"It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine
Faith without works baby
It just ain't happenin'
One is your left hand one is your right
It'll take two strong arms to hold on tight
Some folks cut off their nose just to spite their face
I think you need some works to show for your alleged faith
Well there's a difference you know
'tween having faith and playing make believe
One will make you grow the other one just make you sleep
Talk about it
But I really think you oughtta take a leap off of the ship
Before you claim to walk on water
Faith without works is like a song you can't sing
It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine
Faith comes from God and every word that He breathes
He lets you take it to your heart so you can give it hands and feet
It's gotta be active if it's gonna be alive
You gotta put it into practice
Otherwise
It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine
Faith without works baby it just ain't happenin'
One is your right hand one is your left
It's your light your guide your life and your breath
Faith without works is like a song you can't sing
It's about as useless as a screen door on a submarine."
Screen Door Video
Screen Door Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Screen Door by Rich Mullins is a powerful Christian song that speaks to the importance of faith and works. The lyrics of the song are filled with metaphors and analogies that paint a vivid picture of what it means to have faith without works.
Meaning of the Song
The central theme of Screen Door is the importance of putting one's faith into action. The song is a call to action for Christians to live out their faith in tangible ways, rather than simply professing their belief in God. The lyrics of the song compare faith without works to a screen door on a submarine, emphasizing the uselessness of a faith that is not accompanied by action.
The song also touches on the idea that there is a difference between having faith and simply pretending to have faith. The lyrics suggest that true faith is active and alive, and that it requires action in order to be meaningful.
Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
Although there is not much information available about the inspiration and story behind Screen Door, it is clear from the lyrics that Rich Mullins was deeply committed to putting his faith into action. Mullins was known for his activism and his dedication to social justice causes, and it is likely that this song was inspired by his own experiences of trying to live out his faith in the world.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Song
Screen Door draws on a number of Bible verses to emphasize the importance of faith and works. One of the most prominent verses referenced in the song is James 2:14-26, which speaks to the idea that faith without works is dead:
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?...So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:14, 17).
The song also references Matthew 7:21-23, which warns against the dangers of professing faith without acting on it:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'" (Matthew 7:21-23).
Practical Application of the Song to Christian Living
The message of Screen Door is one that is particularly relevant to Christian living in the modern world. In a society that often values talk over action, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of believing that simply professing one's faith is enough.
However, as the lyrics of the song make clear, true faith requires action. It is not enough to simply say that we believe in God; we must also be willing to live out that belief in our everyday lives. This means putting our faith into action by serving others, living with integrity, and standing up for what is right.
As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. This means actively seeking out opportunities to serve others and make a positive difference in the world. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own faith, but we also become a powerful force for good in the world around us.
Conclusion
Screen Door is a powerful Christian song that speaks to the importance of putting our faith into action. Through its use of vivid metaphors and analogies, the song emphasizes the uselessness of a faith that is not accompanied by action.
As Christians, we are called to be active participants in the world around us, living out our faith in tangible ways and making a positive difference in the lives of others. By doing so, we become a powerful force for good in the world, and we strengthen our own faith in the process.
