Viral Video on "Hating" Religion Hits 11 Million Views in One Week

[gb93433]

A new viral video is creating a stir among church leaders due to it's strong stance against religion. The video, "Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus," has more than 11 million views after only five days on YouTube.
The author and spoken word poet, Jefferson Bethke, says he created the video to "highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion."


In a recent blog on The Gospel Coalition, Kevin DeYoung says that the video's premise—that Jesus came to abolish religion—simply isn't true or theologically accurate. "The word 'religion' occurs five times in English Standard Version of the Bible. It is, by itself, an entirely neutral word," says DeYoung.


The rest if the story is at http://www.churchleaders.com/pastor...er&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Update


I have heard pastors, people in the congregation, and denominational leaders talk about religion as something they hate. What I wonder is how many actually read their Bible. The entire book of James address creedal faith and compares it to a genuine saving faith.


It bothers me to let the cults such as Mormonism use the word "Christian" and distort its true meaning while others walk away and adopt a new name "Christ followers". What will new believers think when the read the word Christian in the Bible. Will they be reminded of what a genuine Christian looks like or Mormonism?

 

[quantumfaith]

A new viral video is creating a stir among church leaders due to it's strong stance against religion. The video, "Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus," has more than 11 million views after only five days on YouTube.
The author and spoken word poet, Jefferson Bethke, says he created the video to "highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion."


In a recent blog on The Gospel Coalition, Kevin DeYoung says that the video's premise—that Jesus came to abolish religion—simply isn't true or theologically accurate. "The word 'religion' occurs five times in English Standard Version of the Bible. It is, by itself, an entirely neutral word," says DeYoung.


The rest if the story is at http://www.churchleaders.com/pastor...er&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Update


I have heard pastors, people in the congregation, and denominational leaders talk about religion as something they hate. What I wonder is how many actually read their Bible. The entire book of James address creedal faith and compares it to a genuine saving faith.


It bothers me to let the cults such as Mormonism use the word "Christian" and distort its true meaning while others walk away and adopt a new name "Christ followers". What will new believers think when the read the word Christian in the Bible. Will they be reminded of what a genuine Christian looks like or Mormonism?

I admire the young man for his courage and creativity. I find little at fault with his message. Kudos to this young man.

 

[webdog]

Good video for the most part! I think he does set up a false dichotomy as Jesus did not come to abolish religion, He even said as much pertaining to not abolishing the law, but to fulfil it. He came to abolish works salvation, which most religions are, but by definition christianity is a religion. Jesus came to bring in the correct one.

 

[preacher4truth]

A new viral video is creating a stir among church leaders due to it's strong stance against religion. The video, "Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus," has more than 11 million views after only five days on YouTube.
The author and spoken word poet, Jefferson Bethke, says he created the video to "highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion."


In a recent blog on The Gospel Coalition, Kevin DeYoung says that the video's premise—that Jesus came to abolish religion—simply isn't true or theologically accurate. "The word 'religion' occurs five times in English Standard Version of the Bible. It is, by itself, an entirely neutral word," says DeYoung.


The rest if the story is at http://www.churchleaders.com/pastor...er&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Update


I have heard pastors, people in the congregation, and denominational leaders talk about religion as something they hate. What I wonder is how many actually read their Bible. The entire book of James address creedal faith and compares it to a genuine saving faith.


It bothers me to let the cults such as Mormonism use the word "Christian" and distort its true meaning while others walk away and adopt a new name "Christ followers". What will new believers think when the read the word Christian in the Bible. Will they be reminded of what a genuine Christian looks like or Mormonism?

Mormons have been using this term for years. True believers will not have a problem distinguishing between true Christians and false. At least they shouldn't, but then again sound doctrine is waning to pragmatism and false teaching in the church.

However, another trend seems to be growing, and I have seen one state that JW's, Mormons, or whomever, no matter what they teach are all saved if they believe Jesus died for them. This is as erroneous as the day is long. We must ask which Jesus these religions are talking about. Some will see the statement "which Jesus?" as being ugly, but that is OK with me.

The bottom line is neither one of the aforementioned cults have the true Jesus within their teachings, so, they can trust in this Jesus all they want, but he cannot save.

As far as religion is concerned, that term can be taken from so many angles that one must define some terms here. Of course, we like to call it "relationship not religion."

Only in knowing Christ, the true Christ will one ever be saved, and He must know, or knows the person as well, Matthew 7. In this same passage we see those who practiced religion; they were preaching, prophesying, casting out devils, and have done many works in His name, yet they are unsaved. I would say this is the difference between those who are religious, and those who have a relationship, one can practice ministry and not know Christ.

Now, it is easy to denounce religion. The acid test of salvation comes in showing one has a real relationship with Christ, not in the denouncement of "religion." Thus I am not impressed with the video. I see the young mans behavior and mannerisms as reflecting the worlds attitude. Denouncing religion doesn't prove a thing, ones walk does a much better job, or at least it should.

- Peace

 

[quantumfaith]

Mormons have been using this term for years. True believers will not have a problem distinguishing between true Christians and false. At least they shouldn't, but then again sound doctrine is waning to pragmatism and false teaching in the church.

However, another trend seems to be growing, and I have seen one state that JW's, Mormons, or whomever, no matter what they teach are all saved if they believe Jesus died for them. This is as erroneous as the day is long. We must ask which Jesus these religions are talking about. Some will see the statement "which Jesus?" as being ugly, but that is OK with me.

The bottom line is neither one of the aforementioned cults have the true Jesus within their teachings, so, they can trust in this Jesus all they want, but he cannot save.

As far as religion is concerned, that term can be taken from so many angles that one must define some terms here. Of course, we like to call it "relationship not religion."

Only in knowing Christ, the true Christ will one ever be saved, and He must know, or knows the person as well, Matthew 7. In this same passage we see those who practiced religion; they were preaching, prophesying, casting out devils, and have done many works in His name, yet they are unsaved. I would say this is the difference between those who are religious, and those who have a relationship, one can practice ministry and not know Christ.

Now, it is easy to denounce religion. The acid test of salvation comes in showing one has a real relationship with Christ, not in the denouncement of "religion." Thus I am not impressed with the video. I see the young mans behavior and mannerisms as reflecting the worlds attitude. Denouncing religion doesn't prove a thing, ones walk does a much better job, or at least it should.

- Peace

Hope you remember these words in the future.

 

[freeatlast]

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[SIZE=+0][SIZE=+0]I have for years said I have no use for religion, but the meaning that is bound up in that statement does not mean I do not seek to practice religion from a biblical stand point. Christianity is a religion plain and simple even if I distance myself from the term religion at times. What I am saying is I have no use for the hypocrisy of seeking religion for the purpose of being religious verses seeking to get right with God by seeking truth no matter the personal cost.
I can see how this video can be taken in different ways by different people. I am always a little leery of anyone who does not want sin confronted and I felt that in part in this video. On the one hand I mostly agree with the statements made, but on the other hand I sensed a rebellious spirit towards authority, and speaking the truth about certain sins.
Although this young man claimed he was not judging he was in fact judging. That also causes me to take notice. Not the judging but the claim he was not when he was. After watching it twice I came away with an unsettled spirit because of what I felt was a spirit of rebellion by this young man.
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[Christos doulos]

I admire the young man for his courage and creativity. I find little at fault with his message. Kudos to this young man.

My friend. I do not find any fault with the young man's sincerity, but I find fault with the content of this video.

Imo. It is legalism. What Christians should be or shouldn't be doing.

I have many wishes

1) That his pastor would have said, you certainly have talent and a zeal for God son, but let's clean it up a little as it is a little sloppy. Let's define what you mean by "religion" because not all religion is bad.

2) That the 11 million people who watched this video would watch Paul Washer, John Macarthur etc....who average about 5,000 looksees

3) That spiritually mature believers could find some problems with that video.

 

[preacher4truth]

My friend. I do not find any fault with the young man's sincerity, but I find fault with the content of this video.

Imo. It is legalism. What Christians should be or shouldn't be doing.

I have many wishes

1) That his pastor would have said, you certainly have talent and a zeal for God son, but let's clean it up a little as it is a little sloppy. Let's define what you mean by "religion" because not all religion is bad.

2) That the 11 million people who watched this video would watch Paul Washer, John Macarthur etc....who average about 5,000 looksees

3) That spiritually mature believers could find some problems with that video.

It leaves people against religion thinking they need nothing, and it gives them another excuse to dismiss Christianity.

Some probably feel that they are "OK" after watching it because they are not religious and this helps them to justify that.

- Peace

 

[gb93433]

Mormons have been using this term for years. True believers will not have a problem distinguishing between true Christians and false. At least they shouldn't, but then again sound doctrine is waning to pragmatism and false teaching in the church.

It was not but just a few years ago that I was pastoring a church that had a regular practice of inviting the Mormon bishop to come and teach once a year. When I found that out I put a stop to it. One of the men who came against me was a Sunday School teacher and a deacon. He was also on the church growth board for the state in the denomination. He was among a few others who told me the bishop was a Christian. I could not believe what I had just heard out of their mouths.

So do not be so sure that people are that sound in their faith.

Less then one year ago I was in a room with a group of pastors talking to a man who was causing trouble in a church and I saw them deceived by the lies of one man and the support of another who was unaware. What it came down to is that they could not recognize a false teacher. They failed to recognize is what a true disciple of Jesus looks like. Even when some called attention to the man's life the pastors acted as thought they heard nothing.

Mt. 7:15-20 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "So then, you will know them by their fruits.

Romans 16:17-20 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Fruit is not just intellectual truth but also a life being lived according to the truth.

James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

It has been my experience that few consider false living as something that may accompany a false teacher but rather most think in terms of doctrine only.

 

[ckangeltoo]

I hate religion and I love Jesus

I first ran across this video, because of so many people passing it around on facebook. When I saw it posted and shared by more than 3 of my friends I took a look.
I had to admit that I admired the young mans creativity and passion that was used in the delivery. He seemed very sincere. As most of us are aware, you can be sincere, and still be sincerely wrong, but like most people preaching today you have to take the good with the bad. A wiser much older preacher friend of mine once said that "-listening to other preachers is much like eating watermelon. You have to learn how to spit out the seeds!"

Considering that this video had reached so many people and it was appealing I dug a little deeper. If you do a search on you tube you will find several creative responses to this video. There are many, and I had to filter through the wrong stuff, but eventually I found several other presentations much like this one which highlight very well his errors.

I then showed these videos to the youth group and we discussed in detail what we thought was right and we thought was wrong. I then lead them to the Word of God and we compared Scripture to the statements that were made. We finished the evening by reading the entire book of Galatians. These high school teens were interested, engaged, and devoured the word of God like a hungry person would.




"Jiminy Cricket is WRONG! Let Jesus be your guide!" Me