the religion of love and other matters.

the religion of love:

Florence + The Machine has nabbed a top-notch spot on my current listening list. The beat and climax of songs like "Dog Days are Over" and "Cosmic Love," leave my pointer finger forever stranded on the repeat button. Despite my obsession, I can't help but notice Flo's tendency to voice convictions that establish romantic relationships as gods. In "Cosmic Love" it appears the universe has collapsed along with Flo's broken heart when she sings, "The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out/You left me in the dark/No dawn, no day. I'm always in this twilight/In the shadow of your heart..." Other songs seem to suggest that someone is falling at the feet of a lover.

Flo is putting her faith into what I call a religion of love. This isn't a new idea. Sheldon Vanauken in his book, A Severe Mercy, confesses that the love he shared with Davy was of astronomical importance...religious importance. They made a god of the deep love they shared. A poem they compiled together states: We build our alter, then, to love and keep/The holy flame alight and never sleep:/This darling love shall deepen year by year,/And dearer shall we grow who are so dear." Although I'm not there yet, plotwise, I know a rock is thrown into Sheldon's deep well of conviction when he hears the truth of the Gospel . Sheldon even hints at the fact that there is something that fails in love alone, when he states, "It must be that, whatever its promise, love does not by itself endure. But why? What was the failure behind the failure of love?"

Hemingway does this too in The Sun Also Rises. Love becomes a goddess.

I believe human love is weak and never strong enough to survive on its own. Even if it lasts a lifetime, death will eventually claim both lovers. Sheldon admits:

"... the Shining Barrier, [a symbol of his love with Davy] however invulnerable to the separating forces of life, was not invulnerable to death."


Scripture also reminds us:

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

When we build our houses on foundations of human affection, they will undoubtedly fail us and crumble at our feet.



Other matters:

The presentation at WKU on Friday went very well. I encouraged the listeners to see inmates, communities and the people around us in light of what they can be, and outside the shadow of their pasts and mistakes. I think this is the beautiful nature of the Gospel. Humans have hope through Christ and the reconciliation he provides on the cross. We don't live as slaves to our bad decisions. I also spoke about the the injustice that was occurring in regards to gender discrimination in the jail facility. Surprisingly, after my presentation a woman approached me and offered to help solve some of these issues through her connections to the jail. Awesome.

Also being in Bowling Green made me miss 91.7, the Revolution. Best radio station ever.

I love biking. I took my bike and camera out today on an adventure and it was wonderful. :)