I feel like that the past few comments completely miss the importance of the words "and why i still believe it / and why i need it / and what the pharisees don't see." Pharisees were a ancient sect of jews which was reestablished after the destruction of the Second Temple whose beliefs have been the foundation of the several forms of modern Judaism. (see wikipedia for more)
Knowning that David Bazan is a fervent Christian, and that christianity segments away from judaism on the matter of the appearance of the messiah, IMO the song is about David attempting to a convince non-Christian why he holds true to his religion and Jesus. "Every stupid struggle" seems refer to the strife between religions of opposing view, probably applying to less-modern times.
Then again, I'm basing my argument on only one, albeit strong, line that might just be a turn of phrase David throws out there from time to time.
I feel like that the past few comments completely miss the importance of the words "and why i still believe it / and why i need it / and what the pharisees don't see." Pharisees were a ancient sect of jews which was reestablished after the destruction of the Second Temple whose beliefs have been the foundation of the several forms of modern Judaism. (see wikipedia for more)
Knowning that David Bazan is a fervent Christian, and that christianity segments away from judaism on the matter of the appearance of the messiah, IMO the song is about David attempting to a convince non-Christian why he holds true to his religion and Jesus. "Every stupid struggle" seems refer to the strife between religions of opposing view, probably applying to less-modern times.
Then again, I'm basing my argument on only one, albeit strong, line that might just be a turn of phrase David throws out there from time to time.