"Every syllable the same
Every letter, every line"
This song is about the heart of the Christian worldview, about holding to the core doctrines of the Bible, specifically Biblical historicity and inerrancy. When you define your worldview by the reality of God and his purposes for us, it definitely shapes your life. This song is a lyrical declaration of his adherence to this worldview.
"Hey, Shar?
Yes, Sufjan?
So, what do you believe in?
Oh, a lot of things
Oh yeah, like what?
Well, peace and justice for all"
The dialogue between Sufjan and his friend speak of the postmodern mentality that Christianity is simply a philosophy or moral ideology. There is a common idea held by postmodernism and orthodox Christianity, mainly that "God wants us to be nice (peaceful) to each other and have a good time (joy)," which is mostly true. However, the Christian worldview of how to end up at that goal of joy and peace is completely opposite of all other worldviews.
"I believe in peace" & "joy"
The culmination of the Christian worldview is that God redeems His people, leading us to peace and joy, amidst and in spite of the tragedy of the Fall and of sin. If everyone was a practicing Christian, the world would have more peace and joy. Sufjan is proclaiming his belief in that ultimate end result of God's plan for humanity.
If you find meaning in Sufjan's music, please take the time to read the Gospels, particularly Luke. Know that there are large bodies of scientific (historical) evidence for the accuracy of Luke's paritial biography of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.
"I believe in" and "I've read every page"
"Every syllable the same Every letter, every line"
This song is about the heart of the Christian worldview, about holding to the core doctrines of the Bible, specifically Biblical historicity and inerrancy. When you define your worldview by the reality of God and his purposes for us, it definitely shapes your life. This song is a lyrical declaration of his adherence to this worldview.
"Hey, Shar? Yes, Sufjan? So, what do you believe in? Oh, a lot of things Oh yeah, like what? Well, peace and justice for all"
The dialogue between Sufjan and his friend speak of the postmodern mentality that Christianity is simply a philosophy or moral ideology. There is a common idea held by postmodernism and orthodox Christianity, mainly that "God wants us to be nice (peaceful) to each other and have a good time (joy)," which is mostly true. However, the Christian worldview of how to end up at that goal of joy and peace is completely opposite of all other worldviews.
"I believe in peace" & "joy"
The culmination of the Christian worldview is that God redeems His people, leading us to peace and joy, amidst and in spite of the tragedy of the Fall and of sin. If everyone was a practicing Christian, the world would have more peace and joy. Sufjan is proclaiming his belief in that ultimate end result of God's plan for humanity.
If you find meaning in Sufjan's music, please take the time to read the Gospels, particularly Luke. Know that there are large bodies of scientific (historical) evidence for the accuracy of Luke's paritial biography of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.