Jesus > Religion

Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough

By: Jefferson Bethke

Narrated by: Jefferson Bethke

Abandon dead, dry, rule-keeping and embrace the promise of being truly known and deeply loved.

Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation in 2012 with a passionate, provocative poem titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.” The four-minute video of Bethke’s spoken-word performance literally became an overnight sensation, with seven million YouTube views in its first forty-eight hours (and 24+ million within a year). The message hit like a blizzard on social-media sites and in forwarded e-mails, triggering an avalanche of responses running the gamut from encouraged to enraged.

In Jesus > Religion, Bethke unpacks the stark contrasts that he drew in the poem - contrasts between teeth gritting and grace, law and love, performance and peace, despair and hope. With refreshing candor, he delves into the motivation behind his message, beginning with the unvarnished tale of his own plunge from the pinnacle of a works-based, fake-smile existence that sapped his strength and led him down a path of destructive behavior.

Bethke is quick to acknowledge that he’s not a pastor or theologian, but simply a regular, twenty-something, soul-starved searcher who cried out for a life greater than the one for which he had settled. Along his journey, Bethke discovered the real Jesus, who beckoned him beyond the props of false religion.

©2013 Thomas Nelson (P)2013 Thomas Nelson

A must listen for all people.

This book is a breakthrough in Christian living books. I know it changed my life and saved my beliefs. I was looking at Christianity all wrong. It's not what you can do for Christ, it's what He did for you. You only need one thing on your heavenly resume and that is "I believe". If you've been a follower of Christ all your life or two minutes, listen to this book. If you don't believe in Christ, listen to this book. If you are a monkey riding a unicycle juggling bananas, listen to this book.

Loved this book

As a new Christian I expected more how to and rules and what I got was a wonderful relatable and overwhelmingly joyful introduction to a relationship with Jesus. I then introduced this book to my book group of long time Christians and they loved it. They said it brought a needed relatedness to them of Jesus that they had lost touch with. They said it was relevant and thought provoking. With the questions at the end of each chapter our weekly meetings lasted 30-45 minutes longer than usual because it caused such powerful conversations each week. Loved it and highly recommend to new and seasoned Christians and to young and old.

Perfect

God spoke to me continently through out this book. You will indeed enjoy this no matter who you are or where your from.

For those who can't relate to Christians

Have listened to this well written book several times. have given written copies to friends. This book answers questions about religion and introduces you to Christ in a most genuine "unchurchy" way. I highly recommend it.

Great book.

This was a wonderfully personal book. Well written and points articulated with ease. A bright new perspective on what I have been searching for. Thank you.

Amazing!

Would you consider the audio edition of Jesus > Religion to be better than the print version?

An amazing book from a young person who knows what we must focus on. It is all about Jesus. The church is becoming of this world. Focus on Christ!

Who was your favorite character and why?

all of it

Which scene was your favorite?

the struggles he went through

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Jesus is the Answer!

NOT TO BE MISSED!

If you shy away from religion because you feel it's too constrictive, too damning, contradictory, judge mental, condemning, etc., you may be right! This book cuts through all that and goes directly to the matter at hand--Jesus is greater than religion; ANY religion. This guy's got it right. Everything becomes much clearer than before. Clearly a gifted individual. Thank you, Jefferson Bethke!

Love how authentic the author is in this book!

Loved it! Narration was great. I just loved how the author was able to explain so well that it's all about a relationship with Christ and following Him, not about being religious or spiritual.

excellent

was a really great read. I would definitely recommend reading it to others. I also hate religion and I believe that Jesus does too.

Fresh & Inspiring!

A fresh and inspiring introspective on the glory of Christ and the often hypocritical nature of religion. I felt the sincerity of the author come through in his narration and specifically enjoyed his commentary on grace. Highly recommend!