So check out the following video and tell me: can it be possible to love Jesus and hate religion at the same time? Personally, it sounds kind of contradictory to me, and presents itself to be quite the non-secular paradox. I mean let’s face it: there would be no Christianity without Jesus, no? Of course there would be no Christianity without Jesus. Which really makes me question the people who say, “I’m not religious nor do I believe in religion, but I am spiritual.” I mean, what’s the difference? No really? Aren’t they one in the same? I’ono, but wut’chu think about it tho?
I think a lot of people see little difference between being religious and being spiritual. This is what Bethke is talking about. The problem is that in our society there isn't anything different between being spiritual and being religious. But this is not what Jesus offers us. Jesus offers us a relationship. Through out the Bible - Old and New Testament - God is reaching out for humanity. Here, please watch this!
I fully agree with everything Bethke has said.here. He is not talking about how to find God or make God do what you want. Often times when I hear apostates talk about leaving Christianity, this what they walked away from - a list of do's and don'ts - but not about leaving their relationship with Jesus. They never even had that relationship. It was missing. Without that - without the understanding that Bethke articulated, you are not a born-again Christian. This isn't religion. Religion is centered around an organization and prescribed attitudes and behaviors that people have to follow on a regular basis. The thing is sometimes you end up just going through the motions. You can be a regular church-goer, and follow all the rules and regulation and not be born-again. This is what Bethke is rejecting not the church nor Christianity. Bethke said on his Facebook page
If you are using my video to bash “the church” be careful. I was in no way intending to do that. My heart came from trying to highlight and expose legalism and hypocrisy. The Church is Jesus’ bride so be careful how you speak of His wife…. The church is His vehicle to reach a lost word. A hospital for sinners. Saying you love Jesus but hate the Church, is like a fiancé saying he loves his future bride, but hates her kids. The church is His vehicle to reach a lost word. A hospital for sinners. Saying you love Jesus but hate the Church, is like a fiancé saying he loves his future bride, but hates her kids. We are all under grace. Look to Him.
Again right on and Amen. He's right. I so thank God for giving him this poem. It's been blessing so many people and it's so powerful that it's inspired other to use the format to use their own spin. There is a Muslim version repeating most of the same-refuted-but-still-raised arguments Muslims use against Christianity. Here is such a video.
James White is preparing a rebuttal to this video but you can read Tur8infan's rebuttal at this link: Why I Love Jesus and Keep His Commandments
