I admit that I have not been too familiar with Gungor until just recently, but I plan to listen to much more of their music. Especially after reading this blog post today...
Zombies, Wine, and Christian Music
I have had similar thoughts regarding Christian music and for those who know me well, wine and other beverages are a part of my life. And I am not an alcoholic. And I am not going to hell. And I know God loves me.
I agree with Michael, shame on us.
Please feel free to share your thoughts. I'd love to dialogue about this. I do not want to live according to man-made tradition but according to the Bible. And the truth has set me free!
Many blessings!
And photos from our fantastic weekend in Houston coming soon...
Wow, fantastic post with some really great comments. I've heard it said that the secular world can only copy and steal from the great ideas of God. And it's true that a lot of Christian music seems to only seek to imitate what is popular in the world. To copy the copy, as it were, going through 2 dilutions and arriving on the other side bland and uncompelling. But what if we were to go to God for new songs, new sounds, new ideas? What would it sound like to sing a song from heaven that the world has never heard before, and become the one that everyone else wants to copy because you bring something that's so new and more real than anything else others have to offer.
ReplyDeleteI think part of the problem is that the Christian music scene is just focused on catching up with the world, rather than seeking God's heart. When things become about pleasing the churches, pleasing the donors, pleasing the fans and adding God as an afterthought, it's not surprising that and oppressive spirit of religion is stifling and choking the young people of this generation so that they feel like they have to run away out into the world. I even felt like this a bit during my 3rd year at McMaster, where I stopped going to Christian clubs on campus for a bit because I felt like everything there was so insincere, and that people weren't real about who they really were. Part of that was just my own brokenness, but I think another part of that is that we as an evangelical church culture (to make a wide sweeping generalization) haven't taught people how to be vulnerable. And people who try to be vulnerable experience judgement and shame, instead of compassion and covering over their sinfulness. I think even more than money and tradition, this is at the root of our inability to produce music that is authentic. We've become like the Pharisee who invites Jesus to dinner and become offended when someone we don't approve of comes in and pours perfume on his feet. We think we're special, because we invite Jesus to dinner and he is gracious, he will usually come. And we think that's good enough. But how much better to be a church who will run to wherever he is and pour out our best before him, even if it defies cultural norms. To know the fullness of everything he's done for us, and experience the fullness of his love. When that dinner ended, the Pharisee was still bound by religion and tradition despite having had Jesus there, but the woman was set completely free. I don't want to be religious, I want to be where Jesus is.
I've been almost exclusively listening to worship music lately. There is a time and a place for songs about different kinds of things, but there's something a bit addicting about music which invites the presence of God. When songs are God-focused not just in a way that uses churchy lyrics but truly someone pouring out their heart to Jesus, it's transformative.
I think it's also partially because music is an invitation to step into what the singer is thinking and feeling. We crave that in our culture, this communal experience of music where we sing along, and the song becomes a part of our lives and collective experience. If I'm going to sing along with someone, I want it to be someone who's lost in God's presence in adoration and wonder so that I can step into that place with them. So that wherever I am, I can step into the throne room of God where the angels are constantly praising. That's my goal at least, haha.
Ai... that was more than I planned on writing. But I'm so glad you posted this because it got me thinking and reflecting. Love and blessings to you and all the Royce fam!
As an addendum, I realize that some of my comments up above about the church might sound a bit harsh, so I just want to add a disclaimer that I really love the church. It just breaks my heart a bit to see so many congregations satisfied with just the very tiniest crumbs when God has a feast laid out for them. And to see them affecting their communities with tiny little ripples when God has destined them to be tidal waves that bring life to a land that is parched and dying and desperately in need. When there's something not right in the church, it's not a reason to write off the church, it's an invitation to intercede and cover her so that she can rise up to become the glorious Bride that Jesus is returning for.
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah, I love you and I love your heart! I am glad it got you reflecting because I enjoyed reading every word. Please share what worship music you are listening to right now (maybe it's the same as I am listening to, but maybe not). That is where I am right now, too, and I cannot get enough of His Presence!
ReplyDelete