The “Gospel” of Divine Abuse: Redeeming the Gospel from Gruesome Popular Preaching of an Abusive and Violent God

by Eitan Bar

Please take into consideration that this book is highly controversial and is likely to provoke strong and negative reactions from angry fundamentalists and Calvinists.

The common thread among all Fundamentalist denominations—including Calvinists, Baptists, Pentecostals, Evangelicals, and others—is their adherence to a doctrine called Penal Substitutionary Atonement. This theory teaches that God was so enraged and filled with wrath toward humanity that He needed to satisfy His "justice" by executing destruction. However, rather than punishing us directly, He instead tortured, abused, and killed Christ in our place to appease His anger.

This doctrine, formulated by John Calvin in the 16th century, underpins the fundamentalist view of God as a rigid, legalistic moral monster—one who is eager to condemn those who fail to meet His impossible standards. This dangerous, anxiety-inducing, and hateful theology has spread like poison through Christianity under the guise of "Christian Fundamentalism."

In this book, we will critically examine the biblical and theological arguments used to support Penal Substitutionary Atonement, deconstructing its foundations to reveal the true character of God—the God of love that Jesus proclaimed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2023

About the author

Dr. Eitan Bar (born 1984, Tel Aviv) is a Bible scholar, author, and Israeli-Jewish follower of Jesus with multiple advanced degrees in Bible and theology. His unique background—living in Israel, being a native Hebrew speaker, and possessing advanced Christian education—provides a fresh and timely perspective on Christian beliefs and doctrines.

Dr. Bar co-founded ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry, a Messianic Reformed Baptist non-profit and Bible college. He later left the organization in 2022 and deconstructed his Baptistic-Calvinistic beliefs, becoming an independent author of several books, including a few best-sellers (available on Amazon.com)

Eitan frequently lectures worldwide, primarily in Europe and the U.S., and his Hebrew-language videos, with over 25 million views, have made him a widely recognized figure in Israel for representing faith in Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus).

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book has provided me some much needed peace of mind. I'm someone who regardless of my faith of being a Christian (one that left the faith for years and came back), I cannot mentally handle the idea of God tormenting people in hell for eternity. I'm very serious about this.

The author makes a lot of good points about how it does not make sense for God to be so abusive, and he's knowledgeable about the Bible and the Hebrew language.

I'm terrible at writing reviews and collecting my thoughts for them, since my memory is awful these days! But I know I highlighted a lot of this book in the Kindle, and I look forward to reading his book about Hell, and he is one of the main reasons I'm going to pay for Kindle Unlimited a couple more months, I have several of his books on my list. It is refreshing to read an author that has a Hebrew perspective on the Bible and its translations, and to hear the thoughts of someone who does believe Jesus is our savoir, but like myself, cannot compute the idea of God loving us and also be willing to torture people forever.

[Justin Denlinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat worth reading, although his view of the theological landscape is pretty narrowly informed in some aspects.
By that I mean he has a bit of a postmodern, sensationalist flavor to his understanding issues of Christian doctrine. He often plays fast and loose with some significant theological principles and even attempts to pit modern Christian writers against the Bible (quoting C. S. Lewis out of context to trivialize sexual immorality, despite Paul saying quite explicitly that there should be no grounds for even accusations of sexual immorality in the Church [Ephesians 5:3]).

He is greatly influenced by an egalitarian model of marriage, and that biblically inconsistent stance finds its way into this book.
He goes out of his way (to no apparent end) to endorse the feminist renegotiation of Galations 3:28 to be read as an annulment of gender based hierarchy instead of a statement of equal opportunity of access to God through Christ Jesus (formerly only free, healthy Jewish men were permitted into the inner court of the temple).

He also trivializes sexual immorality, reducing the cause of extramarital sex being forbidden in the Old Testament to its being “linked to idolatry.”
Coming from someone who also talks about sin as negative epigenetic programming via repeated behavior, I expect better thought through (and researched) explanations.
Extramarital sex is evil because it weakens pair-bonding ability before marriage (fornication), and weakens an established pair-bond within a marriage (adultery). Unfaithfulness injures the trust and love of a spouse, thus exponentially increasing conflict and destroying the wellbeing of the household.
It’s also possible that - in your fornication - you may unknowingly violate someone else’s marital vows (if the other person is married and doesn’t disclose it).

It is also a poor portrayal of Christian selflessness and self-control to the World.

It is a very grave matter, and Eitan’s haphazard treatment of the issue calls into question whether his wisdom is to be trusted, and whether there is some un-repented adultery in his past.

****************************************************
There are other more minor doctrinal errors, but I’m not here to pillory Eitan.
In fact, though I disagreed with some (okay, a lot) of his writing, it is a book with a few worthy takeaways.

The core issue is important and worth understanding: God is NOT a cosmic monster who was was overjoyed to brutally murder his own son.
That is only one noxious facet of the warped “gospel” of the Reformed sect, which portrays God as a monster through many heterodoxical doctrines, especially theistic determinism (“Calvinism”).

A further point for his case that Eitan overlooked or was uninformed about, is that the Septuagint (which predates the Masoretic text by quite a bit - over 1,000 years) does not render Isaiah 53 as a proof text for Divine Abuse.
It says simply that YHWH “willed that He should be crushed.”
Some of his scholarship is a bit questionable too.
He tends to stretch the conclusions of studies or applications of verses to fit his needs.

He does a good job of laying out the different theories of the Atonement. I really enjoyed that part of the book. He does have some really solid points to make.

In summary, you’ve done decent, Eitan, though you need to stop trivializing sin that destroys souls.
Whatever sin you are running from, turn and face the music like a man, and repent fully.
I appreciate your effort, and hope you’ll keep writing to reach Christians and Jews.

[Justin Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pauline Level Defense of Truth

I was abundantly blessed by this book and it’s incredibly rich content. Bar thoroughly “sanitizes” the modern believer of many erroneous and sometimes outright heretical claims they have probably picked up through the years. You, like myself prior to completion of the book probably think you’re in no way affected by this false gospel. However, as Bar continued to masterfully dismantle each wretched piece of this belief system I noticed I had unwittingly come to accept pieces of it into my own presuppositions. This was an eye opener! If you notice some of your understanding shifting as a result, don’t be discouraged but remember the words of Paul:

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

As Jordan Peterson so well puts, the ideal is to live between the borders of order and chaos. Chaos is the realm with the potentiality of change, and order is the realm of stability and predictable outcome. If you are a believer, consciously or otherwise of this “gospel” of divine abuse you will find “chaos” as you read this book. Don’t be discouraged by this! Because only in the realm of potential growth does one truly enter the mind-frame to truly fulfill 1 cor 10:12 and reevaluate the very ground they stand on. This is where growth takes place, and growth is good! A very hearty thank you to DR Bar for this and your many other contributions!

[Marco Troisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, very insightful and thought-provoking

[Phillip Gralik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really made me think and I honestly can’t find a scripture to contradict it. I guess I always simply accepted what I was taught in that the Father separated from the Son and poured wrath on Him to satisfy His justice against our sin, but there are logical fallacies in that I never considered and not a single scripture to confirm that point of view. The author made quite a few excellent points including the fact that no sacrifice in the Old Testament was ever to be tortured or tormented and that the blood was the key. The author’s attempts to be shocking were off putting to me and it took a while to get past them, but I understand that some people may need to be shocked to consider an alternative point of view and it was well worth putting up with it to get the details of his message. I always evaluate everything I read against Scripture and never seem to agree with anyone on everything, but that’s why God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us understand what He is telling us. I highly recommend this book and that everyone evaluate it against what Scripture says.

[Dave Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a base level introduction to a topic with robust representation within academia not entirely delved into here, but I wouldn't hesitate for a second in recommending this to anyone curious about the growing rejection of penal substitution by a number of us within orthodox Christianity. Whatever surface level treatment this might represent, I think it's a coherent and comfortable stepping stone that comes with great assurances to those who might be fearful that rejecting penal substitution is not synonymous with rejection of Jesus and the Gospel, nor necessary concepts of sin and salvation.

There's an added perspective here too given that he is speaking as a Jewish Christian. I found that dynamic interesting.

[Kelley Hearrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You put my thoughts into words

I’ve spent a lifetime trying to make logical sense of the angry God ready to smite me and his lovable son Jesus; how could they be one and the same? And why all the blood and death? I’ve given it one last shot to make it make sense. Thank you for putting my doubts about an angry wrath filled God out there, exploring them in the scriptures, and helping me connect the dots to a God that loves his creation and desires a relationship with us, even when we screw it up. While I still have questions, and don’t necessarily agree on all points, I do have more peace about my eternal destiny, but more importantly about how to LIVE now. Thank you!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new Christian struggling to understand certain concepts, this book was very helpful in revealing how theological foundations influence the perspective on the gospel. The overview on the theories of atonement was particularly helpful - I’ll be seeking a more comprehensive book on that topic soon.

On the whole, it’s directed me closer to a God that loves me, and made me question who theologians are, and what perspective they are coming from, with a lot more discernment.

Thank God for this book!

[Adam Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loaded with truth

Too many Christians buy into an abusive God. I know I did. It made sense that God couldn't stand to look at me when so many people already acted like that. Over the years, I finally realized God couldn't be like that, but didn't know why.

Get this book if you want to know why.

[J.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does what it says it will do.

To paraphrase William Jennings Bryan: "If it wasn't for theologians, we wouldn't need theologians."
Predictably, a book like this brings the outhouse theologians (like me) out of the woodwork. Some people seem to expect this to be some kind of exhaustive soteriological work, which it is not, and which the author never claimed it to be.
Full disclosure: I really, really dislike Calvinism and it's celebrity death match with Arminianism, for reasons beyond the scope of this review.
I've been exposed to this psychotic doctrine that the author calls "Divine Abuse" for most of my life, but indirectly, mostly. Oddly enough, I have come up in a doctrinal tradition that is often a favorite whipping boy of those superior Reformed types who are always out looking for heretics. And still, somehow, notions of this hateful God rhetoric have seeped into my thinking.
Anyway, if you're looking for an encyclopedic work on soteriology, this book isn't it. If you're troubled by the Doublespeak Reformed preaching of a hateful God that somehow did something out of spite because He loves you (!?) and need help disarming that unexploded theological bomb, then this book just might set you on the right track. It delivers what it promises in its subtitle.

And for people who are dumping on the author for his writing, knock it off. His English is probably WAY better than your modern Hebrew.

[Jenny Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was raised in Calvinism and the concept that God had to pour out wrath on someone, so Jesus saved us from that wrath. Yet, we’re also encouraged to read and study the Bible, the scriptures.The more I read, the more I concluded that maybe some of these verses don’t mean what I was taught.

Since the scriptures were mostly written by Jews within the Jewish culture, I try to seek out the Jewish understanding of the scriptures in their original context. Eitan Bar is one such author I have read and his insight has been eye-opening.

Bar acknowledges that “Jesus had to die on the cross to save us from our sin” or penal substitutionary atonement is a current and popular atonement theory. But Bar’s premise is that there are Christians, especially Calvinists, who take this atonement theory to another level–Divine Abuse. The author uses the context of those Calvinist’s favorite scriptures, as well as referencing other scriptures in their context to disprove Divine Abuse and penal substitution.

If you’re a nonbeliever and think all Christians believe in divine abuse or penal substitution, I recommend reading this book. Whether or not you admit to being a Calvinist, if you’re convinced of God’s wrath, that God put Jesus on the cross, or something similar, don’t bother reading this book and don’t bother reviewing without reading. If you’re questioning, read this book.

I bought this book and this is my honest and unbiased review.

[Hyde · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Gospel of Divine Abuse is an example of how unBiblical elements can creep into an author's life and slowly shift views. Eitan’s sexual sin that he hasn't repented for has tainted his legacy and also is distorting both elements of his exegesis and overall worldview.

I cannot in good conscience recommend his books as he continues to justify and excuse his own behavior, all while acting as the victim even when he oftentimes unjustly attacks believers in Israel and worldwide through this very book, and also on public platforms. At the same time, he recognizes that this book is “highly controversial” and will “provoke…negative criticism”, and yet can’t seem to accept that there will be negative reviews by personally attacking individuals that submit them.
Similar to Ravi Zacharias, Eitan has refused to submit to spiritual authority and the contents of his book testify to this.

Please continue to keep Eitan in your prayers, that he may be retransformed truly in accordance with God’s will. That he would humble himself enough to see the log in his own eye and return to his first Love.

[José F. de León · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buen libro. Los judíos creyentes tienen una perspectiva importante que aportar a la interpretación bíblica. Lamentablemente, la iglesia se ha perdido de mucho y ha cometido serios errores (en la historia y en la actualidad) al despreciar la voz de judíos mesiánicos. No es un libro para que, al terminar de leerlo, se señale de herejes o falsos maestros a muchos personajes que el autor cita. Pero sí es importante tener presente esta distorsión del evangelio que está tan arraigada que ni siquiera se cuestiona. El libro me ayudó a apreciar mejor el evangelio y me ayudó a ver con más claridad el gran amor de Dios. Advertencia: si lo van a leer, léanlo completo. De lo contrario, podrían llevarse una idea incorrecta de lo que el autor quiere decir. ¡Recomendado!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good book - balanced, well thought out and well defended. Many different aspects of theology are covered and I was happy to find it was much broader than Divine Abuse, though it could be argued that your view and interpretation of that issue determines how one views so many aspects of theology. Very easy to read and approachable. While I didn't agree with everything said, I appreciated the thought that went into it and I would say that I found myself in agreement on most major issues of doctrine. I will say that I was waiting on a section specifically on Eph. 2:3 but it never came. Perhaps he addressed part of this in some section but I missed it. Regardless the arguments were sound and stood firmly anyways. Worth the read to tweak one's theology a bit.

[David J. Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Changing

Books can be portals into the soul, boring a path to allow light into its darkest places. My darkest place has been the trichotomy of loving Jesus, acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit, but not liking God the Father very much. Having been raised in the shadow of Jonathan Edward's "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", I came to.fear and even distrust our Father in Heaven. In Eitan Bar's book, I have found comfort in a loving God who does indeed care for me. I am grateful now for a loving and caring God who has done all that can be done to help us see Him as the loving Father He is. In gratitude, I highly recommend "The Gospel of Divine Abuse".

[Wesley Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read! I am a young man who studied at Dallas Baptist University and now lives abroad doing missions. This last year I had taken a course with a well known mission organization where I read through the whole Bible in 3 months and studied many books in depth. I remember diving into the Old Testament and it challenging the concept of sacrifice and atonement that I had been taught. I loved how Eitan takes a look at these themes through a Jewish lens, which I learned is so important to read the Bible how the original readers would have. I would say this topic is so deep and reading this book has given me a desire to go deeper in this theological principle.

[Gary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

This book does an excellent job of “taking down” the claim that God the Father abused and killed Jesus Christ on the cross. The author visits all the expected proof texts erroneously used to prop up Diving Abuse theory and provides excellent context and explanation that shows God’s uncompromising love for all humanity. After reading this book I have a new found joy knowing that our God truly is loving, kind, patient, and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him as Savior.

[Jim Bainard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. The author Eitan Bar does a masterful job of taking you through the scriptures to demonstrate the true character of God in the atonement. Verses used are not stand alone - matter settled, but are presented by the author in context, and it is scripture, in context, that reveals the immense love of the Triune God towards humans created in God's image. Questions and concerns I have wrestled with in studying the atonement are answered in scripture and for myself, the climax is Psalm 22 in the book. I highly recommend this book.

[Bera Casiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! The depth and insight of the Hebrew language, along with Jewish customs and previous historical commentaries is unequaled. Eitan expounds his point with scripture explanations in context, quotes from other theologians, and Jewish historical understandings that will delight and intrigue any reader! This is a must read for all Christians! Thank you Eitan! I am a layperson who reads the Bible myself, so thank you for tying up some of the loose ends so beautifully! It’s magnificent!

[Debra Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLarifying

I laughed out loud because Eitan is really funny. I mourned our propensity to overstate truths until they are no longer true, possibly for the sake of "deep" preaching. Then rejoiced because Eitan told God's people they are loved. In the US believers are often shamed by the Church. Eitan's message is much needed. It has always been the blood. We needed to be reminded.

[Larry Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are those in modern Christianity who teach God brutalized and murdered His own Son on the cross. This book takes that premise and shows it for the heresy it is. Dr. Bar lays out an excellent and Scriptural argument against this. This book is an eye opener to who killed the Messiah and why it was allowed to happen.

[Edgar Caina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christians should read this book. This could be an eye-opener for many. For so long a time, the church's message is quite confusing: God loves you but hates. Eitan Bar dismantles that confusion and is presenting to the church the true God of self-sacrifice and love. Read it with an open heart and you will discover a new way of understanding the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book written by Eithan Bar, an Israeli-Jewish follower of Jesus, made many compelling arguments using scripture against Calvinist doctrine. It opened my eyes to understand why the church has often taught more about having a sinless life than loving God than our neighbor more than ourselves. I highly recommend this book if you want a better perspective on the sacrifice Jesus gave us all.

[George Doughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for Christians worried about not being perfect

Eitan Bar deals with a branch of evangelicals who believe God not only hates sin but the sinner too. This leads to some strange theological problems. If this describes you this may be a book to shed some light on the subject.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing reveleation of our Redemption

Thank God for this wonderfully blessed book that show me one more time that calvinism it’s just a bad reference for the Real Loving God . Eitan express perfectly the meaning of the Cross from a heartwarming perspective. A must read.

[Pike Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Everyone

For those who think/thought that the God of Christianity is vindictive, punishing and unloving, this book is for you. This is a wonderful and easy to read digest of why our God remains unlike no other.

[john donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and good english

This book changed me for the good thank you for this blessing. English better than some native speakers.
God Bless

[Lauretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you. The clarification that God does not hate was important to me ! I can read the Bible with a renewed understanding of his character , which is LOVE. God Bless you!

[Terresa Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

This author put forth an excellent rebuttal to Evangelical’s argument for Penal Substitution and the Divine Abuse theory. Highly recommend!

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely necessary book! For repetitive at times but the message as a whole is clear: PSA is unbiblical.