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Bruce and the Almighty Bruce and the Almighty

Springsteen's religious imagery getting sharper.

Mark Moring | posted 8/06/2007 09:14AM

The first time I saw Bruce Springsteen in concert, as a 15-year-old back in 1974, I might've called it "a religious experience." In the 16 times I've seen him since, I've often thought he resembles an ...

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Disappointed

Posted: August 17, 2007 10:13 AM

While I agree with others comments that amount to taking the plank out of our own eye first, I must share my disappointment that Mark had nothing better to write about. Mr. Sprinsteen is a talented musician, but I cannot get past his personal history and politics to allow myself to listen to him. As for the "loving the world" comments, however, I would caution us to remember we do have to be IN the world to deliver the love of Christ. Though I know the previous two sentences may sound contradictory, they stand as written how I feel - me a sinner and fellow sojourner on his way home.

Mike	Posted: August 16, 2007 8:15 AM

Though I don't think that Bruce is save, I think that it is great that he is playing religious lyrics. We live in a culture where most conversions come over time and thoughtful consideration. Who knows Bruce could come to Jesus? I have seen others do the same. It does bug me when people don't see potential in this situation with Bruce. We get excited when people we invite come to church. We get excited when a co worker takes a book we recommend. I am going to be excited about Bruce's turn here in his life. I am going to be excited when people are searching because it might be God drawing them to himself.

JJ	Posted: August 09, 2007 8:09 PM


Hey responders, unless Bruce has surrendered himself to the lordship of Christ, how about we pray for him instead of rip him for not thowing out Christ centered lyrics. Unless he has submitted to the Savior, how can we expect obedience to Truth. Just try to keep in mind he is an artist who admits he had a Catholic upbringing, nothing more. Play on Bruce!!

Bunster

Posted: August 09, 2007 10:31 AM


It may be that he is getting more spiritual, but in the end his career is a millionaire's pose as a blue collar hero. It's not just Bruce, he's one of many narcissistic and vicarious stand-ins for Us. If we are going to pat him on the back for getting all spiritual, we should probably acknowledge the whole enterprise's shortcomings too. 16 times, that's a lot...

Help me to be humble

Posted: August 07, 2007 5:05 PM

I also want to be a loner here and say that friendship with God makes one a friend of God in the end. "For God so loved the world...". I find it harder and harder (the more I get to know God and how humble he wants us to be) to find fault with people outside of the Christian-Box. If Bruce Springsteen is a kind hearted man then he has an advantage over me even though I have been walking with God for a long time. My natural stubbornness and sin has kept me from being as kind as Jesus wants me to be. I just am thankful that many people who do not even know Jesus can be kinder than me. God bless them. They have the Spirit's grace written into their hearts, even when they do not have the intellectual or theological doctrine that suits our churchy senses...If Bruce Springsteen has love then that covers a multitude of sins...Just as it is written in the scriptures.

Ellen

Posted: August 07, 2007 8:32 AM

Thanks for the update on the newest albums. Bruce Springteen is everyman- searching for truth and yet he doesn't clarify what it is - leaving room for imagination. I like how his words face the reality of disappointments when the world pressures make me believe that I must have done something wrong when I'm not positive. This man has a gift - he shows the truth with everyday imagery. While he may not always glorify God ( and I don't know that he does or doesn't) he certainly doesn't glorify the emptiness of the world. There is something very real about his words and his music. I haven't listened to him in years but now I think I will.

VT	Posted: August 07, 2007 12:00 AM


Gotta love Allan's comment "Shall we allow .." as if anyone needs permission.

Jay	Posted: August 06, 2007 9:56 PM

Powerful Imagery, really. Is that what saves our souls? As Christians we should not worship this man. I loved the Boss' music when I was out wallowing in the mire of this world. The Bible calls us to separate from the world not be a partaker of it. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

christine a scheller

Posted: August 06, 2007 5:36 PM

Well, I'm going to be a loner here, I guess. For years Bruce Springstein has (and may still) financially supported a little Christian school and summer camp in Red Bank, NJ, that is run by some friends of mine. He also invited the kids to record with him each summer. My son, a counselor at the camp, was at a couple of those recording sessions, and I was at a fundraiser with him. He was gracious to everyone and offered memorabilia to support the school. In fact, having met a number of famous Christians, it has also struck me as sad that "The Boss" was more gracious and down-to-earth than many of them.

T,J,	Posted: August 06, 2007 2:49 PM


This is why I stopped BUYING the magazine Christianity today...it's focus is more on the world and less on CHRIST.....same with Focus on the Family's PLUGGED IN....when it kept arriving in my mailbox assaulting my senses with the latest dregs of pop culture, I already knew our family was not into any of this garbage, so we'll do our own discernment ministry, just fine, thank you!!

Jesus is not for sale by musicians

Posted: August 06, 2007 1:23 PM


On the outskirts of the temple in Jesus time there were those who sold religious goods to the worshippers to make a fast buck. Mark Ch.11:15 "On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves..."

Allan Hubbard

Posted: August 06, 2007 1:12 PM

It is disconcerting to believers (like me) to witness an artist like The Boss fumbling his way through life trying to espouse his own version of truth when the Real Truth is evident all around him. The larger question is: Shall we allow Springsteen (and others) leeway to explore, even seek (gasp!) for Truth as they make their art and share it with us all? Tracing the meanderings of meaning through the product they put forth makes for interesting research - and grace from us can come in the example of allowing them to express themselves right where they stand at any given moment in their career. But let us not elevate them to a level of someone to be revered or followed (especially theologically) when we're simply enamored with their music.

Greg Zenitsky

Posted: August 06, 2007 12:58 PM

Mark, I have always enjoyed Bruce Springsteens music. He is a thoughtful composer and accomplished musician but I guess I'm just not impressed when un-redeemed men take stabs at so called "spiritual" lyrics. What does it mean if a man or woman composes a song with a title like "Jesus Was an Only Son", if that person doesn't even believe that Jesus was THE son? Likewise, how am I supposed to think about phrases like, "For remember the soul of the universe..."? Such a new age title I think a Buddhist might find interesting but as for me, I would prefer that secular artists stick with secular subjects. I can always deal with their lyrics in light of their unbelief, but whenever they stray into Christian thought or philosophy, it often skirts the heretical or blasphemous.

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