Jesus Hates Religion?

In 2012, Jeff Bethke wrote a poem that became an internet sensation entitled, Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus, saying things like Jesus came to abolish religion and that he hated religion. Now while Bethke went on to clarify he was talking about false religion, his poor wording has misled millions to believe some things about the church that aren't true.

Jesus Founded the Church and Instituted Its Practices

Jesus founded the church. He put guidelines in place for church discipline. He instituted a ritual meal. He told the disciples to baptize others and teach them to obey everything Christ had commanded.

Jesus said he came not to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them. He went to services in the synagogue and observed holy days. So if you're looking for someone who hates religion, Jesus is not your guy.

What the Bible Means by Religion

When the Bible talks about religion, here is what it says. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

In other words, if a person calls themselves a Christian but does not control their speech, if they do not show mercy and love to the oppressed, if they behave like the rest of the world instead of having the mind of Christ, their heart remains unchanged and they are not saved.

Salvation by Christ and the Marks of True Religion

It is Christ who saves us, not our deeds, but we show outwardly that we have been changed inwardly when we obey his commands. True religion means loving the things that God loves, hating the things that God hates, and delighting in the things that delight him.

We know what those things are when we understand the text.