Wed 14 Feb 2007
Last Friday afternoon, just before our [amazing] weekend event, a nearby church held a funeral mass for one of our local skater guys, Dex, who died from huffing freon. Some of the students in our ministry attended it before showing up to help us set up here. They were visibly moved. Obviously, we have some sizable theological differences in what happens to us when we die, but this wasn't the time or place for that. These guys were really shaken up over the loss of their friend, and it impacted our entire weekend (in a good way).
One of the interesting things I've found is Dex's MySpace page. Since MySpace is the water-cooler of our students, I've found the memorial comments (and requests) pretty intriguing. At this point, I'm not going to judge whether or not Dex had a relationship with Jesus. I can't make that call. But the theology of the students that are sending the now-passed-on Dex is, well, …interesting. You should check it out. Some comments may be out of grief. Out of sorrow. Out of closure. Some out of hope that the deceased is watching over us and somehow able to impact our lives.
Of course, it should go without saying that the link contains some language that may be offensive to some. If it offends you, I'm sorry. But look past the music and the slang to the hearts of the students who are commenting.
Thoughts?
5 Responses to “ The Theology of MySpace ”
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February 14th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Wow. How sad.
Such a sad and senseless death…and this is a kids who is obviously loved and missed.
Not really sure what to say beyond that, right now.
I had a bunch of crap typed up, but it was just that: crap.
I remember when Jason Zimmerman killed himself when I was a junior in high school. I didn\’t know him that well, but his girlfriend sat next to me in several classes.
Watching what it did to her was something I will never forget. However foundationless their hope seems to be, I certainly understand their longing for closure and yearning for something beyond this.
February 15th, 2007 at 11:18 am
It is sad. But encouraging to know that we have a great Hope to offer a hurting, confused, and cynical world. I just hope and pray it motivates us to get up off the comforts of our butts and do something more to reach out to our community. To reach out with compassion instead of condemnation. Healing instead of judgment. And it always does my heart/spirit good to see students ministering to each other in times like this.
February 15th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I find everything on his site very insightful. It is important to remember that this is the true theology of today. We might not like what is thought or believed, but it is a reality. I am going to challenge all of my “Blue-Haired” old ladies in my church to read this site to get a better understanding of why we need to love.
Theology does not save us, but says a lot about what we think does.
February 19th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
This is a tragic death but thanks for drawing our attention to the role myspace serves in youth culture. Instead of offering judgment or ridicule you help us see it as an opportunity.
I have used postings on myspace several times in the last year or so as a way to teach my youth workers how to discover students worldviews and seek openings into their world.
Even one girl that posts often talks about praying for him in youth group yet most of her posts she thanks him as if he is in control of how her day goes and even for the weather.
Their is sobering insight to be found here that should remind us why what we do is so needed and important.
February 19th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Michael,
Thanks for your input, bro. MySpace is a great place to observe things like that. Again, I don’t want to judge here…I’m just taking notes….
thanks for stopping by..!