• 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
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,515 ratings)

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Jesus > Religion  By  cover art

Jesus > Religion

By: Jefferson Bethke
Narrated by: Jefferson Bethke
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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

What listeners say about Jesus > Religion

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Excellent

This book is excellent. I love the the real essence of the way Jefferson ties life struggles into this story without condemnation. I recommend this book to anyone tired of the religion and desire a real intimate relationship with the Creator.

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Thought provoking

I now better understand how many people may dismiss Jesus because of "religion".

This book was funny, real, and truth.

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Funny and Honest Truth

I loved this book and the reading of it. Throughout the book he discusses things that most everyone has struggled with in their faith but he explains it in such an honest way. This is a feel good, religious book. not a book that guilts you or makes you feel terrible about yourself.

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  • 02-27-18

Very thought provoking book

I like the book because it was adequately in depth without being overwhelming. His contrast between Jesus and religion taught me a lot. The narrator, in my opinion read way too fast for this level of detail. Several times the author made promises which more accurately should have been made as Jesus’ promises. Overall a good and thought provoking read for Christians and those who are considering or want to earn about Christianity!

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Disappointing! Naive and Ignorant. Skip!

What would have made Jesus > Religion better?

Bethke cherry-picks scripture and information that fits his narrow, and igonrant world view.

What was most disappointing about Jefferson Bethke’s story?

Bethke's points are based upon broad generalization that are inaccurate.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator seemed to add to the arrogance of the text.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Jesus > Religion?

It was all and all bad.

Any additional comments?

Plagued with a poor understanding of theology and religion, this book ignorantly pontificates the author's niavity. He himself acknowledges he has no formal training in scripture because "it would bore him" to do so. This book does more to build walls than to make bridges. Skip this one.

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LIFE CHANGING!!

I am utterly speechless. As a young women who has grown up in the Church I can honestly say that I’ve heard A LOT of Christian books. This book BY FAR is one that has completely changed my mindset. Jefferson’s words are all things I’ve experienced and thought in my life, it feels so good to know I’m not alone. Definitely recommend! God is GOOD!!

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Makes you think about the church in today’s times

Really awesome book, love the way he asks the big questions about the real purpose of the church other than just running church services. And definitely hits home when he speaks about the real realities of acting like Jesus did. Absolutely loved it!!!!

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Good word

So much truth in this book about how to live a life searching for Jesus not religion. ❤

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I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone

this book is great weather you are a strong Christian, curious or don't have much to do with Christianity.

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I feel like I was set free after hearing this book!

I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of trying hard, tired of trying to be perfect. Tired of religion and are looking for a closer, deeper relationship with Jesus. I loved this book! I felt free and loved by Jesus and encouraged to love others the same way as I am loved!!!! Completely amazing! Great job brother Jeff, and may all glory be to God!

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