☝️ Key Points
- The ideal church is true and just, no one lies and there is no inequality
- It forgives everyone, heals wounds and loves the weak.
- It is generous in sharing and gives more to others than to itself.
- It lives in the spirit of Jesus and embodies hope, love and faith.
- The ideal church must have the courage to build itself from the bottom up and serve, as Jesus taught.
Interpretation
The song "I Dream a Church" by
Kirchenlieder is a vision of an ideal church based on the teaching and love of Jesus. Each verse describes different characteristics of this ideal church.
In the first verse, the lyricist talks about how in this ideal church, no one lies or deceives others with false hopes. The church would be true and just, and all people would be equal - there would be no hierarchy between 'master and servant'.
The second verse dreams of a church that forgives every enemy. In this church, wounds are healed and the weak are loved. Additionally, it would not rely on weapons but build a tent of peace for all people.
The third verse speaks of a church that shares and gives generously, and thinks less of itself and more of others. This church would leap over walls and laugh, cry, bless, and sing with people.
The fourth and final verse dreams of a church that lives in the spirit of Jesus and embodies the hope, love, and faith that God promises. It would renounce power and free itself from the 'mustiness', meaning outdated and crusty structures and traditions.
The refrain, which is repeated after each verse, emphasizes that this idealized church must have the courage to take the step and build itself from the bottom up, and thus serve as Jesus taught.