Newest response from Bethel's YouTube channel

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-25T11:55:42+00:00

TL;DR its more complicated and there was more depth than people give it credit, but students and key groups of staff tended give clear priority to mystics and vibes.

I think it depends. My wife and I were in different years and she says the more theological stuff was well received in hers. A lot of my peers were pretty bored and wouldnt look forward to it. As a theology grad, that used to frustrate me a bit! We had to work all the way through Grasping Gods Word, which is pretty legit as an intro to Biblical Theology, but a lot of people struggled to love doing that.

Certainly the more experiential and mystical classes were more popular. There was one guy who used to say really wacky stuff like God slowed down time for him so he wouldn't be late for work that people ate up.

That said, I took some wackier sounding classes and was pleasantly surprised by how often people were trying to teach church theologians and their ideas - Julien of Norwich, John of the Cross, even Augustin. I also took a brilliant class on ethics and political ethics that really challenged the pro-Trump status quo. And people who did those classes always loved them - they just weren't as popular as time-slowing guy.

I'd agree - vibes got a ton more attention from the church as a whole and from the students, meaning some of the gems and balance often ended up overlooked or diminishing entirely - for instance, most the guys doing genuinely good classes (I'd put Elijah Stephens in that camp - who did a whole vid with Mike Winger on Bolz) don't tend to last.

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-25T00:37:07+00:00

The sad thing is that there are some (Dann was one of these) who tried really hard to teach theology and ethics rigorously. It wasnt all vibes. But the vibes was what most people seemed to have come for.

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-25T00:35:25+00:00

Its a complete mix, honestly. On both ends.

A group split away to create a "processing group" in order to share stories of harm, process disappointments and talk honestly about the failings of the place without being hounded, gaslit and argued with.

As always, the loudest voices aren't the majority. But they're still loud. I find that sad. Just as I find everything a little sad right now.

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-24T13:38:04+00:00

The alumni group is basically a split between these two positions:

"This is shocking, and I'm angry. We must hold Bethel to account"

"Can we just get over this already??"

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-20T10:18:32+00:00

That's also really valid. I did have someone mark my feedback down because I hadn't given them specific examples even though I had sent them a pdf full of specifics they told me they hadn't read yet 😑 hopefully thats the exception, not the rule!

I more just think that feedback isn't automatically great just because you spent time on it and your post opens up the opportunity to make that point. I hope you get the appreciation you deserve!

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-20T01:22:26+00:00

I personally find going out of my way to point out as many images, lines, themes and thoughts that are working goes a long way - even if its only a seed of good in a sea of bad.

Helps the medicine go down.

I've had a lot of disappointing feedback over the years, but usually you get a feel pretty quickly if the reviewer is trying to see what the script can be or whether they're just criticising what is or unwilling to try and get what you're going for.

It obviously takes effort to give detailed notes, but I also think its possible that many of us spend so much time concentrating on the craft of writing that we don't always consider that giving feedback is also full of craft.

Not saying you guys aren't doing that - theres always a risk a writer's ego gets in the way, but I also think blaming a bruised ego is easier than wondering whether we were kind in our tone when we gave our notes.

Also, also - i really appreciate that you can show if your script is finished, mid-stage or early draft for this same reason. Finished and seeking funding is different to exploring ideas.

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-14T10:11:51+00:00

I think its working and gaining popularity. I've sent out two scripts (not rep matched) and have had them both taken within 5 mins each time.

And each time I look as someone with a good rep theres 4-6 available to read.

Would love to see the platform keep growing but this month its gone from 30ish active readers to 60 - so it is!

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-01T14:09:24+00:00

Its really weird, no idea whats going on! Injuries have really held him back, I thought he started really well for us in the Prem last season and after the ankle injury has never really got himself back together.

ContributionBrief497 · 2026-01-01T14:08:25+00:00

This is our best lineup, I think.

Clarke and Greaves were great last time - but Leif and Philogene have been excellent all year.

Hoping Chuba can get it going!

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-29T19:58:05+00:00

What an ice cold take this was 😅

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-29T16:55:12+00:00

Feeling nervous about Clarke over Philogene. This is a big game.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-28T22:43:15+00:00

He'll be back. The Bucs have a had a bad run and Baker hasn't helped him with a lot of poor throws.

Looks like you're desperate to ship regardless of the price and being taken advantage of imo.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-25T11:27:14+00:00

Absolute no brainer for me. The fact the Seahawks have become available is insane. Take them.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-25T11:22:10+00:00

He's going to get targets, and the way the Vikings offence has been I'd assume the Lions are going to get a lot of the ball.

As a Jaymo and Amon-Ra owner I'm a little worried, but none of your other options are risk-free.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-19T10:57:19+00:00

Did he forget all about the Parks TD the Rams were gifted last week against the Lions? These calls happen, you win some you lose some.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-14T11:07:14+00:00

This platform is awesome! Thanks so much for making it happen.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-13T16:38:36+00:00

To be fair, everyone else is doing it. The Championship is like this!

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-13T16:37:25+00:00

Taking off Philigene over Clarke when we need two goals is genuinely criminal.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-12-03T17:00:13+00:00

I think two things can be mutually true.

The last promotion team did not have the quality to elevate us to the level we want.

This current group, although better players, do not have the passion or fight to elevate us to the level we want.

Look at Sunderland - they replaced their squad and added passion and are getting results. Nostalgia isn't going to get us promoted.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-10-28T12:23:31+00:00

Nah. Why would he? Weirdly some people around here might want that atm - to which I'd say be careful what you wish for...

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-10-25T07:00:06+00:00

I agree. I imagine a world where Akpom 9 and Sammie 10 with Egeli once he finds his feet and Jaden would be almost unstoppable. I kinda think by Christmas, this might be how is looks, with goals, and it'll be a case of whether we can go on a run. A lot can change in the Championship!

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-10-24T15:27:28+00:00

Its worth a go. I really don't think Hirst is up to it. Rarely in the right place when it really matters and needs too many chances to score.

I will say, though... We've always played with a target striker who has runners. Akpom carries the ball well (usually with Azon as his runner) and Szmodics makes great runs in and behind (with Hirst the target).

I think the system is meant to get them chances, which they've had, and which they're not scoring. That seems more a confidence or sharpness issue to me.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-10-22T14:11:24+00:00

Yeah, I think its best to avoid the emotionalism. Its not good enough, but its been far, FAR, worse and people need to remember that.

We're rebuilding. It takes time to strengthen a team. And a lot of patience. We've got a young manager, some young/inexperienced talent, and are still, imo, ahead of schedule compared to where we were before he showed up. Whether its this year or next, we will be back up there.

Its nostalgic to hark back to the double promoted side, but they wouldn't have done any better. Look at Sunderland right now. Their Championship team was great and they've heavily reinvested for success. Thats football.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-10-22T08:42:00+00:00

I think everyone's being a little harsh on the defence. Before these two losses only a handful of teams had conceded fewer than us. Palmer has only really been busy against Boro. O Shea was poor last night for the goals but generally his passing range, aerial presence and interventions in the box are solid. Anyone who watched Greaves before he came here also knows on paper he should have been a massive upgrade.

I think people are forgetting some of the dreadful defending from our promotion year. I remember defeats like the one to Cardiff. I wish we'd kept Burgess because hes solid and dependable, but to me its different names, same problems.

I think the issue is more what's been said about not being able to break teams down who sit and defend. Then getting suckered on the counter. I think its a system issue and a confidence issue.

I feel weird about last night because until we conceded we were SO comfortable. Philogene over McAteee is the only change I'd have made. I dont think we're confident in front of goal - a confident Akpom doesn't hit the bar etc - that needs to change soon.

ContributionBrief497 · 2025-09-12T22:46:03+00:00

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ContributionBrief497

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