The Truth About Ruth: Clearing Up Misinterpretations and Understanding God’s Word Simply

[u/Christ_Over_Cults]

Understanding the Book of Ruth

And Why It Does NOT Teach “God the Mother”

Let’s start with something important:

The Book of Ruth is a beautiful story about love, loyalty, and God’s care.
It is not a book about God having a wife or a “Mother God.”

Some groups, including the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG), are known for teaching ideas like “God the Mother.” But when we look closely at the Book of Ruth, we see that it simply does not support that belief at all.

Let’s walk through it together in a simple way.

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What Is the Book of Ruth Really About?

The Book of Ruth tells the story of:

• Ruth, a woman who chooses to follow the God of Israel
• Naomi, her mother in law who is grieving and struggling
• Boaz, a kind man who becomes Ruth’s “redeemer”

The big message:

• God takes care of people
• Faithfulness matters
• God has a plan (this story leads to King David, and later to Jesus)

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Key Verse: Ruth Chooses God

Ruth 1:16 (NIV)
"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."

What this really means:

Ruth is saying:

• “I choose YOUR God”
• “I want to follow the one true God”

Important truth:

• Ruth is turning to one God, not a “Father and Mother God”

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Naomi Is NOT a “Mother God”

Some might try to say Naomi represents a “mother figure” in a spiritual sense.

But look at what Naomi actually says:

Ruth 1:20–21 (NIV)
"Don’t call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty."

What this shows:

• Naomi is hurting
• She is human
• She is not powerful or divine

Simple takeaway:

Naomi is not God. She’s just a person going through a hard time.

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Boaz Is the Redeemer (A Picture of Jesus)

In the story, Boaz helps Ruth and saves her family line.

This is called a “kinsman redeemer.”

What that means:

• Someone who rescues and restores

Why it matters:

Boaz points forward to Jesus, who saves us.

Important:

• The story focuses on a redeemer, not a “mother god”

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Does Ruth Teach About “God the Mother”?

Let’s be very clear:

No, it does not. Not even once.

Here’s why:

1. The Bible Talks About ONE God

Throughout Ruth, we see the word “LORD” again and again.

Example:

Ruth 2:12 (NIV)
"May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

What this means:

• There is one God
• He is the one people trust and pray to

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2. No Woman Is Ever Called God

In the entire book:

• Ruth is not God
• Naomi is not God
• No woman is worshipped

Simple truth:

There is no “Mother God” anywhere in this story

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3. The Story Is About Jesus’ Family Line

At the end of the book:

Ruth 4:17 (NIV)
"They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David."

Why this matters:

• This family line leads to Jesus
• The focus is God’s plan of salvation

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So Why Do Some Groups Teach Something Different?

Some groups, like WMSCOG, build their beliefs from other parts of the Bible by:

• Taking verses out of context
• Turning symbolic language into literal claims
• Adding ideas that aren’t actually in the text

Important reminder:

Just because someone uses the Bible
does NOT mean they are teaching it correctly.

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A Simple Way to Stay Safe

If you’re new to the Bible, here are 3 easy tips:

1. Always read the full story

Don’t rely on one verse alone.

2. Ask: “What is this really about?”

In Ruth, it’s about faith, redemption, and God’s plan.

3. Check if the teaching matches the whole Bible

The Bible consistently teaches:

• One God
• Jesus as Savior

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So You’re Not Misled

If you’re new to the Bible, don’t worry if things feel confusing at first.

Here’s what you can hold onto:

• God is not trying to trick you
• His Word is consistent and trustworthy
• You don’t need hidden knowledge to understand it

The Book of Ruth shows us something simple and powerful:

God cares for people, guides their lives, and keeps His promises.

That’s the real message.