiosity without a true, transformative relationship with the divine.

Lack of Depth and Sincerity:
Superficial faith is characterized by a shallow commitment to religious practices or beliefs, without a genuine understanding or internalization of the teachings.

Outward Appearance vs. Inner Reality:
It often involves engaging in religious rituals or activities without a corresponding depth of belief or commitment to living out the teachings.

Conforming to Societal Norms:
Superficial faith can be driven by a desire to conform to societal expectations or seek personal comfort rather than pursuing genuine spiritual growth and transformation.

Examples of Superficial Faith:

Participating in religious services or sacraments without a deep personal connection to the faith.

Engaging in charitable acts without a genuine desire to serve others or follow the teachings of the faith.

Having a faith that is easily swayed by external factors or challenges, rather than being rooted in a strong, personal relationship with God.

Scriptural Perspective:
The concept of superficial faith is a concern addressed throughout scripture, urging believers to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.

Distinction from Genuine Faith:
Genuine faith involves a deep, personal commitment to the teachings of the faith, a desire to live according to those teachings, and a transformative relationship with the divine.

04/04/2025

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Christian Nationalism...

What is Christian Nationalism? Maybe this is a tired question, and you’re weary of reading about the topic. But in some ways, our perspective on the issue is clearer now than it was in the weeks and months and years since the phrase came into the national spotlight. The dust has somewhat settled, and the time for hot takes has ended.

“Christian Nationalism” has become a junk box into which everyone piles his own conceptions. But it’s not monolithic. Three dominant perspectives on Christian Nationalism have arisen over the past several years. Some equate Christian Nationalism with rioting at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Others say it’s any attempt to enforce God’s law in a country. Others claim it’s advocating for Christian values on issues such as abortion. How you view the movement depends almost entirely on your circles.

To maintain the unity established by the Spirit, Christians must ask what a person means by a phrase before we jump to judgment. We want to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:9). We should hear out three different forms of Christian Nationalism and evaluate each one.

Although different Christian traditions view the church-state relationship dis-similarly, my analysis comes from a Baptist perspective. Baptists have long advocated for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Baptists have been wary of theo-nomy, but have supported governments instituted by God while engaging in political dissent as needed.

Good: Influence of Christianity in American Civil Life:

For some, Christian Nationalism simply means that Christianity has influenced and should continue to influence the nation. They argue America was founded on transcendent Christian principles. The Declaration of Independence affirms “all men are created equal” and “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Such a principle is worthy of Christian advocacy alongside a biblical view of issues like marriage, sexuality, and abortion. Our nation would be improved by affirming the goodness of natural law principles.

In the best sense, this form of Christian Nationalism doesn’t attempt to dominate the political process or to make the nation completely Christian but seeks instead to bring change by persuasion. Rather than trying to overthrow the government, adherents advocate their cause by supporting laws, electing candidates, podcasting, writing, and developing think tanks. They won’t force their opinions, but they also won’t back down from arguing for them.

Religion will always have a place in politics. Everyone has a “religion” she promotes. The best form of Christian Nationalism advocates for Christian principles just like secular nationalism advocates for secular principles.

If a Christian Nationalist is someone who believes that as citizens our views should influence our nation, then surely every Christian falls under that label. But this isn’t what most people mean by Christian Nationalism.

Bad: Fusion of Christianity and American Civil Life:

Some view Christian Nationalism as a fusion of Christianity with American civil life. Although this might not sound different from the above, a fusion means Christianity and American life should coalesce. The political process should be overhauled to serve God. The laws of the United States should be explicitly Christian.

The fusion view is flawed in at least three ways. First, it contradicts the Christian philosophy of witness. Christ’s kingdom is to be advocated by persuasion, not power. Conversion must be a free choice, not instituted by command—compelled by the Spirit rather than instituted by human law. According to John in Revelation, Christians follow Christ in his victory primarily by witnessing to the reign of Christ, not by enacting laws. We follow a politic of persuasion all the way down. Revelation 12:11 says we conquer by the “word of [our] testimony.” We imitate Christ’s victory through suffering. This is our main political witness. We conquer not by fighting the culture war but by embodying Jesus’s cross-shaped victory. His blood declares him the King of the universe, and our blood speaks to our solidarity with him. We continue to speak of and demonstrate Jesus’s cross in our own lives and so remain faithful in a pagan society.

Second, the fusion view doesn’t respect the temporal distinction between this age and the age to come. We live in the gap between Christ’s resurrection and his second coming. In this time, religious freedom, diversity, and pluralism are blessings to God’s people who wish to live a “peaceful and quiet life” (1 Tim. 2:2). In this age, we can’t institute or codify God’s law in totality. That day will come, but it will be done by Christ himself––the true King. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we point forward to the kingdom but never forget the age we inhabit. We live in the age of choice. God has honored humans enough to give them time to repent. This doesn’t mean neglecting the natural order God created for humanity’s good, but it also doesn’t mean seeking to establish the theocratic state.

Third, this form of Christian Nationalism goes against key features of the American experiment, mainly pluralism and religious liberty. The First Amendment of the Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Although America does have a distinctly Christian past, this form of Christian Nationalism overlooks the pluralism and religious liberty for which many founding fathers advocated. Eliminating all dissent might sound attractive, and it certainly would allow governing authorities to get things done more quickly. But squashing dissent violates human liberty, equality, and the vision of the founding fathers. It requires coercion of and change from those who dissent. If taken to its logical conclusion, this Nationalism undermines the foundation of a free society. Should such a fusion dominate American civil life, it would divide the nation rather than unify it. Uniformity in some aspects of national life isn’t all bad, but that must always exist beside diversity.

For all these reasons, this form of Christian Nationalism is non-biblical, idealistic, and philosophically unsound. Yet this view remains “bad” and not “ugly” because they’re not trying to overthrow the government. Our critiques of the fusion view, then, should sound different than our rebuke of a darker form of Christian Nationalism.

Ugly: Dominion of Christianity over American Civil Life:

Christian Nationalism can also turn ugly. It can become a cultural framework that idealizes and advocates for a fusion of Christianity with American civil life and does so by dominion. This is the type of Christian Nationalism exhibited by some on January 6. This is the complete conflation of God and country and advocating for it by force or violence when deemed necessary.

The critiques of the second position apply here as well, but the phrase “Christian Nationalism” is, at its core, a confusion of categories. Although we can affirm and even celebrate the role Christianity has played in America as a nation, America can’t ever be described as a “Christian nation.” No nation-state can be a Christian nation-state, because Christianity doesn’t work that way.

As Lee Camp and I have suggested, Christianity and nation-states are two vastly different entities. In terms of access, people enter Christianity by voluntary intention (faith and baptism) but usually enter nation-states by arbitrary historical accident (being born in the region). Geographically, Christianity is transnational and bounded by no lines, but all nation-states are defined by borders.

Nation-states defend their borders by using military might and building walls, but Christianity breaks down ethnic barriers and crosses borders to welcome all who repent and believe. Unlike nation-states where the citizens are largely monocultural, Christianity encourages diversity and multiformity.

Nation-states are interested in their own agendas, but Christians put others before themselves. Nation-states see their own shortcomings as not living up to their ideals and potential, but Christians recognize their shortcomings stem from their corrupt nature. The hope of nation-states is utopia by their own ingenuity, but Christianity says utopia will only be brought by another.

We can march and protest, but we don’t form mobs of destruction. We work to elect candidates of integrity and conviction, but we don’t harass public officials at town halls or school board meetings.

When Jesus was arrested, his disciples asked him, “Shall we strike with the sword?” (Luke 22:49). Then Peter struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). No biblical view of Christian political engagement can include violence as endorsed by the dominion view.

06/26/2024

Superficial Christianity…

06/21/2024

When the democracy of the United States is most at risk!

Project 2025, also known as the Presidential Transition Project, is a collection of conservative policy proposals from The Heritage Foundation to reshape the United States federal government in the event of a Republican Party victory in the 2024 presidential election.[2][3] Established in 2022, the....

02/03/2024

12/23/2022

Autocratic Governments:

Autocratic governments, also known as authoritarian or totalitarian regimes, are characterized by a concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler or small group of leaders, who wield complete control over the government and often restrict the rights and freedoms of their citizens. While autocratic governments may be able to maintain order and stability in the short term, they often struggle to address the complex challenges facing modern societies, and can be prone to abuse, corruption, and economic stagnation.

One major problem with autocratic governments is their lack of accountability. When all power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or small group of leaders, there is little to no checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. This can lead to widespread corruption, as those in power may use their positions for personal gain or to enrich their friends and allies. In some cases, autocratic rulers may even use their power to enrich themselves at the expense of their citizens, diverting public resources to their own benefit while neglecting the needs of the people.

Another problem with autocratic governments is their tendency to suppress dissent and restrict the rights and freedoms of their citizens. In order to maintain their grip on power, autocratic rulers often use various tactics, such as censorship, surveillance, and violence, to silence opposition and suppress any challenges to their authority. This can have a chilling effect on political discourse and stifle the development of civil society, making it difficult for citizens to express their views or organize to advocate for change.

In addition to these problems, autocratic governments often struggle to address the complex challenges facing modern societies. Without the input and participation of citizens and a wide range of stakeholders, autocratic regimes may lack the knowledge, expertise, and resources needed to effectively address social and economic issues. This can lead to a lack of innovation and progress, as well as a lack of responsiveness to the needs and concerns of the population.

Furthermore, autocratic governments may be more prone to economic stagnation, as they often lack the transparency and accountability necessary for a healthy business environment. This can discourage investment and entrepreneurship, leading to a lack of economic growth and opportunity.

In short, while autocratic governments may be able to maintain order and stability in the short term, they often struggle to address the complex challenges facing modern societies and can be prone to abuse, corruption, and economic stagnation. In order to address these problems, it is important for citizens to advocate for more accountable, democratic forms of government that respect the rights and freedoms of all individuals.

10/31/2022

The Man of Lawlessness
2Thessalonians

…10and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. 11 For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, 12in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.…

10/05/2022

CORRUPTION!

We define corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis.

Exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to account can only happen if we understand the way corruption works and the systems that enable it.

What is corruption?

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The Basics:

Corruption can take many forms, and can include behaviours like:

Public servants demanding or taking money or favours in exchange for services,
politicians misusing public money or granting public jobs or contracts to their sponsors, friends and families,
corporations bribing officials to get lucrative deals.
Corruption can happen anywhere: in business, government, the courts, the media, and in civil society, as well as across all sectors from health and education to infrastructure and sports.

Corruption can involve anyone: politicians, government officials, public servants, business people or members of the public.

Corruption happens in the shadows, often with the help of professional enablers such as bankers, lawyers, accountants and real estate agents, opaque financial systems and anonymous shell companies that allow corruption schemes to flourish and the corrupt to launder and hide their illicit wealth.

Corruption adapts to different contexts and changing circumstances. It can evolve in response to changes in rules, legislation and even technology.

The costs of corruption:

A collage illustration with scales of justice standing in balance. On the left side, a pile of dollar bills stands on the weighing plate. On the right side, a boy is sitting on the weighing plate.

Political costs:

Your freedom and rule of law.
A collage illustration of a Greek temple with four columns. On each columns are the words "judiciary", "executive", "legislature", "media". The triangular pediment of top of them features the word "democracy".
Social costs

Your participation and even your trust in government.

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Environmental costs:

Your chance for a healthy environment and a sustainable future.
A collage illustration of an urban scene. On the left side, in the foreground, is a single tree with a small bush. Between them, in the foreground, a windmill for wind energy stands tall. On the rightside, an hospital with an ambulance parked in front of its entrance. Between them, on the background, is a tall public housing building.

Economic costs:

Your opportunity to build and grow wealth.
To Fight Corruption, We Must Embrace Transparency

Transparency is all about knowing who, why, what, how and how much. It means shedding light on formal and informal rules, plans, processes and actions. Transparency helps us, the public, hold all power to account for the common good.

Seeking and receiving information is a human right that can act as a safeguard against corruption, and increase trust in decision makers and public institutions. However, transparency is not only about making information available, but ensuring it can be easily accessed, understood and used by citizens.

But transparency is only the first step to curbing corruption

We have learned from over twenty-five years of experience that corruption can only be kept in check if representatives from government, business and civil society work together for the common good.