Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for September, 2025

Believing God Condemns Gays May Be The Worse False Belief About God!

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 30, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

Many rightly wonder if what Christian leaders claim about God is true. Who can blame them when God supposedly created a place such as Hell, to torture forever those who don’t believe in God a short time here on earth. I have written  here main beliefs that are drawing people away from God, though inclined to have a relationship.

Those who read my blogs often are probably sick of me ranting against those who condemn gays in God’s name according to the Bible. See God Loves Gays Many are open to more of a relationship with God, but not if Christian leaders keep implying being gay is a sin. That makes no sense to many of us who believe God can be known through one’s moral intuitions. Please stop with “God loves the sinner, but hates the sin.” God doesn’t hate the sin (gay) if being gay isn’t a sin!

Many believe God condemns gays because of a supposed inspired Book 

Many believe that God inspired biblical writers/editors to always be right about God, but inspiration can’t be proven. See here. So, if writers wrote God condemns gays according to the Bible, then Christians feel obligated to do the same. But, even if you believe God inspired biblical writers/editors to always be right about God, many may not know that biblical scholars who respect the Bible don’t interpret Scriptures to condemn gay monogamous relationships. See here. One’s interpretation may be wrong. Stay open-minded!

Why would anyone choose a lifestyle subject to rejection and abuse? I didn’t decide one day to be attracted to the opposite sex. Neither do gays decide to be attracted to the same sex. We can at least say science isn’t conclusive why we have desires for the same or opposite sex (Karen Keen, Scripture, Ethics And The Possibility Of Same-Sex Relationships, Chapter 7). It is a myth that sexual choices are always the result of some trauma or rebellion in our lives. If we don’t know why one has feelings for the same sex, why speculate or judge rather than love instead.

How can we know God then? 

What would you believe about God and gays if you didn’t have a Bible? It is a fair question. The majority of people born into this world didn’t possess a copy of the Bible or even heard of Jesus. I doubt a Creator would only communicate through such means. There are universal morals that most agree on such as don’t murder, don’t abuse, follow the golden rule, etc. Why wouldn’t a Creator create us to think like They do.

My moral intuitions tell me that God is not bias against females, people of color, or gays. Shouldn’t we choose the least harmful view? If you think there is a .0001% possibility that science proves sexual orientation isn’t a choice, why would we judge? Anyway, I am convinced the Bible is silent on monogamous same sex relationships, while supporting relationships that show love and concern for one another.

Why Christian leaders don’t change their views but must for the sake of God’s reputation 

There are several reasons many won’t change their views publicly. One reason as stated is because of one’s view of the Bible and their interpretation. Leaders and others who believe in an inspired Bible fail to recognize or admit their interpretation may be wrong. If they have to admit uncertainty, they may fear others will question their abilities to lead. Certainty is more comforting to many. If leaders and Christians admit they may be wrong about one belief for decades, they may think others will doubt their many other supposed inspired beliefs. I am not judging. I thought for a while my interpretations were always the correct one. See the sin of certainty

What now! 

Who chooses to be gay when one has to hide their sexuality because of bigotry and hostility? Science isn’t conclusive why we have desires for the same or opposite sex. I am begging you to not condemn gays because the Bible supposedly does. Christian leaders and laypeople – show some courage and change your stance. You may not agree with my interpretations, but let’s both admit our interpretations could be wrong.  Listen to each gay’s story and love them like you would want to be loved if you had the same journey. If we stopped condemning gays in God’s name, we would reveal more the loving God we believe in. I believe changing one’s false belief that God condemns one for being gay would move hundreds of thousands toward God.

*******

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like

Read Full Post »

Does God Really Take Us in Their Time – Charlie Kirk!

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on September 26, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

When Charlie Kirk was recently assassinated, it has been said or implied that God is somehow responsible for taking Charlie in his own time. The problem with this thought is that it dissolves others from evil and lays evil at the feet of God.

Why didn’t God intervene miraculously? 

It has been claimed that God supposedly intervene in saving Trump, but God didn’t save Corey Comperatore. Mr. Comperatore was the gentleman who shielded his family from being shot and was killed at the July 13 rally. Miracle proclamations only lead to implying God didn’t care to save his life for some unknown/mysterious reason. It implies God only cares to spare certain people from being murdered or raped but not others.  I doubt God’s love is so arbitrary.

Many Bible-folks assume God is all-powerful, which demands an answer to why God displays Their power or not. Why God acts arbitrarily isn’t easy to answer if God is truly loving, unless you always blame unanswered prayer due to one’s sins. Often, it is proclaimed God’s ways are higher than ours and God is working it all out for good. Tell that to a woman raped! Logically how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God cannot intervene single-handedly. Controlling love is an oxymoron. God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here. Therefore, God doesn’t determine when someone leaves this earth. It was not Charlie’s time to go.

Who is responsible for evil 

God isn’t responsible. Guns aren’t to blame. It’s the person who pulls the trigger. It takes time for police to show up. One trained and carrying a gun can often prevent more deaths or their own death. How do you keep bad guys from getting guns illegally. There too many guns to do an all-out ban. At least let’s have an open debate. Charlie Kirk was murdered in cold blood while encouraging conversations with students on a college campus who disagreed with him.

I think there is an overlooked cause in Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Whoever pulled the trigger is totally responsible. But, many morally or mentally challenged people are provoked. Many fan the flames of hate. Some polls suggest millions think political assassination is a solution to those you differ with. Where are such thoughts encouraged? False name-calling can provoke one thinking they are doing the world a favor of ridding of certain individuals. Kirk and others are called Nazis and compared to Hitler. Hitler was condemned for torturing millions of Jews. Is this really true of Mr. Kirk or anyone these days called Hitler? Why are people so afraid to debate and discuss their differences? That is all Charlie Kirk did on college campus. 

What is the solution going forward in such a divided nation?

  • I believe there is a spiritual solution. The world is surely a better place when more people are being influenced by a spiritual force that encourages the golden rule. I am inspired being a Jesus-follower who taught this action
  • We must respect freedom of speech. Censorship, unless one is citing violence toward another person or people, is not what a republic/democratic society is all above. We must become more open to discussing our differences. All Charlie did was go on campus to have discussions about different opinions. Why are people so opposed to debating their views, instead of trying to censor opinions? Censoring is what really is anti-democratic
  • Stop with name calling. One isn’t a heretic for having a different interpretation of the Bible than you. One isn’t a misinformer that questions your science or health views – truth in these arenas is a pursuit. It isn’t science if there isn’t debate. It was argued it was misformation to claim Covid vaccines didn’t stop infection and transmission. Hopefully, those who thought that have changed their minds. In politics stop with calling everything a conspiracy. Attack policies not people

*******

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like

Read Full Post »

Can We Stop Saying “Biblical Values” – What Are They Anyway?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on September 23, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

If you read my weekly Post you are probably tired of my harping on the Bible. The word Bible has occurred over a hundred times in the title of my Post in the past decade or so. See here. Honestly, I sometimes share some of the same content, just change the Post title to look at the topic asking a different question. Christian leaders assume to much when saying we as a nation or people should adhere to biblical values! We all don’t agree on what those values are when interpreting the Bible, and we shouldn’t push supposed principles on those who don’t have the same beliefs regarding God or the Bible.

 Where do our rights come from?

There is debate in the public arena where our rights come from. America Founders personal beliefs were that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The founders rebelled against the idea that our rights come from government or man, to avoid government overreach regarding freedom of religion, freedom of speech.

The truth is if there is a Creator, God or universal laws should be the same – rape is evil regardless. I would express it this way – Our right come from God/Creator or universal laws. It depends on if what your personal beliefs are in a Creator. Our Constitution does guarantee freedoms concerning religion, Government cannot restrict the press or rights of individual to speak freely. 

We must respect freedom of belief in our language toward others

It is often implied supposed biblical values are a mandate for all. The presence of so much evil in the world, without God’s interference, suggests God’s respect for freedom of belief. Force loved is an oxymoron. A relationship with God is an invitation. It can’t be genuine love unless there is the freedom to enter such a relationship. For leaders to suggest we are a Christian nation is to disregard individual freedom of belief. This seems to imply not mandating Ten Commandments for public display. This doesn’t lead to a lawless nation as there are universal moral principles all should believe in regardless whether contained in their holy book or not.

Truth is Christians don’t agree on what biblical values are

Christian leaders of companies or religious institutes often claim they are guided or adhere to biblical principles. This implies biblical understandings are agreed upon by all who follow the Bible, and non-followers have less than ideal morals. Ancient literature subject to human interpretation (you could be wrong) cannot be the definitive word on truth. Besides, it can’t be proven God inspired all written down about God in their cherished book. I’m not convinced the writers always understood God perfectly. See here.  Biblical scholars who respect Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible teaches about many moral values – women rights, gay condemnation, and the afterlife.  See here.  See here.  See here.

 What values can we agree on?

Common moral sense isn’t the enemy. Good and evil existed before any Holy Book came into play. Universal values include: kindness, goodness, thankfulness, self-control, love, etc. How are these just biblical principles? You don’t have to be a Christian or reader of the Bible to know those are simply humane principles. The problem is that supposed biblical values thrust on all are: spanking of children, capital punishment, that God condemns gays, that mutual submission in marriage isn’t biblical, etc. Biblical scholars don’t agree what the Bible teaches on these morals and others.  

No, truth isn’t determined just on feelings. A murderer or sexual predator cannot claim innocence because they felt their actions were justified. Laws aren’t possible if there aren’t differences between good and evil such as rape, physical abuse, etc. Some truth is self-evident.   

How to be together in a diverse world

Faith in God is a freedom or invitation not demand. That is how a God of love acts!. We can be respectful of others who believe differently. We don’t need to imply Truth only comes from one’s view of their Holy Book. I would personally share that my God only seeks to love you like you wish you were always able to love others. This is the God you can believe in to live a purposeful, meaningful live. I am a better friend, husband, father because of a belief in my God.

See further rants on the Bible here.

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like 

Read Full Post »

What Is That Too You

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on September 19, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

In John 21:22 Jesus said to Peter, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” When Jesus said this, he was talking about a specific person, yet I think this verse can also be talking about people today.

Many of us Christian people get caught up on what other people are doing, how other people live, what others think of us and how they interpret the Bible. We will try our best to change the views of others to match our own opinions, yet never dreaming that we could be wrong or that there may be more than one way of seeing things.

We get mad, argue and name-call with the best of them when someone disagrees with our views or how we think we are to live. It does not take long on social media to read posts and replies and see all the different views and opinions. It also does not take long to see the anger building up as people argue their point and condemn those who see things differently.

My thought is why do we spend so much time arguing, condemning, excluding and not accepting others?

Jesus came to earth to show us what the God was truly like, a God of love and acceptance. A God who can speak to people in different ways, a God who created us as unique individuals who act, think and live differently from others.

When we say we should love and accept people as they are, many get upset thinking we are saying we should go along with anything and say everything is acceptable. I am not saying that, but I am saying rather than judge, condemn and point out where we think others are wrong, we should love them with the love the Spirit gives us from within. Being kind, respectful and loving to others does not mean we agree on everything or condone everything someone does.

For some reason, many Christians feel it is their duty to point out where they feel others are wrong as a way to get people to change. People are not going to change because of condemnation and judgment. Love is what draws people and showing love to everyone is how we should be known as followers of Jesus. None of us should force our views and opinions on others.

Rather than be so caught up on what everyone else is doing and how others live, we should hear Jesus say ‘what is that to you? You follow me’.

We are to follow Jesus and do what we know is right for us. Let the other person have that same freedom to follow Jesus as they feel is right. The Spirit will convict where change is needed. It is the Spirit who draws people to God, it is not our job to judge, condemn or convict others.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus and follow in the path he has for us, we do not have to worry about what the other person is doing. That is between God and the other person. We are to follow Jesus by loving God and loving the other person even with the differences.

*******

Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

Read Full Post »

Where to Find Fellowship

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Ekklesia, Love of God, The church, tagged , , , , , on September 8, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

As Christians, fellowship is an obviously important part of living as a follower of Jesus. Fellowship with other believers should be encouraging and a time to build one another up. As Christians, we need one another for support.

When we hear about fellowship today, we usually think of church. Several churches even have the word fellowship in their name. According to the dictionary fellowship means friendly relationship; companionship; an association of persons having similar tastes, interests; friendliness.

I grew up in the organized church and thought for years I was having good fellowship every time I attended a Sunday morning service. As time went on, I began to question if we were actually enjoying good fellowship or not. If fellowship was a relationship or companionship with others, how was that being obtained by sitting in a pew every Sunday looking at the back of someone’s head? We never really showed much friendliness or companionship just sitting there and we never knew if the person in front or back of us had the same tastes or interests. How were we having fellowship when we just sat and listened to a select few run the program?

After my wife and I decided to leave the organization and live outside the walls of religion we wondered how we would find fellowship with others of similar tastes. Truthfully it did not take long. God started bringing people across our paths in places and at times we never expected.

We were sitting in a local cafe one morning relaxing and drinking our morning coffee when we noticed two men at the next table. One was a young long-haired rock group looking person talking with an older gentleman. We could not help but hear their conversation at times and we kept hearing them talking about God and life in Christ.

After some time of listening, we decided to politely ask about their conversation and found that the younger guy was in a Christian heavy metal band, had left the traditional church a few years ago and was living outside the walls of religion like us. This was an encouragement to us because it showed us that God will bring about people for fellowship any time and in any place.

We have met many people over the past several years as we walk on our path outside the walls who have similar tastes and interests. We have joined with people many times at restaurants, in our home, at parks and online for meaningful fellowship. Many times it has only been 3 to 5 people, but we have had so much more meaningful fellowship with others outside of traditional church than we did sitting in a typical service.

As written in 1 Corinthians 14:26, what then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. To my wife and me the church mentioned here is not a building of four walls with a select few people running the program on a set day and time. The Church is a community of Christ followers who have a friendly relationship and associate any day, any time, any place when Christ brings them together. It is a time to lift up Christ and his love, to encourage one another and to get to know the tastes and interests of each other.

Obviously, fellowship can also happen with people of different views and interests, different faiths or different lifestyles. We can be loving and accepting of all as we get to know and understand each other and treat each other with kindness, respect and friendliness.

Yet fellowship among believers is needed for us to be encouraged and built up. As mentioned in Hebrews 10:25, not forsaking our own assembling together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day drawing near. This verse in no way says we must assemble in a building with a set program on a set day or led by a select group of people. This verse just means as followers of Christ we need each other. We need time together getting to know one another, build one another up in Christ and live a life that shows the world the good news of the gospel, which is that God loves each and every one of us.

*******

Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

Read Full Post »

Which Religion Leads To Heaven?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , on September 1, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

We don’t know what happens after life here on earth. No one can claim the Bible, subject to fallible interpretation, has the definitive answer. We are free to speculate what a loving God might do.  There are certain beliefs Christians often declare that understandably are stumbling blocks for others wanting a relationship with God. We are told God is a hellish, sadistic torturer according to beliefs while here on earth, but even humans wouldn’t create Hell for their worse enemies. Hell is a myth. See here.  Another misbelief is that God condemns gays. I doubt it. See here. Another stumbling block is the claim that only Christians go to heaven because of certain beliefs.

Whatever you believe, I hope that we all can love one another despite our differences. Love should not require us to agree on everything

What did Jesus really say?

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). Did Jesus really mean God only saves those who accept Jesus? Keep in mind the majority of people born into this world have never heard of Jesus or had a Bible. This verse could easily be interpreted to mean Jesus’ way of life is the best path toward God. The path to God is through love. (See God After Deconstruction, Oord/Fuller Chapter 9). We Christians need to be less condemning and more open to God’s love and message to people of all religions.

What beliefs is required to get into Heaven?

Even Christians don’t all agree necessary beliefs for God to let you enter heaven after death. Christianity has thousands of denominations who have different beliefs. Interpretation of the Bible is not an infallible/exact science. Many agree to understand Jesus is to understand God. Jesus in his interactions didn’t seem to demand a certain prayer to repeat for salvation. Jesus in choosing disciples simply asked to follow him – Jesus’ path to love. The disciples didn’t believe many of Jesus’ claims until after his resurrection. If you saw someone come back from the dead, you might believe too.

Jesus came to advise how to start living here on earth, not what awaited in the afterlife, when asked how to have eternal life. He simply said to love God and your neighbor (Lk10:25-37). Jesus understood loving God leads to loving your neighbor. One, if so inclined, can ask for God’s help in living a meaningful life here on earth. See here for more of Jesus’ interactions with others. So, many agree on actions encouraged for a godly life. Please tell me you don’t believe killing infidels in this life, opposing freedom of beliefs, is godly. Neither did Jesus in the afterlife.

Don’t I have to least believe in God and Jesus’ resurrection?

God isn’t a God of chance! The majority of people born into this world never had a Bible? The truth is the majority of people accept or rebel against a certain religion based on the family born into whether it be Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. A child who was sexually abuse by their father may struggle to accept a God who is most often betrayed as our Father in Heaven. Do you really think a loving God is going to judge all based on their beliefs during a short time here on earth influenced by so many random factors?

I am not sure if Jesus was God in human form or God’s representative here on earth. Jesus did seem to have a lot in common what seems true about a loving God. I am convinced Jesus’ resurrection isn’t legend and has solid historical verification, but others may not. Jesus told followers He was coming back from the dead and they didn’t believe Him despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles beforehand. They only believed after seeing Jesus resurrected with their own eyes. I would like to think more of us if we witness a man or woman coming back from the grave, after killed on a cross, would believe in that person’s message. Don’t let doubts prevent taking steps toward God.

Isn’t God love and a  perfect parent’s love the same?

Your religion doesn’t matter here on earth. I am convinced those who enter heaven meet with God and a decision is made together. Want to live with God’s ways? You probably will be welcomed by God. God’s love surely is the same as supreme parents. Love gets excited when we do well and make a difference in the lives of others. God’s love anticipates, hopes for my success, believes in me, pulls for me even when failing, because I do the same for my children. God even loves doubters. Parents bring children into the world hoping their children freely reciprocate their love for authentic relationships. My kid can reject me all they want. When they express regret or beliefs in my ways whenever, I am all ears. Why would God’s love be any different?

Want to go to heaven. Start living now according to God’s ways. You will likely have fewer regrets in life after leaving this earth. Or take a chance your character won’t form here on earth and you do the unthinkable – when you meet God in the afterlife – you reject God’s ways.

There are good and bad religions

I am convinced Jesus of all people and prophets was the most like the true God. Decide from those who declare to be God’s messenger who is the most like a loving God. It should be investigated if Mohammed married a 6-year old and had intercourse when the child was 9. If true I am not following Mohammed. Jesus said “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Mt 18:6). Jesus’ message rings true to me of a prophet to follow. I reject any prophet or God who rejects freedom of beliefs while here on earth or be killed. God doesn’t even do that in the afterlife aka hell.

How can we proceed without required beliefs? 

Billions in the past have believed in the possibility of a Creator. They couldn’t all be lunatics. Do you want to be more “in” with God? I am not sure there is anything to lose in beginning a journey of faith if the desire is to live life with fewer regrets. Personally, the biggest reason for being a God-follower is the inspiration and encouragement I sense in striving to be a better human being. Give God’s influence in your life a chance if so inclined. Moral values aren’t just found in a supposed inspired Book. It is only intuitive that a Creator loves the ways their creations ought to love one another. We all seem to know the question we ought to ask ourselves – am I loving others perfectly? Or am I loving others like I want to be loved.

See link below for further Posts concerning the afterlife and who is going to heaven

Which Religion Leads To Heaven

*******

Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like 

Read Full Post »