“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
A Bible that refuses to be weaponised
Across centuries, the Scriptures have been pressed into the service of empire, crusade, inquisition, slavery, and every form of religious violence. The same verses that announce the Year of the Lord’s favour have been twisted to justify the sword.
The Open Bible exists to break that pattern.
By marking — never removing — the passages that contradict the character of the crucified Christ, we make it structurally harder to use the Bible as a blunt instrument. The text remains intact for study, but the Lamb’s voice is no longer drowned out by the noise of human fear and power.
Not censorship — discernment
The early church fathers routinely distinguished between the eternal Word and the human words that bear witness to Him. Origen called certain passages “stumbling-blocks” placed by God to force us to look deeper. Gregory of Nyssa refused to attribute petty vengeance to the Father of mercies. We stand in that same tradition: the same Spirit who inspired the text is the only one authorised to interpret it, and He will never contradict the love revealed on Calvary.
For the wounded and the weary
This is written for everyone who has ever closed the Bible in despair because a verse seemed to demand they hate their enemy, fear their neighbour, or believe God delights in torment.
You are not required to defend atrocity in order to defend inspiration.
You are not required to fear hell in order to love Jesus.
You are not required to silence your questions in order to keep your faith.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” — 1 John 4:18
An invitation to read with open hands
Come as you are.
Bring your doubt, your anger, your hunger for truth and lay it down at the feet of the Lord.
Read straight through and let the Holy Spirit that dwelleth in you lead the way.
The Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy to open the scroll.