I think Christ is great, I think most churchs with his name on them stink.It always puzzles me when folks can't seperate Christ from organized religion. He didn't found his churchs and he'd probably go in and overturn the tables if he saw most of the pharase? faracee? pompous hypocrites who attend to his teachings today.
I sing spirituals all the time, rarely ones that mention Christ, I prefer ones that work in a secular, metaphorical context 'crossing the river Jordan , redemption type songs'. I think spirituality has gotten lost for many because the messenger (organized religion) is being mistaken for the message. Who can't get behind Peace , love , and Understanding?
Most really good spirituals are about the personal journey to fulfilment- Amazing Grace, who aint been lost? Who doesn't want to be found? Who aint tryin to get home? Metaphorically speaking.
Besides , you got a whole in your soul if you never have the urge to belt out a Blind Willie Johnson tune. If you aint heard Blind Willie I will pray for you. -DJH