Religion or Relationship? Responding to"Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus"

[sonofapreacherman13]

I couldn't agree more! That original video really had the same effect on me as it did on you. God bless!



[elizabethsman1]

U say u believe way too many times man ur message is stained with ur opinion and that's all it is back ur point up with verses or facts not what u believe cause ppl rlly could care less what you think

[WISE2BE]

alhmdulilah im muslim i hope u guys wake up one day and know what ur doing is verry wrong dont try to post any comments in  my channel or racist stuff i well totaly erase them tc bye

[esancl]

Jesus came for men, not for religion. Christians are to have a relationship first. Because if you look for Jesus and his Kingdom first, everything else is added. Jesus went to the synagogue, but emphasize that he came for the sinner, not for the religious (hypocrites).

[Joey5083358]

unfortunately, religion isn't what's going to get you into heaven.

[cdadams083]

"water and the spirit" i dont think u were advocating baptismal regeneration, like francis chan has now claimed to be true. keep in mind that nicodemus asked how a man can enter his mother's womb twice, and Jesus said those who are born again are born of water and the spirit. contextually the water he was talking about had to be referring to when a woman's water breaks because nicodemus specifically referred to natural birth. the Spirit is what borns someone again.

[cdadams083]

"water and the spirit" i dont think u were advocating baptismal regeneration, like francis chan has now claimed to be true. keep in mind that nicodemus asked how a man can enter his mother's womb twice, and Jesus said those who are born again are born of water and the spirit. contextually the water he was talking about had to be referring to when a woman's water breaks because nicodemus specifically referred to natural birth. the Spirit is what borns someone again. baptism wasnt commandedyet

[PSZification]

I think Jefferson Bethke's

he has some great points!

[ellis00chris]

The only problem I have with religion is they said I'm right and your wrong. With most willing to kill themselves for this belief. Good is God!

[GuardianStrong]

You need Relational Structure, not religion.

[pbnjsandwatch1]

OMG I JUST SAW YOU ON NIGHT LINE BECAUSE OF THIS VIDEO... youre making it big man :)

[littlelylygirl]

THANK YOU! :D 

[MorganMayW]

you can love a painting, but it wont ever let you know the painter. We should not be a religion, we should be one body of the Christ. I have a relationship with him, so now when i'm asked what is my religion, i say i don't have one. i am a friend, a daughter, to the lord Jesus Christ the father. I go to church to learn, not to categorize myself with others, but solely to him so that I can go out, and bring someone to know Jesus, Our Lord Father .

[CristinaOcampo8]

AMEN!

[artzilla]

The gathering together to worship is true and good. But when religion becomes the basis for the relationship instead of the relationship being the basis for the religion it steps over an absolute boundary. Examples: praying to Mary to get to Jesus. Praying to saints. Baptism, communion, no music or dancing, no drinking of soft drinks. going door  to door sharing that religion or any number of other works to Earn salvation. Thus the basis for the relationship instead of the opposite

[diablo98188]

@artzilla You do realize that Jesus Christ himself was baptised? It being necessary for his salvation? Why do you think he went to John the Baptist? And you do realize that Jesus Christ himself commanded his followers to go and preach his religion to the world? So why is it wrong for Missionaries to preach, and for Baptism to be completed? I agree, stop praying to Mary and "Saints" but Baptism is a necessary ordinance for our salvation. Read the Bible again

[lilbrainyballerina]

There's a big difference between 'religion' and 'theology'. This guy seems to think they're interchangeable. Jefferson's definition of religion seemed to be all organized religions other than Christianity, which are all 'works-based' faiths. He didn't mean get rid of theology, he only meant to point out how Christianity is different from all the other options out there.

[artzilla]

@lilbrainyballerina I have to agree, except that there are so many religions out there that Call themselves Christian, but have a basis in works to earn your way into heaven or keep yourself in a state of righteousness by some sets of actions that need to be accomplished, like confessing sins to another sinner, and that sinner giving you absolution but you have to do some type of penance in order to gain that absolution, or as absolute must to take communion or be baptized, or any other works.

[Skaterville101]

This is a definitive case of two people struggling to see the other's point of view. I'm only 17, and have however been through quite a bit. I will do my best to put my two cents in. When he referred to having a relationship over religion, I think he meant that, the word religion itself and what it's become, is a group of multiple "religious" practices. Meaning anything from Muslim to Christianity. Relationship implying, god is the only way, the only true path to heaven. Hope this helped.

[KristinDawnDee]

wow i just watched his spokn word video then urs then this, makes me think O.o

without Jesus we wouldnt have religion. we go to church to rejoice in his name and give him thanks although i agree with your and his video.

[endwar589]

3.

the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

4.

the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

5.

the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

from the dictionary. case closed

[endwar589]

a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2.

a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

[theblondguy69]

Since religion is a relationship with imaginary people in your head, the answer is both.

[DaveWallenburg]

You have to be careful though in your definitions yourself though bro. Religion is very much a different thing than doctrine. I totally agree that relationship cannot be flippantly thrown around, but religion in its essence is the attempt to reach God... Which is all over the bible in the most negative way... Acts 2:42 lays out that we need teaching and doctrine, but definitely not religion.

[truthdoesnotchange66]

@DaveWallenburg - You can't say "I Love Jesus, but I hate his Church" since He founded it. You might as well say "I love Jesus but hate the word of God in Scripture", since it was His Church that settled the canon of scripture.

[erinthefaithful1]

I agree with @curlygirly729. he wasn't condemning religion but condemning man for the way it has changed and twisted what God said. For the church completely forgetting to love our neighbour as ourselves( our neighbours including; homosexuals, women who have had abortions, etc) For forgetting to act like christ did in his time ( the guy ate with people that everyone else would avoid like the plague) that is what i think he was getting at not that religion is bad, but what man did to it is.

[curlygirly729]

@erinthefaithful1 amen!

[JesusFanatic2011]

@erinthefaithful1 God didnt send His son to condemn man,...He sent Him to save us. It is not bc of our sins we do not enter the Kingdom. Our sins have been forgiven. We will not see eternity bc of the life some of us choose to live and we turn from God. You go to church to learn, worship and just share your love and passion for our Father with other fellow Christians.

[curlygirly729]

first off, in the original video, i don't think the rapper was opposing religion itself, i think he was opposing how Man have changed the meaning of religion. it has become a act of worshiping God, to a place that condemns sinners. he even said himself that he loved the church and the bible, but hated how people and society has changed religion into something God didn't intend

[caseymorris89]

@curlygirly729 You have literally taken the words out of my mouth. People are getting mixed up in all of this because ya'll are using multiple definitions for religion. We are all trying to say the same thing, which I think needs to be messaged to the lost that is seeking God, "Don't get caught up with the petty laws and regulations of men, yet be true to what GOD says, be true to GOD's laws, and your personal relationship with GOD. The rest will take care of itself.

[caseymorris89]

@caseymorris89 TRUE religion is righteous and good! It allows Christians to come as one body of Christ. By doing this, Christians obtain strength, accountability, fellowship, and unconditional love. Jesus loved the church, in the sense that he said, " Where two or more gather and call out my name, I will be there." God gave us pure religion to strengthen OUR everyday needs and to compensate for our weaknesses in our walk with him. Great video by the way. It is awesome how this is on youtube.

[musicman4175]

@curlygirly729 idk i think he was sayin he opposed religion when he said "as for religion? no i hate it." i think that sorta says i oppose religion if you ask me

[curlygirly729]

@musicman4175 you can't just pull one quote from the entire poem and argue with that. you have to read it in context. he said that line at the very end for a reason, because before that, he was explaining how religion has changed.

[musicman4175]

@curlygirly729 but still, even if he doesnt hate religion, people arent seeing it that way. even one of my friends tried to convince me that christianity isnt a religion because he saw the video, which is nonsense. im sure this guy had good intentions making this video, but if the things he says about religion and people who practice them are more... idk symbolic and have a larger meaning, people are taking it more literally and twisting it.

[1l0veGod]

@minou356 Yes, there IS A GOD, you silly atheist!

[endwar589]

@1l0veGod Prove it.

[1l0veGod]

@endwar589 You can look all around you and see proof that GOD IS REAL!

[1l0veGod]

@endwar589 You can look all around you and see proof that GOD IS REAL because there is NO WAY that there is no meaning to the universe.

[endwar589]

@1l0veGod thats just like saying " look around, and you wee proof that clouds are green!"

god doesnt give meaning to the universe. people do. i said prove it. if the evidence is so obvious, and i am just missing it, then please present it.

[TheVeezzy10]

Its about loving each other, and fallowing the ways of jesus.

[blueorane]

Sigh... here's a really good idea... All those who believe they have the truth... why not display it for both God and men to see... "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me"... All this debate won't solve anything

[FrankSmith116]

@minou356 Are you sure?

[manilamerc]

i go to church every sunday, but my church preaches about how reading the bible, singing songs of praise, worshiping God through Jesus Christ and doing his word is not a religion. Its a relationship. i read the bible and embrace it only because God told me so, not a religion. and a church can be made anywhere,home,school etc cuz there is a lot of people out there who are unfortunate to even be near a church. Even those people have a chance to make it to heaven, through the RELATIONSHIP with God.

[mealoffering316]

The Fact is as follows:

1. Religion Kills but Jesus Gives Life.

2. God prefers obedience than all the "sacrifices" of Religion made.

3. Jesus is God's love, religion is total man's creation

4. Relationship with God ain't necessary mean relationship with Religion.

Christ come to abolish all (religion) on the cross that He may become Lord of All.You cannot serve both God and Religion. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

[FrankSmith116]

@minou356 I would hope that you are convinced your conclusion is reality. It wouldn't make much sense for it to be your conclusion if you also rejected it. It is not what you think that interests me but why you think it. Obviously you would have to tell me what you thought to tell me why you thought it but until the why is introduced I am uninterested.

[SkreamKid]

Remember that the "Church" is where 2 or more are gathered in the name of "Jesus" for righteous reasons, for worship, and for study. But where I come from on walking towards a relationship and away from religion, is remembering that the "church" is not a building. No I'm not throwing away religion, but merely making it a full time relationship

[TheSteeletube]

real friendships a book og Acts church... If you read it, you might not like it

[FrankSmith116]

@minou356 I laughed when I typed it. I dont know why there is so little salt in the oceans but that is not the real reason why I believe. The conversation can still be fun even if we dont agree.

[FrankSmith116]

@minou356 I can see how some one would say that. The only reason I cant agree is because of how relatively unsalty the oceans are.

[SohoNights]

Well put!!!

[TheyWantToBeFriends]

religion has good meaning to it but the people following it dont. They create war and kills. Its ok tho beleive in what you want, what ever helps you sleep at night but dont let it interfere in others lives.

we wont always have all the awnsers for evrything but religion is not the awnser...... ~raul

[Natasha1233211]

I agree on your response, many people think Jersey. "Oh I wear the uniform, I'm in the team". It's like saying, "Oh I say Jesus, I believe in Jesus and I think in my own way Jesus", yet that does not make them part of the Mystical Body of Christ. We can't throw away God, his covenant, his commandments, his way, as Jesus says "I'm the way", when people start following their own way, they get lost in the process. Good points, god bless you. We are called to reject sin, not sinners

[FrankSmith116]

I took the original video to say that although Christianity is the one true religion you can turn it into a false religion when you leave Christ out of it.

[Natasha1233211]

@cheesebread3000 When Mary Magdalene was taken before Jesus to be stone to death according to "Moses law", Jesus was clear, as Jesus is God himself. He was merciful, and there are so many passages that show how merciful he is, nonetheless, he always exhorted people to stop sinning , pretty much conversion from the inside out, from the heart, not by words or works alone, but by doing with love (1 Cor 13), your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, so that temple needs to be clean, respect yourself

[Natasha1233211]

@cheesebread3000 When I say respect yourself, I mean; do not do more to it. Just as we can not change our past, and undo our mistakes, we can live the present time trying to live better, when we do a good confession and repent God forgets entirely, but we promise to God to sin no more, that's the calling of Jesus "sin no more", with God's grace all is posible, but we need patience, and need to be humble, and silent, we can't undo the past, but we can repair this way, in the present time.

[ScudRunnR]

I think you are right. I agreed with Jefferson on despising what religion has become. People think that the religion part is the most important, and that is either all they end up pursuing, OR that is where they focus their attention. It's not necessarily that we should completely neglect religion, but that we should focus on following Jesus WAY more. Getting to know who Jesus was, and the way he thought and taught is the most important aspect of being a Christian.

He came to change Religion...

[NyaS92]

People are clearly misunderstanding Johnathan. 

[LiltedLullaby]

TRUTH :) God bless!

[summerhellewel]

Side comment: those "religious" practices like baptism, communion, church fellowship ect....because I have always detested the concept of religion, again because I was raised in an 80% Mormon community, I consider those practices simply following Jesus' commands and example. Does that make sense?

[summerhellewel]

So cool that I can say this but I can see my Savior in YOUR eyes. U are my brother! I understood what Jefferson was saying tho cuz I grew up in Utah with all the Mormons (and I KNOW Mormons think they are Christians but I assure you they ARE NOT). I don't want to get into that here but I'm saying that Jefferson's def of religion wasn't clear but I GOT IT. I never misunderstood him cuz I grew up w religion all around me. I was thinking Mormon. Anyway I love you. I love Jefferson.

[TransFormTMJ]

The word "religion" is man-made. Just like how the word "law" is man-made. Understandably, God came not to abolish it but to fulfill it. But look at how the law was seen, in Jesus times. Pharisees judging people. It's the same here we have become a society where Christians are seen among one of the many religion. But they idea of Jesus is beyond that. It's about love, obedience, and living the Word. We should be beyond judging people and be what Jesus has done to our lives reflected to others.

[TransFormTMJ]

Your jersey point is actually what he means. You're not a pro player just cause you wear the jersey. But because you are actually training, practicing, playing in the game, playing by the rules that's what it means to be a pro player, not the jersey. We have to go beyond that as Christians. If we say it, we live it.

[TransFormTMJ]

Also by him saying we don't need religion, it doesn't mean we don't need God. In fact, if you love someone, as in a true relationship, you'll hate when they cry. So you live within the parameters set by God. And so you stay in the body of Christ. This is the way we become disciples that Jesus has set. In that case, we can proudly wear the Jersey because we are truly Christians.

[TransFormTMJ]

In all honesty, I support what both of you are saying, but you are both saying the same thing! He just redefined religion as what the secular world defines it: a problem. But if we promote a relationship with Christ, that we want people to know God more, to be part of a church, a cell group and a disciple, we can achieve God's kingdom.

[NyaS92]

@TransFormTMJ Very well said. Johnathans version seemed to be directing more toward a secular audience. While of course us Christians (and all our denominations) know the details.

[TransFormTMJ]

What you should have done in all honesty, to further redefine relationship. Your friend is wrong into saying that's why he doesn't go to church. In a relationship, you want to know more about the other person as much as possible. as much as possible. You want to build that relationship and let it flourish. By him saying I got a relationship, I don't need to go to church is like saying I can marry someone and never see them, I shouldn't about them.

[TransFormTMJ]

Uhm. No offense, buddy, but I don't think you fully understand his video. I understand there is a problem with his original video. But what he's trying to say is religion has been redefined to the general public as a means of hurt and pain. And that this is the only way we can share God for who He really is. That He came down to save us.

[Dempseythepoet]

Ight,,,,,this guy makes sence...........wish he would of said that Christ Death and recerection is what saves us........but im sure he ment it.......

[UnhapPenStance]

As there is a difference between the layman's term "theory" and the scientific term theory, so there are two different "religion"s. How then can your lambasters and you come upon an agreement?

[yunhee93]

i agree

[Sophiethefembot]

you make some really excellent points, I agree. God bless you brother :)!!

[ComicPhreak]

@thepursuitblog Thank you for putting it in better perspective.

[u0tube0video0critic]

Agreed

[ItsMayowa]

Totally Agree!! :)

[LVForbes33]

Right! We should avoid human traditions according to Mark 7:8-16 which are in some churches. Religion and Christ goes hand in hand (Christianity). We (believers) need it each other according to Hebrews 10:15-25. So many people has a complex against church (religion) for various reasons, but Christ is looking for His bride when He comes back. Jesus has relationship with the church, Christians are made up of one body. No man is a island.

[belize0886]

most people just don't get it

[wranglerlove18]

Someone on my facebook made a similar comment the other day about how they agree with the video about the church part. It stuck out to me... someone [the person who commented] who doesn't openly profess to be a Christian watched this video and made a comment agreeing with what the video said about the church. It got me thinking.

[ReligionOfSacrifice]

Saw your 1st video. Didn't think reply necessary. I trust your theology.

You don't need religion. You need to be right with God by a work performed by Jesus Christ in a sacrifice. Your sacrifice is God's sacrifice (see to Psalms 51:17) & it shows what you must do, be humble, since you have self-knowledge.

Jesus gets you to care about widows, unbelievers & believers. When body gathers it supports (helps) each other. 2 together required for church.

Do you desire church or to learn of God?

[altizerjay86]

I think we don't need the church and religion to beveled in god and jusus. We have to beveled in our self's and god and jusus! Other religion are mostly the same they have god and jusus! which one is the right religion it causing hate and more war in our history and today because of power and control. Jusus love every one. I think he does not take sides and didn't have a religion he just beveling in god and help others! That he want every one just get a long and not hate each other!

[katwoman203]

@altizerjay86 We do need the church though. The church is not a building. The church is within us. WE ARE THE CHURCH. God lives in us and through us and He wants us to work TOGETHER. We need both religion and relationship. It is obvious why we need a relationship with God, but we need religion for what it is supposed to be according to God. He made them both to work together through the people. :)

[altizerjay86]

@katwoman203 I agree however there are to much rules that take away your rights to be defendant because of religion lose your freedom! You may have different religion or not believer or your gay. if you don't change your way and they will not help you, If you are poor living on street! The rich, religion are taking over are government because The poor need that help from the government they give help to them and should not help us because of a religion

[altizerjay86]

@altizerjay86 I think we don't knee religion! so we could be free to help others that are different!

[katwoman203]

@altizerjay86 The religion that you are describing is the kind that society creates. The religion that God wants IS relationship with Him and for us all to help each other. But if a person or group of people will not change their wrong ways (wrong according to God) because they arent trying then at some point we must walk away. Homosexuality is a chosen sin (1 Corinth. 6:9-10). Satan's lie is that they cant change but the truth is they can. One who is unchanging does not allow God completely in.

[altizerjay86]

@katwoman203 mean's your a republican that means you won't give help to people won't change's there way's because they don't bevel your views in god! So you won't to cut out welfare, social security, food stamps and healthcare because we are not beveling in god. That is wrong here! I am Democratic yes I won't people get help that are different too so I have to lose the religion or they will kick me out church because I don't bevel in there way's

[altizerjay86]

@altizerjay86 so I don't knee a religion to sever god I got to bevel in god an Jesus that it and also homosexuality they born with it. So it mean telling a people who they can love because of a religion that not freedom for this country! that way we got a lot of hate we can't not get along! we got different views!

[methanoic80]

Relationship offcourse with the rules of the religion

[raithdemis]

Fellowship is important hence why people go to a building described as church BUT Paul quotes that the church IS THE PEOPLE, so when were all under one roof we are a church take us out of the church and you remain as a building now Christians love Jesus (and so do I) but its states the only way to get the father is through me :D take that in encouragement God bless love you all :D

[Lanedude08]

I swear, it's like your hair color changes with each video.

[elibarn]

Thank you. You put into words my feelings/emotional reaction to that video. God bless!

[inuyashaxx]

If it's a relationship, why won't Jesus return my texts?

[thereprieve]

@inuyashaxx You're not sending them to the right number.

[cheza21au]

By fighting they are breaking the commandments so to me they are all hypocrits. Over the years I have been to several churches and have found so many of the people who attend church are hypocrits. This is why I choose to believe in God and try my best to do what I know is right without going to church and have someone preach right and wrong. We all know what is the right and wrong things to do in life. Jesus didn't need a church to spread the word and the love.

[cheza21au]

To me it seems you all think you have to have religion in order to read and know the Bible and to believe in God. How many religions out there have there own interpretation of the Bible? How do we know which Bible is THE Bible? Religion is the cause of many wars because each one believes theirs is the Right one.

[shaniece12341]

im glad you posted this becuase i was agreeing a bit w/ the forget religion thing for a minute bcus i was really thiknkin about it to much at the time and didnt realize at the time that religion does help to keep the ppl connected and uplifted and having a relationship with Christ. by thw way you have influenced me positively since ive started watchin u and i know u get tons of pointless hate but i just wanted to let ya knw that your doin great on here and i hope hat u stay encouraged God bless

[ShaundalynChic]

People associate the term "religion" with a bloated church bureaucracy. Nobody much like bureaucracy (except bureaucrats). If you say belief and worship (the definition of religion) they like it a lot more.

[GriffinWolf2008]

I understand where you are coming from. My understanding of the phrase is that it isn't entirely about "you have to do this this and this in order to be saved." I've always seen it as if you are in a relationship with Jesus and you have been saved by Jesus, you do what God wants you to do because that's what he wants you to do. Not because it's "what Christians do."

[busvlogger]

You are doing a great job! You're speaking responsibly and in a spirit of love. Keep it up!

[TheLaughingOut]

I see a lot of hate in that comment section. Not really any refutations though. There sure are a lot of foul-mouthed supposed Christians over there who don't like what you're saying.

[FaithElements]

Keep pushing, brother. You make some amazing points

[igotyouproductions]

JESUS all the way mate!!!