Rick Tryon

Death Row Letters: The Hiddenness of God

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This post was originally published on in April, 2025 and updated on November 22,2025.

Howdy, I trust all is well with you as you sit here on death row with the rest of us.

Someone recently asked me why an all-loving and all-powerful God would hide and allow for so many folks to doubt His existence.

The so called ‘hiddenness of God’, which has been debated in philosophical/theological discussions for a long time, raises the question of why God doesn’t just make His presence undeniably clear to everyone.

Do we ask why the clockmaker doesn’t show himself every time we look at a big, beautiful grandfather clock? Nope. Because the clock is proof of the clockmaker.

God isn’t hidden, you can see Him everywhere you look.

Psalm 19:1-2 – The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (KJV)

How can any intelligent person look at the creation and not see the Creator? So, no, God is not hidden – people who claim He is are in denial.

Romans 1:19-21 – Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Not only has God revealed Himself through the Book of Creation, He has also shown Himself perfectly through the written Word of God, the Bible, and in complete fullness by the Word made flesh, Jeshua our Messiah, the only begotten son of God.

Even so, I understand the argument: Why doesn’t God just do a bunch of magic tricks for everyone all the time so that they will see Him and love Him?

Well, part of the answer to that question is imbedded in the question itself. See if you can figure it out before our next little chat when we’ll dig a little deeper into the hiddenness of God.

Until then,
Your fellow death row occupant

God’s ‘Fine Tuning’ For Science Nerds

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It seems evident to me that the universe and our wonderful world couldn’t possibly be the result of random coincidence. True science points directly at a Creator. So does simple common sense.

Here are four examples of how God has fine tuned His creation.

The Strength of Gravity

  • Gravity is incredibly weak compared to other fundamental forces, but it is precisely the right strength to allow stars, planets, and galaxies to form.
  • If gravity were slightly stronger: stars would burn too quickly and violently; planets might not form.
  • If gravity were slightly weaker: matter would not clump together at all—no stars, no planets, no life.
    Why it looks fine-tuned: The allowable range for gravity is astonishingly narrow—changing it by even 1 part in 10⁶⁰ would make life impossible.

The Cosmological Constant (Dark Energy)

  • This constant determines the rate at which the universe expands.
  • If it were slightly larger: the universe would expand too fast for galaxies to form.
  • If it were slightly smaller or negative: the universe would collapse back on itself before life could develop.
    Why it looks fine-tuned: Physicists estimate it must be set within 1 part in 10¹²⁰—a precision so extreme it is often called the “single most finely tuned parameter” in physics.

The Ratio of Electromagnetic Force to Gravity

  • This ratio governs how atoms form and behave.
  • If electromagnetism were weaker: atoms wouldn’t hold together; chemistry as we know it wouldn’t exist.
  • If it were stronger: stars could not sustain stable nuclear reactions.
    Why it looks fine-tuned: The delicate balance between these forces allows stable atoms, long-lasting stars, and complex chemistry—all essential for life.

The Mass and Properties of the Proton, Neutron, and Electron

Life depends on an exact set of conditions in the subatomic world:

  • If the neutron’s mass were slightly different, atoms could not form stable nuclei.
  • If the electron’s charge or mass varied even slightly, chemical bonding would break down.
  • If the proton–neutron mass difference changed, stars would not produce the right elements for life (like carbon and oxygen).
    Why it looks fine-tuned: These values appear “just right” for complex chemistry to exist.

They Said It: Four Quotes On Leviticus

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Some interesting and insightful quotes about the third book of the Bible, Leviticus.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

“Leviticus teaches us that holiness is not an abstract concept but a way of life, shaping how we live, how we love, and how we treat one another.”
— Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the UK

John Calvin

“In Leviticus God shows that true worship must begin with atonement. Without reconciliation to God, nothing we do can be pleasing in His sight.”
— John Calvin, Reformer and theologian

N.T. Wright

“Leviticus forms the vital foundation for understanding Jesus’ work. Its sacrifices and purity codes point forward to the healing, forgiveness, and restoration He brings.”
— N.T. Wright, New Testament scholar and bishop

Matthew Henry

“Though many parts of Leviticus appear obscure to us, the whole book points to Christ, the true sacrifice and our great High Priest.”
— Matthew Henry, Bible commentator

Our Free Monthly Newsletter: What Is ‘Curious Fearless Faith’?

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  3. To examine and question the assumptions of religious tradition and provide a resource for information and inspiration for people of faith who have become dissatisfied with an increasingly lifeless and empty ‘churchianity’.
  4. To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.

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United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Denounces Trump’s Deportation Policies

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Catholics Denounce Trump’s Deportation Policies

Here’s a Grok summary of X (Twitter) posts on the topic.

On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a pastoral message and video in a 216-5 vote during their Baltimore assembly, criticizing the Trump-Vance administration’s mass deportation efforts and dehumanizing rhetoric. The statement, the first collective rebuke since 2013, addresses restricted pastoral access in detention centers, threats to sacred spaces, and a climate of fear among immigrants, while advocating for comprehensive immigration reform with safe legal pathways. Bishops from diverse backgrounds, including conservatives like Archbishops Alexander Sample and Salvatore J. Cordileone, emphasize human dignity rooted in Catholic teaching and stand in solidarity with immigrants amid escalating enforcement actions.

Here’s an excerpt from a Catholic News Agency article covering the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops decision.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) overwhelmingly voted to adopt a statement that opposes the indiscriminate mass deportation of immigrants who lack legal status and urged the government to uphold the dignity of migrants.
The bishops approved their special message on immigration at the 2025 Fall Plenary Assembly on Nov. 12. The motion passed with support from more than 95% of the American bishops who voted. It received 216 votes in favor, just five against, and only three abstentions.
“We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people,” the message emphasized.

Some Pushback

And here is an X post from conservative commentator Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) raising some very interesting points/questions worth considering regarding the USCCB statement and video message.

I don’t recall the bishops making any sort of video like this to condemn the Biden White House for supporting, funding, and facilitating the mass slaughter of children in the womb. I also can’t remember seeing any video with solemn condemnations of the Biden White House and its support for the castration and sexual mutilation of children. That’s in spite of the fact that Biden is actually “Catholic” and he was actively engaged in activities that are explicitly condemned as mortally sinful by the Church. Trump is neither Catholic nor is he doing anything, policy wise, that contradicts Church teaching. Deportations certainly do not. And yet the bishops suddenly find their voice and their courage for this issue. Very strange indeed.

My Take

Finally, a few stats and my brief thoughts on the subject.

During the two terms under the Obama administration, according to ICE and DHS data, from 2009 to 2016 the U.S. conducted roughly 3.06 million formal removals (i.e., deportation orders).

During his first term, according to The Independent, Trump’s administration carried out about 1.2 million “removals” (formal deportation orders) during his first term, and so far in this term, by September 2025, the Trump administration claimed 400,000 deportations since January.

Question: Did the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops denounce Obama’s deportation policies?

Answer: No — the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) did not issue a denunciation of Barack Obama’s deportation policies.

Follow-up question: Why not?

Bible Rebel: Curious Fearless Faith

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The Bible Rebel blog is a resource for those seeking original and curated content, including news and commentary, covering faith, biblical studies and interpretation, and the intersection of politics, culture, and the Bible.

Curious Fearless Faith

Curious faith asks questions. Fearless faith doesn’t blindly accept the religious status quo.

Is the Kingdom of God now, or future?

If Jesus Christ is God then isn’t Mary the mother of God?

Is the Christian’s destiny to die and ‘go to heaven’ – or to be transformed while alive or raised from death and corruption into the renewed and restored creation?

Our Mission

  1. To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
  2. To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
  3. To examine and question the assumptions of religious tradition and provide a resource for information and inspiration for people of faith who have become dissatisfied with an increasingly lifeless and empty ‘churchianity’.
  4. To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.

Contact us at in**@********el.com

Biblical Literacy: Sayings, Not Bible Verses

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Here are four common ‘old sayings’ that many folks mistakenly believe are bible verses. While these sayings may contain practical wisdom, and even reflect values taught by scripture generally, they are not inspired scripture.

“God helps those who help themselves.”

This one is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1736).

The Bible teaches dependence on God, not self-sufficiency (see Psalm 121:2, Proverbs 3:5–6). The phrase reflects a moral idea, but it’s not scriptural.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Popularized by John Wesley in a 1778 sermon.

While the Bible values purity of heart and spiritual cleanliness (James 4:8), it never equates physical cleanliness with godliness.

“This too shall pass.”

Likely from ancient Persian or Hebrew proverbs, but not found in Scripture.

The Bible expresses similar sentiments (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, Psalm 30:5), yet the phrase itself never appears.

“Money is the root of all evil.”

This one is a misquotation of 1 Timothy 6:10.

What the Bible actually says: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” The difference is crucial — Scripture warns against greed, not wealth itself.

Watchdog Alert: Mary As’Co-Redeemer” And More From The Catholics

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Photo via Julius Silvers, pexels.com

The third item below is interesting – apparently the Pope has decided that Mary, previously called the “Co-Redemptrix”, is no longer needed for the finished work of redemption and has been demoted to just the “Mother of the Faithful”.

Neither one of those titles is biblical, they are both the results of doctrines of men.

Investigation of a Spanish bishop

  • The Vatican has opened an investigation into Rafael Zornoza, bishop of the Diocese of Cádiz-Ceuta in Spain, following allegations of sexual abuse dating to the 1990s involving a teenage boy. Reuters
  • Zornoza denies the accusation, has suspended his duties, and pledged full cooperation. Reuters
  • This is significant because it is reportedly the first public case of a Spanish bishop being publicly known to be the subject of a Vatican‐level inquiry. Reuters.

Alleged antisemitic incident involving the Swiss Guard

  • The Vatican is investigating an alleged incident in which a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard reportedly made a contemptuous remark (“les juifs”) and a spitting gesture toward two Jewish women, during a papal audience on October 29. AP News
  • The guard denies the remark and accuses the women of lying; the investigation is still in its early stage. AP News
  • During the same audience the Pope reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to Catholic-Jewish relations and condemned antisemitism. AP News

Doctrinal Note clarifying Marian titles

  • The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), approved by the Pope, released a doctrinal note stating that the Virgin Mary should be referred to as “Mother of the Faithful” rather than the title “Co-Redemptrix.” Vatican News
  • The document also calls for special attention to the use of the expression “Mediatrix of all graces.” Vatican News

Appointment of a new Vice-Regent of the Pontifical Household

  • Edward Daniang Daleng, O.S.A., has been appointed by the Pope as the new Vice-Regent of the Pontifical Household. Vatican News
  • Paulina of Nigeria and an Augustinian religious background. (He had been procurator general of the Order of St. Augustine.) Catholic News Agency