"Visions of God" is a search for the way to a satisfying and successful life. It finds the way modern people in the age of science can reach that goal. The search starts with a review and analysis of views of the nature of God found in ancient scriptures. It begins with the myth of Adam who walked and talked with God; continues by tracing the development of the idea of God in the stories of Moses, Jesus, and others; and concludes with the statements of a follower of Jesus who said, "God is light (truth)" and "God is love."
Combining knowledge of theology gained as a minister and missionary and analytical skills learned as a trial lawyer and law professor, Harold Fryday finds the underlying meaning for people today in the myths, metaphors, and hyperbole used so effectively by the ancient writers of the books in the Bible. Rather than ridicule ideas and verbal expressions not used today, looking at the context and the stage of history, he interprets these as steps in the development of a meaning for the term "God" that is useful to modern people. Properly understood the Bible is a rich source of spiritual values and practical advice for conducting our lives. Interpretation not rejection should be our approach to the Bible.
"Visions of God" is a message for people who are disenchanted with religion in any form. It speaks especially to all who struggle with the traditional teaching about God. It reaches out to all who have lost interest in the Bible, or other sacred scripture, and who cannot find relationship in a church, temple, or mosque. Also it will be thought-provoking for passive believers who believe without critical thinking the doctrines they have been taught.
The message is: it is not necessary to believe that God is an external being somewhere in the universe or a person who exists separate from humans, and it is not necessary to believe that the Bible requires irrational and blind belief in ideas that are scientifically impossible. The Bible, in the end, describes God as truth, love, and spirit. We cannot meet a God "out there". In the visions of our own minds we can experience God as the spirit of truth and love. The Bible challenges us to seek truth no matter where the search takes us, and to practice love of our neighbors and even love for our enemies.
The biblical writers were skilled story-tellers who used a variety of literary forms, including myths and metaphors, to give vivid expression to their answers to the question of how best to live in this world. From this large literary collection we call the Bible we can distill the messages of freedom, justice, compassion, and peace. These are all prominent in their writings. "Visions of God" seeks to rescue the Bible from literalism, fundamentalism, and millenarianism.
Our own vision should be a vision of truth and love. A commitment to the spirit of truth and love will lead to a satisfying and successful life. In this spirit we will work for freedom, justice, compassion and peace for all men.
