I’m Sorry I’m a Christian
Warning to any with virgin ears…Chris Tse drops a few *gasp* “F” Bombs towards the end.
Well placed I might add.
Chris Tse stood in front of a non Christian crowd and apologized on behalf of who they knew as Christians.
I would love your thoughts on his poem.
Thoughts?
Los
And let’s not make this about his use of slang for your word “freaking”… 
RAIN IT DOWN
Um, WOW! Just what I needed to hear and SO very true!!
I think this poem is such a beautiful open expression of where a lot of Christians are. Seriously, how many of us could be that honest to say that we sit around and do nothing while people hurt, while people die, and while people seek the truth that we hold so dear, and so close. To ourselves.
I absolutely love this.
“I’m sorry that I stand at the front doors of abortion clinics and scream at 15 year old girls as they enter instead of waiting at the back door to hug them as they leave”
Wow. Talk about compassion.
agreed on abortion clinics. that is the one thing that really angers me. that’s not spirituality it’s insanity
That’s the part that choked me up..
I should think the reason people stand at the front of the abortion clinics is obvious – to save the lives of the children. Standing at the back of the clinics would be good to do *in addition*, but the whole point of protesting abortion is not to make women feel awful, but to protect the lives of the most needy.
This was one of the examples that most irritated me, because he took a complex issue and reduced it to a caricature, a bumper-sticker. Even though he uses the first-person, he essentially differentiates himself from *those* Christians who do all that stuff. He essentially accepts the caricature of Christians in the course of apologizing for those people. At least, that’s the way it felt to me…
Yes and amen to that….. I felt the same way.
Many half truths and narrow charicatures in his rant….
I disagree. I think that, as Christians, we have to own up to the fact that we are a community. When one of us fails, we all fail. I don’t think he distanced himself from that, but admitted that we have failed entirely to live as God wished we would. I have no problem telling people I am a Christ-follower, but I am ashamed to tell them I am a Christian; not because of the God I serve, but because of what we have done in His name.
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.”
-Ghandi.
Tim, it sounds like you are fighting for the babies, not for the God who created them. We are not fighting for some ,in Chris Tse’s words, “$*#(@ing human being”, we are fighting for the God of the universe. I think that we need to check our priorities. Are we Christians, Christ like, or are we humanists, fighting for humans
Keaton, I don’t understand the distinction you seem to be making here. are you saying that it’s not in God’s will for us to fight for the lives of the unborn? I would not say that is a “humanistic” thing to do…
Lisa, I think what Keaton means is that while Christ might be against abortion, you’d never see him holding up signs of dead babies and screaming at a 15 year old girl; he’d find a different way to protest.
Hi Andy,
The poem is a thought kicker (maybe a butt kicker?) isn’t it? The part about the abortion clinic grabbed you. I’m not sure what grabbed me the most but I certainly felt my initial attitude of resistance soften as I listened. I too get sick at heart at how Christians make Jesus look bad in the eyes of those who need Him. And I’m sadly experienced at some of that myself. What provoked my writing was your comment on hugging the girls at the back door. The vast majority of those having abortions pay a big price psychologically for the rest of their lives although many will never allow it to be known. After the hug, look her in the eyes and say, “If anything about this keeps eating at you and you can’t stop it, will you keep this and call me? I’m praying for you.” Hand her a coffee shop gift card with your name and contact info (Facebook,etc.) on it. And really pray, don’t forget. How’s that for compassion?
Oh wow! amazing! thank you! i so agree with this. ive got goose bumps right now. if we could all only apologize for being “christians” when we should be Christ-like
this is the Christian I want to see on the news, and the attitude we should carry to improve the reputation of Christ.
as for the f word: it’s a color in a vast palette of colors, abused, and underused. this seemed appropriate to me, but my wife wouldn’t appreciate it
great find! great poem!
It’s very creative. I will give him that because coming up with all of that information and tying it together is certainly not easy.
That being said, God is not Allah and Allah is not God.
In addition, I’m growing weary of what seems to be the latest “in” thing which is Christian self-loathing. We know people are going to be judgmental. We know people are going to be legalistic. We know people are going to be hypocritical. There isn’t much we can do about that. It’s going to happen. Only God can change hearts from ones that turn from an attitude of judgment to one of grace.
I know. I used to be one of the judgmental people he speaks of.
Instead of running around apologizing for the behavior of others, let’s focus on Christ and His message to change us inwardly and that will be reflected outwardly. Then people would see that the judgmental, hypocritical Christ follower is the exception and not the rule.
Awesome.
Exactly. It’s easy to shed a negative light on something… it’s not our job to do it though. It’s our job to shed the LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
Let’s admit our faults, get it right, and be the light… instead of whining how we screwed up.
Okay we screwed up… learn from it, and lets get on with it!
Let’s make Jesus famous… the right way this time!!
(and half of that sounds just like my pastor… lol)
Some people will only listen to the light of the world after someone acknowledges what they’ve been feeling for the last X years. I wouldn’t have accepted the gospel without a similar statement, which opened my heart and made me understand that I didn’t have to be “that” Christian; I could just follow Jesus.
Just food for though, what if Jesus leads us to becoming ‘that’ Christian? Happened to me.
what I meant to say is careful about the ‘that’ part. Perhaps their expression of their beliefs (that were true) were a stumbling block, but the truth of what they believed was a stepping stone to grace.
The only problem with this thinking is that the bible clearly shows us that the Holy Spirit leads us to Christ and not a man or an apology for Christians but rather Christ’s word
Although I don’t believe in God, sorry if this offends you, I thought he was amazing. I am so glad I found this website,
although not Christian, I am learning a lot about how kind and generous people can be.
I disagree. I think there’s a value to his humility. It seems to me that much of the world is put-off by what they perceive as arrogance. But Jesus was humble & gentle. He didn’t put-out a smoldering wick or bend a bruised reed. In our culture where Jesus is totally misunderstood & Christianity is misunderstood & hated for not being loving, this humility is actually evangelism. In my humble opinion.
Jesus was humble and gently, but Jesus also spoke some hard core truths that I think many in that same audience would still find offensive. Matthew 5-7 has some examples of that.
Then of course is the biblical truth that offends more people than anything else and labels people as “intolerant.” The truth that the only way to eternal life in Heaven is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior. I’ve seen more get offended at the reading of John 14:6 than any other verse in the Bible. Do we shy away from that? Do we apologize for that?
For all the cheering he got, what would have the reaction have been if he quoted John 14:6? Or what if he quoted Matthew 7:21-23? Still think they’d be cheering?
Jesus tends to be harshest with those who believe themselves to be in the will of God (the scribes, pharisees, and saducees), and gentlest with those who don’t (the prostitutes, tax collectors, and disabled/diseased). It seems to me that this poem is intending to do the same thing … to be harsh toward misguided “believers” and humbly apologetic to non-believers for claiming his name, but not representing Christ well.
AMEN! The vast majority of the non Christian crowd might get a warm fuzzy at the oh-so-hip “I hate the church” rant, but the majority of them WILL NOT say, “Hmmm, there might be more to this ‘Jesus thing’ than I thought…” Instead they will smugly confirm every misconception and wrong idea they’ve ever had about church, and then go right on with their lives.
I agree. Humility is not just about identifying the ‘ugly’ part about our faith. Nor is it about apologizing for mistakes that you yourself have not actually made.
I wasn’t part of the crusades, and a short study on history of the events will show anyone, Christian or not, that not all of Christianity agreed with the wars during that time. In fact it was political leaders who went against church leadership using the banner of ‘Christianity’ to justify their own cause. That’s not real hard to see!
I’ve never screamed at 15 year old girls having abortions. But I have loved my best friend and girlfriend as they sadly felt forced to abort their child.
I have never attacked my gay friends for who they are, but they know perfectly well that I do not accept the lifestyle they’ve chosen. Ironically, we still enjoy each others company.
I am not perfect by any means, I have my confessions and repentance to face, and I do so within the context of my trusted and supportive friends. However, I have nothing in common with the exaggerated so-called intolerance of Christians, created by our culture and media, that this young man seems to feel inclined to apologize for.
Let YOUR reputation precede YOU! Apologizing for others mistakes, who called themselves Christians, will leave you breathless. We will always be misunderstood, why is this such a surprise to us? (John 15:18)
My sentiments exactly.
Amen!!
Amen again!
Dear Jay,
Kudos. May we start giving our attention to allowing ourselves to be changed by the truth, beauty, holiness, power and love of Jesus – thereby becoming Christians who draw others to Him. Like the ones that drew me and, possibly you too.
Wow.
I think I’m now sorry that I’m christian.
I want to be at the back door hugging the girls when they leave those clinics, rather than screaming at them for going in.
If a Christian can’t stand to hear that, or won’t admit to the divergence between what we Christians should have done/be doing and what we have done/are doing, then that Christian will never move beyond where we were/are to where God wants us to go. Sad and true and powerful, but we will do better.
Pretty f-ing awesome. (I will let you guess which one I meant).
This is powerful. Revolutionary, really. He speaks for me, I think. I hope. How would our world look if we could all be this open and humble for the wrongs we have done in the guise of Christianity? How many more would want to know God? I am hopeful.
A posture of humility is what we need to have as Christians. However, I’m not sorry I’m a Christian, just sorry for the ungodly things that have been done in the name of God.
We aren’t called to be perfect, but many people who haven’t yet decided to give their life to Christ point to that as a reason for opting out of becoming a follower of Jesus–it’s impossible, they say. And they’re right … but that’s not what being a Christian is all about. And maybe that’s why we should be sorry — sorry that we’ve projected that being a Christian is all more about being good little rule followers and less about being followers of Jesus and His heart for others.
Well put.
Convicting. As these usually are.
Just long enough though until I go back to watching TV, the rest of my regular life, and completely forget about it…forget about the man beating his wife, the homeless, the girls leaving the abortion clinics.
I love this … it seems to cover just about every aspect that non-christians complain at us for.
What f bombs?
Thanks for this!!
Wow! says it. BTW I just bought your book, Provocative Faith. love it already! but I knew I would.
WHAT!? Los has a book?
ha. not mine.
Either they are making fun of you or they are confusing one bald white guy (Matthew Paul Turner) to a bald mexican looking guy.
Wow
I’m sorry that Im a Christian and hurl insults at an entire demographic of a political party for a healthcare bill just passed while tweeting “we had an amazing worship service with God at church today…join us next Sunday”…while all the time we must be assuming this is the one suprise bill that God didn’t see coming.
I’m sorry that I want to be fed honey but want to spew out venom.
WOW… I’m probably more moved by this than some recent sermons I have listened to.
I stopped by the actual YouTube posting (or at least one of them). It’s sad to see some people jumping down this guy’s throat because he was real, vulnerable, and (oh-my-gosh) dropped the “F-bomb.” TWICE… somebody, call the wwwhhhhaaammmmm-bulance.
This is being real and vulnerable, and it was OFF-DA-CHAIN
I am proud of being a Christian. What else would I rather be? I am not sorry.
I’m not proud of being a Christian. I’m overwhelmed with greatfulness that Christ would love me. He shouldn’t… I’m not worth it. The praise goes to Him for what He’s done, not to me for taking His handout.
This right here is without a doubt one of the strongest videos I’ve ever seen! And I have a feeling that this poem spoke to a whole lot of people in that building, and wouldnt doubt it if someone in there heard that, talked to the dude and accepted Christ that night. Definetly gets its point across. Simply AMAZING!
This was an amazing reminder of where I fall short so many times.
Working in an atmosphere that is definitely non-Christian I have many interesting conversations and have apologized many times myself for things other “Christians” have done to my co-workers. I’ve noticed that my willingness to admit when I’m wrong opens doors to conversations that I would have never thought possible with a non-Christian.
What he is actually sorry for is humanity. Humans do all of these things mentioned. All humans, even *gasp* native americans.
And his use of language doesn’t shock me, just shows ignorance. And it sounded like the crowd loved him. Hooray.
wow. just wow. preach on.
side note – you’re going to be in Stillwater, OK?? Let’s coffee it up. DM me.
Very powerful. Unfortunately, the Christian he is apologizing for is the norm. And the Christian that realizes an apology is necessary is the exception. But the exceptions are growing, it seems. And maybe one day, the exceptions will be norms. The exceptions will truly be the ones asking the questions of why are we at war, why are we so full of hate for our brothers, why are we hurling racial slurs at our civil rights activists who have devoted their lives to service of this country, why are we obstructing access to the right of healthcare, why are we obstructing equal rights to a couple in love in the name of protecting a marriage that we are not committed to ourselves. Why?
The right video at the right time. Thanks Los for posting.
“Unfortunately, the Christian he is apologizing for is the norm.”
Sorry, but I disagree. I think the Christian he apologizing for is the exception, but they are treated like the norm in our culture. Every example you listed is the exception (save for you reference to “equal rights to a couple in love” which is gay marriage – it’s ok to say it — which is completely unbiblical).
All you’re doing is engaging in a different form of self-righteousness and judgment you’re claiming to loathe. It’s different sides of the same coin.
Actually, in my experience it’s not the norm. But it is the image the media chooses to portray of Christians.
Mann- it is the norm. Your right on. “..Obstructing equal rights to a couple in love in the name of protecting a marriage that we are not committed to ourselves.” is an inspired and right on line. I could not agree more- and I am a music pastor and mother of 3- happy to be a follower of Jesus but I don’t even check the “christian” box on a form because I am so sick of the norm.
Dang… that was good. Convicting. Maybe Craig G needs to make this the trailer for his new book “The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living As If He Doesn’t Exist.”
IF more lived like God really does exist (me included sometimes) then there wouldn’t be much to apologize about.
Definitely something more churches and Christians need to embrace…the power of apologizing for not getting it and for not being what Jesus modeled….I think too often we’re afraid to say “I don’t know” and God-forbid, “I’m sorry”….a little humility….a little vulnerability….a little honesty….a lotta good!
First off, I was a little hesitant to post an “f” bomb laced video on my blog this morning, yet I did. Glad to see I’m not the only one that can see past the “well placed” and appropriate explicative.
Creatively concocted, brilliantly delivered and humbly reminded. Thanks for sharing Carlos.
“Am i now trying to win the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
I believe that everyone should be wary of this video.
Who are we apologizing to? And for what?
As Christians, we are called to repentance. We apologize to Jesus, not men. jesus’ name was maybe mentioned twice at most in this video. The word “gospel” once. That Jesus Christ, God in flesh, came to die and be resurrected to defeat the sin that should put us to death.
When we repent we take the glory that we ascribe ourselves and we give it to Jesus.
Yes, I am a sinner. No, I am not a perfect Christian. Yes, I am hypocritical. But if I wasn’t, I would not need a savior in Jesus Christ. Is that encouragement to keep sinning? “By no means,” says Paul.
Please understand, I don’t approve of the crusades or judgement. I’m more than guilty of all of these. Praise God I have a savior.
The best way to bring people to the Gospel is by lifting up Jesus and not ourselves. Not by pointing out our own faults. I hope the message of this video falls on deaf ears.
I had a 30 minute conversation about Jesus after a non christian watched this video.
May those ears not only not be deaf…but hear clearly…
But I appreciate your viewpoint.
It is respected. Just not agreed with in me.
Yeah, I think those who’ve grown up in the church tend to not realize how Christianity tends to come across to non-Christians… This reminded me of the story that Don Miller tells in ‘Blue Like Jazz’ about setting up reverse confessionals on the university campus and how it opened up lines of communication. So glad to hear that this video has already inspired some good conversation!
AliciaMc, I’m not sure that it’s the Christianity that comes across to non-christians but religion. I agree with what you’re saying, but the Bible is pretty clear that the message of the gospel is offensive.
It’s a mysterious spiritual paradox. The message of the cross offends yet at the same time saves.
I know from my own experience it wasn’t the actual gospel that was offensive or off putting, it was the judgmental Christians who had me digging in my heels and then almost walking away several times; and it’s not the gospel that Chris is apologizing for. We’re called to be the hands and feet of God and all I see Chris doing is apologizing for the fact that most of the Christians that everyone else sees appear to only be using God’s hands and feet to point fingers and kick people when they’re down and hurting.
“I know from my own experience it wasn’t the actual gospel that was offensive or off putting”
The Gospel is VERY offensive. We see this clearly stated all through Scripture.
“Yeah, I think those who’ve grown up in the church tend to not realize how Christianity tends to come across to non-Christians… This reminded me of the story that Don Miller tells in ‘Blue Like Jazz’ about setting up reverse confessionals on the university campus and how it opened up lines of communication.”
Those of us who have grown up in the church have seen some sick things done by “Christians” but I am not sure if we have a complete accurate view of non-Christians on us. How can we? I am a 24 year old PK now, but during highschool I worked as a bag boy and NEVER got any flack for being a Christian. I invited many friends to come to church during my time and high school and they would come! Our church was very conservative, but they would still come and they didn’t hate me for being a conservative baptist.
I would go to II Cor 2 where the writer says the Gospel is the smell of death to those who do not believe, but to the believers it is a sweet aroma.
I have never met Don Miller, but his book “Blue Like Jazz” really ticked me off. The Gospel has survived 2,000 years do we need to repackage it?
I guess for the youtube video creator I have a two questions:
1. Did the video glorify Christ?
2. Was the usage of the “F Bomb” necessary to glorify Christ to the fullest?
Yes, I am narrow. (Matthew 7:14)
To clarify I was speaking as someone who grew up outside of the church, and a person who is one of the only believers in a large extended family and circle of friends. I was making a statement based on my own experiences, but thank you for insinuating that I misunderstood the Gospel. As for not ‘repackaging’ the Gospel, if you’re not a Catholic or Orthodox Christian then you’ve already experienced multiple ‘repackagings’ of the Gospel message. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with being a protestant etc (frig, I am one), but the arrogance in declaring that no good can come out of books and videos like this is ridiculous. And while I know we disagree I believe that the video did glorify Christ and yes, the usage of the “F Bomb” was necessary to emphasize how much damage ‘Christians’ and ‘Christianity’ have done to the message of Christ. We’re told to love God and to love our neighbour and Chris is simply acknowledging and apologizing for the fact that we have failed to do both, yet continue to be known for our ‘holier-than-thou’ attitudes.
… exactly Russ.
Too many Christians want to get on the “put down the Christians” vibe that the world already has to be accepted by them long enough to tell their story and convince them that Jesus is worth a shot…
… I just can’t get into that… yes, we should be humble, and admit our faults, but to one another and to Christ… be real with people, yes I’m screwed up but I have hope…
…I can’t and won’t dredge up the past sins of our church and give them life by speaking into them and allowing the curses from them to gain more power over us… instead I’m going to walk in the promises He has spoken to us!!!
Wendy,
I agree that the poet could have done more to emphasize the positive aspects of Christianity. However, I think his poem was simply meant to acknowledge the faults that all too often send non-Christians running in the opposite direction. He did lift up Jesus by noting that He hung out with the “sinners” rather than just having Christian-only pot lucks and board game nights. I think he makes some good points, but I agree with you in that he could have done more to show that while we are far from perfect, Christianity can be something much greater than the hypocrisy and narrow-mindedness that often define the religion.
I stress again the importance of making much of Jesus.
If this video breeds good conversation that lifts Jesus up, then that is wonderful, and He works through you to right the wrongs.
I think the video itself, however, is missing the point of the Gospel.
I think if you try to make it that he is attempting to preach the Gospel…then, yes…it lacks in a straight forward “Romans Road” manner….
If, however, it is a video intended to say “practice what you position yourself to preach…” then hit hits many of us in the head.
…now to move it 18 inches south to the heart.
If I take a ten second video of myself saying “we need to be more compassionate as Christians…and SHOW the Love of Christ rather than simply giving words…” … would you criticize my words? You would more than likely get my point.
In my opinion…there are many more that, before watching this video tonight…have “missed the point of the Gospel” and have now, by taking an honest reflection at their own interactions with society having been called out by the words in the video…get the chance to go back and start truly living OUT the Gospel….
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
St. Francis of Assisi
I’m replying to this comment out of straight curiosity (not angry disagreement), but what drew you to conclude that he (or anyone) was lifting himself up? I agree that we repent to Jesus.
Is there any connection when Jesus asked God, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do?” I see Jesus talking to His Heavenly Father about us getting the whole thing screwed up.
Or when God said that He was sorry that He’d made man, so He sent a flood.
I’m not saying we’re God. What I am saying is that I don’t see anywhere in Scripture where apologizing is wrong.
Plus, you only used the word “Gospel” twice.
But you used the word “I” ten times.
Am I supposed to make an inference here?
No. You shouldn’t either.
Just my thoughts.
It’s all love!!!
I agree whole-heartedly. This “new” Church ignores the importance of doctrine way too much. Your failures don’t lift up the Gospel.
You can apologize to men all you want.
… or you can let Jesus redeem the world.
“I hope the message of this video falls on deaf ears.”
If your wish here were true, I and my family would not be going to church this Sunday.
I haven’t been to a church in years, my ears are not deaf and this video reached me this morning.
Thank you to Mr. Tse, thank you to Los for posting it and shame on you for not seeing that God speaks to all men in their own way. If a heart is brought back to the herd, than how can you condemn it so?
Apologizing for being a Christian? How about apologizing for our behavior if we’ve been unChristlike.
As far as the abortion comment goes, I believe we need to share the love of God with these girls before they have an abortion, not after. Certianly we would love those who have already had an abortion, Christ died for our sins!
However, women do not know the pain and healing they will need to go through after an abortion. For some its years of healing! The forgiveness is there immediately from Christ, when we are ready to repent, ask for His forgiveness and accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
However, for the reasons we end up at the clinic and make the choices we make, we need healing and a renewed mind – the mind of Christ. “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye trasnformed by the renewing of your mind” Rom. 12:2. This renewing of the mind by the Holy Spirit is an entirely different way of thinking, judging and making decisions. This is a serious thing, far more serious than most people think, to be a true Christian. Perhaps this is why you see many Chrisians living according to their old ways.
Lets pray to be renewed daily to become more and more like the image of Him that created us. Only by being in God’s word daily can we begin to have the mind of Christ and be changed through the Holy Spirit’s work. We will have to deal with the consequences of our sin, but God can use them for our good if we keep our eyes fixed on Him.
So, lets love them before they enter the clinics, if given the opportunity. Let’s love them after if not. We all need a Savior and even though this poem is not my style, I know that our God is a big God and He can use it to bring others to Him.
It’s our faith in, and surrender to Jesus Christ, that makes us more like Him. Let our desire be to become more like Christ as we read His Word and know that it is the Holy Spirits work in our surrendered heart that will make this so.
For the non-Christians or Christians that have been hurt by Christians in the church, I encourage you to turn to the Lord for your comfort and healing. I pray that you won’t let people push you away from having a relationship with your Creator who is the only one who loves you wholly, completely and perfectly just the way you are right now!!!
If we sin against our brother (which is what most of the behaviors described are referring to), we owe an apology to God AND our brother. This is not “trying to please men”; it’s showing character and integrity.
we complicate things too much don’t we? adding all these extra things, because we don’t understand love first and love ultimately for God and each other. i’m sorry that people see the side of Christianity he speaks of. i’m sorry those people don’t hear us say sorry – enough… especially when we are wrong…
Not sure how I feel about this. Good to acknowledge the laundry list of negative Christian stereotypes, but I think it could have had more impact if he would have broke it down at the end and offered an alternative view of the potential for Christians to change this attitude.
Actually, I think that is precisely what he does. By airing out the laundry he acknowledges every weakness (in the eyes of the world and history) in the position of claiming to be a Christian, but the reiterates throughout and finishes with the bold and persistent statement that “I am a Christian.” For him, the gospel of the real Jesus is so compelling that, even as he can admit the horrific skeletons in the Christian closet, he still persists in his hope and belief in Christ…now that is a powerful rendering of the gospel that many can relate to!
I think this is amazing…creative…well spoken…and truth. It takes guts to get up there and do that-and I don’t doubt that people have connected closer to God because of it.
I’m not sorry for being an imperfect person saved by a perfect grace.
Amen, brother.
If you listen to the vid…He’s not either.
I did and and I get where he’s coming from. I don’t even disagree with the message of the vid. Personally, I don’t connect with it at all. I don’t think that makes me any more right or wrong than the next person.
But I won’t apologize for being a Christian. I will apologize ALL day for being an ass, jerk, idiot, selfish human. It’s not the “christian” part of humanity that has fouled everything up…it’s the human part of humanity.
true.
Bro.
thanks for this. It’s raw and uncut, just like my life.
I need to apologize by living differently to show I mean business about this whole thing. I hope this video falls on the ears of Christians and brings them to life again, it’s convicting, it’s cutting, like circumcision of the heart. “How can we know if we are not told?” I know the poem was written to “non-Christians” but I hope my brothers and sisters in the house of faith hear it loud and clear.
And that we respond with repentance of heart and changed lives.
thanks los.
Head of the nail: meet the hammer named Chris Tse.
Good message.
BUT.
I can’t help but think that the cheer at the end was one of agreement with his gripes rather than appreciation of his authenticity.
It seems like he managed to get people riled up about how stupid Christians are sometimes rather than get them to understand his quarrel and his pain and regrets.
It seems like he had a good motive, though.
We’re really good about making our lives, which were once devoted to God, into something else, aren’t we?
Dang. That video just put me in a headlock.
I’d kill for an opportunity to hear what the crowd thought.
How offensive to Christ who died to seal our adoption into His family. It’s like telling everyone you’re sorry you’re related to your father and brothers.
We can be ashamed of hypocrisy and hatred, but never, NEVER of bearing His name and the name carried by the saints of old. How arrogant to believe we have it right as enlightened post-modernists when we have a Holocaust of the unborn on our hands.
good point but I’m not smart enough to figure out your last sentence
I think everything covered in the poem is offensive to Christ; the essence of the apology, however, was the humble confession of one Christian brother who sought to repent openly and publicly for misrepresentations of Christ’s gospel. If Jesus does not delight in the sheer honest of such an attempt at reconciliation, then I am afraid I can no longer believe in the power of his gospel. Fortunately, however, that is not the Jesus I read of in the NT.
Also, postmodernism is a reaction to the modernism ushered in by the 19th century enlightenment, so your scathing criticism of philosophical trends is anachronistic and self-contradictory.
I think that what we have made Christianity out to be is offensive to Christ. This is a little crude, but at times the stigma that is placed on Christians because of atrocities committed by those under the banner (not the NAME) of Christ makes the world we are here to show Christ to are offended. Christ came to destroy the religion that had corrupted His Word, and to show a new gospel of love and salvation. We should repent (be sorrowful) for the corruptions of the past and the hypocrisy in our own lives. We need to move forward showing others the love of Christ (John 13:34-35).
The video is not a perfect depiction of Christianity, but neither are we or will we ever be. We need to be about love and restoration, and in restoration people, you always have sorrow and pain in growth… It is all necessary to move forward.
I agree with both you and Mark. Everything Chris said is offensive to Christ. That is because what we have made Christianity is offensive to Him, because most of it does not honor Him, but only serves to make us feel better about ourselves (or better than other people). Nothing he said (aside from God=Allah and vice versa) is about biblical truth or untruth. Instead, it is about what we DO–how we treat others, how we fail to love, how we fail to love God with everything we are and to love others as ourselves. I think this was a healthy confession, because the world needs to know that we understand that we’re screwed up, too. Too often we present ourselves in an arrogant, “I’m better than you,” “you’re a fool” manner, rather than “I’m a sinner saved by grace. Please look past my faults to my glorious Savior, Jesus Christ, who saved me in spite of me.”
Thanks for posting this, Los. It’s hard to hear, but something we all need to hear. Be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19).
May we all become the Church that truly exalts Christ Jesus and all that He has done for us, whatever it takes.
I think Jesus is going to say to most professing Christians on Final Judgement Day “… I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:23)
Examine your faith to see if it is real saving faith, read the book of 1st John, it has a series of tests to see if your Christian faith is real.
huh? This has nothing to do with the video.
But nice scripture
I’m not sorry I’m a Christian. I’m sorry I don’t live up to the name of Christ every day. But I will not give up or give in. Jesus didn’t.
I don’t deserve to bear Jesus’ name. But I am loved and I am created in God’s image.
This is an excellent reminder of the chasm between who we think we are and what our behavior says about us…and Jesus.
Discern where and who God wants you to be…today.
great point
first sentence, Susan. word.
I think many professing Christians do not know the real Christ of the Bible, let me re-introduce Christ:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=YNJ5oi1cw2I
Yawn.
Really…another “cool, relevant” christian guy slamming other christians and dropping a few F-Bombs for effect? Honestly this whole push for relevance and authenticity is nauseating. Sure some of the stuff he said was true but so what? There have always been hypocrites in christianity! I was a bartender and waiter for years and there is just as much hypocrisy in those places as the church. It’s called humanity. It’s called sin. It’s why we need ALL need a Saviour.
How about celebrating some of the positive things that christians are doing in our world today? I have close family who is serving the AIDS orphans in Africa. I have friends who were first responders in Haiti after the earthquakes in Africa. I have close friends who serve faithfully every week in nursing homes and no one knows there names. No one talks about them on blogs because it’s not interesting.
To me the video lacks a balance between the bad and the good. That would have been more effective.
Sounded like a lot came out after your “yawn”.
You don’t seem too tired or bored and the point of the video was not to balance…but to apologize.
Great comment though.
I agree with the celebrating positive.
Thanks for stopping by!
Dood, you obviously love this video because you posted it.
But there’s no Gospel in it. Just reformed theology that’s really no theology at all.
Jesus isn’t just your buddy. He’s King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He deserves our fearful respect.
This Chris Tse guy appears to have a low view of the power of Christ and His grace.
Ha. New here?
I post things to bring up convo not out of love.
trust me… Los is an instigator. He knows who’s God.
Not all reformed theology is junk… and not all non reformed theology is junk… don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I understand this dudes position, although I won’t be doing what he does…
I’m intrigued as to how you just labeled this video as “reformed”, called reformed doctrine “no theology at all” & then made a comment as to presume that those who hold a reformed view of Scripture view Jesus as their “buddy”?
I’m sorry that non-Christians who read this have to read you slamming your brothers & sisters in Christ who hold theological views different from your own. They will no we are Christians by our what?
Sad, really.
Anyone think he got this idea form Donal Miller in blue Like Jazz?
Probably
don’t get me wrong. i like what he was going for. just not sure I understand how keeping from coarse language works with the f-bomb. I’m still working through it on a personal level. I can’t rag on him for dropping it because it’s “sinful” because then I fit into the hypocritical Christians he talks about.
Not that I don’t already. I just don’t need more help in that area.
I agree with you chris. I see a lot of truth but also a lot of misrepresentation. The Allah is God part threw flags up for me. The language is….I’m not sure how I feel about it. I feel like it was effective but wonder if another word would have been just as effective..
This guy must be friends with Rob Bell.
Theology fail.
tell Ken Silva hey for us
Good point Los Whit
Sup Carlos.
Wish I had more words than “holy crap.”
He wasn’t apologizing for being a Christian but instead for how they have acted and then he launched into what to do. If he didn’t use the ‘f word’ then this could be good for youth groups.
But most youth groups are already using the F bomb right?
I kid
Yeah but ‘f word’ is so cool.
There’s nothing the 21st century loves more than a rebellious Christian.
*puts on sarcasm helmet*
there… now these posts are readable…
*whew* close one….
I hear this and I think about the fact that “Christian” has become somewhat of a byword… much like “Gay” doesn’t really mean happy anymore… it just groups you with a vague collection of individuals that claim to follow Jesus… Originally Christians were called christians at Antioch because they followed “Christ” today…it is a loose subculture term.
I love my Christian brothers… but I prefer to walk nameless… with no social identity… and only lay claim to the hope of glory… and whatever name I am called let it be because of how I have lived my life… and not who I hung out with…
Jasonthebaldguy
cant find where i left this…and ive heard the “this video doesnt preach the Gospel” argument too much tonight – so I’ll repost…
I think if you try to make it that he is attempting to preach the Gospel…then, yes…it lacks in a straight forward “Romans Road” manner….
If, however, it is a video intended to say “practice what you position yourself to preach…” then hit hits many of us in the head.
…now to move it 18 inches south to the heart.
If I take a ten second video of myself saying “we need to be more compassionate as Christians…and SHOW the Love of Christ rather than simply giving words…” … would you criticize my words? You would more than likely get my point.
In my opinion…there are many more that, before watching this video tonight…have “missed the point of the Gospel” and have now, by taking an honest reflection at their own interactions with society having been called out by the words in the video…get the chance to go back and start truly living OUT the Gospel….
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
St. Francis of Assisi
wow…i guess this video could only be better if the author was gay and fat and a worship leader, los!
/digress /sarcasim
You know that quote has been wrongly attributed to St. Francis tho rt? There’s no proof he ever said that.
Not that I’m the best ever at this, but i do think that in the end, you really do need to use words to effectively communicate the message of the gospel.
Really mixed feelings about this video. This guy so right and wrong at the same time. Because someone is struggling in their faith and not living the full devoted life, according to what my standard of what a full devoted life should be, we’re sorry?
Do I need to repent to the Hitites, Jebusites, canannites (sp?on all three) and any other -ite that God wiped out in the Old Testament? Should we find out if anyone from Sodom and Gamorah were on vacation the day God destroyed their city. Find their descendants and apologize to them for God destroying the city?
I am not sorry I am a christian, I am sorry for bad examples of christianity. Why do a few bad examples of christians mean the whole lot is bad? How many bad doctors have you heard about? How many bad mechanics? How many bad hairstylist’s? We still get our hair cut (except for Los, me and a few other perfect heads) Bad people do bad things and they wear all kind of labels, I want to hear I am a mechanic and I sorry, you’ve been f’d over by mechanics your whole life, that transmission did not need replaced. I just don’t get it.
I don’t get the whole potty mouth bit. Yeah, still mixed feelings about that video.
When I watched this vid, I’m just thinking, “I hope my life brings glory to God.”
And, I’m wondering if some of you can answer a question I have? Are we as Christians supposed to apologize and feel responsible for sins of other Christians or just deal with our own?
wow wow wow. LOVED THIS. and i love his talent as well.
I love this video and his words. It’s healing– it makes me want to sit with him and hear all about what he believes. It makes me think for a moment that there may still be a way of being a Christian that I haven’t found yet. I think this video reaches people and opens them up– it did me. And, don’t hate me, but I find the occasional f bomb rather charming.
It’s ok that I didn’t like this video, right?
oh, i guess there shouldve been the
after that
He’s not sorry that he’s a Christian. He’s a Christian and he’s sorry. I didn’t think that was hard to figure out. You understood that, right?
This made me cry. This is real. As Christians, we are too often not real with the real world. Instead of getting all up in our justification, we should look at how the real world sees Jesus in us, if they do at all.
Thanks for sharing.
Yeah… other people have posted that other people are hypocrites too so apparently it shouldn’t be that big a deal, but when we’re doing these things in the name of God then I think we’re called to a higher standard than the rest of the world…
*snap* *snap* *snap* *snap*
That was deep.
Thanks for sharing this, Los.
(oh i better catch myself before someone pushes) I am not sorry that I am part of God’s family, not at all. There are a lot of things that Chris Tse mentions that are wow, and eye opening, and maybe such strong language is needed to show the severity of the situation.
I think that a lot of people are missing the point of this poem. I don’t think Chris Tse wants to show balance, or preach the gospel. I do want to talk to him now tho- like half of the people here and just talk.
And please don’t say that you aren’t guilty of these things either, “I wasn’t alive during the Crusades!” Well, you weren’t alive when Adam & Eve were alive, and guess what, we were born sinners.
In the end, its all about LOVE.
I understand doctrine and stuff (and the “law”) but I live under God’s grace. The New Covenant that has freed me from all things and released me from all bondage. I am now simply receiving His love and responding to it!
A lot of good stuff here
We Christians have to stop appealing to our neighbor’s ear and speak the truth of the Gospel. Stop trying to rationalize with non-believers. Stop trying to look cool. Be HONEST! Live unashamed!
Be careful, you walk a line once lived by the Pharisees.
Christ was less concerned with what was said and more concerned with reaching hearts. There was much gospel spoken in this poem and he certainly reached quite a few hearts.
I wasn’t going to reply to any of this, but I saw your post and was like. Yes. That’s it. When we uphold “The Law” to the extent that no one listens to us, then it’s useless. But when we take this set of morals, these teachings by Jesus, and we use them to capture hearts, then people are open to accept the Gospel.
Jesus met the physical need of people first. Then He met the spiritual need. Some people have a physical need of being understood, being met where they are. This video showed real honesty, and I feel a lot on here are missing the point. It’s Art for crying out loud. Being honest, being real, whatever, doesn’t mean you forsake the Gospel. It’s just a means to getting to someone’s heart.
Also, as a first-time visitor, I must confess that I was once called a “ragamuffin” by an angry man in Georgetown, Guyana. Perhaps I too have a ragamuffin soul*.
*Great blog name.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Some people need to hear a Christian humble themselves, in light of the fact that we are all humans, all capable of committing the same sin. Not sure I agree with his forum of choice, though.
Did he humble himself or bash the church?
This wasn’t humility….it was pseudo piety at it’s wosrt…
Powerful stuff, Los.
I’ve watched the vid, and it brought me to tears.
Thanks for putting it out there for us folks to see.
I’m going off now to Google “Chris Tse” to see if I can find out more about the guy.
Grace & peace
J
Chills.
A little raw however he makes some vivid observations. It could be said that authentic Jesus-Christianity is not being widely practiced in the western culture. I check all my orthodox boxes but I must admit the church no longer believes the Scriptures.
Just begin with Matthew 5 thru 7 and you will wonder who really believes any of this. We have constructed our own convenient brand of Christianity that easily blends in with this hedonist culture and whose Christ bleeds red, white, and blue.
“We have constructed our own convenient brand of Christianity that easily blends in with this hedonist culture and whose Christ bleeds red, white, and blue.”
Fantastic statement. I totally agree.
Good intentions, but misguided. Smacks a little of the whole Obama apologizing to the world routine.
Might as well have continued his poem: People of Haiti, we are sorry for being Christians. Sorry for all the money and time we spent helping you out of the rubble. Sorry we didn’t use that money to feed our bellies and build our homes. Sorry that we cared. Hey kids of India, China, South America, sorry for sponsoring you through Compassion and World Vision. Sorry for making sure you have an education and food. Sorry for being Christ to you. By the way, people who got saved around our altars this past Sunday, we are so very sorry for subjecting you to all this crap we call Christianity. Please, reject Jesus now, and go back to living without God. We don’t want you to have anything to apologize for.
See how ridiculous? Yeah, same with this guys rather poor attempt at poetry.
My mom always told me that no matter how many good things you do, you are still responsible and accountable for the bad things.
I think maybe your mom forgot to teach you that.
Nikki,
My Mom taught me to respect, and have pride for, who I am. I am a Christian. I am neither ashamed, nor sorry, for that fact.
The fact that you saw that and not what so many others saw is honest, strange, healthy, and intriguing…
This was poetry. A poem. Not a speech, devotional or doctrinal thesis. It was very heartfelt, passionate, well-articulated poem.
And I thought it was beautiful.
I’m surprised someone isn’t on here correcting his grammar or iambic pentameter. “Hey, not every line rhymed!” Seriously? Do the critics really miss the point by that much?
I had to ask myself a probing question: Would I have the courage to stand in front of an audience at a nightclub, to a group of drunks expecting a comedic monolog, and be willing to speak from the heart, to quote verbatim a poem that he undoubtedly spent hours writing and many more hours memorizing? Did you hear the background chuckles? They wanted to laugh, because they thought it was supposed to be funny. I think they realized how sobering it really was. How many of us would have the courage, the desire, the self-discipline to do that?
Based on the comments, a lot of us, I think.
I don’t care how many times he said “Jesus” or “gospel.” Or how many times he said “freakin.” I simply offer praise. Praise to Chris for his passion, and compassion, and being willing to be willing. Praise to Los for posting it. Praise to the commenters for expressing their opinions, popular or not. I even offer praise to his audience, for not throwing tomatoes, or whatever it is they do these days when they don’t like what someone says.
But mostly, I offer praise to God, the Creator of all things, for putting within us a creative spirit, for giving us the creativity to write and read poetry, sing, paint, build, sculpt, draw, speak, share, and otherwise color this world with His beauty.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…and it was VERY good.’” (Gen 1)
Grace and Peace…
thanks for that.
My thoughts? I like it – a lot!
For the commentators that are offended that he doesn’t mention Jesus, the gospel, etc. have you read Esther lately? Or some of the stories Jesus shared?
Here’s another thought … On YouTube it’s titled “I’m sorry I’m a Christian.” So I understand why you titled this post that, BUT he never says he’s sorry for being a Christian. His first and last words are “I am a Christian” then he pauses and says, “I’m sorry.”
To me that’s very different than saying I’m sorry that I’m a Christian.
That’s pretty much the way to view it. Some people don’t apologise and some people don’t acknowledge it at all. The fact that so much of church history is full of sin is a reminder not to let pride enter our hearts.
I don’t think the poem is equating God with Allah either but more making the point that while obviously there are major differences doctrinally there’s a lot of common ground between followers of Islam and Christians
I wonder how many people read the title and half listened to the poem…
He says… I’m a Christian…and I’m sorry.
That slays half the arguments here. But if you are arguing the blog title…Then sure…But the poem…it’s not the same…
Is it really that different?
I’m sorry I’m a Christian.
I’m a Christian. I’m sorry. [laundry list]
To me it’s clear as crystal. He’s definitely apologizing for all the “stuff” that Christians have done and do that are not Christ-like…
But the mere fact he states he is a Christian and then says “I’m sorry” leads the listener/viewer/audience to build the foundation for the entire poem on his “christianity.”
I get it. I just think it’s a very sensational way to get the point across.
Don’t get me wrong I think we need some healthy sensationalism at times. Which I think is why this video/post is generating so much discussion.
Thanks for this!
If I was that kind of Christian, I’d be sorry too. I’m only sorry Jesus had to die for my sins. If you are too, then you won’t have to apologize for anything, you’ll be too busy sharing the gospel and enjoying that you’re clothed in HIS righteousness.
This poem healed a little bit of the broken parts of my heart this morning.
Just like all of America has to apologize for slavery, and all of Men must acknowledge and work to prevent rape, just like all of the world have to take responsibility for each other’s weaknesses, step up and feed all of the children, Christians have to acknowledge and work to change their joint past.
The church is one body. Which means the sins of the whole have to be addressed by the pieces… otherwise it will never change.
When you join a group, you sign your name to it and say “I approve of it”. Christianity is no different. The only way we will know what parts you do not sign your name to is if you say it. Thank you to Mr. Tse for making it clear which parts he has signed his name to – which by his poem is Christ, God, and the love and change he sees God asking him to do.
I want to sign my name to the same parts you claim in your last sentence. Well put.
That makes sense to me Nikki
Uh uh.
I also despise cheesy Pharisaic Churchianity. But, uh uh. I am SO tired of whiny sucking up that legitimizes every stone thrown at the Church. Homosexuality IS perverse. Abortion IS murder. Jesus IS the only way of salvation.
Find me one instance of Jesus apologizing for the “ethnic cleansing” of Canaanites. ‘Til then, man up enough to quit the trendy corporate apology bullcrap.
(Or should I have used a more severe expletive to prove my authenticity?)
If you don’t cuss on a regular basis…then it would not be authentic. no. He never said any of those sins above are not sins…He apologized for how we react to those sins. And in that…he is right.
The tone of your comment…and seeing you are a pastor…I highly doubt you would walk up on Sunday and preach “Homosexuality IS perverse. Abortion IS murder.” and walk off stage. No. You would talk about how to walk alongside and pray with those struggling with those sins and how to be Jesus to them.
I hope.
Brilliant!
Fellow reader but first time commenter. Just wanted to add my two cents regarding the poem. I took offense to the abortion issue because I think the majority of people who are in front of abortion clinics are quietly praying and hoping the women will change their minds. I used to go in college to the abortion clinic and we never once screamed, preached, or tried to block women from entering the abortion clinic. We simply prayed in front of it and hoped that they wouldn’t go in. Most people who are against abortion are not radicals, as he portrays in his poem. We had women counselors waiting for them when they exited the clinic to help them in anyway, whether they just needed a hug or to talk. And my Catholic Church goes into DC every Saturday and we simply pray the rosary quietly without disturbing the peace. I just wanted to clarify that not all people in front of abortion clinics are zealots or radicals, as he portrays in his poem.
Margaret. Thanks so much for your perspective.
It was shared in love and I hope people will see that many of those who stand in front of abortion clinics do so in love and hope and not hate.
Blessed.
This seems to be quite the topic now. I believe that christians are really getting sick of being this way and seeing this in their churches. I’m about halfway through Craig Groshell’s new book “Christian Athiest” and it’s definitely an eye opener.
These suggestions are so common and heard constantly yet we’re still just talking. we’re still just saying the words that we WANT to mean instead of actually Meaning what we WANT to say.
Amazing vid. Great message, but I feel that the use of the expletives over-shadowed some of the message. Still, his message will be well accepted by many and rejected by the ones that have a closed mind and heart.
Radical Christianity is just one way we can share our faith.
…just wondering if Kevin would be a good person to invite Kevin ( “SO tired of whiny sucking up that legitimizes every stone thrown at the Church”)to my “Lovely Atheists and Jesus Followers” party?
http://johnnylaird.blogspot.com/2010/03/lovely-atheists-and-jesus-followers.html
Grace & peace
J
HA!
I’m sorry, but since when was it o.k. to use language that we know can offend people? Even if it’s in the name of Christ? I get it that saying the “F bomb” doesn’t mean your sinning, but the placement of it does. The Bible says we must live above reproach. I get the point that the video is moving, but why should the gospel message be tainted with something that our society deems as not appropriate? Loswit… I have to say that I’m frustrated. I know you do a lot of good things with the gifts you have. I’m a Christian, I’m a worship pastor. I get it that we need to reach people… But not at the expense of our integrity. Which is the label that you signed with for your music.
p.s. the only reason I voiced my opinion on here is because you’ve asked for feedback.
I didn’t drop the f bomb… He did.
AND…
I think the only people it offends are Christians.
I highly doubt anyone in the room was offended.
And my integrity is intact.
It means…adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Yup. I’ve said nothing on this post that lessens my integrity…
In all honesty…if I didn’t post that vid…my integrity would be lacking…
It’s bigger man.
I get where you are coming from.
I do.
I appreciate it.
But we shall agree to disagree.
3 emails from non Christians wanting to talk faith after watching this video and 14 from angry Christians wanting to talk theology.
Easy decision.
Could it be that the 14 angry christians are embarrassed by you putting this out there? And that the line between upright living and the way the world lives is even further blurred by what you are posting?
Yes, you didn’t say it.
Yes, it offends Christians.
But we aren’t trying to reach Christians.
And where this gets off track is that you’re promoting it.
People look up to you. They just do.
And if you’re OK with it…then you’re saying it’s OK.
Like it or not – this is why people are confused by Christians.
Because we say one thing – and do another.
nope. It couldn’t be. Because that is not why they emailed.
It IS however why you commented.
So, you are embarrassed, not them.
And I could not agree more with most of what the kid is saying. Not all. But most.
And what am I saying and doing differently?
It’s been a while since you’ve popped in…But I’d truly love to know…
I’d MUCH rather carry on a conversation about Jesus with 3 people without faith then argue with 14 people who have it.
But that’s just me. Time is of the essence and I’m pretty sure the people I’m trying to lead to Jesus will be in the same heaven the 14 will all end up in and the Fbomb that we are all arguing over will be dust in the wind.
Thanks for your thoughts though.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen you round here.
Sorry you had to get fired up to stop by.
Watch the video above this one…It’s not confusing for anybody! Just plain funny.
PS. I heard your conference was amazing!
Los
Los,
I love how you can take what some would take to be a scathing criticism of the very heart of what you do, and respond positively, even to the point of tweeting it so that others can see you being taken to task. Reading comments and replies like this make me glad to have a brain, and a heart and make me want to keep on using them both.
Rich
Text never conveys tone – so please know that my intent wasn’t attacking or even fired up.
My point was – and still is – that it seems as if you’re OK with the language…and even are amused by it (the well placed comment). That’s where I tilt.
For me – yes…I’ve seen R-rated movies with language and made compromises in my life that I’m not proud of. Because we’re all flawed – especially me.
But I don’t want to help anyone else slip because I led them there.
It’s your blog. We all do things differently.
I wonder if you really know how many people you influence… (insert Spider Man’s Uncle Ben quote here)
Also…nice touch up on the comment before the Twitter. (wink) Normally I don’t have this much time for this sort of thing but the conversation reeled me in and got me thinking.
Take care.
Thank God for “delete”. I normally write 4 drafts of each comment…
And in the words of my former boss Andy Stanley…
“Carlos. In 15 seconds you have the power to influence more people than 95% of senior pastors in America do on a weekly basis. What you are typing matters.”
It goes through my mind everyday as I dialogue.
I appreciate your honesty with it all. And I do think we are going to disagree on methods of presenting the gospel. But since you put your opinions on a public forum, I don’t mind giving my views back.
1. We should be working together as Christians. One of Websters definition of “offend” means: “to transgress the moral or divine law : sin.” … and you don’t care that you offend people who are on your side?
2. You posting language on your site that can offend people is you promoting language that offends people. It doesn’t matter if it came out of your mouth or not. it came out of your website which you have control of. You’ve mixed the language in with the gospel. To me, you can’t say that people were not offended in the room. Besides that, my point is not even about the people in the room. It’s about what your promoting with the gospel.
3. Maybe you should check over the reason why your getting 14 people that want to check your theology. That theology is the foundation of your Christianity.
Thanks for listening and taking my opinion.
Still doesn’t respond to my points.
sorry.
That was just point 3.
To #1…I do care about those who I offended…Just not as much as I care about the 3 who are going to live in eternity without the 14 who were offended. Sorry.
#2.I don’t really get it. BUT…Yes…I say things that offend Christians all the time. Calloused and career Christians need to be disturbed and disrupted in order to get them up and moving again. I see them every week. And I’m not ok with it. So I disturb and disrupt and people get offended. Not for the sake of disturbance…But for the sake of seeing Christ in a fresh way and inching them closer to the goal of Christ Jesus.
My fingers hurt
Ha! Seriously… have fun responding to all of these people individually…:)
I get it that we need to shake up the Christians to get people to realize what we should be doing as Christians. Which is letting God use us to help a hurting world. To show them love. But why would we use the same means that the world uses? in one of your other posts, you talk about not letting the internet be our inspiration, but letting the Creator help us create. Why would we need to settle on using things that offend other people to accomplish love? Again, going back to the definition of “offend”… why would you want to sin against the Christians who are on your side?
I think we are landing abe. Great points. I’ll sit on that. I don’t think the point was love. And I’m not sinning against any Christians.
They don’t ultimately require me to confess for salvation.
But I do think it’s important to offend them.
Yes.
My fingers still hurt.
If the point is not love…. what is the point for any of it?
No, your not their salvation.I agree… but you are held accountable for what people receive from you.
Great… now my fingers are starting to hurt….:)
Los…
You seem to presume that only Christians would be offended by the f-bomb. I’m sure there are a lot of socially moral non-believers that would be offended by that word, which could make it a stumbling block to them so far as coming to faith.
Here’s my thought: if the kid would have done his thing and never said the f-word one time, I feel somewhat certain that you and probably most, if not all, of the others on this thread that have been so profoundly moved by it wouldn’t have said, “Man, that was awesome, but how much more awesome would it have been if he had dropped a few f-bombs in there!” My point being it would have been just as profound WITHOUT the course language. Appreciate you…
good point.
I agree.
Matthew 16:22-23 – Christ called Peter Satan, and turned to the crowd and presented the gospel… Do you think that was offensive to Peter? Matthew 21:12 – Christ turned the tables and drove people out of the temple… That was offensive as well, then He went on to heal people. Christ chose some controversial ways, and to some offensive, but he always pointed to salvation and bringing people to Him to heal their eternal condition. He did nothing with out purpose… In 1 Corinthians 9 – Paul talks about being all things to all men to reach some, but does realize that it requires discipline in verse 26-27 – keeping his actions under control to not become unusable or irrelevant for the gospel
Thank God for grace.
I believe Tony Campolo said this:
“I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse is that you’re more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.”
I don’t think the F word is really a moral issue. Taking the Lord’s name in vain is. The F word is, to most of contemporary American culture, an adjective or verb used to describe just about anything. I’d argue that most people don’t even hear it.
I’m gonna have to respectfully disagree with your comment that non-christians dont get offended by the use of the f-word or other curse words. There’s a reason these words are still bleeped out on tv and radio and such- even in *secular* media. They are, by definition, considered offensive language in our culture. And I know lots of non Christians who don’t appreciate hearing such words (my own mother, for example.) Just something to consider.
I’m sorry the young man is so angry at the church and hasn’t forgiven it for letting him down and disappointing him.
For those interested in genuine reform in the church check out this video…
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=dh-ZEBI7KBA&feature=related
He makes great points…very profound. Convicting in the best way. Yet dropping the F bomb could possibly make his message less effective. People are so judgmental
Carlos,
Thanks for sharing.
Wow. This is so BAD on so many fronts….where does one start…well, if he can cuss, then I guess I can too. This guy is so FULL OF !@#$% it’s not even funny. And it’s sad that so many “christians” actually like this and believes it.
what is BAD about this? I don’t think he posted this for christians. Even if you don’t agree with what he said, which is fine, Can you not show the love that was shown to you when you are wrong in the name of the lord? and yes i am positive you have been wrong as have i as was David, Paul, Peter, and many more. I truly believe, and i stress I, that if Jesus was there listening he would be snapping his fingers! I respect the fact that you don’t agree with him but will you listen to him with out bashing him? you may see his point of view.
-nick
Nick, I see his point of view. I used to go to a Church with a hundred of these guys. He mischaracterizes Christiainity in so many ways, that I’m shocked that there is so much support for this. Well, I guess I shouldn’t be. He’s not just confessing, he’s pointing fingers at the Church and trying to make Christians feel guilty for all of the problems in the world.
1. For example, he mischaracterizes the Crusades. It was forbidden for the Crusaders to Proselytize, so they weren’t preaching the word adn then killing people,they were trying to take back land that was stolen by the Muslims.”
2. it’s not intolerant to condemn sin or call people out for it. Jesus and the Apostles did ALL THE TIME. If the world is not convicted of their sin, then they won’t know they need a Saviour. The Holy Spirit came to CONVICT the world of sin.
3. Why blast Christians for hanging out with each other. What’s wrong with that. The first century church met DAILY and prayed together. Read Acts.
4. I love this one. the old stand-by “Jesus didn’t come to hangout with Christians, but Whores and beggars. REALLY? Jesus Chose 12 that he was with for 3 years. When he was with the whores, he was convicting them of their sin and telling them not to sin anymore. Do you see the difference? This is just the old liberal Christian cliche. Jesus walked past many cripples and beggars and never healed them, so what do you make of that.
5. Blasting missionaries for spreading the Plague? Are you serious? Missionaries risk their life to bring eternal life to the lost and this guy wants to blame them for spreading the plague and not “learning” their culture? Give me a Break. Jesus Christ TRANSCENDS culture….
6. The abortion clinic part is just ridiculous. I gaurantee this guy has never been to an abortion clinic, but of course, he can paint a broad stroke and paint every Christian and being unloving…
7. God looks down and is Sad. What? Can you say Open-theism…God is Sovereign of the Universe. He knows everyting and has decreed everything from eternity past. God was pleased to crush his own Son, so I doubt he is sad at anything we do.
8. “You the blessed” – Who’s he talking about? I thought this was to nonChristians? Instead of blasting the church is some obnoxious piety, in front of non-beleievers, he should be preaching the Gospel.
The Gospel is the power unto Salvation, not this. The Holy Spirit came to CONVICT the world of Sin, not sit next to us and snap his fingers to the tune of some ridicluous poem. Sorry, Nick, Jesus would not approve!
I hear what you’re saying, but there has to be a balance between the law and grace and love….which I think he is trying to express in this poem.
I also agree that there are Christians going far left and actually preaching a false message of “anything goes”.
Balance is the key. Jesus had a natural way of “convicting” peoples hearts, not through words of condemnation, but rather just accepting them right where they were, and showing them love and grace….not screaming at them and showing horrid images of aborted babies (just an example).
I just like the “christians” in quote.
And thanks for censuring yourself. I could have been offended.
I really do not get the hatred that is being spewed here.
The only thing that I can make of this is that it struck a nerve with each person who has left a comment here.
Wasn’t that the point of the Poem? To react, to examine, to conversate?
I feel like we are basing all of christianity off of this goes poem and the fact that it is on youtube.
I found nothing wrong with this video, therefore I guess I am not a christian.
….wanted to say it last night…but didn’t…and will say it now.
(ill preface by saying that I know Los’s heart does not have the malice of intent to start a debate pitting brother against brother…the intent is to make you think. He did just that…WE chose to be brother against brother…with that being said…)
“I’m sorry…sorry that we spend our times fighting other Christians…debating constantly in twitter, facebook and blogs…spending so much of our time debating a topic on a blog with other believers “in honor and defense of the Gospel” … and leave so little time to spend actually spreading the Gospel.
I’m sorry that many of us will get off of this computer and still not spend a moment of time today, tomorrow, this week, or this month sharing the Gospel with someone as we have so publicly displayed that our intent is.
I’m sorry that we can so easily show online Christianity…but fail to see how real world humanity and daily living with others as we unplug our devices and interact with those who dont believe can have a more profound impact on other than the words wasted in a one-way argument with those who won’t be swayed one way or another because they are “right” and can’t be told any different.
I’m not sorry for Christ. I’m thankful that someone has the honesty to admit they aren’t perfect in a video….and I’m glad I won’t pretend – even behind a computer – that I am better than him.
Thanks for saying this Jason.
I watched this truthfully a couple of times. This young man raises many good points and sadly much of it is accurate although filled with resentment and hate I can understand his frustration at what he reveals to be some of the triggers. I want to be at the back door hugging the girls when they leave those clinics, rather than screaming at them for going in… Yet how many of us do this? God is LOVE…LOVE is a verb…A verb is an action word… and it’s NOT hate/kill? I believe this to be very creative and thought provoking. He makes many key points and keen observations. Let’s face it many don’t know the “JESUS NEXT DOOR”, but they have come to know the self-righteous, self-serving and judgmental Christian! Although it’s a tad rough around the edges I do feel this young man made many valid points that will reach many listening ears who need to self-examine their lives on who are we in Christ and are we at all really in Christ! On the flip side I think it does a disservice of sorts and could have been better presented to reach both sides of the table… representing believers and non-believers better. Thanks for sharing this Carlos. Stay in the Father’s loving grip, Roma
I hear a rap, kinda like M&M’s “I’m Sorry Momma” one of my favorite songs, (I know that’s the candy not the singer but I don’t know how to spell his name
I thought it was brilliant.
The fact is the pendulam has swung, we live in the backlash of prosperity gospel, megga church, hord the wealth Christianity, so poems like this reflect this space in time. I think it’s healthy.
eminem
Thanks
funny story, once in a game of Scatagories we were to write things beginning with M and one way “a famous person” I put M&M and was so proud that I was gonna get double points! My 12 yr old daughter loved that one 
Coming from a Christian perspective, I have my thoughts on the video. Yet, those are pretty much irrelevant because I wasn’t his attended audience. I want to know how those who don’t know Christ, but were sitting in this audience or come across this video online thought of this video. What was their reaction? This is what I am most curious about. Did it spur them on to consider God? Did it spark something in them to explore faith in Christ? Or did it just give them “one more excuse to say this is why I’m not and never will be a Christian? I’ve thought for years they were a bunch of hypocrites and this poem just sums up my thoughts perfectly.” I can see the reaction going both ways. Clapping because they were moved/shocked someone who claims the Christian faith would be that raw. On the flip side, I could see them giving a standing ovation as a “d@## right…bunch of hypocrites.” This is what I am wrestling with as I watched the video….
That is good wrestling.
i think regardless of the response by the crowd, the ringing silence during his pauses meant that they were seeing something that captivated their attention. and whether or not they were cheering in agreement of the condemnation of hypocrisy, or moved by the content(or both), i think they would at some point ask themselves why it is that chris could still say “i’m a christian” at the beginning and end and not “i used to be a christian”.
and that’s a question i think we would all like to hear from someone who doesn’t follow jesus.
Wasnt going to comment but after chewing on this since yesterday I thought why not. After the first time I watched this video I was shocked initially. Ir seems like alot of the time these days the “christians” who do things in unloving ways are portrayed to be how the whole church is. That saddens my heart because the majority of the folks I know are NOT this way. Alot of Christians I know are doing amazing things to advance the kingdom in some amazing loving ways.
It was easy to let his language choices interfere with with listening to his message but after chewing on it in some ways I agree with him. There is something powerful in saying to someone “Im sorry this is how you have been shown what christianity is” and then follow it up with a whole lot of love. The fact is there are people who walk away from the faith because of other believers actions which is heartbreaking…I cant help but wonder if maybe this guy has been burned by the church in some way?
If the church is the body of Jesus, then a true member of His body (Christians) won’t say they hate it. If they do, they’re not really Christians.
Let’s understand that those who are in Christ produce fruit–they do not live in sin. Anyone who lives in sin as the guy on the video has described is not in Christ, and is NOT a Christian.
The only person we should apologize to for the sin of sinners is God.
I get the impression about apologizing for the sins of the “church” that we really just want unbelievers to like us. Let’s not be deceived. The world will hate us. And if they don’t, we’re probably not different enough.
Well said!
He didn’t apologize for being a Christian. He said I’m a Christian and then apologized…
Los, you need to change the title of this video posting then – it says “I’m sorry I’m a Christian” – or is the title purposely misleading in order to get more hits on your blog?
Also, I’m puzzled by the approving tone of your ‘warning’ about the F-bombs. Well placed? I don’t get it Los, and I’m disappointed in you. Really? Language that takes what is meant to be one of the most intimate of activities, something that can be beautiful and life-bringing, and lowers it to a cheap adverb. I’m not impressed with his choice of vocabulary any more than I am impressed when my dog leaves me steaming ‘presents’ on the back lawn.
Do you feel we should disregard the scriptural injunctions against obscene talk? I know I can certainly picture Jesus dropping a few F-bombs to make sure the crowds knew he was hip and not too uptight. Swearing is important. Especially if you want desperately to play to the crowd.
Come to think of it, I’m trying to remember which gospel has the passage where Jesus apologizes to unbelievers for all the bad things followers of Yaweh had done over the centuries… I’m sure it’s there somewhere.
The sad thing is that the self-loathing that Chris Tse feels is for a caricature of Christianity. He has taken a vague cartoon view of history, tossed in some extremists and hypocrites and stirred it together with a post-modern aversion to thinking that any belief or belief system can hold any superior truth-claim. What he is dishing out bears little resemblance to many loving Christians I know who sacrifice to help others by sponsoring overseas children, adopting, foster-parenting, helping pregnant teens, volunteering at food banks, traveling to provide medical and technical aid to 3rd world countries… to name a few things.
Do we fail as Christians? Yes. Can we do better? Yes, we have to.
The main impression I get from Chris’s poem is that behind it all he is saying “There’s a lot of hateful, uncool, hypocritical Christians out there, but thank God I’m not one of them.”
It’s the title of the video?
And the fact that you are disappointed in me means that you are disturbed by something I believe to be irrelevant to the 1000’s of people dying and going to hell today.
So stop focusing your energy on 2 words and throw your energy at those who need it.
The lost.
Agree to disagree in love…not sarcasm.
Los
Thanks Los. It’s comforting to know that I can ignore some things that the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians, because you don’t find the relevant.
Using the “1000’s of people dying and going to hell today” line as an attempt to avoid interacting with what I wrote won’t fly. By your logic, people are also going to hell while you are posting random tweets and funny Japanese videos, so you shouldn’t be wasting your energy.
As far as sarcasm – when used to make a point, it has a time-honored history of being used by people such as Elijah, Jesus, Paul, and Woody Allen… So don’t make it a love versus sarcasm thing. That’s not legit & you’re just trying to cut short the conversation.
I appreciate many of the thought-provoking items on your blog, but when you put your stamp of approval on Christians using F-bombs as a communication tool, that just shows that your thinking in that area has been shaped by the world and not Christ.
I’ve typed a response to this video, and other’s posts regarding it, several times since I watched the video yesterday. Each time, I’ve stopped before posting it because I didn’t quite convey my thoughts as accurately as I wanted to.
Thanks, Los, for posting it, and responding to the criticism so well. The fact that writers on the CRN blog referred to you as a “false prophet” prompted me to post my response. (I don’t think he’d know a “false prophet” if one knocked him on his rear…)
Why, as Christ-followers, are we debating the vehicle for delivering the Gospel? Very few people, in my 25 years of walking, and not-walking, my faith out, have I seen come to Christ after a full-fledged theological discourse by a Christian. Yes, the Gospel offends those who do not read and understand through the veil of faith in Christ, but that does not mean that Christians need to be offensive. True life change comes through love, the love you receive from a Christ-follower allows you to hear their message. It’s not the size of their vocabulary or their extensive memory for scripture that draws you in, it’s their ability to love you, and address your hurts.
Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not bashing those of you who’ve quoted scripture here, I’m thankful for your insights and personal interpretations of those scriptures.
Jacob says:
“If the church is the body of Jesus, then a true member of His body (Christians) won’t say they hate it. If they do, they’re not really Christians.”
I don’t disagree with the idea behind this statement, but I have to disagree with the verbiage. Hating “the church” that comes to mind in this century is different than hating the church as the body of Christ that the Gospel speaks of. “The church” as an institution continues to do horrible things in the name of Christ, and I can honestly say I “hate” that. (And yes, for those who’ve wondered about other posters and Chris Tse in previous posts, I have been burned by “the church.” I see that as completely different from being burned by the body of Christ.)
“Let’s understand that those who are in Christ produce fruit–they do not live in sin. Anyone who lives in sin as the guy on the video has described is not in Christ, and is NOT a Christian.”
To me, this statement smacks a little of casting the first stone… Yes, producing “fruit” is an important indicator of spiritual health, but who are we to judge someones rate of production? And truly, can anyone who’s participating in this discussion declare themselves free from living in sin? No, you can’t, we can only say we are doing our very best each and every day. Just because you fell back into your bad habit today, does not mean you have “lost” your Christianity, simply that you are a fallible, broken human being.
“The only person we should apologize to for the sin of sinners is God.”
Absolutely. Unfortunately, this is said, (and viewed on my part), through mouth and eyes that have the blessing of grace. Non-Christians struggle to differentiate the gap between Christ’s perfect love and the atrocities of “the church.” I think that Chris Tse was utilizing the gifts and skills he has been given, and the position that our God has placed him in to deliver his heart’s story. Maybe he has been burned, but why condemn him for it? It gives him a unique perspective and ability to communicate. A message that reaches someone’s heart is ordained by God, and after Tse’s message of love has piqued a non-Christians interest and opened their ears, maybe they’ll be better able to hear and understand the Gospel.
“I get the impression about apologizing for the sins of the “church” that we really just want unbelievers to like us. Let’s not be deceived. The world will hate us. And if they don’t, we’re probably not different enough.”
Jacob, you are correct. I am not different enough. I swear when I am frustrated, snap at my daughter more than I should, struggle to obey my husband and any other myriad of things that are not scriptural in nature. But my faith is in Christ, and I am reminded that His love for me is what saves me, not anything I do or do not do. That grace that I cannot comprehend allows me to repent each day, (or sometimes each minute!) and try again to be a beautiful reflection of Christ.
I think that we Christians have too much of an “us and them” view of the world. Yes, we are an exclusive club, but we are not called to act like one! Yes, “the world will hate us” but “the world” is not my unbelieving neighbor. “World” is a collective term, and Christ delivers a personal faith.
Broken is beautiful, and regardless of his perceived missteps, *f* bomb and all, Chris Tse’s raw brokeness will reach people. I can only hope that Christ will turn my own broken life into a path that lovingly, not legalistically, leads others to Him.
My theology is not perfect, but Christ’s love of me is absolutely perfect, and allows me to spill that love everyday onto my friends and neighbors who do not believe. His love, through me, is what transforms unbelievers into passionate followers of Christ.
So Los correct me if I am wrong but I did a “little” research on this guy and I believe he his not even a Christian. He is a poet. So for all of those people that are confusing the message because he cusses need to recognize that this guy is telling Christians how they have effected him and most of the world. He then goes on to tell “us” how to be relevant and not be those people that gave Christianity a bad name… I think it was Ghandi who said “I loke your Christ but your Christians do not act like your Christ”. Major words that are true on so many levels.
Stop looking at things as they effect you and start looking at them to grow you. Word’s are words and as a poet I think he uses the cuss word intentionally to make the impact…
IT WORKED…Well done Chris and Los.
I’ve been trying to find out a little more too.
Is this the guy:
http://tselikec.blogspot.com/
If it is, this Chris Tse is a Christian.
(He’s got the same big hair!
I know I’m late on jumping into the conversation, but I’ve been thinking. I usually need to think a lot before I talk. It’s better that way.
You know when someone apologizes to you, but then they follow it up with a “but” ? So they say something like, “I’m sorry I hurt you, but…” I think sometimes, even though there might be a “but” the best thing we can say is just “sorry.” It’s hard to do!
I think that’s what he’s trying to do in his poem, be a Christian who says “sorry” without the “but.” Simply “sorry” simply out of love.
I don’t understand the whining over the use of ‘coarse language’.
There are quite a few statements in the Bible that make use of phrases that could be considered vulgar. So, it can be appropriate when making a strong statement.
Consider the intent.
What offends me are people who don’t see the value in conversation and sincere consideration of the viewpoints of others who share their faith. No one is infallible; all of us are misguided in some way or another; no one completely understands it all.
But we can all learn something from each other.
kudos.
Jesus went after the 1, not the 99 [and he probably got scolded for leaving the flock behind]. yep…easy e-mail math in my book too.
Even though there were blips of true and agreeable statements doesn’t mean we should ascribe to this “message” as a whole. Paul, Peter, James, nor John ever apologized for being a Christian, and neither should we. Should we apologize for those who have acted ungodly beneath the banner of Christianity… of course. Should we apologize for being a Christian…never. Perhaps repentance would be a better choice. BTW, I will make mention of the ‘f’ word…INAPPROPRIATE and should be your first red flag…just saying.
Los I really liked the video, what saddins me is people on here focosed more on the two f bombs then the true messige, the thing I thought was most powerful nobody else comminted on, the part where he mentons talking about Gods love while hateing gays, & sadly I know mant that do it, I was going to a AG church for 6 years as a trasgendered person (didn’t know till this year i’m actully intersexed) & they had tentivly acsepted me as confused but when on the recomndation of a “friend” I said I was gay even though I didn’t beleve it but though it would make life easer I wasn’t asked why I had made that statement or counsled or anything I was proply kicked out 10 minent after entering the door before the service even started. sadly I have found more exseptice becuse I am a freak of nater then my brothers & sisters that are struggling within them selves who to love & just wanting love. that is truly why I have & still do hate to call myself a christion, that word means little christ & so few protray that me included, so for me I’ll call my self a scared, broken, inperfect, struggling alcalic, drugaccdict, christ foller that alot of the time chooses to run rather then follow
I’m sorry, you are not a Christian.
Um……. Now we are playing God are we?
That’s what the pharisees would say too.
What evidence do you have that he is? I have about 5 minutes showing he isn’t
Are you judging me? It sure seems like it
Carlos (not wanting to give you chills by calling you LosWhit),
The video is certainly thought-provoking but not particularly impressive to me, personally. Of course, I’ll be 40 this year, so that may have something to do with it.
The reason I choose to leave a comment is not becasue of the video itself, but because of the way some of the other comments themselves are being discussed.
My basic point is this: Just because I disagree with your point, even strongly with exclamation points and everything, does not mean that I am spewing hatred.
Rather than trying to psychoanalyze the intent of every strongly-worded post, I suggest we read them and digest them for what they are: opinions.
I love a good debate. I love a passionate debate even more. When it happens in Christian circles, it can be healthy and even mind-blowing. Please don’t shortchange it by trying to minimize another’s opinion by labeling it as “spewed-hatred”.
Not everyone will agree with you. Legitimately. Get over it.
KO
All of your energy going into that comment would have been good energy except for the fact that I never said disagreement with me is hateful venom.
I actually welcome disagreement as long as it’s do Ne in love.
To clarify…
After first paragraph, “you” and “your” is intended to be general in nature (as in “one”).
Not intended to be directed specifically at Carlos. Sorry for the confusion. It is okay to apologize, right?
KO
AHA. Makes sense.
What I think is funny, is that Jesus CONSTANTLY and INTENTIONALLY offended people… especially the Pharisees. How did he offend them? By doing things that the culture deemed “inappropriate” and “sin”. Why did he offend them?…to warn the people of being OVER-RELIGIOUS. I’m with Los…it’s all about reaching people for Jesus!
So if this same monologue had been delivered in a church, behind a pulpit, dressed appropriately, minus the laughter and f-bombs, would it be received differently.
Seriously?
I don’t know if the guy’s a “Christian”, “believer” or whatever label we want to use. That status is between He and God.
But, most of what was said, albeit painful to hear, is refreshingly honest.
Agreeing with an earlier commenter – “not everyone will agree with you.”
So true. So glad.
My dad, a pastor, taught me.
“You must learn to agree to disagree.”
AND
“It is possible to make everybody happy. You make some happy when you arrive, others happy while you’re there and the rest happy when you leave.”
“freaking” loved it.
Oh everybody settle down.
I love how a video is posted on here to discuss its content…but then it turns into a dialogue about how Los shouldn’t post it at the risk of it appearing he may be endorsing it.
Fail.
And while we’re on the subject of F bombs…let’s be honest. We don’t cringe equally when we’re in the privacy of our own homes hearing one drop on the R rated movie we just rented. U know it’s true.
About the subject at hand though…
The kid in the video kind of annoys me. I don’t know if he’s a Christ follower himself or what…but I don’t want to be like him, OR like the people he’s talking about.
I’m over the whole Christians suck at being Christians thing. But it’s the card we’re dealt with. So best I can do is worry about me myself and I. I like this:
Hebrews 12:14. “Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.”
I agree. Thanks for articulating what I couldn’t quite figure out how to put into words.
Not sure what to think. I think the stereotype he’s referring to is the one largely portrayed by the media because they are the ones that get the most attention. The message of Jesus is a blend of love and truth. And I’m afraid some in the church have not found that balance. They either zero in on truth so much that they forget love and grace. So they end up shouting at people. Or they focus on love so much they forget the truth of the Gospel (that will offend those who don’t believe). And apologize for the truth of God’s Word (the Bible). What I see the most in the church is Christians who don’t live what they believe (hypocrisy). They claim to know Christ but there is no difference in their lifestyles than those of non-Christians. Why would anyone want what you believe if your life doesn’t reflect some sort of life change? Just sayin’.
I’m sorry too!
As I have been reading through the comments on this blog, and I am saying this in love, we are once again coming to the point where we are fighting. How are non-Christians supposed to perceive this blog? It’s a bunch of Christians arguing with one another, sometimes in love, sometimes with disdain, about one man’s poem and his personal confession to Jesus. We can’t even put aside our own wants and needs long enough to love THIS MAN for where he is. All we do is nit-pick his sentences, tear apart his theology, and slam his word usage. Where is the love? We are called to love everyone where they are at, not if they fit into our agenda or theology. Interestingly enough, we are not the final judges. We are all sinners, we all screw-up. Just please come together in love, recognize the heart with which he meant to do this, and don’t condemn because you don’t agree. Let God be the judge and just love.
the talent is a little raw, but i like the heart behind it. i’ve felt the same way for a long time, but always found it hard to stand apart from “the pack.” how do i not betray my beliefs that homosexuality is not part of God’s design, yet love and care for gays? how do i mourn the loss of every aborted baby and still hug the 15yr old girls who chose (or maybe not) to abort?
this video reminded me that i need to do more to activity love, care for, and shelter the people that most “Christians” have abandoned. it’s not enough for me to just nod my head in agreement to a video poem, and secretly bash the people who don’t get it.
Couple of thoughts:
In Nehemiah around chapter 8 or 9 Israel repents for the sins of their forefathers. In other words, to some degree, they take responsibility for the sins of others that they might not offend God by continuing in those sins.
“I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung”,… “dung” – scatological language. Some say s**t would be the most accurate translation. At very least, strong language for the day.
There. Debate settled…kidding
Humility and at times, open, public recognition of sin is an important aspect of the gospel.
Chew and swallow.
I like it!
I hate when people look at you and condemn you for screaming at people who piss you off in some way or letting the occasional f-word slip.
I am not perfect but I’m forgiven.
I’m not sorry I’m a Christian. I am, however, very sorry for all the things that have been said and done in the name of Christianity that fly in the face of everything the Gospel is about. I’m sorry that so many use the title but do not let the truth change their lives. I’m sorry for the reputation we have allowed to pervade this culture that is utterly repellent to those who desperately need to encounter the love and grace of Jesus.
Watched it. First thought was ‘here we go again.’ No real beef with his points (most anyway), it’s just getting old. Seems like we’ve been saying we’re sorry for awhile now. Seems like there are plenty of books, blogs, and videos pointing out just how awful we are, why the Church should be ignored or abandoned, and all sorts of self-loathing Christian-speak. Yes, we’ve got warts. But isn’t the Church (and its people) the bride of Christ? Yet we (its people…its stewards) treat it like some sort of pinata. Sure, a few great conversations are opened up – praise God for that. But how many other non-Christians in the crowd or on YouTube just said “yep, those Christians…they’re screw ups and I want nothing to do with them or anything they believe.” That one is harder to nail down.
Shared these thoughts at Turner’s site but thought they may be useful for the discussion here.
Can we can appreciate his passion, and his desire to see authentic Christian living, and his call for us to examine our own sinful hearts, and his plea with us to replace judgment with love, while at the same time not neglecting these errors in judgment?
1. Failing to see confession as between man and God, or within Christian community for the sake of healing, and not something Christians do to the world.
2. Forgetting we are image bearers of Christ, carrying His standard, sometimes straying off path, being called back to the narrow road by our brothers and sisters, sustained on the journey by God’s grace, but never believing we honor Christ by lowering His banner in shame.
3. Believing (perhaps innocently) that we can apologize for the sins of others.
4. Neglecting Paul’s testimony that we are not ashamed of the gospel, because we know it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
5. Not acknowledging that it is God working in us when we work out (through our own sin) our salvation with fear and trembling.
6. Believing arms of compassion are necessarily better than voices of warning.
7. Making the Triune God of the Bible and the Monotheistic God of the Koran the same God.
8. Assuming Christians are responsible for our presents wars.
9. Assuming Jesus is sadly grieving His bride and asking her “where is the love” instead of acknowledging that God has put all things in subjection under the feet of Christ, in this age and the age to come.
10. Minimizing the fact that Jesus spent most of His time with His disciples, and He spent considerable time with His friends, and some Pharisees, while at the same time eating with sinners, talking with the marginalized, and healing the broken.
Reflection, examination, repentance, and confession are all worth our time. So is boldly and humbling declaring we are sinners saved by the grace of God, being transformed into Christ-likeness by the grace of God, desperate to see the world come to see and savor Jesus as its ultimate treasure, and longing to be with our Savior and King who rules even now over all things.
I don’t mean to be a downer; just wanted to encourage anyone who feels guilt or shame by what others have done in the name of Christ. God tells us there’s no condemnation for those of us in Christ Jesus, and I want to believe Him, even with the guilt I have from the darkness of my own heart. I’m not sure I want to add to that the guilt of others.
I dunno if you’re THE Chris Tomlinson or not, but it sure sounds like there’s a song in your comment.
Just sayin’.
I appreciate what he is doing here, but several times he stumbles on his words and seems to be going way to fast and tongue tying himself. Kind of sloppy.
To me it’s inspiring! A challenge to continue forging ahead to look more like the Jesus we fell in love with and less like the self-absorbed folks [we all are some or most of the time]. I’m sure he was genuinely apologizing for himself to.
BUT THE FANTASTIC NEWS to me is that we are in a very exciting time in the world. Every day more and more people are choosing to break through insecurities, fears and self-focus to rise up out of typical life, serve their cities, love people not-like themselves and give up much of their own needs/money/time/comforts to LIVE their faith OUT-LOUD!
If you ever felt like an isolated pioneer of christian faith lived out out, you just can’t say that anymore. Look around – these imperfect but inspiring people of faith are increasing in number…and the kind of christian he’s talking another person shy every day.
you can’t ignore your history. when you say you’re a christian, remember you are, in a way in peoples’ minds, part of the same things that people who profession christianity do or did. it’s called guilty by association.
When Jesus spoke the gospel he spoke in the ways of the people, in parables, stories maybe even poems.
Sadly most people can’t get past the language and that is quite sad. the language used in this video is the language of the world. If you aren’t used to hearing it, then maybe you aren’t getting out of your christian bubble. Correction: maybe if we aren’t used to hearing it, then maybe we aren’t gettting out of our christian bubble. I’m not agreeing with his choice of words but substituting freaking for the real f word is just the same thing. Once again, God looks not on the outward appearance or action but on the heart.
I find the commotion of the use of profanity to be quite interesting. Do we shy away from offensive language due to the fact that we are afraid to be forceful in our tone? Paul didn’t shy away from using profanity. He used it sparingly but he still used it. This video shows a sparing use of profanity to emphasize a point. As I study, I find that offensive language was used all over in Scripture.
Check out this article about Paul’s Profanity. It may ease some of the tension surrounding Chris Tse’s use of profanity in his poem.
http://thinkhebrew.wordpress.com/2010/02/19/pauls-profanity/
I had a different experience watching this than some of you, from the ’sound’ of these boards.
I took Chris’ repeated phrase “I’m sorry” to have a touch of irony to it — yes, I think he was genuinely offering his apologies for some Christians’ behavior and attitudes. But I also think he was saying it with a bit of defiance, as though talking to a crowd (which it appeared he was) that was potentially non-Christian, at least partly. This isn’t preaching to the proverbial choir.
It’s almost as though he was preempting the questions and criticisms he knew would come up from non-Christians or those turned off to/by “religion” so much that they’d equate any declarations of faith with negative associations they have built up — real or trumped up by the media, etc. — about Christianity as it seems to play out in a flawed world. It’s almost like he’s saying, in part, “yeah, I know what you’re going to say, and I’ll acknowledge x, y and z, but I’m still here declaring my faith, making myself vulnerable but standing my ground in front of you all the same.” The last “I’m sorry” came across to me as both genuinely contrite and genuinely defiant at the same time.
Lots and lots of people out there have very scary associations with what they believe to be Christianity, and I thought this was a bold way of cutting right to the quick — to the heart of how Chris himself expresses his love and understanding of Christ’s message — not turning a blind eye to those issues and concerns, real or imagined, that non-Christians might harbor while delivering a seriously powerful wallop of humility and love at the same time. Choked me right up, anyhow.
exactly. it was defiant. humble, and honest, and yet defiant. well put.
Oops — one more thing — I am, for the lack of a perhaps more accurate (?) term, a baby Christian who had strayed a looooong way off the path for many years, and part of why this video moved me was that Chris expressed very clearly what had turned me off, and some of my friends, to what we thought of as ‘Christianity’ (note: that’s different from what we perceived the message of Christ to be about, at least in my case).
So, to answer, as well as I am qualified to answer, for the “other side,” I think what he’s doing is very powerful.
Beautiful.
I think I would be more interested in a “I’m Sorry I’m a Democrat” poem.
Awesome!
In that venue, I think that was the most effective means of delivering the gospel to people with ears hardened by hearing the same things over and over again. Think of the one-on-one conversations Chris probably had with people after his performance. That’s where Truth in John 14 can flow best…through a relational context. Chris established himself as someone who listens and thinks and cares, which ironically,gives him an open invitation to speak into people’s lives.
I would not recommend a Chris Tse poem as the be-all-end-all tool for spreading the Message of Jesus. I’m guessing Chris wouldn’t either…but again, in that venue, Chris was being “…all things to all men so that by all possible means [he] might save some.”
What if…
What if we didn’t debate the language or the theology or the everything else and just, well, acted?
Los got three emails. I’m focusing on who I can reach and how I can love people.
That about as much horse crap as you can get in one pile.
I know Chris, and was surprised to see his name on my google reader feed. I am extremely proud to call him my friend, and I am glad that he has that courage to use his writing talents for God, and face the world in doing so. Good job Chris, I’m sure that God has great things in store for you as you follow His leading.
I take issue with this guy. I guess he has never made a wrong decision or acted in selfish ways. I guess he is the one guy that actually lives the life that Jesus wanted us to live.
All I see in this poem/speech is Luke 18:11. “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[1] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.”
I could never honestly recite anything like this because my sin is just a wicked and disgusting in the eyes of an infinitely holy God as the crusaders or “legalist abortion picketers”.
I want to apologize for this guy. I am sorry that this guy can grab a mic and apologize for other’s sin, when we all have the same root issue of self idolatry and self worship.
Apparently this guy has got it figured out.
Seth,
If this is the perspective you have (”Who is this guy to point out sin in the lives of others?”), it seems to suggest that no one but Jesus (the only sinless man) is good enough to offer you reproof or correction (I really hope that’s not the case). If this video left you feeling challenged and uncomfortable (as it did me), maybe you should probe a little more deeply as to why. But it’s far easier, faster, and requires less self-critical introspection to just call him a judgemental, self-righteous Pharisee.
(By the way, one could view your claim that “I could never honestly recite anything like this because my sin is just as wicked and disgusting in the eyes of an infinitely holy God as the crusaders or “legalist abortion picketers” as being self-righteous by your own argument.)
I see him as acknowledging sin in the church (his own sin most certainly among those he mentions) and apologizing for his active or passive complicity in it.
I enjoyed hearing that. We all need to take a look in the mirror every once in a while.
Philippians 3: 12-14 (Message bible) I ‘m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Is there wrong in the body of Christ? Yes, but lets focus on the real goal instead of pointing fingers and bringing up the past. So many people use the excuse that people are not coming to Christ for all the things the church does. The book of Acts ought to put that to rest. The christians did do right and were killed for it. Many people use the excuse of what “Church People Do” as an excuse to turn away from God.
Pastors, I call you to teach new covenant realities to your people. Get the heck out of Law and into Grace. The reason so many people are judgmental toward sinners is they do not understand that God judged sin in Christ! Because they do not know this, they become Judge over others. God hates sin, but loves the sinner so much he sent his son. Preach Christ, and nothing else.
Want to say one more thing. Judging is not wrong. God clearly reveals issues like abortion, homosexuality, murder is wrong. When we see these things you better make a righteous judgement about those issues. Wrong is wrong and its ok to state that fact. However, we must then present truth to these actions. God through Jesus has already forgiven you of these things. Repent. or turn from this type of life and come into a new life in Christ.
We must make righteous judgments every day. Its the heart attitude behind it. You better judge who you are hanging around with, who you let your daughter date ect, ect or you are opening up your life to disaster. Simply put, You better make a correct judgement when you step in front of a bus or you and Jesus are going to meet face to face! LOL
Some of the things this guy said was fair, but lets get on with life and quit bashing the church. You will be hated even if you are 100 percent perfect. There are some people who will never accept Christ.
As far as war? I spent 20 years in the Military and I always go to Ecclesiastes 3: verses 1, 3, and 8. You better be glad we had a military or America as we know it would not exist. There are evil people out there and we better protect ourselves against them. God gave us stewardship over this nation, defend it or lose it.
I’ve heard a four-fold mantra for authentic Christian manhood that goes like this:
1) Reject Passivity
2) Accept Responsibility
3) Lead Courageously
4) Invest Eternally
We, as Christians, need to reject passivity and call each other (fellow Christians) to accountability. Even those of us who may not do some of the things Chris was talking about far too often sit back passively and allow others to demonstrate a warped view of the Gospel. Rejecting passivity is about doing the right thing, even when the right thing is uncomfortable to do (it’s much easier to confront the ’sinners’ we don’t know than it is our Christian friends and neighbors!)
Accepting responsibility is about acknowledging our sins and our failures. Doing this helps us to maintain a sense of humility. We can’t get too proud of ourselves unless we being to forget what vile, horrible, sinful, and doomed creatures we are without Christ. That doesn’t mean I sit around all day and wallow in self-pity. After all, in God’s eyes, my transgressions are no longer counted against me. My sins are forgiven, but should never be forgotten.
It is only when we are rejecting passivity and accepting responsibility that we are truly able to lead courageously and invest eternally.
I think Chris was right-on with this poem in the way it confronts (among Christians) the questionable behaviors of many self-proclaimed believers (rejecting passivity) and apologizes (to non-Christians) for the behaviors most of us have been a party to at one time or another (accepting responsibility).
Several people have commented on the title of the poem. I am not sorry that I am a Christian either. However, while I was listening, I heard it more as “I’m sorry … I’m a Christian.”
I have never experienced such insightful Christianity in one so young. Every grain of what he says is true.
As to the “f” words he uses, as a composition minor myself in college, we use words to place emphasis. The words reflect and emphasize the point he wishes to make. Hypocrisy in the true church. Who of us has not, at one time or another, experienced it, seen it and even committed it? He does not “use the Lord’s name in vain” in his “swearing”. He uses socially objectionable language, not language that is prohibited by God.
I wish there were more people who truly saw what the “church” of today has become and cared enough to speak out about it – not against it – for, as in everything else, the goal is to bring them BACK to what Christ intended for “them”(the church) to be, not to judge them.
I thought he said, up on stage and in poem form, a lot of the things my husband and I have said to each other during our own private conversations about Christianity.
We are Christian, and for us that means we are followers of Christ. And Christ’s example was one of love. One of brotherhood. And, yes, one of Godliness.
But I think many Christians choose only the Godliness aspect {I have to be righteous and do what’s right and hold others to that standard, as well}, neglecting to remember that God’s greatest commandment for us is to love, as was Jesus’ main example.
So much of that gets lost in our judging/oppressing others, and it’s sad. How is that showing Jesus to those who don’t know him? Would they even want to know him if that’s the kind of God they think He is? What kind of light are we being? How dare we hate when God called us to love?