“Let’s go to the club!”
Not exactly a phrase you hear a lot on a beautifully overdressed Pentecostal Sunday morning, however, I would argue that it is a perfectly acceptable analogy for the cacophony which immediately greets us upon our arrival to church these days.
Now before I begin my iconoclastic rant, allow me first to reveal my Pentecostal credentials:
I grew up Baptist (I wonder how much of the esteemed readership of this blog will not finish this “lesser” article now?) In fact, it was only in my twenties (19 actually) that I fell under the Pentecostal label. In reality, my only Pentecostal claim to fame is that I had the grandson of William R Starr as an usher at my wedding – I also picked Tommy Brandon up from the airport once!
Now understand me, as I have only been Pentecostal for the last thirteen years and it may just be that I have not had enough time to appreciate the “dancing generation” (or maybe it’s just because I cannot dance and am terribly envious…) but I see a whole lot of “worship” without very much worship.
Listen, I’m not sure I could count the number of times I’ve danced like David when the Spirit of the Lord came on my heart. It would be difficult to say how often I’ve gone down to the enemies’ camp and taken back what he stole from me (See Digression #1) and in fact, it’s sickening how many times I’ve looked in the back of the book and found that I’ve won. All that aside, and in spite of praising His name at sunrise and sunset; I’m not totally convinced that any of the aforementioned tasks actually constitutes worship. Call me “nuts,” but there seems to be more to it than all that.
Let’s begin with a lame definition; dictionary.com defines worship as “reverent honor and homage paid to [G]od” (brackets added by me). Dan Rogers defines worship as “pure adoration, the lifting up of the redeemed [S]pirit toward [G]od in contemplation of His [H]oly perfection.”[1] In other terms, worship may be defined as exaltation to God resultant of the realization of God’s majesty, and in reality, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. What really irks me, regardless of your preferred definition of worship, is that we take our “worship services” (See Digression #2) and turn them in to what Timothy Ralston calls “idolatry of self rather than the worship of God.”[2] What often seems to be overlooked in worship… is God.
Let me qualify that statement with some song examples:
1) I’m a Pentecostal by Nathaniel Haney…
I’ll be honest, this song make me ashamed to have ever acquired the label “Pentecostal.” I’m not even sure where to begin, oh now I know; “idolatry of self rather than the worship of God.” If this song were any more obsessed with the glories of being Pentecostal (rather than being a child of the Creator) it might be downright sacrilege. Don’t get me wrong, who doesn’t want to glory in their Pentecostalness? I mean the freedom of Christ living in perfect harmony with the burden of man-made standards! makes me want to put on a paisley tie and run aisles. To continue with the point at hand, if I may quote a piece of the verse, “There’s a hunger in this world that gets bigger every day, they’re crying out for Pentecost…” I forgot that Pentecost paid the price and shed its blood for my sins… oh wait that was Jesus, easy mix up I’m sure. Before I go off on some terrible rant, I would like to acknowledge the fantastic criticism of this song done by my new friend Caroline at http://www.pentecostalfreedom.org/:
“This award [STUPID PENTECOSTAL ARROGANCE AWARD] goes to a relatively new song written by UPCI pastor Nathaniel Haney called I'm a Pentecostal and performed hyperactively on YouTube. It is interesting to note that many Pentecostal songs, written ostensibly to give glory to God, in fact give glory only to Pentecostals. The only praise in the song is praise of Pentecostals. And, since Pentecostals are singing the song (and in a Pentecostal church) it is little more than a bizarre cheerleading theme:
"I'm a Pentecostal, I am not ashamed!Just read the book of Acts, we are still the same!"
People who have nominated this song almost invariably ask, "Who are they talking to? It's a Pentecostal church, fer crying out loud. Do they think half the congregation is going to look around and say, 'Pentecostal? Really? Well, I'm glad they cleared THAT up. All this time, I thought I was attending the First Baptist Church of Snodville!'" But it seems quite clear to me that the Pentecostals are really talking to themselves. And that actually makes this song rather sad. I'm sure we all remember the deep insecurity that made us all feel the need to repeat over and over to ourselves that we were so happy to be Pentecostal and definitely not embarrassed about it!”
I think that sums it up…
2) The Spirit of the Lord by Fred Hammond…
First off, how dare I attack a Fred Hammond song, and secondly, when did Fred Hammond acquire Pope-like sanctity? (He doesn’t even have a bubble car!) As far as I’m concerned, he’s not even Israel Houghton-esq, but then I would have to confess how low that sits on my totem pole as well. Anyway where was I? Ah yes, The Spirit of the Lord by Fred Hammond. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this song right off hand, let me remind you: Basically, when the Spirit of the Lord comes on you, you do everything that David did. Well not everything David did, I mean we’re not going to sleep with someone’s wife then kill the husband… well at least not until worship is over. I find it interesting that we spend so much time telling God (I guess) what we are going to do once His Spirit moves on our hearts while the Spirit is supposedly moving on our hearts! I feel that sometimes actions are a good substitute for words; this song would certainly qualify for said instance.
3) Enemy’s Camp by Brownsville Revival
Other than proclaiming that Satan is under my feet and redundantly announcing that I’ve taken back what he’s stolen from me I’m not sure what this sing is supposed accomplish. Where is the worship in this? and yet we sing it for worship. Heck it doesn’t even mention that Jesus helps us take back what’s been stolen. Apparently at some point we became self-sufficient (remember that next time you need help moving, if you can take back what’s yours from the enemies camp then you can certainly move a king size bed by yourself). I am literally deflated by the thought of spending anymore of my air on this song.
Now that I’ve ranted on the lack of worship present in some of Pentecost’s great songs, let me talk about what they have in common and what has enchanted generations of “Holy rollers!” It’s the beat man! Pentecostals love nothing more than to get down and boogie, just look at the first verse of I’m a Pentecostal:
"We’ve been known to get wild and let our hair hang down
Drink till we get merry, rolling on the ground
We’ve cranked up the music, and we’ve danced all around"
You could put lyrics and soulful signing to any grouping of words and Pentecostals would swear they feel the Spirit! I know a Pentecostal pianist who would frequently add the McDonald’s I’m Loving It jingle in to the worship music just to see if anyone noticed and guess what, didn’t happen, but someone surely fell on the ground in a “Holy Ghost heap.” Forget Club Divine, you too Necto, I’m going to church to get my dance on! My worship however, well I plan to leave that for camp; wait no that’s my prom night… HYC then, no that’s my match making time… hmm I guess General Conference, but only if I decide to show up for one of the countless sermons… yea, that’ll do. Praise be to God!
Digression #1
Aren’t we so boisterous! Our humanity sometimes slips in to lapses of judgment classified as “feelings of immortality.” And we, supposing ourselves to by invulnerable, think it possible to sojourn in to the enemy’s camp and take back what he “stole” from us. Ha! First off, we love to lay the blame on the enemy, however, nothing has ever been taken from us that we didn’t allow to be taken. We as Christians love to play the victim, but Christ has made us “more than conquerors!” (Rom 8:31-37) Now secondly, we have no need to go to the enemy’s camp because Christ already did and has come back with the keys to death, hell, and the grave (Rev 1:18). So let’s get off our high horses, thank God for His mercy and grace, and live as conquerors instead of victims.
Digression #2
There is a Lutheran theologian by the name of Geoffrey Wainwright who wrote an exhaustive text entitled Doxology. In this text, Wainwright lays continual emphasis on ‘doing worship’ in the form of daily activities; daily life/actions are worship. I think one of the great failures of the modern church is the focus on the ritual of ‘worship services’ or, worship during Sunday church. Worship, these days, has become synonymous with music, i.e. worship music. The focus has been put on modern contemporary styled music that ‘creates the atmosphere’ for worship. Weekly church services are then the event for worship instead of being what they were originally modeled after; a time for celebrating Christ with fellow believers. This almost completely reduces worship to a weekly event as opposed to an intentional and continuous lifestyle choice and thus, steals glory from God.
[1] http://www.gci.org/spiritual/worship1
[2] http://bible.org/print/book/export/html/3438
Tim Beehler
To add to what you've said - I personally dislike singing any song that mentions the devil. When I was a child "look out satan look out" was a popular one, and I hear a lot of people talk about doing some "devil chasing".
ReplyDeleteThey can chase devils, I'll be following Jesus, thanks.
well said, my friend. pentecostals who judge, or brag about, or try to prove their pentecostal-ness, have long been a major pet peeve of mine. it's not the length of our hair or how loud we pray, or how we dress that saves us, and it is certainly not our denomination. it's only His Love and His Mercy. so we should all cut the crap..let's worry less about the outside and get to work on the inside, let's place the emphasis where it belongs: on relationship with Christ.
ReplyDeletesincerely,
the best man from the aforementioned wedding
This is very good. I'm more than impressed. Well done sir.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing with clarity my thoughts from the past 3 decades of Pentecostal songs! :)
ReplyDeletegreat article!!! Rage Against the Machine my friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm very impressed with the writing and the points you've made.
ReplyDeleteI pretty much can't stand the majority of the songs that "we" sing at church. One of the worst ones is anything that proclaims that we are "taking back" any and everything the devil stole from us. I'm sorry. The devil doesn't take anything. We freely give up our desire to serve God (lose our joy/etc.). When we do, it makes it ALOT easier for the devil to sink his proverbial "claws" into us.
I don't even want to get into that awful "I'm a Pentecostal" holier than thou chant; I hate that song.
Finally, worship. People tend to blur the lines between praise and worship. Praise=what we say Worship=what we do in our every day lives/how we live. I think you hit the nail on the head with both Digression 1 and 2.
Excellent.
Chandra
LOL, when I got the tweet with the title I thought, "Here he goes again, probably throwing out the baby with the bathwater" but this time I have to say, "Well done!"
ReplyDeleteA sharp preacher once said that the key to worship is to lift up the Lord. If we do that, He'll draw. Worship songs talk about how great He is. Someone once said, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." Mature worship follows the same pattern.
Good post. Thought I think we can be a little bit less negative on this one. Let's keep in mind that for every good song there are usually a few duds and sometimes those duds get popular.
ReplyDelete“I'm a Pentecostal” is definitely hard to defend. For starters it sounds like propaganda and I think this is because it is propaganda. Assuming it's not propaganda it sounds a lot like “Elinor Rigby;” both songs head towards a really awesome message and stop about halfway there. “Eleanor Rigby" shows the dark spots of the human condition but never calls on us to do anything about them. “I’m a Pentecostal” needs a good deal more work and would probably end up sounding like a mix of “I've been to the water” and “We Shine” if its message were to be resurrected. Now that I think of it, “I'm a Pentecostal” sounds like a pro-Pentecostal propaganda rip of “We Shine.”
Before I address “The Spirit of the Lord” I would like to point out that around the millennia a fairly major shift happen within the sacred music world. Prior to the millennia most, but by no means all, sacred music was song about God; think “Amazing Grace” or “Our God is an Awesome God.” After the millennia it seems that a large amount of the sacred music written is sung to God; think “God of this City” or “East to West.” “The Spirit of the Lord” has a somewhat questionable addressing, In short we don't really know who the songs being sung to. Over the last decade we've become used to songs that are ambiguus to whom they are addressed normally being addressed to God. Which is you pointed out if we make that assumption with "the Spirit of the Lord" then it turns into pretty stupid song. However, "The Spirit of the Lord" was written prior to the millennia when ambiguously addressed songs were more appropriately assumed to be addressed to the listener in which case the song makes more sense. Allow me to explain; the song could read something like “The Spirit of the Lord is the greatest hi ever and you should try it.” (I'm going to just leave the whole God as a drug to a different discussion).
“Enemy Camp” is actually a song I kind of like but it has two features that could definitely lead to it being misunderstood. First like songs by Skillet (at least the ones that get airplay) there's a lot of information that is assumed to be implicitly understood. Second it's not a praise worship song it's a go out and do something song; think a song like “My Own Little World” or “The God I Know.” So if we assume a pre-narrative of the song that prior to having a relationship with Christ you were unable to resist the devil and that he took from you or your loved ones vea sin. Now you have a relationship with Christ from whom you have received the strength to defeat the devil and overcome sin. The song then is an appeal for you to get up and use the power God has given you to overcome sin in your life and others vea prayer …. (Remember this one is addressed to you not God).
The article raises many good points and as Pentecostals we do need to be careful of allowing emotionalism to take the place of God. However, my personal experience with a small sample of the very large and diverse population of apostolics would suggest that the majority are not jumping off the deep end. It may look that way at times since the ones scuba diving in the deep end tend to make the most noise.
On second thought maybe I'm being too negative with "I'm Pentecostal." Maybe it's more like MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This;" gloating for fun and not meant to be taken seriously?
ReplyDeleteSorry for the triple post but I keep going over “I'm Pentecostal." I can't help thinking this comes from an earlier narrative of within the Pentecostal movement that's starting to die out. The narrative centers around being an Apostolic Pentecostal as your central identifying feature. In this light "I'm a Pentecostal" is more of this is who I am and is a song sung to reinforce one's internal identity. We have to keep in mind that the first half the 20th century Apostolics were persecuted by mainstream Christianity and even other Pentecostals. Our worship style, let alwon our rejection of the trinity, got us branded as demonic and many of our early leaders suffer personal hardships at the hands of mainstream and evangelical Christians. The older narrative of the Apostolics centric identity was forged by this persecution. The newer narrative born in a generation who has no memory of anyone persecuted for their faith (at least here in the US) focuses on understanding God from whatever source is possible regardless of the label since there is far less of “them versus us.” So we who have more of the new narrative see "I'm a Pentecostal" as boasting propaganda I would suspect saints with the older narrative see a patriotic like song; think "God Bless the USA." I think the point I missed in my first comment is that this is not a praise and worship song and that I’m looking at it with the wrong narrative.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank everyone for the feedback. I was also like to take this opportunity to make mention of a few things. First, this post is not the pot calling the kettle black. What I mean is, I am as guilty as anyone of the aforementioned offense, it's easy to be caught up. For me, the purpose of this post (as with many of the posts of this site I'm sure)is to play a role. A theology instructor of mine once said that role of the prophets in Old Testament writing was to be a check-and-balance to the king and society; making sure they were on God's appointed path. The office of prophet has somewhat changed in these days, the responsibility still lies with them but there is another group which has taken up that task; the theologians. Not that I fancy myself a theologian, but in accordance with the idea of tempering our cultural (especially in the religious world) activities, this blog is a reminder of what C.S. Lewis talks about in "Mere Christianity;" though we all know what is right (the law of God written on our hearts) we all miss the mark, daily. It's easy to get off course and stay there. I like to think of this as a Spiritual cry to assess our current situation, correct it, and move forward in worshipping God. That is all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of your points - but I disagree with the spirit in which they were written. This could just be on my end, however while reading your article I got the "feeling" that you are judging all of Pentecost and the UPC based on your personal experiences. I am 5th generation Pentecost and proud of it, but that does not give me the right to treat others badly or think more highly of myself than I ought. People who do that don't know the first thing about living for God... But not all of us are Pentecostal-ites.
ReplyDeleteSecondly - While I'm a Pentecostal is not my favorite song by far - I disagree with you speaking harshly and/or posting harsh and derogatory comments about Bro. Nathaniel Haney. The Word clearly states "Touch not mine anointed and do my prophet no harm". I'm not so sure that you remembered that but maybe you need to. Whether or not we agree with his song (in my personal opinion) I think it is wrong to speak in this fashion against a man of God. One of your readers said "I hate this holier than thou chant"... I don't see it in that light. Yes, it speaks about Pentecostals but isn't that what we are? Sometimes I feel like we need to be reminded of that - Yes. First and foremost I am a Christian! But so are a LOT of other people who are lost... that is the cold hard truth. Unless you have been baptized in Jesus Name, received the Holy Ghost and are living a godly and holy life then you are not going to Heaven. I don't know of any other organized religion in the world that preaches the Acts 2:38 message and Holiness like we do. So my point is - maybe at the time that he wrote this song he needed to be reminded of that - Where else is a born again, apostolic, holiness believer going to go? Nowhere. I am a Pentecostal - at least that is how I see it.
Going to the enemies camp -- also not one of my favorite songs...It's really old, I don't care for the style, the repetitiveness... I call it a 7/11 song - And I don't want to sing it all the time ... BUT there are times that I NEED to - Maybe not necessarily that song - but ones like it. And I agree with you that we give Satan way more credit than he deserves. We (as a whole) blame a lot of him when it's our own desires, flesh, gossip, attitudes… that put us in MOST of our "trials". But the Bible does say that the "violent take it by force". So there are times that we need to take back what has been taken away. Though they are few and far between - there are instances that the devil or an evil spirit attacks, oppresses, or possesses a child of God and the only way to get it back is by the action of spiritually taking it back.
ReplyDeleteWorship - yes should be a lifestyle - all that we do should be only to glorify God - A worship service may not be mandatory.. But going to a place of worship is - "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" - If we are commanded to go to a place of worship, should not we have a worship service? I agree that some of the songs on ridiculous and I don't like EVERY style that is out there - or particularly care for some of the words - but if it blesses my brother or sister... isn't that part of the point? Whether or not we like it all the time (I get tired of it too) a major PART of the reason we praise and worship is because God then comes and visits us, and gives us the strength that we need.
Digression 1 - As I already mentioned there are parts I do agree with - I fervently disagree that "we don't have to go to the enemy’s camp because Jesus already did that". There is this part of a Spirit Filled life called INTERCESSORY PRAYER - No, we may not physically march into a camp and take back a physical object and lift it high for all the world to see... But there have been times even in my life that in the Spirit of Intercessory prayer I have Fought and I have won a battle in my personal prayer closet! Or in a church service. I agree that Jesus paid the ultimate price and has the keys to death, hell and the grave, but that does not mean that I can become lazy and lethargic - There are battles that are won ONLY through TAKING Authority and dominion over the spirit of darkness. In no way do I think that makes me be on a "high horse".
So - This brings me to the end... In your comment you said that you are not the pot calling the kettle black but are playing a role - I can see that. And personally I'm glad you clarified, because in reading your post I sincerely thought you were very bitter. As much as I am for blogging and getting our feelings out and talking out our differences, etc... My first thought after reading your article was "This guy makes some very good points, but the attitude in which it was written takes away any validity to what he says". The snarky comments come across as bitterness and "sounds" hateful no matter how I tried to read it. That is of course my personal opinion. There were several scriptures that came to mind after reading this... James 1:26 - a mans religion is in vain unless he can control his tongue. 2 Timothy 2:16 - Avoid foolish, and worthless talk that only leads to more ungodly/godless behavior. 1 Timothy 6:20 - Avoid profane and vain babblings... Now please do not think I am calling you vain - But I believe that there are SOME things that should not be talked about. We have to keep some things holy - If we make fun of everything that we do and everything that we believe then we are profane and have lost the whole point of being a Christian. So, again. While I agreed with some of your points - I did not agree with how you portrayed them. It was very un-Christlike. I don't think I will ever hear God speaking of His children the way that you did in this post. If you disagree with me and I'm sure you will - then I'm sure I will read about it.
Going to the enemies camp -- also not one of my favorite songs...It's really old, I don't care for the style, the repetitiveness... I call it a 7/11 song - And I don't want to sing it all the time ... BUT there are times that I NEED to - Maybe not necessarily that song - but ones like it. And I agree with you that we give Satan way more credit than he deserves. We (as a whole) blame a lot of him when it's our own desires, flesh, gossip, attitudes… that put us in MOST of our "trials". But the Bible does say that the "violent take it by force". So there are times that we need to take back what has been taken away. Though they are few and far between - there are instances that the devil or an evil spirit attacks, oppresses, or possesses a child of God and the only way to get it back is by the action of spiritually taking it back.
ReplyDeleteWorship - yes should be a lifestyle - all that we do should be only to glorify God - A worship service may not be mandatory.. But going to a place of worship is - "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" - If we are commanded to go to a place of worship, should not we have a worship service? I agree that some of the songs on ridiculous and I don't like EVERY style that is out there - or particularly care for some of the words - but if it blesses my brother or sister... isn't that part of the point? Whether or not we like it all the time (I get tired of it too) a major PART of the reason we praise and worship is because God then comes and visits us, and gives us the strength that we need.
Digression 1 - As I already mentioned there are parts I do agree with - I fervently disagree that "we don't have to go to the enemy’s camp because Jesus already did that". There is this part of a Spirit Filled life called INTERCESSORY PRAYER - No, we may not physically march into a camp and take back a physical object and lift it high for all the world to see... But there have been times even in my life that in the Spirit of Intercessory prayer I have Fought and I have won a battle in my personal prayer closet! Or in a church service. I agree that Jesus paid the ultimate price and has the keys to death, hell and the grave, but that does not mean that I can become lazy and lethargic - There are battles that are won ONLY through TAKING Authority and dominion over the spirit of darkness. In no way do I think that makes me be on a "high horse".
ReplyDeleteSo - This brings me to the end... In your comment you said that you are not the pot calling the kettle black but are playing a role - I can see that. And personally I'm glad you clarified, because in reading your post I sincerely thought you were very bitter. As much as I am for blogging and getting our feelings out and talking out our differences, etc... My first thought after reading your article was "This guy makes some very good points, but the attitude in which it was written takes away any validity to what he says". The snarky comments come across as bitterness and "sounds" hateful no matter how I tried to read it. That is of course my personal opinion. There were several scriptures that came to mind after reading this... James 1:26 - a mans religion is in vain unless he can control his tongue. 2 Timothy 2:16 - Avoid foolish, and worthless talk that only leads to more ungodly/godless behavior. 1 Timothy 6:20 - Avoid profane and vain babblings... Now please do not think I am calling you vain - But I believe that there are SOME things that should not be talked about. We have to keep some things holy - If we make fun of everything that we do and everything that we believe then we are profane and have lost the whole point of being a Christian. So, again. While I agreed with some of your points - I did not agree with how you portrayed them. It was very un-Christlike. I don't think I will ever hear God speaking of His children the way that you did in this post. If you disagree with me and I'm sure you will - then I'm sure I will read about it. I do not mean to come across as preachy - just as I'm sure you did not mean to come across bitter.
Digression 1 - As I already mentioned there are parts I do agree with - I fervently disagree that "we don't have to go to the enemy’s camp because Jesus already did that". There is this part of a Spirit Filled life called INTERCESSORY PRAYER - No, we may not physically march into a camp and take back a physical object and lift it high for all the world to see... But there have been times even in my life that in the Spirit of Intercessory prayer I have Fought and I have won a battle in my personal prayer closet! Or in a church service. I agree that Jesus paid the ultimate price and has the keys to death, hell and the grave, but that does not mean that I can become lazy and lethargic - There are battles that are won ONLY through TAKING Authority and dominion over the spirit of darkness. In no way do I think that makes me be on a "high horse".
ReplyDeleteSo - This brings me to the end... In your comment you said that you are not the pot calling the kettle black but are playing a role - I can see that. And personally I'm glad you clarified, because in reading your post I sincerely thought you were very bitter. As much as I am for blogging and getting our feelings out and talking out our differences, etc... My first thought after reading your article was "This guy makes some very good points, but the attitude in which it was written takes away any validity to what he says". The snarky comments come across as bitterness and "sounds" hateful no matter how I tried to read it.
That is of course my personal opinion. There were several scriptures that came to mind after reading this... James 1:26 - a mans religion is in vain unless he can control his tongue. 2 Timothy 2:16 - Avoid foolish, and worthless talk that only leads to more ungodly/godless behavior. 1 Timothy 6:20 - Avoid profane and vain babblings... Now please do not think I am calling you vain - But I believe that there are SOME things that should not be talked about. We have to keep some things holy - If we make fun of everything that we do and everything that we believe then we are profane and have lost the whole point of being a Christian. So, again. While I agreed with some of your points - I did not agree with how you portrayed them. It was very un-Christlike. I don't think I will ever hear God speaking of His children the way that you did in this post. If you disagree with me and I'm sure you will - then I'm sure I will read about it. I do not mean to come across as preachy - just as I'm sure you did not mean to come across as bitter. Please accept my opinion since you so readily expressed yours.
ReplyDeleteSo the comment policy applies only to commenters, but not bloggers? Is Nathan Haney a specific person? Is Fred Hammond a specific person? Why so bitter? If your point is don't worship the music, cause "its got a good beat and easy to dance to" I guess I agree. But its tough to know what's going on the heart of the another from the observer's view point.
ReplyDelete1. Ad hominem attacks against the bloggers, other commenters, or specific people will not be tolerated. Ad hominem meaning that instead of discussing the arguments that are presented, one makes personal attacks at the character or history of the one making a comment as if this lessens the impact of the argument.
"Went to the enemy's camp and I took back what he stole from me" That's what David did at Ziklag right? But before he did, he encouraged himself in the Lord. Maybe with a song. If folks use a hymn or chorus to encourage themselves I don't think that's such a bad thing. Agree that we need to be on guard of seeking "Emotional Highs" versus connecting with the Almighty. Also agree on pots and kettles. Most of us been there, done that.
ReplyDelete@Timmytalk I must agree in with a good part of readers that the post goes well past snarky. The quote from Caroline is rely quite bitter. It is from an anti-Pentecostal website after all. Unless you are a shock jock you don't wish to get your readers diffidence; it will not help your point.
ReplyDelete"I'm a Pentecostal" is not a typical song and the middle part of the post is a rant on that song. I'm about your age and our generation finds anything with even a taste of propaganda, hypocrisy or deception extremely offensive. It is hard not to allow the extreme offensiveness of a small minority to overwhelm our judgment of the hole. We miss so much when we let the ugliness of the minority overwhelm the beauty of the hole.
Writing tip: the final prof read should be no sooner then the day after the work is written. The brake allows you to see the forest for the trees.
I kind of like When the Spirit of the Lord Moves Upon My Heart... But only the Fred Hammond style. I think I like it just because it's so different and modern from the original version.. in Fm, which I can't stand! I feel a wee bit bipolar after reading this post because I'm torn on how I feel - agree on some and REALLY disagree on others. Some things are really funny - but then like making fun of a preacher.. I was always taught that was wrong... I'll have to read more of this blog to come to a definite conclusion of how I feel.. I mean ya'll aren't like serious about this stuff right?
ReplyDeleteThis (very long) post and these (very long) comments remind me of my husband's preference for "vertical" worship songs.
ReplyDeleteI'd not heard of "vertical vs. horizontal" worship songs before, but he explained to me one service how vertical songs speak directly to God, giving Him all the praise & honor, and horizontal songs basically don't do that -- they may be songs of celebration of what we enjoy in Christ or be rally-rousers or what-have-you.
I personally enjoy both types of songs -- vertical more so in church, of course, and horizontal while I am driving or exercising, etc.
Hope everyone is having a great Friday! :)
There are some things are so grossly out of whack and blatantly anti biblical that when they are called out there's no way to sound anything but crass...
ReplyDeleteClaiming that you are "fifth generation and proud of it" says to me that you are going to defend it, even if it's wrong, and the culture is very ingrained in you.
It's really annoying that every time someone disagrees with a post they write off the author as "a bitter ex apostolic attacking alal the apostolics"... blah blah blah.
Sometimes, the most PRACTICAL and PRAGMATIC perspective of something comes from someone who is completely or mostly unattached to what's discussed. I grew up Pentecostal, and now I'm not. But to most readers of this blog my opinion doesn't matter because I'm a reprobate or the devil is in my brain, etc etc.
They would disregard the fact that I read my bible, and many other books, pray and have a walk with God because I don't wear the label.
The author of this post called it like he saw it, boldly and practically. I came from a church that accepted to criticism. If you saw a flaw it was your own fault for looking, and "if you look hard enough you'll always find a problem" and "there's no perfect church".
Rather than dismissing everyone with a critique on your culture as lesser in spirituality and intellect than you, maybe you should start listening to them and their points and the 20-30 somethings wouldn't be flooding out of UPC churches.
Oh I forgot, they left because they're reprobates and the mass erroneous teachings would be clear to them if they'd shave and go to footwashing...
I would have to say I totally agree with this article. Being a musician in an Apostolic church these days, it's hard to find music that has any substance to it. Therefore, we sometimes find ourselves singing the same things over and over. I would have to say it's very frustrating sometimes. But then I remember that regardless of what song we are singing, we are trying to usher in the Spirit of God. Yes, songs can be a distraction....I'm a Pentecostal, Dancing Generation, Freedom. All of these songs are great to listen to...as I love to hear them sometimes. But, in my opinion, these songs have no place in a worship service. Yes, they these songs do have SOME good lyrics, but to me all they do is "hype" the crowd up.
ReplyDeleteThis is my story and I'm sticking to it! :)
Trina
See, I can understand both perspectives. However, I do not agree with the mocking tone of the way it was presented. Why don't you get a heart for God, get over it, and perhaps if you start changing your critical attitude, others around you will also start changing. The only reason for disillusionment when one has a walk with God is because they are not close to God, nor do they truly fellowship with Him. This blog is neither uplifting nor inspiring, it is merely a mockery of someones disillusioned perception of Pentecost.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he has mocking tone. It's sarcasm. He is merely attemping to provoke us to THINK about these issues/topics. It has a sarcastic/funny edge to it, which could interpret as mocking...but it's just to keep you entertained. OR that's just his personality. If you don't like it, then don't come back. :)
ReplyDeleteThe definition of disillusioned is: to free from pleasing but false beliefs.
ReplyDeleteSo what's wrong with being disillusioned? I, for one, am disillusioned,or was. But not with God, only with the Pentecostal/Apostolic church. Now that I'm not under the yoke of so many of the man-made rules/standards/beliefs I am free to let the Holy Ghost guide me (I John 2:27) and I am free to grow in relationship with Jesus, which i believe should be our true focus.
Also...i don't think it's fair to say the author doesn't have a heart for God. I am more than certain that he does. As for his "critical attitude"..I agree with that one hundred percent.
Where would we be as Christians,(or humans) if we weren't willing to look at ourselves critically? What if we remained forever satisfied, continually patting each other on the back? We need to honestly look at ourselves and be willing to change, to grow in Christ. Certainly everything that the Apostolic church advocates is not right, and we should not hold it infallible.
I don't think this blog is meant to be inspiring or uplifting. I see it as being more challenging. I mean that in the best possible way.
J Miller