We are taught to believe

We are taught to believe in a jealous God who does favors to those who worship him, and hold them for those who don’t - God, that wants constant appreciations, favors, and sacrifices and wants to be worshipped all the time. We believe he showers blessings upon his favorite ones, or becomes angry and throws wrath upon those who disobey him.

Interestingly, some people even believe that they have the responsibility of ‘protecting God from his enemies’ and that it’s their duty to establish his rule over all people and bring the whole world under the control of “their God”. As if some of the worlds might be ruled by the other gods, the enemies of their own god.

If the whole universe is created and controlled by the ‘one supreme God’ - if he is all-powerful and omnipotent, then why does he need help from his faithful and obedient people to destroy his enemies and disobedient ones?  

It is said in the Bible that ‘God made man in His own image’.

We think, since we are his image, then he must be like us.

Therefore, this is how we perceive Him, but are these the qualities of a true, just, most merciful and loving God?   

We attribute man-like qualities to God because we cannot think beyond our own perceptions, and expectations. So we create and perceive a God in our own image.

In reality:

रूपु न रेख न रंगु किछु त्रिहु गुण ते प्रभ भिंन ॥

ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਰੇਖ ਨ ਰੰਗੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਗੁਣ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਿੰਨ ॥

 “Roop na raikh na rang kichh, Traih Gun tay Prabh bhinn”                                                                       (Sukhmani sahib) 

(God is beyond any form, shape or color, and any attributes or characteristics whatsoever)  

 "मूढ़ोअयम् नाभिजानाति लोको मामजमव्ययम् "

“Moodho Ayam Naabhi Janaati Loko Maamajmavayam”

      

The ignorant does not know that I (God) am beyond birth and death and without attributes)   

                                        ‘Bhagvad Gita’ (Chapter 8, Shlok 25)

The great Vedas proclaim Him as ‘Svayambhu’, one who is by Himself, without a second… neither created nor can be attributed to any worldly qualities.

‘Svayambhu’, in Gurubani is translated as ‘Saibhang’.

And also:

“Thaapeyaa na jaye, Keetaa na hoye

    Aapay aap Niranjan soye”              (Japuji Sahib)

Neither can be established, nor can be created,

He is simply - Himself.

               ‘Rajan Sachdeva’