Capitalism Opposed to Christian Mores

The article referenced below is short and winsome -- and useful. In fact, as far as it goes it is one of the most useful articles I have read.

Those who know me know I am not a proponent of state socialism. But my friends and readers know I am an opponent of capitalism. The article below gives important reasons why a person should be against capitalism or the profit system. And my friends also know that what I favor is an American version of the Scandinavian model of a mixed economy. This article urges us to think deeper -- to put economic functioning in its proper place as a servant of humanity, instead of the driving force of society. It juxtaposes an economic model driven by selfishness as against the ideal society where justice for others is equal to justice to oneself. As such, Christianity, in its purpose, is opposed to the profit system in its purpose.

The turmoil of now is creating terrific havoc in communities and lives. Others have rightly pointed out the hidden source of this havoc -- the desire of certain persons with power to make sure their wealth is protected at all costs, including national sovereignty and personal security. The Christ of the money-changers would be opposed to this avaricious society which has been created. The stones indeed are crying out. That which is fundamentally opposed to justice cannot forever stand. Thus the collapse of capitalism should be welcomed and celebrated. The link below gives two important further resources.


http://www.truthout.org/020909E

Cathedral Crystal Clouded

Today I have been up-dating myself on the situation at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. While quite a bit has been written about recent events there, much of what appears on line is speculative, even wild. The article referenced below seems to be pretty well-written and essentially accurate.

One speaker has said that the main reason for the departure of Robert A. Schuller from The Hour of Power was simply that he did not want to be one of several rotating preachers. The speaker indicated that there really was nothing more to the matter. Somehow this rings true, although it is hard to say for sure.

Although feeling Robert H. Schuller's philosophy was incomplete, I have found much good in it and have personally benefited in important ways several times in my life. For this I am grateful to him. And I have long respected his original commitment to quality music, though in recent years, he seems oblivious to the fact that quality includes quality of composition as well as performance. Not always has the music presented (especially by singers) been of superior quality.

Because of the place of this ministry in our national religious life, it is important to get the facts -- something which has not been easy to do. It is important not to become hysterical or to jump to conclusions. For now, it seems there may have been simply a difference of opinion, though one surmises there may be many details leading up to this change of personnel. The article gives some of the basic facts.


http://articles.latimes.com/2008/oct/27/local/me-schuller27

Famous Poet on Bravery

The following poem of James Russell Lowell may be applicable to the traditional church musician and those who support the great classic anthems and organ works of the historic Western church. At the same time, the poem has relevance for courage in general, though its bold tone should be tempered with a healthy dash of wisdom.


BRAVERY

We will speak on; we will be heard;
Though all earth's systems crack,
We will not bate a single word,
Nor take a letter back.

We speak the truth; and what care we
For hissing and for scorn
While some faint gleaming we can see
Of Freedom's coming morn!

Let liars fear; let cowards shrink;
Let traitors turn away;
Whatever we have dared to think,
That dare we also say.

Time Out for a Bit of History

Actually, I'm not going to tell the history. But I'm going to recommend you get a copy of American Theocracy by Kevin Phillips. In the section I am now reading, Phillips is detailing something of the history of Christians in America, a history I am already familiar with in outline. His telling of this history is useful in setting the stage for what I hope will be an explanation of the surging "Christian" vote. (I have seen fit to put "Christian" in quotes as I do not see the activities of many churches as being truly Christian.) Once again, I highly recommend this well-researched and enlightening book.

American Theocracy

While American religious tendencies toward parochialism and moral or political crusades mattered little in 1890, 1914, or even during the Cold War, they take on much greater importance now as Christian, Jewish, and Muslim holy lands occupy absolute center stage in world politics and as sites of military confrontation.

-- Kevin Phillips

Astute scholars of American religious life might have predicted that sooner or later I would take up the relatively new book by author Kevin Phillips entitled American Theocracy. This important work details the influence of oil interests and fundamentalist Christianity on America politics.

In the section on Christian religionists which I have just begun, Phillips advocates a removal of the prohibition against speaking of religion in social circles. Such a removal seems long overdue. However, in order to speak intelligently, one must read a book such as American Theocracy. I obviously, then, recommend this book highly. As I am still reading the work, I cannot offer a thorough review. However, what I have read makes me confident that we indeed have here a very valuable work of criticism regarding the American body politic at the turn of the 21st century and beyond.

End of the Sabbatical (?)

After several months of silence yours truly is back on The Concerned Church Musician web log.

To my readers, thank you for your patience as I have been ever so busy with work. In this modern American life I have had to work very hard to make up for lost time and try to pay off some bills. I still have a long ways to go and am hoping for a better paying job.

In the meantime, at this wonderful time of year, I am grateful for the traditional Christmas carols which ground me, comfort me, and inspire me. There is simply no match for their sincerity and eloquence. I think of carols such as "Angels We Have Heard on High," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and "Once in Royal David's City."

In an article on contemporary worship in the latest magazine from the Fellowship of United Methodists (in Music and Worship Arts), the author extolled the virtues of using traditional carols at this time of year. Such advice did not completely surprise me, as what other kind of music would one use at this time of year?

As we reach out without dumbing down, as Marva Dawn advocates, let us remember the example of the great and timeless poetry of the Christmas carol, that wonderful category of Christian song.

The "Christian" End-Timers

There is afoot in the land a dangerous movement based on shoddy, selective and erroneous theology called End-Time Christianity. A number of years ago living in a small city in Florida, I became acquainted with the End-Timers, a sect which had recently taken up residence there. This group, whose members seemed ordinary in one sense, began to slowly permeate the community.

The End Time philosophy, which is said to be based on the book of Revelation, claims we are living in the last days before the re-appearance of Christ. Never mind that Jesus Christ himself said Of that day and hour no one knows. This theory states that the establishment of the nation of Israel was a sign that the apocalyptic age was at hand. Before the appearance of Christ, say these End-Timers, there will be a period of tribulation. Those who have been faithful to Jesus will be taken up directly into heaven in what is known as "the rapture." As a student of the Bible and a former seminary student, I can assure the reader this is all bunk. Yet it seems to meet the need of numbers of uncertain people. Considerations of time prevent me from writing more about this movement here. That is why I have included the link to an important article on the subject below.

No one should minimize or attempt to simply laugh off this End-Time doctrine, no matter how kooky it seems. As the article shows, this pseudo-Christian philosophy has numerous adherents in our society and, now in the federal government, including -- reportedly -- George W. Bush. The value of the article mentioned here, written by J.P. Briggs II, Ph.D., and Thomas D. Williams, is in analyzing the coded language being used by Bush and others in government. To some reading this, what I have just written may sound nutty. I believe, however, that as you read this well-thought-out piece, you will find the theory offered by the authors to be quite plausible. As a person with a music degree from a seminary, and as a student of Christian history and theology I know the End-Time Prophecy is heresy. The sad thing is how powerful it has become in American society reaching even into the White House and many agencies and Congressional offices of the Federal Government. Is it not past time to take notice?

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/062907J.shtml