Many of us were raised in a culture of reward and punishment. Included in that culture was our image of God as some Judge who measure outs rewards and punishments based on our conduct and even our innermost thoughts. If you were raised that way it is hard to let go of this image.
I regret to say that some organized religions used the image of God as a punisher and rewarder as a way to control their followers. People who hold or seek to obtain power have learned long ago that its much easier to control people around fear and hatred than love. Witness the current dialogue going on in presidential politics these days.
Lent prepares us for the coming of Jesus, and one thing I believe is that once Jesus entered the picture, the whole concept of a vindictive God was totally debunked. He told us to love our enemies, to forgive seventy times seven times, and taught the concept of unconditional love.
It is in our nature to be loving and forgiving, why would we ever consider that God was any less? Why would you engage in a dialogue during Lent with a God that is constantly judging our words and thoughts?
If there ever was a time to put aside any toxic image you have of God it is in the Lenten season, and when you do you will begin a mystical, transformative journey.
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