A Church for “Goths”

These days it seems that it is getting harder and harder to parody the church. Phil Johnson did this parody below of a “Biblezine” for Goth girls awhile back.

But I came across something that is definitely not a laughing matter at all. On the “Emergent Village” website, I discovered an affiliated Emergent church, The Church of the Apostles in Seattle, WA, that sponsors a Gothic Mass catering to those in the Gothic culture. There is an interview between the pastor, Karen Ward and Tony Jones posted there discussing the history of the church and their form of worship (this discussion of their worship is about half way through the interview). Karen Ward is on the Emergent Village Board of Directors.

This Gothic mass is called “Sanctorum Mass” (Sanctorum being Latin for “holy place”). The whole thing takes place using a gothic theme that brings to mind something of more satanic origins that anything holy. There is a link provided to the “Sanctorum My Space”; yes, THAT infamous MySpace that has come under fire in the news for becoming a venue for sexual predators, and leaving objectionable content open to be viewed by anyone. The initial page after clicking on the link is bad enough, with images that give an eerie feeling of something of more satanic origins. But when you click on some of the personal “spaces” of the people who are participants in this so-called “dark beautiful mass”, it really reveals the true nature of those who are regularly involved. The content is shocking and disgusting with extremely sinister images. A part of me wanted to provide the direct links to the "Sanctorum My Space" here, but given the content of the material posted there, I simply could not do it. Yes, it is that bad! Be forewarned; the link to MySpace contains material that is very offensive and really inappropriate for young viewers.

These personal spaces on MySpace are littered with sexually suggestive (often explicit) graphic images, laced with profanity, music playing in the background containing vile profanity and themes with satanic overtones. The content is disturbing and outright perverse.

What is frightening is that people may stumble across this site, especially young people who could even be given the link from someone in the church youth group. Many popular books written by those in the emerging church movement even contain advertisements and endorsements for the Emergent Village website, including Donald Miller’s book, “Blue Like Jazz”. Pay close attention to what is being handed out in your church, and be particularly watchful of material that may be given to your kids even from someone in your church’s youth group. Closely monitor what your kids may be accessing on the internet. Most important, make sure they understand what they believe and develop discernment between truth and error. Instill in them a love and reverence for God and His Word and a desire for holiness.