Mark Joseph: A Visit With Bill Lobdell, Author of Losing My Religion
August 13, 2009
For years Bill Lobdell covered religion for the Los Angeles Times and, sadly, if his experience is any guide, spending too much time poking around the underbelly of American religion can be lethal to one's faith. According to Bill, he saw too much and could no longer handle belief in a God who would allow so much evil to be perpetrated against other human beings, sometimes by religious leaders invoking the name of God.
Sounds like whining to me, but I am willing to listen.
Either God is or God is not and God's existence is neither enhanced nor negated by how people break the first commandment (taking the divine name in vain - which is what Lobdell is complaining about and which God anticipated - thus the command).
Nor is a God who has declared Himself to be long-suffering, slow to anger, and merciful to be judged for being what He is.
Yes, He allows sin, sinners, and false prophets until the great sortin' out morning. He said he would.
Mark Joseph says, "Bill asks compelling questions and all of us, whatever our beliefs, can learn from his experiences. In particular, I think religious leaders should pay careful attention to Bill and his book."
I agree. We should consider the questions and religious leaders should pay attention to what real and subliminal messages they are "putting out."
While I think Lobdell's logic and conclusions are faulty and flawed, I also believe that invoking the name of God to perpetuate evil is a far worse offense.