Não Basta Ser Crente
Leandro Marques
Beyond Belief: A Call for Genuine Faith
Leandro Marques' song "Não Basta Ser Crente" delves into the complexities of religious identity and the essence of true faith. The lyrics begin with a personal reflection, where Leandro questions his own religious identity in front of a mirror. This introspection leads to a broader contemplation of what it means to be a believer, beyond mere labels like traditional, Pentecostal, or evangelical. The song critiques the superficial ways people often categorize their faith, emphasizing that true belief cannot be reduced to a checkbox on a census form.
The song uses vivid metaphors to describe different types of believers, each representing a superficial or flawed approach to faith. For instance, the "crente escoteiro" only shows up for special events, while the "crente girafa" is physically present in church but mentally absent. These colorful descriptions serve to highlight the various ways people can fall short of genuine faith. The recurring chorus, "Não basta ser crente," reinforces the idea that simply identifying as a believer is not enough. True faith requires a fundamental transformation of the heart and mind, akin to being born again.
Marques also stresses the importance of humility, love, and forgiveness as core tenets of true Christianity. He contrasts superficial believers, like the "crente top model" who dresses up for church, with genuine Christians who live out their faith through acts of kindness and humility. The song concludes with a modern metaphor, urging listeners to "control-c" the teachings of the Bible and "control-v" them into their hearts, while "control-z" cancels past sins. This clever use of computer commands underscores the need for a deep, internalized faith that goes beyond outward appearances.