The Fashionable Fanatic
I was listening to the radio the other day and I happened to hear an interview with a famous pop icon. Having known about this man since I was very young, I was interested to hear what he was doing now. The interview became boring as the man touted his own accomplishments and praised himself over and over again. I was only halfway listening when I heard the interviewer ask a question about religion. I heard the man say, he'd "always been religious, just never talked about it until it became trendy". Are you kidding me?
I really couldn't believe that someone could make the claim to be "religious" and then make an excuse why no one knew it. Ned told me that when he worked in the factory, he worked with several elders of the Lord's church for many years. It wasn't until he, (Ned) became a Christian that he even knew they were Christians. Is that not one of the saddest indictments you've ever heard? I mean, its not like we live in a country where being a Christian is punishable by death. We don't have to hide our faith in order to preserve our very lives so why hide it at all?
It is true that "spirituality" is becoming very "fashionable"---movie stars, politicians and newscasters talk about their "faith". Politicians use it to beat each other up and build up their own reputations. Criminals use it as a get of jail free card. Anti-war militants use it to promote their political views. Tabloids twist it to sell magazines. I think I think it is wonderful that so many are thinking about "spiritual things." The problem I have with a fashionable faith is that it comes from society. Faith is "in" simply because society says so. And a faith that is recognized by society is usually a faith that is shaped by society--and therefore flawed. This flawed faith then becomes trendy. It is the tool, the filter if you will, through which we view the entire world, including our obligations, our duties and even our worship.
So now I guess what I want to know is what happens to their faith when spirituality goes out of style?
Blessings,
Neva
I really couldn't believe that someone could make the claim to be "religious" and then make an excuse why no one knew it. Ned told me that when he worked in the factory, he worked with several elders of the Lord's church for many years. It wasn't until he, (Ned) became a Christian that he even knew they were Christians. Is that not one of the saddest indictments you've ever heard? I mean, its not like we live in a country where being a Christian is punishable by death. We don't have to hide our faith in order to preserve our very lives so why hide it at all?
It is true that "spirituality" is becoming very "fashionable"---movie stars, politicians and newscasters talk about their "faith". Politicians use it to beat each other up and build up their own reputations. Criminals use it as a get of jail free card. Anti-war militants use it to promote their political views. Tabloids twist it to sell magazines. I think I think it is wonderful that so many are thinking about "spiritual things." The problem I have with a fashionable faith is that it comes from society. Faith is "in" simply because society says so. And a faith that is recognized by society is usually a faith that is shaped by society--and therefore flawed. This flawed faith then becomes trendy. It is the tool, the filter if you will, through which we view the entire world, including our obligations, our duties and even our worship.
So now I guess what I want to know is what happens to their faith when spirituality goes out of style?
Blessings,
Neva
posted by Neva | 8:10 PM
14 Comments:
Reminds me of when I was at ACU. One of the "rowdy" guys in the dorm my freshman year told me that he was going to work the summer as a youth minister intern. The look of shock on my face must have been obvious. He quickly added, "Oh, I'm a strong Christian, I just don't show it."
Yeah, right.
Grace and peace,
Tim
Neva,
You really struck a chord with this one. I hope I live the kind of life so that everyone knows I am a Christian--whether it is in fashion or not.
Glad you are back.
Pat
I guess the question is "Does faith ever go out of style?" OR "was it ever stylish to be righteous?" Great post, made me think.
Carlos
I heard the same interview and thought the same thing, how sad that trends dictate whether we let our light shine or not.
Great post, glad to see you are back blogging.
Jarrod
Obviously they have faith in "style" so their faith changes when the style changes!
Rachel
I have noticed the last several years how people today all say they are Christian but their actions belie the Christian life that Christs example gave us to follow. I have listened to some rave on an on about a particular movie or a book written about Christ with little understanding of what the Bible actualy teaches on the subject. A lady I know asked it I was going to see a particular movie and I said no I read the original book. She asked me what book and I told her the Bible!
One friend told me I should read the "Left Behind" book to see what was ahead for us and I asked her if she was aware that Christ said know one knows when the end of time will be that only the Father knew that, He did not know and I believe what He said not some fiction writer that is selling fear for a buck! I also asked her if she was aware that Christ paid the price for my salvation so I have nothing to fear when the end comes I get to go home.
Lip service Christianity is very popular after all it requires nothing of the individual!
Neva,
You are so right, Christianity was never "in style" thats why we have the verses that talk about the narrow and wide gates.
Good post.
Carol
Good thoughts, Neva. This made me think of Philemon 6. There are times when silence isn't golden, huh?
Blessings,
-bill
The Good News Bad News is- it ain't trendy any more so the "WHAT NOT TO BELIEVE" and "QUEERED EYE FOR THE NOT SO STRAIGHT THEOLOGY" crowd is about to disappear.
Don
Wonderful post as always!
Keep up the great blogging.
I wish Don would blog again.
It makes me sad.
I loved reading it daily.
Please come back A.W.
The message in this post is a much needed message. Faith does not change with the times. It is not dictated or formed by the traditions and styles of man. It is a deeply spiritual event and should remain constantly growing but never waining.
Georgia
IMO the problem comes when we think we are the only ones "in-style" and that everyone else is not.
I agree with AW--it is quickly becoming non-trendy so the hypocrites will have to find some way other than religion to eke out their popularity and win the public sympathies. Makes me sick!
Dean
Great post, Neva. This is something that always gets under my skin. Of course the operative word is 'religious'. It is usually not 'christian'.
I see so many people who are famous that are touted as being 'good spiritual people'. That's not what we were called to be. We were called to be Christ followers. We're not called to mix and mingle our faith with the other 'religions' of this world, but that is exactly what many are doing.
Sorry. Didn't mean to rant. YOU touched a nerve that keeps getting more sensitive. Thanks.
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