As a Methodist, I first want to say that this song hits me, and makes me reflect upon my actions. To me, it seems to be the story of either someone who is being religious and hypocritical, or has abandoned the genuine Christian Faith.
Perhaps reflecting on some more fundamentalist groups in the South, it shows how many "Christians" failed to be, well, Christian. How they were proclaiming violence while (one hand on the gun) while holding to a book that preached love (the Bible).
In a practical application of this song, perhaps some sects of the American Church could listen on this song, and ask themselves "How does the world see me? How should they see me? What do I need to do to change that?"
I don't think Jim Croce was anti-religious, but simply anti-hypocrisy, which I can happily and proudly stand by.
As a Methodist, I first want to say that this song hits me, and makes me reflect upon my actions. To me, it seems to be the story of either someone who is being religious and hypocritical, or has abandoned the genuine Christian Faith. Perhaps reflecting on some more fundamentalist groups in the South, it shows how many "Christians" failed to be, well, Christian. How they were proclaiming violence while (one hand on the gun) while holding to a book that preached love (the Bible). In a practical application of this song, perhaps some sects of the American Church could listen on this song, and ask themselves "How does the world see me? How should they see me? What do I need to do to change that?" I don't think Jim Croce was anti-religious, but simply anti-hypocrisy, which I can happily and proudly stand by.