tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post1498875558791065263..comments2023-10-07T09:34:47.507-05:00Comments on Aggie Catholics: Does Jesus Hate Religion? Should You?Marcelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-76510336382848763502012-01-16T10:58:51.390-06:002012-01-16T10:58:51.390-06:00Great video response here - http://youtu.be/SejuPK...Great video response here - http://youtu.be/SejuPK4M330Mr. Hunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04402837567387925842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-25707658422955269962012-01-15T11:49:58.384-06:002012-01-15T11:49:58.384-06:0072% of the millenial generation describes themselv...72% of the millenial generation describes themselves as "spiritual but not religious" More than blog posts and critiques of this video, this trend needs to be responded to both aggressively AND compassionately among all Christians and I know this is happening at Texas A&M so praise God. My take on this - this video doesn't need to be refuted, these kids needs to be engaged. I would love to have a beer with Jeff and have a real dialogue: http://pursuedbytruth.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-i-hate-religion-but-love-jesus-beer.htmltheresagneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13391855307835662862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-10582883893216496752012-01-14T23:47:48.927-06:002012-01-14T23:47:48.927-06:00Katelin, I appreciate it. I struggle with the fact...Katelin, I appreciate it. I struggle with the fact that they are taking a piece of art that is spoken from the heart and analyze it like it is a journal article in a theology class. I believe this man has written and spoken this poem as an expression to his own feelings. The reason it has blown up is because other people are able to relate and co-sign what he's artistically put into words. The person who wrote the article above clearly is an educated and well versed person, especially on Christianity and its faith but even if you can articulate it, compartmentalize arguments, and defend a counterpoint, doesn't mean that this man isn't feeling exactly what he is expressing. The feelings are coming from somewhere... A better use of our time would be spent asking why this person feels this way and what caused it so we can come to a solution as opposed to trying to undermine his feelings and minimize his experience... make sense?MSPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16093471331230709231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-55476890132526875772012-01-14T18:49:04.166-06:002012-01-14T18:49:04.166-06:00AMEN! Very well said Blake! Thank you. Jesus ...AMEN! Very well said Blake! Thank you. Jesus has to be the center of our lives....not the institution (church, religion...however you want to put it) From experience I can say that going to church, receiving all my sacraments....etc etc, there was still a deep hole in my soul.....and until I truly was on my knees asking Jesus to enter my heart....did I begin to understand that only He can fill that hole. I agree with the person who wrote about that inner desire to please God. For me that inner desire only began after I began to truly seek Him.....not just follow the rulesErinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14410833983147466988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-19799855886349323472012-01-14T12:19:08.989-06:002012-01-14T12:19:08.989-06:00"I continue to be shocked at how a culture th..."I continue to be shocked at how a culture that will reject over 2,000 years of tradition that aligns itself directly to Christ can follow a rapping 20 something who has made these assumptions and accusations only from his own mind and I assume without counsel at the drop of a hat. "<br /><br />That says it all, Preach it!Russ Rentler, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00659833542780220795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-82400145036487065692012-01-14T10:44:14.176-06:002012-01-14T10:44:14.176-06:00Thank you Janny. Yes Katelin, we can praise the f...Thank you Janny. Yes Katelin, we can praise the fact that he is young and support the fact that instead of wasting his life away, he is presenting a more positive way to live to our young people. But I also believe that this video was purposely done, and as a youth minister, when my young people come up to me excited about this video that is all over FB, it is my duty as the adult authority to inform them of the TRUTH. I do not think anybody here is degrading "HIS views," but clarifying the many ways he contradicts himself and can mislead others to do the same. And like Janny said, will he put a rebuttal video later? I also think NOT.Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10419593500707014818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-59355588896162318782012-01-13T19:55:05.654-06:002012-01-13T19:55:05.654-06:00I never understood this mindset of "I love Ch...I never understood this mindset of "I love Christ, but hate religion". Too often I have found that it is because that person wants to decide for themselves what is a sin and what is not. They don't want some church telling them how to behave. This is why Adam was cast out of Eden, for eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and taking onto himself the ability to decide what is sin and what is not. A choice only God is fit to make.Doubledadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16874088309368746067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-52628027953323759442012-01-13T17:15:29.501-06:002012-01-13T17:15:29.501-06:00There seems to be a lot of people here that did no...There seems to be a lot of people here that did not attend Catholic schools most of their life. Having strictly gone to private Catholic schools until college, I can see where all of this comes into play. There were so many kids in my high school that talked all about being proud of their faith but would always have stories of getting drunk or the girls they fooled around with. Meanwhile the teachers praised them for their intelligence and wisdom, thus stroking the behavior and issue addressed. Many Christians treat church like their museum with the "I go to church therefore am more learned and better than you". Sure, his use of the word hate is perhaps misplaced, but when the root does seem to be coming from self righteous and hypocritical Christians, then I feel it is a righteous anger and therefore justified. Also many walk the walk until something comes up. After a family divorce, the devoted Catholics of the family alienated one of the involved persons in my family. Yet the bible teaches tolerance and being non judgmental. Similarly, political parties force you to choose and vote which in turn leads us to judge people in order to vote on their rights. <br /> Overall, this video should be seen as a wake up call to quit putting on a front and actually be a christian or stop. Not straddle the fence or hide behind facebook. "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters."-Luke 11:23<br /> We are falling to the message of society little by little. "oh well maybe just this once" "Well i have to vote. its my duty!" Its time to pick our heads out of the clouds and set it straight. Lets not try and shoot this guy down too quickly or feel too threatened by him. *cough cough cassi* Personally, I agree with him, but lets try to use this for the better and prove him wrong rather than argue him wrong on the internet. <br /><br />Actions speak louder than words and like me, im sure there was some event or events that he has been involved in or witnessed that back up and make him feel the way he does. Again lets try to see this as a formal complaint to the Church and make things better by working to better ourselves and continue living life and proclaiming His word through our everyday actions.Mikeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03989107352446023861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-66566371074893290082012-01-13T15:56:15.189-06:002012-01-13T15:56:15.189-06:00I don't ever question anyone's sincerity. ...I don't ever question anyone's sincerity. But, I don't think it is clear that the video is using a definition of religion that is merely one in vain. He certainly doesn't make the proper distinctions if that was his goal.<br /><br />Look, if you read my post again, I point out that there are some valid points he makes. But, there are great flaws in it as well. Sincerity can't overcome those flaws.<br /><br />We have to be careful at believing that Christian unity is some human construct that comes by us all feeling good about each other. It is born out of faith in Christ AND his teachings. Another both/and not an either/or.Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-55499992662227652002012-01-13T15:45:08.604-06:002012-01-13T15:45:08.604-06:00Marcel -
My intentions in this discussion have n...Marcel - <br /><br />My intentions in this discussion have not been to win an argument or prove someone wrong for the sake of being right or proving some sort of greater knowledge of Scripture. I'm really coming at this from the position of a brother in Christ, and I'll just be honest. This whole debate is not a matter of truth. It is the matter of how one defines the word religion. Jeff, the man in the video, has defined it in such a way that it is often understood in today's culture. That definition essentially includes holding to book of rules and viewing oneself as holy on account of that act. This leads to a lack of furthering the Kingdom of God on earth. <br /><br />The word religion is translated different ways, even in Scripture. In the book of James, it is used in the sense of describing one's acts as an outflow of a relationship with Christ (true religion). In the book of Colossians (2:23), it is used to describe a set of rules. This is shown if you compare to NKJV and NLT versions of the Bible:<br /><br />NKJV: These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.<br /><br />NLT: These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.<br /><br />I think it is clear that Jeff was referring to this second definition. As a complete body of Christ, regardless of denomination, we need to be building each other up and striving to have our eyes continually fixed on Christ. This type of back and forth discussion can often breed division among believers. I do also believe that Biblical truth is key, but there are some gray areas of Scripture that should not be turned into stumbling blocks. Romans 14 does a good job of addressing this. <br /><br />I really hope you are seeing my heart in this and aren't thinking I'm trying to tear you down. I do agree that Jesus said those who love Him will keep His commands. I'm almost positive Jeff would agree with that too, based on viewing his other videos. The thing that he is driving home is that this love for Christ comes first, and that our works and service are an outflow of that. No amount of works will ever makes us right before the judgement seat of Christ. Coming from this angle, which is very Biblical, Jesus is in fact all we need. He is our Provider, Sustainer, Savior and so much more, and our lives should reflect that if we believe it to be true.<br /><br />This isn't about being Catholic or Protestant, this is about being a unified church for Jesus Christ who is our lead. This life is about Jesus and that's how we need to approach it. I by no means have it all figured out, but I feel like He has been showing me this Truth. I hope you understand my heart on this one.Clarkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04163266235436982279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-69239143119141020672012-01-13T14:01:33.803-06:002012-01-13T14:01:33.803-06:00Some other commentary on this video:
http://www.p...Some other commentary on this video:<br /><br />http://www.patheos.com/blogs/badcatholic/2012/01/why-i-hate-religion-but-love-jesus-the-smackdow.html<br /><br />http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=24948<br /><br />http://roadsfromemmaus.org/2012/01/12/why-i-love-true-religion-because-i-love-jesus/<br /><br />http://youngandcatholic.net/2012/01/why-i-love-jesus-and-religion/Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-987535126471778442012-01-13T13:52:29.320-06:002012-01-13T13:52:29.320-06:00Travis - the problem is that he does not say that ...Travis - the problem is that he does not say that it is a metaphor at all. He is quite seriously going after it. <br /><br />It might have been aimed at a different audience, but that doesn't mean we can't critique it.<br /><br />I do take truth very seriously, because Christ did.Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-12460863962121855022012-01-13T13:50:53.611-06:002012-01-13T13:50:53.611-06:00http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/why-i-ha...http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/why-i-hate-religion-but-love-jesus/<br /><br />This guy has a good point and has a better way with words than I do so I'm just going to copy an excerpt from his article.<br /><br />"In the video he says that Jesus and religion are on opposite spectrums. I guess that is why Jesus and Paul both went to great lengths to observe the law during their lifetimes? Maybe that is why Jesus said that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17). Hardly a statement describing the “two different clans” he says divides Jesus and religion. Also, how much of the sermon on the mount was about practicing pure religion from the heart rather than going through the motions and rationalizing sin. My point is, Jesus believed that religion could be good and lead to good things when understood from God’s perspective and true to God’s intention for religion.<br />If you look at the description he wrote of the video, he nails it. He just never explains this in the actual video!<br /><br />'A poem I wrote to highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion. In the scriptures Jesus received the most opposition from the most religious people of his day. At it's core Jesus' gospel and the good news of the Cross is in pure opposition to self-righteousness/self-justification. Religion is man centered, Jesus is God-centered. This poem highlights my journey to discover this truth. Religion either ends in pride or despair. Pride because you make a list and can do it and act better than everyone, or despair because you can't do your own list of rules and feel "not good enough" for God. With Jesus though you have humble confident joy because He represents you, you don't represent yourself and His sacrifice is perfect putting us in perfect standing with God!'<br /><br />Now that is a little better. I would add a third option to what religion ends in. Religion can end in pride, despair or in a closer relationship with God. It ends in the later when religion is understood as a part of approaching God in all of his holiness and obeying his commands out of a response to God’s grace. Once religion becomes all about earning things or about self it becomes false. But there is such a thing as pure religion. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27. I wouldn’t call that an infection and I am sure he wouldn’t either."Andi Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13449290720151372208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-50951594571548672912012-01-13T13:48:33.349-06:002012-01-13T13:48:33.349-06:00If you can find in the Bible a place where Jesus s...If you can find in the Bible a place where Jesus says any of his teachings / rules / commandments / morality are considered "minor differences", then we can have a discussion about Christian unity being something that ignores doctrine.<br /><br />Christian unity does not sacrifice truth at the altar of holding hands and ignoring our differences.Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-44298839714506326852012-01-13T13:46:24.091-06:002012-01-13T13:46:24.091-06:00"If you love Me you will keep my commandments..."If you love Me you will keep my commandments" = Keeping rules...Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-8062365585350694292012-01-13T13:45:14.006-06:002012-01-13T13:45:14.006-06:00Clarke - thanks. I didn't see that. I am sure ...Clarke - thanks. I didn't see that. I am sure that 4 million other viewers didn't either...Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-86667161549276746132012-01-13T13:24:37.737-06:002012-01-13T13:24:37.737-06:00I don't think he was literally saying that rel...I don't think he was literally saying that religion is bad, he was using it to demonstrate the parallels between "religious people" during Jesus' time who just followed the rituals and prided themselves on it, but only did it for show and "religious people" today. We all know people like that. Their "church" lives and their "outside" lives do not align at all. People that judge others for looking poor or dirty when they try to come in the church. People who gossip and whisper about other church members.<br /><br />Clearly his "Jesus hates religion" is a metaphor. Jesus didn't hate anything or anyone. He is obviously also not using your definition of religion and I think it is disingenuous to use it since the context doesn't match up. A lot of people think that just going to church and participating in the rituals and voting Republican makes one a Christian, but it doesn't. It used to be that a lot of Christians voted Democratic because they supported aiding the poor and elderly but somehow it got twisted and people are only concerned with looking out for themselves and not others. It is this selfishness and hypocrisy that the man in the video is denouncing and what I think he is referring to as "religion". We are not saved through works but through faith; however, if one is not compelled to DO something then it is clear that one should reexamine their life.<br /><br />This video was aimed at Protestants, Evangelicals, and people who are lost. I really don't think it was aimed at Catholics. I and probably most protestants don't even understand some of the things you are referring to because I/we were not raised as a Catholic.<br /><br />I think you should take a step back from taking yourself so seriously and maybe realize that you have taken this way too literally.<br /><br />I've spent way too long on this comment I hope it actually flows correctly. I'm sorry if it doesn't.Travishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12453353067483318447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-82993659119144821202012-01-13T12:46:45.632-06:002012-01-13T12:46:45.632-06:00I do not know if people have stated this already, ...I do not know if people have stated this already, but here is my two cents: The guy in the video has passion and is definitely trying to bring out the need for internal conversion to Christ. The problem I see though is the comment on Religion. Religion is a tool and can be used for both good and bad. You can't say religion is the problem, because that is like saying guns are the problem in terms of people killing each other, or the internet is the problem in terms of pornography. The truth is that we as human beings are imperfect and will use these tools as we see fit. As techies sometimes say, don't blame the system for user error.<br /><br />Furthermore, to say that you can do it alone or without structure is to gravely misunderstand and idealize the human nature. It would be awesome for us if we could just do it, but we can't. We are social beings that require our thoughts and actions to be co-ordinated with others. There is no way for a single person to comprehend all that God has to offer us. With that said, it is nearly impossible for multiple people to work together without a standard set of rules, laws, structure etc. <br /><br />Those are my two main thoughts; religion is not and will never be the problem and we as humans do need a community of believers.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05522534532613357928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-51282365741024115122012-01-13T12:32:10.906-06:002012-01-13T12:32:10.906-06:00Completely disagree with that for the following re...Completely disagree with that for the following reasons:<br /><br />1) You can have Jesus the second you put your trust in Him. He came here to save us, to be the light we need in a dark world and to be the strength we need to get through each day. He loves us absolutely unconditionally. If you put your trust in Jesus, then you will have an inner desire to please Him, which means you probably will want to live your life to glorify Him. You can either be a part of a "religion" in the sense that he portrays or just a follower of Him to do this. He loves each of these people the same.<br /><br />2) Humans are imperfect; hence the reason why people say they "hate religion" or why it is so difficult for us to understand that God wants us to love people, and I mean every person and leave the final judgments to Him. Anyone that believes in an incredible God and that Jesus was His son who came to this earth as the most loving and unselfish man to die for our sins is a Christian. And anyone who is a Christian is a brother and sister in Christ. So, to the person who wrote this and the person who wrote the message in the video: I think God would want us to remember that all Christians are His sons and daughters. He is our father. Together, united as one body in Christ, all of his followers can make a difference in this world. He wants us to love each other.<br /><br />3) If there were no other person left on this earth than me, I would still trust in God. Does this then imply that I am "making a god of [myself] and [my] own inklings"? Not at all. It means that although I have no material things or means of fulfilling a traditional way of glorifying Him, my faith is all I need to bring Him true glory. This shows me that yes, Jesus did leave us a set of rules and teachings to follow, traditions passed on through years, but the greatest thing that pulls us close to Him is our faith. Any way of praising God, as long is it is completely for Him and not at all for selfish reasons like power, etc., are praising the "true Jesus."<br /><br />Love is God's greatest gift to us. It's good to remember that. As Christians, we should go into this world and shower it with love. Some of Jesus' truest friends were the outcasts. I think we should reach out to everybody and ultimately remember that anyone who believes in our God and Jesus Christ are our brothers and sisters. God wants us to be united and be able to push these minor differences aside in order to create a grand and beautiful group of Christians, one body of people in Christ, to be a light in the world.ssnyder01https://www.blogger.com/profile/05089646129599989388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-69937500591626137672012-01-13T11:42:42.805-06:002012-01-13T11:42:42.805-06:00Why is Jesus always considered a religion? Does th...Why is Jesus always considered a religion? Does the Bible say I am a religion. It does not say I am a relationship either but it does say follow me and I will make you fishers of men. It did not say follow all these rules and I will make you fishers of men. Why do people think of Jesus as a set of rules? Jesus gave us the Bible so we can know Him and His heart better.Joannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00316107868700832012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-16213305512429728862012-01-13T11:34:38.258-06:002012-01-13T11:34:38.258-06:00If you'll go to the youtube page with the vide...If you'll go to the youtube page with the video, it says, "A poem I wrote to highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion." in the description.Clarkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04163266235436982279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-2378406850496761102012-01-13T11:30:42.294-06:002012-01-13T11:30:42.294-06:00Clarke - you are making distinctions that the vide...Clarke - you are making distinctions that the video did not. If your exegesis of James is correct, then the problem comes that the video lumps all "religion" in the same boat. Pure or not.Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-54863371324614664922012-01-13T11:25:48.000-06:002012-01-13T11:25:48.000-06:00I found this on preceptaustin.org. I think it does...I found this on preceptaustin.org. I think it does a better job of articulating what I was trying to say earlier:<br /><br />Epp has the following devotional on James 1:26-27...<br /><br />When Jesus Christ is really indwelling a person, it will result in true religion. The word religion as used in James 1:26,27 is not synonymous with the word salvation. James used it in the sense of an outward expression of that which is inward. The inner faith in Jesus Christ as one's personal Saviour results in salvation; expressing that faith outwardly is one's religion, according to the way James used the word.<br /><br />When one has faith in Jesus Christ, it is only normal and natural for this faith to express itself outwardly. There will be a new motivating power within, and that new desire is an evidence that you are a child of God.<br /><br />The manifestation of Christ's life through an individual is proof that that person is rightly related to Jesus Christ by faith. In other words, faith in Christ will result in love for others, and this is what James referred to as pure religion.<br /><br />The Lord Jesus Christ showered His love on those who could not help themselves and who could not, or would not, return His love at that time. When we know Him as personal Saviour, we will have this same kind of love. We will love those who are helpless and unable to return our expressions of love. It is relatively easy to be friends with those who are friends in return or to give to those who give in return. However, our Christianity is woefully deficient if we give in order to receive or if we give and expect an even larger gift in return. This is not pure religion. So when a person is rightly related to Jesus Christ--when he has pure and undefiled religion--he will express the love of Christ to those who are in dire circumstances and unable to return similar expressions of love.Clarkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04163266235436982279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-2687922764588860862012-01-13T11:08:38.949-06:002012-01-13T11:08:38.949-06:00Still nobody has EXPLAINED why it has to be Jesus ...Still nobody has EXPLAINED why it has to be Jesus OR Religion rather than Jesus AND Religion...Marcelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18121158394600137195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094967570243723764.post-18075522911183461612012-01-13T11:01:47.073-06:002012-01-13T11:01:47.073-06:00As with most things in life, there is nothing wron...As with most things in life, there is nothing wrong with religion (and yeah, Jesus would not hate it) what is wrong is the 'organized formal religion as instituted by Man' - meaning it is not religion that is offbase but the manner in which SOME folks practice it (hypocritically) ... I also think that the big thing this kid is proably really angry about is that the religion getting media attention and grabbing headlines is (usually) the flash and bang, hypocritical, bad stuff ... which has nothing to do with God at all ...Bonsai57https://www.blogger.com/profile/02667037549690514839noreply@blogger.com