Thank you so much! A wonderful response to "The Question". The responses below say a lot about the festival AND the people making them (of course!). People's concept of the word "Christian" differs hugely. Those from the traditional and fundamentalist end of the faith are often more perplexed or horrified by Greenbelt. This year I was intercepted by a well-meaning man from the "Walk of a 1000 men" booth who wanted to ask me some fundamental questions about faith and life, and basically "witness" to me. When I didn't comply with his approach and suggested it might be more respectful to get to know the person he was approaching instead of pigeon-holing them with his assumptions he seemed bemused and asked me (I'm 64 yr old) why are those youths all wearing black?! A twist on Trevor's comments below! I do call myself Christian. All I know is Christ embraced the "other". Outcasts, people of all faiths, nationalities, class and particularly those with the "wrong" beliefs. His message was God loves all of us. I welcome people of other faith and none to Greenbelt. I love that we find more things in common with them than differences. I love that we get to ask hard questions and don't generate glib answers. I love that we celebrate arts, creativity and embrace all the challenging political and economic questions of the day, but can chat over a beer or Chai and make new friends. I love that we critique the the traditional Christian Church (it needs it!) but that Archbishop Justin has attended several times. Greenbelt is a melting pot of diverse spirituality and good teaching. You don't have to agree with it all. But it broadens your mind and soul. For Christians who want some traditional teaching and worship there are lots of alternative places to get that, and they have much to recommend them. Greenbelt has never been that. It is more diverse, inclusive, dangerous and glorious than that! (and so was Jesus!)
Jesus said if you don't give up everything you know to follow Him you go into the flames with wailing and gnashing of teeth. He ate with tax collectors so he could find another Matthew, someone willing to give up a sinful life and give everything for the Gospel.
Greenbelt's for the sort of people who want to change Christmas Carol words from Christian to ???? When you think of how pure the original Greenbelt was, it is really sad to see it like it is now. But then again, the demise of Greenbelt from Christian to ???? is the same as the demise of the Church of England from Christian to ?????
A wonderful festival that gives space for people dealing with religious trauma or who are agnostic/questioning/atheist. For me, it was the perfect blend of faith and secular. And, above all, I’m immensely grateful for how I was exposed to such a rich diversity of views within the church for the first time. The love I saw in that festival deepened my faith and the talks/events/people gave me so much to reflect on.
I went for 30 years from 1984 but didn't switch from the Racecourse. I always liked its inclusiveness, and the fact that you could hear debates on both sides of the same topic, and the hot topics moved with the times, so if for example there was trouble in Nicaragua, there would be a speaker from that country. I loved the music and the top Christian speakers particularly. So why did I stop going. Two reasons - Jesus started disappearing from the agenda. One year I read the programme and couldn't find his actual name written once, whilst there were several for Mohammed. The second is in the millenium the atmosphere seemed to change, and the fine line between being inclusive and promoting other ways started to be crossed. Also political biases soon became entrenched so that we started only hearing one side of the argument, and it seemed to be the same side of the same topic year after year. I stayed with it regardless whilst it was in Cheltenham, but for me I had started feeling uncomfortable and frustrated with the festival I had loved for many years, so didn't make the switch to the new venue. I have found a new festival on the Bank Holiday weekend where you can worship God for 72 hours non-stop, and whilst that wouldn't suit most Greenbelters, it does suit me. That said I always wish GB well, and check to see what bands and speakers are there each year. Enjoy 2018's fest.
Hi Kevin. Some very good points and you pretty much echo much of my feelings, though I didn't go for anything like as many years as yourself it seems. I actually played on the band stage at Cheltenham one year. I would certainly embrace a platform where different opinions could be shared but as you say, Greenbelt seems now to have drawn it's own line in the sand, and that is an agenda in itself. I have friends who I'm sure are still dedicated 'Greenbelters' but i'm at the stage now where It's Jesus or nothing, without any political sway. But you never know, I may end up playing there again one day..
Your reply could've been my reply. My first year was 1984 and it was fantastic. But there was a gradual errosion from early/mid-90s which at first I didn't really notice at first. But in the end I found myself going out of loyalty, hoping for past glories. I always liked that Greenbelt provoked thought, HOW to think, not WHAT to think, but that wasn't true of the festival in the end, as you've eluded to I think. When the festival moved from Cheltenham that was it - I doubt if I'd recognise it now. I too have found other music festivals!
@@markhague7767 My greenbelt years were 1980 - 1992. . When you listen to the bullshit spouted above, you realize how much we had and how much we've lost. I think greenbelt was sold to some people who didn't care about the original aims of the festival. Didn't care about Christianity - well - you only have to listen to that confused woman to see what it is now.
i haven't been to greenbelt since it moved (nothing to do with the move) but it was always an amazing place to be! some of my favourite memories are from being at greenbelt. go its amazing!!!! (this pic was taken at greenbelt)
ACTUALLY WITHOUT JESUS THERE IS NOT HOPE AND YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO HELL...THE BIBLE IS PROVEN FACT AND YOU NEED TO CHECK IT OUT.. THERE IS ONE WAY TO KNOW GOD AND AVOID HELL.... WWW.CHICK.COM AND WWW.JOSH.ORG
It used to be a Christian festival, but then Greenbelt was sold to a company who made a choice to negate the Christianity and promote - well - "generally upgrading the world"
DEBATES ARE GOOD BUT ULSTIMATELY PEOPLE NEED TO BE TOLDTHE TRUTH OR WHERE THEY CAN FIND IT..EG CHECK OUT WWW.CHICK.COM AND READ THE BOOK OF ROMANS AND ASK GOD TO SHOW YOU THE TRUTH...AFTER ALL THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL IS TO AVOID HELL..
Greenbelt is the ultimate green wellie festival. I have never encountered such well behaved children nor felt such confidence that I could leave my valuables safe from theft in my tent. I have always had a great time at Greenbelt and come away spritually and physically refreshed. Although, as you point out, Greenbelt is accepting of people from all walks of life, the festival-goers are overwhelmingly white middle-class. It's not very ethnically diverse, there's a notable absence of Black Christians, possibly too inclusive and liberal for the more traditional African - Carribean interpretations of the Bible.
the fact that you can use the phrase "overwhelmingly white" and not realize how racist that is, says all I need to know about Greenbelt these days. Skin pigmentation is always the only "thing" with wokies.
Why do you care what skin colour they are? Ugh, another good event that radical politics has poisoned. I'll pass, but you'll probably be glad about that, what with me having white skin and all.
No, it definitely is not a Christian festival. I went in 1987 and came across stalls where the people running them openly promoted drug taking and other cultist religions. When I raised the issue at a "have your say" event, I was told, "well they have paid for a stall." And this from one of the main organisers and a Christian Celebrity at the time! So very sad.
WOW so the rot set in back in 1987? I heard it went stagnent when they sold the festival to ?? They answer "well they paid for a stall" makes me think of the reaction Jesus gave to charlatons in the Temple. He tipped over the stalls.
No Greenbelt isn't Christian now. It used to be in the 70's and 80's but they sold the company to those who hate Christians, so you've got a sort of a mish mash now.
Thank you so much! A wonderful response to "The Question". The responses below say a lot about the festival AND the people making them (of course!). People's concept of the word "Christian" differs hugely. Those from the traditional and fundamentalist end of the faith are often more perplexed or horrified by Greenbelt. This year I was intercepted by a well-meaning man from the "Walk of a 1000 men" booth who wanted to ask me some fundamental questions about faith and life, and basically "witness" to me. When I didn't comply with his approach and suggested it might be more respectful to get to know the person he was approaching instead of pigeon-holing them with his assumptions he seemed bemused and asked me (I'm 64 yr old) why are those youths all wearing black?! A twist on Trevor's comments below! I do call myself Christian. All I know is Christ embraced the "other". Outcasts, people of all faiths, nationalities, class and particularly those with the "wrong" beliefs. His message was God loves all of us. I welcome people of other faith and none to Greenbelt. I love that we find more things in common with them than differences. I love that we get to ask hard questions and don't generate glib answers. I love that we celebrate arts, creativity and embrace all the challenging political and economic questions of the day, but can chat over a beer or Chai and make new friends. I love that we critique the the traditional Christian Church (it needs it!) but that Archbishop Justin has attended several times. Greenbelt is a melting pot of diverse spirituality and good teaching. You don't have to agree with it all. But it broadens your mind and soul. For Christians who want some traditional teaching and worship there are lots of alternative places to get that, and they have much to recommend them. Greenbelt has never been that. It is more diverse, inclusive, dangerous and glorious than that! (and so was Jesus!)
Jesus said if you don't give up everything you know to follow Him you go into the flames with wailing and gnashing of teeth. He ate with tax collectors so he could find another Matthew, someone willing to give up a sinful life and give everything for the Gospel.
Greenbelt's for the sort of people who want to change Christmas Carol words from Christian to ???? When you think of how pure the original Greenbelt was, it is really sad to see it like it is now. But then again, the demise of Greenbelt from Christian to ???? is the same as the demise of the Church of England from Christian to ?????
A wonderful festival that gives space for people dealing with religious trauma or who are agnostic/questioning/atheist. For me, it was the perfect blend of faith and secular. And, above all, I’m immensely grateful for how I was exposed to such a rich diversity of views within the church for the first time. The love I saw in that festival deepened my faith and the talks/events/people gave me so much to reflect on.
I went for 30 years from 1984 but didn't switch from the Racecourse. I always liked its inclusiveness, and the fact that you could hear debates on both sides of the same topic, and the hot topics moved with the times, so if for example there was trouble in Nicaragua, there would be a speaker from that country. I loved the music and the top Christian speakers particularly. So why did I stop going. Two reasons - Jesus started disappearing from the agenda. One year I read the programme and couldn't find his actual name written once, whilst there were several for Mohammed. The second is in the millenium the atmosphere seemed to change, and the fine line between being inclusive and promoting other ways started to be crossed. Also political biases soon became entrenched so that we started only hearing one side of the argument, and it seemed to be the same side of the same topic year after year. I stayed with it regardless whilst it was in Cheltenham, but for me I had started feeling uncomfortable and frustrated with the festival I had loved for many years, so didn't make the switch to the new venue. I have found a new festival on the Bank Holiday weekend where you can worship God for 72 hours non-stop, and whilst that wouldn't suit most Greenbelters, it does suit me. That said I always wish GB well, and check to see what bands and speakers are there each year. Enjoy 2018's fest.
Hi Kevin. Some very good points and you pretty much echo much of my feelings, though I didn't go for anything like as many years as yourself it seems. I actually played on the band stage at Cheltenham one year. I would certainly embrace a platform where different opinions could be shared but as you say, Greenbelt seems now to have drawn it's own line in the sand, and that is an agenda in itself. I have friends who I'm sure are still dedicated 'Greenbelters' but i'm at the stage now where It's Jesus or nothing, without any political sway. But you never know, I may end up playing there again one day..
Your reply could've been my reply. My first year was 1984 and it was fantastic. But there was a gradual errosion from early/mid-90s which at first I didn't really notice at first. But in the end I found myself going out of loyalty, hoping for past glories. I always liked that Greenbelt provoked thought, HOW to think, not WHAT to think, but that wasn't true of the festival in the end, as you've eluded to I think. When the festival moved from Cheltenham that was it - I doubt if I'd recognise it now. I too have found other music festivals!
@@markhague7767 My greenbelt years were 1980 - 1992. . When you listen to the bullshit spouted above, you realize how much we had and how much we've lost. I think greenbelt was sold to some people who didn't care about the original aims of the festival. Didn't care about Christianity - well - you only have to listen to that confused woman to see what it is now.
They became corrupted by the world.
I always enjoyed it when it was in deene park.
i haven't been to greenbelt since it moved (nothing to do with the move) but it was always an amazing place to be! some of my favourite memories are from being at greenbelt. go its amazing!!!! (this pic was taken at greenbelt)
How is it a Christian festival if it's not showing people the hope in Christ?
There's hope EVERYWHERE at Greenbelt 🙂
ACTUALLY WITHOUT JESUS THERE IS NOT HOPE AND YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO HELL...THE BIBLE IS PROVEN FACT AND YOU NEED TO CHECK IT OUT.. THERE IS ONE WAY TO KNOW GOD AND AVOID HELL.... WWW.CHICK.COM AND WWW.JOSH.ORG
It isn't a Christian festival - but then - is the Church of England a Christian church?
It used to be a Christian festival, but then Greenbelt was sold to a company who made a choice to negate the Christianity and promote - well - "generally upgrading the world"
I’m coming to Greenbelt this year with a few of my friends and I was pumped before, but more-so now. Oooh I love a good debate.
DEBATES ARE GOOD BUT ULSTIMATELY PEOPLE NEED TO BE TOLDTHE TRUTH OR WHERE THEY CAN FIND IT..EG CHECK OUT WWW.CHICK.COM AND READ THE BOOK OF ROMANS AND ASK GOD TO SHOW YOU THE TRUTH...AFTER ALL THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL IS TO AVOID HELL..
@@shaunclark425 Shouting a lot doesn't convince anybody of 'the truth', and chick is a load of heretical bollocks
Yes, it is.
I’d love to have gone in the 80s or 90s. Too bad they’ve drifted from the faith once and for all delivered.
They sold "Greenbelt" to an organization that made a deliberate choice to negate the Christian faith - as you can tell from this person's approach.
Seems too Christian for festival-goers and not Christian enough for Christians. Not sure who the target audience is.
U hAF MY Name my name but im on my kneesn
Greenbelt is the ultimate green wellie festival. I have never encountered such well behaved children nor felt such confidence that I could leave my valuables safe from theft in my tent. I have always had a great time at Greenbelt and come away spritually and physically refreshed. Although, as you point out, Greenbelt is accepting of people from all walks of life, the festival-goers are overwhelmingly white middle-class. It's not very ethnically diverse, there's a notable absence of Black Christians, possibly too inclusive and liberal for the more traditional African - Carribean interpretations of the Bible.
SO TRUE - WE MUST NOT BE POISONED BY THE SATANIC IDEOLOGY OF LIBERALISM... REMEBER THAT SATAN COMES AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT
the fact that you can use the phrase "overwhelmingly white" and not realize how racist that is, says all I need to know about Greenbelt these days. Skin pigmentation is always the only "thing" with wokies.
Why do you care what skin colour they are? Ugh, another good event that radical politics has poisoned. I'll pass, but you'll probably be glad about that, what with me having white skin and all.
No, it definitely is not a Christian festival. I went in 1987 and came across stalls where the people running them openly promoted drug taking and other cultist religions. When I raised the issue at a "have your say" event, I was told, "well they have paid for a stall." And this from one of the main organisers and a Christian Celebrity at the time! So very sad.
WOW so the rot set in back in 1987? I heard it went stagnent when they sold the festival to ?? They answer "well they paid for a stall" makes me think of the reaction Jesus gave to charlatons in the Temple. He tipped over the stalls.
👧
ijd
Oh, this is a Christian thing? Unsubscribe
Funsworth XD
No Greenbelt isn't Christian now. It used to be in the 70's and 80's but they sold the company to those who hate Christians, so you've got a sort of a mish mash now.