Love is Greater than an
Omnipotent “God”

By Sheri Pallas

We should continually measure our beliefs by love, not status, doctrine, nor clichés. Dogma should be focused on love, not fears, our ego, nor agendas.

The “Death of Omnipotence and the Birth of Amipotence” reveals personal and spiritual growth—growth from a god who allows babies to suffer from cancer but wins football games and opens parking spots.

Progressing from “He is in control” to “I am in control.”

Helping us to become more compassionate, instead of dismissing or justifying tragedies with, “We don’t know the ways of God.”

Growing spiritually, so that we ask, “What can I do to make this less tragic?”

The onus is on us. It is up to us to be the love that the world needs. It is up to us to spread God’s love, not to judge and convert others to a clique called “God.”

The love of God is the beauty of everything and in everything beautiful. Everything controlled, contained, condemned, and destructive is on us, not God.

I love that Oord challenges the belief in omnipotence and begs us to question reductive doctrines that justify atrocities. The teachings that exempt us from being accountable for our actions or inaction. The dogma that absolves us from walking in love. Attitudes that enable superiority, exclusion, and division. We should challenge those things because love does none of that.

The easiest way to decipher between human ignorance or agendas and divine teachings is to look and listen through the lens of love. When reading scripture or listening to teachings, replace the term used for “God” with “love.”

Love would not tell you to kill your disrespectful kids. (Deuteronomy 21:20-21)

Love would not tell you to conquer, rape, pillage, and then destroy your neighbor. (Deuteronomy—Joshua)

Love would not say, “An eye for an eye.” (Exodus 21:23–27)

Love is empathy: understanding, compassion, and forgiveness.

If “God” is anything but love, I have no use for “him.” He resembles someone I try to avoid.

We must all use discernment in our beliefs. We should continually measure them by love, not status, doctrine, or clichés. When dogma is not focused on love, it is (usually) based on fears, our ego, or agendas.

Sermons should be on how to love more. Church should include lessons on asking questions and if able, doing what is needed to resolve the suffering of the marginalized.

Questions like:

What enables your neighbor to thrive and feel valued?

What could I do to make their lives easier?

Love asks how it can help and then takes action. It does not question why or if they need it.

***

The only thing I have found that Oord and I do not align with is God’s form. But it is merely a difference of beliefs in a figure, not God’s purpose. Oord still believes that “God” has a physical form. I now believe that “God” is an energy, the energy of love.

Our entire existence comprises matter (physical) and energy (metaphysical). “Matter” is you, and your couch, TV, this book, the cup you are drinking from, and what is in it. Everything that has a physical form is “matter.”

In our Universe, all matter decays. All matter will one day collapse, disintegrate, and cease to exist. It is the way “God” has structured everything.

But energy transforms. It dictates the purpose of the object. Energy creates, flows, and expands. It cannot be destroyed, only realigned, or transformed. Energy is what gives everything life.

Believing that “God” is the energy of love makes us further accountable. If “God” is no longer a being, the onus is ultimately on us.

If the child is suffering, it is up to us to manifest all the love (of God) to support, comfort, and be there for the child and their family.

Is that not what Jesus would have done? Everything he did was to improve the lives of those around him. That was love!

He was feeding, healing, comforting, and even partying with everyone who crossed his path. He honored everyone he met.

Well, not everyone. He fought the unjust, powerful, and greedy who were using “God” to justify it all.

He protected the weak from the powerful, fed the hungry, chastised the persecutors, and cried because of loss. He always did something, never standing idly by.

Love is social justice.

Love is equality.

Love is empathy.

Love is action.

So, if we are walking in love, focused on the flourishing of others, and having the empathy to understand other’s humanity and struggles, we are walking with God.

I love that Oord continues to focus on that. Love for all. It is why we are here.

We just need to remember that.

Bio: Rev. Dr. Sheri Pallas focuses on dispelling the hate and exclusivity caused by religion, addressing misinformation, and healing religious trauma. She fights for the marginalized, disenfranchised, and abandoned. Now, love is her religion, peace is her intention, and social justice is her goal. Sheri hosts a weekly live stream, Fireside Creators, discussing tough topics and changing the world one conversation at a time.

OORD’S DRABBLE* RESPONSE

Sheri Pallas beautifully explains why divine love, not omnipotent control, should be the central focus when reflecting on God’s attributes. Her essay offers vivid examples of what love looks like and why starting with love is essential in theology. I was especially intrigued by her reflections on God and energy. While I believe God has an energetic aspect, I wouldn’t equate God entirely with energy. Instead, I see God as energizing creation through love, giving divine energy a moral, positive value. God also acts with intention, unlike energy as commonly understood. I’m deeply grateful to Sheri for her insightful contribution.

For more on Oord’s view on the primacy of love in God, see this blog article.

* A drabble is an essay exactly 100 words in length.