I’ve participated in close to 15 30-Hour Famines (as both a youth and as a youth group leader). I’ve taken photographs, written press releases, and have even appeared on television talking about our efforts. In high school, I was one of 10 students selected nationally for final judging to participate in the annual overseas mission trip (missed it by a HAIR!). But you know what? At no point did we attempt to make the focus about ourselves — our mission was to raise money for the hungry, and to raise awareness about the difficult situations so many people face in our country and throughout the world. The fasting was a private act experienced within a group setting; the coming together was a display of Christian love and fellowship and an example of what can be accomplished — what can be borne of that Christian love.

Wade, I wonder if your question might be rooted in the public nature of Joe’s invitation, rather than the idea of a community fast? I’m certainly not dogging social media, but there’s something inherently narcissistic about Facebook (and Twitter and the others), so perhaps it seems a little showy. But as Joe said, it’s all about the conditions of our hearts.

Interesting discussion!

I think the answer lies within the larger context of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5-7.

Jesus is not specifically stating that these things (fasting, prayer giving) MUST be done in private. If that were the case there would be no corporate prayer, no missional fundraising, etc. What he’s saying is that it’s a matter of the condition of our hearts, which IS private, at least to the extent that only God can know the true condition of our hearts. Jesus calls out the “hypocrites,” who do things SOLEY to be noticed by others…their hearts are concerned with their own selfish interests, not with the kingdom of God. I think what Jesus is saying is not so much to fast in private without anyone else knowing…as you correctly point out, that would go against the biblical mandate to fast in community…but to say, in essence, “just go about your business…you don’t have to make a show of how miserable you’re making yourself to gain God’s favor.”

Admittedly, there is a fine line when it comes to corporate fasting such as what I’m promoting here and what things like the 30-Hour Famine are doing. Again, though, I think it comes back to the condition of our hearts. If we are sincerely participating, and even calling others to participate with us, so that we may engage in authentic repentance and seeking of God’s kingdom as a community, I don’t see that as being contrary to either the letter or the spirit of Jesus’ words.

In the case of the 30-Hour Famine, especially when we actively sought publicity, I think that line does become a little finer. I would hope that the publicity was to draw attention to the cause for which we were symbolically fasting, and not to the act of fasting itself, although–again admittedly–it’s really hard to separate one from the other. I think the fact that what was displayed was the joy of the participants to do something positive for the kingdom, rather than on the nature of the sacrifice itself, legitimizes it in the light of scripture.

I’m sure not everyone will agree with my take on this, but I think it’s great that it creates these kinds of questions and conversations. That’s how we know we’re taking the scriptures seriously…by engaging them and one another in trying to better understand them. Thanks for the comment!

I love the theological implications of the Mumford & Sons clip I posted…That yearning for something beyond the self. If you’ve listened to that whole album, it’s like something straight out of the Psalms or Lamentations. U2′s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” is one of the most amazing worship albums ever recorded (compare “City of Blinding Lights” to Rev. 21!). On the “Christian” side, Switchfoot’s last two albums — “Hello Hurricane” and “Vice Verses” take on really rich theological metaphors that express a really clear understanding of exile and exodus and redemption. Chris Tomlin’s songs are more directly expressive (i.e., more direct praise & less metaphor), but they are all about worshipping God for who he is, rather than for what he can do for us. I saw a quote from Tim Keller once that went something like, “Don’t obey God to get things; obey God to get God.”

I think the Relevant article you linked here offers better insight than the post written by Matt Papa. He just seemed so condescending and off-putting, even though I can agree that the cookie-cutter state of the music industry (and I’m talking just about all modern mainstream stuff, from CCM to country to pop and even rock. I listen to a lot of country music and if I hear one more song about a back road, sweet tea or Mason jars I just might hurl!).

I hope this doesn’t make me seem dense, but I’d love for you to elaborate on your thoughts about
Christian music needing to be more theologically based. I guess I’m wondering about the extent — should all Christian music lyrics be lifted straight from the Bible? Or are we just talking about the “shiny happy” stuff not going deeply enough into the faith and a true relationship with Jesus?

This is a fun discussion!

I agree with the comments Susan D. shared on your Facebook page (sentiments that you echo here) that CCM does have value. How much value depends on the listener and how they use the music. I personally love music and love to sing (mostly in the shower or my car alone!), but I’m really not at all interested in the complexity of the music or how many chords it employs (though repetition does get annoying). I’m mostly concerned with how/whether it speaks to my heart. Some people listen to music for learning purposes, some for comfort, some for inspiration, and some just to have background noise — and I’m willing to bet that most people use music for all these purposes depending on their mood, needs or situations.

And really, what’s wrong with simplicity? What’s wrong with a simple praise song? God sent the Savior of the world as a child to be born in a manger. The people and leaders of the time expected a mighty king, and what they got was a baby. Simple. Humble. Perfect.

I don’t think Matt Papa is wrong to say that we need more sophisticated, scripture-based music. We absolutely need that! But his post seemed to argue that this type of music should completely eradicate and replace mainstream CCM, which just seems absurd, especially since today’s Christian music can be a really useful tool (particularly for newbies) in learning about Christ’s love and the importance of a personal relationship with him. That’s not to say that Christian artists and listeners shouldn’t strive to produce and hear deeper music — there’s room for it all. But perhaps the balance needs shifted a bit to include more of the heavy stuff.

Yes, babies need milk. And as you said, at some point some meat needs added to the diet. But remember that a good diet is based on variety, and everyone’s nutritional needs are different. As long as we’re getting what we need and staying away from what is truly junk, aren’t we still being fed?

Thanks for making me think!

I have one more thought, if we are not singing songs in church that do not teach us about the greatness and glory of God, the work of Christ, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Church, and all its doctrine, I fear some may not learn anything. All too many people zone out for the sermon, where the scripture is actually taught, we therefore need the music to do that job too.