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Who Created Whom? Part 1

Who Created Whom? Part 1

Over the next three weeks, you are in for a real treat—a three-part series exploring the origins of the most common view of God taught within Christianity and the world. And I am particularly excited, because I love to learn new things, gain new insights, and put more puzzle pieces together; and this series, written by a guest blogger, Dominic Rusu, does just that. I hope you also enjoy it. — Tim Jennings

An Exploration of the Origin of Our Favorite God

Part 1 of 3: Introduction

by Dominic Rusu

Did God Create Humanity—or Did We Create God?

Silly question, right? But in all seriousness, the answer depends on your view of God. And my answer to this question is yes. Both happened.

I certainly believe that God the Creator, Designer of our material existence, created humanity. But I also propose that the god of law and order—which is now firmly established in the mainstream theologies of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—was created by humanity and evolved as a result of the pressures of this sinful state of existence. This overpowering collective human desire for a divine lawgiver and arbiter of final justice came about as the direct result of the fall of man and the resulting state of sin.

There are two conflicting versions of divinity:

  1. The God of design law—the Creator of the cosmos
  2. The god of imposed law—a cosmic version of a Roman emperor

Design law is how reality works. We face natural consequences for not being in a state of at-one-ment with God. In this reality, justification and righteousness are both words describing our alignment with God’s design for humanity.

Design law is concerned with the internal condition of the heart—as Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21)—the moral condition of the character, the only thing we’ll take with us into the next world. This is why in the New Covenant, God writes His law upon our hearts and minds (Hebrews 8:10). In the debate about whether morality is absolute or relative, design law reveals that morality is absolute and unchanging, because the Creator God does not change, is always consistent, and it is His nature that serves as the very basis upon which life is built to operate.

Imposed law is entirely different. Structured entirely on the shifting nature of human desire and need, and wrongfully attributed to the Creator, imposed law is not concerned with the condition of our character. It is concerned only with controlling behavior. It is believed widely that externally enforced imposed law evolved for the common good, for the wellbeing of the collective in this broken world. As such, imposed law is all about the morality of deeds, our behavior, and not about individual wellbeing or character.

Morality of deeds is concerned with how our actions impact society as a whole, regardless of whether a crime targets an individual or the collective. The driving force of imposed law is to increase cooperation and decrease the chaos that inherently comes from being in a sinful state. Consequences for violating human imposed law are equally chaotic because humans and their laws are arbitrary; therefore, the punishments imposed by society are nothing like the natural consequences of violating design law, nor are such punishments about restoring an individual’s character to at-one-ment with the state.

Moreover, the morality of deeds in human law is constantly changing, subject to the biases, stresses, and challenges of a particular human culture. What is immoral and criminal in one society or period of history can become moral and legal in another place and time, regardless of its impact on the character. For example, consider how alcohol, tobacco, “illicit” drugs, euthanasia, and abortion are moral and legal in one society or period of history but immoral and illegal in another place or time.

How and Why?

In this three-part series, I will build the case that the greatest deception achieved by Satan has been convincing humanity to rely on their imposed laws to achieve their ends. He has done this by getting humanity to embrace a god-archetype based on the human desire to escape its fears and to survive: a divine king, lord, ruler, sovereign, monarch, and lawgiver—a cosmic imperial dictator who can bring order out of chaos through the rule of law. After the fall, our sinful state of existence made the emergence of the divine god-king inevitable.

In part 2, Sin “Creates” the Rule of Law, I’ll describe the adulteration of man’s view of God as Satan’s endgame. Manipulating humans through their misery, fear, and selfishness is merely a means to this end; it is not Satan’s ultimate objective. We think too highly of ourselves when we believe that Satan’s goal is to make us miserable. The ultimate attack is on the true God. His enemy uses our fear of non-existence and the chaos sin causes to drive our creation of the false god of law and order that replaces the Creator God in our hearts and minds.

I’ll also demonstrate how the state of sin, ushered into our world by Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve, became the most powerful creative force on this earth after the fall. Mankind has been so immersed in this creative force that, without a living connection to God, we had no choice but to create a god in our image.

We will trace the origins and refinement of law and order in human societies. To the worldly mind, the rule of law appears to have worked brilliantly for human survival and progress in this sinful existence. This is the reason many have a difficult time even seeing the deception of the counterfeit god of law and order. We are born into law and order just as we are born into sin. Thus, this critical cultural construct for survival is at the core of almost all human interaction.

In part 3, Christ Exposes the False God of Law and Order, I’ll describe how fallen humans have taken what works on this sinful earth (rule of law) and projected it onto God, replacing the Creator’s design-law kingdom with a divine dictatorship. I’ll make the case that this was not a human conspiracy but the inevitable result of fear and selfishness replacing love in the heart. This was precisely Satan’s plan from before the fall of man. And the “progress” that the Christian church has been made through the Reformation has completely ignored this corruption to the image of God.

We’ll also examine the significance of Christ’s life and demonstrate how this revelation was intended to shine a bright light on the corruption that had occurred within Jewish theology and warn about what was to come with the formation of the Roman church.

The Good News of the life of Christ is the clearest view of the true character of God and His use of power—how He governs. But even the revelation of His life was adulterated within a few hundred years by the church. Thus, the truth was covered up again with the god-king imagery. So while Christ’s life is indeed the good news, it is for very different reasons than what mainstream Christian theology teaches. The legal transaction view of salvation fits the god-king motif, but it is wrong, resulting in devastating eternal consequences.

The good news that Christ brought is the correct view about God, the Creator who is less concerned about the common good of our broken societies and the competition between cultures, tribes, and nations, and is primarily concerned with healing each of our individual characters.

This truth isn’t useful to earthly authority and power. Thus, the true character of God was conveniently cast aside and replaced with a god-king image—a cosmic warlord, a divine tribal leader, a “benevolent but just” ruler. This god, in its many forms across cultures, would be used to control human behavior for the purpose of survival in a broken world and to ensure that “justice” would be served—here on earth and eternally. Given our sin-addled intellects and emotions, this is exactly what we think we need, what we want, and what we have created.

Since my time as a member of the Come and Reason Ministries class, I’ve come to understand clearly the contrast between the two versions of God. But I have been continually dogged by the question of how it all came to pass. 

I now have my answer and in this three-part series I will share my conclusions with you, with the objective of exposing just how we created the rule-of-law god in our image.

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Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA