January 16
The 'I hate religion but love Jesus' approach (and YouTube video) is simplistic, unbiblical and dangerous
By Tim NeufeldTo all my friends who have been disillusioned by church, have been hurt by organized Christianity or have given up on religion, please don’t jump on the “I hate religion” bandwagon.
Within the last few days, a video by Jefferson Bethke called “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” has been viewed more than 17 million times on YouTube. That’s quite stunning. Comments on Facebook about this video show countless people identify with the sentiment that “religion is bad” and “Jesus is good.” I have numerous friends who have been judged, ostracized or treated unfairly by the church. I understand the pain that can come from these experiences.
Personally, I have been confronted, questioned, censored and banned for challenging assumptions and suggesting solutions to problems within the church (Here and throughout this post I’m referring to the church as a whole, not my local congregation.). In fact, I’ve been placed on a “watch list” and know that some people will be reading this in an effort to keep an eye on me (peace and grace to you all). All of this has caused a significant amount of pain for me and my family.
A common response when wronged by the church is to condemn the church and then withdraw from organized religion. But this is not the way forward. Isolation, dislocation, fear and hate of anything will not help anyone become a better follower of Christ. Unfortunately, it’s far easier to walk away from and condemn something than it is to stay and help make a change.
So, though I have a pretty consistent (and I think valid) critique of institutionalized Christianity, here are some reasons why I think a “why I hate religion but love Jesus” approach is simplistic, unbiblical and even dangerous:
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It is not possible to have a belief system without religion. An organized religion is a framework for understanding a particular faith, and includes beliefs, values and practices. A religion creates a whole culture in which one lives and worships. The notion that someone can have Jesus without having religion is a bit like the person who wants a contemporary music-driven worship service because he or she doesn’t like liturgy. Yet even the most charismatic and spirit-led church undoubtedly follows a pattern for worship that is repeated again and again on a weekly basis. This is precisely what a liturgy is — a way of “doing” church. Religion is a way of “doing” faith. It is the system which allows faith to be expressed and passed on to all of its adherents. Religion can be used for good or bad, but there is no escaping it if you believe in and follow God.
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It’s a very sad point, but this notion that one must make a choice between religion (which is evil) and Jesus (which is good) reflects a prevailing idea among Evangelicals: All that matters is my relationship with Jesus. Our narcissistic, individualistic and egocentric culture has led us to unconsciously believe the myth that the most important thing a person can do is make sure he or she is right with God. Just in the last 50 years believers have turned worship into a desperate search for therapeutic healing, singing “I want you, I need you, I love you,” and “help me, save me, love me.” It’s the Jesus-is-my-boyfriend scenario. We think God exists simply to help us and make us feel better, and that’s how we judge our Sunday morning worship experience. On the contrary, the Christian life is one of community, and the worship experience should not be a focus on the self but on the mystery, majesty, character and transcendence of God. Bethke argues that religion is for the self-righteous, but that argument backfires on him. It’s those who think they can exist outside of religious structures that are the most self-righteous and indulgent. Religion is the vehicle that brings us to the place of community and worship. To suggest that one can do without religion is to suggest that one can live apart from the body of Christ.
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The video does not present an accurate interpretation of Scripture, and Bethke contradicts himself multiple times. Here’s just one example. The opening line in this video states, “Jesus came to abolish religion.” The idea is later repeated as “Jesus hated religion.” Is this true? If so, Jesus would have had to toss out the entire Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament) and all the “law” within it. Due to a gross misreading of Paul, we often believe that the law is bad and that Jesus came to replace it. But, in Jesus’ own words, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt. 5:17). In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus affirms the law and tells his listeners to “go and do likewise.” The law of the Moses, essentially the code of Hebrew religion, was not something Jesus hated, nor did the Jewish people in general. The law guided, directed and freed the Hebrews to love their God, learn about their God and live for their God. The main point of Psalm 119, the longest chapter of the Bible, is exactly that — love for the law of the Lord. While it’s true that Jesus had harsh words for the hypocritical teachers of the law, he had the deepest respect and honor for his Jewish heritage. The Bible simply does not support any dualistic notion that Jesus and religion were in opposition to one another.
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Another problem with the “I hate religion” approach is that it never offers any answers. Those who withdraw from organized religion seldom have any hopeful suggestions or practical ways to positively work for change within religion. I teach and mentor a lot of young adults who are preparing for ministry at Fresno (Calif.) Pacific University where I am an associate professor of ministry. I see many students who are discouraged and frustrated by the institutional church, and in many cases rightly so. Unfortunately, the favored option is to withdraw from the established church, strike out on their own and plant a new church. And who can blame them? Working in an existing church, especially a historic church, can be very hard. Patterns are often engrained and rigid. It’s simply easier to go it alone. There are many troubling issues about this scenario, but perhaps the greatest is this: We need the gifts, talents, skills and contributions of all people in the church, not just from those with whom we agree. Church should be the safest place on earth to be different, to disagree and to offer countering ideas. True community encourages fresh ideas and new practices. If you are a young pastor, leader or member of a congregation thinking about leaving the institutionalized church because of disagreements, please don’t — we need you!
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Finally, while I recognize that organized religion has numerous faults and has hurt many people, the way forward might actually be through a renewed and revitalized interpretation of religion itself. Just as Jesus didn’t call for the abolishment of the law but its complete fulfillment, so we might find a correction to the church’s dysfunctions through a recommitment to its practices. Whatever we might call this culture we live in — postmodern, post-Christendom, post-Christian or other — and for all of our attempts to create new models of church, target new segments of the population, initiate new musical styles or flee our religious past, I believe the answers lie in the historic church. I’m encouraged when I see college students engaging in the ancient spiritual disciplines of the church. A new generation is finding deep meaning in lectio divina, silence, fasting, prayer labyrinths, historic creeds and so much more. These practices are the bedrock of the historic church. As we again discover these rich disciplines of a 4,000-year old religion, we will draw together in communities that re-imagine the role of the church while listening for the active presence of God in our midst. This isn’t a time for throwing religion out, it’s a time for rediscovering what it really is, working to right the wrongs and stepping into the great adventure that God has always intended for his people.
As I said earlier, I certainly have reason to be negative and judgmental of the church and organized religion. But condemning it is not the answer. Neither is expecting everybody to become like me and believe like I do. If you have been hurt, please consider that no church is perfect, nor are the people in it. Religion is not bad nor good, though it can be used for both. In the end, the church is the biggest and best-run volunteer organization in the world. Let’s not give up on the church, but let’s keep working, together, to shape it, change it and imagine what God could do through it to accomplish his purposes, just as he did through the chaos of the Spirit’s coming 2,000 years ago to a frightened gathering of believers in Jerusalem.
Tim Neufeld is associate professor of contemporary Christian ministries at Fresno Pacific University and on the pastoral staff in a local congregation. When not in the classroom or leading worship, he can be found blogging on issues of church and culture at www.timneufeld.blogs.com.
Comments
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Hello Tim,
I believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law, and therefore he expected a full transformation of his church. I don't think that the video was meant to be a "church slam" but it was intended to be a wake up call to christians and the church. The poet even says "he loves the church". I think his main point was to drive home James 1:27, which is what the bible says should be the picture of true and perfect religion. We should not be debating legalism but should be out there helping the orphans, the widows, the poor, etc. Can we honestly say that we are religious by that standard? Have you helped the orphans, the widows, the poor.. recently? I think the video was meant to stir up hearts, not slam religion.
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If for "religion" you read "religiosity" it might be better. Christianity is about a relationship; religiosity is about rituals and structures and is deadening.
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If one thinks that a historical figure was good and set a good example to follow, that is one thing. If you think he was God/son of God and releases you from SIN (whatever that is) and you will go to heaven (where ever that is), you are dealing with religion. The poet just wants his own personal religion based on his cherry-picked notion of Jesus.
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" I think the video was meant to stir up hearts, not slam religion."
I agree with Jennifer, and I also think Bethke was providing this intentionally simplistic message as a springboard for deeper Christianity to those who need to hear this message of hope, and in the medium Bethke chose. It's not for those tucked safely within a faith-based community with access to a healthy church. It's not for the mature believer with all of the advanced Christological teachings that seminary provides, but for the layman, the commoner, the skeptic. It's for the bruised reed, for the smoldering wick, the woman at the well, the man at the gate of Beautiful. It's the kind of milk that will bring new believers into the church, or, at least, to the doors of a pastor's study. When they get there, it will be the church's job to grow and mature them, but only if the church is made up of individuals who make it their mission to focus on God and not on perfection and religiosity.
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Question: Is there anyone who does NOT have a cherry-picked notion of Jesus?
I know I do. (It's based on the authentic sayings from the Sermon on the Mount).
I submit that every church that has ever existed, and every christian who has ever lived, had (has) their own cherry-picked Jesus. There is no ABSOLUTE STANDARD Jesus.
So the issue becomes: Who's got the best cherry-picked Jesus. (I, of course, think I do.)
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The issue is that "religion" is about rules, most of which are unbiblical and just man made. Jesus himself said the traditions of men nullify the Word of God. People are tired of fat cat preachers making money off the poor with their manipulative "God's going to bless you if you give your money to me" and making their relationship with God all about MONEY.
If "religions" don't like the video perhaps they should look at the WHY of it and see if there is any merit to it and either adjust the junk or leave it alone.
It is sad it has come to this, but more proof of what's hidden in the dark will be shown for what it is.
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I didn't take it that he hates religion as much as how he hates what humans make it. People get way too caught up in religiousness, often forgetting what Christ is all about.
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God can hear your thoughts, and god knows those thoughts are disgusting, and god knows that you know that those thoughts are disgusting...because in the bible it says those thoughts are disgusting. You cannot possibly fathom the scope and power of the lord, you are not wise enough to create a whole planet and everything you can see on this earth, so you better start feeling guilty for your sins because thats what you deserve you disgusting tiny little human. Nice work on keeping the faith alive however, we are living in dark times indeed, keep strong, god loves you and for that I wont tell anyone that you secretly masterbate and il add an extra 5 minutes to your life, and il also update you on my proceedings as far as jefferson bethke is concerned, I cannot quite smite him to my fullest as he is being protected by a group of invisible neo hippy fairies but... I am working on having a new section added to the bible exclaiming the existance of god proof fairies ,alas, If you fancy a job as a typist il happily upgrade your status to prophet as we really need to work togther to circumvent all this non biblical nonsense. Try not to think too much for yourself in the time in takes you to get to this message of the lord or I am afraid I will have to cast down upon you a furious case of dissentry for thinking about having sex with women. Just interpret my word, make sure you realise that you are interpreting it all wrong, and feel guilty. Thanks.
P.S stop pretending like you know my plans or I will remove your face.
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Do not listen to that false vision of the lord, he exists only as a parlour trick employed by people looking to see you donate at their churches, but you must forgive those people, even if they cast you to hell on earth for your crimes against God, show them only love in return, for anyone can be swayed with a vision of pure kindness. This is the true teaching of the lord.
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Thank you for your thoughts to this topic, I also believe that religion is important and we need to stick together and help other brothers and sisters out in those hard times, and times of bad or wrong decisions. We all mess up and all sin. We all need to realise that church/religion cannot be about "ME" it is really about GOD. We need not be worried about what we get from our church but what we take to it and To God .
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Why are we all claiming to be God / Jesus in our post???? this is dissapointing..
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dont listen to 'jesus' my sources tell me he is actually the devil using the faceless nature of the internet to mask his face, he is trying to disuade you from buying tickets for tubulence free rides to heaven. dont tell anyone I told you this though, its a secret ;) and obviously if you were to go against Gods words you would feel my wrath and all that so go figure. keep it real.
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Aaron, I believe we should take heed and digest gods message, for we may be a chosen handful lucky enough to bare witness to GODS word!!!were to be true then a somber realisation must surely follow, we must not gamble with gods word for it may prove as our undoing. We must have faith. What if you are wrong Aaron! What if 'GOD' is really GOD?
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I am glad you are dissapointed Aaron.
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I love you Aaron, You have a kind heart I can see from what you said that you care very much about the happiness of all those around you. Continue to be yourself and you shall be the light in the hearts of the people that you care about. You can do this anywhere, you need not distract yourself with false idols, I advise you to follow your heart, let it guide you, worry not about scripture as no medium can accurately portray gods will, any image of god ,be it a bible, a vision, a video or a rumour will no doubtably be a distant shade of gods complete self. So worry not about imposters no matter how fully they claim to gods purpose, love and effect what you can understand in a postive way, forget about god as all we have in his place are guesses.
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I think this 'poet' from youtube may be somewhat akin the the Jesus Movement of the late 60's and 70's. I tried to find 'God' in church in the early 70's. All I found was hypocrisy and rules. Really. I could not understand the King James Bible. I found that Jesus was real and alive through a vision in the night. I got down on my knees and was swept away by His acceptance of me, even though I knew He was aware of every thought and deed I had ever done. I went BACK to some of the same churches where I sought God, but only found 'religion'. Guess what? I was so grief-stricken to find that I was the only one smiling, singing the hymns like I meant them. I became so disillusioned by the "sermons" (read from a book?). I left and joined an ex-hippy group that had become Christ followers. It was there that I read a version of the Bible I could understand cover to cover. There that I could ask questions and experienced grace from others. Maybe it was a type of church - but surely one closer to the first churches in the Bible. I don't want to condemn either side of this issue. But I am asking for GRACE for both sides. If you have not experienced trying to find God in a church of traditions, rules, and liturgy that is dead, then don't come down hard on this video. The Holy Spirit leads us into all Truth, but if we don't have know Jesus, we don't have the Holy Spirit. All you good church affiliated Christians, please pray for the ones that the church has hurt and disillutioned, don't harrange them. And DO something at your church to make a religion-shy, but seeking person feel at ease and welcome.
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jesus did come to abolish religion because religion was thel law and the law brought punichment because ppl could not follow it thats why jesus came so all we had to do was accept him to become worthy of his promise. religion impliements a system of rules and regulations to follow to be considered holy when jesus has already done that. THIS IS THE POINT OF THE VIDEO. what the man said was correct because if you remember the religious ppl crucified jesus anyway. its 100 percent bibilical, faithful, and true. read roman chapter 4 my man and god bless.
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Asteroid maybe akin to mark twain XD
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You imply that one cannot have a value system without being religious. This is massively offensive.
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Amazing! Thank you thank you thank you! I knew there was something wrong with this, but I'm not a theologian? I do know that the Lord Jesus participated in worship and ritual in the synagogues. Thanks for this!
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In Jesus's time on earth the religion of the day if followed properly would produce a pharesee. Jesus was never in agreement with the religious leaders of his day to the point that the religious leaders thought that killing Jesus was the only solution.
Religion is all about us following some man made rules and rituals in order to fit into man made organizations whereas the doctrine that Jesus taught is based on one's realization that we are sinners and there is nothing we can do to save ourselves from the bondage of sin hence the need of Christ.
The bible has a lot of examples of people who were saved only because of their realization of who Jesus was. The short man Lazarus, the thief on the cross, the woman who touched the hem of His garment and was healed from bleeding. Religion condemned that woman to the point that anything that she touched was labelled as defiled. Jesus never said who has defiled me when she touched the hem of His garment.
1 John 1:9 clearly states that:If we confess our sins(which means we are sinners) He (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Note that its Jesus's faithfullness that we rely on not ours. Now religion tells you to rely on rules rituals and it diverts the focus from Jesus.
The law is acting as mirror to help us to see for ourselves how sinful we are it has nothing to do with religion but rather people use the law to create religion for themselves.
I CAN SAFELY SAY (Jesus was the most anti-religious person who ever walked the earth). If He was anti religious why not me?
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I liked the video. I understand where he comes from. I support the universal church which includes only those written in Lamb's Book of Life (God is only one who knows who is listed). I also support the local church and I actively participate in teaching and discipleship. Religiosity and legalism without the heart change is what Jesus objected too. True Christian religion is faith in the finished work of Jesus, obedience to God with the help of Bible and the Holy Spirit, community with other believers, helping the hurting, and concern for the poor and the lost. -- We as believers do need to wake up from our sleep.
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Jesus was against the religious sects of His day, the Pharisees and the Saduccees. He rebuked them for their legalism and other practices. We should not identify ourselves as Baptist,Methodist,Luthern Evangelical, pencostal or any other denimination! We are Christians if we truly believe in God ans as such should only profess to be Christians. Satan has the best tools to split the body of Christ and Christians provide it I call it "Doctrinal Diffferences'! CHristian fighting and calling other believers nams because they fight and argue over differences in doctrines! They clsaim if tou do not hold their doctrine you are wrong and going to hell! Satan sits back and says thanks! I am not of John Wesley Matrin Luther or any other theologian. None of them died for me and saved my soul! Jesus Christ did and only through Jesus Christ do we have our salvation.These men were great scholars of the bibles and each had "his own interpretation of the Word of God, but that did not mean others were wrong. Religion is only a structure set up by humans for those who have similar belieefs to come together for fellowship. Jesus said He was the truth, the light and the way. That to me rules out religious identification as neccesary.I will never again classify myself as anything but as a Christian! I love all believer in Christ work on the Cross. Do not judge your brother and sisters in the body of Christ! If you do the love of God is not in you and you are a liar!
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I liked the video as a rhetorical piece. It engaged me and the discussion it elicits focuses on important questions.
The preacher says he loves the church but hates religion. So he is reaching for a church experience that is not rigid and hidebound. As Neufeld states, many of us are walking that road.
Certainly, the preacher is reaching for authenticity. He has experienced the falseness of pretending and has found it repulsive. And the core of authentic Jesus experience, as I understand the preacher, is to grasp God's radical love, forgivenenss and affirmation.
If I had the opportunity, I'd ask him to explain why this authentic Jesus experience is so important. I can't tell from the video what his answer would be.
If he replied by talking about heaven and eternity, then along with Neufeld I would encourage him to go back to the Gospels and get acquainted with Jesus.
If he replied by talking about life on this earth and God's invitation for us to join the savings acts Jesus has set in motion, then I would rejoice in the preacher's witness. And I would be confident that whereever he is, he will find a group of believers with which to join.
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Just a friendly reminder that we highly encourage people who comment to use their real name. It is great to see so much discussion on this blog post! —Sheldon C. Good, web editor
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I have already jumped out of the institutional religious boat and have no intention of looking back towards that sinking ship, in fact I would consider it dangerous to do so! For I have discovered something much better than anything conventional religion has to offer. And it's called truth and it works!
The first wholly new interpretation for two thousand years of the moral teachings of Christ is published on the web. Radically different from anything else we know of from history, this new teaching is predicated upon a precise and predefined experience and called 'the first Resurrection' in the sense that the Resurrection of Jesus was intended to demonstrate Gods' willingness to real Himself and intervene directly into the natural world for those obedient to His will. Thus a direct individual intervention into the natural world by omnipotent power to confirm divine will, command and covenant, "correcting human nature by a change in natural law, altering biology, consciousness and human ethical perception beyond all natural evolutionary boundaries." So like it or no, a new religious claim, testable by faith, meeting all Enlightenment criteria of evidence based causation and definitive proof now exists. Nothing short of a religious revolution is getting under way. More info at http://www.energon.org.uk http://soulgineering.com/2011/05/22/the-final-freedoms/
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As I watch this video, I don't hear someone claiming that all organized religion or religious structure in general is bad. I think it's more so issuing a challenge for us to take a look at how we live our faith out both individually and in community. He is in no way bashing the church or the people who sit in the pews on Sunday, but more so wiping away the glitz, glamor and smiles of Sunday morning where we act like we have it all together to appease those around us and to maintain our reputation. When Jesus called out the "religious" people of his day, he wasn't speaking to anyone who believed... "religious" was used to speak to a VERY specific crowd, I believe that's what Bethke is also doing.
I also don't believe that he's trying to encourage people out of the pews but more so to take a look at what it really means to be in that community. The longer we wear this mask of collective "OKness" the longer both church and religion will continue to be just something we "do" rather than engage in.
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Thank you, Sheldon! I've never understood people who don't use their names. Frankly, I'd like to see you make it required, but that would probably kill off the comment section except for me and Welty!!
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At the Marginal Mennonite Society, we have abandoned creeds, doctrines, dogmas and rituals, because they're man-made, created for the purpose of excluding people. Jesus never preached the trinity, the atonement, or his divinity. Those claims about him all came after he was dead and gone. Instead, we focus on the things Jesus actually taught, from the authentic sayings in the Sermon on the Mount. The sayings emphasizing mercy, compassion, nonviolence and non-attachment. We are universalists, believing every person who's ever lived gets a seat at the celestial banquet table. From that it follows we reject missionary activity. Christian mission, from our perspective, goes hand-in-hand with cultural destruction. We love human diversity and seek to preserve it. Thus, we oppose evangelistic crusades and mission boards, no matter how well-meaning they claim to be. If you feel yourself being tugged out of the narrow confines of church and towards something broader and open to truths from all spiritual paths, we invite you to look at our Facebook page and consider "liking" us: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marginal-Mennonite-Society/195351727157390
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Debra, I never would have thought the time would come when I would agree with you on anything. I may loose some sleep over this.
I will now proceed with my response to the article and the video.
After watching the video and reading Tim’s comments, I am deeply thankful that I am a part of an independent Anabaptist church that is loving and fundamental. Singing is an integral part of our worship service and we enthusiastically sing the great, living hymns of the Faith. The musical and singing talent runs deep among the youth and adults.
Rather than promoting a denomination, our leadership of pastor and deacons emphasize loyalty to the Word of God, both in doctrine and practice. We are on guard to resist progressive religious theology that departs from Bible truth.
As a congregation, we fellowship with other organizations and individuals who share our ministry philosophy. We believe the Bible, teach it and defend it without apology.
Funds that would normally go to denominational headquarters for salaries, overhead and building maintenance are instead combined with other giving and sent to 40 independent missionaries. We also have several local outreach programs.
This congregation has been independent for many years and stands as strong evidence that a denominational relationship would be like a millstone around our neck. Several years ago an Anabaptist denominational church in our area closed for lack of attendance.
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It's important to realize that a building, a hierarchy of leadership, and programs, is not a church. A church is a spiritual bond between people on the same spiritual journey. And structure and doctrines are not religion. If there is no life, and no love, there is no true religion. So if it's the worship of structure and the superficial trappings of religion that one hates, that is a good sign. Most religion divides and sets up the perfect storm for hypocrisy. But if it brings people together, is based on love, not law, and if it is marked by authenticity, then it is true religion. Then you've got yourself a church. "Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst." Given the nature of human beings, anything beyond "two or three" gathering can get pretty ugly pretty fast.
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WOW.....that was an awsome video...actually the best i have ever seen. this video in my perspective is saying that christianity is becoming more about the religion than about the true meaning and that is christ... religion is becoming more about the church and how it should change according to the religion...when we should be more focused on who and where we should be sharing the word of Christ.... Just saying that was an awsome video and i will be showing it at the next FCS(fellowship of Christan Students) meeting
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Small problem … by the logic of the poem, Paul’s being a bondservant and keeping the commandments of YHVH/Messiah would have to be seen as unacceptable religiosity. He’s right about religion as in traditions of men but 100% wrong about The Word that came down and dwelt among men … ie Torah, the prophets, etc (there was no NT then). ‘If you love Me, keep My commandments’ (fulfilled Torah). Very simple. DO NOT change them or add to them as is demonstrated by traditions of men like Christmas, Easter, sunday sabbath, replacementism, dispensationalism, etc, etc. The truth sets us free to enjoy the instructions … and they should not be classified as religion … they are THE TRUTH, HIS WORD to us.
If the church had received the light so clearly given in 1948, rather than rejecting it, we’d be making Judaism jealous (Deu32) by now. Does anyone realise the significance of 1948 yet? On the one hand you have the miracle of Israel being restored as a nation by the UN (first ever). On the other you have the scroll of Isaiah (who prophecied this phenomenon) being discovered in a cave by a shepherd boy. What did churchdom have to say about this? “So what, business as usual boys”. Big mistake.
When Messiah said ‘It is finished’ He was repeating what the high priests said once the passover lamb was sacrificed… thus indicating that He Himself had become the sacrificial lamb. He wasn’t saying that we no longer need2 keep His OT commandments. If that was the case He’d never have taught that He did not come to abolish the law but to perfect it. He came to straighten what the Pharisees and Saducees had changed. It’s why He rebuked them with “if you knew Moses, you’d know Me.” Do you really imagine we are going to know Him better by abolishing Moses?
No more excuses. ‘If you love Me obey My commandments’. ‘Many will say to me in that day Lord Lord … I will say to them "away from me lawless ones, I never knew you." Go figure.
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Peter, the year 1948 has no significance to the Bible or to biblical Israel. The modern state of Israel is a secular nation-state. It is not the ancient theocracy of Israel reborn. As the Satmar Jews of Brooklyn would say, it is blasphemous to assert that any verses in the Jewish Bible are referring to today's Israel. Observant Jews are still awaiting the messiah, and they are still awaiting the rebirth of biblical Israel. Both events are in the future (if they ever happen at all).
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyYFxp7apl4
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I can't remember which Church father said, " You can't have God for your father unless you have the Church for your mother". Speaking of Mary's spiritual maternity of all believers, St. irenaeus said, " She who gives birth to a head only gives birth to a monster". IOW, the Church is the Body of Christ.
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In response to Astrid, Anthony and tbag:(1)If the theif on the cross had survived crucifixion, are we to assume he would not have become religious?(2) After performing a cure, Jeus told the leper to present himself to the religious authorities. And Jesus established a ritual and said to do it. Nicodemus was a pharisee. Jesus did not condemn him. It was for being hipocrites that Jesus scorned them. Not for observance of the law. Remember, scripture mentions "just men" who observed the law. (3)Next, how does Anthony know he "found Jesus" if he has no religion? Which jesus did he find?(4) Next, addressing the writer who is offended and says he has a value system but no religion, I must ask where he gets his value system.(5)Finally, in all respect, i must conclude by saying that this video and many of the comments reveal the low ecclesiolgy that protestantism, by it very nature, leads to. Remember friends, Jesus established the Papacy just so blogs like this could have some resolution.
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I liked the video. Lots of people in established churches are being very defensive. Yet clearly it has struck a nerve. I never understood why the teachings of such a sane, compassionate person as Jesus could be so twisted by various churches who see themselves as necessary arbiters. The fact that millions of people have seen this video suggests to me that we are entering a new phase in Christianity. We do not need intercessors. We can create for want of a better word, a world mind (the body of Christ?) Perhaps that was the idea all along and we weren't ready for it.
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