For: The Institute Of Contemporary And
Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s
University, Essentials Blue Online Worship
Theology Course With Dan Wilt
Upon reading my response to the discussion question for the Essentials Blue facebook group over again, and spending even more time thinking about it, I have come to a realization: Before I became a Christian, most, if not all, of the books, paintings, films, and especially music that moved me most deeply, gave me a strong sense of identity. Even to the point that it was spiritual in nature. Indeed, I can honestly say that I once worshipped music as my god and bands/musicians as angels who helped me clarify my spiritual identity and purpose in life. I went out of my way to find unique and beautiful, newer and undiscovered (and thus, somehow more valuable to me) art. I strove to meet others who shared my passion, and influence/sway those who did not, to see the “deeper meaning” in the artful things the way that I did. I was an art evangelist. At some point though, this worldview to which I was clinging, started to lose some of its potency to fulfill. Sub-consciously, I was searching for more; for true spirituality. The deeper beauty that I had sensed in art, hinted at something even deeper. When I traced it back, past the artists, to the origin, I met God and realized that I’d been missing the point all along. My worldview changed very rapidly over the months that followed and I’m so thankful to God for rescuing me from my delusion. What depths of emptiness did He snatch me from in the midst of my free-fall!
