Meet Caleb James: The Son of a Notorious Pastor and a Rising 'Exvangelical' TikTok Sensation

Lifestyle

Caleb James started sharing videos on TikTok in November 2020, and in a remarkably short period, his account has attracted nearly one million followers. His father, Richard James, has also amassed a million followers, primarily on Twitter, after over a decade of sharing insights on religion. Both Caleb and his father gained their followers through religious content, but that’s where the similarities largely end.

Richard James is the founder and lead teacher at Faithful Path, as well as the chancellor of Grace College & Seminary. He served as the pastor of Grace Baptist Church for 33 years before retiring in 2013. A prolific author with over 50 books to his name, Richard has frequently been recognized as one of America’s most influential pastors.

From Evangelical to Exvangelical

Caleb was raised in his father’s church, absorbing his teachings and engaging deeply with evangelical life. However, his TikTok platform now serves as an outlet to challenge the contradictions and absurdities he sees in evangelicalism. In one of his viral videos, he remarks, “You know what’s one of the silliest expectations of being raised devoutly evangelical? Kids are told to read the Bible.”

As someone who also grew up in a religious environment, I find myself conflicted by Caleb’s statement. While the reflexive cringe comes from my own experiences of guilt and fear, I also understand the importance of questioning beliefs that can harm others. Many kind-hearted people are deeply religious, and it feels unfair to undermine their beliefs without reason.

Comparing Scripture to Popular Culture

Yet, as I listen to Caleb further, I find myself resonating with his perspective. In the aforementioned video, he quickly summarizes some of the more jarring tales that children in evangelical settings hear, like the story of Jezebel being thrown out of a window or Lot’s daughters’ troubling actions. Caleb compares these narratives to “Game of Thrones,” adding, “Except if you don’t read it, you go to hell.”

Reflecting on my own childhood, I recall feeling disturbed by stories like Abraham being commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac. As an adult, the implications of such narratives become even more unsettling, especially regarding unconditional faith that could lead to rejecting one’s own children for their identity.

The Lunacy of Hell

In another thought-provoking video, Caleb questions the belief in a literal hell. He posits, “Do millions of people think they believe in a literal hell? Yes, but how can you enjoy family outings while believing that millions are suffering eternally?” His assertions highlight the disconnect between belief and everyday life, and he engages his audience in a relatable manner, often filming in serene outdoor settings.

Caleb’s videos resonate with many “exvangelicals” who share similar experiences of trauma from their upbringing. They express gratitude for his ability to articulate their thoughts and feelings.

The Elder James

Meanwhile, Richard James continues to engage his audience on Twitter, where he recently discussed the idea that enduring suffering glorifies God. He writes about the importance of faith in the face of pain, without addressing why some individuals endure greater suffering than others, especially children.

Despite my sarcasm towards certain religious tenets, I find myself increasingly aligning with voices like Caleb’s, who challenge religious norms with humor and candor. While I don’t believe in attacking beliefs outright, I think it’s crucial to encourage open discussions about hypocrisy and problematic aspects of faith.

After all, how solid is one’s faith if they shy away from examining its flaws?

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Summary

Caleb James, the son of a well-known pastor, has gained significant popularity on TikTok as an ‘exvangelical,’ openly critiquing the evangelicalism in which he was raised. His engaging, candid videos resonate with many who share similar experiences, sparking discussions about faith, hypocrisy, and the impact of religious upbringing.