The Sound of Silence
St. Peter’s Church in East Blatchington, Sussex, England has found a unique way to make money and capitalize on something that it seems only churches can provide. Last year, the church made a 30-minute album featuring a two-minute introduction and 28 minutes of silence. Not complete silence but the sounds of an empty church.
The church building is 900 years old. Someone suggested setting up a microphone in the middle of the auditorium and recording whatever sounds are made. They sold the CD – which has sold out – to be used in meditation. Apparently, you can hear distant murmuring of conversations, creaking pews and traffic outside. The church used the proceeds for the CD to pay for repairs.
The story reminded me of the prophet Habakkuk. He wrote: “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him” (2:20). Habakkuk had a problem with God’s plans. The Babylonians – idolaters – were moving to overcome Israel and carry them into captivity. Habakkuk could not imagine why God would use pagans to punish His own people.
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Habakkuk says: 1.) Because it is created; not a Creator; 2.) its prophets teach lies – they are not the God of Truth; 3.) the idol itself is speechless; it cannot love, express its love, or teach; 4.) in fact, there is no breath at all in the idols. What purpose would worshiping such an object serve?
In contrast with that, the God of Israel, the God of heaven dwells in heaven, in His holy temple. He is holy and separate from sinners. But He loves sinners and communicates that love through His prophets. He tells sinners how to live to approach the presence of God. In contrast to speechless idols, let the earth keep silent before the God who speaks. Let the earth hear and listen and obey.
–Paul Holland
