A Simple Guide for Everyday People
Have you ever wondered why sometimes God feels distant? Maybe you’ve heard people say things like, “We’re separated from God,” or, “Our society has lost its way.” But what does that actually mean—especially when we talk about how our thinking, our beliefs, or even the politics around us can get in the way?
Let’s talk about it in plain language.
The Basics: What Is Separation from God?
At its heart, being separated from God isn’t about geography or physical distance. It’s about a kind of spiritual gap—a sense that something’s off between us and the source of all goodness, purpose, and love. Imagine you had a close friend, and then you got into an argument, or started believing rumors about them that weren’t true. Suddenly, things aren’t the same. There’s mistrust, confusion, and maybe even silence. Spiritual separation is a bit like that, but on a cosmic scale.
How Faulty Reasoning and Ideologies Contribute
What is faulty reasoning? In simple terms, it’s when we draw wrong conclusions or believe things that don’t hold up—maybe because they sound good, fit in with what we already want to believe, or just because everyone else says so. Sometimes, we can get so attached to our own ideas, traditions, or philosophies that we stop asking if they’re actually true.
Ideologies are big-picture systems of belief. They can be political, philosophical, cultural, or even religious. Some ideologies help us seek truth and justice, but others can take us in the wrong direction—especially if they put something else in the place where God belongs, or if they encourage us to ignore what’s right and good.
Politics can also play a role. When our political opinions or loyalty to a group become more important than seeking truth or loving others, they can become barriers between us and God.
Everyday Examples
· Maybe you hear, “As long as you’re a good person, nothing else matters,” and stop seeking deeper meaning or a relationship with God.
· Perhaps you put all your hope in a political party or leader, believing they’ll save you or solve all problems—when, deep down, that role belongs to God.
· Or you might get stuck in an “us vs. them” mentality, where people who disagree with your ideas are seen as enemies—not as fellow humans loved by God.
· Sometimes, we follow trends just because they’re popular, or let our opinions be shaped by social media or peer pressure, without pausing to ask, “Is this actually true? Is it good?”
Why Does This Separate Us from God?
When we let faulty reasoning or unhealthy ideologies take the driver’s seat, we gradually tune out the voice of God. It’s like putting up walls made out of opinions, pride, or fear. The more we rely on our own ideas—or those handed to us by a group—the less we seek guidance, wisdom, or truth from the source.
In religious language, this is sometimes called “idolatry”—putting something else in God’s place, even if it’s an idea or a cause. The Bible describes how people can become “darkened in their understanding” (Ephesians 4:18), not because they’re bad people, but because they’ve been led astray or stopped searching for truth.
What Does Separation Feel Like?
People describe it as:
· Feeling empty or restless, even when things are going well on the outside
· Experiencing confusion or being easily swayed by conflicting voices
· A sense of purposelessness, or chasing after things that don’t truly satisfy
· Divisions and hostility in relationships or society—more fighting, less understanding
· Difficulty finding lasting joy, peace, or hope
Are There Consequences?
The biggest consequence is missing out on the relationship, guidance, and joy that come from being close to God. When we’re separated—by ideas, politics, or just plain stubbornness—we can lose sight of what’s really important.
A society caught up in division, ideology, or endless debate often finds itself more anxious, fearful, and divided. People start seeing others as opponents, not neighbors. Compassion fades, and hope dries up.
On a personal level, we might feel like we’re searching for something we can’t quite name—trying to fill a hole with everything except what truly belongs there.
Can We Fix the Separation?
Yes. The good news is that separation doesn’t have to be the end of the story.
Steps Toward Reconnection
· Question your own thinking. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions. Is what I believe really true? Is it loving? Does it line up with deeper wisdom?
· Seek truth and humility. Be open to the possibility that you don’t have all the answers. Be willing to let go of ideas, positions, or loyalties that pull you away from goodness and love.
· Prioritize relationships over winning arguments. See other people as valuable, even when you disagree.
· Look to God. In Christian tradition, Jesus is seen as the bridge back to God. Through faith, humility, and repentance, the gap can be healed. Other traditions offer their own paths, but the goal is the same: to reconnect with what is true, good, and loving.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
Separation from God isn’t just a “church” issue or a problem for religious folks. It’s about all of us, and the ways we can lose our way—whether through stubbornness, false ideas, or misplaced loyalties. The invitation is to turn back, to ask honest questions, to look for truth, and to seek the relationship we’re made for.
If you’ve ever felt lost, restless, or divided from what’s good and true, you’re not alone. The path back starts with humility, openness, and a willingness to search for the source of meaning and love. In the end, that’s what brings us home.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 