Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for December, 2025

God is Like Jesus, Loving and Kind

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

by Jim Gordon

I grew up in the traditional church environment and followed the religious teachings and doctrines over the years. I have seen a lot of things that I now question and wonder why things were done that way.

Over the years, many of us have come to see God as super human being sitting on a huge throne up in heaven just waiting to punish us for our mistakes. We see God as being far away, impersonal, judgmental and many times as someone to fear.

Yet when we think about the life of Christ and know he was sent from God to show us what God is really like, we come to see God in a different way. When we read about how Jesus lived and treated people, we see him as loving, compassionate, kind and accepting. Jesus came to show us that God is the same way.

After Jesus left this life on earth God sent the Holy Spirit to live within us. Think about it, God in Spirit form lives within us and among us right now. God is not a super human being way up there somewhere far away, but is Spirit and is right here within us.

God is not out to get us and punish us every time we mess up. I think God gets a bad reputation from some of the writings in the Bible due to mistranslations, different word meanings and not understanding customs of the times. I believe men, although they were inspired by God, wrote down some of their personal views. Obviously, if you were inspired by someone to write a book you would still write it from your perspective. Anything man has a hand in is going to be flawed. The Bible, when combined with the leading of the Holy Spirit is purposeful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, and in guiding us to the living Word of God who is Jesus.

Rather than running around being afraid of God and waiting for the judgment of God to fall, look at Jesus and see that God is love. Whenever correction is needed it is only for our good and it is done in love. Just as a loving parent sometimes corrects their child. it is done in love and for the child’s own good. We are not waiting to be destroyed by a God who loves judgment and condemnation. We are living with a God who is love, who created us and who wants the best for us during our time on earth.

Stop being afraid of God and continue to seek fellowship with God. If you hear a pastor telling you that God is out to get you and that you had better shape up or else, get away from there and find brothers and sisters in Christ who will be encouragers and who will help build you up rather than condemn and scare you. Fear of judgment will not lead you into a loving relationship with God. Only true, godly love will be what draws us into fellowship with God. God is love. For those of us who are followers of Jesus we should also be known for our love. As Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Live a godly life by loving people. Rather than being known for judgment, condemnation, hatred and what you are against, show the love of God. Be kind to all people and be known for your love of your fellow human beings.

Jim Gordon and his wife left the institutional church after spending over fifty years within the system. Jim wanted a way to express his thoughts and concerns about the religious system and why he and his wife decided to leave the institution but not their faith in God. Jim can be contacted by email at: jimgordon731@gmail.com

Read Full Post »

Can God Really Do Miracles – Are Miracles In The Bible Literal?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on December 28, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

If God can really do miracles, why doesn’t a loving God do many more miracles rather than letting so many suffer? If God is truly all powerful, lack of more miracles is selective love. Let’s don’t imply one doesn’t have a miracle in their life from lack of faith or some sin in their life. Jesus according to the Bible would say no (Luke 13:1-5).

Maybe though God is a non-controlling, non-coercive God, thus power is limited. Maybe God can’t do miracles. This would explain the lack of miracles that would decrease so much suffering in the world. This leads to asking if recorded miracles in the Bible are literally true or to be understood metaphorically. A metaphor is not meant to be taken literally but to create vivid imagery or convey deeper meaning.  See below biblical examples.

I must confess I am influenced by my views of God

I am not one to question if miracles are possible, as many atheists do, since I believe in a Supreme God. But I can’t claim God is all-powerful because a God of freedom is a contradiction of an all-powerful God. Not even God can override free choices. If God can do miracles, why doesn’t God choose to stop so much suffering in the world, unless God can’t do miracles? Maybe God can’t do miracles without other factors involved?

One cannot deny Craig Keener’s scholarship on miracles as reliable reports exists all over the world of physical/literal miracles. I am not going to try to convince you to believe in miracles or not. But it is important to consider if miracles are possible because it can shape our views of God and God’s love. Most of us have asked God for a miracle in our life, even unbelievers.  Most would admit the answer usually has been “no.” I am defining a miracle as something supernatural such as a malignant tumor disappearing in one’s body without any possible medical explanation, or walking on water. Most miracles prayed for seem to defy natural laws. Let’s consider the Bible’s input. 

Why it may be important to believe miracles by God in the Bible aren’t literal?

One can believe in miracles, but the truth is lots or prayers for miracles aren’t answered. But, why does God seemingly display their power or not in a rather arbitrary fashion? Let’s reject thoughts such as unanswered prayer is due to one’s sins or one didn’t have enough faith. Even in the Bible the saint of all saints didn’t have his prayer answered for healing (2 Cor 12:1-10). It is written Paul was denied a miracle to avoid being conceited, but most of us would admit God hasn’t reveal to us God’s reason for denial. I would suggest avoiding thinking that God is trying to teach you a lesson, while hiding their reason. No loving parent or God act like that, if seeking a relationship.

God being all-loving and all-powerful are contradictions – Maybe God can’t do miracles. 

It is possible that many miracles in the Bible weren’t meant to be taken literally but to illustrate God’s love for righteousness than actual events. Thus, the writer isn’t lying.  Genesis talks about a magical tree of good and evil and talking snakes. A Global Flood could be a literary device to illustrate the destructiveness of human versus God’s ways. The same for the parting of the Red Sea. Maybe Jonah wasn’t really shallowed by a whale. The gullet of a whale is too small to swallow an adult. The gastric juices and lack of oxygen would not sustain human life for days such as Jonah writing a poem while inside the whale (Eric Seibert ). Was the writer trying to show God has a right to show compassion and Jonah’s misguided enthusiasm for the destruction of his enemies?

A possible explanation of biblical miracles feeding the 5000

“When Jesus feeds the multitudes with five loaves and two fish, the point isn’t the physics of multiplication. It’s a story about the nature of spiritual abundance. When shared freely, truth multiplies. When love is given, it expands. The fruits of the Spirit are not finite resources that run dry. They are gifts that are endlessly multiplied as we give them away. Once everyone has eaten their fill, twelve baskets remain; one for each tribe, one for each apostle, one for all who hunger. In other words, there’s always plenty to go around, and more left over for tomorrow. The message is that abundance is the law of love, not that an actual physical miracle took place.”

Giles gives many more examples how miracles can be interpreted metaphorical: The metaphorical miracles of Jesus

Every healing of blindness in the Gospels is a metaphor for spiritual sight. When Jesus walks on the sea, he walks upon the symbol of chaos itself. To the ancient mind, the sea represented the deep; the uncontrollable forces of nature, fear, and the unknown. Miracles maybe aren’t literal, but have a spiritual lesson involved.

God and miracles?

I prefer to assume God always desires to intervene miraculously if God can. I believe a better explanation for miracles is that various biological factors are involved such as cells and organs. If God doesn’t deny human freedom, it may not be a stretch to say God has to account for biological and natural freedom when it comes to miracles in nature. Perhaps miracles can happen when God’s uncontrolling love aligns with countless factors known and not known. God cannot intervene singlehandedly, but a loving God is dying to intervene miraculously whenever circumstances will allow. If God can do miracles, God is always wanting to do miracles, but is limited to do so based on God’s nature. Maybe miracles in the Bible weren’t meant to be understood literally.

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 »

Should We Forgive Others If The Guilty Don’t Confess Their Guilt?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on December 21, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

I am writing this to those who have experienced harm and their violator doesn’t acknowledge guilt. Also, to those who advise the victim “must” forgive to be right with God. There are different religious view on forgiveness – if one must confess or seek forgiveness before being forgiven from God or humans. Others suggest all should be forgiven even if one doesn’t profess guilt. Should we forgive others without expectations?

Many Christians assume the Bible teaches we must forgive without any expectations. The Bible can also be used to claim repentance is required. God does not forgive the rebellious (Josh. 24:19); “… if they repent forgive them” (Lk. 17:3). The Bible wasn’t meant to be a rules book to advise what every individual should do in their circumstances. “Turn the other cheek” is not meant for a domestic victim. One is free to forgive without expectations, but you have come to the right blog if a victim and you think certain expectations are important before forgiving a person.

Doesn’t God expect genuine regrets before getting into Heaven?

Many defend that the Bible claims you must always forgive no matter the circumstances. But those who defend easy forgiveness would not agree God forgives without acknowledging any wrongdoing. They would suggest you can’t enter Heaven without seeking forgiveness from God. The assumption is God expects and can discern if you are being genuine in repenting. Maybe even God has certain conditions or expectations if seeking forgiveness. Aren’t we supposed to imitate God?

I am suspicious of those that “just want to move on” 

A bully or abuser who doesn’t acknowledge their behaviors and just wants to move on is suspect. I have hurt others to know how I should go about asking for forgiveness. It isn’t about my feelings but the victim’s feelings. I don’t know why some guilty folks focus on their expectations and not their victim’s. The guilty obviously know they have done something wrong if asking for forgiveness. Those refusing to wrestle with expectations communicated by victims don’t acknowledge the seriousness of their actions.

Wrongdoing must be recognized 

If one is not held accountable for their wrongdoing, might they just do it again? Quick or easy forgiveness can allow a husband’s abusive behavior to continue. When a sexual abuser doesn’t openly acknowledge their actions, will they continue to abuse others? The guilty need to stop with excuses or blaming others. Those with the same upbringing or circumstances don’t always mistreat others. The guilty must take responsibility and accept steps a victim wants taken next. Amends should always be made by the guilty, to prove genuineness. 

Obviously, restitution isn’t always possible! 

Bad memories can’t be erased; positive memories robbed by the guilty can’t be restored. This is why certain relationships cannot always continue.  Those that have hurt others have no rights to insist on a future relationship. When restitution is possible, discussions are necessary from the victim’s viewpoint. 

To forgive or not! 

I would say to those who demand forgiveness no matter what – Does God really forgive those after death and entering God’s presence and they reject God’s invitation for a relationship.”? In my mind forgiveness isn’t really a discussion until the guilty acknowledge they need forgiveness. But for some forgiving despite lack of remorse can control bitterness. For others to forgive despite lack of remorse can cause feelings of further victimization and bitterness. We must stop guilting victims, according to the Bible, to forgive their violator no matter what. Those hurt must seek the mind of God what actions in relationship difficulties lead to your best interest in the long run in a world full of disappointments. You may discover God is emphatic!

Confession:

I experienced a brother lying to us siblings about family finances after my father’s death. He stole an inheritance my father intended for all equally. It ain’t me. All four siblings felt betrayed in the same way. This brother, who I was close to, denied any wrongdoing for gain for himself. We went to court and he had to make real estate sales undesired by him. It’s been a decade and I never felt the need/desire to forgive him, because he denied any wrongdoing. I didn’t harbor bitterness. I was just ready to move on. Only recently for some unknow reason, for the first time I silently forgave him without his confession. I am ready to forgive in person, I think, if he admits guilt and asks for forgiveness. I will have to discern if being genuine. Christian friends will say God forgives you. My counter – I have admitted to God I need forgiveness for my sins. To each his own and 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 »

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Lifestyles, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 17, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

For most of us here in the United States and around the world, Christmas is being celebrated on December 25. It is a time of excitement and goodwill toward others. Everyone is excited about buying gifts for others and giving gifts to their loved ones. We are all excited of the thought of receiving gifts also. For some, it is a time of religious celebrations, and for others, it is a time of family celebration and the enjoyment of being together.

Yet, just because Christmas seems so popular, we need to remember that there are several other holiday celebrations going on here in the states and around the world. Following are a few of the more known holiday celebrations going on during this time of year:

Christmas

For Christians, it is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus into our world. Many go to church and enjoy the story of Jesus being born to Mary and Joseph. We love to sing the familiar Christmas songs, enjoy the spirit of love during this season and tell everyone Merry Christmas.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights which begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so Hanukkah can fall anywhere from November 28th to December 26th. “This holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E.” People celebrate Hanukkah by lighting their menorahs, spinning dreidels and eating delicious foods!

Kwanzaa

In the United States, roughly five million people celebrate Kwanzaa each year! Kwanzaa is a seven-day holiday that celebrates African culture. It begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, there is a Kwanzaa Karamu, which is a big feast. Gifts of Kuumba (creativity) are given to loved ones. Kwanzaa is also celebrated through lighting the Kinara, performing and listening to traditional music and discussing African principles and history.

Winter Solstice

For Pagans, December means the holiday of Yule is coming! It falls on December 21st, which marks the winter solstice. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice celebrates the rebirth of the sun, because days get longer from this point.

Las Posadas

From December 16th through December 24th, Las Posadas is celebrated by some Hispanic families in the United States. It is a nine-day celebration before Christmas, beginning with a procession with candles, songs and sometimes even people playing the parts of Mary and Joseph who lead the parade. Every night of Las Posadas is celebrated with gifts, piñatas, song, parties, tamales and prayer.

Diwali

While this holiday falls a little bit before the rest, Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is a five-day long Hindu holiday celebrating life and the victory of good over evil. Taking place in October or November, each day of Diwali has a different legend it celebrates, but the holiday is filled with fireworks, feasts and family. The date of Diwali is determined based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days, beginning on the first day of the lunar new year. The 15th day of the new year is the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with a parade. The Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of Spring and is a time to be spent with family and loved ones, eating and enjoying time together.

So, this holiday season think outside of the Christmas box and appreciate a diversity of great holidays celebrated by others during this most wonderful time of the year. We here at Done with Religion hope that all of you enjoys this joyous season following the beliefs and traditions that you follow and enjoy. Happy Holidays to all.

*******

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 »

Can We Stop Saying “God Willing?

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on December 14, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

Those of who have a relationship with God desire for others to consider how such a relationship can benefit them in being more the person they desire to be deep down. Thus, we need to be concerned the influence on others the claims we make about God. It matters how God is portrayed thus perceived by others. I cringe when well-meaning people passionate about God say things like “it’s all part of God’s plan” or “this was God’s will.” Certain things we say can give wrong impressions about God. It is impossible to feel God cares when undeserved suffering visits our doorstep, and someone implies that such suffering is God’s desire or will. A fair question is “why you and not someone who deserves certain consequences for their immoral behavior.”

Many end their podcast, speech, etc. by saying “God willing” implying it is up to God if they show up again to do another podcast or event. Athletes suffer an injury on the field and imply it was God’s will. I don’t think suffering is ever God’s will. There may be consequences of actions that lead to positive change, but aren’t necessarily initiated by God. “God willing” implies God is in total control of life, death, events in future suggesting God is responsible for joys and our suffering.

God doesn’t determine life, death, or injury 

Biblical support is often given to claim God is in control of all events in our lives. It is sometimes suggested God caused Hezekiah’s death. In 2 Kings 20:1 and Isaiah 38:1, the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah: “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.” Actually, the Bible claims later God extended his life. And I will add fifteen years to your life.”(2 Kings 20:5–6). In the Old Testament prophetic announcements of death don’t necessarily mean that God actively causes death.

God isn’t responsible for your suffering

God doesn’t plan or control tragedies in your life. We don’t have to believe God is punishing us, that God has abandon us, or that God doesn’t care. God can’t be all powerful, thus controlling, and be loving. See What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?

God isn’t in complete control 

Perfect love is uncontrolling. It is intuitive to assume an all-powerful, almighty God has complete control. We sometimes assume God has total control when we say “why God” during suffering. It is often said that God has a plan for your life or everything happens for a reason. This implies God is responsible for tragedies in your life. I doubt that! See Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

What, no guarantees in life? 

Freedom cannot guarantee a pain free universe The best news is God isn’t controlling sufferings we experience in our lives. God wants us to truly feel free to pursue our own dreams without strings attached, unlike some earthly parents. God only desires to influence us to do all the good we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as we can. The future is open to God as well. God joins us in a true friendship by sharing our joys and sorrows in our journey to be the person we deep down desire to be. 

What can we say instead of “God willing”? 

We can always say God’s will is we never suffer. God suffers with us when we suffer. God is already doing all they can to love on us. I have been dealing with brain cancer. I am often asked how someone can pray for me. I am convinced God is in the healing business/love without being asked.  See Why Pray If Most Prayers Are Unanswered? I don’t get on my high horse and lecture others, but what I want to say for prayers: “God is already doing all they can for me in terms of my illness. Please pray I continue to reach out to God for influence, encouragement – whatever my circumstances – to keep my friendship with God alive.” So far so good, but I am early in my journey!

Can We Stop Saying “Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin”!

Can We Stop Saying Everything Happens For A Reason!

Can We Stop Saying We Know What Biblical Truths Are?

Can We Stop Saying Our Rights As A Nation Come From God?

Can We Stop Saying “Biblical Worldview”?

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 »

Why Pray If Most Prayers Are Unanswered?

Posted in Acceptance, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on December 7, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

There has been much discussion about prayer with the latest tragedies – Charlie Kirk’s assassination, children wounded and killed during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, etc. Why pray when God obviously doesn’t intervene with so much evil in the world.  Let’s be honest – are the majority of your prayers answered in the way you pray? It is important to understand two views on the purpose of prayer. Our mental view (unanswered prayers) of God determines the depth of our relationship with God and how you pray.

God can’t be all powerful and loving, thus controlling your suffering 

Some deal with unanswered prayer with the thought that God may say “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” depending on what aligns with His will and what’s ultimately best. I believe most would suggest God says no or wait A LOT. But maybe God can’t say yes though desires to do so. It is possible that God can’t be all-powerful, thus answer many prayers. Logically, how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power?  It’s not that we didn’t pray enough with the right words and behaviors so God will answer. God can’t make one’s partner willing to stop drinking without violating their freedom. God can’t interfere in a job matter without impacting all who are interviewing. What if two make the same request to God? Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help. See here.  God can’t just wave a magic wand. See:

Can And Does God Control Your Suffering?

Good News – God Can’t Be In Control!

Another view is that prayer is more relational 

God can’t physically interfere in evil or suffering without human help.  Maybe God’s answering prayer is not as arbitrary as it feels sometimes.  Prayer may be less about changing God’s mind and more transforming the person praying — deepening awareness, gratitude, and alignment with divine values. Some religions suggest prayer may be seen more as a means of cultivating spiritual connection rather than a request that an external deity fulfills specific wishes. The “answer” may come as insight, peace, strength, or changed circumstances, not necessarily the exact outcome you asked for. Prayer and meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and foster resilience. Prayer can be a way to stay connected to God — like keeping a friendship alive, less about giving God new information and more about sharing your heart. In this view, prayer isn’t trying to change God; it’s letting God change you — shaping your desires, calming your fears, and aligning you with love and wisdom. Prayer is talking to gain support not manipulating for gain. 

Relational prayer been a life-saver in my battle with brain cancer

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor April 2025. I don’t have to believe God caused my cancer for some hidden reason, or even that God allows my cancer – this suggests God can do something but doesn’t. We must come up with a better explanation that God simply allows – thus controls – evils but isn’t responsible for such evils. A God who can prevent evil but doesn’t is counter-intuitive to love. No loving parent or God sits idly by when they could prevent tragedies such as rape or murder. Are we to believe God doesn’t care, God is punishing us, or God has abandoned us and left us clueless about the grand plan? God doesn’t just allow your suffering!  See why-did-god-allow-this-cancerous-tumor-in-my-brain/

Final thoughts on prayer

  • Even when circumstances don’t change, prayer often changes how a person experiences them. People who pray regularly sense peace or clarity, greater compassion, a deeper trust that they are not alone in what they face.
  • God is always listening. God hates suffering and is always doing all they can to intervene. We don’t have to pray so God can take action. God is always loving on us.
  • In our suffering we don’t have to feel God doesn’t care or that God could do something and doesn’t. God knows and empathizes with us in our suffering. God obviously grieves due to all the evil in the world. God suffered when Jesus was crucified. God suggested through Jesus’ example and words what kind of life lived by all here on earth can make for a much grander world. God doesn’t derive pleasure by seeing us in pain but the unfortunate truth in a free world is suffering enables me to better help and influence others that our prosperous times don’t. Jesus’ miracles turn heads, but Jesus’ suffering changed the hearts of billions of followers.
  • We don’t have to assume God can answer our prayers but doesn’t for some unknown reason.
  • Prayer isn’t as complicated when we understand the challenges of running a universe where freedom exists. God can’t change one unwilling to change. God has the interest of all in mind. God can’t make one be a better parent if they have no desire to change. God can’t answer the prayer for both people asking for the same job.
  • We can also talk to God for self-examination, for sharing our concerns so to not feel along in a chaotic world. Seeking God’s influence in our lives can lead to making wiser choices. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom and other factors makes one’s suffering worse. God is tireless in working through individual lives to change the world.
  • Praying can remind us to offer help. God is an omnipresent Spirit. God already knows needs before spoken. It is easier sometimes to pray for someone rather than take cooperative actions with God. This may be the most common way that God answers prayers. Rather than praying your friend’s partner stop drinking, which is harming their family, see if your friend would rather you say something to their partner. When you know two friends are in conflict, speak to the one wrongly denying any wrongdoing. God always seeks our permission to use our lives to help others.
  • Prayer is more than asking for things. We can also talk to God for self-examination, for sharing our concerns so to not feel alone in a chaotic world. Seeking God’s influence in our lives can lead to making wiser choices. God is already doing all they can in a free world. Pretending God can simply heal without accounting for freedom makes one’s suffering worse. God is tireless in working through individual lives to change the world.

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 »

God Inspired Books Lead To Supposed Inspired Interpretations, Turning Others Away From God

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , on December 2, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

It should be obvious, but wasn’t to me early in my journey with God, that even if the Bible is inspired by God, our interpretations of the Bible are not inspired. It is rarely admitted that our interpretative views of God according to the Bible could be right or wrong. Some say God condemns gays according to the Bible, others interpret the same passages differently. Even if we could prove God inspired every word in the Bible (God controlling what writers thought and recorded), we should always question interpretations since biblical scholars interpret differently the same passages. Supposed inspired interpretations lead others away from God.

But when we don’t assume God inspired the Bible, interpretations are more likely to become discussions rather than definitive declarations about God.

Supposed inspired interpretations lead to violence

The challenge is many interpret their inspired Book as God being violent or advocating violence. This has led to imitating or justifying violence in the name of a perfect loving God. We can’t prove God controlled the writers’ thoughts to always understand God perfectly. We should always question if God really inspired the writers’ thoughts if contradictory of a loving God.

Many interpret the Quran or the Bible advocating killing Jews or condemning gays, because Allah or God supposedly approves such actions. Many don’t acknowledge their interpretation could be wrong. God supposedly orders Israel to commit hundreds of atrocities in the OT – “… put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys” (I Sam. 15:3). God’s possible justification of violence can lead to advocating capital punishment, blowing up abortion clinics, or unnecessary wars in the name of God.

Did God really “say” death for cursing, gathering sticks, etc.

When it comes to many of the laws, the OT claims God spoke these words (Exodus 20:1). Biblical writers rarely claim audible God-speak. “God said” recorded hundreds of times in the Bible is most likely a figure of speech expressing inner impressions or understandings about God – right or wrong. We can’t be sure the writers heard inner God’s voice correctly?

  • Did God really mandate whoever curses their parents be put to death (Ex. 21:17)?
  • Did God really mandate to death a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath (Num 15:32-36)?
  • Did God really require death for adultery (Lev 20:10)? That’s a lot of bodies today
  • Did God really command whoever does work on the Sabbath be put to death (Ex 31:15)?
  • Did God really command death for those who blaspheme the name of the Lord (Lev 24:16)?

See 9 Reasons To Not Trust The Bible’s Claims About God!

Inspired interpretations lead to wrong views of God 

Supposed inspired interpretations give the wrong image of God, thus turning others away from God. Ancient literature subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive word on truth. The truth is biblical scholars who have a deep respect for Scriptures don’t agree what the Bible says about hell, women, gays and other moral issues. See here.  See here. See here. Gays are often condemned, women’s leadership roles are limited despite their gifts, and infidels face a torturous afterlife – all declared to be true in God’s name. People often reject God because of such claims made about God.

We quit using our moral intuitions, therefore possible trusting wrong interpretations 

Many who claim that God inspired all written in the Bible to be true about God suggests we are made in God’s image. (Gen 1:27) If God is good, this suggests God created us with an inborn sense of good and evil. Self-evident rights aren’t hidden in the Bible or any Book. Even the Bible suggests we aren’t morally clueless. We are encouraged to be perfect like God (Mt. 5:48) or follow God’s example. (Eph 5:1). When we don’t assume God inspired the Bible, we are more likely to use common moral sense when interpreting the Bible. I admit my views could be wrong. 

What is the path forward? 

The Bible still can inspire useful thinking about God. The Bible is God’s story beginning with Israel and culminating with the life of Jesus that we don’t possess in other documents. God may have inspired/encouraged the writers to write but didn’t necessarily approve of everything written about God. When reading the Bible, contemplate what a loving God is really like. Enjoy what God is trying to reveal to you about your Creator and how to treat others. 

A Book must not replace our relationship with God and common moral sense. Questioning the Bible may lead to knowing God better! Interpretations about God’s love, that don’t match how you and most know you ought to love your neighbor, may be amiss. Consider how to go the extra mile.  Consider what actions might possibly lead to reconciliation or change in hearts if others open. The Bible is valuable because it suggests handling challenges from a spiritual than human perspective. How can we live a life of love and treating others like we want to be treated?

See previous posts on the Bible:  All Rants Against The Bible

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 »