"A church service involving clowns or fancy dress or skits or stand-up comedy does not reflect the seriousness of the gospel; and those who take the gospel seriously should know better. Frankly, it is more appropriate to liberal theology that does not take seriously the gospel, or the God of the gospel. Serious things demand serious idioms. I heard recently of a church service involving dressing up in a costume and music taken from a Tom Cruise movie. Now, if I go for my annual prostate examination, and the doctor comes into the consulting room dressed as Coco the Clown, with "Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun playing in the background, guess what? I'm going to take the doctor out with a left hook, flee the procedure, and probably file a complaint with the appropriate professional body. This is serious business; and if he looks like a twit and acts like a twit; then I can only conclude that he is a twit.
"You can tell a lot about people's theology from what they do in church. Involve Kenny G's music in your worship service, and I can tell not only that you have no taste in music but also that you have nothing to offer theologically to those who come through the church doors; indeed, what you do have can probably be found better elsewhere. Why certain academics hanker for approval of the people who, when they leave the lecture theater also abandon any semblance of adulthood or intelligence, beats me. More seriously, however, why certain orthodox churches strive to look like them worries me intensely. Look, it's rubbish. So let's just call it rubbish, shall we?
Fools Rush In Where Monkeys Fear to Tread, Carl Trueman, P&R Publishing, 2012, pp. 57-58. (Coming to a giveaway near you. Hint. Hint.)
Ouch! I have to say this steps on my toes, because my daughter is involved in our youth skit ministry. They do NOT dress up in outlandish costumes or use secular music, but the skits they present once a month to the congregation make us think about our actions and how self-righteous Christians can be.
ReplyDeleteNow I don't know what to think about this ministry. I'd love to read the entire book. I respect Carl Trueman tremendously.
I HAVE to have this book. It sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Trueman is pretty bang on right most of the time.
ReplyDeleteNot a skit fan myself, either.
I love these quotes - I'll have to get the book.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeedy, let's call it rubbish!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a book for me.
ReplyDeleteLOL! That was hilarious and spot-on. Thanks for sharing, Persis!
ReplyDelete