Ashley James, a mother of two, recently stirred up quite a commotion online, finding herself at the heart of a heated debate during her solo trip to Tulum, Mexico. It was Easter Sunday, a day traditionally held sacred by many, when Ashley, posing in her bikini, shared a snippet from the Bible on her Instagram. The verse, Psalm 116, verse 11 – “I said in my haste. All men are liars.” – was accompanied by a seemingly playful “Thank you,” which immediately caught people’s attention. She then clarified her intentions in the comments, explaining that some people, who often label her as “woke” or a “feminazi” and have suggested she “find God,” inspired her to actually read the Bible. “And do you know what… they were right, I really connected with it,” she penned, though quickly adding, “Obviously this is a joke. I respect all faiths: Faith is beautiful.” This seemingly innocuous post, however, ignited a firestorm, with some accusing her of “mocking the Bible” and “spreading misinformation” on what many consider the most religious day of the year.
The heart of Ashley’s message, however, was not to disrespect faith itself, but to critique the misuse of religion. She passionately articulated her stance: “What I don’t respect is people using religion to justify war, control, and oppression, especially when it’s used to police women’s bodies, sexuality, and queer communities, or to fuel hostility towards immigrants.” Her frustration was palpable as she pointed to recent problematic rhetoric emerging from the White House around Easter. She cited instances like Paula White-Cain comparing Donald Trump to Jesus, suggesting he was “betrayed,” “arrested,” and “falsely accused,” and Franklin Graham using religious language to legitimize war and portray Trump as divinely chosen. Ashley challenged these narratives, asking pointedly whether Jesus would truly condone separating families, detaining people, building extravagant ballrooms while others suffer, accepting lavish gifts while cutting healthcare, labeling humans as “illegal,” or boasting about sexual assault. “Stop this nonsense,” she urged, advocating for a more authentic and compassionate application of biblical principles, not just when they serve power.
Her commentary wasn’t just about calling out hypocrisy; it was a plea for a more humane world. Drawing on William Blake’s wisdom – “A truth that’s told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent” – Ashley emphasized her personal belief that faith should be rooted in “compassion, equality, and human rights,” aiming to foster “a world of love and peace.” Amidst the controversy, she also shared a lighter, yet still relevant, anecdote: her five-year-old son, Alfie, expressed a desire to go to church with his Nana. This touch of personal reflection hinted at the complexities of faith and upbringing within her own family, further underscoring that her critique was not a blanket rejection of religious practice. The debate around her post highlighted a clear division: some found her witty and courageous for speaking her mind, while others felt her timing and method were disrespectful and offensive, particularly given the sacred nature of Easter Sunday for many.
The backlash was swift and sharp, with many commentators expressing their outrage. They urged her not to “mock the Bible,” especially on such a “sacred and Holy” weekend. One person pointed out that while bad people use religion for their own gain, Jesus himself “fed the poor, healed the sick and brought freedom and healing to everyone he met, most notably women.” They implored her: “He died so you can have life, but if you don’t believe that, that’s fine, please don’t mock it, especially not this weekend.” Other criticisms ranged from accusations of “rage baiting for clicks and money” and a “lack of authenticity” to being “deeply inappropriate.” Some even accused her of leveraging “woman and sexuality for their own benefit.” The sentiment was clear: many felt her post was a deliberate provocation that crossed a line, especially in how it seemingly dismissed the sacredness of the occasion and, for some, even mocked her own child’s nascent interest in religion.
However, not everyone shared this critical view. Ashley’s post also garnered significant support from those who appreciated her candor and courage. Public figures like Carol Vorderman and Millie Mackintosh expressed their amusement and approval with laughing and praising emojis, respectively. Alice Evans emphatically declared, “You absolutely ROCK.” Other followers rallied behind her, stating, “Can’t believe the amount of hate you get for this incredible content keep fighting the good fight.” This divided reaction underscored the potent mixture of religion, politics, and personal expression that Ashley had tapped into. Her subsequent outrage at a video comparing Trump to Jesus – which she labeled as “blasphemy” and “deeply disturbing” – further amplified her message that using faith to justify war, discriminate, or deny life-saving healthcare was a perversion of true Christian values. For Ashley, this wasn’t about religion but about “politics power and control and using faith to justify harm.”
Beyond the religious debate, Ashley also opened up about her decision to travel alone for Easter, a choice that, like her religious commentary, sparked discussion. She candidly addressed the “selfish” label some had applied, proudly stating, “But in my eyes, filling my own cup makes me a better mum.” She highlighted the societal double standards faced by mothers, noting that while her partner Tommy’s solo travel goes unquestioned, hers invariably prompts inquiries about childcare and commitment. Ashley reflected on how solo travel had been transformative for her, teaching her self-reliance and joy outside of relationships or motherhood. For her, this trip wasn’t an escape but a vital “reconnecting with that part of me,” a necessary respite from burnout. She emphasized the importance of mothers showing their children that they can lead “rich, full lives” beyond their parenting roles, advocating for self-care, not guilt. “So some say it’s selfish, but I say it’s selfless,” she concluded, delivering a powerful message about maternal well-being and defying societal expectations.