Jesus > Religion

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

By: Jefferson Bethke

Narrated by: Jefferson Bethke

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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

Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation with a passionate, provocative poem titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus." The 4-minute video became an overnight sensation, with 7 million YouTube views in its first 48 hours (and 23+ million in a year).

Bethke's message clearly struck a chord with believers and nonbelievers alike, triggering an avalanche of responses running the gamut from encouraged to enraged.

In his New York Times bestseller Jesus > Religion, Bethke unpacks similar contrasts that he drew in the poem--highlighting the difference 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. Along the way, Bethke gives you the tools you need to:

• Humbly and prayerfully open your mind
• Understand Jesus for all that he is
• View the church from a brand-new perspective

Bethke is quick to acknowledge that he's not a pastor or theologian, but simply an ordinary, twenty-something who cried out for a life greater than the one for which he had settled. On this journey, Bethke discovered the real Jesus, who beckoned him with love beyond the props of false religion.

Praise for Jesus > Religion:

"Jeff's book will make you stop and listen to a voice in your heart that may have been drowned out by the noise of religion. Listen to that voice, then follow it--right to the feet of Jesus." --Bob Goff, author of New York Times bestsellers Love Does and Everybody, Always

"The book you hold in your hands is Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz meets C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity meets Augustine's Confessions. This book is going to awaken an entire generation to Jesus and His grace." --Derwin L. Gray, lead pastor of Transformation Church, author of Limitless Life: Breaking Free from the Labels That Hold You Back

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.

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.

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.