Another summer is nearly here. For some reason tonight I am noticing the passage of time more than usual. The saying “time goes by quicker when you get older” is actually becoming more real to me now that I am 28. The question[s] is [are], have I made the most of my time thus far? What will I do from this point on? We had a photographer here Thursday and Friday. It has been a long time since I have been that mentally challenged. We covered the gamut from politics to art to worship and everything in between.
“Only dead fish swim with the current.” – Phil Schaafsma
Phil is a great guy. Everytime he comes here I learn so much and go away thinking and encouraged. He impresses me because his ability to speak intelligently and to convey his thoughts in a logical yet passionate manner. The discussion we had about Christians and art caused me to sincerely re-evaluate my own thoughts on this issue. And it also brought to mind a discussion that Jason and I had a few weeks back. Why are Christians so behind and so unwillingly to break new ground in the visual arts? And then, when it comes to the areas of music, the same is true. Unfortuately, we are satisfied with maintain the status quo – keeping up with whatever pop fad the rest of the world is doing. Be it Plus One imitating Backstreet or whatever, we are definitely not setting the tone. Why not? We have truth and enlightenment if we know Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a result of this, should this not completely change our way of looking at things? Should that not so revolutionize how we think and create? But we have compartmentalized things into secular and sacred. We have made certain things “ok” and certain things “not ok.”
For example, recently at Grace, they cancelled a concert because a couple small-minded people were unwilling to stretch themselves and thought that people might get “offended” by something in the band’s CD artwork (a photo of a woman’s legs – a statue in Paris). They said that they did not sing Christian songs (although they are Christians) as the songs are not worship songs, but rather deal with the day to day realities of life. So instead of making it a learning experience, and letting people come away with something (positive or negative) and giving everyone that chance, the concert was cancelled on account of the protests of the few. The sad thing is that this happens quite a bit in Christian circles. And, for some reason, the “powers that be” frequently capitulate to the often unfounded and ignorant cries of the few.
It is true that we live in a culture that is in a constant state of decline. As Christians, we do not have to swim with the current. We have truth, We just have to learn to apply truth to life.
I guess there is a lot more on this subject that I can say… I am still thinking and learning. My desire is to not remain static.