Interview with Greg Espinosa
What the Church Does Not Want You to Know
Greg Espinosa
Cereb Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979757235
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/08)
Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to interview Greg Espinosa, who is here to talk about his new book “What the Church Does Not Want You to Know.”
Greg Espinosa is not a Theologian or Philosopher, by trade, and regular, everyday people can relate to his straightforward quest, described in his book. Greg is living his life guided by God’s love.
Tyler: Welcome, Greg. I’m happy you could join me today. To begin, will you tell us about your own religious background and what made you decide to write this book?
Greg: I was raised Catholic in my early childhood days, and in my 30’s I became a Christian.
While working in the salon that I owned, my customers would often see me writing while studying the Bible. They began asking me what I was writing. When I would briefly explain about my experiences, nearly every person explained that he or she had had the same bad experiences in their own churches.
Initially, all my studying and writing was for my own peace of mind and to confirm that spirituality is not about following a person who claims to be called from God to lead others. So I decided to write this book because I heard how so many others were going through the same hardships as my wife and I, and I heard so many people wonder whether they could love God on their own, without going through a church, and whether God would love them back. I had compassion for all these people whose stories I heard.
Tyler: Greg, I’m confused by your statement that you were a Catholic but then you became a Christian. Catholics are Christians. Can you explain more specifically what you mean by “I became a Christian” and what the process was for your changing denominations? Why did you leave the Catholic Church?
Greg: I was referring to being raised in a denomination such as Catholic, and then when I was in my late 20’s my Mom started going to a non-denominational church, which I started attending with her in my 30’s. And then I came to the realization that it is a personal relationship.
Tyler: Greg, in the book you talk about the “profit by guilt” that churches use. Will you explain what you mean by that?
Greg: Guilt is the backbone of the church. It keeps their congregations in bondage to their pay plans, their rules, and their regulations.
Tyler: Greg, when you refer to “the Church” whom do you actually mean?
Greg: When I am speaking about the church, I am referring to Organized Religion.
Tyler: Greg, could you enlighten us about why the churches focus on organized religion as opposed to people having a personal relationship with God? Do you know anything of the history of this situation?
Greg: There has been organized religion from the beginning of time, and God was never pleased with it. The Pharisees and Sadducees represented organized religion at the time of Christ in which Jesus preached against their teachings and hypocritical ways.
Tyler: What made you decide to go down this road of controversy and even publish a book stating your viewpoints?
Greg: God says that knowing Him is a free gift and that the Word of God is now sown in our hearts. So why do all these different religions say they need your money to share the Word of God? They say it because of their love for money. It is my hope that the simplicity of this book will help all to have a better understanding of religions and what they have created, and you will have the strength to live a life in freedom, outside the bondage of institutionalized religion.
Tyler: Have you received any response from members of organized religion—either ministers, priests, church communities, etc?
Greg: Since my book has not been released yet, I have not had a response. But I expect much feedback and realize that I will have people in agreement and disagreement.
Tyler: Greg, is it all about churches trying to control people over financial issues—such as tithing—or does the control go beyond money?
Greg: Money equals control, money equals recognition, and one thing most all churches have in common no matter what their belief, is the request of money.
Tyler: You talk about people being threatened with damnation by churches if they don’t attend services—do you really think this is intentionally for financial reasons, or are the church authorities themselves so used to this mindset they cannot see the absurdity of it?
Greg: I believe that it is a combination of both.
Tyler: Do you think your viewpoints about personal rather than organized religion are becoming more popular today, or are you still in the minority?
Greg: I believe they are becoming more evident today, but the problem is, people are still controlled by the organized religion’s teachings from the pulpit, and are in fear of stepping away, which is the foundation of my book.
Tyler: Let’s get back to your book specifically. Will you tell us about how it is organized or what major themes it covers?
Greg: This book covers 6 major themes:
- Freedom from any man’s or women’s rules and regulations allows you to receive God’s blessings through faith;
- Removing the burden of guilt and fear that churches create to maintain their authority and which prevents you from developing a relationship with God;
- Christ is the only mediator between man and God;
- A true , personal relationship with God is only possible through belief in God;
- The blessings of God cannot be purchased by your labor or your money; and
- God loves you and wants to bless you, but you must seek Him from your heart.
Tyler: Why did you decide to call the book “What the Church Doesn’t Want You to Know”? Can you share a couple of those things the Church doesn’t want us to know?
Greg: This book will give many readers an eye-opening revelation about churches, church leaders, and their own relationship with God.
Tyler: What would you recommend to people who are members of organized religions or congregations who are coming to feel the way you do about organized religion?
Greg: To read my book, “What the Church Does Not Want You to Know.”
Tyler: But then what is the next step?
Greg: That is up to each individual to choose for him or herself, and I am hoping that after reading my book, they will find the freedom to follow their hearts.
Tyler: How would you describe your relationship with God?
Greg: My relationship with God is personal and I put all of my trust in Him, to teach me and guide me on a daily basis.
Tyler: What do you think organized religion should do to come into the modern spiritual age and is there still a place for organized religion in our future—if so, what will that organized religion look like?
Greg: We are saved by Grace, not by works. Need I say more.
Tyler: But what do you mean by Grace—we often hear that but what does it really mean? Do we need to believe in Jesus as the Son of God to be saved? Do Hindus or other non-Christians go to Heaven? Is there anything that is required to get to Heaven?
Greg: Grace is God’s unmerited love for man, and only God knows each individual’s heart, so I cannot be the judge of that.
Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, Greg. Before we go, will you tell us about your website and what additional information we can find there about “What the Church Does Not Want You to Know”?
Greg: You can visit whatthechurchdoesnotwantyoutoknow.blogspot.com if you would like to converse and read other articles, or you can go to my website www.whatthechurchdoesnotwantyoutoknow.com to purchase my book and get more information.
Tyler: Thank you for the interview, Greg. I hope your book helps many people follow the brave path you have set out upon.
Greg: Thank you, Tyler.
