Monday, February 15, 2010

Worshunk??

In this except from a new book, a Christian band member speaks of their music being “worshunk,” a “mixture of worship and pop punk.”

Excellent. Creative. Transcendent. Glorious. Relevant.

Whatever.

“Worshunk” strikes me as the end (or perhaps only the middle) of the idea that attaching some spiritual terminology to anything sanctifies it for Christian worship.

And vulnerability is key. I know Paul left it out of the fruit of the Spirit, but that was probably an oversight on his part. He surely meant to include it, since it is the key to spiritual growth and effective ministry.

Now I don’t doubt the usefulness of vulnerability. I find it helpful, particularly to gain some points from others when I am looking for emotional support in my quest for character, or at least acceptance. If people see me as vulnerable, they will surely respect me more, and be willing to open up and hear my story. You know, of course, that the words of Scripture are to no avail if we are not vulnerable.

Now, perhaps this band member is simply a product of the author’s imagination. Perhaps … but it is believable, and that may be the biggest irony, since I am not sure the author is setting out to show the silliness of much of contemporary worship.

The truth is that this chapter is a good demonstration of the silliness of a lot of what goes on in Christian music, and Christianity in general. People have come up with the idea that if we are serious about junk, it really isn’t junk.

And that, my friends, is an insight you should take to your next dining out adventure. Don’t worry about propriety, cleanliness, and quality. In fact, don’t even worry if what is on your plate is the same thing you ordered. Just ask if your server is well-meaning.

Don’t ask if your mechanic is qualified, whether he (or she, because the field of mechanicdom is certainly egalitarian) knows the difference between an alternator and an oil-pan. Just ask if he is sincere.

Truth be told, I found this chapter is a bit humorous, not in a LOL kind of way, but rather in a silly-grin, roll-your-eyes kind of way. And I would actually like to read the book, though I am not particularly interested in buying it since it doesn’t look like a “keeper.”

Yes, I am cheap. I only like to buy books that I think will have ongoing benefit in some way or another. And this looks like a one-time read for fun just before bed.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I know you liked this section as well.

"I think about how many times I’ve heard this type of conversation.
Hundreds, perhaps. The context is sometimes different, but much of the dialogue is the same—people talking about how to create something “real” and “authentic” rather than just being real and authentic."

I spoke to my Dad on the phone last night, and he said he was attending a new church. He said
"you know, I always thought Christianity was just a religion, and now I see that its a not a religion, but a way of life"

Perception is not reality, and too may people are being taught what to look like in their Christian walk, rather than walking as a Christian.

I enjoy reading your writings.

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