Sermon On A Bohemian Rhapsody

Sarah Jessica Parker, an American actress and television producer once remarked: “I believe in God, but in my own unconventional way. We're not affiliated with any organisation, and I have no religious education of any kind, but I definitely have my own kind of ideas about it.” Luke 4:23-24 reminds us: “And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’” And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.”

Bohemian Rhapsody was a song by the renowned British rock group: “Queen” and released in 1975. Its words could be said to be idiosyncratic of the incongruous comparisons between fantasy and reality. These elements are commonplace and acceptable in life, but vary in degree. Fantasy is often regarded in the form of individual wishful thinking, daydreaming, or perhaps unconventional imaginary thoughts. In contrast, reality appertains to the true facts of life as it stands. Just like ambient music is frequently in opposition with vibrant pop or jazz sounds, each are considered beneficial in their own way.

Both have significant or individualistic temperaments that are best suited to a certain flavor. The first being ideal for relaxing dinner parties, to aid conversation and the enjoyment of the meal in general, the latter for spirited parties of festivity and dancing. However, the two need to remain separate, or distinctive from each other to lead a normal life. If fantasy tends to rule over reality, trauma may become predominant in mind which can affect behavioral structures and characteristics.

Proverbs 5:1-23 reminds us: “My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge. For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.

And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your honor to others and your years to the merciless, lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner, and at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.”

Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.

Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.”

Unconventional thinking by some can also be related to the main identity of God. Christians predominantly believe that His primary role is to aid fellowship, discipleship and reward in worship. His stature is seen in love, care and guidance in our daily lives. Job 42:2-6 reminds us: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Doubters may not believe in God, except by sight. To them, the overwhelming evidence presented does not, in itself, confirm an existence. This could be entangled in the commotion of a landslide of reality, where confusion abounds and the only possible feasible escape is fantasy. Thus a misplaced Bohemian Rhapsody is born.