In a recent interview with Complex Magazine, Canadian pop star Justin Bieber had some interesting things to say about Jesus, Christianity and the Church.

There have been reports over the past several months that Justin is making a serious attempt to straighten out his life — and a big part of it has been his return to Christianity. Justin comes from a Christian home and has a praying mom.

This past spring, the mega pop star was even seen attending a music worship conference put on by Australia’s Hillsong, but it was noted he wore a controversial Marilyn Manson t-shirt one day.

Though some question the sincerity of Justin’s faith, it is becoming increasingly clear that he is serious and it is changing his life. For a while it seemed he was getting in trouble with the law almost weekly from drag racing while intoxicated with an expired driver’s license in Florida to accusations of assault in Canada, but more recently Justin’s biggest controversies center on his faith in Christ.

In his interview with Complex Magazine Justin explained more about his faith that he credits for his life changes:

“I just wanna honestly live like Jesus. I’m not religious. I, personally, love Jesus and that was my salvation. I want to share what I’m going through and what I’m feeling and I think it shouldn’t be ostracized.”

This is a huge confession for the young man in light of the growing antagonism against Christianity, particularly among the Hollywood élite. It is clear Justin is not ashamed of his faith but did point out the church hasn’t always been perfect.

“I think that Christians, they’ve left such a bad taste in people’s mouths. Just like, overly pushy with the subject, overly churchy and religious.”

Justin said he doesn’t want to be pushy but finds himself sharing his faith and says that people should have the freedom to do that adding:

“I think everybody should get their chance to share what they’re doing or where their journey is headed, whether they’re straight or gay or what they believe in. We’re in a place now in 2015 where people gotta be open-minded.”

But when he comes out about his Christian faith, Justin admitted there can sometime be a reaction.

I think that people, as soon as they start hearing me say 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.”

“He [Jesus] 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.”

Here are few of the other statements he said in the Complex Magazine interview posted on the Christian website I am Second:

“If we can understand that we’re all imperfect, let’s come to God and come for his help. You’re not weak by doing that. I think that’s a common misperception of Christians, that you’re being weak because you can’t handle it. None of us can handle this world, dude! It’s eating us alive.”

“We have the greatest healer of all and his name is Jesus Christ. And he really heals. This is it.”

Justin’s recent comments even warranted a brief discussion on ABC’s The View.

Co-host Cameron Bure brought out a good perspective on Justin’s interview.  Sometimes Christians can have a holier than thou attitude which can be quite offensive particularly when we aren’t perfect. Bure said:

“When someone says they’re a Christian, it doesn’t mean they’re prefect. They are just a recognized sinner in needs of Gods’ grace — so that’s all Justin is saying … He’s not going to say I’m a Christian and now all of a sudden I’m an angel.”

She added that Bieber made mistakes in the past and will undoubtedly make some in the future but people need to support him for the journey he is on and the changes that are taking place.

However, co-host Michelle Collins questioned one of Justin’s statements as being a bit cocky when he said, “if God’s for me, who can be against me? It’s a confidence that’s a godly confidence.”

Bure responded that it was actually based on a Bible verse:

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31 NASV)

We need to give Justin credit where credit is due. Justin is standing up for his faith in Jesus in a culture that is shouting for Christians to sit down.

Source:

• The View co-host thought Justin Bieber’s claim about God was a little strange — until Candace Bure explained an important detail: The Blaze
• You need to read what Justin Bieber said about Christianity — because he’s right: I am Second
• Justin Bieber Interview: Complex Magazine
• Justin Bieber says Christians are ‘overly church and religious,’ claims ‘I wanna live like Jesus’: Christian News