I had the privilege of working in South Africa with "struggle" (anti-apartheid) newspapers in the last days before free nonracial elections. I came home to the USofA concluding that South Africa was the place most like my home country which I'd ever encountered. Just saying.
That's some tough and honest stuff there. Temped to "walk away from it all" after seeing "worship rallies riling up hate and division"? Boy to I feel that one viscerally! For various reasons I don't think I ever could - but isn't it right to lament just how bad things are? Your focus on goodness as basic to any meaningful Christianity is something that has drawn me to your writing I think. Somewhere along the line I've just found myself longing for goodness. Honestly I think it's come with my kids having become adults, and the realization that despite my best efforts they could fall into lives of pain or regret.
I'm mostly a "math science guy", and have had only a passing interest in art. But (given the wonders of ebay) I have accumulated a small collection of catholic liturgical items that take me back to a childhood shaped by the Vatican II catholic faith of my mother and the Pallottine nuns. It's a reminder of the "little ones" who have clung to goodness and justice for 2000 yrs in the shadow of empires. That may be the weirdest response you get here...
Thanks again for your continued leadership here. Also - I have started reading Halteman's book. I don't think he'll make me vegan - but my sense is that I'll find in it another kind and honest voice, seeking goodness.
This post is powerful and healing. Finding worship space away from the cacophony of modern praise is needed. Adding protest to this gives an outlet for those who do not like the current Christo-political tons.
Thanks once again Kristin. I find your words both pastoral and pointing to justice, which I especially need this week. (I live in LA, have not lost anything physical but the pain of loss here is deep.)
Both music and art touch me deeply. In a time of profound grief, I turned to doing art, painting mostly. We are blessed to have music that can cut through present circumstances. U2, especially Joshua Tree, has been a companion. And after the election I updated this Spotify list "Seeking Justice". I've asked for others to help broaden it. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6NRw3mGbCHzNYbsRC6viBo?si=pRx1ERcPRqWDI4-nSdUGgQ
I'll likely add some of the music you shared. It will be good to have tomorrow and the days to come.
Much as I sort of love U2, I consider Half Man Half Biscuit's 'Achtung Bono' a finer album than any of U2's. Who could not be moved by tender and yet strangely incisive songs such as 'Joy Division Oven Gloves', 'Restless Legs', 'Surging Out Of Convalescence' or 'Depressed Beyond Tablets' (haven't we all been).
The album has, genuinely, got me through some of the lowest times of my life. It is, however, a bit British, by which I mean it's occasionally slightly sweary in a characteristically British manner and some of the references are reflective of British working class culture. It's quite 'grounded'.
Reflecting on Kelly Latimore's artwork, I think of VP candidate, Governor Tim Walz during the VP debate who shared a favorite quote from his faith, whatever you did for the least of these ... you did for me, Matt 25:40
The librarian in me is always open to collecting new resources. I appreciate your sharing them. May I suggest music by Fran McKendree and the Live Hymnal series arranged by Charles Milling? Fran and Charles provided the music for many of John Philip Newell's retreats. The Northumbria Community, which can be found at www.northumbriacommunity.org or their Facebook page (see especially the explanation by Andy Raine of what the page is and is not last week), is full of prayer, music, and arts. Like Corymeela and the Iona Communities, the Center for Action and Meditation (Fr. Richard Rohr) is a sanctuary where one can be spiritually renewed during difficult times.
Thank you for this insightful reminder to see both God's grace and truth. One of the people who reminds me to look at beauty through the arts is my former professor, Bruce Herman. He has recently written, "Makers by Nature: Letters from a master painter on faith, hope and art. "
Thank you for reminder of the gift of the arts that we can turn to when the world is overwhelming us. I’m enjoying the music of Common Hymnal right now. Grateful for you, Dr Du Mez.
Thank you! I have been looking for other "Christian music" options - grounded in love and justice and suffering rather than just from the perspective of "overcoming" and avoiding hardship.
I was so motivated by reading this post today that it became the prompt for my own centered around another song with meaning: By The Waters of Babylon, at:
I had the privilege of working in South Africa with "struggle" (anti-apartheid) newspapers in the last days before free nonracial elections. I came home to the USofA concluding that South Africa was the place most like my home country which I'd ever encountered. Just saying.
That's some tough and honest stuff there. Temped to "walk away from it all" after seeing "worship rallies riling up hate and division"? Boy to I feel that one viscerally! For various reasons I don't think I ever could - but isn't it right to lament just how bad things are? Your focus on goodness as basic to any meaningful Christianity is something that has drawn me to your writing I think. Somewhere along the line I've just found myself longing for goodness. Honestly I think it's come with my kids having become adults, and the realization that despite my best efforts they could fall into lives of pain or regret.
I'm mostly a "math science guy", and have had only a passing interest in art. But (given the wonders of ebay) I have accumulated a small collection of catholic liturgical items that take me back to a childhood shaped by the Vatican II catholic faith of my mother and the Pallottine nuns. It's a reminder of the "little ones" who have clung to goodness and justice for 2000 yrs in the shadow of empires. That may be the weirdest response you get here...
Thanks again for your continued leadership here. Also - I have started reading Halteman's book. I don't think he'll make me vegan - but my sense is that I'll find in it another kind and honest voice, seeking goodness.
What a beautiful reflection. Thank you.
This post is powerful and healing. Finding worship space away from the cacophony of modern praise is needed. Adding protest to this gives an outlet for those who do not like the current Christo-political tons.
I listen to The Porter’s Gate for songs of compassion & justice. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lFjLxwdFzhGr9fhWzE0SW?si=V5BLPEw8RZ2sFaP8B5LLLA
You are 100% on track on the right road. Thank you for all you do, Kristin!
Thanks once again Kristin. I find your words both pastoral and pointing to justice, which I especially need this week. (I live in LA, have not lost anything physical but the pain of loss here is deep.)
Both music and art touch me deeply. In a time of profound grief, I turned to doing art, painting mostly. We are blessed to have music that can cut through present circumstances. U2, especially Joshua Tree, has been a companion. And after the election I updated this Spotify list "Seeking Justice". I've asked for others to help broaden it. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6NRw3mGbCHzNYbsRC6viBo?si=pRx1ERcPRqWDI4-nSdUGgQ
I'll likely add some of the music you shared. It will be good to have tomorrow and the days to come.
I love U2.
Much as I sort of love U2, I consider Half Man Half Biscuit's 'Achtung Bono' a finer album than any of U2's. Who could not be moved by tender and yet strangely incisive songs such as 'Joy Division Oven Gloves', 'Restless Legs', 'Surging Out Of Convalescence' or 'Depressed Beyond Tablets' (haven't we all been).
The album has, genuinely, got me through some of the lowest times of my life. It is, however, a bit British, by which I mean it's occasionally slightly sweary in a characteristically British manner and some of the references are reflective of British working class culture. It's quite 'grounded'.
https://youtu.be/_E5i0w_YNJw?si=pMbd6DMJqbZHyzlM
Another U2 fan here. Their music is compelling yet peaceful.
Love this, Dr. Du Mez! I'm inspired by Common Hymnal; Porter's Gate; Guvna B; Peace Songs by Good Shepherd Collective (2023); "The Color Purple" (1985 version, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088939/); Edward Sun's, "Jesus is the Key to Understanding Scripture," https://ccda.org/ccdaadvent-waiting-with-joy/ (John 1:1-14) Also, art by Kelly Latimore, with my 1st notice of "Mama" https://kelly-latimore.pixels.com/featured/mama-kelly-latimore.html & recently, "Christ in the Rubble," etc https://kelly-latimore.pixels.com/featured/refugees-la-sagrada-familia-kelly-latimore.html?product=art-print
Reflecting on Kelly Latimore's artwork, I think of VP candidate, Governor Tim Walz during the VP debate who shared a favorite quote from his faith, whatever you did for the least of these ... you did for me, Matt 25:40
The librarian in me is always open to collecting new resources. I appreciate your sharing them. May I suggest music by Fran McKendree and the Live Hymnal series arranged by Charles Milling? Fran and Charles provided the music for many of John Philip Newell's retreats. The Northumbria Community, which can be found at www.northumbriacommunity.org or their Facebook page (see especially the explanation by Andy Raine of what the page is and is not last week), is full of prayer, music, and arts. Like Corymeela and the Iona Communities, the Center for Action and Meditation (Fr. Richard Rohr) is a sanctuary where one can be spiritually renewed during difficult times.
Thank you!
Thank you for this insightful reminder to see both God's grace and truth. One of the people who reminds me to look at beauty through the arts is my former professor, Bruce Herman. He has recently written, "Makers by Nature: Letters from a master painter on faith, hope and art. "
Thank you!
Many thanks for these hopeful protest songs.
Thank you for reminder of the gift of the arts that we can turn to when the world is overwhelming us. I’m enjoying the music of Common Hymnal right now. Grateful for you, Dr Du Mez.
Common Hymnal’s song, “The Kingdom is Yours,” is beautiful and wrecks me every time I listen to it.
Thank you! I have been looking for other "Christian music" options - grounded in love and justice and suffering rather than just from the perspective of "overcoming" and avoiding hardship.
Two artists that speak to me: On Instagram @jamescharlesmorris and author @marciealviswalker
I will listen to the music, and the lectures, thank you, I appreciate you!
SARA GROVES!!!!!!!
I was so motivated by reading this post today that it became the prompt for my own centered around another song with meaning: By The Waters of Babylon, at:
https://open.substack.com/pub/benw97002/p/by-the-waters-of-babylon?r=73g1j&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true