I recently heard a worship band lead this popular worship song…
“Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!”
(listen here)
raising hands
And although the melody was great and people sang with their arms raised, I was very, very uncomfortable with the language of this song. It felt like the playground taunt of “my dad is stronger than your dad”, and I couldn’t wait for it to be over. A couple questions…
First, in a global, diverse world where people threaten to burn others’ religious books, how is this helpful? In a time of history where “us vs. them” forms of religion keep fueling violence, how is this productive? It seems like we’re picking a fight.
Second, whose God are we talking about anyway? How do we define “our” God? Is this the Christian God but not the Muslim God? Or the Protestant God but not the Catholic God? Or the Driscoll Mars Hill God but not the Bell Mars Hill God? Who is the inside group and who is the outside group? (And who gets to decide?)
I’m sure that the songwriter is a godly person with fantastic intentions, and much of this language is from the scriptures, but might a song like this reinforce a belief that we are the right ones and everybody else are the wrong ones? Could it make us less willing to consider that God’s family might be a little wider than our specific tribe?
To be honest, if the chorus was “God You are greater, God You are stronger…”, I wouldn’t have a problem.
I absolutely believe that all those traits – great, strong, healer, powerful, etc – are absolutely true.
But I just don’t think that “we” own Him.
Thoughts?
I had this struggle initially, and I suppose in some ways, I still feel a slight tension of the “my dad can beat up your dad” imagery.
BUT
The way I sort of think about it:
It’s not about “Our God being better than your god”
It’s about
“Our God is greater [than me]
Our God is stronger [than me]
God You are higher than any other”
I know 100% where you’re coming from, but I couldn’t get song out of my head, especially that hooky (both lyrically and musically) bridge – “And if our God is for us, than who could ever stop us?”
So when I’ve lead this song, my usual instinct is to say as we’re leading into it – this song is about declaring to God who He is, not in relation to others, but to ourselves.
Comment by Justin Sytsma — September 27, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
I absolutely hear where you are coming from Aaron, but like Justin, I, too, believe the lyrics aren’t speaking about an “us vs. them” mentality. I think they are speaking about God being GREATER, STRONGER and HIGHER than ANYTHING — not specifically the “other guy’s” god. He’s GREATER than all my sin, He is the Most HIGH God and our STRONG Tower.
Just my two cents for what it’s worth. BLESS YOU!
Comment by Michelle Stewart — September 27, 2010 @ 9:17 pm
You make good points expect this – the song does reinforce that we are the “right ones”. That’s part of the authors point, I believe. Does this antagonize – possibly, but I’d rather be um-apologetic about being clear than standing firmly in a “mushy” definition – wouldn’t you rather sing a song of bold conviction than wishy-washy nothingness?
For my part – we are introducing this song at our church this weekend – we shall see how that goes and what responce we get.
Comment by Chris Deeves — September 27, 2010 @ 9:26 pm
I totally agree with the sentiment of the blog. I have recently had the same thought about the “my God is bigger than your God” idea that seems to creep into worship songs. I agree that I don’t think that the songwriter is bad hearted, but I’m personally uncomfortable with the implications of lyrics like those. It really does remind me of kids in a playground bragging about how their Dad is smarter or stronger than your Dad.
Comment by Brad — September 27, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
Hey Aaron, love the new blog and I read often! You’ve given me a TON of new music to listen to and I appreciate it. Hope you guys are well! Just a couple of my thoughts on this one.
1. True worship is for Christ followers. That’s a heart issue that I clearly can’t determine. Hopefully the worship is honest and spirit-led so that it points people to God instead of deterring them.
2. Throughout scriptural history God’s people have been good at forgetting who the one true God is and having to go through the arduous journey of remembering who he is. They would often come back to Him saying much the same thing as the words of this song. Exodus 18:10-13 (just one example)
3. The song isn’t the message, it helps reveal and restore the message in the hearts of Christ followers. Hopefully the context of the teaching and preaching reinforced who Jesus is and what God did to rescue that person who doesn’t know the “One True God”.
What if this song simply said “God you are greater, God you are stronger, God you are higher than any other?” I think that would be a happy medium, which is most likely how I would lead it.
Blessings!
Chris
Comment by chris hughes — September 27, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
the song is celebrating the personal nature of a god who has chosen to pursue and love us. it’s not picking a fight. it’s a celebration.
Comment by kellen — September 27, 2010 @ 10:25 pm
I certainly don’t mean to disrespect other religions, but the Bible is known (among other things) as The Truth, so yes, Christians “are the right ones and everybody else are the wrong ones”. As far as I’m concerned, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and all other “gods” don’t exist. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is, in fact, “our” God because we accept him as such. I agree with Chris Deeves’ comment above; I am unapologetic about what I know to be right. After all, I’ve never heard of Christians standing in front of a mosque or temple and singing this song.
Comment by Mike 2 — September 27, 2010 @ 10:32 pm
Aaron,
i’ve felt some of the same things when listening to this song that you’ve mentioned so i have some mixed feelings as well. i know that we aren’t to be ashamed or apologize for knowing & loving Yahweh, who we know is The One True God. even though that doesn’t mean we will ever know Him here like we will when we’re w/Him one day. Jesus didn’t apologize for “bringin’ it” but we also MUST NOT PUT GOD IN A BOX. but does this song create a bigger chasm between Christians & non-Christians/Seekers by making it sound like we have all the answers? are we simply singing the Truth? are we picking a fight? is there shame on our part? are we being too politically correct by not singing these words? do we think we have all the answers? many questions…@ least we can discuss these things & for that i’m glad…i think each one of us needs to look @ ourselves and figure the answers out…
-Don
Comment by Don — September 27, 2010 @ 10:58 pm
The Scriptures are full of language like this. Exodus 8:10 -”…there is no one like the LORD OUR GOD.” Psalm 77:13 – “Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so GREAT AS OUR GOD?” Psalm 68:20 – “OUR GOD is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.” Psalm 113:5 – “Who is like the LORD OUR GOD.” 2 Samuel 22:32 – “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except OUR GOD?” Psalm 135:5 – “…OUR LORD IS GREATER than all gods.”
Enough said.
Comment by Tommy — September 27, 2010 @ 11:02 pm
Aaron,
I appreciate your blog, have really wrestled with many questions that you raise, I love the music you love, and am inspired by your creativity.
However, I view things this way. I have led it many times, and never did I ever that this song is boastful in the least, except in our great God. Of course He is higher than any other, he’s God. This is scripture, is it offensive? Definitely. John 14:6 say’s “no man comes to the Father except through Me.” That’s Jesus talking, part of the Triune God. Not Allah.
We celebrate His victory over death, we celebrate His power in life. He is higher than any other, plain and simple. There comes a point with truth must prevail (in love) instead of erring on the side of being all-inclusive. I appreciate you not wanting to alienate/brag. But my prayers are thankful that God chose me. Thankful that I am His child, rescued from sin, redeemed not through any act of my own. I am thankful that I am a Bible believing Christian, and not a godless atheist, and not a Hindu, and not a Muslim for the fact that no one comes to the Father but through the Son. We go to heaven when we die. Praise God. I believe this is at the heart of this song.
The other point I want to make is that this song expresses the hearts of so many of us broken people. Whatever you face, whatever your going through….cancer? divorce? bankruptcy? Our God is greater. What have you made a god in your life? Money? Job? Music? Our God is higher than any other. This song gives hope because of the truth of who God is.
This song is scripturally accurate, relevant, and helpful for the Church. I hope you will continue to sing this song with this frame of mind.
Bless you and your ministry.
John
Comment by John Cordes — September 27, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
Shalom All,
I, in no way wish to judge the heart of the songwriter. That’s God’s job. The word “our” in the original lyric is the troublemaker. The word “my” in other worship music is similarly problematic. Adding or using adjectives like stronger, greater, or higher invites comparison. So the question the lyric (hopefully unwittingly and unintentionally) invokes becomes “compared to what or whom?” And thus, unless one is totally wrapped up in the emotional moment of the experience of the music, these kinds of lyrics can become an unnecessary distraction.
The clash/tension of the desire for tolerance and diversity with the doctrinal statements of religious teaching
is real. “My way or the highway,” leaves no wiggle room” for the validity of the teachings of other religious traditions. John 14:6 leaves no doubt as to the fate (the afterlife) of non-believers. Dealing with the tension between this teaching and others like it and the ideas of tolerance and diversity are the real challenges that face believers.
Wholeness,
Jordan, a guy more concerned with life before death than life after death
Comment by Jordan — September 27, 2010 @ 11:34 pm
after reading this (and I’m on my work computer, so I can’t listen to the song) my mind keeps circling back to something I heard a speaker say several years ago. that songwriters are theologians.
your questions are not ones that would ever have occurred to me. maybe I’m too desensitized to the “our god” language. (the phrase “true worship” evokes more of an involuntary response!) but I’m not surprised that you would ask these questions. and I think it’s important that you do.
Comment by marie — September 27, 2010 @ 11:47 pm
Holy cow! I just got back from a conference with college students where we sang this song and I had a very strong reaction to the song as well. I know you can make an argument for it to be theologically sound but in our individualistic, greed/ consumeristic nation can we try to not reinforce “owning God” language? Especially when you can change the word “our” to “You,” so easily.
Rant on.
Artists have to be accountable for the words they are putting to music and worship leaders doubly so as they lead out in expressions of spirit AND truth. I give this song no quarter. We must do better in knowing both the strengths and weaknesses both hidden and exposed in the people we are trusted to lead. I give this song one thumb up for music but a serious “lamey McLamerson” thumb down for negligence. Rant off.
Jeremy
Comment by Jeremy — September 27, 2010 @ 11:53 pm
I think you may be looking a little too far into it. It saddens me that this piece distraught you, though. I just am going to disagree. I think that specific song is, if anything, praising God for being Almighty. We sang it at church this last weekend and it was the reminder I needed and allotted time for me to surrender to the belief that God is greater.
Comment by Dave — September 27, 2010 @ 11:59 pm
This song is in no way exclaiming our “ownership” of God, but God’s ownership of us. The fact that He is GOD or LORD, negates our “ownership”. There should be theological accuracy to our songs. King David wrote songs using this same language and again, this kind of language is used throughout Scripture. It is in no way negligent to celebrate the majesty and character of OUR GOD and FATHER, who promises healing and victory.
When I sing this, I am celebrating the fact that He is MY GOD and “there is no one like HIM” (Exodus 8:10). To say that it may be theologically accurate and yet negligent is to deny the truth of Scripture, and is very dangerous ground to tread.
Comment by Tommy — September 28, 2010 @ 12:26 am
Interesting…these are just a couple comments of the many that are spinning in my head:
1. I find it interesting that some worship leaders think it is acceptable to change the lyrics of songs to match their own personal preferences.
2. It saddens me whenever I read or hear Christians debate with each other in a public forum. I happened to read this one on the recommendation of a friend, but I usually stick to blogs that are positive and uplifting, rather than critical. I think the thoughts and questions raised here are legitimate and that the responses have been respectful and honest, but it still saddens me when Christians critique each other or argue in public.
Comment by Darren — September 28, 2010 @ 8:39 am
The song Our God is Greater is written and sung by Chris Tomlin, who is one of our generations most influencial worship singers/song writers.
When we sing “our God” we are talking about the God of Christianity and the bible. He IS the true God and He IS greater than all other Gods. Our bible tells us that, so I guess that’s who gets to decide.
Verses already stated above such as John 14:6 or Psalm 93:5 or 135:5 state it best.
Personally, I LOVE this song and it is one of my favorite worship songs. I have been wondering why we haven’t sung it yet at Willow (which by the way they do sing this at Willow McHenry) Now I know it is because of the personal opinion of the worship leader.
Comment by Laura — September 28, 2010 @ 1:41 pm
Aaron,
While I always prefer the inclusive word “our” over the narcissistic word “my”, this song does seem to tap into an “us vs. them” undercurrent.
Perhaps the lyrics simply need to include a footnote, disclaiming precisely what is meant by “our” and what “our God” is being compared to.
Comment by jimkastkeat — September 28, 2010 @ 1:46 pm
Aaron-
I am RIGHT with you, man. The first time I played this song, I was like “waaaaait a second”. But since I wasn’t leading that particular week, and just supporting, I went with it. But, the song really grew on me.
I have since lead lead the song myself, and I honestly did it with some hesitation. I think the general feel and thrust of the song is really good, and people seem to really be responding/connecting with it (albeit outwardly, which is all I can know… for better or worse). Which is sort of why I “caved” and used the song again in worship.
But I 100% agree and thought the same things you did the first time I heard it. I guess it’s just the contrarian in both of us, always finding that other side of the coin…
After reading this post and finding that I’m not the only one with this hesitation, I’m going to think twice about leading it again. I may look at making some of the lyrical revisions that you mentioned, that would help things a bunch.
be well, and keep up the great work.
Comment by curtis — September 28, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
There are definitely some great thoughts here, and Aaron, thanks for your thoughtfulness. I, like others here, did not interact with the song on those terms. I didn’t see the lyrics as antagonistic, but after some thought can for sure see how someone might walk away from listening to those lyrics and feel that way. The one thought that I’ve had that I haven’t seen anyone else give voice to is that God uses language with his people that says, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.” So, in that context the lyrics of the song make sense because God himself talks about his ownership of us, and how he has revealed himself to “his people.” If you ask me, this language would not come across as offensive if we, as the church (“his people”), would be moved to live out the implications of his grace in our lives.
Comment by Zack Atchley — September 28, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
My guess is that our reactions to this song might reveal our view of the role a worship leader (and their songs) plays in the church.
If we see worship leaders solely as teachers, then we of course will be looking through a theological lens. “Is what this song says about God true?”
If we see them as leaders, then we might wonder how helpful a song is in getting people from one point in their journey to the next. “Are people being led closer to the heart of God?”
And if we see worship leaders (and their songs) as prophets, I think we ask questions about what a song says to a particular culture at a particular time and place. “What will these words mean to the people hearing them?”
Lyrics of corporate worship songs don’t exist in a vacuum. I don’t believe they can be true or untrue unto themselves. They’re written, recorded and sung with the idea of others hearing and singing them. Because of that, I believe we must ask what our songs are communicating (intentionally or otherwise) to others.
Comment by Kelly Dolan — September 28, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
Great song by Chris Tomlin.
I’m confused by your opinions on WHOSE God. How can you call yourself a Christian and believe in THE ONE, TRUE GOD, and then care what people think. You don’t take a poll to see if you’re on track with society before coming up with a belief structure. I don’t think Chris is trying to write a song to relate to as many people as possible, I think he’s sharing HIS belief in the ONE and ONLY GOD of the universe.
Was Christ ever politically correct, so as to accept all peoples ideas of God? I think not. He got in their face. They were WRONG. Jn.14:6
Christianity IS about taking a stand and if you lose friends or family because of Him, so be it, Christ asks for sacrifice daily.
I worry about watered down spiritualists, that just like the idea of God, believe that He exists and wants us to be really nice to each other, and He let’s ALL people into heaven except the really bad people (whoever they are). Many will come, few will enter.
Comment by Steve — September 28, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
I think Tommy pretty much ended all debate with his post. Excellent job, brother.
Comment by Mike 2 — September 28, 2010 @ 7:23 pm
I appreciate those who have stood up for the truth in these comments. It’s scary to me that we hear a song that speaks such strong truth and instead of it causing us to think on the greatness of God, we think about people getting offended. I’m not sure I understand that.
Aaron, the line from your blog that most concerns me is, “Could it make us less willing to consider that God’s family might be a little wider than our specific tribe?” I think the short and simple answer is absolutely not. God’s family is what it is…those people who have heard the gospel and been changed by it. 1 Peter 2:9 says [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Have we forgotten what worship is all about?! It’s about the people of God pouring our hearts and souls out in gratitude to the one who has saved us! Worship has everything to do with God, and nothing to do with people who don’t agree with the message we hold fast to. If someone doesn’t know Christ or belong to the family of God, talking about their disagreement with our worship is pointless. The Gospel should be all we talk about with them. We need to open our Bibles, leave our brains on, and tell those who don’t know Jesus about the hope we have so they can join in the songs we sing to OUR GOD!
Comment by James — September 28, 2010 @ 7:58 pm
I have thoughts like this all the time. This is the great struggle of interpretation in singing. I had a friend that hated to sing “Enough” because of the line “All of you is enough for all of me.” He found it to be selfish. I didn’t but he did. Also, we both found “Above all” to be difficult. Jesus thought of me above all? Is that not individualism repackaged?
But, the important thing is that we were having the conversation. As a worship leader, I want songs that we sing to cause tension to the point that people talk about it and form opinions and push back.
Otherwise, what am I doing?
-Derek
Comment by Derek Miller — September 29, 2010 @ 7:53 am
Aaron-
I happened to stumble on your blog through fb. I think it is important for us as Christians to wrestle with ideas like these. Thanks for being honest and vulnerable and asking good questions.
Comment by Melissa Walsh — September 29, 2010 @ 11:38 am
I love the new Chris Tomlin song. I think he is one of the best worship leaders out there. It’s one of my favorite worship songs right now. My kids love it too, they sing it all the time. I was hoping Willow would do that song, guess not though.
Comment by J — September 29, 2010 @ 10:31 pm
J:
Actually, Willow has done that song before. The worship team from Willow-McHenry did it on a Wednesday night. It rocked!
The guy with the mohawk who sits right behind Bill at weekend services is the worship leader over there. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until he’s asked back to the main campus. Then again, Aaron might surprise us all and do it himself (hopefully, he won’t change the words though). Have faith.
Comment by Mike 2 — September 30, 2010 @ 4:42 pm
Just to clarify: the worship team from Willow-McHenry performed that song at South Barrington on a Wednesday night.
Comment by Mike 2 — September 30, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
Maybe this is a side point, but “Mike 2″ – are you suggesting that Willow-McHenry is a stepping stone to the South Barrington campus?
I hope not… let’s be careful of minimizing ministry in any role, on any campus, or with any haircut.
Comment by Tony Myles — October 1, 2010 @ 8:49 am
Not at all. I was merely pointing out that the Willow-McHenry worship team led worship at the South Barrington campus on a Wednesday evening and they played that song.
It really doesn’t matter which campus you attend. I am very well-connected and have friends at all campuses.
Comment by Mike 2 — October 1, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
Just fyi (a bit off topic): Kari Jobe is leading worship at Life Changers International Church in Hoffman Estates this weekend and the very first song that they opened with on Friday night (before Kari took the stage) was “Our God Is Greater”. There were a couple thousand people there shouting out to the Lord. It was pretty energetic (they definitely know how to rock ‘n’ roll) and they have a beautiful church. If you wanna check out Kari’s worship, the service times are 10am on Saturday and 8am and 10am on Sunday.
Comment by Mike 2 — October 2, 2010 @ 1:22 am
@Mike 2,
I love Life Changers Church and they have the best worship around! It truly is a worship experience and I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence every time I am there.
Another side note-Ricardo Sanchez is there on October 17th, another up and coming awesome worship leader.
Comment by Laura — October 2, 2010 @ 9:00 am
[...] the first time we’ve done this song since reading Aaron Niequist’s blog post about it (http://www.aaronniequist.com/blog/worship/did-we-just-sing-that/). I tried not to let that post change my opinion of the song. Have you read it? What are your [...]
Pingback by Sunday Setlist – October 24, 2010 « Barry Westman — October 24, 2010 @ 5:46 pm
[...] of his more recent posts, titled “Did We Just Sing That?”, really hit me. It zones in on a lyrics from a popular worship song that seems very [...]
Pingback by Our God Is…what? « Relief: A Christian Literary Expression — October 29, 2010 @ 12:05 am
While all worship lyrics should be subject to Biblical scrutiny, “Our God” definitely does. The Bible takes the position that there is only one True God, and there is no other. Jesus said HE is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. There is no other way. The god of any other faith that does not follow Yahweh is not real or true. It’s not about us, it’s about proclaiming that HE IS the Great I AM, and there is no other. The focus of this song is not us, but that GOD is exalted above all; HE is sovereign, omnipotent above everything and anything. The Bible is very specific and narrow about God and proclaims that He reigns over everything and all other gods are false, so why would we be shy about proclaiming it in song and worship?
Comment by Javier — April 7, 2011 @ 6:23 am
I meant, While all worship lyrics should be subject to Biblical scrutiny, “Our God” definitely does withstand the scrutiny.
Comment by Javier — April 7, 2011 @ 6:24 am
Well, I can’t pretend to know Mr. Tomlin’s intention, but one result of his lyrics is obvious as the stream of commentary indicates: controversy. I can only imagine how non-Christian religious people will tend to hear it. I believe it can easily be interpreted as an expression of anger and pride, neither of which are generally embraced as Christian virtues in my experience. The moment the adjective “our” precedes “God” one gets a sense of a gulf separating “us” from “them”(and their false god[s]). I believe most non-Christians would take this as a rather overt challenge or even an insult. The same pair of words seems to actually suggest the writer acknowledges the existence of other gods, a notion that has always been roundly and strongly dismissed in all “one true god” Christian text and expression I’ve encountered.
It’s easy to (mis?)understand this song as a poorly considered reaction to Islamic extremism issued as a kind of inciteful war cry that could inadvertently arouse the enmity of non-Christian believers of all stripes, many who would otherwise have no malice toward Americans or Christians. I’d recommend that the lyrics be rewritten without any text that could be interpreted as an expression of antagonism toward other faiths and simultaneously suggests the lyricist accepts the existence of some other divine contestants who are bound to lose some kind of food fight with God Almighty. As it’s written, I think it should be dropped from the hymnals of any thoughtful congregation that values peaceful interaction with the community at large.
Comment by Michael — August 17, 2011 @ 9:34 pm
I know it’s been some time since you posted this but I think the song can be whatever you want it to be. I never thought of the lyrics how you did until I read this post. We have some very dear friends (they might as well be family) that have made this song their battle cry. Their son, who is 4 now was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was 2, and even though they thought he was in remission, in Dec. 2010 the cancer came back. They quickly started chemo again and decided the best option for him was a bone marrow transplant. It was incredibly tough to find the right donor and to see this precious boy struggle through a disease that would be hard for anyone to face. “Our God” became his favorite song, an inspiration and promise of hope for my friends. “Our God is greater”- than any disease or trial we could face on this earth. “Our God is stronger”- than any of our fears or doubts. “God, You are higher than any other”- Isaiah 55:9 says that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. So “God, You are higher than any other”- than any doctor’s knowledge, or plan of action, and certainly higher than me. And the wonderful promise that helped us even when it the situation seemed most dire “Our God is Healer, awesome in power!” And the most wonderful feeling, knowing that He is “Our God!” That he cares about even the smallest detail of our lives and wants to be in relationship with us. That is our/my God! Based on this experience with our friends, and how I have seen God move in my own life, I just happen to agree with the words. But everyone will see it differently. I am sure everyone views God differently too, and the writer should be free to write what he feels about His God just like we are free to write our opinion here. So take the song how you want. But please don’t view those of us who love the song as bullies, or not truly thinking about the meaning of the words- that seems just as mean as those who would threaten and be violent towards others for their beliefs.
Comment by Lyndsey — September 7, 2011 @ 2:03 am
Hi Aaron,
You make some good points, especially at the end about singing “God YOU are stronger” etc… However, as Christians we need to ask…does the world idiolize false God’s or not? If the answer is yes, than perhaps singing about our God, the God of Isaac and Jacob, God the Father as in the Father of Jesus, the Father who is in the same Trinity as Jesus and the Holy Spirit, than perhaps “Our God” is theology correct. Perhaps I could also argue for leaning into the words… “This God is stronger, this God is higher” etc… But if we can not be intentional about which God we are referring to, than teaching about the divinity of Jesus is at stake. Notice I did not say that Jesus’ divinity is at stake, as Jesus preceedes us and goes after us. One word like “our”, does not change His divinity, but the world’s perception of who Jesus might be can be changed. Let me also add that how you use such a song-the timing, is crucial. As a post 911 song, it probably does not help to bridge unity. But as a song to take a stand against false idols for example in a sermon series, I think it’s appropriate. In the context of the Conversations event, I would error on the side of not being superstitious as to why the song was chosen. The word “our” can, and should encompass the whole Christian faith. If one is thinking “Na na na bubbu” while singing it, they probably will not be a productive Christian conversationalist.
Comment by David Mayer — February 12, 2012 @ 1:27 pm