With your forbearance, this week’s post will depart from the pattern. Just a poem. A poem that expresses many of the concerns I’ve had for some time about the practice of our faith. A poem where I ask you to think, to pray, to ponder, to reflect. I would love to read your thoughts, either on Facebook or on the Unconventional site. Agree fully, disagree fully. Agree or disagree in part. Or questions. Concerns. Uncertainty. Yeah, pretty free wheelin’, like a long bike trip should be.
What prompted this? We visited many churches before getting planted where we are. And while recently out of town we visited a church that particularly sparked these thoughts. At heart, the poem reflects no one particular church, but a trend in many. I appreciate you reading this. Thanks.
Worship
The video screen’s digital clock counts down the seconds and minutes
a nonverbal anticipation for worship to start
right on time
The main lights dim
others swivel and rotate with shapes projected onto ceilings and walls
seen even in the fog seeping into the room
The worship leader enthusiastically thanks all for coming and shares her gratitude
smiling, almost shouting
jacking up emotions
Song lines repeat, almost endlessly,
lulling us into a near hypnotic state
Is God not enough on his own
that we need emotional manipulation to worship?
Kick Starting the Application
Your thoughts?