Upon the Apocalrock: My visit with James Muir

[_MrStakhanovite]

It’s hard to explain exactly why I wanted to visit with James at his visitor’s center in North Salt Lake, but I was insistent on meeting the man and hearing him out. I have a fascination with American religion as it exists on the fringes of what’s considered acceptable for public expression. That standard is easily seen on the New York Time’s best seller list, adorned with titles that best represent the tissue paper thin “spirituality” that passes as wisdom today. James is nothing like those titles.

At first glance James is almost a walking stereotype of a self promoting religious maverick, with a firm handshake and a steely eyed gaze to match. The air of confidence is short lived however, and is quickly replaced by a humility that is an awkward fit for a broad shouldered man, decked out in form fitting denim.

That is probably why I like James so much, his personality is disarming and his presentation lacks the feel and polish of a typical missionary lesson, high pressure sales pitch combined with emotional pleas. James isn’t well rehearsed and often stumbles over words, quickly back tracking to cover missed points that were skipped over earlier. The verbal gaffes are hardly noticeable since they are delivered with passion and enthusiasm, make no mistake, James is a true believer.

As James walked me through his center, explaining each picture and the surrounding determinants, I became fascinated with his hands. The man had been playing guitar and working steady jobs long before I was born, and his hands reflected those years. They reminded me of the hands of a craftsman, an image that fit in nicely with the God James was trying to show me.

Genesis chapters 1 and 2 have two different creation narratives that stem from two different ancient traditions from Israel’s past. Chapter 1 (Priestly source) reflects a distant God, one who is far removed from lowly man and almost wholly other to humanity, similar to the God of the Philosophers I so often read about. Chapter 2 is cut from a different cloth (Jahwist source), where God takes a much more active role in the creation of Adam, forming him out of clay, like some sort of divine craftsman. The expression of God in chapter 1 I’m familiar with, but the expression of God in chapter 2 is almost alien to me, and it is that expression that James so enthusiastically talks of.

“Rivers will clap hands; together mountains will sing praises” croons the Psalmist (98:8) and that’s a theme that runs all through James’ work. To James, this is God’s world, and we should expect to find his artistry anywhere. Indeed, Paul says in Romans, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 NIV), should it not be obvious that God has carved some images into Mount Olympus in Utah? Perhaps. If the scriptures are to be believed, it’s not only possible, it is plausible.

Of course, I don’t live in a world where mountains sing out praises to God, and that creation is an obvious testament to God’s workmanship. Still, this does not take away the charm of James’ message. Much like the Jesus of the Gospels, James isn’t here to proclaim a Church, but to proclaim the kingdom of God, where the lion and lamb can lay down with one another. Much to my own surprise, he isn’t another person claiming to be ‘one mighty and strong’, but a mere witness to God’s artistry.

[_sock puppet]

That is a beautiful tribute to Nightlion.

Thank you, Stak.

[_MrStakhanovite]

Thanks Sock.

[_Blixa]

Nicely put, Stak. You capture a great deal of what I find interesting and compelling in Nightlion's conversation.

[_Kishkumen]

Very nicely written, Stak. My affection and respect for Nightlion have grown a great deal over time. This account of your impression of the man only increases my own positive feelings.

[_wenglund]

One of the marks of an elevated and elevating mind is the ability to look for the good in others and find ample reason to respect those who share differing world views. As I see it, this kind and thoughtful perspective is as much if not more a tribute to its author as it is to his subject. [Thumbs up]

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Ceeboo]

Hey Stak,

Way cool thread!

As well as many other people on these boards, I would love to meet the in real life, Nightlion.

Peace,
Ceeboo

[_Dr. Shades]

Thanks for that, MrStakhanovite. Looks like I'll have to take a trip to the Apocalrock Visitors' Center, too.

[_Morley]

.....to my own surprise, he isn’t another person claiming to be ‘one mighty and strong’, but a mere witness to God’s artistry.

Very well written, Stak.

I've come to have great respect and affection for Nightlion.

[_zeezrom]

Do you think posts like this change people's once sour opinion of MDB? Hopefully, at least a little.