Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder - and Being Good Enough

This has been a great lead into Easter. Jefferson Bethke is writing from a view point only a person who has been given and recognizes a second chance. His youthfulness in his writing brought me back to when I first believed. The enthusiasm and the knowledge pouring out from this writing is contagious. It refreshes the heart and mind and reminds us why we are Gods people. I would suggest this book for everyone. Especially Teenagers and Young Adults, those who are unhappy with their Church and those in Leadership positions. There is something for everyone.

God's outrageous grace is certainly the name of the game! A revelation of His grace is a dive into LIBERTY! Freedom in Christ. I would encourage the author to take it a step further in that God is superior to our wills and He is quite capable of bringing all of creation, including mankind back to Himself. Look at Nebuchadnezzar, Jonah and Paul to name a few examples. Jesus's blood has redeemed us ALL!.....past, present and future beings.

This book is amazing. My generation would greatly benefit in reading this; it definitely makes you step back and look at religion as it's taught to us, so differently. I had to read this for a comparative arts class and I'm glad my professor introduced me to this book!

This book is written from a perspective that is real and not canned. The book is very challenging and causes a great deal of personal introspection. As you read this book you will feel you are talking to a friend rather than just reading from an author. The best thing about it is it comes from a normal everyday person rather than a religious author not in touch with the common everyday person.

Honestly, this a book I needed to get myself back in line with the Christian faith. Bethke has a good approach to the bible, something I've never considered. I enjoyed how personal he got. Being transparent without being judged is something that I always yearned for but could never get in my particular community. His book helped understand that it is very possible.

I've really enjoyed this book. It challenged me to break out of some religious traditions or norms that aren't exactly helping my relationship with God. It makes you think and challenge why you do what you do- in a good way. I highly recommend it!

I just happened to start readonf rhis book a long side trying to read the entire bible cover to cover. Trying to know for myself the words of Jesus Christ instead of just the few verses told to ud in church. I am only a few chapters in but I already love it!! I share this link with anyone and everyone. This book puts sooo much into the right perspective while at the same time breaking down points in the bible I never quite understood. Jefferson obviously has been put in a postion to spread Jesus word through his own experiences and you will never regret taking the time to read this.

Great book, gives great insight. I love Jeff's way of putting things into perspective and viewing things in a different way. He doesn't just preach or tell you what you need to believe, he uses events in his life as examples as inspiration toward explaining his beliefs. As someone in my 20's myself he is relatable in so many ways. I honestly related to him which really helped my understanding of religion better and really helped me get back into my faith.

Finally a book that points the right way; Jesus! This is so straight and to the point it's scary. I can honestly say that at no point did I think the author had the intention of writing a best-seller or a collection of quotes he wants someone smart to 'retweet' just because it's inspiring. This book explains what's important and gives great guidance to get there and do it. I thought this book would change the way I think but instead it changed the way I love, live and see Jesus. I feel like I understand the world He gave me and the people He blessed me with a little better as well.

Absolutely honest and true!

Not only will I recommend this book to anyone but will offer to buy it for them if necessary.

Great, easy read. Our Bible study group chose this as a group study, and it's relevant for that format. The concepts were a great challenge to live as Christ lived, reminding the audience that he was scandalous when he walked the earth.

Jefferson Bethke inspires me. This is a great book to remind us all that we are children of God even thought we're not perfect. The examples of scripture he uses accompany the topic perfectly. As soon as I was done with the book I wanted to read it again. I recommend getting the audio book, because Jefferson is the narrator.

I bought this book because I love Jefferson's spoken word videos. I started reading his book and thought it was too pedantic--nothing much to chew on--but I was determined to keep reading (I think that if a book isn't great, stop reading -- there are too many good books to waste time on an average one). As you've guessed, I got pulled in deeper and deeper because of his views on so many important issues. I found myself saying over and over again, "yeah, that makes sense", and "he thinks with his heart AND his head, I like that". There are times where he put to words things that I have felt and believed but couldn't quite explain why. I grew up in a very conservative, religious environment, Jefferson helped strip away that environment and expose the true meaning of the gospel. I love the freedom that brings. My pastor always says the Gospel is "Jesus plus Nothing". That's exactly what Jefferson does here, no additives, no preservatives. Thank you, Jefferson Bethke.

Jefferson Bethke is a fresh and insightful voice into the teachings of Jesus vs. the distorted -- and dangerous -- teachings of 'Religion'.

Hypocrisy, self-righteousness, fundamentalism, and judgment are increasingly, agonizingly used to preach Christianity, yet they are taking away from what Jesus was all about: love.

Jeff's own personal stories of coming to Jesus, faking it, falling out of believing, feeling lost, and returning to an all-encompassing devotion to Jesus, offer a raw and direct honesty to the journey of living the Gospel.

It is not easy, and it is not pretty, but it is so worth it.

I'm buying copies for ALL my friends and family.

This book is a realistic, current, and relevant look into what it means to be a Christian. For some time now, I've been feeling like the image of God and Jesus that I've been getting since I was a kid is not accurate. This book has helped me better understand concepts I already had, and it introduced new ideas that I had never thought about bringing me closer to the real Jesus. Jeff paints a picture of a God that doesn't see the filth on us but rather looks at us as his beautiful children. While religion looks for people to clean up their lives and come to Jesus, he wants you to come to him, dirty as you are, so that he can clean you up!!!

This book is so thought-provoking and challenging in the best way. Jeff has truly got a gift and God speaks through him to me so often. I would recommend this book to anyone, no matter where they are in their walk with Christ or even if they feel uncertain about what they believe.

Jeff Bethke seems to be describing my journey in faith, out of just trying to do the right things, comparing which religion is most correct, always living in guilt and fear. I have been "driven" back to searching the writings of those who have walked with Jesus to see how He taught and behaved.

Jefferson Bethke writes with faith, passion, information and persuasion. As a young writer, he is "alive" with his insights and expressions ... but not in a sloppy or sentimental way. He writes with conviction, and he challenges believers, seekers, skeptics and doubters to come to grips with the difference between personal relationships and bland religiosity. This is timely, easily read, and worth your effort and money.

I started following Jefferson after his popular YouTube video. He is a very powerful speaker because he speaks truthfully, from the heart with courage. The book tells his story and has some very powerful messages.

Jefferson's youth shows through in a few passages but that is probably helpful in relating to younger readers. He is successful in his mission to bring readers closer to Jesus.

Honestly, I'm 40 and had more or less dismissed Jesus in my life because of much of what he talks about with modern religion. He has drawn me closer to Him. Jefferson, thank you for that.

Jefferson, if you are reading this, keep up the good work!!. Be careful though, you are reaching a lot of people and with that you carry a great responsibility.

I have struggled so much with having to do exactly what religion tells me to do, Forcing myself not to cuss, or Forcing myself to try not to fear. This book gets to Jesus, Just love Jesus, Just focus on him and everything will fall into place. It is so simple and so powerful and such an amazing tool!

Beautifully honest and written in a way that Jesus would have liked his word to be revealed: simply as it! (No 'making it safe', no disguises). Loved the depiction of what a church community should look like, diverse people (not one of the same kind) united because of God's love. Also, loved the YouTube clip of his heartfelt and riveting poem!

Beautifully written and life changing. The author did an amazing job illustrating Jesus’s purpose for walking this earth. I felt so much peace in my soul after reading the first couple chapters. I’m absolutely enjoying this book. Highly recommended.

Jefferson bethke is a creative young artist who I've found a great interest in. He speaks the truth about Jesus and that's what I love. He has some great videos on YouTube as well. His videos are great if you're trying to find your place in this world, or if you need helping understanding the creator. I have his wife's book and she is a great writer ad well.

I love the raw realness of this piece. Jeff captures the scandal behind Jesus and His unending grace and crazy-beautiful steadfast love. When you come to the understanding of who Jesus is and experience His love, it's hard to put into words; and Jeff has done so, beautifully! He has inspired me to write my story down and share it with the world in hopes to bring even just one person closer to Jesus and full restoration. If you want to begin healing... Then dive in! You won't regret it!!! Thanks be to God in all His glory!!!

This a clear and realistic explanation of how religion often stands in the way of true relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. Why that relationship is so superior to anything else we treasure in this life and how to pursue it is the theme of this book. It is wonderful!

I related to many of Jeff's testimonies and trials. He explains the liberty believers have in Christ. To be Spirit lead through our liberties and not to see God as holding a rod in every aspect of our lives. Great book and easily understandable.

This book is incredible. Bethke is knowledgeable but also understanding. I love how he adds a lot of his personal experience into the book. It helps his readers understand that they're not alone. Great book! I highly recommend it!

I so appreciated Jeffersons vulnerability to be open and real about his life and own experiences - I could relate to his struggles and questions, and also to his experiences of God's amazing, ferocious Grace. His depiction of Jesus is spot on with scripture - Jesus was radical and when we're truly sold out to Him, He changes us and we do discover that He is so much better than trying harder or doing more - He's Greater than anything we could ever imagine.

This is a very interesting approach and so very true in many ways. I do not completely agree with everything that he says, however. It is valuable as it makes one think about the effectiveness of the church in communicating the truth of the Gospel.

If you are interested in learning what Jesus is all about and how he differs from the "religion" of today, then you will really enjoy this book. Bethke knows what he's talking about and this book is perfect for a generation that doesn't like church. It gives the answer to WHY Christianity believes what it believes. So, if you are starting to consider learning more about who Jesus is, or if you are already a believer and just want a breath of fresh air, get this book. It will not disappoint.

Loved this book! Really calls some things out and holds nothing back. Made me take a step back and think about things I have been taught or even done myself. I also loved how much it spoke of Jesus love and pursuit of us. "At every single wedding, Jesus is pulling back the curtain on eternity and whispering, 'That's me and you!'" LOVE LOVE LOVE that was the best sentence in the book (to me). It spoke such love pure, no boundaries, powerful love that Jesus has for us..how amazing is that? I recomend this book to everyone!

Jefferson Bethke is a "Millennial Generation" person with an amazing insight into the life and teachings of Christ that can give others his age something to think about. He is honest and forthright in his story of how he came to the conclusion that Jesus is just as relevant for today as He was 2000 years ago. This is a "must read" for young people who are searching for answers about their faith.

This book shows the true reality of Jesus, Jefferson showed me that Jesus is not religious. And that he shows us that Jesus wants us to follow Him and wants a relationship with Him. He is much more then what religious people say he is :)

Words cannot describe how incredible challenging, convicting, yet beautifully encouraging "Jesus > Religion" is. So many of my questions have been answered, but the book also brought up a lot of other good questions that stretched me. My faith has been made stronger through this book and I'm already in the process of reading it a second time! Jefferson really dives into why we should completely love others and how God views us as his children. There is hope and victory through Jesus and I really hope that those who read it will realize this!

Loved this book! Really calls some things out and holds nothing back. Made me take a step back and think about things I have been taught or even done myself. I also loved how much it spoke of Jesus love and pursuit of us. "At every single wedding, Jesus is pulling back the curtain on eternity and whispering, 'That's me and you!'" LOVE LOVE LOVE that was the best sentence in the book (to me). It spoke such love pure, no boundaries, powerful love that Jesus has for us..how amazing is that? I recomend this book to everyone!

Jefferson Bethke is a "Millennial Generation" person with an amazing insight into the life and teachings of Christ that can give others his age something to think about. He is honest and forthright in his story of how he came to the conclusion that Jesus is just as relevant for today as He was 2000 years ago. This is a "must read" for young people who are searching for answers about their faith.

This book shows the true reality of Jesus, Jefferson showed me that Jesus is not religious. And that he shows us that Jesus wants us to follow Him and wants a relationship with Him. He is much more then what religious people say he is :)

Words cannot describe how incredible challenging, convicting, yet beautifully encouraging "Jesus > Religion" is. So many of my questions have been answered, but the book also brought up a lot of other good questions that stretched me. My faith has been made stronger through this book and I'm already in the process of reading it a second time! Jefferson really dives into why we should completely love others and how God views us as his children. There is hope and victory through Jesus and I really hope that those who read it will realize this!

Jefferson Bethke has experienced God's grace so profoundly that God couldn't help but use him in this generation. I have had the opportunity to converse with Jeff a couple of times and have been impressed with his humility through his explosion of popularity. Based off of his spoken word poem, "Why I hate Religion, but love Jesus" this book is an in-depth look into his life and heart behind the writing of the poem. It reads more like a conversation than an exposition of scripture. While it is beneficial to all, I think this book can impact the younger generation due to his ability to relate given his age and methods of communication. The title gives off the premise of the book, of coarse, but here are a few highlights of the book:

He points to the real Jesus.

He starts off in the right place, with Jesus. It would be difficult to explain why Jesus was greater than religion if we didn't have a proper understanding of who the real Jesus is. He explains how, as a kid growing up, he developed "the religion of moralism dressed in Christian clothes" and contrasts this with the truth of scripture of who Jesus really is. In his words, "The Jesus of the Bible is a radical man with a radical message, changing peoples lives in a radical way." And of religion he states, "what one must do, or behave like, in order to gain right standing with God" "Religion says do. Jesus says done" and "Religion is pursuing God by our moral efforts. Jesus is God pursuing us despite our moral efforts."

He invites us all to drop our religious tendencies and embrace Jesus.

We are all prone to add our own moralism to God's word. But no matter where you're at in life, Jesus has grace for you. Jeff reminds us throughout the book this truth: "No matter how we come to Jesus-whether we are coming to him for the first time or finding our way back to him after faking it, or even if we have tried to be righteous by adding our own rules to the Bible-we are all in need of his grace and truth."

He finishes by pointing out what the church really is.

The church is not a building or a "museum for good people." Jeff explains on a very practical level that the church is the people of God, the body of Jesus. Here are a few quotes: "the church [is not] a place to act good but a place to drop the act," "The church is a place to be transparent and vulnerable," "...a place where his children could be healed."

For a 23-year-old writer who's not a pastor and doesn't have a seminary degree, this book is packed with truth and wisdom. I believe his writing will only continue to improve as he grows in Christ.

God Bless!
It's all about Jesus.

Jeff’s point of view on things seriously made me reconsider a lot of what I assumed about Christianity and the church. It’s all Jesus, it’s always been Jesus. We just can’t get it in our heads that we don’t have to do anything.

Thank you for putting this one together. This is the kind of book that is badly needed. We need to think more about the who and not so much about the how of religion. Nicely done. Would enjoy more of this type of book.

A great first book for Jefferson Bethke. It reminded me of Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz. The book had a great Voice to it that made it reflective of his personality. At times I felt that he was repetitive, but nonetheless as a Christian, I admire his passion. I personally learned a lot that I did not know before. I was reminded of foundational principals of Christianity that I had forgotten. This book was refreshing and a wonderful reminder of how awesome my journey with Jesus really is!