Althouse: "I think that people, as soon as they start hearing me saying I’m a Christian, they’re like, 'Whoa Justin, back up, take a step back.'"

October 1, 2015

"I think that people, as soon as they start hearing me saying I’m a Christian, they’re like, 'Whoa Justin, back up, take a step back.'"

"Also, I do not want to shove this down anyone’s throat. I just wanna honestly live like Jesus. Not be Jesus—I could never—I don’t want that to come across weird. He created a pretty awesome template of how to love people and how to be gracious and kind. If you believe it, he died for our sins. Sometimes when I don’t feel like doing something, but I know it’s right, I remember, I’m pretty sure Jesus didn’t feel like going to the cross and dying so that we don’t have to feel what we should have to feel. What Jesus did when he came to the cross was basically say, ‘You don’t have to feel any of that stuff.’ We could take out all of our insecurities, we could take away all of the hurt, all the pain, all the fear, all the trauma. That doesn’t need to be there. So all this healing that you’re trying to do, it’s unnecessary. We have the greatest healer of all and his name is Jesus Christ. And he really heals. This is it. It’s time that we all share our voice. Whatever you believe. Share it. I’m at a point where I’m not going to hold this in."

Said Justin Bieber.

58 comments:

YoungHegelian said...: Preach it, Brother Beeb! Puh-Reech!

Seriously, this is standard Protestant tradition "witnessing for Jesus". Why would anyone who knows anything about the history of American Christianity thinks this in any way odd or out of the ordinary? Even the story of the obnoxious lout who mends his ways after he "finds Jesus" is part of the parable.; 10/1/15, 4:26 PM
The Godfather said...: "This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." I Timothy 1:15; 10/1/15, 4:30 PM
damikesc said...: Justin was discussing Jesus at least 3 years ago. He doesn't live the lifestyle well, but he's not been super shy about it either. He was mentioning how cool Noah was and his iove of Jesus before he became the loathsome troll he became.; 10/1/15, 4:31 PM
Unknown said...: It's sad that he tubed, it's great that he is recovering. I hope it continues.; 10/1/15, 4:32 PM
Jupiter said...: I thought Justin Beiber was supposed to be a shallow toyboy and generl-purpose laughingstock. But it sounds like he has given this some thought. Not sure why Althouse thinks that is interesting.; 10/1/15, 4:33 PM
garage mahal said...: If you feel like you're not very smart, take solace in the fact that many people believe that two penguins walked from Antarctica to the Middle East and hopped on a boat.; 10/1/15, 4:50 PM
eric said...: It's interesting to see him go in almost the opposite direction you'd expect. Many child stars start off saying how Christian they are, and then they become drug addled party types who disavow the existence of God.

Justin seems to be trying though. And man, I cannot even fathom his temptation. Here is a rich guy with fame and good looks who could have anything he wants under heaven. He has chosen a difficult path. May God bless him.; 10/1/15, 4:51 PM
Grant said...: NB. Althouse did not assign this item the "lightweight religion" tag.; 10/1/15, 4:52 PM
Rae said...: I have a theory that child stars frequently subconsciously sabotage their careers so they get free of the sycophants and predators. Witness Britney, Amanda Bynes etc. This may be the healthiest manifestation of that I've seen.; 10/1/15, 5:00 PM
Etienne said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10/1/15, 5:03 PM
Ann Althouse said...: Click the Christianity tag to see what has interested me in this category.; 10/1/15, 5:04 PM
Otto said...: I took your advice and looked at your Christian tag and concluded that your interest in Christianity is that of an adolescent. It is bereft of any serious discussion of Christianity. I would liken it to being the editor of a pulp magazine trying to boost sales. Cheap and low class.; 10/1/15, 5:24 PM
hombre said...: I wish and pray him well while noting that his theology is weak and, thus far, he is living a far cry from a sanctified life.; 10/1/15, 5:49 PM
gadfly said...: As might be expected, we have actor Justin Bieber talking about himself for the benefit of his adoring fans.

But his life as Jesus is somewhat darkened by this "Straight Booze" video.; 10/1/15, 5:49 PM
BN said...: The good perfesser is double trolling: Christians and JB fans (never heard his music; does it resmble young Zimmerman a liitle?)

What a prankster (today's theme, I guess).; 10/1/15, 6:40 PM
Sebastian said...: I take my theology more from Ludwig Feuerbach than from St. Paul, but it sounds like the guy is trying. A bit too much triumph of the therapeutic for my taste, but still.; 10/1/15, 6:47 PM
madAsHell said...: I took your advice and looked at your Christian tag and concluded that your interest in Christianity is that of an adolescent.

Quite the Christian attitude.

I've never understood attempting to insult the hostess.....although I'm sure I have insulted her as well, but I try to avoid it.; 10/1/15, 6:52 PM
William said...: If I ever get trapped in a luxury hotel suite with a bevy of porn stars, I would hope to behave like Justin and not like Charley Sheen or Tiger Woods. What would Justin do? Let that be your guide......Sadly, I don't think I will ever get a chance to surmount the kind of temptations hat Justin faces on a daily basis.; 10/1/15, 7:11 PM
Saint Croix said...: I’m not religious. I, personally, love Jesus and that was my salvation.

It's interesting and cool how many non-religious people love Jesus. The religion part annoys them: the church, the judgment, the morality. What's interesting about Jesus is how so many of his fights are with very religious people. It's a challenge to all of us who want to be right. We get into fights (and wars!) over morality. And yet Jesus constantly reminds us that love is the key to heaven, not following the law or being righteous.

My favorite book right now is on this subject.; 10/1/15, 7:19 PM
traditionalguy said...: Sounds like Beiber has been to a group or church where the Holy Spirit attends too.; 10/1/15, 7:24 PM
Sprezzatura said...: Just this week, Howard Stern was saying that this dude's newest songs make it seem like he's transitioning to a woman.

BTW, is it really so amazing that hey-Zeus died for all humans' sins. Sure, the three dead days were probably a bummer. But, from then on he's chilling in heaven and everybody must worship him, or burn in hell. The hell burners die and suffer until the end of time--three days doesn't seem so bad, does it?

Even folks (like our military) who aren't the son of God choose to die for all sorts of reasons that aren't nearly as noteworthy or well rewarded (unless you're Mormon, hence you get to be God, too.); 10/1/15, 7:29 PM
Saint Croix said...: Althouse did not assign this item the "lightweight religion" tag.

And he may be a lightweight! The only way to test your Christianity is to get into discussions with other Christians, and go to Bible study and face the challenge. I think fear of judgment keeps a lot of people from doing that. And you might not even realize that you're afraid, and that's why you're avoiding it.

Another thing that keeps people--particularly young people--away from religion is arrogance and hubris. When I started going to Bible study, I was brash and full of myself. And I was like, "this is great, this is amazing, everybody is so nice and accepting." And of course what I found out is that people were making judgments about me, and my character. I would sin and they would judge me, and forgive me, and keep all this secret, so as not to upset me or drive me away. And when I figured out there was all this judgment/forgiveness going on, I was like whoa.

If you study the Bible you will see Jesus getting into an incredible number of fights and conflicts. He invites them. Bieber is skipping over that. But it's an important part of Jesus's ministry. Anyway, there is a process of correction, of pushback, of discipline, that comes with serious religious study. "Get behind me, Satan!" Jesus said that to Peter. Being a lightweight is skipping over the texts that you don't understand or appreciate, and only digesting the stuff you like.; 10/1/15, 7:49 PM
madAsHell said...: It seems that being a Christian was the wrong answer in Roseburg, Oregon.; 10/1/15, 8:08 PM
traditionalguy said...: I was discussing the too much freedom issue of youngsters today who do not care about thr religious traditions anymore. He was a good intelligent Muslim from Pakistan. I listened to him talk about religion as a Muslim accepting all Prophets and listing the Hebrew Prophets and the Christian Prophet Jesus. But the latest and best revaluation is of course Their Prophet. But that God is another entity from all of His Prophets.

He described Eids as a big time for Muslims to kill a goat for atonement of sin. Since they are under the Mosaic Law, that is a real need.

All I mentioned was that we were of the same beliefs except for Christians belief in the Incarnation of God into the man Jesus as the Son of God. He agreed to that. Muslims cannot accept the Incarnation miracle. ( in fact they are violently opposed to it)

I told him that many Christians today also deny the incarnation of God in the man Jesus. The war on Christmas is the big issue all over the world. That is the big belief issue. The Easter Resurrection is easier, actually.; 10/1/15, 8:22 PM
exhelodrvr1 said...: "that many Christians today also deny the incarnation of God in the man Jesus."

Then they aren't Christians.; 10/1/15, 8:29 PM
The Godfather said...: "many Christians today also deny the incarnation of God in the man Jesus". I know that some people do deny that, but then how are they Christians?; 10/1/15, 8:34 PM
Sprezzatura said...: "The war on Christmas is the big issue all over the world."

Could the folks who worry about not having a nativity in a public school, government building or private business commit to not giving any gifts? Presumably, it's not too much to ask for true believers to stay true w/o needing a bribe--isn't eternal life enough? Perhaps instead giving of gifts to their own families, true believers could fast and give away (but not to the Church) 100% of their income to the poor, for December. You'll live in heaven forever. Forever! This is a small price to pay. Presumably Jesus is more into actions than fervent jabber.; 10/1/15, 8:39 PM
Michael K said...: Good thing Bieber wasn't in Roseburg today.; 10/1/15, 8:43 PM
traditionalguy said...: I have Episcopalin friends and they don't want to offend other religios faiths. The Incarnation miracle is the hardest. To defend. IThat problem has been at the heart of the heresies that theCouncels of Niacea delt with, but the Niacean Creed is now being objected to by the tolerant of all crowd as being too strong.

Just try to discuss The humanity of Jesus in any group and it offends many Christians that want a spiritual Father Power and don't really want to hear that a man is God. The Disciples did not really feel comfortable with that either after seeing the miracles. The Apostle Paul had to say it when many other Christians would not.; 10/1/15, 9:45 PM
Gahrie said...: If you feel like you're not very smart, take solace in the fact that many people believe that two penguins walked from Antarctica to the Middle East and hopped on a boat.

Garage, you ignorant slut, it's called a miracle for a reason.; 10/1/15, 9:49 PM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Penguins can swim, Garage. Hell I once saw one fly a plane to Africa. Or maybe it was Madagascar...; 10/1/15, 10:00 PM
Nichevo said...: You know, PBJ, apparently you believe that if you have such good ideas about religion, you could just go out and create one and beat your own little Jesus. So why don't you try it?; 10/1/15, 10:44 PM
Sprezzatura said...: Nichevo,

I attend an Assemblies of God church, when I'm at my house in the city. Admittedly, I spend most of my time in my country houses. Even so, I'm not looking for an upstart.

I noticed some religious folks strutting in this thread which resulted from a post about religious strutting, so I couldn't resist turning their bluster to mute.; 10/1/15, 11:06 PM
Craig Landon said...: More food for thought than most posts.; 10/1/15, 11:39 PM
BN said...: "... so I couldn't resist turning their bluster to mute."

Uh... I get confused sometimes, but what does "mute" mean again?; 10/1/15, 11:43 PM
BN said...: "And yet Jesus constantly reminds us that love is the key to heaven, not following the law or being righteous. "

Amen.; 10/2/15, 12:35 AM
Mark Caplan said...: Imagine I commit a sin, a really horrific crime. God then forgives my sin because, 2,100 years ago, the Romans tortured and executed God's incarnate Son. Awesome.; 10/2/15, 5:00 AM
Humperdink said...: @MarkCaplan. You left out a few things. You may want to read the one or all of the four gospels before you expose your lack of understanding.

And it is awesome to know that even though we are all sinners, we all have the opportunity to repent and accept Jesus.; 10/2/15, 5:25 AM
Gusty Winds said...: The forgiveness of sins, through Jesus Christ, is a path to redemption. In the 12 steps, addicts are taught to relieve stress and character flaws by "giving it to God". Justin Beiber seems to be hold an understanding of this in his statement.

And good for him. He doesn't want to shove his faith down anyone's throat, but he also doesn't want to be asked to deny it either.; 10/2/15, 6:41 AM
Robert Cook said...: "I have a theory that child stars frequently subconsciously sabotage their careers so they get free of the sycophants and predators. Witness Britney, Amanda Bynes etc. This may be the healthiest manifestation of that I've seen."

My theory is that sudden world-wide fame, riches, and constant public attention to one's every movement and utterance at too young an age--say, below 50--will drive almost anyone crazy.; 10/2/15, 7:05 AM
Robert Cook said...: "'many Christians today also deny the incarnation of God in the man Jesus.' I know that some people do deny that, but then how are they Christians?"

To be a Christian, one must live one's live as Jesus did. Believing in his divinity has nothing to do with that.; 10/2/15, 7:16 AM
Humperdink said...: Totally incorrect Mr. Cook.; 10/2/15, 7:43 AM
Darcy said...: I'm surprised and heartened by Bieber's words. Refreshing. You go, brother.

@SaintCroix I'm a non-religious believer. Taking a look at the book you linked. Thank you. I am an Eldredge fan, having thoroughly enjoyed Wild at Heart!; 10/2/15, 7:56 AM
Robert Cook said...: "Totally incorrect Mr. Cook."

So you say.; 10/2/15, 8:16 AM
Known Unknown said...: "Believing in his divinity has nothing to do with that."

I believe it's part and parcel, there.

Maybe you have a brand of "Christianity" that denies the divinity, but you're probably pretty lonely in that respect.; 10/2/15, 8:25 AM
Mark Caplan said...: @Humperdink - The doctrine of Substitutionary Atonement comes to us from Paul's letters. You won't find it in the Gospels.; 10/2/15, 9:10 AM
Robert Cook said...: @EMD: Being "Christian" is to live as Christ did. There are many so-called "believing" Christians who are not, in fact, Christian.; 10/2/15, 9:36 AM
Hunter said...: To be a Christian, one must live one's live as Jesus did.

Then there are no Christians and never have been, because that is impossible. The bible is pretty clear about it being impossible to live a sinless life. That's why we need Jesus.

"[I]f you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." That would be the general criteria for being a Christian.; 10/2/15, 9:41 AM
TosaGuy said...: "To be a Christian, one must live one's live as Jesus did. Believing in his divinity has nothing to do with that."

Do you also criticize people at the gym who are fat? They are not healthy, so why should they be in a place of fitness attempting to improve themselves when they have obviously failed.; 10/2/15, 9:58 AM
Big Mike said...: Just be glad you weren't in Umpqua, OR, yesterday, Justin.; 10/2/15, 11:27 AM
Mark Caplan said...: To live as Christ lived would mean to live on the dole, jobless, hanging out all day and night with your mates, unmarried, and a virgin.; 10/2/15, 11:43 AM
Humperdink said...: @Mark. God will not be mocked. I wish you well.; 10/2/15, 12:16 PM
walter said...: He's the spitting image of Christ. At least the spitting part...; 10/2/15, 9:34 PM
walter said...: But for these kinds of insights, I defer more to professional sports figures..; 10/2/15, 9:55 PM
Nichevo said...: Robert Cook said...
@EMD: Being "Christian" is to live as Christ did. There are many so-called "believing" Christians who are not, in fact, Christian.
10/2/15, 9:36 AM

Why would you say this when you know it to be untrue? Okay, let's turn to your usual copout, ignorance. It's amazing how much you pretend to know, and then when someone confront you with actual facts that don't serve you, you always say that you don't know anything about it.

Well here's a little something for you to Google: Nicene Creed. People who believe that apparently are Christians. People who don't believe that apparently are not Christians (I am NOT a Christian and speak under correction). The idea that if you don't turn water into wine, or that you don't have long hair and no access to antibiotics, then you're not a Christian, is about the level of thinking that we expect from you.

What do you think the odds are, that if it were as easy to institutionalize somebody now as it was in 1950, that you would be in an asylum somewhere?; 10/3/15, 2:19 PM
Robert Cook said...: I am very familiar with the Nicene Creed, having recited it in unison with other church members a thousand times during my years growing up and going to (Episcopal) church every Sunday with my family. (Not that I claim this makes me any sort of expert on Christianity.)

I don't know what the NIcene Creed, in particular, has to do with my remark or your response.

My point--very obvious, I think--is that there are many who claim to be Christians, (who may even believe they are Christians), yet who live lives that are not Christian, but lives of selfishness and pride and vanity and scorn and hatred for others. Jesus himself said many would call him who would not enter heaven, for they did not do God's will. He said he would rebuke them, calling them evil-doers and saying, "I never knew you."; 10/3/15, 8:30 PM
Darcy said...: "yet who live lives that are not Christian, but lives of selfishness and pride and vanity and scorn and hatred for others"

That would not be many. That would be all of them.

No one is righteous--not even one. - Romans 3:10; 10/5/15, 12:12 PM
Nichevo said...: Well Bob your standards for...others are exceptionally high. You are really confusing Christian with Christlike, which, I agree, few people are up to. That would be considerably more exclusive than the relatively exclusive club of Judaism. I think that Christianity seeks to be more universal and tries to accept people with their sins to a greater degree than, say, you.

What is obvious is that you don't like the fact that words mean things. To call someone a Christian means that they accept the doctrines of Christianity. This as I understand it is neatly summarized in the Nicene Creed, unless of course I have that confused with the Apostles Creed. So if you want to talk in a way that you can be understood, you should use the right words. If you don't understand what the Nicene Creed has to do with Christianity or being Christian, I will defer to other posters to elaborate.; 10/5/15, 1:14 PM