How culture intersects with the pro-life movement
Here’s the question: is politics always downstream culture, or vice versa? In other words, does culture impact politics more than politics impacts culture?
Catholic writer and Pope John Paul II biographer, George Weigel reflects at length on the subject:
“Politics, John Paul II knew, is always downstream from culture. If our politics is divisive and rancorous, it is almost certainly because something is wrong with our public moral culture. That is true in the United States, and it is true elsewhere. Moral and cultural renewal – a recommitment to “living in the truth”, which helped liberate East Central Europe from communism – is thus an essential part of democratic renewal.”
Pulse Life Advocates agrees, which is why we think outside the box in promoting the cause of Life. To that end, we commissioned a theater piece five years ago, “A Clash of Creeds,” and had it performed at our annual banquet. We even took it out into churches the following year to showcase the ideas, or creeds, that have molded America.
At this year’s Christmas Gala, we were honored to premier a pro-life song, “This Side of Heaven,” performed by the Saints and Sinners Band. The piece was written by band member, Marilyn Jerome, and her son Matt. Here are the lyrics:
VERSE 1
Here I am, don’t know why, safe inside, I reside.
I am small, before long, I’ll arrive and I’ll be strong.
We’re close as two can get; although we haven’t met.
I can feel your heart beat close to mine.
VERSE 2
He knits me together, every day I grow. You’ll count all my fingers and my toes.
I cannot wait to see your smile. Someday soon the world will know.
CHORUS
This side of heaven…… I’ll be gazing in your eyes. You and daddy will teach me about life.
I’ll have questions; you’ll have answers; and sometimes you won’t know.
I look forward to our life together………………… this side of heaven.
BRIDGE
My body, my choice”. That’s what you heard. A burden I’d become.
Who gets the choice? Would my voice have changed their mind?
That side – snuffed out the light. Taken from your womb.
This side – come to the Light, I’m walking out the tomb.
CHORUS -2
This side of heaven……, I see with perfect eyes. I’m with the Father who gives eternal life.
I have questions; He has answers; He always knows.
I look forward to our life together………………… this side of heaven.
(PRAYER)
HOLY INNOCENTS …PRAY FOR US. ALL THE ANGELS …PRAY FOR US
ALL SAINTS IN HEAVEN…PRAY FOR US
PRAY FOR MAMAS AND DADDIES, TOO
PRAY FOR ALL CHILDREN; THAT’S WHAT WE MUST DO……
OUTRO
I hope one day I’ll see your face. I know you’ll love this place.
Until then, I’ll be loving you from this side of heaven.
End with “Jesus loves me, this I know for the bible tells me so.”
You can hear the band’s performance of the song here beginning at the 31:26 mark.
Pulse encourages you to support art that promotes the Judeo-Christian, pro-life values which built Western Civilization. One way is to attend tonight’s performance of new music co-written by Matt Jerome. Here are the details:
On December 21 at 7PM, musical duo JMMJ (Joel Magruder, Matt Jerome) will be performing original Christmas songs from their newly released album – Christmas Snow Globe – as well as other songs from their music catalogue. The evening will include live music, food, drink, and “reindeer games” for a festive environment to celebrate the holiday season. The evening will be hosted at the Younkers Tea Room in downtown Des Moines. JMMJ create hip/hop music that is rooted in faith with clean lyrics for all ages to enjoy. Their music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, or any other music streaming platform.
Support good art!
Have a happy, holy Advent and Merry Christmas!