Some Things You Probably Don’t Know About Adam But Should

In the last email, we left the newly created man (I will now call him “Adam”) standing in a garden in Eden alone – the garden of the god Yahweh. Adam is surrounded by trees that produce beautiful and appealing fruit. But, even though its fruit is beautiful too, Yahweh commanded Adam to not eat from one tree. The penalty for eating the forbidden fruit is death! Continue reading at --

https://mailchi.mp/2c2b155ceb60/some-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-adam-but-should

Treasures Most Bible Readers Cannot See

The Bible opens with two polar opposite stories about the creation of humans – but I could not see that for a very long time. I had been taught to read my Bible from an “authority first” perspective. “Authority first” is a very “religious” way of reading the Bible and in my religion it meant – submit, comply, obey and don’t question authority! For us, God was the highest authority of all and the leaders of our religion were God’s authorized agents, therefore “good Christians” were supposed to submit, comply, obey and not question God’s authorized agents either!!! Continue reading at --

https://mailchi.mp/e72e41a9bbe2/treasures-most-bible-readers-cannot-see

Why American Democracy Does Not Work for Citizens Today.

Educating people about Belief Systems is an important part of the TOV Center’s mission. Why?

Beliefs drive behaviors.

When beliefs change behaviors change.

If you were born before 1980 you know the way people behave in America has changed dramatically in your lifetime. However, very few people consider the changes in belief systems that produced those behavioral changes. Continue reading at --

https://mailchi.mp/d0f5379abcc0/why-american-democracy-does-not-work-for-citizens-today

Building a God Talk Vocabulary.

“God” is the “big elephant in the room” in many conversations and relationships. Everyone knows the elephant is there but no one talks about it – even though it is often a key factor in disagreements over some very important things. In order to have those conversations people need a “God Talk Vocabulary!”

https://mailchi.mp/d0d195350eed/building-a-god-talk-vocabulary

The Mystery of the Third Blessing

The first account in Genesis begins and ends with mysteries. The first mystery is that before the beginning, the unidentified god (the Creator), darkness and deep waters existed. The account ends with the second mystery -- Creator’s blessing of the Seventh Day. in the eyes of ancient readers the Seventh Day would have be seen as the most important of the seven days. Continue reading at -

https://mailchi.mp/551e162300c7/the-mystery-of-the-third-blessing

The Creator’s Vision for Human Lives and Societies

The blessing of the Creator reveals His vision for humanity – and He empowered humans to make that vision a reality. It is a vision (game plan) for “The Perfecting of Humanity.” Continue reading at -

https://mailchi.mp/08cf1630d21a/the-creators-vision-for-human-lives-and-societies

All Humans are Spiritual Equals

One group pictures themselves as people created from parts of a dead god. The other group views themselves as individuals with the presence of a living god. Which way do you view yourself? Read the complete email at –

https://mailchi.mp/ce16c2d9f9ea/all-humans-are-spiritual-equals