It’s easy to think of Burning Man as something that pushes against the tides of mainstream Western culture. But it’s not as simple as that. One look at the art in Black Rock City, with its brooding inversions of churches, temples, and other religious symbols, and you’ll see that Burning Man is deeply in conversation with the traditions and values of the West. Sometimes it’s heated, sure. But it can also be soulful, even transcendent. Just watch this sermon by Brian Baker, Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento, California, from right after he returned from his first Burn in 2015, and observe how powerful a mixture this can be:
VIDEO: Welcome Home — A Reflection on Burning Man
By Jon Mitchell
About the author: Jon Mitchell
Jon Mitchell, a.k.a. Argus, was publisher of the Burning Man Journal, the Jackrabbit Speaks newsletter, and the Burning Man website from 2016 to 2019. He joined the Comm Team as a volunteer in 2010 and as year-round staff in 2014. He co-wrote a big story about spending 24 hours at the Temple of Juno in 2012. His first Burn was in 2008.
This is the BEST burgin video of a BRC experience ever!!!
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I have viewed his sermon 3 times already, I chuckle and feel renewed in the fact that there are still people out there that still love and fear God. Amen Dean Brian, you are amazing.
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I feel like Brian may have just given me, given us, a way to explain the Burn, to bridge the gap to those who view it with suspicion and fear, assuming it to be no more than an orgy in the desert.
I thank you for that, your congregation is lucky to have you.
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