in defence of sad songs (3)

Posted by Paul | Filed under uncategorised

I’d better get the next post in this ‘series’ written before Jonny beats me to it…

In his book The Prophetic Imagination, Walter Brueggemann identifies two modes of Old Testament prophets. The first is the message of future hope, shaping the imagination of the people so that they can envisage what God’s future will look like. The other is making sure that they confront the reality of their current situation. In this second mode prophets shatter the rosy views people carry around, the assumption that things aren’t as bad as they seem. They make sure that the true extent of the problems and failings are felt. 
So, in as much as the church is called to act as a prophetic community, we also have two roles — to proclaim the wonder and promise of God’s future, God’s new creation; but also to ensure that the view of the present is not artificially rosy. I think the second presents a case for art that shows life as it is, with all of the complications and problems. This sort of art confronts people with the things they are trying to ignore or hide from. It forces them to acknowledge that what is here now is not enough; help is needed; healing is needed. 
Of course, the point is not to depress people, but to couple the two modes and allow people to turn from their realisation of the problems to see the help. We cut through false imaginings in order to allow our imagination to be shaped by the true hope.   

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Permalink | July 28th, 2008

One Response to “in defence of sad songs (3)”

  1. jonnyjpg Says:
    jonnyjpg July 29th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    arggh! you got their first.

    nicely summarized though – i think i might have to quote some of that!

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