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.
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and compliments. I really appreciated it. Linda and I had a great time Friday night.
I was so proud to be a member of EDS in the way we said a very emotional good bye to Ran Chase. It was an evening of great food, lots of laughs and just enjoying the socializing. One thing we have all learned at EDS well is hospitality. Linda has been on campus at at couple of our events and she always says how warm faculty, staff and students are to her. It makes me proud of my senminary community.
As for the music your talking about...no, it's not Rogers and Hammerstein. As you know, it comes directly out of the prison culture and the music industry has taken it and capitalized making huge amounts of money undermining the popular culture by it's violence, drug use and the flagrant abuse and degredation of women. I see God nowhere to be found in that music and the message it sends.
As for getting drunk and waking up the next morning knowing you spent a boat load of cash you didn't have and then wincing at your behavior, whatever you can remember of it, well...when I was younger we called it barking at the moon and it was one helluva good time. Now, going to bed early is a good time.
Thanks again Sean and thanks for all that you do for the EDS community.
Your Friend and Classmate,
John
There are days I am deeply grateful that I married young to a introverted geek! I don't think I've been to a club since I was 21, and it seems like maybe that's been a good idea. I still love a good party, but these days they tend to center around good food, good wine, and good conversation. There are advantages to growing older: one is that you don't have to go to clubs and pretend to like songs about ho's and *itches to prove what a rebel you are! It's meant to be shocking, of course, and it's meant to engender exactly the reaction you had in adults. You don't get it because you are past the stage where you sought your identity in proving that you aren't like your parents. Thanks be to God!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you were there Thursday when I was telling Julie my story about unexpected consequences. A couple years ago, I had a small youth group with a couple teen girls. We did a "music sharing" day, with each girl bringing a song or album that had meaning to them. We were a tiny church with a parish hall with atrocious acoustics, so we set up in the sanctuary since no one was around. All was well until we got to one girl's selection -- something from Eminem. As the curse words and violent imagery flowed out, I was horrified -- and deeply grateful that none of the older members of the parish were present to express shock at my poor judgement! But it turned into the most profound conversation of the evening: after the song was over, we sat in (stunned) silence for a minute, and then I began talking about how the song reminded me that there was NOTHING we couldn't bring before God, that we didn't have to hide our anger and our bitterness, but could take it and pour it out before God. It was the beginning of a powerful conversation that took up most of the rest of our time. (Phew!) So I guess the only thing I can say is that you don't have to enjoy it -- just take comfort that God can work through the most unlikely things!
And thank you so much for the Both/And Show. My family had such an absolutely amazing time, and were amazed at the prodigious talents shown by my classmates. Thank you for all the hard work: it was deeply appreciated by the Wade family.
Suzanne
Sean
ReplyDelete"Let's dance put on your red shoes and dance the blues..." Billy Idol Music evolves with each generation...yet I am in agreement words like hos and other words lack both soul and depth in the message. I think everyone in truth just likes the awesome beats to jam too. I try all kinds of music to expand my understanding..
Peace,
Val