‘Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus’

Magazine Christianity Today missed the mark, when they criticized Jefferson Bethke for 'appearing supremely arrogant by claiming to love Jesus and hate religion.' He is not criticizing the church, but clearly says he 'loves the church.' But even as he does a great job of glorifying the grace of Christ, he does need to look at how the Bible uses the word 'religion.' Here is one of the few times the Bible actually uses the word 'religion.' James here defines religion. "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:26-27 In the context of the whole Bible, grace begets grace, especially concern for the weak. It also begets gospel holiness, controlling ones tongue and keeping oneself unstained from the world. That is what, I believe, he is communicating on his post.


Please look at Bethke's Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus on Youtube for yourself. Over 21,000,000 hits.


And I feel Washington Post's article was very good. ‘Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus’ goes viral - Under God - The Washington Post.