God and Country Music: Jim White: Searching For the Wrong-Eyed Jesus

Last updated on: May 29, 2012 at 3:06 pm by Nick Rynerson

God and Country Music: Jim White: Searching For the Wrong-Eyed Jesus 2012-05-29T15:06:26-06:00 Nick Rynerson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Each week in God and Country Music, Nick Rynerson gives country music a chance and examines the world of Americana, folk, alt-country, and popular country music.

The best art tends to come from people who are desperate–desperate to have their story told and desperate to find some meaning in their medium. The Deep South, where country music originated, is a place with a story to be told. Actually, it’s a place with a whole lot of stories to be told. Enter the weird, brilliant, strange mind of alt-country singer-songwriter Jim White.

Jim White is an accomplished Americana guru with six albums and a host of collaborations but his most ambitious feat was his 2004 BBC documentary Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus, which doesn’t just tell a story from the South but attempts to tell the story of the South.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sip9JvgFnQ

In an hour and some change, White’s pseudo-documentary/musical/visual scrapbook attempts to cut to the essence of Southern music and culture. The camera spends most of time following White around as he goes from small town bars, Pentecostal churches, prisons and trailer parks just listening to the stories that make up the South.

Enter a cast of wiley, strange, unique, and fascinating characters who help tell the story, whatever that is. Musical performances from 16 Horsepower, Johnny Dowd and David Johansen are scattered throughout the film and help progress the film. And long narratives from author Harry Crews, an old coal miner and Johnny Dowd act as spokesmen for the American South.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

As the film progresses it becomes clear that the hinge of this thing called the Deep South is, in fact, Christianity. Maybe not the Christianity that I’m used to, but something that looks (at first glance) like angry fundamentalism. Sure, there is some of that, but White doesn’t let us become comfortable with just calling these Christian’s “angry fundamentalists” but he paints a picture that is humanizing and even endearing.

White’s fascinating conclusion that the stories of the South are found in spiritual tensions and beliefs is not a popular sentiment now, but it is undeniable. The roots of Country Music come straight from the pews and pulpits of the Deep South. Jim White’s plea is lofty, yet relatable. It has been a catalyst in my understanding of the relationship between Christianity and Music. It is a hidden gem that will leave a deep and lasting impression. And not to mention, the soundtrack is one of the best albums that I own, period.

Asides

Music

God and Country Music

Jim White

Searching For the Wrong Eyed Jesus

Previous Post

May 28, 2012

Citizenship Confusion: Alienation and the Christian Ethic of Shopping at Threadless, Etsy, and Trades of Hope

Next Post

May 30, 2012 The Holy Huddle: Checking in on Christians in Sports

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Asides Elsewhere Featured Film Games General Culture Headline Literature Music Of the Moment Podcast Politics RetroPost Sports Technology Television Uncategorized Viral

Select a Month February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz