Superficial Religiosity

Today we were ten deep. We put off discussing the foreword, preface, and chapter one of Tony Campolo's book since not everyone had a chance to read, not all the books are in, and I sent out the digital version of these kinda late. We will be discussing these items next week. Also in the coming month we will be reading this book and in addition to, we will be having our Summer Short Film Short Series.

We kicked this off today by having Jeremy share with us a song and short film. We first looked the definitions of superficial and religiosity. We followed this by reading Matthew 23, especially v.23-28. Afterward we listened to Derek Webb's song "A New Law."
This song can be heard and downloaded free at:
http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb
The lyrics to the song are as follow:



A NEW LAW

(vs.1)
don't teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for
don't teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music

don't teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)
i don't wanna know if the answers aren't easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

(vs. 2)
don't teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice

don't teach me about loving my enemies

don't teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus/chorus)

(bridge)
what's the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid

Afterward we discussed the meaning of the song. We came to the conclusion that it is easier to be told what to do than to think independently and how true freedom comes through Christ.


We followed this by watching Dr. Muffins a short film by Will Canon.
It was a short film that can be described as "an allegory about religious attention to the wrong details." We lastly covered the following questions:

1. How would you describe Dr. Muffins' community?

2. What does this film say about focusing on outward appearances?

3. What do the following scriptures say about focusing on outward appearances?

1 Samuel 16:6-7; Luke 16:10-15; Luke 18:9-14; Galatians 6:12-15; James 2:1-13

4. What are some of the "outward appearances" we sometimes focus on?

5. How do we avoid superficial religiosity?

We ran out of time and will continue the discussion next week. I will be emailing the chapters and short film to those wreceivednot recieved these items. Have a great week and God Bless!