Heretic, Too! is not just a continuation of my theological musings from Heretic!, but a deeper exploration into what it means to live in alignment with the radical teachings of Jesus, with the boldness to question rigid doctrines and embrace a more compassionate, universalist faith. This book, like my journey, is about asking hard questions, challenging long-held beliefs, and ultimately finding a spirituality that brings freedom rather than fear.
I begin by reflecting on the overlap between the teachings of Jesus and those found in other spiritual traditions, particularly Buddhism. One of the most striking parallels I draw is between the bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism and the way of Jesus. Both paths call for a life of self-sacrificial love, of being present to the needs of others, and of working toward the collective liberation of all beings. This resonates deeply with my understanding of Jesus’ teachings on love, humility, and service. The bodhisattva, much like Jesus, embodies a way of life that is focused on the well-being of others, and this opens the door to an inclusive spirituality that transcends the boundaries of Christianity.
It’s this broader vision of spirituality that drives much of my reflection in Heretic, Too! I argue that Jesus did not come to establish a rigid religion with strict boundaries of who’s in and who’s out. Rather, he demonstrated a path—a way of being in the world that is open to everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation. This idea challenges the traditional evangelical claim that “Jesus is the only way.” While I don’t reject Jesus as a central figure in my faith, I do believe that the “way” he spoke of is a universal path known to many traditions. As Marcus Borg once said, “the way of Jesus is known in all religions of the world.” This is a radical departure from evangelical exclusivism, but one that I find to be in line with the very heart of Jesus’ message.
One of the most personal aspects of the book involves my reflections on sin and salvation. I critique the harmful doctrines of original sin and eternal hellfire, which have done more to instill fear than foster love. These doctrines, particularly the idea of hell, are tools of control and manipulation, and they distort the beauty of Jesus’ message of unconditional love and forgiveness. In contrast, I propose a view of salvation that is not about escaping hell, but about entering into the fullness of life here and now. This is where I delve into the concept of kenosis—the idea of self-emptying love that both Jesus and the bodhisattvas embody. It’s through this act of giving up our ego-driven desires and aligning ourselves with love that we find true freedom and liberation.
Another key theme in Heretic, Too! is the ongoing problem of sin and how we deal with it. While I do not deny the reality of sin, I reject the toxic idea that humans are totally depraved and deserving of eternal punishment. Instead, I view sin as a disruption of harmony—a failure to live in alignment with love and compassion. Sin is real, but it’s not something that defines us or that God holds over us. Rather, God’s posture toward sin is one of preemptive forgiveness and restoration. Throughout the book, I emphasize that God is not waiting for us to repent before offering forgiveness. It’s already there, freely given, because that’s who God is—unconditional love.
I also tackle the issue of free will, which is often misunderstood in Christian theology. Many people, especially in the West, see free will as the ability to choose between good and evil, but I argue that true freedom comes from being aligned with the good. It’s not about having the ability to choose anything we want, but about being so connected to love and goodness that we naturally choose what is right. This view is more in line with the Eastern understanding of karma and mindfulness, where the focus is on cultivating a life that is in harmony with the universe.
A large portion of Heretic, Too! is dedicated to challenging the patriarchal structures that have dominated Christianity for centuries. I take a hard look at complementarianism—the belief that men and women have distinct roles, with men in authority—and show how this ideology is not only unbiblical but deeply harmful. Drawing from the teachings of Paul and other early Christian texts, I argue for a more egalitarian approach to gender roles in both the church and the home. Jesus’ message was one of radical inclusion, and that includes women in all areas of leadership and life.
In addition to these theological critiques, Heretic, Too! also explores the intersection of faith and social justice. I reflect on the ways in which following Jesus’ example requires us to stand against systems of oppression and work toward the liberation of all people. This includes addressing issues like racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic injustice—areas where the church has often fallen short. I draw inspiration from modern-day bodhisattvas like Martin Luther King Jr. and Thich Nhat Hanh, who lived out their faith by actively working for the liberation of others.
At its core, Heretic, Too! is a call to live a life of love, compassion, and humility. It’s an invitation to step away from fear-based religion and to embrace a more expansive, inclusive faith—one that sees the divine in all people and in all traditions. It’s about realizing that Jesus didn’t come to start a religion, but to show us a way of being in the world that leads to freedom, joy, and peace.
As I reflect on my own journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, I hope that Heretic, Too! offers readers the courage to question, to doubt, and to find their own path to a faith that is liberating rather than confining. We are all on a journey, and I believe that the way of Jesus—the way of love—can guide us through even the most difficult questions and the deepest doubts.
Please pick up Heretic, Too! today. Leave a review once you’re done. And tell your friends. I believe you’ll absolutely love this book.
Also, if you’ve been digging my work on here, and want to see me be able to continue writing as close to full-time as humanly possible, please take a look at my Patreon page at www.patreon.com/mjdistefano. Even $1 a month helps bigly!
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