Erotic Language in Worship Songs

I was looking for examples of iambic pentameter when I posted an Outgoing Message Sonnet for my voice mail’s outgoing message. I found John Donne’s poem, Batter My Heart. I ask you this, does Donne go too far?

Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

And you thought today’s “Jesus is my boyfriend” worship songs were inappropriate.

I don’t know when I started filtering out worship songs that were too sensual. Several years ago I guess. And it wasn’t that I was uncomfortable singing about being in Jesus’s arms or feeling his touch. Once someone shared his theory of why men are uncomfortable with being part of the Bride of Christ, I got over that whole thing.¹

Holding on to Both Ends

My ban on sensual worship songs was a natural extension of filtering out “Jesus is my buddy” songs. Both types of songs seemed too familiar (in that chummy sort of way) with a God who is a consuming fire. I would whine about how the Protestants knew all about Jesus as a personal savior and approachable friend, but forget that he is holy and distant, something I knew well having grown up Catholic. When I was in a position to do something about it, I consciously chose more songs about a transcendent God and fewer songs about falling in love with him.

Not too long ago I rejected a worship song, in part, because of the line “I lean and lay against Your chest / Forever safe and happy there” (Robbie Seay Band, Jesus, Garden of My Rest).² After reading Batter My Heart, I’m reconsidering my ban³ and trying to find a balance.

How Far Is Too Far?

Surely, Jesus is my friend and brother, so we can sing about the truth of that, even if friendship-love and brotherly-love falls short of describing the rich, complex love between God and his people. Can we say the same thing about erotic-love and use more sensual imagery as a pointer of how much richer God’s love is for us? I’m going to answer my own question and say no. Sensual language is one thing, but if by erotic we mean sexual, it just seems to be too much of a distraction.

I might be down for most things you write in a love letter, like longing to be held or looking into each others eyes. The psalmist writes about his body longing for God, but that’s about thirst being quenched. (Ps. 63:1). Still, it is sensual language. It uses the physical body as a metaphor for a spiritual desire. When used appropriately this is an effective way of pointing to things we don’t normally have words for. It’s like using anthropomorphic language for God. We describe God in human terms to help us grasp his un-human characteristics. The danger in both of these techniques and in any figurative language used for spiritual things is understanding them too literally.

1. He thought that women were fine with being the Bride because when women think of getting married they think of the wedding. When men think of getting married they think of the honeymoon. [Back ↩]
2. I realize this is a reference to the Apostle John’s position during the Last Supper. This looks like poor judgment on my part. On the other hand, the rest of the lyrics isn’t very strong. However, they do a good job of bringing a fresh sound to worship music. [Back ↩]
3. I admit it probably not an absolute ban. I can’t think of any songs off the top of my head, but I’m sure there are a few that ask God to embrace me. [Back ↩]