A Few Final Thoughts on “Healer”
I’m sure by now that you have seen the video (in case you haven’t, it’s posted below) in which Mike Guglielmucchi discusses his pretense of cancer and the song “Healer.” I’m feeling a bit tired of the discussion of this, and I don’t like the idea of revelling in obvious sin by talking it into the ground, but I do have a couple more thoughts regarding it.
-I don’t think that I will be able to use the song “Healer” in worship anymore. The song is absolutely outstanding; it presents Biblical truth and is emotionally poignant. However, from now on scandal will be attached to it. Most people affiliated with the modern worship music will immediately think, “Holy crap, that’s that song based upon a fraud,” whenever they hear those first few notes on the piano. I think that it will be a long time before that song can be disconnected with the moral failure of its author, and until that time, I’m going to have to place “Healer” on the shelf.
-I really think that Mike is finally relieved. Sure, the world hates him, and many hurting people are having a hard time looking him in the face, but for the first time in a long time (if you believe the video below) Mike is being completely honest with the world. He doesn’t have to hide from anyone or anybody now, because we all know completely who he is. Whether we choose to forgive him or not, Mike can actually be at peace with himself and God, and I am glad for him.
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September 4th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Two thoughts, Jeremy…
Most of my (and I suspect your) congregation do not know the pedigree or history of the songs we sing. Don’t assume that non-musicians are into the music the same way you are. The “scandal” may be much less than you suspect.
If you think they will be questioning it, it’s a good teachable moment, no?
Give me a song that’s not written by a sinner.
All that said, you need to make the proper choices for your worship environment. What’s one song, more or less? If you can’t find peace with it, then you can’t properly lead worship with it, anyway. So shelving it sounds like the right choice.
Blessings…
September 4th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
You make a valid point about the knowledge of the congregation being a dictator of whether or not to use this song in a worship context. Good thoughts!
September 4th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Great post. I have to totally agree with you on all points.
I also won’t be using this song to lead worship anymore, even though it ROCKS! I’m not sure I can get my own head to wrap around JUST the words and not what happened behind it… but I am SO glad that Mike has finally began to see the freedom and healing God has in store for us.