Call me critical if you wish, but I was just wondering if anyone can tell me the point of the new video website, God Tube? What service is it supposed to be providing?
I ask because in their Terms it begins by saying,
“Welcome to GodTube.com, a Christian online video social networking site that connects Christians into a network of believers.”
But then as you read on down they declare,
“GODTUBE.COM ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR MONITORING THE SITE”
What? How can it claim to be a Christian service, and yet not assume any responsibility?
This blog, like every other blog, is the object of continual ’spam’ comments. However, I have it set up in such a way where most get ‘caught’ automatically. Inspite of that, every so often one gets through (maybe 1% or so). These comments usually contain one or more links to either, gambling, drug, or porn sites, so therefore it is vital that I delete them as soon as I am aware of their presence on my blog - it is my responsibility! I reckon that if I’m prepared to own and run a website, then I must be prepared to maintain it with a certain level of responsibility, and do what I can to protect my visitors from potential exposure to filth and nonsense.
However, it seems strange to me, that a ‘Christian’ website, would declare themselves exempt from responsibility. If you had a Christian website, would you be prepared to permit content that was contrary to the Word of God, and expect God to not hold you responsible?
I’m not going to link to them, but if you browse through GodTube, you will find there are already heresies on it.
So I’m just wondering, am I getting the wrong idea? Is this just business, using the title ‘Christian’ and ‘God’ to target a certain market? I’m all for people making money, and even though there are already online video services such as YouTube and Blip, I have no problem with more competition in the market. However, if you’re going to promote and advertise yourself as a Christian service, then I cannot see how you can say, “GodTube.com assumes no responsibility for monitoring the site.”
It would appear that a group of people (whether Christians or not), saw a market that was already saturated, but thought that by adding ‘Christian’ they could target a vulnerable group of people.
Breaking News Update
Ok, so I’ve just come across a video on GodTube that has shed a little more light on the issue:
So the CEO attends Dallas Theological Seminary? I’m now in even more shock. Why won’t they assume responsibility? Their desire to create an online environment that is purer than the likes of YouTube is honourable, but how can they expect to do this without deleting heresy?I mentioned above that I wasn’t going to link to heretical video’s, but to prove a point you have, 15 Promises of Mary on the Rosary and Ave Maria
[If someone from GodTube reads this, then please enlighten me as to the reason why your content is something you don't feel responsible for as a Christian.]
What are your thoughts people? Am I being harsh or getting the wrong idea?
Added Commentary
By Kyle
on 18.04.07
I haven’t been easy with this website since I first heard of it - I don’t think the website’s name helps it at all to start with.
Also, as you pointed out, there seems to be just as much trash on it as there is on YouTube - so why bother using it over YouTube?
If you search well enough you can find some good Christian videos on YouTube. Admittedly, you have to be on the lookout as you trawl through the trash, but you can find some absolute gems on YouTube.
By Jason
on 18.04.07
There is a distinction between moral responsibility and legal responsibility. An organisation can take full moral responsibility while still protecting themselves with this type of disclaimer.
By Armen
on 18.04.07
Kyle - Agreed, I don’t like the name either. However, although it’s new so it’s difficult to say, currently it may be easier to find decent material on GodTube than YouTube. You’re right though, if you use very defined searches, or pick through the trash, there are some excellent videos on YouTube too.
Jason - Ah, interesting, I never thought of that. However, this only supports my point; they are not taking moral responsibility. Does Dallas TS support praying to Mary and using the rosary?
By Jason
on 18.04.07
It’s possible that their goal is to provide a safe internet environment, not a fundamentalist one. By that I mean that if their goal is to provide a video sharing service free of “gambling, drug, or porn” sites, that may be a valid goal of itself.
Just my two cents. :)
By Mark
on 18.04.07
OK… Here’s my two cents worth.
(i) i believe it’s a marketing scheme. I think you mention that, Armen. (ii) does this website really present the gospel as it should be? i mean for one thing… we shouldn’t be like world, but then how come some of the site’s contents are worldly (eg music)? (iii) and does putting the name “God” before something make it Christian?
my wrap for GodTube: it’s YouTube with a different spelling…
By dick north
on 18.04.07
God Tube has possibilities for those who believe in the triune God and the Bible. A born again believer can enter the kingdom of Heaven. The spirit of truth should give wisdom and guidance (righteousness) on a website not garbage.
By kayla
on 18.04.07
hey i just wanted to let you know that i hope that this site is better then other sites like youtube any ways anybody want to talk email me or go to myspace and leave a message
By Martin
on 18.04.07
I assume then, that if I was critical of your views, you wouldn’t allow my comment to show up on your blog. You seem to view everything you don’t understand as heresy.
Lighten up. Somebody has come up with the idea of GodTube, recognising that people like you, look down on Christians even looking at YouTube.
Perhaps you should start your own FundamentalistTube or something where you filter all “heresy”.
By Armen
on 18.04.07
Thank you all for your respective views.
Martin, I’d like to know where you get the idea that everything I don’t understand I think is heresy? I think that’s a little harsh.
On top of that, I don’t “look down on Christians even looking at YouTube”, and I wouldn’t mind knowing where you get that idea from?
If you don’t agree with me, that’s fine, I’m not offended at all. However, please think about what you’re accusing me of. The article was mean’t to provoke thought and questioning, that’s all.
By Jason
on 18.04.07
I came across another site that is monitored. It is super fast and full of clean videos. I have decided to uploaded my vids there. here it is: VideoPile.com
By Chaplain J.R.
on 18.04.07
You should delete your post on your webie it is not biblical
“Mt. 13″ Jesus says to his followers “NAY you will root up the ???” read it and ask yourself a question “what if a person who is a young Christian had confindence in God Tube “YOU WILL ROOT THEM UP” so are you scamming for popularity ??? I am just seeing satin is hiding Mt 13 from you.
By Armen
on 18.04.07
Chaplain J.R. - I’m not sure I follow you. My post is unbiblical simply because it might turn a young Christian away from GodTube? Are you joking?
It would be a shame if a young Christian went on GodTube and viewed videos uplifting Mary as co-redemptrix and a mediator, and assumed it must be biblical because the site claims to be Christian. At least when they go on YouTube, they know they have to be careful.
Also, I don’t know if I follow you in your reference to Matt 13 either, or how it relates to the post. Forgive me if I’m missing something that is obvious.
By Chaplain J.R.
on 18.04.07
God Tube is a ministry wither is is a out rite Cult or a True Christian Ministry does not matter, we should follow what Jesus says about “False brethern”. Now it doen not suprise me why some people do not see this because it is one of Gods sacred secrets a(parable). And a parable is ment to concil or reveal. If the Holy Spirit dewells in you “HE” will teach you this and reveal it unto you. MT 13: 24-30 …the kingdom… is like a man planting seed…but some sowed tares amoung the wheat…the blade came forth…then appeard tares also… ( God tube you believe). .. v-28 He (Jesus) said unto them (the accusers of false bretherm) an enmey hath done this ??? The servants (accusers) said unto him (Jesus) will thou then that we go GATHER THEM UP (tell the world about it) V-29 “but he (Jesus) said (unto the accusers) “NAY LEAST WHILE YOU GATHER UP THE TARES (God tube) YOU ROOT UP THE WHEAT(christians) WITH THEM !!!” Now look at the next verse “But boath (God tube and Christians) grow togeather until the harvest..” See you are in direct violashon here. Be Carefull I am saying this out of love for you ard your ministry, and Gods kingdom. I too fell into this snair at one time ion my life and belonged to a anti Cult ministry, God showed me this parable througs another minister “Adrean Rodgers” Grace and peace unto you from God our father and our lord Jesus Christ
By Andrew Parker
on 18.04.07
The remainder of verse 30 of Matthew Ch. 13 that J.R. Chaplain has not mentioned reads like this - and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them : but gather the wheat into my barn.
In the margin of my bible - “to burn them” refers to the Eternal Fire.
By Armen
on 18.04.07
Chaplain - I find it interesting that you would first imply that the Spirit of God has taught you this, when in fact it was a man.
However you’ve come to this interpretation, I disagree. What it is teaching is that the judgment ungodly sinners deserve is to be reserved until the day of judgment. If they were to be judged the way they deserve while upon the earth, it would no doubt destroy the lives of God’s people too.
To say that my questioning of GodTube is a devilish act for the reason you give, is to say that the apostle Paul was wrong every time he pointed out errors, and warned God’s people of the wolves that would enter into the church, and told them of men who had departed from the faith.
By Chaplain J.R.
on 18.04.07
No problem sorry you feal this way, paul was addressing Elders not General public. the Spirit showed me this “by way of a man” the same way he wrote the bible “by way of man”. Can you not understand this ??? So you Disagree with Jesus that is your choice not mine. Jesus says “My Sheep follow me”
By Andrew
on 18.04.07
Matthew 15 24 - 30 is speaking of Christ, His angels and the judgement. If this is granted the parable cannot refer to Christians and their response to error, and so nothing else must needs be said concerning the proper interpretation of the parable. However, since it has been asserted that Christians must not oppose error within the visible church it is necessary to show that this is not so. Though much could be said to demonstrate this, one suggestion is appropriate. In Galatians chapter two, Paul rebukes Peter publicly concerning his withdrawing from the gentiles.
There is one thing more, and it must not go unnoticed. How can one, who is rebuking Armen for disregarding the Scriptures, defend the position that we must not rebuke professing Christians for disregarding the scriptures?
By Chaplain J.R.
on 18.04.07
Look i do not want to argue with you god bless you any way
By Pastor Mike
on 18.04.07
Chaplain J.R i agree with you in that section of text, and not wanting to argue. I went o Dallas TS. and got my THD. rember what you said a parable is to “hide or bring out” And the professer brought this out as well. just pray that this blog owner will come to see it too. I disagree with his statments, totally!! Chaplain you are doing a good thing, and you was just trying to offer your hand of fellowship to this person, but not everyone wants it. Hope you are still out of that Anti-Cult movement, I truely beleive God showed you this through Pastor Rodgers. You should never belong to a group who tares down another Ministery, even if they are a Cult. Chaplain you understand this because you are a Chaplain, and Chaplains see death almost every day. And i would hate to see a Catholic looking at death, and needing help from a Chaplain, and the Chaplain wanted to “warn them there misslead”. I detected problems with this blog when he does not under stand if God-Tube wasresponsable for “Any Post” they (God Tube) would bein court every week. God bless you all in his name:
Pastor Mike Smith LandMark baptist Church
By Armen
on 18.04.07
Chaplain J.R. and Pastor Mike - Before this discussion goes any further, I’d like to know, are you friends and know each other on a one-to-one basis, or are you the same person?
By Dave
on 18.04.07
As pastor of a church, and as someone with very close to 1 million downloads on YouTube, I find it really depressing to see GODTUBE.
Why on earth do Christians always want to set up a separate host site.
If you have something to say then say it in the midst of the worlds marketplace…it just seems like another sanitised (though not monitored) attempt to isolate God.
As the Snow Patrol sing…”lets train this chaos, turn it into light”
Dave
By Amber
on 18.04.07
I’ve been seeing GodTube around lately and have had an uneasy feeling about it for some reason. I don’t like the name for one, they could have called it ChristianTube or something other than GodTube.
Two, after watching that little clip about Jesus & the Easter bunny, I DO NOT like how they represented Jesus at all!!!!
I hate to say it, but at least youtube doesn’t misrepresent themselves…I don’t think you are being harsh at all. I’m with you,it’s a scam, just someone else trying to make a buck in God’s name…..that sacrilegious IMHO.
God Bless,
Amber
By Armen
on 18.04.07
Amber - Good to have your view on the issue sister, and you seem to see it as I do. It’s not that I have anything against the people behind GT, it’s just that they seem to misrepresent biblical Christianity and aren’t doing much to counteract it.
By Lou
on 18.04.07
Tonight was the first time I ever visited God Tube. My uncle sent me a link to a wonderful, powerful video skit by Lighthouse, entitled Everything. It is such an awesome visual depiction of the message of the power, protection and love of Jesus for each of us, in such a personal way.
I know there is much imperfection in the works of we lowly people in trying to visually depict the grace, power and love of the Lord. It cannot be adequately portrayed. (This might be the reason Muslims are so deeply offended by ANY portrayal of their prophet.)
However, sometimes we lowly creatures are able to shine back just a glimmer of Jesus’ light to the world. And however imperfect it is, some lost soul sees this tiny speck of light and is drawn to it, trying to learn more about the Source.
For this reason, I welcome any tiny specks of Jesus’ light in the world. I DO AGREE that GodTube has accepted a responsibility for the content, whether they wish to acknowledge it or not. I remember once a famous basketball player who said he never asked to be a role model. But of course, no one ever asks for this role and the responsibilities that come with fame. If GodTube ever wants to be a light for Christ, those who gain from it, must monitor the content. But we could all help GodTube monitor, if we are allowed to not only rate a video, but to recommend it for removal (need a button for this).
I DO NOT AGREE with you that Catholics have missed the mark. You, my friend in Christ, have been misguided to believe that Catholics worship Mary in any way, shape or form.
Catholics honor Mary as the Mother of Jesus who is God, for her sacrificial decision to say “Yes” to the angel Gabriel, and for her life of devotion to her son. Jesus himself honored and acknowledged His mother at the time of His first miracle, and at the cross.
The video of the “Promises” is kind of creepy; I will admit that video made me very uncomfortable. The rosary is a simple prayer — Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen — In this prayer to Mary, we are talking to her as one who is deserving of our respect. And we are asking her to pray for us, just as we might as a pastor, neighbor, valued friend, or parent to pray for our needs.
While praying the rosary meditation (which is just repeating these words, combined with the Lord’s Prayer, and the Glory Be), one is encouraged to meditate on the Christian mysteries (here “mysteries” is meant to mean “not easily discernible” truths). These mysteries are scriptural: the Joyful Mysteries are taken from Luke and include Jesus’ story of birth; the Sorrowful Mysteries are based on the passion narratives of the 4 gospels; and the Glorious Mysteries reflect the close of the gospel and its overflow into the new age of the Spirit and the Church.
What could be wrong about meditating upon Jesus’ birth, death and ongoing mission? Does this sound like worship of Mary to you? If so, then you truly are not opening your heart and mind.
I just can’t tell you this strongly enough — Catholics do not worship Mary! If you are uncomfortable that Catholics use icons (statues) to help them remember Mary, then you must surely also be uncomfortable with all Christians’ use of the Cross and / or Jesus on the Cross to help them remember the sacrifice of our Lord. But I digress…
Back to the original point…I don’t like battles of Jesus with Easter bunnies on GodTube, but I don’t think this necessarily diminishes my Lord and Savior. He cannot be diminished. He has withstood the humiliation of the ages, on the cross, in art, in the media, and yet He lives!
But I do think there should be some moderation. If this isn’t possible, which of course it is, then GodTube should be taken down, and good videos should be sent to YouTube. I don’t mind having another “tube” forum; however, there should be some attempt to keep porn and other sick, twisted and demented videos from making use of this forum.
By kd
on 18.04.07
take a look at http://www.southerngospeltube.com and tell me what you think…
A good alternative to YouTube?
By Jeanie
on 18.04.07
Are you a born again Christian? If so then why look for things to knock down gods kingdom. You know we are living in the last days the trumphet is about to blow are you ready? that is why we all should be asking ourselves not looking for things to write about that makes the naked eye look and dwell in negatives, I myself enjoy the web sight and don’t even look for what the title nor look for things that should not be there, I look for clip that show a taste of how it is gonna be like when the anti-christ rule for his season reign on earth after we are taken.. i pray in jesus christ name..amen
By Jesus Freak
on 18.04.07
People need to stop rebellioning and seeking stones to through at positive things, trust me there are more than going on that we as christians can attack and bond rather than one another
By Josh
on 18.04.07
There are some awesome theological questions getting raised here. Interesting…
**strokes spot on chin where facial hair should be for a man his age**
There is the question of absolute right and wrong, is this website and it’s values/goals right or wrong. When it comes down to the crunch isn’t anything made by men going to be wrong?
The question I have is, is it helpful?
If we judge this website by its fruits and they measure up as described in Galatians 5:19-25.
Re: Catholics and Mary… Maryology should probably have it’s own thread. I work for a Catholic school but have a protestant background (Pt Lincoln AWANA lad from wayback), thus have had some interesting discussions with Catholic people and their faith.
Thoughts?
By dee
on 18.04.07
…An interesting blog I might say. I am a born again believer as well. I do not believe however, that God is a narrow minded God.
I believe that it may surprise many “Christians” just who God allows into His Kingdom. I think that there are born again believers in every faith and every denomination. It’s a matter of the heart and God judges the heart. For man to say this one or that one is not worthy to be called a christian because they do not believe such and such is nausiating. We as humans have very finite minds and are incapable of thinking like God. Christ reaches out to us where we are and touches that place in our hearts and through His Spirit reveals His love.
I am sure some will be surprised to find some Catholics, Baptist, Mormon, and even some Jehova’s Witnesses in heaven because somewhere along the line they listened to the knock of the Savior on their hearts and let Him in.
Any tool used to spread the Gospel is worthwhile.
We are the ones who must discern for ourselves through the guidance of the Holy Spirit what is good and what is not. There is a scripture,I believe it is Paul speaking… sorry, I could be in error here so dont quote me but if you know the reference please let me know… it states, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…”
We must all be careful of who and how we judge.
By des
on 18.04.07
i agree with dee. no one can judge the reason for God tube because no one should judge other ppl. we should just accept godtube as another means of trying to “go into all the world “. i’m sure whoever came up with godtube did not intend for it to be anything other than a christian based web site. there are many Christian based sites that do not take responsibility for monitoring the sites. it doesn’t matter what site you’re on you always have to be careful at what you’re looking at. godtube can’t stop pop-ups from the internet and unfortunately all of these pop-ups are in a way not godly. think about it. “interesting” pop-ups can get onto any website, Christian or not, and they can usually find a way in even if there are blocks. i’m sure godtube was just trying to let the world know that they can’t control these types of things and if something does come up then they shouldn’t be held responsible for anything that should show up on their site that is unGodly.
By gene
on 18.04.07
after reading all the posts here there are some things i agree with and some i don’t. but is that not what makes us human. as far as god tube is concerned i would rather have my kds go onto that site then youtube. yes there are some videos that do not depict god the way we belive. but that is nothing new. (ex, catholic,lutheran,baptist) all have different veiws , yet all love God. i have looked and even posted videos on god tube and for the most part i am uplifted by what i see. that cannot be said for you tube. again i am not a judge and nor do i want to judge. i think that god tube will do more for the gospel then less.
By Koay
on 18.04.07
Dear friends and bible belivers,
Can some one tell clearly from the bible who and how a person can be a Christian.
Appreciate it very much. Thanks.
Haven't you got anything to say?