Salvation by Grace Through Faith in Jesus Christ

Written on 3 April 2025.

The Safe Distance of Judgment: What I’ve Learned Watching YouTube Ministry Wars

Introduction

Having observed years of online Christian discourse, I’ve come to a sad but clarifying conclusion: most of what passes as ministry on YouTube today is not fellowship, but a kind of performance-driven judgment — made all the easier and safer by cultural and legal distance.

A Pattern Across Borders

It’s no coincidence that many online discerners and critics choose to engage in confrontations across national lines. Frank in Canada critiques Bryan Denlinger in the USA. Jason in Australia takes aim at Julie Green, also in the USA. Mike Saha in Sweden criticizes Americans like Jacksmack77, Ralph Yankee Arnold, and Duluth Bible Church — but not local teachers. And me? I’ve observed it all, quietly.

It seems that the further away or more culturally distant the target is, the more boldness people find to attack. But it’s not always about geography — Frank in Canada criticizes Bryan Denlinger in Maine, which isn’t far at all. The key factor seems to be this: Americans are widely seen as culturally accustomed to strong free speech protections, and even harsh criticism is often tolerated and absorbed as part of the discourse. This makes them seem like safer targets. In contrast, individuals from countries with stricter speech laws or different cultural expectations may respond much more aggressively — not necessarily because of distance, but because they are not used to facing open public attacks, whether doctrinal or personal. Being called a "bastard," "unsaved devil," or "retard" is something that may be absorbed or brushed off more easily in the American free speech context, whereas in many EU countries such language would be deeply offensive and potentially actionable. Sometimes, even if geographically far, such individuals might try to find legal, institutional, or social ways to retaliate.

The Illusion of Fellowship

There is a deep spiritual irony in this. Those who claim to fight for doctrinal purity are often using that cause as cover for what has become a pattern of remote spiritual warfare — safe, controlled, and public. This is not biblical fellowship. The Bible speaks of going to your brother directly (Matthew 18:15). The apostles warned against railing accusations and emphasized gentleness in correction (Galatians 6:1). But that spirit is rarely found in YouTube exposé culture. Instead, there’s a reliance on laws, reputation battles, and harsh labeling — with terms like "false Christian," "unsaved devil," and worse, flying easily across continents.

Legal Frameworks and Cultural Expectations

Legally speaking, I’ve learned that people are bolder depending on where they live. Americans like Jacksmack77 benefit from First Amendment protections — they can say nearly anything in religious disagreement. Australians like Jason Singerling enjoy moderate freedom but must still be cautious of defamation laws. In Sweden, where I live, things are most restrictive. Here, even a true statement can be classified as förtal (defamation) if it's seen as harmful without public interest.

A striking example is Mike Saha, who adopted the confrontational tone of American YouTube preachers, calling people "unsaved," "filthy," "sissies," "psychopaths," "sellouts," "Freemasons," "Illuminati," and "deep state" — language more tolerated in the U.S. However, living in Sweden, he eventually ran into trouble with his social workers, likely due to something he said to them — or perhaps even something he said publicly, such as doxxing them on YouTube. This shows that legal and cultural systems vary greatly: what might be absorbed or ignored in the U.S. could trigger serious consequences in Europe — especially when remarks are made about locals or government employees, even in private settings. Speaking publicly to an American audience may feel safe because of their cultural tolerance and legal protections, but targeting someone in your own country can result in swift and tangible repercussions.

Why I Stay Quiet

Because of this, I’ve chosen not to speak publicly about legal details. It doesn’t help the seeking, who need the gospel of grace — not a warning about law. And to the malicious? It only gives them a roadmap to target you legally or personally.

Watching this unfold, I’ve been reminded of Jeremiah 9:4:

> "Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders."

That verse perfectly captures the aftertaste of online ministry wars. What began as the pursuit of truth often ends in betrayal, slander, and division — both online and in local churches.

Final Reflections

It makes you wonder: how many of these people are truly saved? Not because they erred in theology, but because they show no fruit of the Spirit — no grace, no humility, no real fellowship. Instead, what remains is accusation, self-vindication, and judgment from a distance.

So, I’ve stepped back. I still hold firmly to the gospel of grace, found in the finished work of Jesus Christ, not in Romans 10's confession or performance-based salvation. But I no longer desire to be part of public ministry conflicts. They don't reflect Christ. They reflect legalism, ego, and spiritual exhaustion.

The ones worth reaching won’t be drawn through battle. They’ll be drawn through truth spoken in quietness, humility, and love.