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Is Jesus > Religion?

Written by Eric Reynolds

January 13, 2012

Jefferson Bethke, judging by his public statements on Facebook, probably didn’t know what this video would stir up. With its apparent simplicity, interesting videography, and average poetry, Jefferson references the Bible, personal testimony, politics, and many other categories. The video is well executed, and while it fails to speak in-depth about most things, it does provide a fairly good explanation of the true gospel of Jesus Christ (which, let’s face it, is the most important message you could deliver in its entirety). Thus, you can’t be too hard on the guy.

He tells his tale in poetic rhythm. Yes, poetry is inherently inexact, and that’s part of what makes the message so effective. The music, location, text overlay: it’s artwork. But what is he actually saying?

He begins boldly by claiming, “Jesus came to abolish religion.” As we’ll soon discover, he struggles with semantics and could use a clarification of terms. Jesus himself guided the crowd in his seminal Sermon on the Mount by warning, “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.” He was pretty clear, and even set up some new traditions and customs of his own (baptism and communion). Not only that, but James 1:27 sets a definition for what true religion ought to be. Regardless of what the definition is, the simple existence of such a verse makes it clear: religion is not evil, nor is Jesus its antithesis.

How do you discuss a video that has been viewed over 6 million times in three days, which tries to comment on social justice, 2000+ years of history, and the most difficult aspect of the world’s largest religion? Carefully.

So what’s all the fuss about? And how does one reconcile the extremely controversial lifestyle and words of Jesus? He was incredibly counter-cultural in a culture steeped with ‘religion’. He called the Billy Grahams of his day snakes, whores and tombs, while busting into the temple with a whip and table-turning-temper. This violence and rebuke came from a sinless man? Yes. One that understood the holiness and severity of God, and sought to correct the hypocrisy of his generation. But just what was the hypocrisy that Jesus was infuriated by?

Essentially, it is the same hypocrisy that has caused Jefferson to create this video. It’s the same hypocrisy that makes Christians cringe when they see God’s name being disgraced by those who claim His Kingdom. It’s the same hypocrisy that brought bloodshed to Europe for hundreds of years. It’s the same hypocrisy that causes churches to hate each other, or even themselves. It’s the same hypocrisy that binds people in a system of physical regulations, expecting them to earn merit while threatening condemnation.

Perhaps this video isn’t too unlike the message Jesus had for His generation after all.

Is Jesus the opposite of religion? Jefferson sure seems to think so. We know, based on Scripture, that Jesus is not religion’s end but rather its true source. Jefferson’s error is one of terminology but its permissible. In fact, its not only permissible but commendable, since most people do not discuss religion from is biblical viewpoint anyway. Plus, we know that he’s not a heretic. If we trust him, we can trust his confession that he loves the church, the Bible, and embraces the reality of sin. The ‘religion’ he condemns is the manmade kind. And yes, Jefferson, that is bondage.