One of the most common responses to my posts about spirituality is the claim that it’s “new age nonsense.” It’s as if some people fail to see God and the very things He expressly teaches us simply because they don’t come with a chapter and verse attached. At the same time, many believe they’re walking a spiritual path simply because they quote Scripture or insist that the Bible is the absolute foundation of God.
When people respond in this way, my spirit cries out, “They’re missing the connection!” It makes me wonder: Have they truly studied the Scriptures, or have they simply read them? Have they genuinely sought to explore God, or are they just collecting information handed to them by the religious systems of this world? For many years, I held a similar, concrete view of the Bible. But instead of drawing me closer to God, it pushed me further away. I’ve come to realize how misleading the teachings of the church about God can be if we don’t have a personal relationship with God/Source and the ability to discern the deeper meanings and implications of Scripture.
In moments like these, I’m always reminded of what my father—and Master Roshi—taught me about this: about language, time, and the limitations of labels. Language can only approximate divine truths, time confines us to a narrow perspective, and labels often oversimplify or distort the vastness of spiritual reality. While Scripture is a divine gift and deeply important, it was never meant to contain God or limit our relationship with Him. God calls us to something far greater—a living, evolving connection that transcends words on a page and human-led interpretations.
Let’s explore why the Bible, while sacred, is not the fullness of God’s revelation or our spiritual journey.
Scripture Points to God, But It Isn’t God
The Bible itself makes it clear that it’s a tool to guide us toward God, not the destination. Jesus said to the Pharisees in John 5:39-40:
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
Here, Jesus directly rebukes people who idolized the written word but missed the relationship with Him—the living Word. The Bible’s purpose is to point us toward God, not to replace Him.
Example: Imagine using a map to get to your destination. The map is vital, but once you’ve arrived, the map becomes secondary to experiencing the journey and the destination itself. Similarly, the Bible is the map, but the destination is a vibrant relationship with God through His Spirit.
God’s Voice Didn’t Stop With the Bible
Throughout Scripture, God’s communication with humanity is dynamic and personal. He speaks to people directly (Moses in Exodus 3:4), through dreams (Joseph in Genesis 37), through visions (Peter in Acts 10), and through His Spirit (John 16:13). Nowhere does God say He has stopped speaking to His people.
John 16:13 says:
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
This verse shows that God’s Spirit continues to lead, guide, and reveal truths beyond what was written.
When we limit God’s voice to the Bible alone, we risk missing how He’s actively working and speaking in our lives today.
The Church Has Misled Many
One of the greatest misunderstandings perpetuated by many churches is the idea that the Bible is the only way to know God. While the Bible is essential, this teaching can unintentionally create a barrier between us and the Spirit’s ongoing work.
Paul warns against this kind of rigidity in 2 Corinthians 3:6:
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
When people cling to the “letter” (the written text) without engaging with the Spirit, they can become spiritually stagnant. Churches that discourage questioning, exploration, or direct communion with God often prioritize control over growth.
Examples of God Leading Beyond Doctrine
The Bible itself gives us countless examples of God calling people beyond the boundaries of tradition and doctrine:
Abraham’s Journey: Abraham wasn’t given a Bible; he was called by God to leave everything he knew and step into the unknown (Genesis 12:1). His faith was rooted in listening to God’s voice and obeying, not in adhering to a written law.
Peter’s Vision: In Acts 10, Peter is given a vision that contradicts Jewish dietary laws. God uses this to teach Peter that the Gospel is for all people, not just the Jews. This was a radical shift that required Peter to trust God over the traditions he had always known.
The Early Church: In Acts 15, the early church had to navigate the inclusion of Gentiles without requiring them to follow the Mosaic law. This decision wasn’t explicitly written in Scripture; it came through prayer, discernment, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
These examples show that God’s work is often far beyond human rules, traditions, and even what’s written in Scripture.
God Calls Us to a Personal Relationship
Ultimately, God desires a relationship, not mere religious adherence. Hosea 6:6 says:
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Jesus echoes this in Matthew 22:37-40 when He says the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind—and to love others as yourself. This relational aspect of faith can’t be reduced to memorizing verses or following church rules. It’s about walking with God daily, listening to His Spirit, and growing in love and understanding.
A Plea to and Encouragement for Those Stuck in the “Box”
If you’ve ever felt like there’s something missing in your faith—even if you know the Bible well—you’re not alone. That longing for “more” isn’t a sign of rebellion; it’s God calling you to step beyond the box that religion or tradition has placed you in.
The Bible is a gift, but it’s not God Himself. It points us to Him, but it’s not the fullness of our relationship with Him. God is living, dynamic, and ever-present. He speaks today, leads today, and calls us into a deeper connection that no book—no matter how sacred—can fully capture.
If you’re questioning, exploring, or feeling stuck, know this: God is far bigger than we’ve been taught. He’s not confined to words on a page or the walls of a church. His Spirit is alive, guiding us, and inviting us into something so much greater than we can imagine.
Keep seeking Him with your whole heart. Ask questions, listen for His voice, and don’t be afraid to step outside of what others have told you. The journey is personal, beautiful, and limitless.
The Twin Tree Project 