Why I Hate religion and LOVE Jesus

[mab23]

Why I love Religion and Jesus - in response to the Youtube video Why I hate Religion and love Jesus

what are your thoughts?


The Catholic reply!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature..._tC4fv6FE&NR=1

[choliks]

How about Fr. Robert Barron's thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLta2b9zQ64

[mab23]

Originally Posted by choliks

How about Fr. Robert Barron's thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLta2b9zQ64

I enjoyed his response

[TheRealJuliane]

I don't waste time on things like that.

[AlanFromWichita]

Originally Posted by mab23

Why I love Religion and Jesus - in response to the Youtube video Why I hate Religion and love Jesus

what are your thoughts?


The Catholic reply!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature..._tC4fv6FE&NR=1

I watched the reply, but before commenting I also found the original and watched it. At least I assume this is the original; it had 21 million hits.


The reason I think this speaks to so many non-religious, is that parts of what he says are true. I think he has actually identified some weakness in the Church as currently practiced in today's society -- flaws and all. And not only to those who never were religious, but to those who were Catholic and have fallen away. If I had fallen away and seen this video, I'm sure it would speak to me. I've had my share of garbage from church members and leaders, I could easily be among them if God hadn't called me to stay.

One example in his favor, is his comment that being a Christian doesn't mean you vote Republican. As a conservative Republican myself -- and when I was elected precinct my campaign was endorsed by the conservative KRA -- I learned that "more Christian" is a label neither party earns over the others.

Some of these discrepancies he points out are because of the flawed way we do things. But some of them require a little more interpretation.

For example, he insinuated that a Behavior Mod approach is used by religion. Well, here I happen to think he has a point -- but is incomplete in his knowledge. In the first half of spiritual life, we are taught dualistically right from wrong, and our consciences are formed. But then if we still are motivated primarily by the bribe and threat of heaven/hell, ("behavior mod tools") then we are motivated for selfish reasons and not out of pure love for God -- thus preventing the continuation of our spiritual journeys. This is where the author of the rhyme misses that the Church can take us beyond the Cross, through the grave, and right to the kingdom. The Church brought the study of mysticism and love for thousands of years, and the rhymer doesn't realize that the good thoughts he had would not have been even in his universe had the Church not promoted those good things. He also doesn't acknowledge that the Church is who brought him the very story of Jesus that he's now using against us.

Now if only more people, including Catholics, knew there was something to Catholicism other than behavior contests and escape plans for the next world, we would start churning out mystics and contemplatives to the point we'd really see some change in society, then guys like this would have nothing to crow about. One thing the man said that I "did" agree with, was that Jesus transcends religion. I believe the Body of Christ includes all human beings, not just baptized Catholics -- so yes I believe Jesus transcends membership to any particular religion. That said, we know which one is the one He founded and certified. (However we all know that as individuals and as a group we have failed many times to live up to Jesus's expectation for the behavior of His Church).

But you know what? There are a lot of fallen away Christians from all denominations who have been disappointed in or alienated by their churches. This guy can rally those people for Jesus because if I have a person who's not going to sit in the pew anyway, he might as well hear about Jesus. And the man does say good and compelling things about Jesus. The Church isn't going to collapse because those who hate her anyway are having their feelings validated, while still absorbing a message about Jesus. Their bitterness is bait used for person-fishing.

I say let him go and do his thing. It gives Catholics plenty of chances to make their own videos, outlining their beliefs. YouTube is just as good a tool for Catholics as anybody else. I'm guessing more people will listen to Catholic videos because of this guy, than if they hadn't. Let the weeds and wheat grow together, eh?

Luke 9:49-50

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Alan

[AlanFromWichita]

Originally Posted by TheRealJuliane

I don't waste time on things like that.

I do, but I'm one of those parts of the Body which tries to manage and recycle waste. I like to find diamonds in the dirt that most people scrape off their shoes.

Alan

[mab23]

Originally Posted by AlanFromWichita

I watched the reply, but before commenting I also found the original and watched it. At least I assume

Luke 9:49-50

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Alan

Nice quote!

[cessnawag]

Remember, Jesus founded a church on earth. The catholic church. That is how we are supposed too worship.

[jmcrae]

Originally Posted by cessnawag

Remember, Jesus founded a church on earth. The catholic church. That is how we are supposed too worship.

Exactly. The laid back, relaxed god who doesn't actually "need" to be worshipped is not a god who actually exists. (Even most of the non-existent gods required worship, and exacted punishment on those who thought - or even had moral certainty - that they were above such things. Prime example: Nebuchadnezar and the three children of Israel.)