Jess Boctor

Tag: Mumford & Sons

  • The Word “Christian”

    This weekend, my family and I are going to a Mumford & Sons concert. I have talked about my fandom for the British band multiple times on this blog. I think their music is reflective of a great insight into the human condition. More than one of their songs has struck a chord with my own struggles as I walk through the messiness of life.

    Recently, there was an interesting debate going on at RelevantMagazine.com. They published an article written about Marcus Mumford’s decision to sidestep the label of “Christian”. The author raised quite a few interesting points about whether or not you could really be a follower of Christ without calling yourself a Christian.

    The article is focused on a recent interview between Marcus Mumford and Rolling Stone Magazine. In the article Mumford shies away from calling himself a Christian, saying simply that he has his own ideas about who Christ is and that he wouldn’t call himself a Christian. The debate which was boiled up at Relevant concerns whether someone can choose to follow Christ without giving themselves over to this name.

    Some of the debaters say we need to hold onto this name in order to bring it back from the depths of craziness which it has fallen into. In many ways I agree with this. There needs to be a movement which separates followers of Christ from the crazies who burn Korans and preach a gospel of hate, which in reality is no gospel at all.

    However, I relate to Mumford’s desire to shy away from the labels of Christianity. He is right in saying there is a lot of baggage which comes with the term Christian. Nothing will shut a conversation down faster than spouting off the phrase “I’m a Christian”. Most often I experience this happening for two reasons. Either the person who I am having a conversation with immediately places me in the field of the ‘feeble’ minded who believes a fictional faith (even though Christ and His teachings are very factual). Or I am labeled a bigot who wouldn’t be open minded to their approach to life, so they refuse to go further in the conversation. Neither of which helps me in communicating or building a relationship.

    And that really is the most important thing, isn’t it? Building relationships and giving those who don’t know Jesus a glimpse of what life with Him looks like? A life filled with adventure, faith, growth, successes and failures. A life kinda like a Mumford & Sons song.

        Continuing the adventure,

        Jess

  • Mumford and Sons, Exellence, and Common Ground

    This post should have been up a month ago.

    Admittedly, I am not excellent.

    Mumford and Sons, however, are. They excel at their craft, which is why last month a few thousand people and myself packed the Hollywood Bowl to see them play. It was an awesome show. Paul and I had seats pretty close to the front. It was inspiring to look back and see a sea of faces behind us, all stomping their feet, shaking their fists and singing along.

    It made me remember once again the power of refinement and pursuing excellence in your craft. I love the message of Mumford and Sons. Their lyrics point to a human experience which I believe is common to all of us, however, without their skill at intertwining chords and rhythm, the message would be lost. The power would be lost.

    So here is my challenge to the Christians out there, and myself is included in this, go be excellent. Whatever it is you do, whatever your calling, whatever your craft, be excellent. Do not create a subculture where slapping a “Christian” label on something means it is good enough. Go put on your big boy and girl pants, refine your skill, put in the time and compete with the culture at large.

    This is important.

    It is important because being excellent creates common ground. No one gets angry at Mumford and Sons for singing “Serve God, Love me and mend” (which is a quote from a favorite Shakespear play, bonus points if you know which one). People don’t get angry because Mumford and Sons are excellent. They have a larger scope of influence because they are excellent. They attract people of all different walks of life because they are excellent.

    Do you get it yet?

    So next time you feel frustrated with the culture of the world, don’t withdraw. Don’t be angry. Don’t try to shove Jesus at them and make angry picket signs. Instead, quietly and resolutely continue the process of becoming excellent. It will be noticed.

    Continuing the adventure,

    Jessica

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