Oh, God said to Abraham, “Kill me a son”
Abe say, “Man, you must be puttin’ me on”
God say, “No,” Abe say, “What?”
God say, “You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin’, you better run” – Bob Dylan “Highway 61 Revisited”
There is something to be said for the importance of culture in the public discussion of theology. We can be so staunch in our interpretations of the Bible, we miss out on the perspective of those outside of the Church who are unhindered by heretical labels. For me, music has always been the best place for this. The majority of songs will say something of the presence or absence of God if you listen closely enough. Jesus people can unknowingly form a community that excludes the very voices they are attempting to reach, and therefore it benefits us greatly to see the artistic expression that is created and that resonates within the culture, even when we know it to be offensive.
Bob Dylan is perhaps the most influential voice in American music, so much so that he was recently given the Nobel Prize for Literature. What is intriguing about his writing, is the depth and art which it is unleashed. Dylan has always had a faith element in his music, as well as championed social justice which is to be a bedrock of our faith. We need voices like this to help us explore our own faith and humanity. Faith was always meant to be a discussion.
Within this discussion, many young singer songwriters are exploring the empty promises of this world and looking elsewhere with their art. They are openly pondering the person of Jesus either obviously or inadvertently. Many are facing the cultural stereotypes and religious straw men that need toppled, and we should be celebrating this, regardless of execution. This should excite us as Christ-followers. We must be more afraid of Jesus being silent in the public conversation than we are of heretical thought from those who are honestly seeking answers. For us to have any impact on this world and its residents, we must serve with the creative spirit of the God we say we represent.
* This is one of the best such expressions. Be aware of the adult language.
* Here is another one that examines gender and salvation and sets it to a rollicking beat
Matt simon blog 