Thursday, May 07, 2009

I hate all your show


After being a fan of Switchfoot for a fair while I have been keen to hear Jon Foreman's [lead vocalist of Switchfoot, not pianist from Australian idol :) ] individual cd, 'Limbs and Branches'. Knowing though that it was a bit softer on the ear from what I was used to with Switchfoot I wasn't oozing with enthusiasm. A friend lent the cd to me a short time ago and I've been loving it. Not just because of his music though but because of Jon's heart and cutting lyrics, probably the foundational reason I have respected Switchfoot for so long.

The BIG song on the cd for me is 'I hate all your show'. It pretty much comes from the bible - Isaiah 1:11-17 but also has a bit in it from what seems like Jon's experience of Church (as an institution) and what the Church has or hasn't been to people.

The picture to me, of Church from the song and when thinking of the mainstream church through the eyes of the verses in Isaiah, is like a religious place where religious practices are organised but rarely do they make an impact on the majority of people living on this earth and rarely is it what God is looking for in His people. This is a generalistic comment but I think it would be reasonably fair to say that through what I have experienced, more time and resources have been spent on religious practices in the mainstream church than simply being a group of people eagerly attempting to be more like Jesus to the people around them & the world in need.

The contrast for me is that Jesus made an impact on people pretty much everywhere he traveled .

This has made me think long and hard about the impact I allow Jesus to have through me without leaning on the fact that I go to a church every Sunday and this being the facade that states I am a follower of Jesus.

Here's the lyrics:
I hate all your show and pretense
The hypocrisy of your praise
The hypocrisy of your festivals
I hate all your show

Away with your noisy worship
Away with your noisy hymns
I stop up my ears when you’re singing ‘em
I hate all your show

Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show

Your eyes are closed when you’re praying
You sing right along with the band
You shine up your shoes for services
There’s blood on your hands

You turned your back on the homeless
And the ones that don’t fit in your plan
Quit playing religion games
There’s blood on your hands

Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
I hate all your show

Let’s argue this out
If your sins are blood red
Let’s argue this out
You’ll be one of the clouds
Let’s argue this out
Quit fooling around
Give love to the ones who can’t love at all
Give hope to the ones who got no hope at all
Stand up for the ones who can’t stand at all, all

I hate all your show
I hate all your show
I hate all your show
I hate all your show

5 comments:

Crystal DC said...

This is probably my favorite as well. Without love the law means nothing.

Leigh said...

Leave the trench coat at the door my friend!!

Inspector Clouseau said...

Did you make it back from Thailand?

Nice work. I came across your blog while “blog surfing” using the Next Blog button on the blue Nav Bar located at the top of my blogger.com site. I frequently just travel around looking for other blogs which exist on the Internet, and the various, creative ways in which people express themselves. Thanks for sharing.

Sac Hermes Birkin said...

Picnic backpacks are of proper relevance for people Christian Louboutin pumps who wish to carry bags as a substitute of baskets all over their picnic. Also you can delight " special " someone by treating the face using a unforgettable picnic basket tas burberry practical knowledge that he/ she might remember for a lifetime!
The picnic backpacks are built over these different types of method that a person can carry apparel and utensils both when shopping. These backpacks are delightfully created to have the very important merchandise. A variety of them would be the following: Pack for two main: A few of the backpacks can be found for less than two persons Christian Louboutin Sandals. These backpacks are actually less significant in dimensions and they've two flaps. In people two flaps you can share your garments start of this companion Christian Louboutin Shoes. A single analysts you could have your clothes despite the fact that during the other you are able to put in place the clothing of this spouse Jimmy Choo Handbags. These are definitely meant for only two individuals and therefore are around in a variety of colours and designs Juicy Couture Handbags. People typically want these bags which are properly constructed in pink and red Gucci Handbags. White backpacks are available. A number of them have attractive floral motifs.

PHL Taxi said...

Great blog thanks for sharing this interesting post.
Taxi in Philadelphia