The people at Pyromaniacs recently published a set of spoof posters titled, Emergent-See Po-Motivational Posters for Emerging Christians: the All-New Motivational Posters for the Emerging Church Conversation Chaos. When I first heard about them I thought, “Oh, these are gonna be good.” So I started reading—I laughed; I chuckled; I became quiet; my heart began sinking; I wept.

While aimed squarely at the emergent church movement, there is really nothing “all-new” about the lies being lampooned here. It has been said that good satire always contains an element of truth, one of which is that the stuff that is satirized in these “motivational” posters is the stuff of ministry—yes, even ministry in the church. I have conversations with the folks in the posters on a regular basis (and you can put my picture in the one above, too). The deceits of the devil are indeed subtle and pervasive—and fatal.

More Hymns We Really Sing: Mere Comments is taking submissions for parodies of popular hymns and praise songs. Perhaps I should further develop some of these?

Update: Below is the heart-piercing satire that I chose to submit (note that I identified myself with the tradition, as Touchstone’s satire generally focuses on “broad evangelicalism”).

Reformed, How I Love to Proclaim It!

Reformed, how I love to proclaim it!
Reformed by the blood of the Lamb;
Reformed through His infinite mercy,
His prodigy and far better I am.

Refrain

Reformed, Reformed,
Reformed by the blood of the Lamb;
Reformed, Reformed,
His prodigy and far better I am.

Reformed, and so confident in knowledge,
No questions my arguments can’t squelch;
I know that the power of my intellect
Within me doth continually swell.

Refrain

I think of the blessed Reformers,
I think of them all the day long:
I sing, for they cannot be silenced;
Semper Reformata ’tis our theme song.

Refrain

I know none of my culture is wasted,
See all th’ aspiring pupils like me,
And soon, with the status I’ve purchased,
Equal with the Lord I shall be.

Refrain