I watched a few more of this man's videos, and feel that the reason we find error in his "religion hating" is that his definition of grace is also flawed. A friend shared this comment on Facebook, which I believe sums it up well. I have collected a few things here to try to hit on more of the caution necessary before people embrace this video. Some have said Jesus died so we could sin freely. Others have said that this video reminds them that their church is not good enough. While the content is good to view, I cannot stress enough the need to get back to God's Word instead of just regurgitating the vernacular of the world.
 |
| Did Jesus come to abolish Religion? The Bible doesn't say that! |
God's Word holds the truth, not any video or even blog post.
Please read Romans 6-8, 1 John 1,and James 1 & 2 to see more of what God's Word says about religion, grace, and how one should live as a Christian.
Dont' cheapen grace, and don't defy the holiness of the true and living God.
See comments below
The good, bad, and ugly from Facebook regarding this video
So, yes, I do not want what is sold as American Christianity, but am I going to complain about how it is wrong, or pick up my cross and do what Christ instructs?
This video drastically misrepresents religion. I hear a man telling me that I shouldn't develop the mindset of the New Testament Pharisees. I agree. God commands me not to. But please don't say that all religion is vile because Christianity IS religion. Yes, it's a relationship, but it is also a religion. It has a concrete law, clear-cut guidelines, and very important standards. Follow the Bible that God was gracious enough to provide us with. Not whatever makes your heart feel good.
I totally agree with Brenna...This guy does have it wrong. So here's another viewpoint on this video...
I disagree with his choice of a couple words but I couldn't agree with his message more. Please just give it a listen.
This video reminded me of a verse from Jason Gray's song: "Cause all religion ever made of me was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet. It never set me free. It's gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in. More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance."
Mark I read your blog and while I do agree from your perspective, as I think so myself. However, what you've gotta realize is that many people that are seeing this video have shrugged off God because of "religious hypocrites". Yes, the term "religion" is defining denominations and not the James/Biblical terminology of it. Frankly, I don't think people who have watched "religious hypocrites" are gonna bother in fact-checking the Bible. I know you may you not like it this way, but this video may show some bitter and jaded viewers that it wasn't all about repetition, rituals and rules. That Jesus is the ONLY way. I'd like to recommend a book called "Hiding God: The Ambition Of World Religion" by Warren Henderson, published by Gospel Folio Press. I think Warren's idea is where the video author was getting at. As sad as it is, this word says: Religion=Denominations=Bible Thumping Hypocrites. I wouldn't be surprized if some viewers open a Bible for the first time because of this...and isn't that what we as a collective church of believers, truly want?
I have read Warren's book, and it does a great job at this. I do suggest watching the video, but caution Christians not to embrace a hatred for religion. It is important when speaking for Christians (as this man seems to) that we are accurately portraying Jesus's own words, which the very first line is contrary to Jesus's message. He pulls a Rob Bell and speaks with authority while asking a question. Neat trick, but deceptive. Thanks for the comments, I appreciate the heart of the thing, and that is why I am also promoting it... with caution attached.
Amen to that Mark, and sharp pickup on the "Rob Bell-type" spot, I didn't quite catch that.
I noticed a lot of my friends are posting this as such a great video, and I know their intentions are right but there's just something wrong with his view that needs to be clarified.
In this video, I think he is using the word "religion" as synonymous with "legalism." So I guess it is all in how you define your terms. :)
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
And I do agree with your point about how he does not emphasize post-conversion works for Christians (which is incredibly important), but I do believe that he is trying to reach a different audience: those people who are putting their faith in their works as opposed to Jesus Christ. These are excellent points, Maggie, and I am not trying to just explain them away. This video is not perfect at all just as the man in it is not perfect. Thanks for posting. ;)
Defining terms is not something we can just do. The Bible uses the word and so we ought to be careful to not redefine it with common vernacular. Thanks for the insight, ladies! Legalism= bad. Pure and undefiled religion= good!
I liked the video a lot! However, a red flag popped into my mind about hating religion so much.
I can't really explain why the video didn't sit right. Guess it is time for a Bible study!
In conclusion (for now) I have to agree, it is all how you define your terms. Unfortunately, the English language isn't up for redefining words overnight. As long as major translations of the Bible use the word "religion" in its proper context, it is well to stick to this definition.
