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Archive for the ‘Jesus follower’ Category

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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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 

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Why Jesus Didn’t Necessarily Die On Cross As “Payment For Your Sins”?

Posted in Bible, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on November 23, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

It is said often the main message of the Bible or the gospel is Jesus dying on the cross as a payment for our sin. Jesus took on our punishment so we could be forgiven by God  (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24). Unbelievers are often advised to pray to God “ I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory, but I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins. Lord, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank You for saving me, for loving me, and for giving me a new beginning.” This couldn’t be the Gospel if Jesus didn’t have to die, but crucifiers choose to kill a supposed liar who felt threatened by Jesus’ influence.

Jesus never said anything about coming to receive punishment for our sins 

There are many theories/interpretations by scholars what Jesus’ death on the cross signifies. So, we can’t know for sure and be dogmatic, but it has always bothered me that the traditional story about the Cross has depicted God as a blood thirsty Deity who can only be satisfied by the death of a child. I am convinced God loved people before Jesus died, and would love people now even if Jesus hadn’t died. The Cross can change our mind about God, not God’s mind about us. Jesus showed love by suffering because of what sin does to you. Jesus won people over by not jumping off the cross. Due to the injustice of the Cross, people live differently. The Cross reveals our ugly, violent nature not God’s violent nature. Death was not Jesus’ mission, but being put to death reveals what God was trying to change – ways of people/evil. 

Biblical prophecy about Jesus isn’t God knowing or predicting the future 

It is natural to think an all-powerful God knows everything including the future. The Bible suggests in many passages that God doesn’t know the future, including Jesus’ crucifixion. For example, in the beginning the writers suggested that an all-powerful Being doesn’t know much less control the future. Genesis 6:5-6 speaks of God regretting decisions: “God saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on earth…God regretted that he had made human beings on the earth and his heart was deeply troubled.” Does God really make regrettable decisions? Other biblical passages refer to God changing their mind depending on what choices humans freely make. It isn’t that God keeps themselves from knowing the future. It’s that an undetermined future is unknowable.

God must love freedom

The only God worth believing in is a loving God. God must be a lover of freedom. Freedom is necessary for the highest good in relationships – authenticity. If God didn’t create freedom, we could accuse God of not creating the “most loving” world. God always respects the freedom to change. God didn’t force anyone to kill Jesus. They could have accepted Jesus’ message. The most talked about prophecies in the Old Testament is the forthcoming of the Messiah Jesus and their subsequent death. But Jesus prayed to God that He might be spared of dying on the Cross (Mt. 26:39). Such prophesies seem wrongly interpreted, because Jesus’ prayer seems meaningless unless Jesus’ life could have been spared. Jesus’ death on the cross was not inevitable because Jesus didn’t have to die.

To insist God required Jesus be murdered on the Cross in place of you isn’t Godly or parental love. Google “theological views of Jesus’ death” for many interpretations about Jesus’ death. Did Jesus and the Romans have no choice but to murder Jesus for an unjust cause? Soldiers die for one another because of a cause they believe in. Jesus thought his message was worth dying for. Jesus accepting death than powering over others may be the reason billions have been influenced to live unselfishly. Jesus wanted to change our attitude about God, not to change God’s attitude toward us. What kind of God sees how the world has turned out and doesn’t just say the Hell with it, but instead enters such a world to experience underserved suffering via the Cross to inspire and relate?

Hell, NO! 

Has the real Gospel been hijacked? Church folks have been told forever that Jesus’ life and death on the Cross was to spare us from going to Hell to appease God’s anger about our sins. Can human, much less spiritual relationships, be built on fear and anger rather than love and grace? No wonder many don’t want to talk to us God-folks. We are too busy trying to save them from a fiery afterlife rather than discussing how God’s presence in our life now helps us become more the person we desire to become deep down. Godly living in this world leads to a meaningful life with less regrets.  The Good News couldn’t be about escaping a fiery, torturous God if such a hell isn’t biblical. See 12 Reasons To Believe Hell Is A Myth!

 What was Jesus main message? 

God doesn’t think we are scum. God doesn’t require violence for justice. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). Did Jesus really mean God only saves those who accept Jesus? This verse could easily be interpreted to mean Jesus’ way of life is the best path toward God. The path to God is through love. (See God After Deconstruction, Oord/Fuller Chapter 9). We Christians need to be less condemning and more open to God’s love and message to people of all religions. If Jesus didn’t have to die on the Cross, then Prophecies predicting his death are most likely conditional on how people respond to God. God always respects the freedom to change. God didn’t force anyone to kill Jesus. They could have accepted Jesus’ message.

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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Focus on Jesus

Posted in christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, The church, tagged , , , , , , on November 5, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

A good friend of mine wrote the following paragraph. There is an old hymn that says “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand” As important as the church is in our lives, we have to be careful not to put our hope in it. I have received a lot of help thru the church and a lot of good basic teachings. I was also saved in church but my hope is not in the church. My hope is in “Christ the solid rock”. There are times when we are alone with no Christian fellowship and maybe we can’t make it to church for some reason. We have to be able to stand as mature Christians and rely on our relationship with Christ. The church is no substitute for Christ. It is only where we learn about Him. I guess what I am saying is that we have a relationship with Christ and not the church, and He is our source of strength if we call upon Him in truth. I personally am going thru the desert in life and I have to depend on Him. He has proved His love and care for me and in reality, He is the “Son of the Living God”. Bottom line, let’s be careful to put our dependence on Him. All other ground is sinking sand….

This goes along with some of my posts about modern-day church. The organized church today is a place for believers to get together, but it is not the goal. Going to church does not make us Christians, it does not make us better people or more dedicated believers. It is a place hear about the love of God, a place to enjoy the company of other believers, and a place to reach out and encourage others. Basically, it is a Christian social organization.

We need to stop putting the focus and emphasis on church, stop putting our eyes on pastors and realize that they are not the answer. We need to put all focus and attention on Jesus. It is Jesus we follow and worship. He is the Shepherd, the rest of us are the sheep. There are no co-shepherds, no intermediates between Christ and us. We are to follow Jesus and Him alone. We are to learn from Him, love God and love others.

There is nothing wrong with going to church, but do not put your eyes on an organization or any leaders therein. Keep your focus on Jesus. Whether you go to church or do not go to church, Jesus is the one we look to and serve. Do not worry so much about going to church, but rather be the Church. It is not a building we go to, but the people who love and follow 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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5 Of The Worst Beliefs That Make Believing in God Difficult!

Posted in Bible, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on October 19, 2025|

by Mike Edwards

Claims made by Christian leaders about God, according to their interpretation of the Bible, keeps believers and unbelievers distant from God. Our relationship with God cannot exceed our views of God. Even if a Book is inspired, interpretations are not. Few admit that their interpretation may be wrong. The only God worth believing in must be a perfect Lover. God surely is like the perfect human being—defined by love, empathy, and moral perfection. We cannot know God perfectly, but we can use our moral intuitions to guide our understanding.

God is not a hellish or sadistic 

Biblical scholars don’t agree a literal Hell is a reality in the Bible. See here.  A terrorist’s God seeks to kill infidels in this life, not waiting for the afterlife. God is nothing like such a god by burning/torturing forever infidels, only waiting until the afterlife. A loving God can’t be a terroristic God. My God gave me a brain to imagine what a loving God does to those who don’t believe while living a short time here on earth. Who does God allow in heaven?

No, God doesn’t just let Christians into heaven

The majority of people born into the world didn’t have a Bible or know of Jesus. Most people accept or rebel against a certain religion based on the family born into whether it is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. A child sexually abuse by their father may struggle to accept a God who is most often betrayed as our Father in Heaven. No human or spiritual parent brings children into the world requiring their eternal destination be based on circumstances out of one’s control. A loving God can’t be a God of chance! Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). Did Jesus really mean God only saves those who accept Jesus? This verse could mean Jesus’ way of love is the best path toward God.

We don’t know what happens after life here on earth. No one can claim the Bible, subject to fallible interpretation, has the definitive answer. We are free to speculate what a loving God might do.  It is reasonable to believe a loving God that is able to create will take forever, if necessary, to save everyone from themselves. God only wants to help you become the person you deep down desire to come. Careful the regrets you, your family, and friends will feel at the end of your life if not pursuing a godly life now. Careful that our character developed here on earth may make the change process longer and more painful in the life to come. See what-god-may-really-be-like.com/what-religion-goes-to-heaven/

No, God doesn’t hate or condemn, gay people 

Please stop saying “God loves the sinner hates the sin.” Being gay isn’t a sin.  Why would God condemn gays when they can no more chose who they love than straights can. Why would anyone choose to be gay when faced with condemnation, bigotry. We all know the psychological harm when one must hide their sexuality. Biblical scholars who respect the Bible don’t believe Scriptures condemn gay monogamous relationships. See here. Since we can’t claim our interpretations are inspired by God, shouldn’t we choose the least harmful view? See here for more rants on God loves gays.

No, God doesn’t ordain men to be in authority over women 

Does God really call women to not serve equally with men in marriage and in the church? I am not sure why any fair-minded person would think women can’t fulfill the same roles as men unless believing a Book about God teaches otherwise. The most qualified or gifted should surely lead a company. Why not in church? It is a big deal! Views on gender roles effects directly half of the human population. Men in authority over women whether in public, private, or church life is conducive for abuse at the hands of men.

We can’t know if biblical writers always wrote what they think and influence by their patriarchal culture, thus what God thinks. But, even if believing writers were inspired/told by God, Paul a main writer of the New Testament can be interpreted to suggest or not suggest hierarchical roles.  See here.   Let’s choose the least harmful biblical interpretation. Galatians 3:28 may be God’s ideal: “There is neither Jew or Gentile, neither slave or free, neither male nor female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28).”

God can’t be all-powerful and in complete control 

God cannot be all-powerful or controlling and be true to God’s nature. See here. A God who is truly loving would not be a God of control but rather one who allows for free will and authentic relationships. Logically, how can God be all-powerful and humans have some freedom/power? The belief of God being in complete control makes God responsible for evil.

Suffering (prayer unanswered) may be because God cannot intervene in evil or suffering without human help. Even the Bible claims love does not insist on its own way (I Cor 13:5). Claiming God allows evil is not a better solution. A God who supposedly allows evil but doesn’t do anything to intervene is no different than a parent who stands by and watches their child suffer. Evil and suffering in the world may be because God can only intervene when there is human cooperation, both by evildoers and non-evildoers.

The good news for many is that God can’t be responsible for evil or their suffering. I have brain cancer. I don’t have to believe God doesn’t care or that God could do something and doesn’t. God knows and empathizes with us in our suffering. God grieves with us. God can empower, inspire, and accompany us. God can influence us to follow Jesus’ example which 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 happens. Lean on God and others for emotional support and encouragement in difficult times. See what-god-may-really-be-like.com/evil-and-suffering/

Where is God?

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

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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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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Christian or Christ Follower

Posted in christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, The church, tagged , , , , , on July 24, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

I remember seeing a news article about a group of Christians picketing another church group. Supposedly they were picketing because they felt the church group, who allowed gays and women who had abortions into their assembly, was being soft on sin.

I can only assume that the picketers thought the gays and the abortion people were too big of sinners to be in with the religious folk.

Seems the church assembly who were be accepting was being more Christlike to me, but the whole situation made me feel a little ashamed to be called a Christian. In fact, for me I have decided to give up being called a Christian. Christianity is just another man-made religion, and I am done with religion. Rather than being called a Christian, I think it makes more sense to say I am a follower of Jesus. Jesus did not start Christianity nor did he come to start any religion.

Being a follower of Jesus is a daily, 24/7 lifestyle, not something to be done once a week in a building. It is not following a doctrine or set of rules and regulations.

As a Jesus follower, we accept all people and we love all people, like Jesus did when he walked this earth.

This does not mean we agree with everyone. It does not mean people can live anyway they want and be pleasing to God. But once they come to God, the Spirit comes to live within them and he will guide them in their daily lives and actions. It is not our job to condemn others. Jesus command under the New Covenant is for us to love God and love others.

Like the picketers and church group mentioned above, a lot of Christians today spend more time fighting and arguing amongst themselves while the world watches and laughs.

As followers of Jesus, we need to keep in mind that we, the Church, are the body of Christ in our world. We may be the only “Jesus” many people see. We should keep our focus on Jesus as our all in all, and forsake our personal feelings. In our lives, Jesus should increase and we should decrease.

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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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Yes I Am A Christian….But

Posted in Bible, christian living, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2025|

My Idea of Being A Christian is Different than You May Think

by Michael Donahoe

When I say I am a Christian, people usually stereotype me as a Christian that is something different from what I mean.

People tend to equate Christianity with certain beliefs, doctrines and actions. People who are Christian usually believe certain things, participate in certain things or avoid certain things.

Yet, for me, I do not fit into the normal mold of what people think of as Christianity. A few of those things are as follows:

I do not attend church

I do not believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God

I do not believe the world was created in 6 actual days

I do not believe the USA is a Christian nation nor God’s chosen nation

I am not Republican (nor a Democrat)

I do not claim to be evangelical. I really do not even like using the term Christian because of the negative thoughts it creates

I love and accept people, all people, male, female, black, white, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Atheist, LGBTQ. I believe Jesus said to love God and love one another. I believe we all are created in the image of God.

I am patriotic, but not nationalistic. America is not a Christian nation nor is it God’s chosen nation. It is not OK to force religious beliefs on everyone. We are free to choose for ourselves what we believe and who we follow.

I do believe in science

I do believe the Spirit of God lives within us and we are guided by the Spirit not a book

I do believe in the freedom of choice for all people in all matters. We cannot legislate morality nor a particular version of faith.

I believe that my spiritual life and secular life are not separate but intertwined. We are not spiritual one day but secular another. Living each day is a combination of being spiritual and secular.

There are many other topics in regard to traditional Christianity I could cover, but you get the idea. When people hear the word Christian, all sorts or stereotypical ideas come to their thoughts. The main point to think about is based on a Bible verse, by their fruits you shall know them.

Rather than automatically think all Christians are the same, wait a while and watch how they act and treat others. It will be clear soon if they are loving, kind, inclusive and accepting; or if they are judgmental, condemning, exclusive and force their faith on others.

The bottom line is, we all have some type of faith. If my faith does not lead me to love, help, encourage and allow others the freedom to have their own views and faith, then I need to keep my opinion and faith to myself.

Rather than forcing my way of faith on others, my goal is to be Christ-like day by day by being loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good and faithful. Forcing your faith on others, judging and condemning those who have a different kind of faith or a different view and opinion is not loving and certainly not Christ-like.

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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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How Can We have Unity Among Christians?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Community, Jesus follower, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , on May 20, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

When we read in the Bible that we are to put on love which is the perfect bond of unity, we wonder how we go about doing that.

With all the different doctrines, interpretations, denominations and versions of the Bible, how is it possible for us to get along and have unity among the brethren?

It is by love. To put on love is to put on God. God is love and love lives within us. Even in all the differences we can be united in the love of God. Our common focus is Jesus. We can be one in God and still have different views and opinions. Because of the love of God, we can respect one another even with our differing views and opinions, and we can accept each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Love will bind us together and allow us to live in peace with one another. Many times, love is pushed out of the way for our own selfish desires. That is when disrespect, arguing, judging and condemning takes over, and it is not a pretty sight for those who profess to follow God.

Unity comes only through the love of God. It is not through religion, doctrines, denominations or Bible versions, but through God alone. The love and power of God through the Holy Spirit looks beyond religion, doctrines, denominations, race, sexual orientation and nationality.

God is love and God lives within us. By allowing the love of God to flow out of us we can look beyond our differences and accept one another even when we disagree.

Only by loving God and loving one another through the power of the Spirit will others see a difference in those of us who are followers of 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, after spending about fifty-five years in the institutional church, 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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