Over the next few weeks I will be posting comments on some personal observations on NT Wright’s book Simply Christian. Wrights work attempts to present a case as to “Why Christianity Makes Sense.” Tom Wright is the current Bishop of Durham in England and is widely regarded as one of the premier theological voices of of our time. In Part One of the book Wright describes what he calls the “The Four Echoes.” So off we go …
The ‘echo of relationship’ resonates most for me, with spirituality being a close second. Honestly, they all resonate at a significant level for me … what drives me deeper into relationship is a deep belief that the glue of relationships is what not only gives voice to justice but context for spirituality and an appreciation for beauty. We truly are made for each other.
Genesis 3:9 records God calling out to Adam “Where are you”? I often wonder whether this was the first time God had said that? I will take a leap into speculation and say that I don’t believe it would have been the first time. Using the phrase “where are you” can convey much more than an expression to find one that was lost. It can convey wanting to communicate with a loved one, or an excitement at being home or the need to be close with a friend. For me this is the very nature of God, His desire is that we be with and in Him.
The concept of ‘Trinity’ depicts a commitment on relationship and while the mystery of ‘trinity’ is something we probably never understand it nevertheless drives us to relationship.
Ultimately, Jesus sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, demonstrate God’s commitment to humanity through relationship.
I love what NT Wright says on the topic. “Relationship was part of the way in which we were meant to be fully human, not for our own sake; but as part of much larger scheme of things. And our failures in human relationship are thereby woven into our failures in the other large projects of which we know in our bones that we are part: our failure to put the world to rights in systems of justice, and our failure to maintain and develop that spirituality which, at its heart involves a relationship of trust and love with the Creator.” (Wright p. 37)
As I look at my song choice for worship settings this past year I would have to say that a lot of them would fall into the ‘echo of relationships.’ This has been a conscious choice (and maybe a selfish one) as I find my relationship with God similar to those of the rest of humanity. I need those relationships; I love those relationships, yet for the most part, those relationships are difficult. Getting to know God is difficult, I find I have to ask Him “where are you?” a lot more frequently than I once did.
Outside of Brian Doerksen song “Creation Calls” I don’t believe I have ever used a song that deals with creation or the beauty of the earth. Songs of justice are few and far between. What does concern me about songs on justice is that I am always betrayed by my own humanity. What I mean by that is I am painfully aware that in many instances I want ‘justice’ for a situation, usually one where either a friend has been wronged or I have been wronged. On the other hand I am betrayed by always wanting ‘mercy’ for me in a given situation. Now why this influences song choice I am really not quite sure.
I believe contemporary worship has been a catalyst for helping to make God tactile, someone who can be touched, spoken too and felt. Someone who we can interact with not just our heads but also our emotions and our hearts. But there is a bit of a dearth in representation of the other three ‘echoes’ Wright establishes when we look at songs that deal with “spiritual reality” or “justice.”
Perhaps this dearth of songs can be part of the role of the Worship Artisan as we seek to hone our craft and educate ourselves more fully on the nature of God. Like the apprentice who seeks to be a journeyman, can we then take the next step to becoming Master Craftsmen and Women?
