Not too bad for a man raised Orthodoxy Jew!

[rockytopva]

Norman Greenbaum says he saw Porter Waggoner singing gospel on TV, was inspired, and thought he could definitely do it. He penned it in just 15 minutes and hey presto, a one-hit wonder was born. Not too bad for a man raised Orthodoxy Jew!

Prepare yourself you know it's a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He's gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky

 

[Matthias]

Catchy, but is it theologically sound?

What might Jesus (himself a Jew) think of the theology expressed in these lyrics?

 

[Matthias]

“Never been a sinner, I never sinned”

Mr. Greenbaum, I’d like to introduce you to John.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

(1 John 1:8)

Mr. Greenbaum, who do you say Jesus is? Is he more than just a “friend”?

Mr. Greenbaum, who is “the spirit in the sky” whom you say your “friend,“ Jesus, is going to recommend you to when you die?

Mr. Greenbaum, do you even know Jesus of Nazareth? Is he welcome now in your synagogue?