Anyone saying this guy isn't a Christian has clearly missed the point. He is a Christian, he is just a different type of Christian to you... he is the type who realises that the organised version of Christianity does the opposite of what Jesus preached.
No. You are wrong. How exactly does he show that he is a Christian at all? I don't think he does. By pretending to speak on their behalf? I haven't heard of any forms going around churches giving consent to him to speak for us. How does he exactly criticize "organized religion" and how does it juxtapose non-organized religion as far as his statements go? He literally just lists the things he doesn't like about Christianity or attributes them to it when there is no basis to do so.
I think he really knows what christianity is to many Christians. I think he is making a bold statement about the kind of Christian he does not want to be. Refuse to be an enemy-just love.
I think this is truly beautiful. A lot of other people in the comments seem to think that this man is talking about only one small set of Christians, but Christianity is like being white or cis or straight. It is laced with privilege so deep that many of us can't even begin to comprehend what it is like to grow up as a religious "other."
I see what you're saying, but I disagree. As I've said before in my own comment, I'm both a devout Christian, and a lesbian. I don't judge, I believe it's wrong, but it's got to be for both people. We've become much like the government today, where separation of church and state doesn't really seem to exist on either side. I'll use the same example I used in my own comment, but elaborate a little more. A friend of mine was sexually abused by her stepfather, who was a cop, and hates all cops as a result, and everyone supports her, because cops are bad guys now. But one of my teachers, when he was a child, was raped by a gay man, and thinks all gays are disgusting. Instead of being supported, he's written off as a raging homophobe and his story unheard. But hey, that's just my religious privilege talking, right?
ZombieDecimator You have real privilege though. Jesus is the real privilege, and not in a social justice definition of "privilege" but the privilege of love, grace, and mercy. I think you probably understand that well, though. :) Keep decimating those zombies, girl. You got this. :))
That was amazing!!! Simply amazing. He really gets how I feel. I am christian and I am sorry!! I don't go to church or read a bible. I don't do things most Christians do. But every night I pray to God to love and help all of us. Everyone in this world is different and we are all lovable. Thank You Chris Tse.
Couldn't agree more. I am the same-minded Christian as you. I'm not sorry I'm a Christian but I AM sorry for Christians like this. Blind to the truth, Christ is love. Forgiveness not Judgement. Read the Bible. Study Jesus's character.
Seriously, I don't know what the heck you guys think is poetry/literature. Ever heard about the word "irony"??? Yeah. I'm a christian, and I just freaking loved his poem. It's so accurate. I feel how he apologizes, but also makes an parody of how people generalize christianity. #Respect
The best part of this is that he IS a Christian. He admits to his own hypocrisy, and embraces the limits of his own paradigm, and the angle with which he sees the world. As a human being of any sort of belief system, that is the hardest thing to do. A lot of these comments assume that he's either a) attacking Christianity b) proclaiming some sort of atheist manifesto It's neither. It is what it is.
Thank you so much for this. Every time I run across a demonizing and negative Christian, I will come back to this video before responding to them. I will never be a Christian, this is true. I was raised as one and now I am atheist. I didn't start feeling so negatively about religion until after this happened, because now I could see just how manipulative, apathetic, and bigoted it could be. I had to get going off on them out of my system, and sometimes they can still provoke me to rail on them again, but all of that was because I felt and still can feel ostracized now that I am not "one of them"… And it was all basically saying "hey we are not so different and I am no less human than you are. Show me you can see that. Don't try to change me. I want to like you and also accept who you are, because I have friends and family I love who are Christian just like you." Thanks for this poem.
i love that i passed this video on to Carlos... he posted it on his blog and it went from 200 views to over 10,000!!! keep writing and going after God Chris!
this was beautiful and brought me to tears. Thank you to Chris for writing this and performing this...thank you to PoetrySlamVancouver for posting it and thanks to all who have spread it across the internet - It is an increadibly valuable message
Awesome! Praise God for your courage, bluntness and honesty! But...for Christians...it doesn't end there! We can confess till the Kingdom comes, but if that's all we do...we miss the point. History cannot be changed; we CAN be encouraged to reflect, repent, and strive to live a life that loves God and people more. This poem calls me back to checking my motives for doing everything I do as a Christian, and that's a good thing. Cause....in the end of it all..what's really important?
I'm a "christian", and I love this. my best friend is an atheist and we were talking about how I should make a video on behalf of all Christians to say "sorry", come to find that this guy already beat me to it! I will definitely be sharing this with my friend.
This guy nails it on the head. As an atheist, I respect anybody who is a Christian who is this brave to come out and say such things that are so accurate. Respect!
Oh, this made me cry! How brutally honest and honestly brutal and everything confessional and clear and harsh. Brilliant. And how did he memorize it all? This made me cry.
Man you are a great poet and completely right. I personally am not a christian, but I am sorry for everything Christianity has done. If we would only listen to the words and not the preachers we could be in a much better place.
He isn't bagging Christianity, he is baggng on the fake followers. Saying how they taint the name of God by using him as an excuse for hatred. The man is obviously a true christian and anyone who is angry at this and is christian, it is obviously because you are the type of christians he is talking about.
some of the other christians in this comments section need to get over themselves. if you think that jesus wouldn't agree with this man's point-- if you think that jesus's christianity included harsh judgment, condemnation, hypocrisy, and threatening people with hellfire and brimstone when they don't agree with you-- then you don't understand the point of christianity.
I'm a Christian and this was amazing. I don't understand why my religion condemns people to hell when the body means nothing and the spirit inside is what matter. Through love the world can change not through hate, so why don't people realize that. We have no idea what the people at the abortion clinics feel, and it's none our business why people love who they do because at least they are loving.
It is a daily struggle to be like Jesus and because it feels fruitless it is also a discouraging struggle. It's nice to hear other people struggle with it too.
This is a great poem! I love the way u look at the christian walk in so many different angles. Amazing. This really touched my heart and makes me want to be sure that I'm being all that Jesus wants me to be as a christian young woman. To God be the glory. Please keep speaking! =)
As a minister, I was shocked by hearing this, though not for the reason that most may think. I was shocked because there is so much truth in this poem. I'm even more shocked that some people would get so offended by his use of the dreaded "F" bomb that they miss the fact that this poem accurately describes most christians. Great job, Chris! Thanks for having the courage and ability to articulate some hard to swallow truths.
Amen, brother. Jesus touched the heart of this dichotomy in Luke 18:9-14: "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Paul also gets at the crux (cross) of this in 1 Corinthians when he tells us that...if we have not love...we are merely clanging cymbals. We, as Christians, are inclined to see ourselves as the heroes of the Bible. We like to identify with the flawed but ultimately celebrated characters like David, Solomon, Moses, Peter, Paul, Jonah, Elijah, etc. Probably, we'd ACTUALLY BE more like them if we were more willing to see ourselves akin to the ilk of the Pharisees, or as Ananias and Sapphira...or Pontius Pilate. Have we not ALL been weighed and found wanting? Are we not ALL spared our just recompense only by the grace of God?
Really loved the power and creativity. I wasn't sure if he was bashing or rebuking or just being as honest as he could with a lot of nonsense that spill out from us Christians. Jesus wants us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately we don't and our fallen flesh keeps on living after our souls get saved.
People who try to show others they are wrong in what they believe by insulting them are totally missing a moment other better understand and love of the other you could behaving instead of being stuck in your own selfish selves. This guys is being humble and saying sorry for his faults and the faults of others in a beautiful way. He is doing say his savior taught. Be humble and love. The meek will inherit the earth.
Ummm, "most Christians" You do understand that Christianity is the biggest religion out there. 2.18 billion Christians, about a third of the earth. And you want to say "most" are bad people? Yes, there are a lot in America. Especially where I live. But thank goodness my faith doesn't depend on a human being. Humans, no matter who it is or what they believe, they will fail you at some point. Just a fact of life. God doesn't.
Katie Slater Let me finish that last sentence for you : "exist". And as I see you think you know shit about chistianity and wanna talk about the amount of christians on the planet well then let's remember how this came to be .First of all, before, people didn'd have much of a choice ,either they'd become christians or they were killed , it went the same way in the lands the europeans colonized, they pushed chistianity down people's throaths like they didn't have their own culture or that culture or religion wasn't good enough.So it seems like history has reinforces my point. Get your facts.
Anyone who takes time to thoughtfully consider this can see that it's not only about christians, muslims or jews etc. Its about cops, corporations, whites, blacks, browns, governments, people, leaders, followers.... it's for those who are truly missing the mandate they should be living. it's not an attack on anyone, rather, a heartbroken lamentation for the loss of direction. he's using the christian religion as an easily understood example. A moving poem, thank you Chris :)
I love it! From start to finish... People, swearing isn't condemned in the bible. Taking the Lord's name in vain is. There's a big difference. I mean, we shouldn't throw around swear words because society has deemed them as inappropriate. "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall." But perhaps our sensitivity to harsh language is similar to the laws the Pharisees created way back then. Are we like them?
I mean I practice paganism... if you know what I mean then you should also know that some people find it uncomfortable talking about their spiritual practices with people they do not know.
I'm sorry but if you don't like to interact and share with people you don't know ,well then you're in the wrong place . I mean ,you wrote a comment on YT man ...
my comment was meant to say that as someone who typically does not respect christians because they typically do not read their own bible and thus follow blindly, actually has respect for this person. He is able to be educated in his own faith and understand that some of it is bullshit.
Drake Waters Christianity isn't "bull", human beings are. Faith isn't messed up, people are. He is pointing out all the people who don't follow what their faith preaches. I've read the whole Bible 3 times, and countless times out of order. Jesus preaches against the same people this person is. Sinning on Saturday and then judging other people on Sunday for their sins. We are not a perfect people. That's not what Christianity teaches.
It's so peacefull here at the church we go to we actually invite gays to come I'm christian and I'm proud and nobody can tell me different being christian is the best thing that as ever happen to me !!!!!
I really lyk this poem, its convicting &its sadly tru. We as christians seldom step up 2do the word of god to actually live it &truely walk lyk christ. most ppl just pick parts of the bible that they would lyk to live by &disregaurd the rest, not realizing that that's not the way Christ wants us to lead. thats not being a true christian, thats being a pretender. many should hear this poem &prayerfully step up &do wat we as christians were called to do &thats luv ALL ppl, Just as christ does.
Yo Chris. This. Was. AMAZING. Honestly, I had no idea of your talent until Kenya and now, it's just insane! Your poems and spoken word are so inspiring and I can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!! :)
I am a Christian, and sadly most of what he said is true. You must also under that every person that says their a Christian is not a Christian. So don't judge us christian by those whom falsely us the name for their hateful deeds.
Joshua Jackson Christianity is not something you can ban people from, or deny them for their actions. No one is perfect but you must love them all, to say one is not, cannot be a Christian for their actions will push them away from the god you believe in. Call family the sinners, the poor, and the hated, that's what your god would want. I'm sorry that you can't see this. If even you, who call yourself a Christian among frauds can even turn a blind eye to what you know is wrong, then truly all who call themselves Christians are not worthy of the heaven their god spoke of.
Cassie Wallisch I agree with Joshua Jackson on this as a fellow Christian and I don't say Christian to elevate my self above anyone because i'm no one... anyways, I thought i'd just explain what Josh meant. He says that these people who preach or live anything contrary to the teachings of Christ cannot be a Christian, because to be a Christian you have to be a follower of Christ hence 'CHRIST'ian. But I agree, we can't ban anyone from being a Christian but the fact of the matter is that you can deny someone for their actions for example, if I worked at McDonalds, you could call me a McDonalds employee but if I didn't follow the rules or regulations of the company, I could possibly be fired from my job... yes, no one is perfect and we should love everyone, but that doesn't mean encouraging their sin
It's more to discern than it is judging for me, because it allows me to spot which Christian teachers or Christians in general I can listen to... also, it only becomes hypocrisy if a person judges another person for swearing a lot and then later begins swearing themselves, I hope this helps you Cassie understand where I as a Christian am coming from. Thanks for your time also
Cassie Wallisch I do understand your point but I think you are confused about the terms Judge and Hypocrisy or Hypocrite. God Is The Provider made it very clear in his comments. If you have any further questions or would like me to clarify please ask.
Dear bfclex, Do you think that it is possible you missed the point? He is not saying that Christians are shamefully lesser that others. I got that he is beseeching forgiveness for our human behaviors which make the church appear less than Holy, turning nonbelievers off to the true meaning of Christ. We cannot hide our mistakes. Attempting to would be arrogant. Listen again! I fell painfully in love with every word!
I'm a christian. I don't know if Chris is? But I know he understands christianity and love alot more than most 'Christians' He has spoke what I have felt for years. But im no where near as eliquent as Chris to put what I feel into words. I do my best to act on how I feel, but I still suck as a christian (even after 8 years). It's not possible for us humans to ever be a great Christians. We all love sex, drugs and rock n' roll too much.
There are core elements of most religions I've seen that I understand. They make sense, I don't see any conflicts between them. I don't look at the differences, I look at the similarities.
2:45-2:52 chills and a tear. The poem in total represents the ambiguity and psychological juxtaposition christians must endure for their wholehearted believe in that which exists only in their minds, yet adversely affecting the world around them.
Moving, and I am a christian, and I agreeeeeee so much, on so many points. TO quote Ghandi... Oh, I don't reject your Christ. I love your Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ." SOmething to learn from....
this guy gets it. i'm an atheist (obviously), but this is the kind of theist I respect. someone who rises above the dogma and acknowledges the flaws, but stands by his ideals anyway.
Yes as Christians we mess up. We are not perfect in any way. You see we are saved by grace witch means no matter what we do ( right or wrong ) we can't earn or lose grace. You see it is freely given to us. So with that said I would like to encourage everyone to control the only thing you can control. YOUR ATTITUDE! Attitude controls altitude.
As far as the Ephesians verse goes "but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" according to the needs of this video I feel that the "Eff Word" as you may call it is more then neccessary in order to make is point about us Christians. You all who respond to his use of "the eff word" is proving his point of the entire poem. Do not judge this man because his sins are different than yours.
In all honesty he hope the 75% truth but me being a teen and trying to avoid hatred and judgement is not easy everywhere you go both left and right you will have people judging you about being a Christian ! If I make a mistake and do wrong the enemy is right there too judge me SMH yeah I'm living the life he was just talking about but he helped me realize it thankyou so much !! I've got some praying to doo!!!
there's so many legalistic people here saying commenting on the swearing, not the actual content. It just shows the heart of Christian's these days are focused on legalism not love.
I think the gross majority of the people commenting this are missing the point. The key is to not listen from a perspective, or point of view. You have to forget what your stance is on political issues, swearing, religion, etc., and just listen to what this man has to say. It's very eye opening from an objective point of view. Get rid of your stereotypes. Listen to him as you would listen to your friend. It seems to me that's the point he's trying to make.
This makes a LOT of sense. He's not bashing Christianity, but those who use Christianity as an excuse for their bad behavior .He's sorry that people see him as a Christian hypocrite (like a WBC member) instead of a TRUE follower of Christ. I feel the same way; people assume I look down on non-Christians, but I have friends with diverse religious views. I do my best to treat others the way I want to be treated, and I know I'm not perfect. I try to be the best person I can be. I'm sorry too.
Though I am unsure of his views on gays, and abortion this is a beautiful poem, take away the religious hate, bashing, stereotype and just listen, listen to what he is REALLY saying this is beautiful, this is true not in the literal sense though, you just have to listen take what you do from it but dont say this is worth anything less, dont say this is bad because you dont share the views, dont judge his on his judgements or you are exactly what you hate him for
@TheFeistyGirl He's showing passion and there's nothing wrong with that. I bet when Jesus first came to the rough, hardened, young fishermen disciples they all swore. I fully agree with you TheFeistyGirl. People shouldn’t judge him for using swear words… Because if you do, you’re just one of those ‘Christians’ he's talking about.
This can be taken two ways. If it's just a slam on Christians and Christianity, then it's of little worth. Any group could be taken down for not reaching all their aspirations. But I took it another way, as a powerful invitation to Christians to re-examine their lives, and re-connect the the Christianity that Christ taught. To purify ourselves of hate, and learn to live together in love. If THAT'S what Tse meant, I'm all for it.
I enjoyed this poem. I think the poem can stand for itself, Chris has the right to challenge his faith, to ask questions. I personally think it is sad that our country has more rigidity of class and more segregation in the pews than when we were founded. The poem does not promote hate or the use of the F-word. Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Reading the Bible-as if there was one Bible to read-sadly most Bible arguments I have had are the result of different text.
Anyone saying this guy isn't a Christian has clearly missed the point. He is a Christian, he is just a different type of Christian to you... he is the type who realises that the organised version of Christianity does the opposite of what Jesus preached.
No. You are wrong. How exactly does he show that he is a Christian at all? I don't think he does. By pretending to speak on their behalf? I haven't heard of any forms going around churches giving consent to him to speak for us. How does he exactly criticize "organized religion" and how does it juxtapose non-organized religion as far as his statements go? He literally just lists the things he doesn't like about Christianity or attributes them to it when there is no basis to do so.
StopFear you clearly didn't listen to his balanced riposte, so perhaps you'll listen to mine: Fuck off!
I think he really knows what christianity is to many Christians. I think he is making a bold statement about the kind of Christian he does not want to be. Refuse to be an enemy-just love.
I think this is truly beautiful. A lot of other people in the comments seem to think that this man is talking about only one small set of Christians, but Christianity is like being white or cis or straight. It is laced with privilege so deep that many of us can't even begin to comprehend what it is like to grow up as a religious "other."
Justina Kenyon Amen. The privilege of Jesus.
I see what you're saying, but I disagree. As I've said before in my own comment, I'm both a devout Christian, and a lesbian. I don't judge, I believe it's wrong, but it's got to be for both people. We've become much like the government today, where separation of church and state doesn't really seem to exist on either side. I'll use the same example I used in my own comment, but elaborate a little more. A friend of mine was sexually abused by her stepfather, who was a cop, and hates all cops as a result, and everyone supports her, because cops are bad guys now. But one of my teachers, when he was a child, was raped by a gay man, and thinks all gays are disgusting. Instead of being supported, he's written off as a raging homophobe and his story unheard. But hey, that's just my religious privilege talking, right?
ZombieDecimator You have real privilege though. Jesus is the real privilege, and not in a social justice definition of "privilege" but the privilege of love, grace, and mercy. I think you probably understand that well, though. :) Keep decimating those zombies, girl. You got this. :))
That was amazing!!! Simply amazing. He really gets how I feel. I am christian and I am sorry!! I don't go to church or read a bible. I don't do things most Christians do. But every night I pray to God to love and help all of us. Everyone in this world is different and we are all lovable.
Thank You Chris Tse.
Couldn't agree more. I am the same-minded Christian as you. I'm not sorry I'm a Christian but I AM sorry for Christians like this. Blind to the truth, Christ is love. Forgiveness not Judgement. Read the Bible. Study Jesus's character.
Seriously, I don't know what the heck you guys think is poetry/literature. Ever heard about the word "irony"??? Yeah.
I'm a christian, and I just freaking loved his poem. It's so accurate. I feel how he apologizes, but also makes an parody of how people generalize christianity. #Respect
Beatriz C. Pereira THANK YOU! very well said.
The best part of this is that he IS a Christian. He admits to his own hypocrisy, and embraces the limits of his own paradigm, and the angle with which he sees the world. As a human being of any sort of belief system, that is the hardest thing to do.
A lot of these comments assume that he's either
a) attacking Christianity
b) proclaiming some sort of atheist manifesto
It's neither. It is what it is.
Thank you so much for this. Every time I run across a demonizing and negative Christian, I will come back to this video before responding to them. I will never be a Christian, this is true. I was raised as one and now I am atheist. I didn't start feeling so negatively about religion until after this happened, because now I could see just how manipulative, apathetic, and bigoted it could be. I had to get going off on them out of my system, and sometimes they can still provoke me to rail on them again, but all of that was because I felt and still can feel ostracized now that I am not "one of them"… And it was all basically saying "hey we are not so different and I am no less human than you are. Show me you can see that. Don't try to change me. I want to like you and also accept who you are, because I have friends and family I love who are Christian just like you."
Thanks for this poem.
I didn't even realize he wrote/spoke this when I met him!! I havent seen this in so long wow he's still amazing
Nice. Thank god SOMEBODY said that.
i love that i passed this video on to Carlos... he posted it on his blog and it went from 200 views to over 10,000!!!
keep writing and going after God Chris!
this was beautiful and brought me to tears. Thank you to Chris for writing this and performing this...thank you to PoetrySlamVancouver for posting it and thanks to all who have spread it across the internet - It is an increadibly valuable message
"The building is not the Church, the Church is the people."
God must be so sad to look down and see so many people spewing condemnation in his name.
***** Are you from Westboro Baptist Church?
Awesome! Praise God for your courage, bluntness and honesty!
But...for Christians...it doesn't end there!
We can confess till the Kingdom comes, but if that's all we do...we miss the point. History cannot be changed; we CAN be encouraged to reflect, repent, and strive to live a life that loves God and people more. This poem calls me back to checking my motives for doing everything I do as a Christian, and that's a good thing. Cause....in the end of it all..what's really important?
I'm a "christian", and I love this. my best friend is an atheist and we were talking about how I should make a video on behalf of all Christians to say "sorry", come to find that this guy already beat me to it! I will definitely be sharing this with my friend.
This guy nails it on the head. As an atheist, I respect anybody who is a Christian who is this brave to come out and say such things that are so accurate. Respect!
Love it, so true! I was raised a Catholic and saw the light - now I'm an atheist!!!
Thank you Chris Tse. And thank you for uploading this
This video is my jam, It's really hard for a free thinking christian like myself to keep my faith, but this video helps me out alot, thank you Chris.
Some amazing poetry.
Oh, this made me cry! How brutally honest and honestly brutal and everything confessional and clear and harsh. Brilliant. And how did he memorize it all? This made me cry.
Man you are a great poet and completely right.
I personally am not a christian, but I am sorry for everything Christianity has done. If we would only listen to the words and not the preachers we could be in a much better place.
This was bomb as hell. I really liked his flow, words, everything! Good poem, man.
Thanks bro. This rocks. This is where we need to start if we want to have any hope to engage with our world again.
Love this. Shared it with all my FB friends. Church is out for the week my friends. Thanks Chris Tse.
I'm an Atheist and I'm sorry... Beautifully done. So true no matter your faith or lack of.
He isn't bagging Christianity, he is baggng on the fake followers. Saying how they taint the name of God by using him as an excuse for hatred. The man is obviously a true christian and anyone who is angry at this and is christian, it is obviously because you are the type of christians he is talking about.
some of the other christians in this comments section need to get over themselves. if you think that jesus wouldn't agree with this man's point-- if you think that jesus's christianity included harsh judgment, condemnation, hypocrisy, and threatening people with hellfire and brimstone when they don't agree with you-- then you don't understand the point of christianity.
***** It does say that but does not literally mean hate.
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH I WANT A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OMGGGG
+Keira Lecian searchingforenlightenment.blogspot.com/2010/04/chris-tse-im-sorry-im-christian.html
I'm a Christian and this was amazing. I don't understand why my religion condemns people to hell when the body means nothing and the spirit inside is what matter. Through love the world can change not through hate, so why don't people realize that. We have no idea what the people at the abortion clinics feel, and it's none our business why people love who they do because at least they are loving.
Now this is a message worth listening to, we all should feel inspired.
It is a daily struggle to be like Jesus and because it feels fruitless it is also a discouraging struggle. It's nice to hear other people struggle with it too.
This is a great poem! I love the way u look at the christian walk in so many different angles. Amazing. This really touched my heart and makes me want to be sure that I'm being all that Jesus wants me to be as a christian young woman. To God be the glory. Please keep speaking! =)
amazing.
Poetry snaps until my fingers fall off for this guy
As a minister, I was shocked by hearing this, though not for the reason that most may think. I was shocked because there is so much truth in this poem. I'm even more shocked that some people would get so offended by his use of the dreaded "F" bomb that they miss the fact that this poem accurately describes most christians. Great job, Chris! Thanks for having the courage and ability to articulate some hard to swallow truths.
Amen, brother. Jesus touched the heart of this dichotomy in Luke 18:9-14:
"He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Paul also gets at the crux (cross) of this in 1 Corinthians when he tells us that...if we have not love...we are merely clanging cymbals. We, as Christians, are inclined to see ourselves as the heroes of the Bible. We like to identify with the flawed but ultimately celebrated characters like David, Solomon, Moses, Peter, Paul, Jonah, Elijah, etc. Probably, we'd ACTUALLY BE more like them if we were more willing to see ourselves akin to the ilk of the Pharisees, or as Ananias and Sapphira...or Pontius Pilate. Have we not ALL been weighed and found wanting? Are we not ALL spared our just recompense only by the grace of God?
Really loved the power and creativity. I wasn't sure if he was bashing or rebuking or just being as honest as he could with a lot of nonsense that spill out from us Christians. Jesus wants us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately we don't and our fallen flesh keeps on living after our souls get saved.
People who try to show others they are wrong in what they believe by insulting them are totally missing a moment other better understand and love of the other you could behaving instead of being stuck in your own selfish selves. This guys is being humble and saying sorry for his faults and the faults of others in a beautiful way. He is doing say his savior taught. Be humble and love. The meek will inherit the earth.
And thank you for exemplifying his exact message.
This is deep, powerful and extremely well written. Kudos to Chris
The church is the people :) What a place to state that truth. Well written bro.
he was right in every word. that's exactly the history of christianity and the behavior of most chistians these days
Ummm, "most Christians" You do understand that Christianity is the biggest religion out there. 2.18 billion Christians, about a third of the earth. And you want to say "most" are bad people? Yes, there are a lot in America. Especially where I live. But thank goodness my faith doesn't depend on a human being. Humans, no matter who it is or what they believe, they will fail you at some point. Just a fact of life. God doesn't.
Katie Slater Let me finish that last sentence for you : "exist". And as I see you think you know shit about chistianity and wanna talk about the amount of christians on the planet well then let's remember how this came to be .First of all, before, people didn'd have much of a choice ,either they'd become christians or they were killed , it went the same way in the lands the europeans colonized, they pushed chistianity down people's throaths like they didn't have their own culture or that culture or religion wasn't good enough.So it seems like history has reinforces my point. Get your facts.
Anyone who takes time to thoughtfully consider this can see that it's not only about christians, muslims or jews etc. Its about cops, corporations, whites, blacks, browns, governments, people, leaders, followers.... it's for those who are truly missing the mandate they should be living. it's not an attack on anyone, rather, a heartbroken lamentation for the loss of direction. he's using the christian religion as an easily understood example.
A moving poem, thank you Chris :)
Fabulous poetry, well delivered!! . . .
I love it! From start to finish...
People, swearing isn't condemned in the bible. Taking the Lord's name in vain is. There's a big difference. I mean, we shouldn't throw around swear words because society has deemed them as inappropriate. "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall."
But perhaps our sensitivity to harsh language is similar to the laws the Pharisees created way back then. Are we like them?
This beautiful and a lesson to anyone of any faith to think about
As a pagan, I really respect this person for understanding his own faith.
What exactly do you mean by pagan ?
I mean I practice paganism... if you know what I mean then you should also know that some people find it uncomfortable talking about their spiritual practices with people they do not know.
I'm sorry but if you don't like to interact and share with people you don't know ,well then you're in the wrong place . I mean ,you wrote a comment on YT man ...
my comment was meant to say that as someone who typically does not respect christians because they typically do not read their own bible and thus follow blindly, actually has respect for this person. He is able to be educated in his own faith and understand that some of it is bullshit.
Drake Waters Christianity isn't "bull", human beings are. Faith isn't messed up, people are. He is pointing out all the people who don't follow what their faith preaches. I've read the whole Bible 3 times, and countless times out of order. Jesus preaches against the same people this person is. Sinning on Saturday and then judging other people on Sunday for their sins. We are not a perfect people. That's not what Christianity teaches.
It's so peacefull here at the church we go to we actually invite gays to come I'm christian and I'm proud and nobody can tell me different being christian is the best thing that as ever happen to me !!!!!
I really lyk this poem, its convicting &its sadly tru. We as christians seldom step up 2do the word of god to actually live it &truely walk lyk christ. most ppl just pick parts of the bible that they would lyk to live by &disregaurd the rest, not realizing that that's not the way Christ wants us to lead. thats not being a true christian, thats being a pretender. many should hear this poem &prayerfully step up &do wat we as christians were called to do &thats luv ALL ppl, Just as christ does.
Yo Chris. This. Was. AMAZING. Honestly, I had no idea of your talent until Kenya and now, it's just insane! Your poems and spoken word are so inspiring and I can't wait to hear more!!!!!!!! :)
I am a Christian, and sadly most of what he said is true. You must also under that every person that says their a Christian is not a Christian. So don't judge us christian by those whom falsely us the name for their hateful deeds.
Joshua Jackson Christianity is not something you can ban people from, or deny them for their actions. No one is perfect but you must love them all, to say one is not, cannot be a Christian for their actions will push them away from the god you believe in. Call family the sinners, the poor, and the hated, that's what your god would want. I'm sorry that you can't see this. If even you, who call yourself a Christian among frauds can even turn a blind eye to what you know is wrong, then truly all who call themselves Christians are not worthy of the heaven their god spoke of.
Cassie Wallisch I agree with Joshua Jackson on this as a fellow Christian and I don't say Christian to elevate my self above anyone because i'm no one... anyways, I thought i'd just explain what Josh meant. He says that these people who preach or live anything contrary to the teachings of Christ cannot be a Christian, because to be a Christian you have to be a follower of Christ hence 'CHRIST'ian. But I agree, we can't ban anyone from being a Christian but the fact of the matter is that you can deny someone for their actions for example, if I worked at McDonalds, you could call me a McDonalds employee but if I didn't follow the rules or regulations of the company, I could possibly be fired from my job... yes, no one is perfect and we should love everyone, but that doesn't mean encouraging their sin
God Is The Provider I guess it's just a difference in philosophy, personally I see it as the ultimate in hypocrisy for a Christian to judge another.
It's more to discern than it is judging for me, because it allows me to spot which Christian teachers or Christians in general I can listen to... also, it only becomes hypocrisy if a person judges another person for swearing a lot and then later begins swearing themselves, I hope this helps you Cassie understand where I as a Christian am coming from. Thanks for your time also
Cassie Wallisch I do understand your point but I think you are confused about the terms Judge and Hypocrisy or Hypocrite. God Is The Provider made it very clear in his comments. If you have any further questions or would like me to clarify please ask.
*applauds* Don't be sorry, Chris. You're not one of the haters, and we all know it.
Dear bfclex, Do you think that it is possible you missed the point? He is not saying that Christians are shamefully lesser that others. I got that he is beseeching forgiveness for our human behaviors which make the church appear less than Holy, turning nonbelievers off to the true meaning of Christ. We cannot hide our mistakes. Attempting to would be arrogant. Listen again! I fell painfully in love with every word!
this is beautiful
thank you chris!
A profound message of hope, and all people can do is spew hate in the comments. You people should all be ashamed of yourselves.
I'm a christian. I don't know if Chris is? But I know he understands christianity and love alot more than most 'Christians' He has spoke what I have felt for years. But im no where near as eliquent as Chris to put what I feel into words. I do my best to act on how I feel, but I still suck as a christian (even after 8 years). It's not possible for us humans to ever be a great Christians. We all love sex, drugs and rock n' roll too much.
There are core elements of most religions I've seen that I understand. They make sense, I don't see any conflicts between them. I don't look at the differences, I look at the similarities.
This moved me to tears, for some reason. Good job! :)
I did not see this coming, what a masterpiece!
Definitely my favourite spoken word
It's funny that people are judging him - go back and listen to the first paragraph of his poem!!! haha!
2:45-2:52 chills and a tear. The poem in total represents the ambiguity and psychological juxtaposition christians must endure for their wholehearted believe in that which exists only in their minds, yet adversely affecting the world around them.
love the use of poetic devices and paradoxical theme of mixed views of christian faith. it really touched me
Oh My. Chris Tse, I love this poem. So good with words.
It's really interesting to me, reading the comments and seeing how many people take this the wrong way
Moving, and I am a christian, and I agreeeeeee so much, on so many points.
TO quote Ghandi... Oh, I don't reject your Christ. I love your Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ."
SOmething to learn from....
this guy gets it. i'm an atheist (obviously), but this is the kind of theist I respect. someone who rises above the dogma and acknowledges the flaws, but stands by his ideals anyway.
Brilliant! Love this. Anyone else liking this might be interested in listening to Shane Claiborne.
Yes as Christians we mess up. We are not perfect in any way. You see we are saved by grace witch means no matter what we do ( right or wrong ) we can't earn or lose grace. You see it is freely given to us.
So with that said I would like to encourage everyone to control the only thing you can control. YOUR ATTITUDE! Attitude controls altitude.
As far as the Ephesians verse goes "but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" according to the needs of this video I feel that the "Eff Word" as you may call it is more then neccessary in order to make is point about us Christians. You all who respond to his use of "the eff word" is proving his point of the entire poem.
Do not judge this man because his sins are different than yours.
I loved this poem. Amazing.
im truly blown away by this
awesome man. very well done, might need to get you to come to Buckhead church.
Okay.... SOOooooo besides all the cursing this spoken word was legit. It spoke truth.
Tabithia Holman ALL the cursing? He said "FUCK" twice. TWICE.
Fantastic writing. Well done.
In all honesty he hope the 75% truth but me being a teen and trying to avoid hatred and judgement is not easy everywhere you go both left and right you will have people judging you about being a Christian ! If I make a mistake and do wrong the enemy is right there too judge me SMH yeah I'm living the life he was just talking about but he helped me realize it thankyou so much !! I've got some praying to doo!!!
Niiccee! So true! So true! And, I'm a Christian too.
So True!
there's so many legalistic people here saying commenting on the swearing, not the actual content. It just shows the heart of Christian's these days are focused on legalism not love.
can I find lyrics to this anywhere?
Me too Chris Tse... me too! This is beautiful!
This was beautiful.
I love this poem!!
This message was approved by Jesus
i really like your poem
I think the gross majority of the people commenting this are missing the point. The key is to not listen from a perspective, or point of view. You have to forget what your stance is on political issues, swearing, religion, etc., and just listen to what this man has to say. It's very eye opening from an objective point of view.
Get rid of your stereotypes. Listen to him as you would listen to your friend. It seems to me that's the point he's trying to make.
This makes a LOT of sense. He's not bashing Christianity, but those who use Christianity as an excuse for their bad behavior .He's sorry that people see him as a Christian hypocrite (like a WBC member) instead of a TRUE follower of Christ. I feel the same way; people assume I look down on non-Christians, but I have friends with diverse religious views. I do my best to treat others the way I want to be treated, and I know I'm not perfect. I try to be the best person I can be. I'm sorry too.
This is amazing!
The truth. Chris Tse is a artistic genius among us.
Absolutely awesome!
This. Is. Amazing.
Holy hell.
Though I am unsure of his views on gays, and abortion
this is a beautiful poem, take away the religious hate, bashing, stereotype and just listen, listen to what he is REALLY saying
this is beautiful,
this is true not in the literal sense though, you just have to listen
take what you do from it but dont say this is worth anything less, dont say this is bad because you dont share the views,
dont judge his on his judgements or you are exactly what you hate him for
@TheFeistyGirl He's showing passion and there's nothing wrong with that. I bet when Jesus first came to the rough, hardened, young fishermen disciples they all swore. I fully agree with you TheFeistyGirl. People shouldn’t judge him for using swear words… Because if you do, you’re just one of those ‘Christians’ he's talking about.
Also, I wish that I could show this to my church.
Really really brilliant!
dang that was good! Gave me chills...
This can be taken two ways. If it's just a slam on Christians and Christianity, then it's of little worth. Any group could be taken down for not reaching all their aspirations.
But I took it another way, as a powerful invitation to Christians to re-examine their lives, and re-connect the the Christianity that Christ taught. To purify ourselves of hate, and learn to live together in love. If THAT'S what Tse meant, I'm all for it.
I enjoyed this poem. I think the poem can stand for itself, Chris has the right to challenge his faith, to ask questions. I personally think it is sad that our country has more rigidity of class and more segregation in the pews than when we were founded. The poem does not promote hate or the use of the F-word.
Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Reading the Bible-as if there was one Bible to read-sadly most Bible arguments I have had are the result of different text.
this would be amazing to get the words to this poem