“THE EVOLUTION OF REVOLUTION” a short essay with sarcasm… Looking back, the Jesus Freaks seemed like ‘knuckle draggers’. So what is a ‘knuckle dragger’? A creature that is several steps down the evolutionary chain; primitive, primal, undomesticated, and uncivilized. This group used to dance wildly for long periods of time, with their hands lifted up, while singing or shouting ecstatically. It was such a spectacle. They used to speak out ‘words from God’ either from where they were standing, or from a microphone up in the front of the room. They were quite delusional. Many times people from this primal tribe would enter public places with huge Bibles and begin confronting total strangers about their God. People were often offended and uncomfortable. Even normal, regular Christians were uneasy about having this tribe around. What a bunch of weirdoes! Fortunately time heals most things. Slowly this group of primitive ‘knuckle draggers’ evolved into respectable, accepted, mainline Christians, and the dancing, prophesying, and public displays eventually ceased. They still sing some upbeat songs, and they still raise their hands, but the radical actions and long prayer meetings have fallen by the wayside. Finally this outcast group is housebroken and now engage in a cup of coffee and a donut before service, instead of loud, annoying prayer. They have learned to act like upstanding citizens in God’s house. All the nonsense is gone, and they are now well dressed, well behaved, and adept at light chit chat rather than heavy, divisive topics. In many of the churches they used to attend changes were made to curtail all the individual input during services. Some churches began to place restrictions on these uncontrolled ‘words from God’. Some who still allowed it began requiring people to first submit these messages to the leadership and let them decide if they were suitable for the general congregation, rather than allowing them speak, then judge it later. This also assured nothing derogatory or embarrassing would be said concerning the church or leadership. The beast was tamed. It is true that there are a lot fewer baptisms than back in those primitive days, but there are sacrifices in every compromise. It is also true the gatherings have become much more predictable, manageable, and acceptable to a wider audience. Many of the things these primitives did were offensive to visitors and traditional members. Some of that nonsense may please God, but it repulses the masses. Revolution is a nasty business, and the sooner it can be dealt with and quieted the better for everyone. Who needs all that stress and anxiety, never knowing what is going to happen next, and hoping nothing weird occurs. These kinds of things seem to come around about every 50 – 80 years, and the church is usually quite relieved when it is all over and she can get back to ‘business as usual’. Some refer to these periods as revival, restoration, reformation or restitution, but I just call it revolution, since it is so revolting to most not involved.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:29:17 +0000
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