Jesus > Religion

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

By: Jefferson Bethke

Narrated by: Jefferson Bethke

Length: 4 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Beautiful

I can't tell you how much this audible book meant to me. I actually listen to most of the book with my friend on a road trip. He professing not to be religious, listened to three hours worth. This book put into words what I could not. It stunned him with the reality of Jesus' love for us. He could not debate or challenge this truth that just flowed out. Bethke, I listened and heard what you had to say. What God put on your heart to say. I thank God for what you have written.

As Real as it Gets!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would totally recommend this audiobook, as I have already. The author reads the book and it's the best when the author reads it because he brings life to the words he put in. He touches things that many people would not dare to speak with such frankness. I loved every part.

Great Foundational Book

Great book that explains some of the most key foundational truths about the Christian faith. Worth your time!

Awesome and very Inspirational

Loved it. i have stopped goung to church, but still work on my relationship with Christ. This book opened my eyes to a different level of thinking.

Truth

Could not stop listening, Jefferson explains the gospel in such an amazing way. I kept thinking that God couldn't forgive me for all the horrible sin I have done, but Jefferson explains to us how Jesus already has forgave me before I even committed the sin. it's not what we can do but what Jesus has already done. Thank you

So inspiring!

I can't wait to give this to my 26 year old son. I know he will be able to relate!

love this book!

this book is for anyone and everyone. whether you are a Christian out not, sure or unsure about your faith, this book is for you.

great read awesome reading awesome book

Jefferson bethke did it, an awesome read and a great first book. looking for many more from him.

Truly Amazing

This has been so helpful to me. I loved every part of it and learned a lot.
The narration was great. I typically don't mind how fast Mr. Bethke speaks in his videos, but I appreciate that he spoke a bit slower and I was able to grasp every idea and understand every word clearly. Amazing book!

best book since the bible

Best book since the bible !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!