Boring Christianity?
October 27, 2011
The other night, I attended my sons’ band concert. One of the songs played was called “The Witch and the Saint.” The band director mentioned that the kids loved this particular song because of the loud percussion during certain sections. He was certainly right. During portions of the song, there was dramatic and thunderous percussion only to followed by a very sweet, melodious section.
As I listened, I found myself wondering–in the mind of the composer, which section represents the “witch” and which the “saint”? My hunch is that the saint was represented by the sweet melodious section and the witch the hard driving, energetic percussion. And that started to really bother me.
Why does being “saintly” always seem to be synonymous with a soft, peaceful, ‘elevator music’ approach to life? As author John Eldredge would ask, when did Mr Rogers become our model for the Christian life? Be nice and calm. Try to be good. Wear a sweater.
When did Jesus the Lion of Judah get domesticated in this way? To follow the King of Kings surely involves more excitement and energy and passion than being nice.
The other day my One Year Bible reading had me in I Chronicles–right in the middle of the section where all the tribes are being listed. Boring…at least usually boring. But this time, something caught my attention. In chapter 7, at the end of each listing of a particular line of descendants, the author added these words: “the fighting men in their genealogy numbered 22,600.” (I Chronicles 7:2) Then another: “They had 36,000 men ready for battle.” (I Chronicles 7:3) And another: “Their genealogical record listed 22,034 fighting men.” It goes on from there.
I started to think that maybe I should stop measuring church attendance and instead measure the passionate followers of Jesus–men and women–who are ready for a battle against the kingdom of darkness. That’s what we have been invited into as followers of Jesus–a battle for the rescue of souls from the prince of darkness. Sounds like an action movie, but this is real. It’s Christianity. Time to replace our “sweaters” with the armor of God.
I would love to hear a musical arrangement where the saints get the loud, energetic percussion of victory, and the witch gets the fading, lifeless melody of ultimate defeat.
Actually, one day we will hear that very arrangement–an eternal victory song for our glorious King. (a la Revelation 19). And of course, we can choose now to praise this incredible King of ours who has rescued us from the domain of darkness and invites us into the mission of setting the captives free.
Who said Christianity is boring?
October 28, 2011 at 8:58 am
Great point to bring up. The “battle song” I thought of when reading your blog was “Until the Whole World Sings”. I love that song. It gets me pumped for Christ, like getting ready to charge the field in a football game. Everyone’s reved up, hearts pumpin’, equipment on. Go! Go! Go! It’s hard to shake the Mr. Rogers image that Christians are perceived to be. I’d gladly trade in my sweater and loafers for God’s shield and armor any day!
November 2, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Back when I was in college, rock and roll was in its heyday, I personally prefered the softer rock genra, although secular in its composition. Alice Cooper, at the time, I thought, was Satan himself, with his disgusting stage theatrics.Today he is a confessed believer. A reporter once asked him “why Christianity?” His reply I never will forget. “Man now that’s real rebellion.”
With my love of music it’s encouraging to see some of these rock and roll artist who have turned their lives around after searching for life outside of Christ and to hear their testimonies. Ritchie Furay former member of the Buffalo Springfield is now a pastor at the Church of God in Broomfield
another example of God’s constant power and activity, (Rescue).J.W.
November 3, 2011 at 8:32 am
Great quote from Alice Cooper! In our men’s group this morning, John Eldredge made the following comment: “The gospel is better than we’ve been told.” It is so much more than forgiveness of sins. We are invited into a glorious adventure.
November 16, 2011 at 3:02 pm
WOW!!!!! I love the way you compared the witch and the saint I know the world see’s us as quiet doscile people but that is not what or who we are. We belong to the greatest worrier ever known he not only wars agenst the evel one but has asked us to come along side him to fight the battle. HOW can we sit idely by and live our lives striveing for nothing more than a content life of getting along to the point of loosing souls and missing the bsttle we have been trained for. I pray to the lord and plea to my brothers and sisters in the lord Christ Jesus to take up the armor of God and fight in the battle we have been called to before we run out of time.