In Defense of Apostolic Writers

Our sister blog Notes recently debated the absence/presence of quality Apostolic music. Amid the growing debate, our Letters’ Editor took a moment to point out that there are Apostolic songwriters and producers among our ranks.

It’s funny because after 5 weeks on the road in 4 different districts this summer, I’ve noticed that (perhaps out of self-defense to others or maybe a fear of becoming too self-centered among ourselves) we tend to be quick to criticize our movement. Over the last few weeks I’ve heard everything from the “there’s no good Apostolic music” line to myths about Bible colleges to the misconception that Apostolics are an uneducated, ignorant lot and on and on. I don’t know if it’s because we’re echoing the rhetoric we’re scared the “more aware” in the world propagate, or if it’s just a matter of ignorance on our parts as to what our brothers and sisters across our fellowship are truly accomplishing.

However, after meeting hundreds of people the last few months, I can honestly say that I’m outrageously optimistic about the intelligence, talent, and anointing of our church family. There are so many exciting, creative things happening. Unfortunately, I find that those among us who’d like to criticize our lack of (fill in the blank with complaint du jour) only do so to feel somehow superior themselves. To circulate these near-sighted myths only shows me an ignorance on the critic’s part and a lack of getting “out there” and seeing what other Apostolics are creating. Those who lament how backwards the organization is on their myspace, but haven’t visited a church outside their area code in six months, may need to rethink their criticisms.

Why all that? Because like Kent mentioned, sometimes with the dialogue of this blog, it sounds as though no one is writing. That’s simply not true. How thrilled I was, as you can imagine, when I saw Kevin’s short story posted. We are writing. And we are getting published, even if not everyone in our fellowship knows it. And Kent is interviewing Pulitzer winners. And we have Apostolic librarians teaching at major universities. So, yes, we are being recognized in the greater literary world. And we are step by step carving a niche that fosters creativity and action in place of criticism.

My point, despite the 3 paragraph rabbit trail at the beginning of this post, is that there are good things happening in our movement, including writing advances. For some reason many among us turn to criticism, but I’m asking that we choose not to make ungrounded complaints. We are not blind to our imperfections, but there are also exciting accomplishments. Instead of throwing around inaccurate blanket statements such as “no Apostolics are writing music/literature,” we should acknowledge the artists among us and support them.

Won’t you join us in our efforts? Tell a young (or old) aspiring writer about this blog. Find a writing partner with whom you may share your work. Promote reading and writing among those with whom you have influence. We are making progress, and if we work together with positive attitudes, I have no doubt that our writing efforts, like the many other creative arts being developed by Apostolics, will blossom beyond our wildest expectations.