Comments for

Comment on An Open Letter to Christians who still believe… by colbymartin

colbymartin — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:13:29 +0000

Absolutely!
Thanks.

Comment on An Open Letter to Christians who still believe… by scott erickson

scott erickson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:10:14 +0000

thx for this. will you post the lisa ling video when it airs? thanks!

Comment on Where’s the “Progressive-Leaning” Worship Music? by colbymartin

colbymartin — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:05:17 +0000

For what it’s worth, I too still use the term “special music.” I’m sure there are other/better terms, but that one just gets straight to the point… ha!

I’ve done Beautiful Things in two different churches, in several different contexts. I’ve actually used it as a special music piece twice, both times with a full choir behind me, and it is incredible!
I’ve also used it in an acoustic evening of worship, where the words were put on the screens, and people were invited to sing if they wanted to, but they could also just listen and reflect.

And then, I’ve also used it, straight up, in the set of congregational worship. (When I did that, I had to lower the key, otherwise no one would be singing with me on the upper octave!)

I think it went over well, and can actually be a great song in that context.

But, i DO think you are accurate when you identify it as a “personal-worship-leader-fave that us musician types sort of geek-out about.”
The way I see it, we HAVE to include songs like this every once in a while IF FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN TO KEEP US SANE!!!

Let me say this, though. I’ve used the following Gungor songs in corporate worship as well, and they are GOLDEN.
- Every Breath (The peeps love this one)
- The Earth is Yours
- Late Have I Loved You (kind of in the same category as Beautiful Things)
- We Will Run (really easy and really good)

Comment on One of the most challenging things ever is… by Doni

Doni — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:45:15 +0000

Misbehaving kids in public for us non-parents is kind of like watching someone’s credit card/debit card being rejected in a long grocery line. We think, ‘Damn, that sucks…’ and forget about it 30.2 seconds later. Who I did think about while reading your post though is the co-worker/friend ‘Super Moms’ though. You know, the one who would ‘never let (insert here) get away with that’.

Comment on Where’s the “Progressive-Leaning” Worship Music? by Rosie

Rosie — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:39:45 +0000

Heh, I was wondering if I’d get a response as I’m a bit late to the party! I actually have a question for you as well, if you don’t mind. I found your post when I was looking up people’s experiences doing Gungor-ish songs in corporate worship. When I’ve seen churches doing it (specifically Beautiful Things), on youtube for example, it seems like it’s most often done as a (please forgive the antiquated term) “special music” without the congregation participating much. I also saw that several churches did it closer to when it first came out, but I haven’t seen too many post in the 2012-2013 range, so I was wondering if perhaps it’s sort of a personal-worship-leader-fave that us musician types sort of geek-out about, and they end up trying it once or twice but decide not to incorporate it into a more regular rotation after not much response or because it turns out a bit weird. A worship leader mentor of ours was going to do it but then thought better of it. In fact I shared a link to the song with our pastor just yesterday and he said it should probably only be “special music!” Anyway, all that to say, do you find the Gungor or Gungor-type songs you’ve done go over well with your congregation(s)? Thanks for your post, and sorry this is a bit off topic.

Comment on Where’s the “Progressive-Leaning” Worship Music? by colbymartin

colbymartin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:02:04 +0000

That’s actually a great suggestion, Rosie. I am familiar with The Brilliance, and they have written some great music just as you say. Thanks for chiming in!

Comment on Where’s the “Progressive-Leaning” Worship Music? by Rosie

Rosie — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:03:58 +0000

How about the “other Gungor” – The Brilliance? I’m not very up on progressive theology or it it fits exactly the way you’re thinking, but I bet some of their songs could be done corporately… Definitely there’s a healthy portion of questioning/doubt/lament/exploring pain…

Comment on Part I – UnClobber: A Survey of Homosexuality in the Bible by AmRestorative

AmRestorative — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:29:16 +0000

And who says that Christianity doesn’t evolve? You did it with slavery, you might as well do it with homosexuality.

I don’t understand why Christians, who are so in love with a divine law, don’t find it worrying that they have a changeable moral law just like disbelievers. As Harris puts it: Christians choose what is good about the good book.

But hey, if your teachings lead to equal rights and better treatment of gay people by Christians, then I wish you all the best of luck.

Comment on 5 New Teachings Added by irma martin

irma martin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:04:57 +0000

so wish i could hear these…� but i KNOW they are AMAZING!

Comment on 20 Cliches Christians Shouldn’t Use by Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 03:06:01 +0000

I think blithely quoting verses such as “you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength” can do more harm than good.
Especially when you say it to someone who is disabled or dealing with a lot. It can be invalidating. It is spiritual truth, but often, the “Christ who gives you strength” is living inside of the person who cares only enough to say the words but not enough to practically help the person in need.

If we are the body of Christ, and He gives us strength, then shouldn’t it be our job to seek to serve others and be a strength for them when they are weak? Newsflash – merrily quoting a verse out of context won’t do that job very well.

Source: I have multiple disabilities and every time I get discouraged, some well-meaning and ignorant person comes along and throws that verse in my face. It’s the least compassionate thing a Christian can do.