Everyone Is An Atheist...

No, not in the technical sense, but most everyone has some version of God that they don't believe in. In fact, I've heard a couple of different folks suggest this was a helpful way to journey alongside people who say they don't believe in God. Invite them to tell you about the God they don't believe in, because chances are you don't believe in that version of God either.

This past week I was at a worship gathering of people who are trying to follow the ways of Jesus and we sang a song called "I Am An Atheist". Here are the lyrics

Atheist
Words and music by Brian McLaren and Aaron Strumpel

I am an atheist when it comes to the god of violent jihad.
I am an atheist when it comes to the lord who converts by the sword
I am an atheist when it comes to the mission of politicians using religion as ammunition.

I believe in you - the artist of trees and galaxies
I believe in you - the poet of oceans and rivers and streams
I believe in you - the god of compassion who calls us to action
I believe in you

I can’t believe what they believe but I believe in you
I can’t believe what they believe but I believe in you

I believe in you - majestic designer of space and time
I believe in you - composer of beauty and music of life
I believe in you - the holy forgiver and wild reconciler
I believe in you

I am an atheist to the gods of the greedy ignoring the needy.
I am an atheist to the gods who make others torture and suffer
I am an atheist when it comes to the view of the chosen few, who judge and condemn
all who differ them

I believe in you ... mighty in meekness and gentle in power
I believe in you ... the word who has spoken good news to the broken
I believe in you ... transcending mystery, with us in history
I believe in you

You can hear a full version of the song HERE.

How would you write your own verse(s) to this song- either describing the God you do or don't believe in?

Sparks Fly...

I grew up loving movies. Probably had something to do with the fact that my folks were early adopters of cable tv, movie channels, and the VCR. (We had both VHS and Beta formats with hundreds of movies recorded, organized and cataloged. Yes, one of my parents could be described as a tad obsessive.) Aside from the entertainment factor, I was drawn to films because they allowed me to experience worlds beyond my own. Movies made me feel, think, ask questions and seek dialogue.

At one point, I was in danger of losing this tinder that sparked so much thinking and conversation in my life. Shortly after I started following Jesus, I began limiting my intake of art to the stuff labeled "Christian", believing that this would make God happy and protect me from negative influences. (The latter might have happened to some extent, but I'm not sure about the former.)

Fortunately, I eventually came to my senses and began to think that all truth and beauty really belongs to God and that almost any source can serve as a conduit. (Case in point- the story of Balaam's ass.) So, if we go to the movies together, you'll know I liked the film if I start bombarding you with questions and wonderings before we even make it to the car. I'm not exaggerating, this really happens- just ask my wife, Jen.

The debrief torrent hit her as we stepped into the parking lot after seeing JUNO last week. For me, this film opened the door for reflection and discussion on a slew of real life issues: teenage sexuality & pregnancy, abortion, infertility, consequences, disappointment, materialism, divorce, parenting, commitment, image management, judging others, being yourself, forgiveness, trust, real love, suburbia, etc.

I'd highly recommend it, especially if you have pre-teens/teens or work with them in any fashion. If you want to know more about why I heart Juno, read the full review on my personal blog.

So, how about you? Seen Juno or another good movie lately?

Where do you catch regular glimpses of beauty and truth?

What serves as your tinder- sparking insights and questions that lead to reflection and good conversation?
(Hint- use the comments feature!)

The Worship Industry