Doxologist ContentTune-age Tuesday - XTC vs John Piper
Its funny that one of the most anti-Christian, atheistic songs I have ever heard come not from the dark metal lands in the recesses of Scandinavia, but rather from a popular British pop band in the 1980’s. XTC became popular for their catchy pop-hooks with songs like “Making Plans for Nigel”, “King for a Day”, and “Mayor of Simpleton”, but their single “Dear God” off their 1986 record “Skylarking” (which incidentally garnished an almost unheard of 5 out of 5 stars on All Music Guide) stands out from the others in notoriety. The song is basically a tongue-in-cheek open letter to God, pointing out many of the injustices and evils in the world and therefore concluding, “if there’s one thing I can’t believe in.it’s you.”
This basically boils down to the whole “there are so many bad things in the world that I refuse to believe in God” argument. For me personally it was probably good to listen to this song that I once identified with to see both how far God has brought me, but also to stay fresh and remember how to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that’s in me (1 Peter 3:15) to people who raise such objections.
Someone recently sent me this clip of John Piper that is about as opposite to the above sentiment as possible.
There really isn’t much more for to ad to that.the difference it apparent. One stands and shouts from bitterness on a tiny pretend throne, the other in reverence before the throne of God.
Haven’t seent aht XTC video since I watched “Hell’s Bells: The Dangers of Rock Music” in Sunday School class in the late 80s and again in the early 90s.
Good times. :-)
Looks like God has sent a reply, to the same tune:
Andrew,
I got the letter and I think
Things could be better down there
But I don’t think you letter was exactly fair
You don’t understand anything about my image
And that is more the truth still
I gave you all free will
from God
I believe its true
Andrew,
Sorry to distrub you but…
I think there are a few things you miss.
I’ll point it out to you- it looks like this:
All the people I made in my image
Are rebellious from the womb
and this world would have been your tomb
but God.
I believe its true
Did I ever say there would not be few?
When I made the world, where were you?
I make all things new!
Andrew,
I don’t know if you noticed but…
Very few of you have really understood that book,
Too many think they get it after the first look
And the people I made in my image
the number who get it are few
I am not accountable for what you do
Andrew, I believe its True
I believe
You have a choice with heaven and hell
you are all sinners, the devil as well
I was the one who wore that crown
to fix all the pain that you brought down
And then you write
to tear me down
Open your eyes my grace abounds
Man still lives the whole world round
The hurt you’ve caused helps to compound
that father, son and holy ghost
are the ones that love you the most
this is somthing you don’t percieve
because its me you’ve chosen to leave
And thats because you can’t concieve
Its True
Very interesting song, but the Piper Video isn’t working :(
The Piper video clip is no longer available. Could someone summarize what he said or where the clip can be accessed? Thanks.
I believe the Piper clip was from this sermon: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/RecentlyAdded/2186_Where_Is_God_UCF/
A lot longer than three minutes, but worth a listen.