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Posts Tagged ‘Holy Spirit’

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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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

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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

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Should Labels Define Us

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

by Michael Donahoe

What do you think of when you hear the word Atheist, gay, transgender, Muslim, Jew, Christian, black, white or a host of other labels we put on people? Usually, we think of something specific and usually something we have been taught or heard over the years. It depends on where you heard it or who taught you, but a lot of times what we think is something negative in one way or another.

With all the prejudices, fear, hate and misunderstanding among people it is sad that we forget behind each one of these labels there is a human being.

I know that not all people believe there is a God or they believe in different gods. Although none of us can actually prove one way or another as to what we believe about God, we are free to choose for ourselves what to believe. It is basically a matter of belief or faith or scientific understanding. Yet, I personally believe there is a God and we are all created in the image of God. A God who loves each and every one of us no matter what label humanity has put upon us. Each of us deserves love, respect, acceptance and the basic human rights everyone should enjoy.

Just because we accept one another and respect each other does not mean we always agree or always condone the actions of another, but we should be able to treat each other with kindness and respect even in our disagreements.

Rather than profile people into a particular group based on the label they are given, we should remember the individual person behind the label.

As human beings we all want to live a happy, satisfying life. Each of us have worries, bills and every day obligations, just as each of us wants to find love, be loved, be accepted and happy.

We will not all see things the same way. Each of us have our own personality, belief system, lifestyle, desires and things we enjoy that makes us happy. We cannot expect everyone to be the same, believe the same or interpret things the same. We are each uniquely made and we each have our own path to walk throughout this life.

I know many in the Christian world will not agree with this outlook on life. Many feel it is our job to point out the mistakes and sins of others as a way to witness to them. I do not see it that way. In the Bible we are told the Spirit will convict the world of sin, so I do not believe it is our job to convict others of sin. Besides, what is sin to one person may not be to another. It is not our job to be judging others. We are called to love one another even in our differences.

Jesus came to show us what God is really like and Jesus was not a condemning person. He loved and associated with many people who the religious crowd would not even think about associating. Jesus was perfect and never sinned so he had the right to condemn people and judge them about their mistakes, yet he never did.

The Bible says Jesus came to proclaim the good news, yet when we only condemn and point out the mistakes of others, that does not seem like very good news.

I believe God loves each of us and wants us to follow the Spirit. Even when we do not always make the best choices God still loves us and wants to have fellowship with us. As followers of God, I feel we are to do the same, love God and love others each day. Look past the labels society has placed on people and love the human being that God created and loves.

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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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Doing Good Works

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on October 15, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

When we talk about good works, many of us can get confused and think that we need to do good works to earn our salvation. This way of thinking is totally wrong. Good works do not help us earn salvation or pay for anything with God. Good works will be the result of our salvation that was given to us by the grace of God. Yet, good works have nothing to do with earning anything.

We read in the Bible that faith without works is dead. Many people think of works as going to church, reading the Bible, witnessing, being honest, treating others respectfully, along with many other actions we consider good works. These things are all well and good, but I think this verse actually means something a little different.

In this verse Jesus is saying that if we believe in Him, we will do the works that He did, even greater ones. Obviously, we cannot do anything on our own, but by faith and the power of the Spirit within us. Only by the power of the Spirit can we do the works of Jesus.

When we think of the works that Jesus did, we think of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We think of empathy, compassion, mercy, caring for others and selflessness. Jesus did these things on a daily basis with people as a normal part of His day, and usually in ways that were not exceptional or highly dramatic.

I believe we all have different callings and different interests. Each of us as followers of Jesus can use those callings and interests (good works) to share the love of God and do the works that Jesus did, through faith, all to be a help and encouragement to others.

Whether we are doing a specific ministry or just going about our daily routine, we can let God work in us through the power of the Spirit. We can live in such a way that the good works that are produced will touch others and show them the love of God.

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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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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.

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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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The Bible, the Whole Bible and Nothing but the Bible

Posted in Bible, christian living, Word of God, tagged , , , , , , on August 15, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

If you are like my wife and me, you can remember from your first day in church being taught that the Bible was God’s holy word. The Bible was perfect and without mistake or any contradictions.

We felt the Bible was personally written by the hand of God through chosen men, and all the answers were contained therein. I truthfully think a lot of us Christian people came to see the Bible as the fourth member of the God-head.

In fact, to even question if the Bible is inerrant was sacrilegious. It was like the familiar quote in the court system when being sworn in, do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We have come to believe the Bible is the truth, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible. Everything is contained within the written word, and God can do nothing outside of the written word.

Of course, that way of thinking really limits the Holy Spirit, who lives within us and is our teacher and guide. If the Spirit teaches us something or shows us something, we immediately want to look it up in the Bible, and if we cannot find it there, then we think the voice of the Spirit certainly must be wrong. Remember, even Jesus said many times, it is written, but I say. To me, this says that Jesus is the living Word and takes precedence over the written word.

Also, I have come to think that many of us have come to a point where we began to wonder if this inerrancy of the written word of God is really the case. I remember reading a section in one of my Bibles between the Old and New Testament that was about how we got our Bible. I remember thinking about how certain books were chosen, by men, as divinely inspired and others were not; which books to put into what we call the Bible and which books to leave out. It sure made me think about how this can be a perfect, inerrant group of writings. Of course, at that time, I quickly dismissed my questions and moved on, lest I made God mad at me for questioning his perfect book. Or maybe I was more worried about making the pastor and other members mad.

Of course, a lot of us were taught that the King James Version of the Bible was the true word of God and any other translation was wrong, and some translations were even an insult to God. My thought on that is how can any translation be considered the true word of God? They are all translations, even the King James. Truthfully, some of the stories I have heard about King James and his instructions on interpreting the manuscripts would make me want to stay away from the King James Version anyway. This is why we depend on the Spirit within us to bring the truth to light and not depend on any particular translation.

The Bible was definitely inspired by God, and that inspiration was through men. We all know if mankind has a hand in anything it is going to be flawed. Being inspired to write does not mean you write word for word through dictation. I can be inspired to write a book about a topic, but it is still going to be me writing, and have my thoughts, feelings, and flare to it. I was inspired by a particular movie to go visit the city it was filmed in. I was inspired to do a particular hobby because I saw the effect on other people that hobby produced. Yet, it was still me that had free will to do these things.

Just because the written word of God is not perfect, that does not negate anything about God. I always heard people say that if the Bible has errors in it or contradicts itself, then the whole idea of God must not be true either. I really do not understand that logic, especially since we know that Jesus is the Word of God. The written word, when viewed through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Yet, nowhere in the Bible does it say the written word is perfect.

In fact, when Christ walked on the earth, and in the early days of Christianity there was not even a written word like what we call the Bible available to the believers. There was the Word of God though, because Jesus has always been around.

My wife and I believe the Bible to be very valuable for learning and a means of hearing from God. We also believe the Holy Spirit lives within us and the still, small voice from within is even more valuable. We believe godly friends and wise people of God can be a help and guidance to us as the Holy Spirit leads through them.

So many of us want to fight and defend the written word we call the Bible. We divide ourselves into groups and denominations, we separate ourselves from the world and from one another. We fight, condemn and alienate ourselves over the written word because we think it is the inerrant words and ways of God, yet the true Word of God, Jesus, is standing right in front of us and we miss Him. Just like when Jesus was talking with the Jews and said ‘You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life’.

We see that life is in Christ. Jesus is not telling us to come to the Bible or accept the Bible, but to come to Him. Jesus is the true, powerful, inerrant, living Word of God. Read your Bible, let the Holy Spirit bring life to the words, learn and be encouraged from them, but realize the written word is not perfect. Look to the living, perfect Word who is Jesus, and listen for His voice within through the Spirit.

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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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Are We All People of Faith?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Community, Love of God, religion, tagged , , , , , , on July 11, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

It has always amazed me how we Christians can be so argumentative. We just do not know how to accept one another’s differences in doctrine or interpretation.

Following Jesus is obviously based on loving God and loving others. Yet we have nearly 40,000 different denominations, mainly because we cannot agree and accept one another.

We argue and defend our doctrines and interpretations, and we get mad when others disagree or have a different viewpoint. Even when we partly agree, we feel the need to point out where we differ because we think that our way is right, and everyone else is a little off.

I understand that we are not going to agree on everything, and each of us have a little different way of seeing things and understanding things, but we go too far when we let these differences separate us. We want to keep in our own particular group, which we usually feel is the more correct way to believe, and we do not want to associate with some of the others. This should not be, we can have our differences yet without separating ourselves from others.

We are all people of faith, especially in regard to spiritual things. We have faith in God, or faith (belief) there is no God. We have faith (trust) in science, in doctors, in common every day life things. We flip a light switch and have faith the light will come on. Whether we are Christian, Atheist, Muslim, Buddhist or whatever label we place ourselves under, we all live by some type of faith. That does not mean we are all followers of Christ, but we are all people of faith. We do not have to be afraid to associate with people who do not have a faith in God. We just may be the only view of God they get to see, and love and acceptance should be what they feel through the power of the Spirit within us.

None of us can prove beyond a doubt that our way is right. People have faith there is a God, or there is not a God, faith in the after-life and heaven, or faith in reincarnation, faith there is no hell, or faith that there is just an end to our existence. We cannot prove any of it either way you look at it, yet we all seem to fight and argue amongst ourselves trying to defend our viewpoint.

No matter what we believe, how much we love God, or how much we are convinced there is or is not a spiritual side to life, we cannot prove our point, it is all by faith.

As mentioned in the Bible, we walk by faith, not by sight. I am glad I have a faith in a God who I believe created me and loves me, a God who has provided freedom from my sinful nature, and a God who has come to live within me.

I also respect the rights of others to feel differently. I do not think it is my responsibility to expect anyone to believe the same as me, or to put their faith in the same things that I do. It is the Holy Spirit’s place to draw others to God. I believe it is the Spirit who teaches us and leads us into truth. My responsibility is to love and accept everyone as they are, and be ready for God to show love through me.

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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://personalmeanderings.substack.com/ and https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/

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What is Christian Leadership Authority?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Ekklesia, institutional church, Love of God, The church, tagged , , , , , , , , on June 30, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

When we talk about those in authority in the Christian world, we most often are talking about church leadership: pastor, bishop, deacons, worship leader, youth pastor. Many people seem to look up to those who are given authority and leadership positions in the church.

We tend to think that those who are in authority and leadership positions are more knowledgeable about spiritual matters, and able to lead others to God better than the normal everyday Christian.

The truth is we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we are all capable to be leaders in the sense we can encourage and help build up those with whom we have contact along the way. Each of us are kings and priests in God’s kingdom and no one is more important or on a higher level than anyone else.

Christian leadership is actually brothers and sisters in Christ who have lived and experienced more in spiritual matters. They lend a helping hand to those who are still maturing in their walk with God. There is no position of authority in this type of leadership. It is done out of love and compassion for one another and the desire to be used by God to encourage others in their walk with God.

What I see so often with people who take authority over one another is that it places an intermediary between God and man. Fortunately, not all people in leadership positions think this way and they are truly serving out of love for God and for helping their fellow believer. Yet, so often we hear of people in authority that demand our allegiance. They insist we listen to them and follow what they teach or else. This is a great misuse of authority in the Christian world today.

I do not believe there are offices of authority and leadership in the sense we hear about it today. Those who have been given positions of leadership in the body of Christ are not on a higher standing than anyone else. They are to lead by example out of love for those who are still learning. They are to be encouragers, helping build up their fellow believers into maturity.

Ephesians 4:11,12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up.

The true meaning of leadership by God’s standards is servanthood. Thinking more of others than you do yourself. So often it seems like just the opposite with men and women thinking they are the ones with authority and knowledge.

Matthew 20:25,26 but Jesus called them to Himself and said, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

What I believe is the final authority among Christians is the Holy Spirit who lives within us. The Bible can be used by the Spirit as a guide and help, but the Bible is only a tool. It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Apart from the Spirit there is no final authority in any person, book or organization.

Although we can learn from the Bible and we can learn from one another and their experiences, it is the Spirit of Jesus from within us who is the final authority and the head of the body known as the Church. The Church is not a building, not a denomination or an organization, it is each of us who are equally functioning and necessary parts of the body of Christ.

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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://personalmeanderings.substack.com/ and https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/

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We Are Not All Going to Agree So Let’s Work on Loving One Another

Posted in Acceptance of Others, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on June 20, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

Do you notice the fact that no matter what you believe, or what your interpretation is someone always has a completely opposite view. You get excited about hearing some truth that really connects, and the next thing you read an article by another Christian that completely disagrees with what you just heard.

Even more than that, most of us Christians get mad when someone disagrees with us and is different. We get on Facebook and make ourselves look crazy because we talk about brotherly love, then we fight and argue with someone because they interpret things differently, and mostly about things we cannot prove one way or the other.

Overall, this is really not that unusual because we are all different. We have different backgrounds, different viewpoints and opinions, and different ideas on how to live. We really have to stop and think that whatever it is we believe, whatever our interpretation, everyone is not going to agree with us. There is no reason for us to get mad at someone else for being different.

This life is all a matter of faith. No matter what it is spiritually speaking, no one can really prove what is right and what is not. Just because someone has a different interpretation does not mean they are right or wrong.

We need to keep our ears open to the leading of the Spirit, and follow on our own path looking to Jesus. That does not mean any and every path is the right one, but we cannot be the judge of who is right and who is wrong. Jeremy Myers, in his book ‘Dying to Religion and Empire’ states, “The beautiful thing about following Jesus is that while He leads us all in the same direction, there are millions of different paths He can take to get us there. His goal, of course, is to advance the Kingdom of God on earth through the people of God who are being conformed into the image of God”. Our goal is to follow Christ as he leads us individually, and then be ready to love all people, no matter if they are on the same path or not.

Let’s stop arguing, fighting, and demanding that everyone agree with us, and love and accept those we meet along the journey. I think God is big enough to lead us all to the truth in proper timing.

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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://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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