Lenny Kravitz’ Baptism.
Someone writing a blog about baptism ought to be up on how baptism finds its way into contemporary music. Lenny Kravitz writes a lot of spiritual music, including baptism. The self-proclaimed “Minister of Rock-n-Roll” sings about “The Resurrection,” and “The Other Side.” He’s “Calling All Angels,” as he waits for “someone, something to love.” He wants to “Believe,” but its belief in oneself. Yet, “the Son of God is in our face, offering us eternal grace… just put your faith in God and one day you’ll see it.”
Lenny is obviously searching. “I don’t want to look around, and be turned to stone. All my darkest days awoken, I’m looking for a new way. Lead me to a place wide open. I need a love that takes me higher. So high I’m never coming down. I don’t want to know emptiness. Take me down to the water. Wanna be baptized in your love.”
Lenny’s song “Baptism” may be the reason you found this page. But understand something. All of these lyrics are filled with Christian symbolism. I like a lot of Kravitz’ music. But he’s deeply confused. As Bono sang, “He still hasn’t found what he’s looking for.”
Maybe you like Lenny’s music simply for the artistry. He is a great musician! Or, maybe you like it because you resonate with his searching lyrics. But know this, there really is something more to life than always searching. Reaching the destination is possible, and the true meaning of baptism helps you understand that real peace can be found. But it means looking beyond, outside of yourself.
If you want to know more about the true meaning of baptism, I invite you to read more of our blog. I have written a book about baptism. This book was not written with Lenny Kravitz in mind. But when I started thinking about his song, I thought “Why not invite everyone to discover the thing that he sings about.”
Christians have fought over the meaning of baptism for centuries. But when it is understood properly, it becomes clear that God gives us a ceremony to initiate those who believe in his Son into the priesthood of the believer. You are welcome to join us in the conversation. Though I’m sure Lenny sings about a girl, it is possible to be baptized into something much deeper and longer lasting the love of another person: “Take my heart and wash away the fear. Let me baptized in your love.”
