Jesus Hates Religion?
In 2012, Jeff Bethke wrote a poem that became an Internet sensation entitled “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus”. In it, Bethke said things like:
What if I told you that Jesus came to abolish religion?…
Jesus hated religion…
Now, while Bethke went on to clarify that he was talking about false religion, his poor wording has misled millions to believe some things about the church that aren’t true.
“[It was] a poem I wrote to highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion” – Jefferson Bethke
The facts are that:
- Jesus founded the church. (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 2:19-20, Colossians 1:18)
- Jesus laid out guidelines for discipline in the church. (Matthew 18:15-20, Luke 17:3, Titus 3:10-11)
- Jesus instituted a ritual meal. (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:2-25, Luke 22:14-20)
- Jesus told His disciples to baptize others and to teach them to obey everything Christ had commanded. (Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 24:44-49, Acts 1:8)
Jesus said He came not to abolish the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them.
“Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I hve not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
He was a faithful Jew who celebrated festivals, went to services in the synagogue and observed holy days. (Matthew 9:35, Luke 22:7-13, John 10:22-23, John 18:20). So, if you’re looking for someone who hates religion, Jesus is NOT your guy! And yes, Christianity IS a religion.
When the Bible talks about religion, here is what it says:
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 other words, if a person calls themselves a Christian, but does not control their speech; if they do not show mercy and love to the forgotten and oppressed; if they behave like the rest of the world instead of having the mind of Christ, their heart remains unchanged and they are not saved.
“I will vomit you out of My mouth” – Jesus (Revelation 3:16)
It is Christ who saves us, not our deeds. But, we show outwardly that we’ve been changed inwardly when we obey His commands.
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy… (Titus 3:5)
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15)
True religion means loving the things that God loves, hating the things that God hates, and delighting in the things that delight Him. We know what those things are…
…when we understand the text.
(This video is by WWUTT. Discovered by Christian Podcast Central and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Christian Podcast Central.)