Anyway, I went to a Derek Webb concert recently with some buds from church. Derek sang a song which he wrote – the lyrics to which are at the end of this post. It had some political aspects to it – and it was tough to listen to. Really – what I wanted to hear was the gospel, in song – and in word, if he so desired to speak between songs. What I got was preaching in word and song on the viewpoints of Martin Luther King Jr. and his non-violent movement for peace and justice.
I guess my beef is two-fold: (1) If I’d wanted to be pounded by the pacifists at a rock concert – I’d have bought U2 tickets and let Bono rail on me. (2) I look at Derek Webb – and think to myself – is that where reformed theology leads people? Is this the result of liberty and moderation?
One word: yikes.
Here are those lyrics…..
i have come to give you life
and to show you how to live it
i have come to make things right
to heal their ears and show you how to forgive them
(pre-chorus)
because i would rather die
i would rather die
i would rather die
than to take your life
(chorus)
how can i kill the ones i’m supposed to love
my enemies are men like me
i will protest the sword if it’s not wielded well
my enemies are men like me
peace by way of war is like purity by way of fornication
it’s like telling someone murder is wrong
and then showing them by way of execution
when justice is bought and sold just like weapons of war
the ones who always pay are the poorest of the poor
My friend Todd and I were discussing this today and he found your blog post when he was searching for the lyrics to that song.
I have to say I tend to agree with you on some levels, but I really struggle with the “WWJD” aspect of it all (wow, I hate typing that). Tough issues, but I’m not sure I want to be clubbed over the head with them in music. It is indeed a personal thing.
Great blog…thanks.
DeS
Eh… at least he isn’t saying anything he’s not living. That’s the “beef” I have with political lyrics, really. I get tired of the celebs telling me how they feel about the government when their lives just don’t line up at all. *shrug*
Sarah,
Not to protest to strenuously, but do you think DW would sit idly by if someone broke into his home and killed his wife in front of him? I’m not condoning or condemning the actions of our government and military in Iraq, but under the original premise of all of this was a response to an awful terrorist attack. Not to respond invites more of the same by the same responsible parties.
You did hear the gospel… that’s exactly what this song is about. The gospel is bigger than just personal salvation – the gospel Jesus preached is about peace and justice, and yes, non-violence too.
Thanks for the comments, Mike. I would respectfully disagree with you regarding the substance of the gospel. The gospel is a call to repentance – and to a trust in a King and the hope of His kingdom, now and to come (to reference your blog and some comments on it).
The concepts of peace and justice and non-violence are not the good news. The good news is that even though we are a desperately wicked people, totally incapable on our own of being peaceful and acting justly – we can turn to one who is Peace and is Just – and in doing so – we can then be like Him and be peaceful and just.
I am thankful for Derek Webb’s emphasis on reaching and caring and loving the poor – as there is no doubt from Scripture that Jesus (and the Father himself) has a special care for those who are materially and spiritually poor.
But, I would say that no matter what one’s disdain for the politics of evangelical churches or Christians is – to align one’s self with the politics that is complicit in the deaths of approximately 40,000,000 children over the last 35 years – well, to use a gentle word, that alignment is dangerous.
This song that Derek Webb has bravely brought to life is all about being real. It’s not a scary or a rude lyrical club. I don’t believe in religion or what stance their is, I know Jesus and he knows me for I believe in faith through Jesus that I am free because he healed me he came and gave me life, and showed me how to live it, He came and made things right for me and for you and to heal me and forgive me, how not to judge my enemies because my they are the same as me; sinners of this world living for a hope that is in us that all are searching for. Derek Webb is a real artist who knows Jesus.
I think that if we were alive during the period of when Jesus was here as a man that we would think him to be very controversial as many priests and saints did. We are all hypocritical at times at least I am and I have problems and worries and sins but I am a child of God who is asked to not judge and to love my enemies and give peace, be peace, and be love. So protest the sword if it’s not wielded well because its not about pushing its about loving being real.