If you are unfamiliar with “Burning Man” in a nutshell, it is an annual event where participants (Burners) are encouraged to express themselves freely. The event culminates on the 2^nd to the last night with the burning of a tall structure shaped like a man. Some rules are based on philosophical ideologies.

1. Radical inclusion – Everyone is welcome.
2. Gifting – Items are gifted or traded for.
3. Decommodification – No corporate sponsorships allowed. Only life and health services can be purchased.
4. Radical self-reliance – Bring any and all items you will need during the event.
5. Radical self-expression – Burners are encouraged to express themselves in many ways through various art forms and projects. The event is clothing-optional, and public nudity is common, though not practiced by the majority, although being scantily clad is common.
6. Communal effort – Burners are encouraged to work with and help one another.
7. Civic responsibility – Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants.
8. Leaving no trace – We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather.
9. Participation – We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through deeply personal participation. People are encouraged to participate rather than observe.
10. Immediacy – Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

The Temple – Is a neutral, non-denominational spiritual space where everyone can gather to share in the experience of remembering the past, honoring or cursing the present, and pondering the future to come. The temple is burned on the final night of the event. One year, the temple was erected to look like a church and had one timber holding it propped up. Think of a box animal trap. The animal goes in and somehow knocks out the timber, trapping himself inside. The imagery itself says a lot!

“While the festival is clearly cotton candy for the eyes, it is also about really letting loose and feeling yourself in whichever form you’re in.”

anonymous

To go along with the definition of “effigy,” it’s as if the organizers are protesting “mankind” because they don’t like or agree with how most people expect them to live in harmony with others. Or, one could say they are angry with God and want to destroy his creation. This is also the goal of the devil.

`The thief doth not come, except that he may steal, and kill, and destroy; John 10:10a (YLT)

The burners believe, “If it feels good, do it!” This is humankind living life as he sees fit. This opposes what God says. He says come to me, through my Son, Jesus, and you will have your sins forgiven and find true life. The other part of John 10:10 says:

I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly. John 10:10b (YLT)

Interestingly, they burn the “temple” after the “man” has been burned. It’s like they say there is no need for a temple once man is destroyed. The devil likes to imitate everything God has done. By that, I mean the moment Jesus died on the cross, the veil that separated man from God was ripped from top to bottom. With the death of Jesus, there was no longer a need for a temple because, through Jesus, man has access to God anytime he wants.

“At Burning Man, nothing is impossible.”

anonymous

The truth is, only with God, nothing is impossible. What they want to believe at “Burning Man” is a fabricated lie. You may argue and not believe me, but one day, you will! You see, because we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we need God to redeem us through his Son so we may live in heaven eternally.

Their philosophy that everyone is welcome makes me think no one wants to be in trouble alone. “Well, Jonnie did it, too!” We all grew up saying something similar. What started with 30 people on a nude beach in California has grown into a culture and a temporary city in the desert, northeast of Reno, NV., of 80,000 people. Attending “Burning Man” is popular if you want to be accepted. The Bible says, “Wide is the gate to destruction.” I would rather go to my local church and learn more about the loving God who has done all He can to keep me from burning for eternity.

If you have not accepted Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and salvation when you stand before God, He will judge you, and there will be no one to save you. It’s your choice to exercise your free will to accept God. If you don’t, the only man that will be burning, is you.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.