I’ve had 3 or 4 people say to me over the past month: “You’re anti-establishment aren’t you Nat?”, “Are you a socialist?”…
The answer to those questions is “No, i’m just a Christian”. But if i’m the most anti-establishment person you know, there is something wrong!
It’s not a new thought, but is the church too much on the side of the establishment? Trying to get in the good books of the local Council? Wanting invites to 10 Downing Street? Working with the Police? Wanting people to pat us on the back and award us Lottery Funding (don’t get me started on that one!)?
Not much wrong with any of the above… In fact I can think of some benefits… But what are the knock-on effects?
Has the church lost its bite?
theblogofkevin brought to my attention Plan B’s perfomance on ‘Later with Jools Holland’. If you’re familar with Jools Holland you’ll be aware that the performances he has on don’t usually make you feel uncomfortable – but i’ve got to say Plan B’s did slightly! In fact you started to wonder if it might get a little out of hand, with lyrics like “What you looking at you little rich boy!” (It was all a performance of course… Or was it?…).
Anyway, I think probably the church should be more like Plan B than Jools Holland, but often its the reverse – unoffensive, foot-taping, winsome, fun… I’m not talking about being rude or causing trouble. But sometimes speaking up about injustice, sin and pain will offend. Sometimes it needs to be said as it is and not sanitised – not put neatly into a box that the council will love and everyone will applaud.
Great post Nat. Must Skype soon. We’ve got Chris & Charlotte with us at the moment, but perhaps Thursday or Friday evening? Drop me an email. Brims