Ben Folds ... the idol

"You know there's something in the Bible about forgiveness and love

And more importantly 'bout not throwing stones and what your house is made of ..."

Ben Folds, 'Brainwashed', 2008

I’m not sure how many people actually read this blog. I have a feeling that no-one does, and that I’m writing this for my amusement only. However, if I’m wrong, then whoever is reading this will have worked out by now that I really like Ben Folds. I have been a fan since my teenage years. It seems that whatever I want to write about has a Ben Folds song that speaks directly about it ... or sometimes I hear a song of his and it makes me think, and then I write in my blog. The fact that he is also an incredible musician, pounding that piano like his life depended on it, is just as satisfying.

I have seen Ben Folds in concert three times now, the last time being just a week ago. I took the whole day off work just to revel in the excitement an event like this brings, and he delivered. I screamed lots, sung along to every song (which included some wicked chair dancing), participated wholeheartedly when requested. Some people might say I momentarily served at the altar of this idol/hero with my money and time and adoration; I don’t want to look at it that way. And yet, I can’t help wondering ... there are several things that make Ben Folds who he is that I don’t want to emulate, like the proficient swearing (which you will remember I am trying, valiantly, to stop) and what seems like an inability to value the institution of marriage (he has had four wives now). But then you could say the same about Reel Big Fish, or Cat Stevens, or the Beatles, or any other human who sings awesome music and has flaws or an convoluted personal history. How far should we go as Christians to immerse ourselves in its culture whilst we are here on earth? Does enjoying one of God’s good creations, music, have anything to do with not glorifying Him with our entire being?

Maybe I’m finally turning into one of those people I always thought I wasn’t – someone who thought too much about anything.