Tuesday, October 23, 2007

But that noise ain’t joyful…

A bitch adores gospel music. I was raised in a traditional black Baptist church and have a deep connection with the music of faith even though I no longer recognize the pulpit politics that now reign supreme behind church walls.

Somehow…somewhere…the church of my youth was high-jacked by overtly homophobic money hungry freaks who preach the gospel of denial rather than The Word, which is love.

Some may ask me why I moved away from the church but I question why the church moved away from me.

Yet gospel music remains the testimony of the church I used to know and love.

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand

Of the encouragement that has been replaced by judgment…

I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m ‘lone
Through the storm, through the night

Of the inspiration that has been replaced by humiliation...

Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Of the never faltering love offered to all people that has been replaced by the prosperity gospel and the language of “us” and “those people”.

I’ve learned to keep the faith through the music as I've learned to keep my distance…

…which is a lesson the Obama camp is learning the hard way.

8 comments:

Godschocolate said...

Lurker coming out here. I know exactly how you feel. I too was raised in a Black Baptist Church, in fact, I am a pk. Although, I don't go to church now and see myself as more a big fan of Jesus than a Christian, something about gospel still resonates within me. I ain't lettin' nobody take that away from me, either!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes the best way to learn is the hard way.

A while back when those ministers went to the steps of the Capital to pray against gay rights I wept for the damage the deluded could do.

Unfortunately I can't feel the music anymore . . .

Elizabeth said...

Sad when music born from slavery's suffering
"Hell is deep and dark despair
I'm going to lay down my heavy load"
is used to oppress others......

J said...

I love gospal music...love most religious songs...and yet, I'm atheist. Is that wrong?

The music is so poignant, so universal, if it doesn't touch you, you might be dead.

Unknown said...

Wtf is the deal with Obama? Is he losing his touch? Is he making these bad choices on purpose?

Interesting none the less.

Anonymous said...

I'm an atheist white girl from the North-East, and gospel makes me cry. There's just something, as a commenter above said, universal in it.
- Hypatia

Calvin said...

While I was raised in a traditional, white Baptist Church, I can relate to what you're saying. As a gay man, I remember when Soap first came on, that my FORMER church gathered a petition to be sent to the network protesting a show having a gay character on it. While I was still preteen then, I can remember feeling that the petition was wrong. Now that I live in another city, I no longer attend a Baptist church, but a Methodist one (when I go) that is gay friendly.

I've been reading your blog now for a couple of years or more and just want to say how much I enjoy your post. You're right on the money. Down with Scooter B and his minions!!

Anonymous said...

Umm.... what exactly did the gentleman say for which Obama is supposed to toss his ass? Did I miss something? "I believe it is not God's plan. Sexuality... everything is a choice..."? Your sexuality IS a choice in the eyes of most Churches. As in when one should have it, with whom, and under what circumstances. Let's not go too over-the-top; the gentleman is presenting his view as a person of faith. I may disagree with his view as a person of another faith, but it invalidates neither. If Obama is elected he will be the President of the United States, not just those who he agrees with (a key fact that Bush has forgotten.) If we demand no litmus tests from candidates on the Right, why are we testing candidates on the Left? Or to put it another way, since when does a person's opinion invalidate his or her willingness to "agree to disagree?" It's ludicrous when Log Cabin donations are returned in unseemly haste so a Republican isn't "tainted" - why isn't this just as nuts?

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