The Rebel Jesus - Jackson Browne

[juliesjames]

Jackson Browne was raised a Unitarian Universalist. As such, he (as I, a fellow UU) believed that Jesus was a man who lived a good life, was a teacher, and a man who devoted his life to helping others. A worthy man, but a man.

So no, he won't be writing that song, because it's not in our belief system to do so. But we respect other paths and beliefs if they work for those who follow them, so perhaps it's *your* job to write that particular song, @Yesica 1993.

[Yesica1993]

I loved this song when I first heard it. But it's always puzzling to see 'heathens and pagans' claiming to side with Jesus, while at the same time denying Him.

Jesus did not come to feed poor people. He came to die a humiliating, excruciating death - a death that WE deserved - for the payment of our sins, so He could offer forgiveness to those who acknowledge that sacrifice as their only hope for heaven.

Something tells me Browne won't be writing that song anytime soon.

[ashleypmo]

@eileen-- Jesus Christ was most certainly the original CHRISTian, a Christian being a person who believes in the deity of Christ and follows His commands and His words. The problem is that too many in the church rely in organized religion and it's distorted view of the relationship between God and man.

[steray8one]

I am so . . .busted

[goodthing52]

The way Christmas is and the way it should be.

[Coflun]

Nollaig Shona dhuit.

[WildeNotesMusic]

Thanks for posting the lyrics. Couple of minor corrections though.

In the first verse, it's " ... Will be gathering around the hearths and tables ... " (not "tales").

In the second verse, it's "Well, they call him by 'The Prince of Peace" ..." (not "Will they ...).

I love this recording by Browne but I like his recording on "The Bells Of Dublin" backed up by The Chieftains even better.

[strafgod]

Speak truth to power.

[WhitemageofDoom]

As a christian this is one of my favorite christian songs.

[lram100]

This song glorifies JC and disses "religion". I love it and I know JC would approve. What he did at the temple with the moneychangers would pale in comparison to what he could do with today's organized religion. If your heart is in the right place, the rest will follow, that is all one needs to know.

[ampies1]

Wow!

[bl3u3l3ctr1kdr3ams70]

After this there is nothing else which can be said!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shanson786]

@rambart : there are at least two recorded versions (in different keys). The one with The Chieftans DOES say "they." The other (which I believe is on a Best Of compliation) says "there."

[rambart32]

Whoever made this movie misquoted, saying "...why they are poor," when Jackson sings, "...why there are poor." Why go to all this trouble and then misquote the songwriter?

[eileenfleming]

Happy Birthday to Jesus the rebel who was never a Christian and More Music of The Season -such as Who Would Jesus Bomb and Happy XMAS-WAR IS OVER by 'saint' John the divine Lennon @ WeAreWideAwake

little sister,

xoxe

[eileenfleming]

Dom Hélder Pessoa Câmara is famous for stating, "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist.

"When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality."

[lrambach]

This is no dis on J.

[innyriver]

Jackson's best ever; I love the song, I love the sentiment in it. This is an anthem for all us heathens and pagans, on the side of the rebel. Well done Jackson Browne; I'm proud to know you.

[Sueski2]

Reallllllllllly like this song!

[johnbonetti1]

How can you not be amazed by the man's talent

[lordslittlegirl]

Jackson Browne is NOt a christian people. Wake up. He loves this land, this world...and is talking about the words of Jesus. NOT NOT NOT about Christianity and the support there of. He has NEVER stated he was a christian, in fact has spoken out against it. Rock on Jackson!! -a heathen and a pagan, on the side of the rebel Jesus, too.

[joolls9]

If you love Jackson Browne join my Facebook group "For Everyman Jackson Browne Fan Group" just created to celebrate this legend whose music transends all time across the decades.

[joolls9]

If you love Jackson Browne join the Facebook group "For Everyman Jackson Browne Fan Group" that has just been created to celebrate this legend whose music transends all time thru the decades.

[laswilliam]

Many people fell in love with The Rebel Jesus while listening to all of JB's hits on 'The Next Voice You Hear' compilation CD.

It's a beauty.

I hear church bells echoing through the valley in so many of Jackson's fine songs and in this one, I hear Scotland.

When I die, play Amazing Grace, followed by this amazing song, The Rebel Jesus.

[IAMJESUSmovie]

Jesus Christ has returned. I AM.

[TheRashimeister]

Best Christmas song I've ever heard.

[Synthpopalooza]

"And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves." - Mark 11:17

This song is so beautiful, and it has the right message. I also consider myself a nature worshipper who sees inspiration in the message of Jesus.

[eradanon]

Jackson actually understood "Christianity" as a follower-of-Jesus better than many who identify themselves as "Christians." Jesus was the epitome of a rebel . . . the rest is just useless religiousity, IMO, and I AM a Christian.

[ShamanMick]

One of the most poignant Christmas songs of the modern era... right up there with John Lennon's "Happy Christmas" and Joni Mitchell's "River". Jackson Browne really is my hero. Merry Christmas everyone :)

[routeoz]

i'm a heathen and a pagan :-) it's not a bad number, i suppose; the sentiment is on the right side. have a happy yuletide, everyone.

[azutjw]

Had some fun here - looked up the dictionary definitions of 'christian', 'heathen', 'pagan', 'infidel', 'heretic': I'll accept them all! And I love Jackson Browne.

[megansspark]

beautiful video, and a thoughtful share, Wally! Merry Christmas to you and all!

[TheZanrak]

I didn't hear this song earlier.

Very beautiful song and picture!

[AquaBlueJonathan]

Thanks ^^

[youngman44]

A priest, a levite and a Samaritan (viewed as an outcast & heretic - as a pagan - by the priest and levite). All on the road to Jericho saw a man suffering. The priest & levite passed him by. The Samaritan showed mercy. He is the one who loved his neighbor (Luke 10:28-35). This song brings that story to mind. I'm a Christian and Brown hits at the essence of Christianity often missed. But, not all Christians fit his target.

[salshortt]

Very nice! If you liked this, check out the song, "The Real Jesus" by Downhere.

[MarManHollow]

I'm nowhere near a christian, in fact a quite loud spoken atheist. But as someone said, when someones faith in whatever is this clear and strong, I can only say KUDOS!

[edurtsnah]

Pretty cool. Thanks AquablueJ

[Indra420]

My Dad sent me to this link- I followed because he's a great man and a great musician, whom I trust entirely. I teared up and damn near cried at 3:00. Thanks for posting! Amazing songwriting!

[wonenergy]

yes...truth

[mooneyknife]

I love this song!! I'm not so-called "Christian", but I could understand Jackson's love and faith to "Jesus of Nazareth" at least. from a heathen in Japan

[TheBella2u]

ah....that's the point.....

[znarf541]

Thanks, I love this song, play this song. Great version...

[curtisbollington]

Everyone goers on about the Pogues being the best Chrsitmas song. It ain't a patch on this.

[MontyGirl550]

Great song. Rebel Jesus... Rebel Jackson.

[AquaBlueJonathan]

Yeah! me too ^^

[vegakata]

I love this song...how beautiful and true...

[AquaBlueJonathan]

The soul will be very beautiful who loves this song.