I am a seminarian at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass. Last Friday, EDS hosted its annual talent show known as the “Both/And Show.” I wrote several skits, performed in two of them, and worked stage crew most of the night. Several days of hard work paid off – the show was loads of fun. One of many highlights happened during the last act. My classmate John Higginbotham sang an incredible, opera-caliber rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening.” John dedicated it to his wife in the audience, and it was magnificent.
An hour later, I found myself among a small herd of students for the post-production celebration. I’m not much for the night life, but I wanted to celebrate the hard work. More importantly, the social time with my close friends is becoming scarce. Graduation Day arrives in two months, and then it’s adios, muchachos.
We frequented bar/club establishment in Harvard Square. We were treated well and got our own area to eat and dance, which was a plus. The evening, however, raised questions for me.
After we had drinks and snacks, most of our gang started dancing. Bye-bye Rogers and Hammerstein, hello loud techno-dance music. The place packed and hard to hear. The drinks were expensive. And the lyrics of the music...well, they fell on the vulgar side of the fence.
There’s no denying that the Jesus of the New Testament stories valued fellowship. He was known to enjoy wine and parties among friends. I’m glad I went out and shared time with some of my favorite people. I believe that Christ was among us that night, just as he was during John’s magnificent solo. And I’m wondering about those club lyrics, the loud music, the ensuing gyrations, and the money we spent on it all. Why do we revel in such activities? What do those lyrics say about the people who create and sell them? What do they reveal to us? What do they reveal ABOUT us? And where is God in this?
I welcome the insights and reflections of others.
