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How Can We Really Know What God Is Like?

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on March 18, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

I write a lot about this topic as I named my blog over 15 years ago  What God May Really Be Like  So I often revisit what God may really be like. I used the word “May” because I was countering dogmatism growing up in church. Who knows what God is really like unless God talks to you directly? I am claiming that if you are told something about God that goes against universal moral intuitions, question it – such as is a literal Hell real? There are many interpretations of the English word “Hell” in the Bible. Would a loving God really create a torturous afterlife place for unbelievers? Intuitively, the only God worth believing in must be perfectly loving and moral. We can only assume what love is by comparing to perfect human love.

God must be good intuitively! 

Many of us left organized religion, not God, because claims about God’s character was contrary to our deepest moral intuitions. It doesn’t make sense why a Creator wouldn’t love the same way we humans believe we were seemingly created by a Creator to love (aka goodness vs. evil). Even those who try to defend God’s violent ways in the Old Testament agree, or they wouldn’t attempt to rationalize why a supposed inspired/infallible Book by God reports bad actions contributed to God. We can’t always understand what perfect love is – to help a drug addict or let them hit bottom – but even the Bible assume we can understand God’s perfect love/goodness through human lens – “be perfect, as your heavenly God is perfect.” (Mt 5:48).

God can only be understood through “goodness” lens anyway

If God is bad or evil at times, we can only understand such actions by comparing/exploring what is good. If God was supposedly unloving, we can only pursue such knowledge by discussing what true love it. It seems we can only rely on human reasoning to decide what interpretation of the Bible is more likely, what are loving human actions toward others, or understanding what God’s love is like. 

How do we know what “good” is? 

Parents create/have children to be loved and teach how to love others. An existing Creator surely creates desiring to love and be loved. God surely love how we know parents should love their children. We all seem to know the question we ought to ask ourselves – am I loving others perfectly? That is how God loves. We know how we should love and how God loves – are you loving others like you want to be loved? We may not always be certain the most loving action, unless my son or son-in laws mistreat women!  There is a reason anyone who justifies selfishness is often friendless.

Our inborn sense of good and evil, not an ancient Book, tells us sexual abuse or murder is immoral. Self-evident morals aren’t hidden in any Holy Book If one thinks their Creator loves contrary to universal moral intuitions (should infidels be destroyed in this life?), it is because of their interpretation of a supposed inspired Book by their God. When there is debate about laws we must have discussions.

Surely, perfect human love is the same as Godly love

The only God worth believing in must be perfectly loving as opposed to in any way hateful. God’s love surely is the same as supreme parents – other-directed not self-consumed. Love gets excited when we do well and make a difference in the lives of others. Love anticipates, hopes for my success, believes in me, pulls for me even when failing, because I do the same for my children. We doubt God but God still loves. Parents bring children into the world hoping their children freely reciprocate their love for authentic relationships. Why would God be any different.

Why wouldn’t God be most like what our moral intuitions suggest? 

God’s goodness isn’t just according to the Bible!

Ancient literature is subject to interpretation. Even if the writers understood their God perfectly, which we can’t prove, we can’t claim our interpretations are perfect. The truth is biblical scholars who have a deep respect for the Bible don’t agree what God thinks about gays, women, hell, and other moral issues. See here. See here. See here.  Gays are supposedly condemned, women’s leadership roles are limited, despite their gifts and a fiery torturous afterlife awaits infidels – all in God’s name

A Book cannot be the sole determinate of what God is like since the same passages are subject to different interpretations. Also, the majority of people born in this world did not have a copy of the Bible. We are left to wonder how a Perfect God, the only God worth believing in, truly loves. 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 like I want to be loved. It isn’t presumptuous to imagine what a loving God is like through our moral consciences. See here.

 What was Jesus’ thoughts on God’s goodness or love? 

Many, including me, are convinced to understand Jesus is to understand God. It seems Jesus came to suggest salvation is a current life of love, not a future destination to avoid Hell. Jesus told the woman who had committed adultery: “go now, and leave your life of sin” (John 8). Where was Jesus’ evangelical spiel? Jesus was asked by a religious expert how to have eternal life. He simply said to love God and your neighbor (Lk.10:25-37), since loving God leads to loving others. Jesus confronted the religious who kept laws but didn’t follow Jesus with their heart. Godly love surely seeks to empower us to be the unselfish people we deep down desire to be for a better world. See here.

Goodness or Godly love is exactly the same!

The Bible doesn’t always describe God in perfect human moral terms, so may God-believers resort to suggesting God’s actions are sometimes a mystery. Believers assume God must be perfectly good so rationalizations are made, since they assume the entire Bible is approved/inspired by God, They must explain why the Bible reports God acting violently or destructively. See 9 Reasons To Not Trust The Bible’s Claims About God! But a Book can’t be the definitive word about God since subject to different interpretations, and we can’t prove God always controlled what the writers understood and wrote about God.  

How you imagine God’s love can determine how you relate to God

  • The truth is we can’t know definitely what an invisible God’s love is like. But the only God worth believing in loves perfectly. What is perfect love?
  • I propose we can know what God’s perfect love is like but imagining what a perfect parent’s is like. We can’t always know what perfect love is – whether to let an addict hit bottom or force them into rehabilitation – but only the guilty don’t know sexual abuse or domestic violence is evil.
  • If we think God is hard to please and pissed off about sin rather than what sin is doing to us, we may judge others just as harshly rather than showing patience and mercy
  • If God is really a warlike God according to the OT, we will use such behaviors to possibly justify going to war when we should
  • If God condemns gays, we will condemn gays out of devotion to God
  • If God thinks men have authority over women in some positions, that will filter down to your wives, daughters, and friends and stifle their gifts.

I’m convinced belief in a benevolent God, according to common moral intuitions, makes you kinder. We often treat others the way we think God treats us.  How has God’s threats of punishment helped you break away from bad habits or behaviors you long to change? I guess fear God if helps to avoid consequences of destructive actions. But if struggling and need encouragement and mercy, a loving God awaits with open arms. Grace or authoritativeness doesn’t guarantee change, but I believe we best change because of a friend’s or God’s love and acceptance. See It Matters If Your God Is Nurturing Or Authoritative!

Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. Mike also writes on his own site that can be found at What God May Really Be Like  He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com

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The Word of God

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, Word of God, tagged , , , , , on March 13, 2026|

by Michael Donahoe

When we talk about the Word of God, we usually think of the Bible.

If we say the Bible is just a book, people get all offended and ready to voice their opinion about the Bible being the Word of God.

Actually, I disagree with that thought. Based on John 1:1, the Word of God is Jesus. He is the true, living and inerrant Word of God. The Bible never says it is the Word of God or that it is inerrant.

So often, we Christians focus so much on the Bible that we forget we have the living Word of God inside of us. The Holy Spirit, who is God in spirit form, just as Jesus was God in human form, lives within us.

There is certainly nothing wrong with reading the Bible. Men were inspired to write what they thought about God, what they experienced in their search for God and what they saw as they followed Jesus. Through it we can learn from the past, we see the story of redemption throughout, we come to know the love God has for us and how God provided our salvation through Christ. We learn what pleases God and we come to know that it is only by grace that we are restored to fellowship with God.

The Bible teaches us the law and how we humans are completely unable to live a life pleasing to God through the law. The law was our tutor to bring us to realize that we need God’s grace through Christ.

The Bible teaches us of the freedom we now have in Christ and by that grace we can live a life pleasing to God. We learn that God is a Spirit of love and that God loves the world and wants to fellowship with us.

The part we need to get over is how we like to fight and argue over which version is the correct writings of the Bible. We need to remember that all versions of the Bible are only translations and man-made interpretations of what men thought about God and what they knew about God, yet all was given through inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

We need to focus on Jesus. Only Jesus is the true and living Word of God. When we focus on Jesus and listen for the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit within us, we will then hear and come to understand that the true and living Word of God is Jesus.

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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/

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Why Are People Pro-Israel?

Posted in christian living, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , on February 23, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

There are many reasons why people support strongly America’s defense of Israel as opposed to having the same fervent for other nations. There are moral, political, religious, and personal reasons. It’s rarely just one factor. Justice reasons may be because Israel has suffered so many injustices during the centuries including the holocaust and October 7th

Why might Christians support Israel for religious reasons?

One reason that concerns me the most is that many Christians and Jews support Israel based on interpretations of the Bible. Many Christians believe Israel plays a role in biblical prophecy and to not support them would be going against God’s future plan. Many do not admit that biblical experts don’t agree on the meaning of many passages that may or may not relate to future events. Many claim dogmatically that the Bible predicts future events such as what is happening in Israel currently and the end-times when Jesus returns down to earth. We all must admit there is no consensus of beliefs about prophecies in the Bible. I trust more those who admit their interpretation of ancient literature (Bible) could be wrong. I am not certain my views are correct.

I have claimed prophecy can’t be God knowing or predicting what happens in the future. God can’t know an undetermined future. It is likely prophecy is conditional to respect freedom. God warns what could happen if Israel rebels against God’s ways or to others that don’t respect God’s morality. See:  Does Prophecy In The Bible Really Predict The Future?

Foreign policy should not be guided by disputed theological interpretations/religiosity. Assumptions about biblical prophecy and Israel can lead to foreign policy decisions in God’s name that don’t fulfill God’s desires at all. Foreign policies should not be based on theological ideology based on complex interpretations of biblical prophecy. This doesn’t represent citizens who don’t share such theological beliefs and whether believers are into God or not. Shouldn’t a nation’s policy be based on the protection of all its citizens within a moral framework?

Why might many oppose support of Isreal or favor Israel?

I understand many may especially support Israel for important military and intelligence reasons. Those who oppose Israel support should consider for America’s own protection. Many people’s views are often shaped by the media they consume. We should consider all opinions. We must encourage healthy debate. I suspect many may oppose supporting Israel over America’s own citizens for financial reasons.  We have enough financial problems without giving so much money away to other nations. I have some sympathy for this. When I have a choice, I am going to protect and support my family financially over other families. I don’t think that is totally selfish. A family or nation is often more capable of aiding others because they are strong and united.

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

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How Can You Be Happy If Not With Loved Ones In Heaven?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Kingdom of God, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on February 15, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

Many believe only those who believe/follow God here on earth will make it to heaven in the afterlife. For contrarian views see: What Religion Leads To Heaven If you don’t believe all have a chance to be in heaven regardless of beliefs here on earth, then how can heaven be a happy place if unbelieving loved ones aren’t allowed in heaven.

At least you don’t have to worry about Hell 

One barrier to happiness is a belief held by many that there is a literal hell where God tortures those in the afterlife who don’t believe while here on earth. The only place one may get such an idea about a loving God is a supposed inspired book by God (Bible). The good news is that a literal hell is unlikely biblically speaking. You don’t have to worry about a loved one being kept alive to be tortured. God creating a literal Hell where people are tortured for billions of years for beliefs held a short time here on earth isn’t possible morally or biblically. See here. See here. Humans wouldn’t even create such a place for our enemies. God or humans can’t possibly be happy in heaven if loved ones are tormented after death forever. If God supposedly has such control over happiness, why not use the same power over rebelliousness?

And, all loved ones may go to heaven eventually even according to the Bible? 

Many may reject universalism because they believe the Bible teaches against it. Many who reject universalism often resort to name calling rather than defending their views – referring to those who reject their claims as heretics. What many may not know is there are many biblical scholars who believe the Bible can be interpreted to teach God saves all eventually. See: All Will End Up Heaven According To The Bible!

The main reason to think God doesn’t accept all in heaven when meeting their Creator is because the Bible supposedly says otherwise. Does God’s loving nature allow stopping to forgive? There are consequences in this life and there may be painful reckonings in the life to come, but a loving God can’t stop showing grace. Why would God undergo a complete character lobotomy after we take our last breath here on earth? Is a thief going to enter Paradise but not others with lesser sins because they weren’t next to Jesus hanging on a Cross right before their last breath? God’s grace doesn’t depend on whether one has more opportunities to respond to God than others. The Bible doesn’t rule out decisions after life here on earth. Even imperfect human parents wouldn’t cut off a child who eventually accepts responsibilities for their actions. Universalism is possible or even probably true because there can’t be a deadline or time limit on God’s love. There isn’t on my love for my children. Am I a better lover than God?  We are told to forgive our enemies as many times as necessary but God doesn’t?

Even the Bible doesn’t rule out decisions after death regarding one’s eternal destination

John 5:25 says that the dead will hear the voice of God and those who hear will live. Verse 29 says those who have done evil will be condemned but we do not know whether repentance will take place. Romans 14:11-12 says: “It is written: As surely as I live, says the Lord, “every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.” So then, we will all give an account of ourselves to God.” Why couldn’t some make a decision at Judgment? I Peter 3:18-20 speaks of Jesus preaching to those in Noah’s day who were disobedient. Preaching is normally for the opportunity to respond.  I Peter 4:6 goes on to say that the dead can live according to God’s spirit. Eternal decisions after death doesn’t diminish the blessings of changing here on earth. A perfect, merciful God can best decide when enough chances are given.

A loving God can’t be a God of chance!

A loving God wouldn’t only let Christians into heaven when the majority of people born into this world died without knowledge of Jesus the Christ. Besides, one’s religion or rebellion against a certain religion is often based on the family born into whether it is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. No human or spiritual parent brings children into the world requiring that one’s eternal destination is based on circumstances out of one’s control.

What about justice though?

The Bible talks about everyone, whether having faith here on earth or not, will be judged (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:12). Punishment doesn’t bring back a victim’s robbed memories of the future due to the murder of a loved one. Justice can be understanding your victim’s pain and accepting the harmfulness of your actions. After death God may seek for all to face every action of betrayal and how it felt to their victims. The cleansing and educative effect may take longer for some than others. Humans, like God may forgive their enemies if they truly regret their actions and seek forgiveness. Justice from a fair, merciful God is possible despite people being given a second chance after death.

Happiness in Heaven possible even if loved one not there

I supposed it is possible some may reject God and Heaven when meeting their Creator and chose final death. So, God may not be able to save all. But, if my loved one sees what God is really like meeting and still reject God, I can better except it is their choice than God rejecting them. I can better accept their death than forcing them to be in heaven is fair and I can be content with that decision.

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

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What Do You Tell A Child About Hell?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on February 8, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

Okay. My kids are nearing their 40s. What I wish I had said and now have a chance with my grandchildren.

I linked below my last two Posts written about hell.

12 Reasons To Believe Hell Is A Myth!

Why Hell Can’t Be True!

And a Site with several articles about Heaven:

What Religion Goes To Heaven

No one would think a loving God or caring parent would create a place to torture those who didn’t believe while a short time here on earth. Such pain serves no purpose. Most humans wouldn’t even treat their enemies that way. The only reason one may believe in Hell is because it is believed to be claimed to be real in a Book (Bible) that supposedly God inspired (controlled the writers having correct views of God written down). But it turns out the Bible can be interpreted to not believe Hell is a literal place. See articles above.

What I tell a young child about heaven and hell when they bring it up.

Heaven is a place everyone goes after death here on earth to be with God. See link above about Heaven. It case you don’t believe that, you tell your kid Santa Claus is real and surely you don’t believe that is true – overweight guy visits every house in the world in one night on a sled pulled by reindeers and goes down every chimney. You tell them they will always be safe flying, but you don’t know for sure their plane won’t crash.

I may ask a child what they have heard Hell is. I would tell a child Hell is not a literal place. It is sometimes mentioned in the Bible as a place people don’t believe in God’s or don’t want God’s influence- not treating others kindly or like you want to be treated. I tell adults Hell is a metaphor (There is a heavenly or hellish way to live life).

Parents – God’s influence in life is similar to the influence you hope to have in your kid’s life.

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

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Inclusion is Not a Bad Word

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Community, Love of God, tagged , , , , , on January 26, 2026|

by Michael Donahoe

Have you noticed how many people seem to only include their preferred group? They only include people who think like them, have similar interests and likes. If you think differently or have different views and opinions, people feel you should stay in your own group with like-minded people, but leave the other group alone.

We seem to find this attitude in every walk of life, but within organized religion or institutional church it seems even worse. We all should be accepting of people in general in our daily lives. Yet, we see this so often within Christianity with the wide variety of denominations and interpretations of the Bible.

When it comes to including people who we see as completely different from us, African-American, Native-American, White, LGBTQ, Atheist, Muslim, Jew and so on, we tend to want to keep each group separate. We think as believers in God we need to separate ourselves and not associate with those who see things differently. Why is it the word inclusion seems to make so many Christian people cringe?

Really, behind all the labels we put on people we are all basically the same, so why not associate and get to know people who we feel are different from us? We can learn from one another, get to know one another and find that we really are not all that different.

We see Jesus do this all the time when reading the gospels in the Bible. He did not differentiate people based on their religion, belief, lifestyle, sexuality or nationality. He did not separate himself from those who thought, believed and lived differently. He loved and accepted all people and showed them the love of God.

Obviously loving and accepting people does not mean total agreement, nor are we going to always get along in life and live happily ever after. Yet I believe it does mean treating others the same, with respect, kindness, acceptance and with the love of God through the power of the Spirit within.

Inclusion is not a bad word. It is not a bad or unholy way to live. Inclusion is about ALL of us. Inclusion is about living full lives – about learning to live together. It makes the world our classroom for a full life. Inclusion treasures diversity and builds community. It is about our abilities – our gifts and how to share them. Inclusion is the way of God and the way of showing the love of God to all we meet.

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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/

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Top Posts for 2025

Posted in christian living, Love of God, tagged , , on January 20, 2026|

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. In Posts I  often propose a question, which can paint one’s view of God. I try to keep a page length with bold subtitles. It concerns a question about God that I wish people would be willing to discuss about God, so they could draw their own conclusions than what many Christians claim to be true about God.

 Why Did God Allow This Cancerous Tumor In My Brain?

Getting Saved Isn’t About Going To Heaven Or Hell!

Hell No! Hell Is A Myth!

A Loving God Can’t Be All-Powerful!

Which Religion Leads To Heaven?

God Loves Gays!

Should Christians Always Forgive Those Who Deny Guilt?

What Can Good Marriages Do Even Better?

What May Be The Greatest Unknown Sin?

What About Miracles Prophesies – Book Review Impossible Love

If God is Real, Why Then Is God So Hidden?

What Is God’s Love Really Like?

Should We Assume The Bible Isn’t Inspired by God And Does It Matter – 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

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The Spirit Lives Within Us

Posted in Bible, christian living, Love of God, Word of God, tagged , , , , , on January 13, 2026|

the Spirit is Our Teacher and Guide

by Michael Donahoe

Growing up in the organized church, we were told that the Holy Spirit came to reside within us once we accepted Christ. We were also told that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we have no need that any man should teach us. Yet when it came to really emphasizing what that meant and how to hear the Spirit, the church seemed to have dropped the ball in that area.

We do not seem to hear a lot of teaching on what it means for the Spirit to live within us. We are not told how to listen for the Spirit and what are we actually supposed to be listening for. Jesus said that his sheep hear his voice, yet most of us were taught that his voice is really the words written in the Bible or spoken by the pastor.

We have heard it said that if it is not in the Bible it is not of God. We are told God only speaks to us through the written word, yet there are so many interpretations, various doctrines and so many verses that were written to a specific person or group of persons many years ago. These writings were often for a specific time period that no longer relates directly to us except as an example to learn about the nature of God.

I feel so much has been lost over the years from when the original writings were done. So many of the translations have changed the original meanings because of changes in times, customs, word meanings, traditions and such. Without the Spirit bringing to life the words we read, and through confirmation through the voice of the Spirit within, we are really left to our personal views and opinions and what others have told us the written word means.

The Bible is not God and it is not a god. The Bible was inspired by an infallible God yet written by very fallible men, men who were inspired yet wrote with their personal views and ways of writing. The Bible is about people trying to find, follow and fellowship with God and it teaches us ways to do that. The written word leads us to the Living Word, who is Jesus. ( read the article, In the Beginning Was the Word by Michael Clark ).

The Bible tells us that the Spirit now lives within us. Yet so often, even though we say it we do not act like we really believe it. Time and time again the Bible mentions we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we have the mind of Christ, the Spirit and the Kingdom are within you. And time and time again we seem to go right on thinking God is far away from us and all we can do is read from the Bible or have some pastor tell us what God is saying.

There are many people who say they speak for God, but they are nowhere close to being a godly example. It is easy to say God told me this or that, or say God told me to tell you something yet the person saying such things is only going on their personal feelings and interpretations. Anyone can say God told them this or that and they expect us to do what they say, but we need to listen to the Spirit for ourselves and listen for the confirmation from within as to what is of God and what is not.

I believe if God says the Spirit lives within us and we can hear his voice, then it is something not to be taken lightly. As followers of Christ, we can rely on the Spirit within us to teach us and guide us into the truth. We have to be listening and open to God to know the voice of the Spirit, but we can hear it and know it is from God. To say that we can only hear from God through the written word is to miss a more intimate fellowship with God.

Is the Bible to be ignored? Are we to stop reading the written word and only follow what we feel is the voice of the Spirit? No, both the written word and the Living Word that lives within us are important. The written word is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Yet without the Living Word bringing those words to life, it is just a book about humans trying to find God. We need to be listening for the quiet voice of the Spirit of Christ who actually lives within us for truth and guidance. Sometimes he will speak directly in our spirits, sometimes he will speak through his written word and sometimes through others.

Also remember that God is alive and the Spirit is within us. Do not think that God can only speak through one particular means. Yet do not jump at every voice you hear, make sure it is the voice of the Spirit. Although the Bible says we have the mind of Christ we also have the mind of Jim, or Mike or Betty. We are still human and need to be sure we are hearing from the Spirit of Christ and not our natural spirit. Still, Jesus said His sheep hear his voice, which to me says we can hear and know it is from God.

We also know that the Spirit can speak to one person one way and another person in a different way. Just because the Spirit is speaking to me does not mean he is telling you the same thing. Just because I hear the Spirit say something to me does not mean it is something that has to be announced to everyone. It may be that he is speaking to me for something I need to do or learn and it is not meant for others to hear.

My friend Michael Clark wrote about this topic and said in his article: Jesus is the Word of God! He speaks to those who are His sheep. They know His voice and will not follow the voices of strangers (read John Ch. 10). Yet, so many Christians have said to me, how can I know when Jesus is speaking to me? To many of them the answer is, unplug! You are listening to and reading too many teachers. Break this habit of heaping to yourself teachers who tickle your ears. Get alone with God until you start hearing His whispered voice. Talk with Him and let Him be your friend above all friends.

Just as we think of the church as a building with an organized program, it is so much more than that. The Church is a community of people daily following the Spirit and living in the kingdom of God during our life now. We think of the word of God as a book, yet the true and living Word of God is so much more than that. Jesus is the Living Word of God and we can hear the voice of the Spirit which is within us. We can hear his voice through the written word, but keep in mind that God speaks in more ways than one.

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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/

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Why Is Uncertainty About God A Good Thing?

Posted in christian living, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , , on January 11, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

I have written a great deal how I think certainty is the hidden sin among Christians. See: Sin-of-certainty Being so certain about God and what God is really like actually turns many off from God, not towards God. Convincing is the work of God, not humans. The truth is we can’t be certain God exists or there is an afterlife. But I still have faith and hope that God exists and there is an afterlife. Some say they have had a real experience with God to give them total confidence God exists. I don’t doubt them. Just that I and many others haven’t had such an experience.

Uncertainty promotes humility

Certainty about God can easily slide into “I fully understand the divine” which is a very big claim of an invisible God.  Uncertainty keeps us humble and reduces dogmatism and harm in relationships. Uncertainty allows people to say: “I believe, but I acknowledge the unanswered questions.”

Certainty has led to condemning gays, women, and unbelievers

Certainty of one’s interpretation of the Bible can lead to false claims about God’s nature. Hell is surely a message Christians get wrong. I am convinced a literal Hell is a biblical myth.  See here.  We can get wrong that God thinks women can’t serve in the same religious or marriage roles that men can. Another myth in my opinion. See here. Also, we get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. Another myth in my opinion. See here. People reject God based on claims about hell, women, or gays.  Even if you believe the entire Bible is inspired by God, we must admit our interpretations are not necessarily inspired by God.

Absolute certainty about God’s will has sometimes justified:

  • Violence
  • Religious coercion
  • Dehumanizing others

Uncertainty makes room for:

  • Listening instead of forcing
  • Compassion over control
  • Moral self-examination

Uncertainty allows faith to be chosen, not forced

Many thinkers say faith is meaningful because it isn’t certain.

  • If God were as obvious as gravity, belief would be automatic
  • Uncertainty allows belief to be a free response, not compulsion

This idea is sometimes called “faith as trust rather than proof.”

Uncertainly can allow one to become more loving

Some say the question becomes less “Am I correct?” and more “How can I become more loving?”

Uncertainty about God doesn’t mean:

  • No belief
  • No commitment
  • No spirituality

It can mean:

  • Belief held with humility
  • Faith practiced with compassion
  • Openness instead of rigidity

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

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Why Do People Reject That God Saves All To Heaven Eventually?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Kingdom of God, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 4, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

Universalism is a theological belief that God eventually saves all to go to heaven after death. Some may even experience open-mindedness in the afterlife after meeting their Creator. God never gives up. God’s love is relentless. This doesn’t mean some won’t reject God though it is hard to conceive some rejecting a perfect place such as heaven as opposed to death (Hell is a Myth, See here. ) It is hard to believe but possible that some people, even if they were given infinite chances in eternity, would still reject God forever. But universalism as least means all have final chances after meeting their Creator in the afterlife, to believe and accept God’s ways.

Why universalism makes godly sense 

Does God’s loving nature allow stopping to forgive? There are consequences in this life and there may be painful reckonings in the life to come, but a loving God can’t stop showing grace. Why would God undergo a complete character lobotomy after we take our last breath here on earth? Is a thief going to enter Paradise but not others with lesser sins because they weren’t next to Jesus hanging on a Cross right before their last breath? God’s grace doesn’t depend on whether one has more opportunities to respond to God than others. Even imperfect human parents wouldn’t cut off a child who eventually accepts responsibilities for their actions. Universalism is possible or even probably true because there can’t be a deadline or time limit on God’s love. There isn’t on my love for my children. Am I a better lover than God?  We are told to forgive our enemies as many times as necessary but God doesn’t? 

Universalism seems true even according to the Bible 

Many may reject universalism because they believe the Bible teaches against it. Many who reject universalism often resort to name calling rather than defending their views – referring to those who reject their claims as heretics. What many may not know is there are many biblical scholars who believe the Bible can be interpreted to teach God saves all eventually. See: All Will End Up Heaven According To The Bible!

Universalism seems true because Hell is a myth: 

Many who believe God exists agree God has given us moral intuitions to discern evil from good. We don’t need a Book to know sexual abuse or murder is wrong. God creating a literal Hell where people are tortured for billions of years for beliefs held a short time here on earth isn’t possible morally or biblically. See here. See here. Humans wouldn’t even create such a place for our enemies. God or humans can’t possibly be happy in heaven if loved ones are tormented after death forever. If God supposedly has such control over happiness, why not use the same power over rebelliousness?

Without Hell is there is a reason to consider faith in God here on earth? 

It is implied Hell/fear is necessary to want to follow God. The Bible seems to suggest God seeks to empower us to be the unselfish people we deep down desire to be, not to be fearful of a destiny to be tortured forever in the afterlife. Jesus sought to inspire others to seek God’s help in loving others for the good of the world. Jesus simply commended Zacchaeus for recognizing a journey necessary to avoid personal destruction because of sin. Salvation is not a future destination but a currently reality (Lk 19).  Jesus told the woman who had committed adultery not how to avoid hell but: “go now, and leave your life of sin” (John 8).  Why pursue God without fear? Surely a loving God seeks to encourage us to pursue heavenly than worldly ways here on earth for our own happiness.

What about Justice? 

The Bible talks about everyone, whether having faith here on earth or not, will be judged (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:12). Punishment doesn’t bring back a victim’s robbed memories of the future due to the murder of a loved one. Justice can be understanding your victim’s pain and accepting the harmfulness of your actions. After death God may seek for all to face every action of betrayal and how it felt to their victims. The cleansing and educative effect may take longer for some than others. Humans like God may forgive their enemies if they truly regret their actions and seek forgiveness. Justice from a fair, merciful God is possible despite people being given a second chance after death.

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 »

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