Discussing
What Johnny Depp doesn't get about Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter writing (in response to Johnny Depp's phone call) on Sept 17, 2001, re the events of 9/11 and Pres. Bush's statement that we are at war:  "Generals and military scholars will tell you that eight or ten years is actually not such a long time in the span of human history---which is no doubt true---but history also tells us that 10 years of martial law and a war-time economy are going to feel like a lifetime to people who are in their twenties today.  The poor bastards of what will forever be known as Generation Z are doomed to be the first generation of Americans who will grow up wih a lower standard of living than their parents enjoyed . . . . The last half of the 20th century will seem like a wild party for rich kids, compared to what's coming now. The party's over, folks . . . ." ( "When War Drums Roll"  from ESPN.com 09/17/2001)
I used this quote in a graduation speech---my son's high school, where I also taught and coached--- in 2005, several months after Thompson shot himself.  I used H.T. as the example of an accurate, yet despairing, prophet; and I countered with another prophet, a prophet of hope, Dr. M.L.King, Jr., who spoke of the turmoil of society in the 1960's: "I'm happy to live in this period---we've been forced to a point where we are going to have to grapple with the problems that men and women have been trying to grapple with throughout history---but the demands didn't force them to do it, to address poverty, oppression, injustice, hurt and neglect worldwide. . . ." 
I can hear both voices, Thompson's despair and King's hope, echoed in Jeremiah and Isaiah . . . .

Is there such a thing as a "secular" prophet? Isn't this the same thing as "Christian" music and "Christian" books. When did beauty and truth get regulated to where it was sold?

Thanks for your comment, Bryan. I’m not sure what you mean by the “Christian” books and music analogy. Perhaps you can explain that further.

As for the idea of a “secular prophet,” I’d define that as a prominent cultural figure who may not claim to be speaking for God, yet nonetheless speaks God’s truth. In Hunter S. Thompson’s case, I feel his ranting against the hypocrisy and inequality inherent in the “American dream” (which boils down to individual prosperity at the cost of community) is very much in line with Biblical teaching.

I guess I don't disagree, but it seems like everything has become "Christian" (many times meaning "good") or... not. And, somehow, it seems that "Christian" stuff has become much more accepted, regardless of it's content, etc. So, for me - and I do realize I might be taking your point completely wrong - I get annoyed whenever I have friends who say, "Well, he would be making a good point if he was speaking Biblically..." ARGH. My point, then, becomes: isn't he just a prophet? Can God use people who are not necessarily operating (in their own mind, at least) from a Biblically-centered p.o.v.? I just hate having to fight the culture war every time I suggest a book or movie or piece of music that doesn't happen to be in Lifeway.

I may be ranting at this point.

And did I say: I enjoyed what you had to say? No, probably not... but I did.

Thanks Bryan. I think we actually are on the same page. In fact, you could say the main point of this piece was to point out that God can speak through prophets who wouldn't necessarily be approved by the Christian establishment.

You've convinced me to read Thompson's work now.  Congratulations! :)

I'm realizing this... :) Glad I found the site!