Early Reformation Day Quiz: Can you name the man in this picture?
(Note the Stealth bomber bolo tie and unmistakable Halloween-themed Jack T. Chick tract)
Here at Mockingbird, we’re always looking for people, places, and cultural artifacts “out there” that reflect the historic truths of the Christian message (helpfully articulated by the Reformers we celebrate every October 31). One such artifact is this quote from the above-pictured former frontman of the super-important punk band, the Dead Kennedys, Jello Biafra:
“For every prohibition you create
you also create an underground.”
A major theme here at Mockingbird is the idea that human behavior does not respond well to demand. “Stop that!” “Don’t do that!” “Make good choices.” In fact, demand to change often provokes revolt, resistance, and rebellion. At best we get reluctant compliance with a huge steaming side helping of subterranean resentment. St. Paul noted this phenomenon in several of his letters to 1st century churches (letters that now make up a major chunk of the New Testament). He wrote to the Romans: “The Law [God’s Law for how to behave rightly] came in to increase the trespass” (Romans 5:20). Paul writes about hearing the commandment “Do not covet” and how he was immediately filled with all kinds of covetous desires.
So if St. Paul and Jello are right that demand doesn’t create action (but reaction), that prohibition creates an underground, what does change people?
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COMMENTS
2 responses to “Reformation Day Quiz: Punk Rock Edition”
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I love me some DK. I remember the first time I heard "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegatables" in 86. It blew my mind and my listening habits have never been the same since.
Good eye. The whole punk/hardcore scene was/is ripe with straight up resentment and reaction to the Law.
And for anyone interested in learning more about the early punk scene, check out the 1980 documentary Decline of Western Civilization. There hasn't been a proper dvd release (still only on vhs) but you can find it on the youtubes, I think.
Through the Law comes death! The only thing that changes us is the Gospel. The problem isn’t with the Law, it’s with us. The Law is good, but we are unable to keep it. We can/do/will break it in thought word and deed. The only spiritual “good” that the Law does for us is to make us aware of our sin and need before God. When the Law has done its convicting work we see a true spiritual picture of ourselves and come to the same conclusion as the Apostle Paul, “What a wretched man I am. Who will save me from this body of death?” It is now that we are ready for the life changing, life giving Gospel and we can answer our question like Paul, “Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!”