Originally Posted by VNORTH2
Originally Posted by Michael Zaneski
Yes, it's simple, but it's got the stuff of great songs--powerful message, terse writing that's easy-to-understand, and variations on the 1 6 and 4 chords while repeating the same melody...among other things.

I do wonder, though, every time I hear the term "our God," if the possessive pronoun is necessary. Language creates or at least shapes reality to a great degree, and that possessive pronoun seems (to me) to promote a reality of different gods for different nations, and if you ask anyone they'll say, "no, there's just one God." LOL, and if you ask them to continue, they'd probably add, "there's just one God and He's our God."

So I have a problem with the term "our God" though I know the term's used innocently enough, most of the time, to mean He's experienced immersively and personally. But words can also shape reality. I do honestly wonder if "our God" --this age-old meme, isn't one that quietly clears a path towards separatism, xenophobia, etc. Don't know...just wondering...


I think there is a reason for the simplicity of some P/W songs...many, as is the case with “How Great Is Our God” are of course meditative, particularly at a Christian Concert and as such slows everything down and getting “closer to God”. In many instances I have seen a trance-like environment permeate the building with people closing their eyes and raising their arms in the air...and talk directly to God. The worship leader will more than likely play something that has only a couple of line that are repeated over and over...then people don’t have to remember the words or open their eyes to see what is on the screen...it is an unbelievable site to see thousands in that state for sometimes 8-10 minutes...very intoxicating to hear and watch...it was the inspiration for me writing “We Come To Praise Your Name”...2 lines, 7 minutes

Without the word “Our” IMO, the connection to God or other Christians (my particular faith) is greatly diminished...its the glue...I may be wrong but I think every faith assumes their God is it...

I think separatism, xenophobia, etc do quite fine without religion even being involved


Just some thoughts

Steve


Those are thoughtful thoughts, Steve. Thanks.

I actually was a member of The Church of Religious Science, in the Eighties, which was non-denominational. Kind of "comparative religious studies" turned into a practice, gleaning the basic concepts in common with most religions.

The idea that "every faith assumes their God is it" is an idea that has always bothered me and keeps me from joining in any communal practice anymore.

I believe there is one true God, and it's the same God for everyone, things just get "lost in translation" when humans of different nations try to un-Babel things. Communication is hard enough between people!

That's why I wonder how much (or little) idiosyncrasies of language itself might be shaping the way we think.

Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/15/23 06:25 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice
Fortune depends on the tone of your voice

-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon)
from the song "Songs of Love"
from the album "Casanova" (1996)