There is a tremendously sad and ridiculous "controversy raging in one of the Facebook groups that I am a member of. It arose when a member posted a rock and roll rendition of the Star Spangled banner by Madison Rising.
The song is sung by the way by a Navy veteran in a most stirring manner.
By no means am I a rocker. The closest thing to a rock and roller I ever got was Credence Clearwater Revival. Most of you know I am "hard-core" honky-tonk country. Yes, I was country before country was cool!
I thought the rendition was stirring, patriotic, and it moved me. I am a former Viet-Nam era Marine Corps veteran. I did not think it was disrepectful in the slightest.
The posting has caused quite a "controversy." One post read, "Why start a post about something we know is controversial when we know it will cause dissension among the brethren? Just sayin..."
The following was my response:
What I have always found bitter about ultra-fundamentalism, or "legalism" is the fact that when someone has a differing view, opinion, preference, or exercises their God-given liberty it is called or considered controversy. As a result the free exchange of thought provoking, Spiritually maturing, growth in Christ is pro-hibited. If offering an opinion on a "rendition" or arrangement of a song is controversial or causes dissension, I wonder at the level of maturity and Christ-likeness. Is there no room for discussion that leads to edification, exhortation and ultimately to exaltation of our Sovereign and gracious God?
What do you think? First, of my reply and second of the rendition?
The song is sung by the way by a Navy veteran in a most stirring manner.
By no means am I a rocker. The closest thing to a rock and roller I ever got was Credence Clearwater Revival. Most of you know I am "hard-core" honky-tonk country. Yes, I was country before country was cool!
I thought the rendition was stirring, patriotic, and it moved me. I am a former Viet-Nam era Marine Corps veteran. I did not think it was disrepectful in the slightest.
The posting has caused quite a "controversy." One post read, "Why start a post about something we know is controversial when we know it will cause dissension among the brethren? Just sayin..."
The following was my response:
What I have always found bitter about ultra-fundamentalism, or "legalism" is the fact that when someone has a differing view, opinion, preference, or exercises their God-given liberty it is called or considered controversy. As a result the free exchange of thought provoking, Spiritually maturing, growth in Christ is pro-hibited. If offering an opinion on a "rendition" or arrangement of a song is controversial or causes dissension, I wonder at the level of maturity and Christ-likeness. Is there no room for discussion that leads to edification, exhortation and ultimately to exaltation of our Sovereign and gracious God?
What do you think? First, of my reply and second of the rendition?
Two words. Rocking and Respectful.
ReplyDeleteEddie - good to see you again! Hope all with thee and thine! Thanks for those two great words!
ReplyDeleteI can't do better than Eddie. His comment was precise.
ReplyDeleteI think what separates a respectful and inspiring performance from a disrespectful and distasteful performance is the attitude of the performer.
Amen and Amen to both brother.
ReplyDeletePat - Thanks Brother.
ReplyDelete