I don’t know why I was compelled to tackle this subject… a lot of my dreams lately have been in a church setting. Maybe that’s why. Anyway, I was raised in church, with a pretty stringent set of beliefs, much of which has evolved in my adult life.
The word “gospel” means good news. So why do we always confine usage of this word to things that are spiritual or church related? I haven’t been a member of any church for several years for many reasons. Growing up in a pentecostal setting (we were COGIC — Church of God in Christ), I found church to be almost like high school, where God was supposed to be the principal, and the pastor the vice-principal. People fought, called each other names, tried to out-dress each other, tried to steal each other’s mates… all after shouting, singing, and giving thanks to a higher being. The lack authenticity made me leave.
Yet, I love Gospel music. It’s where I started as a musician. I still find relevance in much of the music, even as the music begins to try to imitate a more secular sound. So what does the “gospel” mean to you? To me, it’s more than a sermon, a scripture, and honestly, it’s bigger than the church culture that has made a lot of black folks close-minded and, in some cases, just plain ignorant. To me, the gospel is an energy, a methodology of existence, a commitment to recognizing the good in life, and spreading that word in a relevant and purposeful way.
When I stopped believing in organized religion, people often asked me if I still believed in God. Of course I do. I just recognize religion as something that was created by mankind and perverted as a tool to enslave, wage war, and do all manner of ungodly deeds in the name of God. Why would I subject my psyche to something that is such the antithesis of divinity? Sometimes, I still go to church. I miss the choir. I miss singing in church. I miss the music. That’s what I miss the most. That’s the way I relay my good news. Dare I say, music is my gospel, and I am the minister, my songs my sermons.
Hey, don’t call me sacrilegious. After all, if I was made in God’s image, then I am a walking, talking piece of a greater divinity. So… what does the gospel mean to you?
While you chew on that… check out one of my favorite Gospel songs.
