The Danger of Passion

2010 November 16

by Tyler

I’ve noticed something about my generation. It might be an over-generalization but I do think some truth can be found.

We love passion.

Look at the musicians who are huge: Jay-Z, Mumford and Sons, Kings of Leon, John Mayer. There is nothing in any of their music that isn’t passionate.

This isn’t to say that other music isn’t done in a passionate way, just that these musicians make their passion very obvious in the way they sing and play their music.

Look at the pastors who have large followings of younger people: Mark Driscoll, Francis Chan, Matt Chandler, Perry Noble. There aren’t many similarities between these men, but as I’ve listened to each of them, they each bring a weekend sermon with sheer intensity.

(Click the names above to watch examples of those pastors or artists doing what they do best passionately)

I think the allure of passion and intensity is that it evokes an air of authenticity; that what they’re doing/saying/singing is coming from deep within them. When a person does something with passion it looks and feels real, whether it is or not.

The danger in all this is whether something or someone has passion or not doesn’t make it more real. The danger is that passion does not equal substance.

What if a pastor had something completely unbiblical to say and yet decided to share it with the ultimate amount of intensity in their voice, would that make it more believable? More real?

Speaking for myself, I’m drawn to passionate people. They bring out the passion in me that I need to follow God with all my heart, soul, and mind. But I’m also wary of passion. Because passion is contagious. People are drawn to passion whether there is substance behind it or not.

First, figure out the substance, then be blessed by the passion. Not the other way around.

Let this not be a generation of passion seekers, but a generation of substance seekers who live out their lives with passion.

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http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com Kyle Reed

Very challenging and true.
Great stuff. and very true
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

Thanks Kyle. Know that it definitely was challenging for me to write. I chase after and follow people who are passionate yet lack substance far too often.
http://benlemery.com Ben

“What if a pastor had something completely unbiblical to say and yet decided to share it with the ultimate amount of intensity in their voice, would that make it more believable? More real?”

I think Barack Obama was a great example of this. So many people were caught up with the passion of his speeches that they were caught off guard with his policies. Maybe I am more cynical that I listen to what people say over how they deliver it and judge them on that.

Especially in the Charismatic world where passion and experience are almost intrinsically linked, it is so important to learn how to take a step back and discern what is actually being said, what is happening and how does this line up with the Word of God.

Good thoughts Mr. Braun.
http://www.manofdepravity.com Tyler

The thing with Obama is that he still has 2 more years guaranteed where he can change his legacy.
http://www.cartoonrebellion.net jenny

Passion without substance becomes noise, we start running around in circles without a destination, till we fall.

Passion is a beautiful thing, it’s an underlying key to change. But I agree, without substance- and direction are passion doesn’t serve as a tool or catalyst, it becomes a hinderance. And for us, as a generation to chose to follow noisy passion we will fall too, also falling tired and losing sight of the main goal.

Great Post. Very humbling.
http://topsy.com/manofdepravity.com/2010/11/16/the-danger-of-passion/?utm_source=pingback&utm_campaign=L2 Tweets that mention Man of Depravity: The Danger of Passion — Topsy.com

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ben Lemery, Kyle Reed. Kyle Reed said: Good words: "First, figure out the substance, then be blessed by the passion. Not the other way around." from @tylerbraun http://ow.ly/3aEuc [...]
http://jskogerboe.com Joshua Skogerboe

Tyler, this is SO SO GOOD. Thanks for the great reminder. It’s a wise word for the passion seekers. Personally, I’m a huge fan of BOTH/AND in this arena, but you are absoluty right… Substance trumps presentation EVERY time. Well said, sir. You get a gold star today. God bless.
http://mtlane.wordpress.com Michael Lane

Tyler — This is legit. Thanks for sharing! Also, loved the links. I stumbled upon this when looking through your “passionate pastor” links: “Starbucks Christianity” — http://bit.ly/d5hcDm
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

Sweet, thanks for sharing that.
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

I like that picture of running around in circles. Passion often comes with vision but when the passion isn’t founded on substance the vision ends up being a fraud…and we run in circles.
Anna

Great post Tyler – I think what you’ve written is very true about our generation. Good reminder!
http://www.contentunderpressure.net Josh

Good stuff, man. I agree that the attractiveness of one’s passion can often blind us from the truth of who gave the passion in the first place. I think it’s that whole, “we are far too easily pleased” thing that CS Lewis was talking about.