Aesthetics and Religion (Vol 6)

For those reading these in chronological order, think back to Vol. 5 about my background, where I mentioned the Porcupine church and other aesthetic references I've made. This is the elaboration I promised on that.

I've noticed a growing trend in today's churches. It seems they are now painting their walls black; using all these lights and props. They appeal to every sense we have. The turn the overhead lights off to create an ambience. Then they create a concert atmosphere with their lighting, power point presentations (where it once was merely lyrics to the songs, now it is another light display of sorts), and stage presence. They synchronize and choreograph their moments on stage, careful to make sure they are engaging the audience. They have scented smoke/fog to appeal to the sense of smell. They dress in trendy fashions with blingy jewelry that is sure to catch the light.

The first time I saw this was at the "Porcupine" Church. I'd never seen this before and was greatly disturbed by the fact that they were trying to evoke feelings with the ambiance they created. Whatever happened to letting the Spirit woo people? What happened to letting the Spirit have His way in the service? These churches are now having two services to appeal to the masses, particularly those who do not want to get out of bed early. These services are carefully timed, scheduled, and choreographed. They play their intro video to let everyone know the service is starting. They sing their 3 or 4 songs with amazing acoustics and rock-style music. I admit, it's very appealing if you're looking for a rock show. The atmosphere buzzes with loud music and excitement evoked by the music. But where's the anointing? Where is the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to move and say, "this is the direction I want to go today. Be still. Be quiet and listen. Let go of your agendas and remember what you're here for." There is all this display, "for the glory of God" they say; but I don't see any room for God in these services. He is not allowed to participate any longer in these services. As far as I can see, the whole service is for man, for Religion's sake. How can it be for Yahweh when He is not given a chance to participate?

I remember days gone by, in the church I had attended before the desert time as well as other services, that Yahweh was allowed to have His way. We welcomed Him to move and do away with our own agendas. And He always did. He would take control of the worship service, our praises rising up like a sweet smelling incense. He would quiet us into a holy reverence, each of us whispering prayers of love, worship, adoration, welcoming Him to have His way. He was as eager to meet us there as we were to have Him. It never failed. He always showed up, His presence filling the auditorium. If that meant the preacher never gave his sermon, so be it. We were thrilled to have Yahweh show up in our midst.

But in stark contrast, in today's churches, I see no room for Yahweh any longer. We do not wait upon Him and allow Him to speak to us in a personal way. The churches do not allow prophetic messages to go out any longer. It seems as if everyone is going through the motions, fulfilling their obligations to the god of Religion. This fact greatly grieves me. I even went back to the church I had cherished, even though they had devastated me. It was a few years after the fact, and I was desperate for what I'd had before. But the atmosphere changed. The walls were no longer a soft pink, but a harsh black. Now the lights were not left on during the praise and worship service. Now I noticed a rock show on the stage instead of sincere worship. And all the while, my heart grieved within me that my God had been lost in the service.

I am noticing as this trend grows, the focus is less and less on Yahweh and more and more on appealing to men. The gospel is watered down as to not offend anyone. The Truth is swept under the rug and only tiny parcels of truth are salvaged, twisted beyond recognition into a fallacy appealing to men. No one bothers to study for themselves to find out the Truth. They accept what Religion teaches them without questioning it.

So that's my spill about aesthetics and Religion. More to come soon....

A Former Slave to Religion

P.S. like what you're reading? Tell others! Let's band together against the spirit of Religion and see that Truth sets people free!