The Top 10 Lies of Evangelicalism: Exposed and Disproved

Evangelicalism thrives on certainty. It presents a series of doctrines and beliefs as unquestionable truths, often discouraging critical thinking and dissent. For those of us who have deconstructed our faith, part of the journey involves untangling these deeply ingrained lies, many of which do not hold up under scrutiny. Below, we’ll examine and disprove 10 pervasive evangelical claims, using historical, cultural, and scientific evidence to set the record straight.

1. “The Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God.” Evangelicals teach that the Bible is a flawless, divinely inspired document that contains no errors or contradictions. However, the Bible is a collection of 66 books written by dozens of authors over centuries, reflecting the cultural, historical, and social contexts of their time. It contains contradictions, such as the differing accounts of Judas Iscariot’s death in Matthew 27:5 (hanging) and Acts 1:18 (falling and bursting open). Archaeology disputes key biblical events, such as the Exodus, with scholars like Israel Finkelstein finding no evidence of millions of Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. The Bible’s canon was also decided by humans at early Christian councils, with many other writings excluded. The Bible, while significant as a historical and literary work, is a human document subject to the biases and limitations of its authors.

   
   

2. “You’ll go to Hell if you don’t believe.” Evangelicals use the threat of Hell as a tool to compel belief in Jesus, claiming it is a literal place of eternal torment for non-believers. Yet, the concept of Hell has evolved over time. Ancient Judaism, as reflected in the Old Testament, had no concept of Hell. Instead, it described Sheol as a shadowy, neutral afterlife. The idea of a fiery Hell owes more to Greek and Roman mythology, such as Hades, than to early Jewish or Christian thought. Scholars like Bart Ehrman note that Jesus’ references to “Gehenna” referred to a physical garbage dump outside Jerusalem, not an eternal spiritual punishment. The moral problem with Hell is immense: how can a finite life of mistakes merit infinite punishment?

   
   

3. “America is a Christian nation.” Evangelicals argue that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, with Christianity intended to guide its laws and culture. However, the U.S. Constitution contains no mention of God, Jesus, or Christianity. Instead, the First Amendment explicitly guarantees freedom of religion. Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were proponents of secularism. Jefferson even authored the “Jefferson Bible,” removing supernatural elements from the Gospels. The 1797 Treaty of Tripoli, signed by President John Adams, explicitly states, “The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”

   
   

4. “Homosexuality is a sin.” Evangelicals cite Bible verses to claim that homosexuality is inherently sinful and against God’s design. The verses commonly cited, such as Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27, must be understood in their historical context. Levitical laws were written for an ancient Jewish theocracy and include prohibitions we no longer follow, such as against eating shellfish or wearing mixed fabrics. The term “homosexuality” did not appear in the Bible until 1946, when it was mistranslated in the Revised Standard Version. The original Greek word, arsenokoitai, likely referred to exploitative relationships, not consensual same-sex love. Modern science recognizes homosexuality as a natural variation of human sexuality, and leading organizations like the American Psychological Association condemn conversion therapy and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

   
   

5. “Faith is more important than works.” Evangelicals often emphasize faith alone (sola fide) as the means of salvation, dismissing good deeds as secondary. This doctrine is largely based on Martin Luther’s interpretation of Paul’s letters, but it contradicts other biblical texts. For example, James 2:26 states, “Faith without works is dead.” The emphasis on faith over works allows believers to ignore systemic injustice, personal responsibility, and tangible action. Ethical behavior—kindness, justice, and compassion—is far more beneficial to society than passive belief.

   
   

6. “Suffering is part of God’s plan.” Evangelicals claim that suffering is divinely ordained and serves a higher purpose. This belief absolves individuals and systems of accountability for preventable suffering, such as poverty, racism, or abuse. Natural disasters, diseases, and tragedies can be explained through science, not divine will. Earthquakes are caused by tectonic shifts, not punishment for sin. Philosophers like Epicurus and theologians like Bart Ehrman have long questioned why an all-powerful, all-loving God would allow innocent suffering.

   
   

7. “The End Times are near.” Evangelicals frequently predict the imminent return of Jesus and the end of the world. Predictions of the End Times have consistently failed. Harold Camping famously predicted the Rapture in 2011; it didn’t happen. Jesus himself, in Matthew 24:34, stated, “This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened,” suggesting the early Christians expected the apocalypse within their lifetimes. The obsession with End Times theology leads to complacency, particularly around issues like climate change, under the assumption that God will intervene.

   
   

8. “God hates sin but loves the sinner.” Evangelicals use this phrase as a way to claim acceptance of individuals while condemning their actions. However, it often perpetuates shame and ostracization, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. By framing someone’s identity as sinful, this phrase weaponizes “love” to enforce conformity. True love affirms the dignity and worth of all people without requiring them to adhere to oppressive norms.

   
   

9. “Doubt is a sign of weak faith.” Doubt is a natural response to uncertainty and complexity, yet evangelicalism stigmatizes it to maintain control. Philosophers and theologians throughout history, such as Søren Kierkegaard and Paul Tillich, have argued that doubt is essential to meaningful faith and intellectual growth. Dismissing doubt creates an environment where critical thinking and self-awareness are stifled, trapping believers in cognitive dissonance.

   
   

10. “Christians are morally superior.”

    The claim of moral superiority is contradicted by evidence. Studies show that atheists and secular humanists are equally, if not more, likely to engage in ethical behavior, such as charitable giving and promoting human rights. Morality is a human construct shaped by empathy, social contracts, and reason—not exclusive to any religious tradition. When evangelicals position themselves as morally superior, they alienate others and foster divisiveness rather than collaboration.

    
    

Deconstructing these claims isn’t about attacking individuals who believe them but challenging systems of thought that perpetuate harm. By exposing these lies, we create space for intellectual freedom, equity, and compassion.

What lies have you deconstructed, and how has it changed your perspective?

Let’s continue the conversation and grow together.