In a day when many feel it is the job of the Christian to point out the sins and mistakes of others, I personally do not see Jesus being that way.
Jesus associated with all kinds of people, and he showed love toward them. He was genuinely interested in them and accepted them. That does not mean he always agreed with them, but he accepted them as they were. He treated them with love and respect.
Acceptance does not necessarily mean we agree or condone the actions of another, it just means we are kind, respectful and show the love of God to them. We obviously are not all going to agree on things, yet we should be able to treat one another with kindness.
Many say we must point out the sins of others and warn them of impending doom, or we are not fulfilling our obligation as a Christian. Yet I feel that we are told the Spirit will convict people of changes that should be made. The Spirit will draw people to God. We are not called to do the work of the Spirit, we are called to show the love of God to all people.
Showing love and acceptance to people is more in line with the way Jesus treated others. He did not condemn, he did not hate, he did not associate only for ulterior motives of getting people to join him. In fact, the only people Jesus seemed to have issues with were the religious leaders who thought they were so much holier than others. They were mad at Jesus for associating with people they determined were the sinners and lower class of the day.
For me, rather than point out sins, rather than show condemnation and many times down right hatred towards people, I would rather do what Jesus tells us to do. Love God will all your heart, soul, strength and mind and love your neighbor (all people) as yourself.
Love and acceptance do not mean we agree on everything. We love through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Love and genuine friendship will draw people into conversations and respect for one another, thus providing an atmosphere where we can all learn from one another and respect one another.
Unfortunately, one of the major issues many Christians seem to have is regarding LGBTQ issues. I am not sure why, but people who consider this to be a sin jump on this issue more than anything. Next is Muslims and immigrants. It is sad that we cannot learn to accept those who do not believe or act just like us and see them as fellow human beings who are loved by God.
As for me, I like to follow this way of thinking. Whether you are LGBTQ affirming or not, whether you are of a different religion or nationality, there is no reason to treat people with hate and contempt. Whatever you think about other groups of people, be respectful, kind and show the love of God to all people.
We are all made in the image of God. We all have our interpretations and opinions. We each must follow what we feel is right for us, but we must not force our views on others.
Accept each other for who we are and follow your convictions for yourself. There is no reason to be hateful toward anyone. We are all loved by God just the way we are now. If there is anything that needs to be corrected or changed in us, the Spirit will gently persuade us in the way we should go. It is not up to people to do the work of the Spirit.
Love and accept others. This means LGBTQ, atheist, people from different religions, races and nationalities. You do not have to agree with them. Show them love. Love makes more of an impact on people than does hatred, condemnation and forcing personal views on them.
Remember we are not told to go force our views and beliefs on others. We are told to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Michael Donahoe created Done with Religion after he and his wife left the institutional church after over fifty years within the system. He wanted a way to express his thoughts and concerns about the religious system, and tell why he and his wife decided to leave the institution but not their faith in God. They have now been outside the walls of religion for over 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/ Michael can be contacted by email at: jimgordon731@gmail.com
Understandings and mental views of God shape your belief in God and your relationship with God. God surely delights more in one seeking to know God than the ninety-nine, offended by one’s interpretation of the Bible, who already know their Creator (Lk. 15:3-7). Biblical interpretations must be plausible based on what a loving God should be like.
If you read my Post weekly, you will probably notice I have beat this subject to death. This post is longer than most my Posts, so please hang in there. I want to touch on many themes related to answering this question. I want to combine three last Posts into one here. I want to address who gets into heaven, contrary to claims made by Christians. Do agnostics, atheists, and non-Christians get into heaven? Polls suggest many believe there is an afterlife after death, or at least they hope so. Christians open suggest we can know all there is about the afterlife by reading the Bible. That is suspect because biblical writers were only speculating – God didn’t speak to them directly. Besides, we have to interpret their views since there isn’t universal agreement what the Bible says about heaven and hell.
Who is a believer in God’s eyes? Jesus’ disciples likely believed in a God or what Jesus taught but Jesus only encouraged his disciples and others to follow Him. He didn’t require certain beliefs. I follow what I believe are Jesus’ teachings. Church people often evangelize by focusing on how one can get in heaven/inherit eternal life. Is that really the best approach to those interested to discuss spiritual matters.
Hell No!
Does God really demand we bow the knee or burn in Hell?
There are good reasons to not agree a literal Hell is a reality in the Bible. It seems odd Jesus or Paul who wrote much of the NT didn’t mention Hell at all. See here. Words translated into the English word Hell are likely a metaphor to discourage a loveless life. Terrorists demand belief in their God or they don’t even wait to kill you in the afterlife. Is the God of the Bible really similar, only waiting to kill in the afterlife. The God I believe in isn’t a terroristic God here on earth or in the afterlife. A belief in a literal Hell is likely only to come out of one’s interpretation of a Book they believe is inspired by God accurately proclaiming what God is like, and not one’s imagination of a loving 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. See: Hell No! Hell Is a Myth
The Main Biblical Message May Not Be What You Think
Most who read this blog want to know what the Bible says about salvation and entering heaven which we will discuss briefly below. I suspect many reject Christian claims because of the beliefs said to be true of God. Hell is likely a message Christians get wrong. I am convinced a literal Hell is a biblical myth. See here. Also, we get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. Another myth. See here. See God Loves Gays
But the biggest myth may be that God’s main message according to the Bible is that salvation is about going to Heaven or Hell rather than how to live life here on earth. Hard to believe Hell is the main message if Hell is a myth. See here: What Really Is The Gospel According To The Bible?
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? Keep in mind the majority of people born into this world have never heard of Jesus or had a Bible. Jesus wasn’t born until the first century. The Bible as we know it today didn’t exist until the fourth century. John 14:6 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. Your religion doesn’t matter to God. Your religion likely depends on the nation or family born into. See What religion goes to heaven
Jesus was asked by a religious leader how to have eternal life. (Lk.10:25-37). I doubt the leader had in mind how to get into Heaven away from this Earth. Jesus elsewhere defined eternal life as beginning in the here and now (Jn 17:3), not what awaited in the afterlife. Jesus in this passage simply said to the leader to love God and your neighbor. “Eternal” appears to be on the quality not quantity in life. Jesus spoke of a life worth living here on earth by living a loving life empowered by God. Whether one chooses belief in God and possible empowerment is an individual faith choice. Jesus’ salvation was about living a meaningful life here on earth with God’s help. The Bible/Jesus/God’s message isn’t dropping to your knees to avoid Hell to go to Heaven after death, but start loving now – a path toward great relationships. See: What Is Main Message About Bible/Jesus That Christians Get Wrong?
Besides, the Bible may claim all can enter heaven anyway regardless of beliefs?
The main message can’t be about God saving us from Hell. There is some biblical evidence, that God is inclusive in the afterlife. In fact, God may welcome all and will attempt to convince them and live with God forever. It is doubtful the main message is one has to believe in Jesus or the Bible. As mentioned, the majority of people born in this world didn’t have access to a Bible or know of Jesus. See: All Will End Up In Heaven According To The Bible
Being a universalist can be biblical: I am a hopeful universalist because God respects one’s freedom to choose their destiny. It is just hard for me to believe anyone would reject God seeing and knowing what God is really like and not wanting to live forever with loved ones. I guess there are the Hitlers out there!
There are rational reasons for our friends to not believe in God?
Let’s be honest. We can’t prove God exist. Why condemn those who struggle to accept if there is a God (agnostic or atheist). Another fair argument about whether God really exist is why then is God so hidden. The idea that if an all-loving God truly exists and wants to have a personal relationship with those open to such a relationship – why doesn’t God make their presence obvious. Such signs could convince many, removing distress and uncertainty. On the other hand, there may be reasonable reasons God is hidden here on earth. See: If God Is Real, Why Then Is God So Hidden?
What the world needs more is love, not more people professing right beliefs or that God is real if not so inclined. God may pursue them in a relationship if one interested. Don’t know! Many have rational reasons to not believe in God. This doesn’t mean God rejects them. The path of love is open to all even atheists and agonists and non-Christians. See: What Does God Think About Believers Trying To Convert Others?
There is one main belief that matters according to all religions
People reject God based on claims about hell, gays and other supposed God-endorsed beliefs. Who blames them? It is important to know what God is really like and that God cares about you in the here and now and not about just the afterlife. Most religions share common ground unless a terrorist including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism—the Golden rule. Jesus said when asked what the greatest commandment was: “Love God and love your neighbor.” [Matthew 22:36-40] Loving God is following God’s ways, surely meaning loving your neighbor as you wish to be loved. If you believe loving others like you want to be love is central in living, you are good with God. See you in Heaven! None of us act on this belief perfectly.
There are reasonable reasons to not believe in God or at least be skeptical. God gets you! If you don’t believe in the Golden Rule, good luck on your death bed regarding relationships. Want to die with few regrets? Want your relationships to suck, don’t follow the golden rule. Few will show up at your funeral.
Why it Matters
It matters the comfort or lack of comfort you offer others when a loved one dies. No one really knows so why not offer hope. What happens to our loved ones beyond the grave if God was not a part of their life, but they didn’t live like the devil and lived a more moral life than many who claim to trust God? I have summarized reasons why we can hope and give others hope in difficult times that God isn’t a God of chances, depending on where live or family born into: See:
Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the Done with Religion 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
Let’s define believer. I am not referring to Christianity or any particular religion. A believer can be one who believes in God or a Supreme Being. Jesus disciples likely believed in a God or what Jesus taught, but Jesus only encouraged them to follow Him. He didn’t require certain beliefs and the disciples initially did not know Jesus as the Son of God. Do you follow a loving God’s teachings?
What may be two main reasons people today reject Christianity.
First, people are told they must believe in certain doctrines. Religions sometimes call them Creeds. Christianity may be one of the main religions that pushes beliefs in creeds as central. Such as Jesus is fully man and fully God. Then you get into God is omnipresent, etc. I won’t bore you. My main point is you don’t need to know or believe in Creeds to be a believer. Jesus didn’t require it of his disciples. Their beliefs progressed as they got to know Jesus by simply following Him.
Secondly, I believe the main reason many reject Christianity is the beliefs claimed to be true of God. The problem could be what you are hearing about God! Hell is certainly a message Christians get wrong. I am convinced a literal Hell is a biblical myth. See here. We get wrong that God thinks women can’t serve in the same religious or marriage roles that men can. Another myth. See here. Also, we get wrong that God condemns gays according to the Bible. Another myth. See here. But the biggest myth may be that God’s main message according to the Bible is that salvation is about going to Heaven or Hell rather than how to live life here on earth. See here: What Really Is The Gospel According To The Bible?
People reject God based on claims about hell, women, or gays. But it is so important to know that God cares about you here and now and not about just the afterlife. If Christianity would drop their insistence or supposed beliefs about God, I believe many more may be willing to follow God since they are inclined to believe in a Supreme Being.
It doesn’t matter what religion you claim even according to the Bible
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? Keep in mind the majority of people born into this world have never heard of Jesus or had a Bible. 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. See What religion goes to heaven
What one belief only matters according to all religions?
Many religions claim one main belief. Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism—the strongest common ground is treating others well. Jesus said when asked what the greatest commandment was: “Love God and love your neighbor.” [Matthew 22:36-40] Loving God is following God’s ways, surely meaning loving your neighbor as you wish to be loved.
But what about the resurrection and Jesus is the Son of God
Many didn’t believe Jesus claims of resurrection until seeing the spike marks three days later after the Cross. Maybe if you saw someone die on a Cross and saw them alive days later, you would believe too. And that Jesus was more than human. Are you leaning toward than away from God. The Good News throughout the Gospels refers to a Kingdom here on earth now. The kingdom of God “has come upon you” (Mt 12:28) and “is in your midst” (Lk 17:21). God’s presence back then and now is available to influence godly living here on earth
So, do you believe in God and the golden rule?
If you believe loving others like you want to be love is central in living, you are on the path to a relationship with God. None of us act on this belief perfectly. If you don’t believe this, good luck on your death bed regarding relationships. Want to die with few regrets. Follow godly living. Want your relationships to suck, don’t follow the golden rule. Few will show up at your funeral. So, if you are inclined to believe in a loving God, whatever you imagine a loving God is like and aren’t a terrorist, you may be a believer.
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
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/
Claiming Truth falsely can be destructive. Many Christian leader claim that we as a people and nation must rely on biblical truth. Can we always know what biblical truth is? Attempts have been made to censor mis-informers in the public arena. Can we always know what misinformation is concerning science or political policies? We must be careful what we claim as Truth and how we interact with others during uncertainty.
What is scientific or biblical truth?
The bedrock of science use to be considering hypotheses to explain a phenomenon in the natural world. It is an educated guess based on the information we have currently have and could change if we get new information in the future. Drugs are often approved initially, only to be pulled from the shelves later after causing death. The truth is that it isn’t science if there isn’t debate!
Ancient literature subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive word on truth. Besides, even if all agreed that the Bible correctly interpreted confirms God condemns gays or forbids women in leadership in religious institutes, we cannot prove that the writers always portrayed God accurately. Any biblical truth claimed must also agree with natural truth such as sexual abuse is evil; otherwise, we must purse truth with an open mind.
Are there self-evident truths we can agree on?
No, one can’t just follow their own heart! What reasonable or rational person doesn’t expect the golden rule from others in their own relationships. Our inborn sense of good and evil, not an ancient Book, tells us sexual abuse or murder is immoral. Most criminals don’t defend their murders or thefts; instead, they deny committing such crimes. We don’t debate many laws, only what is a just punishment. It is a dictatorship not a democracy when we impose our will on issues such as pandemic responses, taxes, climate change, immigration, etc. Dictatorships don’t end well. Benefits and risks exist for most issues.
Freedom of speech is critical
Denying free expression of belief is playing Superior in the lives of others. God is the example for God-believers. God has respected freedom of beliefs from the very beginning; otherwise, God who is powerful enough to create would annihilate immediately those who oppose God by choosing evil. Freedom is necessary for authenticity, the highest good in relationships, or we could accuse God of not creating the “best” world. A true debate of differing opinions, regardless if you think one is a heretic or conspiracist, is our best chance at arriving at the most caring decision for all concerned. Until we all ask ourselves “am I acting toward others like I want to be treated,” we are destined to fail. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t confront those who reject freedom of speech!
Uncertainty can be a good thing
Certainty rather than uncertainty comforts individuals psychologically. One may believe the seemingly certain narrative because unknowing can create anxiety. When only one side is presented, control and power grow intentionally or unintentionally. It should be intuitive denying diverse opinions is unloving and controlling. Couples who act as if they are always right and their partner is wrong are headed toward divorce. Having good intentions by believing you are right for the whole doesn’t matter when certainty isn’t universal. God-followers and religious leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what they must believe about God according to their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Politicians seem hell-bent in claiming certainty regarding policies such as climate change and immigration, though there are arguments on both sides.
Should we avoid those who claim certainty and don’t pursue truth civilly?
One has every right to question when one claims certainty regarding non-self-evident truths. Even evil people don’t think others can violate their rights in ways that they violate others. A refusal to openly discuss or defend one’s views suggest an unhealthy dependency on “certainty.” If someone makes false claims of those who oppose them such as calling them racists, without being able to give specific examples, are they really interested in pursuing truth? How about “they have a different opinion!”
What are necessary paths to pursing truth?
There are truths which almost has universal agreement. Do you know one person who denies adultery is wrong except the betrayer?
Shouldn’t Christian leaders quit always claiming their biblical interpretation is correct and at least acknowledge literature requires interpretation “according to their understanding?”
Shouldn’t we examine all Books about religion to discern what seems the most universally true? What are Christians afraid of if they have the truth?
Shouldn’t we listen to everyone’s opinion and seek to discern together what is the most loving action according to the circumstances?
Shouldn’t we first stop claiming our views are morally superior to those we disagree with unless speaking of universal accepted moral truths
Shouldn’t we can begin conversations by looking for areas we agree?
Shouldn’t we discuss differences by defending our reasoning, respecting the opinions of others, and commit to growing in understanding
Shouldn’t we stop labeling those who disagree with our biblical interpretations as heretics?
Shouldn’t we can stop calling those who disagree with our views of science as conspiracists?
Open-minded uncertainty, rather than supposed certainty, could go a long way to healing our nation and personal relationships. Imagine how different as a people we would be if religious and political folks had open discussions what are the most caring actions for the greater good concerning non-universal matters such as immigration or climate policies. Most religions agree the overriding moral guide is to love others like you want to be treated. Belief or lack of belief in God doesn’t give you an excuse to not treat others like you want to be treated.
Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com
Okay! Murder, physical or sexual abuse, torture, etc. are horrific. But there is another deadly relationship killer that may not be as obvious. I am not fond of the word sin. God obviously hates evil when one has no regrets harming others, but God hates the sin more than the sinner. I doubt God disgustingly refer to us as sinners under their breathe when we regret our actions, when we struggle to change habitual patterns that are not in our best interest. Hardly a day doesn’t go by that I don’t live up to the standard I have set for myself. God only desires what we know we ought to desire for ourselves and others. God simply wants to come along aside to support and encourage.
The greatest sin may be not treating others like you want to be treated
Previously, I wrote that God’s greatest desire is for us to treat others like we want to be treated. See here. Jesus was asked what was the most important law by a religious-type (Mark 12:28-34). Religion-keepers try to stay in power by declaring all their rules are God’s rules. Jesus simply said to love God and love others as yourself. Jesus wasn’t claiming God was egotistical, only that loving God is the same as loving others like you want to be loved. Jesus wasn’t saying what hoops to jump through to be loved by God. Jesus was encouraging a lifestyle to pursue with God’s help.
The sin of certainty may be the greatest way we fail living by the golden rule
We are all tempted to insist we are right and the other side if wrong. Couples acting this way are headed toward divorce. God-followers and religious leaders seem hell-bent in telling people what they must believe about God according to their understanding and interpretation of the Bible. Politicians seem hell-bent in claiming certainty regarding policies such as climate change and immigration, though there are reasonable arguments on both sides of the aisle. Open-minded uncertainty, rather than supposed certainty, could go a long way to healing our nation and personal relationships. Stop condemning gays or insisting on certain women roles/dress according to your understanding. Imagine if you were gay or a woman and ask how you would want to be treated!
Why are people so damn certain?
Christians often claim those who support gay marriages are heretics. They claim their truth because the Bible says so. They fail to understand ancient literature is subject to interpretations and biblical scholars don’t agree that God condemns gays. See here.
Why do politicians claim certainty other than to gain votes? Covid shots were mandated though there were disagreements in the beginning that the Shots prevented infection and transmission. They didn’t! Politicians may claim certainty to avoid arguing their “truth” to convince others
Individuals fall in love with certainty. If certain beliefs about God are challenged, what other beliefs they were taught could be wrong? Uncertainty can increase anxiety, but certainty leads to forcing “supposed” truths onto others.
Uncertainty doesn’t result in lawlessness
Who doesn’t believe rape is wrong unless a terrorist? Of course, terrorists who rape believe their partner shouldn’t be raped. It is often said we best know God according to “biblical truths.” The truth is contrary biblical interpretations exist for many moral issues. See here. I don’t know any reasonable God or non-God person that doesn’t respect the golden rule in relationships. Certain laws are just common, moral sense. Who doesn’t believe physical or sexual abuse is wrong? Different opinions, such as immigration or climate matters expressed without physical or verbal aggression, can stand side by side as we continually evaluate the most loving approach. Open discussions can steer us away from demanding “supposed truths.”
Changing for the future
We must first stop claiming our views are morally superior to those we disagree with unless speaking of universal accepted moral truths
We must handle differences with physical and emotional civility
We can begin conversations by looking for areas we agree
We can discuss differences by defending our reasoning, respecting the opinions of others, and commit to growing in understanding
In a democratic society, which is better than the rule of those in power, the vote of the majority must be followed until voted on again
Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com
I don’t desire to offend anyone’s Religion, only bad beliefs. In this post, I will compare the Muslim’s and Christian’s supposed inspired Book, the Quran or Bible. I am not suggesting all Muslims or Christians share the same interpretations of their Book, but enough of either faith believe their God respectively either condemns Jews or gays. A believer naturally shows devotion and obedience to God by imitating their understanding of God according to the Book they considered inspired by God.
The dangers in assuming a Book is inspired by one’s God
The Quran and Bible seemingly make controversial statements describing what God is like. The Quran is interpreted by many Muslims that God condemns Jews, even suggesting they are the enemy. See here. The Bible is interpreted by many Christians that God condemns gays by suggesting they will not enter the kingdom of God either here on earth or in the afterlife (I Cor. 6:9). The danger isn’t what a Book might say, but whether one assumes everything written about God is inspired by God. One cannot prove prophets or writers always understood God perfectly. It isn’t presumptuous to imagine what a loving God is like through our moral consciences. See here.
Bad religions assume infidels must be killed according to their God
Both Books are said to refer to those not of their faith as infidels who must be killed either in this life or the afterlife. Many Muslims interpret the Quran to advise Jews must believe in their God or be killed even in this life. I am not aware those of the Christian faith suggesting such aggressions toward infidels in this life. But many Christians believe those who don’t accept Jesus in this life will enter a fiery, torturous existence in the afterlife. I can see how one might see both threats sharing some commonalities.
Christians must reject Hell for this reason. A God who advocates lighting an infidel on fire and not even allowing it to burn out, either in this life or the life to come, is not a loving God. Christians should reject Hell for biblical and moral reasons. See here. Christians should reject Hell to avoid any comparisons to any religion that argue for death to infidels in this life or the life to come. Now, when one meets their Creator and rejects living a loving/godly life, I can see them being allowed to pass on into final death. It is just as reasonable, if not more reasonable, to believe a loving God that is able to create will take forever, if necessary, to save everyone from themselves. See here.
What is good religion?
We are free to speculate what a loving God is like, as a Book that may not be inspired and is subject to interpretation cannot be the definitive word on God. It is only intuitive that a Creator loves the ways their creations ought to love one another. God’s nature doesn’t allow giving up on infidels even after their last breath. Even imperfect human parents wouldn’t cut off a child who eventually accepts they must love others like they want to be loved. Go ahead and live like Hell while here on earth! Careful the regrets you, your family, and friends will feel at the end of your life. Careful that our character developed here on earth may make the change process longer and more painful in the life to come. All good religions have in common that we must strive to treat others like you want to be treated or you don’t have a God worth believing in!
Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. He couldn’t find enough people to discuss God openly so he started blogging years ago. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com
Many people talk about the problems we have in the schools today. Often we hear the reason being that God and prayer have been removed from our schools.
Actually, this could not be further from the truth. God and prayer have never been removed from our schools. As believers, the Spirit of God lives within us and is available to hear our prayer anytime, anywhere.
What has been removed from schools is a set, standardized prayer by a teacher or someone leading the whole class. And quite frankly, this type of prayer should have been removed from our schools. Our public schools are made up of children from many beliefs, many faiths and many religions. We cannot nor should we force one religion’s views on everyone.
As Christians, we believe that through the Spirit we have the presence of God with us always and we can pray anytime we feel like it. Prayer can be done silently and internally, so no one needs to be distracted or forced to listen.
God and prayer cannot be removed from any place. We just need to remember the fact that the Spirit of God is within us and available to us each and every day.
Michael Donahoe was added as a writer as his views fit perfectly with those of Done with Religion. He also writes on Substack at https://myopinionblog.substack.com/
Growing up in the organized church, I was taught that we actually had enemies within the religious world and that certain groups of people were to be avoided. I do not think this was done openly but very subliminally; it was just something you picked up on over the years in the Christian religion.
I can say this because I spent well over fifty years in the organized Christian church and I know how I used to feel. Fortunately, not everyone in the church system feels this way, but it does seem to be a pretty normal way of thought for those of us who grew up in it.
In the church system I often found people felt that if you attend a certain denomination all the other denominations did not quite measure up. Fortunately, this does not happen in every church organization, but it does seem to be the norm more often than not.
Another thing we felt was that if you are a Christian then those outside of Christianity are to be avoided. Of course, we were to make sure to act like a friend so we can witness to them and try to convert them to Christianity. I think this is really a sneaky and unkind way to treat others. I know for a fact that friendship with ulterior motives can be very disheartening.
I also found that inside the Christian religion atheists are considered to be the enemy of our faith. We were told it is best for us to stay far away from them so that doubt does not creep into our own way of thinking.
People of other religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism. Confucianism, Gnosticism, Judaism, Islam or a host of other religions were considered confused and wrong in their beliefs. Nothing measured up except our way of Christianity. We were the enlightened ones, everyone else was mistaken.
Fortunately, I and many others no longer think this way. For me, I believe Jesus came to show the love of God to all people and he accepted and respected everyone. If you attend a church or if you are walking with God outside the walls of religion, hating or discriminating against anyone is not what God wants and is not at all Christ-like.
We need to remember that Christianity is just a religion created by men. Jesus did not come to start a religion and he is not the head of the Christian religion. Jesus came to show us what God may really be like , a God of love. Jesus loved and respected people no matter who they were or what they believed.
No matter what religion people choose to follow, it does not completely describe who they are. Each of us is a person who basically wants the same things and same goals in life. We all want to be happy, to be loved and accepted and to live a good life. We all go about it in different ways but the basics are the same.
Being outside the walls of religion, I have come to see people as people no matter the label or religion. I have come to know many people of all beliefs and ways of life and have found them to be good friends. We all have our different backgrounds and beliefs, but we are all basically the same.
Rather than judge and condemn others who do not see things the way we do, it is time we do what Jesus said to do. Love God and love others. We are not here to judge, condemn and try to force people into accepting things the way we see them. The Holy Spirit will draw, convict and change people if that is what is needed. We are only called to be loving and kind to all we meet.
Loving others does not always mean we agree, but we can show the love of God and be respectful even in our differences. Look past the labels and the different religions to see the human being who is not an enemy, but who was created in the image of God and who is loved by God just as much as anyone else.
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
Believing God exists or doesn’t exist requires faith, but it seems intuitive a loving Creator would love the way we were seemingly created to love. Thus, we can examine what a loving God is like though our moral intuitions or consciences. Christians may argue we should trust “biblical truths” about God, but differing interpretations exist for many moral issues. See here. Also, we can’t prove if biblical writers always understood God perfectly. We aren’t always certain how to best love, but we know that we or a Creator ought to love others as we want to be loved.
A loving God can’t be a God of chance!
A loving God wouldn’t only let Christians into heaven when the majority of people born into this world died without knowledge of Jesus the Christ. Besides, one’s religion or rebellion against a certain religion is often based on the family born into whether it is Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. No human or spiritual parent brings children into the world requiring that one’s eternal destination is based on circumstances out of one’s control.
A freedom creating God wouldn’t act like a terrorist who seek to control one’s religion
Terrorists believe you must be of a certain religion or be killed. If our Creator believed this way, why hasn’t an all-powerful God controlled evil here on earth by dashing to pieces those who don’t accept God’s ways? A supposed infallible Book wouldn’t be so dangerous if extremists admitted literature is subject to interpretation, thus their interpretation could be wrong. It seems a good God would be more concerned about good or harmful beliefs than one’s religion.
And many scholars believe the Bible teaches all people get into Heaven
If we are going to use the Bible as our defense to claim God only accepts Christians, we must recognize passages such as: “For as in Adam all died, so in Christ all will be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22). Bible scholars who respect the authority of Scriptures interpret this and other verses to mean only those who have never died are excluded from heaven. Since all have died, no one is necessarily excluded. The Bible teaches forgiveness is unlimited (i.e. Mt. 18:21-22), so is God’s deadline limited when one takes their last breathe here on earth?
And the Bible doesn’t necessarily rule out decisions after death
John 5:25 says that the dead will hear the voice of God and those who hear will live. Romans 14:11-12 says: “It is written: As surely as I live, says the Lord, “every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.” So then, we will all give an account of ourselves to God.” Why couldn’t some make a decision at Judgment? I Peter 3:18-20 speaks of Jesus preaching to those in Noah’s day who were disobedient. Preaching is normally for the opportunity to respond. The Bible isn’t decisive what happens after death, but the possibility of eternal decisions after death doesn’t diminish the blessings of changing here on earth.
Jesus didn’t refer to his followers as Christians
Jesus simply asked people to follow Him. Jesus seemed more concerned with living a caring life than what one believed. A universal desire to treat others like we want to be treated hints God communicates to us all. Jesus’ message has been exemplified by many great leaders such as Gandhi. We seem to know in our heart Jesus’ main message – love others like we want to be loved.
Hell’s non-existence requires rethinking the afterlife for all religions
Hell’s supposed existence is why many insist one must believe in Jesus to avoid such a destination. It turns out Jesus or the Bible says nothing about the traditional understanding of Hell. See here. Why would a loving God torture anyone forever since such pain serves no lasting purpose? Humans wouldn’t even create a place like Hell for their worst enemies! Such a place may be only imagined because of one’s interpretation of a Book. God can’t be a hellish, sadistic, torturer.
God cannot be the god of terrorists or extremists
Terrorists believe you must be of a certain religion or be killed. A loving God knows true love and lasting convictions are obtained when chosen freely than forced. A Book would not be so dangerous if extremists acknowledged their interpretation cannot be proclaimed as “certainty” in God’s name. No human or spiritual parent brings children into the world requiring that one’s eternal destination is based on circumstances out of one’s control. God must not be accused of requiring all must convert to Christianity to be accepted by God or get into heaven.
Mike Edwards has been writing for Done with Religion for some time and has been a great addition to the site. Mike also has his own site where he writes that can be found at What God May Really Be Like He can be contacted by email at: medwar2@gmail.com
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Done with Religion 
