Everyone is blogging about Derek Webb's song from his new album Stockholm Syndrome. The song is 'What Matters More?'. It's getting lots of press in the Christian realm because of the two dirty words that are used in the song.
I first listened to the song when it was posted on my friend Ben's blog. And true to form, Ben's post got me all riled up. Not because of the swear words. *gasp* But because of the subject matter. The song addresses the churches treatment of homosexuals in a rather 'in your face' kinda way. I never expected that song to strike such a deep chord with me, but it did. Below is the paraphrase of the comment I left on Ben's blog where the title of his post was: WE NEED THE CONTROVERSY.
If you listen closely, I believe the curse words are there to be ironic. I rather wish they were not in there, but I won't start marching around and carrying signs to try and protest the song. Sadly I used to use the ‘f’ word every other sentence and it still slips from time to time.
Which brings me to point number 2 – I sin every day. I sure try not too. But I do. Therefore how in the world could I condemn anyone else for the same?
Do I think being gay is a sin? Ya it is but it’s not my job to judge. (At first I said it 'probably' was a sin, but I edited that out because it is. Very clearly) So is jealousy, cursing, and anger, just some of the things I'm guilty of. Besides I’m no bible scholar and I can’t know absolutely for certain what Jesus thinks about it anyway.
But no, Ben, I don’t think we need the controversy. What we do need is to shut our mouths about it and get on with the job Jesus gave us: Loving one another, and loving the Lord our God.
I leave you with the only Bible verse that I think applies in this case. Matthew 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
Or this one: John 8:7 “Any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone.” But brother, that ain’t me.
You can listen to the ever so 'shocking' and controversial song here. But be forwarned!!!! You will here the nasty versions of the words Darn and Poop. Really!
And if you do listen to the song, honestly ask yourself "What matters more to you?"
