With more than 18 million views, the online spoken word video, “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus,” has generated many responses — additional spoken word videos like this one and even articles like this one from Busted Halo columnist, Phil Fox Rose. Debates and discussions about Jesus and religion aren’t new. They continue to be relevant as young adults seek greater understandings of Jesus, religion, and the Church. Watch “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus” with young adults and have a conversation about their understandings of Jesus and religion:

• What words, phrases, or ideas in this video do you identify with? What words, phrases, or ideas do you find challenging to hear?
• The man in the video, Jefferson Bethke, points to several examples of hypocrisies in the church. Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not? How might the Catholic Church, specifically, be a better witness to the teachings of Jesus through its actions?
• How would you explain the relationship between Jesus, religion, and the church to someone who might ask you about your faith?
• What’s your response to this video? (If you have time, ask young adults to write a short poem or a couple sentences as a response and share these with the group. If you’re leading the group, prepare one ahead of time to share.)