Country Music Battle: “Most People Are Good” vs. “People Are Crazy”

Two country songs enter, but only one leaves with the honor of best theology.  I’ll explore statements from each song and award points or demerits based off Biblical compliance.

In this corner:

Luke Bryan “Most People Are Good”

 

“I believe we gotta forgive and make amends” (+1)

Strong start for Luke Bryan, right out of the gate with a sound Biblical statement.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

“I believe in working hard for what you’ve got” (+1)

Tons of parables promoting diligent and hard labor are sprinkled throughout the Bible.  Safe to say hard work is Biblical.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

“I believe most people are good” (-1)

We live in a fallen world, where all mankind is plunged into sin.  When people claim that most folks are “good” they mean “slightly less corrupt and evil than other totally wicked murderers and thieves”.  We know better – we’re all thieves!

Romans 3:23 (NIV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

“I believe them streets of gold is worth the work” (-0.75)

Yes, afterlife with streets of gold would be worth putting in work to attain.  One problem… we can’t earn it!  I’m going to be generous here and award a quarter point because Revelation 21:21 does comment on golden streets in The New Jerusalem.  However, stating that heaven can be earned is one of the most heinous statements imaginable.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

“I believe you love who you love ain’t nothing you should ever be ashamed of” (-1)

The Bible places numerous instructions on appropriate relationships.  John the Baptist lost his head because he told Herod not to have a relationship with his brother’s wife.  It was something to be ashamed of…

Proverbs 6:26 (NIV)

So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.

Luke Bryan “Most People Are Good” score = -0.75

Your Challenger

Billy Currington “People Are Crazy”

“God is great”  (+1)

Yep.

Psalm 48:1 (NIV)

Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

“Beer is good” (PUSH)

Beer isn’t good or bad, but depending on an individual’s self-control, alcohol is described as something that can bring enjoyment to life (like at a wedding where Jesus actually creates more) or transform you into a brawler.

“People are crazy” (+1)

People make bad decisions and rebel against God.  If it wasn’t for God’s great compassion we’d be lost.

Isaiah 53:6 (NLT)

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.

Billy Currington “People Are Crazy” score = 2

Winner!

Billy Currington “People Are Crazy”