My pastor was the first person who introduced me to FLAME the rapper. Admittedly, rap is not my musical genre of choice, but it was interesting to listen to his albums and hear how much Lutheran theology he incorporates in his lyrics. Sort of a Hamilton meets The Book of Concord feel. I read FLAME’s book Extra Nos to learn a little more of his background, and found his story quite interesting.
Much of his experience with churches resonated with me personally. Like Marcus Gray (FLAME), I have experienced worship in other denominations and have been blessed by the Christ-centered doctrine of the LCMS. Overall, Extra Nos is an insightful documentation of FLAME’s faith journey and provides worthwhile descriptions of his biography and Lutheran theology. While parts of the book might be challenging for younger readers to understand, the majority of it is simple to read and can be helpful for study and instruction.
Extra Nos provides a great deal of explanation and support for Lutheran theology, but the book is largely biographical. It begins with descriptions of how FLAME got his start in the industry and how his church background influenced him. The artist grew up in urban St. Louis, and as a teenager decided to commit His life and work to the Lord. When he learned that Christian rap artists were out there, he knew that was what he wanted to do, and quickly found success. However, as he began to travel and discuss deeper theological issues with others, he developed questions about what he had been taught in church.
FLAME came from a Reformed Baptist background. There was great emphasis on the sinfulness of the human race and total depravity as taught by Calvinist leaders. He also encountered a lot of fear-based and puritanical elements, focusing on how we as people somehow complete our own faith. He even experienced concern with assurance of his own salvation, wondering how he could be certain that he was one of the truly “elect.”
At the suggestion of a friend, he decided to attend Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for a master’s program, which became a transformational part of his faith journey. Although he felt a pull of “disloyalty” the first time he attended a Lutheran church, he quickly began to appreciate the grace and assurance promised in Lutheran doctrine. He especially valued the Lutheran emphasis on what God does outside of us (“Extra nos”), rather than our own striving. In 2019 he chose to fully embrace confessional Lutheranism and started to put Lutheran concepts into his music. Many song lyrics were taken directly out of the Catechism.
His first album (Extra Nos) earned a bit of criticism from his former fans, but was embraced by the Lutheran community. He has now produced three albums as a Lutheran, two of which focus on the sacraments.
This book was clearly very personal, which means the author’s emotions sometimes color the theology he described. You can see it in his clear passion as he pours so much of Lutheran justification into his song lyrics and explanations. However, in talking about former church experiences or other denominations his writing sometimes came across as bitter or critical. Those who have moved from one denomination to another may resonate with those feelings. But it could be confusing for younger readers who are unfamiliar with this transition. The book wraps things up nicely and closes with a meaningful prayer.
Suggestions for Bible Study Use
This book could potentially be used as a basis for Bible study, although it might be a little tough to expect students to keep up with a reading schedule. It would likely be better suited for high school than middle school audiences due to some of the heavier theological content. Portions of the book (or the entire thing) could be read together, though, for immediate group discussion.
FLAME’s songs would certainly be excellent basis for devotions or studies. His lyrics feature a lot of important ideas and content that comes directly out of the Small Catechism, and could be great for Confirmation classes. Rap might not be everyone’s favorite style, but allows for a unique delivery method and can reach some listeners well.
If using the book for Bible study, here are a few potential questions that might guide general discussion:
- FLAME encountered some doubts and worries in his faith journey. Have you ever struggled or wondered about your own faith?
- Consider the “extra nos” concept. What does it mean that God is working outside of us? How can this actually be a comfort?
- Do you know someone who belongs to (or have you formerly been a part of) a church of another Christian denomination? How do their doctrines and beliefs compare to the Lutheran church?
- FLAME talks a lot about baptism, which can be a controversial topic when it comes to denominational differences. What Biblical basis do we see in our baptism practices? Why is this such an important sacrament?
- FLAME knew that he wanted to serve God with his talents, and chose to pursue Christian rap as the means to do so. How can you use skills and talents He has given you to bless others and glorify God?
0 Comments