lifeasmission

Let Me Try Again

April 12, 2006

A few days ago I posted something about, among other things, the false dichotomy of sacred and secular. After my friend Josh made some helpful observations, I thought it might be beneficial to try and clarify what I was after.

The point I was trying to make is that there is nothing in this world (nor the world itself as many believe) which is entirely secular. Nor is there anything in this world which is entirely sacred. Simultaneously, everything that we can discuss is both tainted by sin, but redeemable by God. Thus, I find it more beneficial to think of things in terms of whether or not they are God-honoring and life-giving. Granted these are subjective categories, but I would maintain that this is precisely where the Holy Spirit and the Church as the community of the Spirit come into the picture. If we can clearly label things as sacred and secular, then there seems to be little need for any redemption or discernment on the part of God or His people. Instead, I would suggest that as the Church seeks to confess the Lordship of Christ over all the world, it bears the responsibility of discerning together how it will address everything from abortion to automobiles, politics to poetry.

Allow me to try and let one of my favorite musical artists express this for me.

“don’t teach me about politics and government – just tell me who to vote for”
“don’t teach me about truth and beauty – just label my music”
“don’t teach me how to live like a free man – just give me a new law”
“I don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy – so just bring it down from the mountain to me”
“don’t teach me about moderation and liberty – I prefer a shot of grap juice”
“don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit – just give me a new law”

listen to the song here