This song is calling out a specific group of Christians.

The ones that call The (actual) Beatitudes 'woke'.
The ones that believe Empathy is a sin.
The ones that fight to put Bibles in schools, but not lunches.
The ones that preach FOR the Word but forget what the Word IS.

This song to me isn't necessarily aimed at just Christians.  It's aimed at the hypocrisy that has become so much a part of everyday life, and it's incongruousness with what is good and righteous in our hearts.  We should all strive to live by not just the teachings of Jesus, but of any truly good person.  Take Mr. Rogers.  He was a truly good person through and through.  He didn't treat anyone different just because they were different from him.  Goodness is goodness, and it doesn't matter what other name you try to attribute to that.  Are your actions positive, or at least well intentioned?  Do you try to make the world a little better for everyone?  Do you understand that you don't know anyone else's journey through life, and so you shouldn't judge them?  These are the things that make a good person, and all else is just noise.

I was raised in a fire and brimstone Baptist Church. After the preacher's son got out of prison he led my aunt to believe her daughter would be a good match for his son. Needless to say she got pregnant pretty quick and then he started beating her regularly. Watching the preacher shame my aunt in front of everyone and the hypocrisy was stunning. I haven't been to church since. For over 40 years I've watched many churches move further and further away from Christ to which I say modern day Christians are the least Christ like.

Probably good that you didn't start him on Judith.

I’ll be 100% honest I did NOT expect such a measured and thoughtful response. The input and examination of the song was excellent. Earned a follow today. Cheers lads, from Austin Tx

this is the wold we live in.

This song is as relevant as ever right now.

This pastor is on point!  The song may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but knowledge is usually presented in forms least desirable.

The brilliance of Maynard's lyrics is that he makes this a "parody" when just read on the page or listened to within a vacuum of modern culture. Let's have fun and say it's opposite day! We put our clothes on backwards and talk about the good and right things we reject and all the horrible things we embrace and worship! Sarcasm! But those of us who have truly experienced life as someone who has been the "doomed" people Maynard describes here, we know that he's speaking way too much truth about our reality, and even if you don't think he's entirely correct already about who really are "doomed" versus "blessed", let me ask - what direction are we moving in? Further from what Maynard describes, or towards it? And then by wrapping it in Christian terms, he tells us that in the West, our churches are complacent if not directly responsible for at least some of this attitude flip.

Bonhoeffer was mentioned in conversation at the church I work for (an affirming Episcopal church) last week, so interesting to hear him mentioned again here.
I enjoy your channel more and more. Looking forward to every episode.

The 'baseball bat' discussion perfectly frames Maynard's genius! He does this in all 3 of his bands (Tool, A Perfect Circle & Puscifer).

Add Edit: Maynard's lyrics are great as they stand, but certainly step up to the next level when they are joined with the musical composition!

Funny you mention Bonhoeffer. Isn't he a perfect example of the doomed? You can fight (and you should), but don't fool yourself into thinking you're going to walk away unscathed.

Great discussion, guys.  Loved it.

Have the reaction you voted for, Pastor.

Jesus gave me free will, so it would be boring and expected to do what he preached. I cant wait to own heaven, any day now.🙃

Talk Talk off the same album. It is just as hard-hitting

This song is the most perfect Christian test. If someone who calls themselves a Christian hears this, and they react in anger, the label is a lie. If they are thoughtful, the term is accurate. If they react with thoughtfulness and some level of heartbreak, then it is extremely accurate.

Definitely not just a Condemnation of modern Christianity, but a condemnation of societies current outlook.

2 things:
Maynard is a lyrical genius - .."Gather at the alerting.."  True art is meant to challenge the norm
I would have thought that a preacher would claim this as blasphemy and run away from the blatant message so contrary to Scripture, but this was thoughtFUL and deep.
-- I would like to see them dive into something truly contrary - Behemoth - Gabriel, blow your trumpet!!!

Whether the faithful want to acknowledge it or not but this song is a cynical take on modern Christianity, it’s not a metaphor for anything. I defy any TOOL/Perfect Circle fan to definitively prove whether or not Keenan believes in a god, and he never talks about the meaning of his lyrics, but I think it’s fairly obvious that he has a palpable disdain for American Christianity.

This song is about as subtle as a bat to your head, Christians have lost the plot, that’s what this song is about.I