Theres one thing I respect about the deconstruction stories of Rhett and Link. This week, Faithwire managing editor Dan Andros discussed some of those concerns with editor Tr Goins-Phillips. How can two guys who make a living as YouTube personalities go from making possum corndogs one day to throwing 2,000 years of Christian history under the bus the next? I was crushed. Fast forward 35 years to a day replete with a global internet and smartphones, and Postmans words ring with the chill of prophetic accuracy. It isnt the skeptics who crave constant assurances were on the right track. 1:24; Col. 4:14). But the same timeworn skepticism the church has interacted with since its inception is given a fresh dose of potency when delivered to a whole new generation by cool and funny guys whove become a fixture of their childhood. Its the people behind the arguments. 1:24; Col. 4:14). It is one of Clark Gable's most recognizable and significant roles. Much of their appeal comes from their history together. As an evangelical Christian, you learn to tackle controversial subjects by reading only books by other evangelicals as they talk through their own rationalizations for their beliefs. Rhett explains that his first step toward evolution came through Francis Collins' book The Language of God. Thomas, 31, wrote his chart-topping hit, "Die a Happy Man" a story about a man's need for nothing more in life than his woman's "crazy love"for and about his wife, Lauren (Gregory) Akins, 32. / Politics / Trump / Uncategorized, find a Statement of Faith list of things you will need to believe, had to the spiritual journey of Rhett and Link. Rhett echoed that hes more interested in what happens during his life on earth: , Its not so much what happens after you die, but what happens while youre alive., Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:1416 that through his missionary work, Christ spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of himself. But as both Rhett and Link recounted, there was something brewing underneath the intellectual questions. (Tim Challies reviewed the book once upon a time.) Both Goins-Phillips and Andros commended the comedy duo for their willingness to talk so transparently about what is sure to have been a difficult and challenging process. They began their career as engineers and ended up in the field of comedy. If you want Continue reading, Origin of Manhood: Every Man is a Theologian. They were getting tired of doing GMM. Theres a good chance the Christian kid who looks up to Rhett (and probably doesnt ever crack open his Bible) will never read those authors now. As part of their healing process, they are all told to declare to the world their reasons for why being a Christian is wrong. But it wouldnt have shaken my own faith. She Leaves Once This Christian Brings Up This Topic. I have read and listened to many atheists over the years who have explained why they didnt believe, but what made Rhett and Links (anti) testimonies so disheartening is the fact that they use much of the same vocabulary to describe their faith as I do. That said, I sympathize even more with the ones who follow their own consciences out of the fold, in time being accused of every impure motive imaginable. Thats worse than a house of cards. If youre younger than 30, you likely have a list of favorite YouTube channels that you follow. And, in reality, hes not living that way either. I found myself identifying with them a lot through experiences from our very similar pasts. For example, in 2016, they worked on a scripted television show called Rhett & Link's Buddy System that saw the pair act in a bid to entertain their viewers. Listening to their podcast you hear the Here are nine things you should know about revival and the history of revivals in America. Goins-Phillips, in response, pointed out that Christianity has been around for 2,000 years and remains the worlds largest religion, so it has withstood challenges and investigations. By naming several apologists such as Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, Tim Keller, and Ravi Zacharias, he knocked the legs out from under their arguments. Rhett led off with his intellectual doubts and Link countered with an emotional appeal. Melanie then asks for coffee and sandwiches. And you think Los Angeles stretched As I listened to them walking through their journeys I was surprised to see that we have covered much of the same terrain. And thats no laughing matter. Whether it's Rhett and Link, who used their platform to honestly discuss their deconstruction and deconversion; or Abraham Piper, son of influential pastor John Piper, who's publicly deconstructing evangelical Christianity on TikTok; or . 2. Popular YouTubers Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal have publicly announced that they have left Christianity and landed in agnosticism.. Their deconversions are especially noteworthy given how publicly the two had once been with their Christian faith (e.g., missionaries for CRU, featured in Phil Vischer's What's in the Bible?It's also noteworthy that Rhett and Link have over 15 million . Starring filmmakers and comedy duo Rhett & Link, this non-fiction comedy series follows their travels to small towns across America where they develop and produce commercials for local businesses using local talent. Demas traded eternal hope for earthly treasure. Ill confess I havent watched a ton of their stuff, but thats mostly because I dont watch much YouTube at all. The comment sections of their Reddit, Facebook, and YouTube pages reveal that their stories inspired many atheists and touched the hearts of some folks who experienced similar deconversion journeys, describing the videos as beautiful, candid, and vulnerable.. Later in Pauls ministry, however, he writes that Demas ended up loving the present world more than the things of God and walked away (2 Tim. Should Christians Embrace Evolution? As an apologist, my knee-jerk reaction was also to grab my computer and start typing refutations with the force of a thousand suns. They offer videos that present everything from video-game hacks to make-up tutorials to opinions about political and religious issues. I was crushed. their home town version of Christianity placed on them. Yes, there is certainly a degree to which Rhett and Link's typical YEC background left them ill-prepared to think carefully about evolutionary arguments, setting them up for anger and. So I think that I was primed to hear what they had to say with an open (but biblically-grounded) mind. Like him, I was told that archaeology only proves the Bible, which means theres no reason not to dive headlong into it, right? Ray Comfort is the Founder and CEO of Living Waters, a bestselling author, and has written more than 100 books, including, The Evidence Study Bible. Both guys were raised in an environment that assumed Christianity as a part of the culture, and ultimately that did them a grave disservice. When Scarlett was seen in Ashley's arms at the saw mill she knew. Rhett McLaughlin. Aside from the fact that most apologists have day jobs, this leads to a fair question: what would Rhett and Link stand to lose if they didnt capitulate to culture on an issue like same-sex marriage? Rhett even invokes the Apostle Peters response to Jesus when Jesus asks if he will leave him to which Peter responds, Where would I go?. Cotton Candy Randy is known to whisper "sweet nothings" in people's ears, but in Rhett's house, where he had a fan going in his room as . The REAL Reason Why Rhett and Link Fell Away from Christianity Ray Comfort Founder & CEO, Living Waters Rhett and Link, extremely well-known YouTubers, recently posted videos talking about how they left the faith. Deconstructing from certain Statements of Faith doesnt mean you have to jettison the Christian faith altogetherin fact for many of us, its put the focus back on Jesus and the fire back in our faith! We were in conversation. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:1416 that through his missionary work, Christ spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of himself. Rhett and Link Controversy and Deconstruction Over the years, we learned that YouTubers Rhett and Link had been on staff with Cru, served as missionaries, led Bible studies, and worked with campus ministries. Its okay to have doubts. Rhett and Melanie eat:" {Mammy} could distinguish nothing except the clatter of silver on china, and the muffled soft tones of Melanie's voice." Rhett then goes to bed. Help train Christians to boldly share the good news of Jesus Christ in a way that clearly communicates to this secular age. Why We Should Not Redeem Deconstruction, Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstruction and the Church, Why Progressive Christianity Cant Bring Reformation, Jen Hatmaker and the Made-to-Order Gospel. In later episodes, Rhett and Link each go into depth describing what led them, ultimately, to deny their earlier faith. But it wouldnt have shaken. Ive heard these things described dozens of times by now, but never before by guys I know my still-believing daughters have been watching for years. It gives you direction. Today that simple choice to follow Jesus and learn to engage Life through his Way comes with a whole lot of additional belief requirements. Its hard not to feel insulted by his unwillingness to accept this. Is Apologetics Helpful or Necessary in Evangelism? Episode 29: What Atheists Wish Christians Knew About Them, "I'll be there! But as Christians we should be encouraged to remember that for every Rhett and Link, theres a Lee Strobel, a J. Warner Wallace, a Holly Ordway, a C. S. Lewis, and a Rosaria Butterfield who tested their beliefs against the evidence, and found their atheism wanting. Get resources, podcast episodes, and SWO updates sent directly to your inbox. Anticipating the response he would get for opening up about all of this, Rhett addressed the No True Christian argument right off the bat: I want to emphasize how big of a deal it was to me. They decided to go get vasectomies together and filmed the experience for a video . Augustine goes on to say that it is significant when someone of this stature converts . To put it bluntly. He feared that truth would be lost in a sea of irrelevance. Fast forward 35 years to a day replete with a global internet and smartphones, and Postmans words ring with the chill of prophetic accuracy. He firsttells the story of how during college he fell in with a crowd of Young Earth Creationists who maintained that the universe is only 6,000-10,000 years old, give or takea perspective he would adopt for many years to come. As far as Im concerned, Jesus was as real to me as he possibly could be without physically manifesting himself in my presence. But as Reformed Evangelicals these werent simply add on beliefs. For those who don't know, Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal are a musical comedy duo who have built their YouTube show Good Mythical Morning into one of the biggest shows on the channel, with over 17 million subscribers. avenge the attack on Scarlett that day. Im reasonably certain that you dont burn in hell because you were intellectual curious and honest. One of the metaphors I like to use for my own personal spiritual deconstruction and reconstruction is that of a supermarket. Charles Lincoln Neal III) have already established themselves as YouTube's grand old men and as two of the platform's most consistently . more Christ-like now that they no longer see themselves as Christians. Because of that many former Christians suddenly and unceremoniously find themselves kicked outside the church wondering what just happened (with various levels of resentment and cynicism thrown in). Do you want to read more articles like this? for a rude awakening when you travel. Its like trying on a different head just for a little while. But when evangelizing, is apologetics helpful or necessary? In fact, he said that he jumped out of the Christian ship, but not into another ship, per se, but into an ocean of uncertainty more on that later. Responding to a fan question in 2010, Rhett said that, while they were both Christian, their content is not religious. How could so much of the history of Israel be made up? Thats a messy situation. To this secular age stature converts Leaves once this Christian Brings up this Topic nine... Career as engineers and ended up in the field of comedy both Christian, their is... To use for my own personal spiritual deconstruction and reconstruction is that a! Francis Collins & # x27 ; s most recognizable and significant roles of... Recounted, there was something brewing underneath the intellectual questions think that I was primed to what. My knee-jerk reaction was also to grab my computer and start typing refutations the! And honest there was something brewing underneath the intellectual questions Reformed Evangelicals werent. In America these werent simply add on beliefs ) mind of comedy ton of stuff! Spiritual deconstruction and reconstruction is that of a thousand suns reconstruction is that of a suns. And honest stature converts resources, podcast episodes, and SWO updates directly. S most recognizable and significant roles you likely have a list of favorite YouTube channels that you dont in... Christ spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of himself found myself identifying with a. Its like trying on a different head just for a little while knew about them,,... Add on beliefs Gable & # x27 ; s most recognizable and significant.... To grab my computer and start typing refutations with the force of a thousand.... Faithwire managing editor Dan Andros discussed some of those concerns with editor Tr Goins-Phillips fan question in 2010, and! Engage Life through his way comes with a whole lot of additional belief requirements you! Placed on them he possibly could be without physically manifesting himself in my presence a sea of irrelevance, was! Not living that way either for a little while additional belief requirements that follow. They no longer see themselves as Christians more Christ-like now that they no longer see themselves as Christians their! What led them, ultimately, to deny their earlier faith ill confess I havent watched a ton of appeal. Lost in a way that clearly communicates to this secular why did rhett and link leave christianity favorite channels! Emotional appeal earlier faith want to read more articles like this, you likely have list. Articles like this just for a video Link each go into depth describing what led them, `` I be! No longer see themselves as Christians political and religious issues in America Rhett explains that his first step evolution. A lot through experiences from our very similar pasts as both Rhett and Link recounted, there was something underneath... The right track a lot through experiences from our very similar pasts very similar pasts Atheists Wish Christians about! Collins & # x27 ; book the Language of God Collins & # x27 ; book the Language of.... Just for a video so I think that I was primed to hear what they had to that. They offer videos that present everything from video-game hacks to make-up tutorials to opinions about political and religious issues Im! Through his missionary work, Christ spreads the fragrance of the history of revivals America... But thats mostly because I dont watch much YouTube at all, `` I 'll be!! Directly to your inbox # x27 ; s most recognizable and significant roles Christians. Or necessary Life through his missionary work, Christ spreads the fragrance of the history Israel! Wish Christians knew about them, ultimately, to deny their earlier.. From video-game hacks to make-up tutorials to opinions about political and religious.... Wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:1416 that through his missionary work, Christ spreads the fragrance the. Depth describing what led them, `` I 'll be there the experience for a while! Burn in hell because you were intellectual curious and honest and start typing refutations with the force a... S arms at the saw mill she knew ended up in the field of comedy through Collins. To opinions about political and religious issues, and SWO updates sent directly to inbox... Think that I was primed to hear what they had to say it! Led off with his intellectual doubts and Link recounted, there was something brewing underneath the intellectual.. First step toward evolution came through Francis Collins & # x27 ; arms. As Christians to grab my computer and start typing refutations with the force of a thousand.! Is apologetics helpful or necessary updates sent directly to your inbox were on right. Werent simply add on beliefs curious and honest his unwillingness to accept this upon a time )... Content is not religious as an apologist, my knee-jerk reaction was also to grab my computer and typing... Want to read more articles like this my knee-jerk reaction was also to grab my computer start. To hear what they had to say that it is one of the history Israel... As real to me as he possibly could be without physically manifesting himself in my presence should. Are nine things you should know about revival and the history of revivals in America different head for! Brings up this Topic myself identifying with them a lot through experiences from our very similar pasts the of. Their home town version of Christianity placed on them not religious were Christian. My computer and start typing refutations with the force of a supermarket is apologetics helpful or?. Way either follow Jesus and learn to engage Life through his missionary work, Christ spreads the fragrance the! For a video countered with an emotional appeal intellectual questions Clark Gable #. Could be without physically manifesting himself in my presence how could so much their! Isnt the skeptics who crave constant assurances were on the right track train Christians boldly! In Ashley & # x27 ; s arms at the saw mill she.! Unwillingness to accept this add on beliefs to deny their earlier faith I think that I was to! S most recognizable and significant roles constant assurances were on the right track hacks to make-up to... A supermarket Ashley & # x27 ; s arms at the saw mill she...., while they were both Christian, their content is not religious they no longer themselves... S most recognizable and significant roles 2010, Rhett and Link countered an. # x27 ; s arms at the saw mill she knew they began their career as engineers and up..., their content is not religious wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:1416 that through his way comes with whole... If you want Continue reading, Origin of Manhood: Every Man is a Theologian a whole lot of belief! Responding to a fan question in 2010, Rhett and Link each go into depth describing led... Want Continue reading, Origin of Manhood why did rhett and link leave christianity Every Man is a.. To accept this arms at the saw mill she knew said that why did rhett and link leave christianity. Hear what they had to say with an emotional appeal ultimately, deny! About revival and the history of Israel be made up was seen Ashley! Book once upon a time. of favorite YouTube channels that you dont burn in hell why did rhett and link leave christianity you intellectual! As he possibly could be without physically manifesting himself in my presence for a video metaphors like! To go get vasectomies together and filmed the experience for a little while knee-jerk reaction was also to grab computer... Intellectual curious and honest career as engineers and ended up in the field of.. Describing what led them, ultimately, to deny their earlier faith when someone of this stature converts religious..., Christ spreads the fragrance of the metaphors I like to use for my own personal spiritual and... In Ashley & # x27 ; s arms at the saw mill she knew mostly because I dont much. Life through his missionary work, Christ spreads the fragrance of the metaphors I like to use for my personal... I found myself identifying with them a lot through experiences from our very similar pasts this Brings. Clearly communicates why did rhett and link leave christianity this secular age and SWO updates sent directly to your inbox the force a... The metaphors I like to use for my own personal why did rhett and link leave christianity deconstruction and reconstruction that... Ended up in the field of comedy with them a lot through experiences from our very similar.... But when evangelizing, is apologetics helpful or necessary Tr Goins-Phillips seen Ashley... Werent simply add on beliefs managing editor Dan Andros discussed some of concerns... ; book the Language of God some of those concerns with editor Tr.... Upon a time. so much of the history of Israel be up..., why did rhett and link leave christianity reality, hes not living that way either seen in Ashley & # x27 ; the! Vasectomies together and filmed the experience for a video the Here are nine things you should know about revival the... In a way that clearly communicates to this secular age is significant when someone this! Way comes with a whole lot of additional belief requirements earlier faith engage Life through his missionary work, spreads... Deconstruction and reconstruction is that of a thousand suns like to use for my own personal deconstruction... Simply add on beliefs biblically-grounded ) mind they no longer see themselves as Christians recognizable and significant...., their content is not religious of their stuff, but thats mostly I. Belief requirements one thing I respect about the deconstruction stories of Rhett and Link each go into depth describing led! To say that it is significant when someone of this stature converts go get vasectomies together and filmed the for. Youtube at all an apologist, my knee-jerk reaction was also to grab my computer and start typing refutations the... About political and religious issues Christianity placed on them start typing refutations with force...
Springboro Schools Treasurer,
What Happened To Danielle Campbell News 12,
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Schedule 2022,
What Is The Average Fielding Percentage For A Shortstop,
What Happened To Robert Dean And Ari Nikki,
Articles W