How should I respond to Christian YouTubers?

We get a lot of questions from teens asking us what our take is on some random spiritual statement they learned from a YouTube video. Honestly, we're so glad they're asking, because then we get a chance to walk through the answer with them using the Bible.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." —1 John 4:1

After Jesus returned to Heaven (Acts 1:9), after the Holy Spirit came on the new believers (Acts 2:1-4) and started the church, we read, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). Gathering together for learning and teaching others about how to follow Christ was one of the big reasons they established the early church.

Sometime later, the new church realized the apostles couldn't keep up with all of the widows who needed support. "So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables'" (Acts 6:2), so they chose deacons to pass out the food and continued to grow the ministry by teaching at their gatherings.

As the church spread, the author of Hebrews explained the importance of going to church: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:23-24).

These gatherings were a vital resource in the lives of new believers. Most people didn't have access to Scripture, and, at church, they could learn from trustworthy teachers.

One interesting resource not mentioned is YouTube.

Examining & Recognizing Truth

On YouTube, I can find out how to replace a faucet. How to make burritos. Videos of a gazillion different songs and random people covering those songs in their bedrooms. YouTube is open to practically anyone with a camera and internet access.

If a YouTuber told you to shred a bicycle chain and put it in a PVC pipe with a bunch of mulch and one small mouse, you would probably not believe her when she said this is the new way to make burritos. Because you know what a burrito is—and that ain't it. Then you learn that the "cook" is actually an abstract artist, and it makes more sense. Maybe.

If you don't have a solid understanding of the Bible, and you go to YouTube to learn about the Bible, then how are you going to separate God's truth from the lies? How will you know who to trust? How do you compare what you find with what is true?

When you come across YouTubers who call themselves Christians, it's OK (even wise!) to examine them and the rest of their content before you take what they say as gospel.

Who is this person? Do they understand the Bible? Do they believe the Bible? Is their goal to teach Scripture accurately? Do they start controversies to get clicks and comments? Are they using shame, fear, or scare tactics to get views? Are they trying to sell books or products or get donations?

Case in Point: The End Times

For example, YouTube is stuffed with videos about the end times, and everyone kind of acts like they have all the answers. But there is very, very little biblical prophecy about the church age—in between the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the Rapture of the church. Jesus sums it up for us in Mark 13:5-8:

Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains."

Now, let's add in some 2 Peter 2:1-3:

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

What isn't mentioned is America. Or COVID-19. Or riots. Or even natural disasters sent by God to punish immoral nations. What WILL happen: wars, natural disasters, and a whole lot of false teachers. BUT...even if these will increase as the end times approach, they will also continue happening—just as they have been throughout human history.

Don't Believe Everything You Watch

So how are you supposed to know what's God's truth and what isn't? Our #1 suggestion is this: read the Bible. Suggestion #2: Look for clarification when you have questions, are confused, or something seems off.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." —Romans 12:2

We're not going to say that YouTube (or social media) is evil or that it should be completely avoided. After all, we have a YouTube channel too! But just because someone has a camera and an internet connection, that doesn't mean they know what they're talking about—or that they don't have a hidden agenda (2 Timothy 4:3).

We are just recommending that you don't take everything you hear as truth—especially when it comes to spiritual matters. At a bare minimum, check their other content about things you ARE familiar with and see if they present God's truth faithfully.

You can even check the credentials and background beliefs of the creators. Even if they don't mean to mislead, misinform, or be malicious, that doesn't mean they are automatically right. Research, research, research.

"Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." —Hebrews 5:14

Block or mute any creators who are negatively impacting your spiritual and mental health. Train the algorithm to show you only content that helps you grow. At the end of the day, no matter what any content creator says, GOD'S truth should be your ultimate filter (Hebrews 4:12).

Of course, people are only human and mistakes are possible. If you have a question, ask. If you find truthworthy YouTubers, share them! And always always always point people back to the hope of Jesus.

If something doesn't sound biblical, friends, keep questioning and asking until you find the truth! Happy learning.

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• Does the Bible contain errors, contradictions, or discrepancies?
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