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Archive for the ‘Bible’ Category

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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What Is Misinformation? Should We Censor Misinformation?

Posted in Acceptance of Others, Bible, christian living, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2026|

by Mike Edwards

Try claiming God doesn’t condemn gays. You are called a heretic in religious places, despite disagreement among scholars what the Bible claims. Dare to argue Covid vaccines have risks and you are called a mis-informer or conspiracist. It isn’t science without debate. The problem is condemnation of expression of opinions. The solution is encouraging civil discussions. Certainty is a myth except in the eye of the beholder!

See: What Is Misinformation? Should We Censor Misinformation?

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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 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

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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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Can We Stop Saying “God Willing?

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

by Mike Edwards

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

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

God doesn’t determine life, death, or injury 

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

God isn’t responsible for your suffering

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

God isn’t in complete control 

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

What, no guarantees in life? 

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

What can we say instead of “God willing”? 

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

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

Can We Stop Saying Everything Happens For A Reason!

Can We Stop Saying We Know What Biblical Truths Are?

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

Can We Stop Saying “Biblical Worldview”?

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

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

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

by Mike Edwards

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

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

Supposed inspired interpretations lead to violence

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspired interpretations lead to wrong views of God 

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

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

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

What is the path forward? 

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

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

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

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

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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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Can We Just Get Along

Posted in Acceptance, Bible, christian living, Community, Love of God, tagged , , , , , , , on November 20, 2025|

by Michael Donahoe

When it comes to Christianity with all its different denominations, interpretations, different versions of the Bible and such, it seems there are always times when we run into conflict with others.

Each of us as brothers or sisters in Christ seem to want it our way. Our church, our interpretation, our version of the Bible. We each feel that we are right and feel the need to distance ourselves from those who feel differently.

Have you noticed how religion wants to set the rules so each of us know what it takes to be a good Christian? Do this, don’t do that, stay away from this and make sure you participate in that. Be in every service and be active with this group or that group. If you are not reading a particular version of the Bible, you are just wasting your time, if you are not part of a church, you must be backslidden, at least that is the way some fellow Christians make you feel. Rules, rules, rules.

Maybe it is time to stop arguing over denominations, interpretations, versions, and church attendance and start focusing on Christ, who is to be our first love. If we can focus on God’s love and sharing that love with others, we should be able to agree to disagree on other topics.

When we find common ground in our faith in Christ, when we love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, we should be able to look past the minor differences we have in our various denominations, interpretations and Bible versions.

Let’s stop fighting against each other and begin to love one another as Christ loves us. Do not let the minor differences come between the love we can have for one another and the things we can share and learn through fellowship with our brothers and sisters in 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://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/

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