God vs. The Universe?

Who wins in this infamous debate?

Which one do we pray to?

To whom do we give thanks?

Or does it just come down to a religion vs. spirituality thing?

Here’s the thing: “God” has religious connotations, while “The Universe” is seen as a spiritual concept with no definition of race, gender, or entity. However to those who believe, both of these systems entail the definition of a creator in which they answer your requests, provide guidance, and are overall protectors. Growing up as black people, it is extremely common to be raised in Religion.

Our first introduction to an all-powerful being or force is through religion and to whom we referred to as God. The God we grew up knowing was one who “giveth and taketh away”. You Should fear HIM. Oh yeah, that God is a gendered God.

As an aside, historians claim that “God” was never present before slavery and colonization. Our ancestors believed in the creator(s), but they just referred to it as something else.

Here are six key differences between the two terms:

1. The concept of “God” is gendered as He and Him
2. The “Universe” is visualized and felt at a more feminine level.
3. “God” should be feared, according to religion.
4. The “Universe” promotes freedom and a deeper connection with it’s earthlings.
5. “God” is more religion-oriented, while the “Universe” is not connected to any religious doctrine.
6. The “Universe” is the physical place in which we live, while God is the controller of that Universe.

So once we adopt spirituality and let go of religion, do we adopt The Universe and drop God?

Not necessarily. The term “Universe” can also be unrelatable to some, and saying “God” doesn’t mean you are a religious fanatic either. It is not only religious people having issues with the use of the “Universe”, but some spiritual people have their hangups about “God” and get offended when they hear it.

Whether you are religious or spiritual, (or both), we have to respect each other.

At the end of the day, we are talking about the same being. The same being that provides us with our desires, the same being that hears our cries and knows our hearts.

However you refer to it, be comfortable and ensured that you are loved.

As said in the About page, I use these two words interchangeably on this platform.