Rhythm and Tune

My wife and I went to hear two of our church members play live music last night at the Last Chance Saloon in Grayslake, IL.  Our song leader on Sunday mornings opened with some covers and originals, and then another church member and his band (AliveInside) played mostly original stuff.  It was really a good time, good music, and I was able to take some pictures of the band.

On the topic of music, I picked up the newest one of the newest Nooma videos from Rob Bell, Rhythm, a few days ago.  I decided to watch it last night.  He talked about how we all are playing a song, the question is whether or not we are in tune.  Powerful stuff.  And very provocative.  If you have seen it, I'd love to hear what you think about it.

UPDATE: You can also view the entire "Rain" Nooma video online.  If you haven't seen Nooma, check it out.

Comments

[Kevin Bussey]

I saw it at Catalyst this year. It was well done.

[Joe Thorn]

This will look bad to your friends in the Anti-Salooning League. And Russ Moore. Ok, I'm just kidding Russ. :)

Looks like a fun time.

[Tim Sharpe]

Actually, Bell released a newer Nooma just about a week ago, called Matthew. I haven't seen it yet, but it looks like it's about greiving loss.

[Steve McCoy]

Thanks Tim. I guess I'm outta touch. :) I tweaked my post.

[Mike]

I was excited after I was done watching Rhythm. Things started to make sense to me.

I am curious about what some would think in regards to the perspective that we as humans are sinful to the core, unable to choose good for ourselves.

Weslyans (quote me if I'm wrong) talk about previenent grace, in regards to humans having the free will to choose God...that there's a grace that goes before.

This video helps me with those things where people who could be non-believers seem to walk in tune with Jesus. Part of my early Christian experience was always pushing me to believe that only Christians can live this way...I had always thought there was an inherent good to all humans (of being made in the image of God), as C.S. Lewis argues in Mere Christianity.

I can also see many Protestants asking questions regarding salvation in the midst of this video...I can see some who would have some serious questions to ask.

I am a huge Rob Bell fan. He has helped me with my journey in profound ways. His journey has helped me understand that I haven't been alone in my thoughts and feelings about church, God, etc...

Looking forward to Matthew. I have it on order (of course I have them all). I remember hearing the sermon on Jesus Wept in his "Jesus Is Difficult" series (which you should order...it is absolutley incredible. There's a sermon on gossip that is just mind-blowing). I am gathering that this NOOMA is based on that. If that's the case, it'll be incredible and very useful for those dealing with grief.

[Steve McCoy]

Mike, I'm not sure where you are going with the questions about how sinful we are. But I think the Bible is pretty clear about our inability to choose good on our own and the need for God's grace to bring us a new birth, though I don't think the Wesleyan view of that grace is the best understanding.

The way you took the video is really my concern about the video. Depending on your perspective, the video could sound universalistic or at least downplay the need for conversion.

Any other thoughts on this video out there?

[Mike]

Steve,

I didn't take the video to say that there is NO NEED for conversion, I was saying that it can appear some people can take it that way.

I totally believe in conversion...I believe it is the starting line in the journey with Jesus, but I know there are some who have questions about that issue and what it may look like...

I think the starting point is t'shuva (repenting)...total surrender to the grace of God through Jesus Christ...just trying to clear that up...

I wonder how many churches make that the finish line though...as if conversion is really all that matters...

[Steve McCoy]

Mike, thanks for clarifying. Agreed.

[Tim Sharpe]

I agree that there is a potential for misunderstanding in Rhythm. Taken on its own, its a really good metaphor for what Rob was trying to express. But the metaphor also fails to show the necessity of conversion/repentance/jusification. What's more, referring to God as a "song" can under-emphasize the fact that God is a person, not just a standard for right living.

That said, I found it to be a very helpful metaphor for how we can misunderstand the right use of theology. I found it quite thought-provoking.

[Steve McCoy]

Tim, that's my perspective. If used as the right kind of illustration, I find it very helpful and useful.

[Jared]

This episode (11) was a really eye opening movie to me. The points made about how the song is always playing and how not everyone is in tune was such a perfect analogy for me. And even those who aren't playing, can have a chance to add in (hence some random violin or guitar sounds) and the music forever chaning but the base rhythm remains the same, thats like the perfect walk with God in a nutshell. Good job Nooma.

P.s. Does anyone know the name of the song played in Nooma 011 Rhythm - because I REALLY want to listen to it it had such a wicked mellow tune. If you know where to find it or the name of it please contact me at [email protected] THANKS!

[Christine]

I've only seen the DVD Rhythm once, but I've purchased it to see again... My first viewing of it left me very uncomfortable because I think Bell is using metaphors and similes incorrectly. The methaphor he tries to use is "God is music", and the simile is "God is like music". It seems strange to me that the CREATOR is compared to the CREATION in that order. If anything, the metaphor would be "Music is God" or the simile, "Music is like God" These sound strange also. I can't find anything in the Bible that suggests such usage. But I can find passages that say the creation praises God, and maybe that the creation is always praising God in words and music that are beyond comprehension. I think it's very important that someone like Rob Bell, who reaches a large audience, is very careful to distinguish between the Creator and the created. The Bible says that the Word was with God in the beginning, and is God; it does not say that music was... Music was created.

[Christine]

Hi out there! I would like some comments on my comment on Rhythm. How do you agree? How do you disagree?