Two necessary things…
January 31st, 2007
1. I want to add a little sub-point to yesterday’s two posts. The most powerful medium in history is the written word, hands down. Know any good music from the 17th century? Me neither. (I know that some of the greatest music ever came out of this era – classical hymns with great power – but few can name them off the top of their head) I can find you some great books from that era, though. John Milton and John Bunyan were two giants of English literature as well as fervent Puritans. Paul the apostle helped lead the greatest revival of the 1st century in Ephesus, of which we would have no clue unless Luke wrote about it. The most powerful preaching in history would be completely unknown to us if not transcribed and recorded in books.
In the IHOP-KC culture, preaching, teaching, and music are often seen as the paragon of one’s ministry call. It’s like that in many, many places in the body of Christ. Because public speaking is the number one fear on everyone’s top ten list (death is ranked number two), those who can pull it off with skill are admired by the masses that feel like they could never do such a thing. Classical Greek culture also exalted the speakers, back in the day (the Areopagus in Athens, where Paul spoke in Acts 17, was seen as one of the premier places to test your oratory skills and ideas).
History bears out, however, that superior to preaching and pulling just ahead of its two-man race with music is the written word. Singing and music will be a major part of eternity forever, and plays a necessary and valuable role in unifying believers around ideas. People sing things that they would never say or even admit! Music will be a central and vital part of our life in God forever. So, I affirm that music is important and its central place in our little house of prayer is absolutely necessary. Music provides a valuable escort into enjoyable prayer. Someone on the platform reading a book would not help me pray. However, when someone (say, a prayer leader) reads a book alongside the music, we have a powerful combination!
More enduring than music throughout the centuries, however, is writing. Ideas in written form have been greatly disruptive - and as we all know “the pen is mightier than the sword”. The pen has singularly orchestrated more revolutions than any other implementation or instrument created by mankind. I say this to dignify the writers in our midst - you can’t carry a tune, can’t play a chord, and shudder at the idea of addressing more than ten people out in the open. You can, however, put thoughts and ideas on paper - or on computer. And it’s the computer part that has come together in a manner that can now transmit thoughts, ideas, and yes, songs, at a speed and to an audience that is truly historic. If you’re a writer, I’m speaking to you. More than any other time in history, this is your hour.
Now get an idea from heaven.
2. Secondly, if you read this webournal…this interjournal…this, um…netarticlethingy…okay, I’ll say the phrase, just one more time: “blog” (ugh - again, bury it in the back yard, folks! Can’t someone out there who’s cool come up with a better term? Everytime I say it I feel like I’m engaging with my phlegm. Blog. Blaaag. Blawwwwg. Ugh.)
Anyhow, if you read this journal regularly, than make sure you read the comments section! Particularly if you’ve asked a question on there. I think I’ve answered almost every one. I also try to sneakily sneakerson (as opposed to stiffly stifferson, for those who know of what I speak) a few extra points on there that add to and and expand on what I wrote. Some ideas are good but don’t work in the flow and theme of what I’m writing, so I sneak them into the comments when appropriate.
I like dialogue, so if you’ve asked a question on here (Ruth, Sunny, I’m specifically thinking of you right now) I probably answered it. In case you’re interested.
I’m enjoying the journey with all of you. Thanks much for reading.
David
Entry Filed under: life at ihop-kc, people who should wordcast, prayer movement
25 Comments Add your own
1. Michael | January 31st, 2007 at 9:51 am
While I don’ t know if I would want to argue your first point, how much do you think your answer is based on being in a logic/ knowledge based culture (Greek mindset) as opposed to more of a Eastern mindset. Just curious.
2. David | January 31st, 2007 at 10:01 am
Tons. They stoned their speakers in the other communally based, holistically thinking culture.
Just kidding.
The other factor that made speaking so central to ancient civilization is that it cost so much to transmit ideas to paper. It was exacting and difficult to even obtain the materials needed. Only the best and the brightest with wealthy patrons who could afford scribes could get their ideas recorded.
Then, you went into all that trouble, and 90% of the known world was illiterate at the time. So you had predominantly oral cultures, one (Greek) dominated by ideas and the other (Hebrew) dominated by stories.
For the Hebrew, the stories glorified God and connected the community to Him; for the Greek, the ideas glorified the man and connected the community to him.
We have to, as communicators, take care as to which end of the spectrum we find ourselves whether we are sharing ideas or stories.
-ds
3. Greg | January 31st, 2007 at 10:19 am
I absolutely love Paradise Lost and Pilgrim’s Progress, two of my favorite works ever, though its been about a year or year and a half since I’ve last had the chance to read through both. It is quite glorious that two of the most eminent, monumental works ever written in the English language happen to give us brilliant (albeit very different) accounts of the Biblical story and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ in the process. I know this wasn’t the point of your post David, but I couldn’t let your references to these authors pass without giving a big shoutout. I would defintely urge everyone and anyone to give Bunyan a shot if you haven’t already, and then try to read Milton if you really up for a literary challenge (PL is one long book of verse written in unryhmed iambic pentameter, filled with obscure references to Greek mythology, etc… ).
“Of man’s first disobedience, and the fruit
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste
Brought death into the world, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater man
Restore us, and regain the blissful seat,
Sing heavenly muse, …
And justify the ways of God to men.”
Thus sayeth Milton.
4. David | January 31st, 2007 at 10:32 am
Nice catch, Greg - it was all for you.
-ds
5. Cathy | January 31st, 2007 at 10:55 am
Strangely enough, even though I have authored 5 books and am working on my 6th, I would never call myself a writer. The books, mostly technical manuals, don’t offer much room for the sharing of ideas. Though I’ve worked as a professional musician for years, and have written songs, I also would not consider myself a songwriter.
Often, I feel as if I have nothing to say of interest to others and lack original thought. This is probably not the case, as I’m often not without ideas and input in a spoken conversation. I’m quite sure there may be others that think as I do. I know of a few from my family and friends that could, and probably should, be writing.
For people that may feel they would like to dive into the water and begin writing or “blogging” atricles of interest and generate dialogue within the church community but are stuck on the boat, do you have any suggestions as to how they could begin? The “get an idea from heaven” suggestion seems quite overwhelming.
6. David | January 31st, 2007 at 11:39 am
I’ll cop to “unusual”, or possibly “frustrating” but not so overwhelming. For those contemplating diving in, it’s actually easier than you would think. Step one: open Bible. Step two: read a passage of scripture. Step three: either thank God for the truth or commit to obey, depending on the language. Step four: ask for understanding. Repeat steps until the idea or thought comes. Then write stuff down.
While you are on the journey, write from the heart - which means things you care about and evoke some kind of emotion (postive works better than negative, but folks have made tons of money trafficing in negative emotions).
In highlighting Shawn in an earlier post, he’s a great example of how the heart changes (as does what comes out of it) over time as you encounter God along the way.
So, by simply “starting” to write, you spend much of your initial time finding your voice, your style, and experimenting with the subjects that move you to write. You’ll learn what people catch, what they like, what they tend to miss, and how they process your thoughts.
I tend towards high structure with thematic flow when I write, and I have found a nice rythym that suits the way I think and like to communicate. Others are a bit more random or extemporaneous, and some just write like they talk. So those who want to just dive in need to find the groove that works - which really might take years. For you, Cathy, I bet you’ll hit a stride rather quickly.
-ds
7. Stephanie | January 31st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
“If you’re a writer, I’m speaking to you. More than any other time in history, this is your hour.”
Ok, so I admit when I read that line, tears welled up in my eyes.
As a journalist, I get paid to write. But as a follower of Christ, I love to write. There is nothing so satisfying as organizing what Christ forms in me, into words on a page. This process often reveals insight into what is really going on in my heart. For me, writing is like a flash light; exposing the truth of who God is and what He is capable of doing in my soul.
This post was encouraging.
Thanks.
8. tracy | January 31st, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Great Post Dave! I love how you defended writing as the most powerful medium. I also believe that the power of writing helps the author figure out his or her own thoughts. Sometimes just the literal putting pen to paper helps organize and seal our often fleeting and chaotic pieces of revelation. i know for me, when I write for an audience, the testing of my own ideas and the struggle to clearly organize and articulate what I think or what I have to share always pays off in the end.
9. Cathy | January 31st, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Thanks, David. As a teacher/trainer, I usually teach what I know. When I write books, I simply write down on paper the techniques and methods that I use daily to accomplish tasks. Very little opinion or insight is required of me.
I think that a blog written in that manner would be very difficult for a reader to enjoy for any length of time. I think for now I’ll stick to reading and commenting on blogs, as I fear I have no real biblical insight to offer or “word of the Lord” to share! I’d simply be an echo, and anyone can be an echo. Maybe someday….
10. Ruth | January 31st, 2007 at 2:36 pm
writing really is powerful. What I do more lately is even writing down my prayers..I keep them in my computer..sometimes when I sit and don’t know what and how to pray..I either pray the bible or I pray the prayers that I wrote down and prayed to God times ago. Of course praying the bible is much better
But my point is, when I write down stuff I feel like I can get my heart out there. But too many times (i.e. on my blog) when I read my posts back I can’t really feel what i was saying then. And others probably can’t either. But it is a process, so there’s hope 
But your writings here on your blaaag, are encouraging, challenging, provoking, insightful, and the way you comment on comments make it all worth reading and it really makes it feel like we’re all in this together…
11. Michaela | January 31st, 2007 at 3:18 pm
David,
Thanks for the encouragement to writers. I know that I need it. It’s so easy for me to not place value on what I do and the potential impact that I can have, even from a little blog. I agree with everything you said, except for where you started from:
And I just had to respond to that.
The 17th century was right in the midst of the Baroque period of music: Bach, Handel & Vivaldi are still played today. Granted, they are not the typical listening fare of this generation. But some of the concepts and ideas they pioneered are still utilized in music today.
And on the hymn front there was Isaac Watts in the 17th Century. His most famous hymns are: “Joy to the world”, “Alas and did my Savior bleed” and “When I survey the wondrous Cross” - these are sung in countless churches even today.
12. David | January 31st, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Argh. You got me good. I was thinking in terms of lyrics and songs, not connecting with both the most fantastic music of our age and some of the most dynamic hymns ever.
I am so busted. Good one.
-ds
13. Scott | January 31st, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Blog =
Wordcast?
– ? –
14. kyle | January 31st, 2007 at 7:25 pm
ohh. wordcast is nice!
15. JaredDiehl | January 31st, 2007 at 7:55 pm
I like what Stephanie said,’if you are a writer this is your hour.’ I know that I have always been a writer but have I put the pen to writing? I feel like just blogging everyday has changed everything for me…I have to work on the craft and I have been afraid to step out there and actually write. I am seeing how much of myself is made to write…..so, if you are a writer start today, write, don’t be afrraid….it will be hard to step out there but if you are a writer do everyone, including yourself, a service and do what God has given you…..other though: what is in us will come out of us in our writing, so we need the word to revive us, so that our writing is centered in redemption and hope, the cross and the return of the King(not LOTR)….yeah, good point Dave….love ya all
16. Amanda | January 31st, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Jared, I agree totally. Occasionally I’ll have a blog–uh, I mean, “wordcast”–post just burning on my heart to write. Sometimes I’ll be studying something and it will occur to me, “Hey, that would make a great post!”
But for the most part, I stare at the blank box and wonder what the heck I’m going to say. I don’t want to ramble about mundane stuff that happened to me during the day (although, if it was particularly amusing or inspiring, I’ll do it). I want to write something of substance.
Blogging on a near-daily basis has forced me to sit down and really take stock of what I’ve been learning in the past 24 to 48 hours. It forces me to document some of those random little revelations that hit my heart in the Prayer Room, thoughts that I might otherwise never put to words, inadvertantly allowing them to slip away out of sight and out of mind. It’s forcing me to articulate some of the stuff that is happening in my heart regarding the Word, and I like that a lot.
17. …Slowly Coming into&hellip | January 31st, 2007 at 10:01 pm
[…] I am amazed how an evening can sometimes sap my writing energy. I’m taking the challenge that Dave issued today and putting feet to it…. or today I’m just making it more a goal. […]
18. Matthew | February 1st, 2007 at 9:58 pm
I’ve gotta agree, David. The written word has a level of influence that almost nothing else can match. It’s probably because it’s the easiest method to communicate ideas. Afterall, though most people have never even heard of Boethius his ideas still show in our culture, even our entertainment.
19. David | February 1st, 2007 at 10:12 pm
More. Give us more on Boethius. I will stare at my computer screen until more emerges.
20. Matthew | February 2nd, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Well Boethius was a sixth-century philosopher. He was a consul, and later was basically the right hand man for the Ostrogoth king. The Ostrogoth king suspected him of of conspiring with the Byzantine empire and had him put to death. It was during the time that he was waiting for his execution that Boethius wrote his most well known work, Consolation of Philosophy. Boethius was a Christian, but he proved his points without reference to Christianity. So while it was written by a Christian, it is not a purely Christian work.
He places himself as a sullen man despairing over his death, and he talks with philosophy about the various forces that he blames for his misfortune. They discuss fortune (Boethius is the creator of the phrase ‘wheel of fortune’ which is why I said he influenced entertainment), predestination, the nature of good and evil, why evil men seem to prosper while good men suffer, and other philosophical favorites.
He was actually extremely influential in the Middle Ages. He’s been praised in famous works such as the Screwtape Letters and the Divine Comedy so I’m not really sure how the enemy and modernists manage to keep him hidden so well. I highly recommend reading Consolation of Philosophy.
21. Matthew | February 2nd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Actually, I’d like to rephrase one of my statements. It is a purely Christian work, it just isn’t an exclusively Christian work.
22. David | February 3rd, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Bro, you have ignited a fever for Boethuis that demands more cowbell. Anything else you want to add to the cliffs notes, before I start clanging away?
-ds
23. Matthew | February 3rd, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Just that I think Boethius is the only prescription for your fever.
24. David | February 3rd, 2007 at 10:02 pm
I’m guessing that by the time I’m done with Boethius, he’ll be wearing gold-plated pants.
25. Matthew | February 3rd, 2007 at 10:10 pm
HAHA, yes, I certainly get that reference!
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