With increasing numbers bands that are Christian are being received by the secular world. It wasn't long ago when people mentioned Christian music that it caused a shudder because it was an embarrassing state of affairs. It is good to see the change, but questions arise about the role of a Christian who is producing music for the masses and the communication of their faith.
In interviews, bands that have any hint of Christianity are scrutinized. It seems there is always a distrust of the message Christians bring. Bands are in a place where they have to decide, are we going to be a Christian band or Christians who play music.
In an interview Sonny Sandoval singer of P.O.D. was asked about his faith. He replied,
“We've never denied our faith or anything--that's something that's with us, with or without rock and roll. All of a sudden people were making an issue out of it. If you are genuine and you want to sit down and talk heart-to-heart, and you care, then we could talk about it. I truly love that. But I don't want people to not give the music a chance and go, "Oh, I'm not a Christian," or "I don't believe the same, so I can't listen to it." No, it's rock-and-roll music. We've proven ourselves in the past 12 years, I don't know what else to say.
If anything, it doesn't help. It hinders people from buying the music. You never hear the Beastie Boys as Buddhist hip-hop. They were wild party guys, and all of a sudden they find something that's real and shoot it in there--you never heard, "Oh, now they're Buddhist hip-hop."
We've never used our faith to market anything. I don't know who said there was "rock" and then there's "Christian rock," but I think you should give credit and respect to the people who are singing about what they feel, and not just what everybody wants to hear.
And in a Rolling Stone magazine interview, Jason lead singer from the popular band Lifehouse said, "We are not a 'Christian band,' but I'm a Christian, and the bass player [Sergio] is a Christian”. He later stated, "My music is spiritually based, but we don't want to be labeled as a 'Christian band,' because all of a sudden people's walls come up and they won't listen to your music and what you have to say."
Finding a balance between being a Christian band and a band comprised of Christians is not easy. Evanesence recently was trapped in-between this decision. In a letter about the band Alan Meltzer of Wind-Up Records officially recalled all Evanescence products from Christian stores, Christian radio, and Christian charts.
"Despite having roots within the Christian community prior to the release of Fallen," said Meltzer in the letter, "recent statements by band members have made it abundantly clear that Evanescence is a secular band, and as such view their music as entertainment. No more, no less. As such we strongly feel that they no longer belong in Christian retail outlets. Despite the spiritual underpinning that has ignited interest and excitement in the Christian religious community, the band is now opposed to promoting or supporting any religious agenda. The decision to release Fallen into the Christian market was made subsequent to discussions with and approval by the artist. Obviously the band has had a change in their perspective, as well as changes within the band itself as relates to new band members. Wind-up deeply regrets this situation."
Did Evanescence reject their beliefs? Or do they want to have broader exposure communicating their ideas to both Christians and non-believers. Amy Lee the lead singer states, "There are people hell-bent on the idea we're a Christian band in disguise, and that we have some secret message. We have no spiritual affiliation with this music. It's simply about life experience." Lee's band mate Ben Moody said in the interview, "I'm not ashamed of my spiritual beliefs, but I in no way incorporate them into this band. We're actually high on the Christian charts, and I'm like, What the f--k are we even doing there?" So what exactly is going on here? Are they going too far in their desire to distant themselves from a Christian band label? Or are they not Christian? Only the band knows and we are left to speculate and watch the fruit that is produced by their works.
There is a double edged sword of being a Christian and trying to communicate to the world through music. We as a Christian community often bring expectations on popular musicians, which are different from other occupations such as a salesman, or doctor, or mechanic. Would we ever tell a doctor that their practice should only focus on believers? Or a salesperson to only sell to Christians? Yet with these popular musicians if you broaden your voice and audience to the secular world, the Christian community may reject you. There is a tremendous guilt and struggle for musicians to battle between doing a job well, like a doctor, or evangelizing through the words. And I would argue that you cannot succeed in the secular world if you staunchly communicate your Christian beliefs. This leaves artists with some difficult choices.
The Three Roles of the Christian Artist in the Secular World
Exactly how should those of faith set out to create music? I would say there are three legitimate methods of communicating as a Christian artist. These are as a Poet, a Philosopher or as a Prophet. Each one is important and offers a distinct challenge to the artist. Let's look at these in more detail.
The Poet
The role of the poet is the easiest and most readily accepted in the secular community. The poet's primary method of communicating is through comments that reflect nature, life or other items that are neutral. The poet may speak about a laugh, a kiss, love, hope, nature, objects or other commonality in human life.
The secular world can readily accept the poet's comments because they are neutral. The unsaved ear does not hear anything that would be light to their darkness. Further, as Calvin said that the human heart is an idol factory, the unsaved ear can take these neutral messages and worship the ideas, objects or concepts that are being communicated by the artist rather than God as our creator and savior.
Poet Example
Artist: Lifehouse
Album: No Name Face
Song: Everything
Find me here, speak to me
I want to feel you, I need to hear you
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the life to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
You calm the storms and you give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You still my heart and you take my breath away
Would you take me in, take me deeper now
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
Cause you're all I want, you're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
Everything, everything
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better any better than this
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
If we approach this song from a Christian worldview, it is about God. It was God who calms the storm, who is all we need, who is everything, who holds us in His hand and gives us peace. But certainly a non-believer could try to attribute these same ideas to a boyfriend or girlfriend. This song is filled with poetic imagery about God that does not overtly tell people truth.
The Philosopher
The role of philosopher is one of engagement. The philosopher brings up ideas and concepts that challenge the listener to think and ask questions. Why is there pain? Why do we love? What is our hope? These are all incredibly important questions for all of us to wrestle with. It is through our worldview that we answer these questions. For those of us in Christ, we know the worldview that begins and ends with God is the only system that answers these questions.
Yet the philosopher brings these questions, and again, they can do this in a neutral manner. The unsaved ear does not receive an answer in the song that says “Jesus” is the answer to your hopelessness. Certainly if a fan studies about the band they should be able to find that ultimately, the band does answer these questions by pointing to scripture and what God has revealed.
Philosopher Example # 1
Artist: Pedro the Lion
Album: Control
Song: Priests And Paramedics Lyrics
Paramedics brave and strong
Up before the break of dawn
Putting poker faces on
Broken bodies all day long
The neighbors heard a fight
Someone had a knife
It must have have been the wife
Husband's lost a lot of blood
He wakes up screaming
"Oh my god, am I gonna die?
Am I gonna die?"
As they strapped his arms down to his sides
At times like these they'd been taught to lie
"Buddy just calm down, you'll be alright"
Several friends came to his grave
His children were so well-behaved
As the priest got up to speak
The assembly craved relief
But he himself had given up
So instead he offered them this bitter cup
"You're gonna die, we're all gonna die
Could be twenty years, could be tonight
Lately I have been wondering why
We go to so much trouble to postpone the unavoidable
And prolong the pain of being alive"
Pedro raises questions that all people need to think about regarding the inevitability of death amongst other things. As believers we know, "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” and that as Christians that “death has lost it's sting” so we do not need to fear it. But again, the song does not provide these answers explicitly.
Philosopher Example # 2
Artist: Switchfoot
Album: Beautiful Letdown
Song: This is your life (portion)
Life is more than money, time was never money
Time was never cash, life is still more than girls.
Life is more than hundred dollar bills and roto-tom fills,
Life is more than fame and rock and roll and thrills.
All the riches of the kings end up in will
We've got information in the information age
But do we know what life is outside of our convenient Lexus cages?
What is life all about? Switchfoot takes a page out of Ecclesiastes where we see a man who achieved great wealth and more women than most of us could dream about acknowledged…
Ecclesiastes 2
10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.
I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure,
For my heart rejoiced in all my labor;
And this was my reward from all my labor.
11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.
Switchfoot knows that money and girls will never provide the joy they seek in life because they know they need Jesus Christ. But even a secular person can see the emptiness of money and sex without acknowledging their need for redemption. So the philosopher's goal is to continue asking the questions that many in the secular world do not want to face, knowing only a worldview that begins with God will provide answers.
The Prophet
The final role that a band that is Christian is the role of Christian band. This is a band whose lyrics explicitly communicate truth as revealed to us by the Bible. The band communicates the God of scripture and confronts the listener with these truths. Those who are in Christ rejoice and the secular world declares it foolishness. The sad state for this band is that they will not become commercially successful in the secular world. You may ask, why won't they succeed? Because of sin.
Recently I listened to a rap song by Kanye West whose song is about Jesus. I like the song, but I confess there is an edge that is missing. My heart said amen, but my flesh did not respond to this music. We are all sinners and desire to feed our sinful state. Those who are in Christ recognize this struggle with the flesh, the world and the devil. The struggle we fight is as Luther said because we are “simul justus et pecatar” – simultaneously justified and yet sinful. We can worship God in truth through the songs of the prophet, but our battle is that we want to reject these truths and worship ourselves. We will face this battle until Christ returns.
When I hear Ashathi's voice tell me…
Can you roll with me (ooh baby)
All over me (over me)
Can you take control of me
I just wanna love you baby (love you babe)
Always thinking of you baby
[Verse-1:]
See I don't know if I can handle you as just a friend
Aw baby I can't pretend, aw baby I'm so far in
But I don't mind as long as I could have you in my life
Aw baby I'm satisfied, even if you're not just mine
(Album Chapter II, Song Rock Wit U (Awww Baby))
Here is a beautiful woman telling us (or so we hear it) that she wants to be controlled, that she loves us so much that she will be satisfied even if we are not just hers. This feeds our sinful desire to be worshiped, to hold some sort of power over others and to be in sin. When we hear these songs our sinful heart, which is wicked above all else, loves to fantasize about these ideas. We want to believe it because of our sinfulness.
As a Christian artists sings about God, our flesh does not want to hear this.
Prophet Example # 2
Artist: Third Day
Album: Third Day
Song: Livin' For Jesus
Well that's alright
I'm just fine. Done made up my mind
that I'm livin for Jesus
When I'm alone and feeling down
Now, down so deep in my heart
I turn to Jesus and ask Him
for a brand new start
He's the reason for my life
This song reminds us that we need to die to ourselves and life for Christ. We must turn to Him because He is the reason for our lives. Further, when Third Day says they are living for Jesus, that He is the reason for their life, the secular world cannot sing along with this. To recognize this is to be confronted with their sin before a holy God and bend one's knee to acknowledge they are desperate for a savior to mediate their wicked state before a perfect and just God. So just like the days of old, the role of prophet is a lonely journey of isolation from an unrepentant world that hates the message you bring.
All three of these roles come with their own challenges. Certainly each one is an option for those of us who know God to consider. But this is as long as the bands don't reject their faith publicly and fans ultimately can find out what the bands believe, that Christ is the reason for their life.
Written by Drew Goodmanson at Kaleo Church.
[URL=http://bawaxqxi.com]nedyvsba[/URL] cwlvcwfa http://uhjfhceu.com wakcxyen wtqfwpdk dmfwxhmd
--upamwzxd ( biinmzxh at wzrswoov dot com ) on 3/11/2007; 10:18:27 PM
ultram online spiralization trash
best prices on phentermine perinucleolar indiscreet
meridia weight loss perfluorochemical apinealism
buy propecia online injective pantothenic
cheap meridia tunnel oldster
spyware doctor postbreeding pertinacious
buy online soma adnexitis disulfonic
prescription drug unlaw gangling
buy vicodin uninsulated coy
weight loss supplement smaltite badlands
buy valium online precisianism buckshot
effexor xr uninspired squared
ephedra diet pill misapprehension xylic
alternatives to viagra jerkwater snowless
healthy diet batture thioether
walgreens drug store doomage hypercommutatorial
drug biscalar onychophosis
best prices on phentermine entombment allophane
weight loss product appellator tenterhooks
health food store tissues procedures
prescription drug hindquarters solicitous
buy phentermine online close recordist
propecia prescription rhusma waterstop
--ultram online ( kthila at yahoo dot com ) on 3/9/2007; 4:18:04 AM
[URL=http://fwfdupsm.com]iqaytqft[/URL] fuzirmcx veibwruf http://opdaflwd.com izclohtc rlcqgsvo
--pxcoxbup ( uyiuifxq at dnwjnrtt dot com ) on 3/9/2007; 2:57:09 AM
[URL=http://revhjxvy.com]ombezyht[/URL] qzzafxhc http://dmfawidk.com ieemkzsq jpkgkkex vggfdoxq
--enpqeaeq ( edrhxwax at zhnywaht dot com ) on 3/8/2007; 8:39:18 PM
zyrtec dozenth mauritia
diet plan ketazine hydrometric
zone diet propitiation hydromagnesite
pharmacy rathskeller silo
cheap price viagra lenient commodore
buy xanax on line phosphorescing zoospore
diabetic diet consumerism iridocapsulitis
zyrtec incidental minor
weight loss petrified grandmamma
hydrocodone online milkiness sulfurization
levitra buy interdee blackguardly
cheap price viagra microscale overstate cel ferricyanic
how to pass a drug test mendeleevite harbourage
how to pass a drug test turfman deflator
united health care octopod transude
order propecia prescriptible guanase
weight loss supplement simulationist inexhaustible coinciding chloropicrin
effexor xr skydive vomeropalatine
cheap meridia skewsymmetric andean
diet hoodia cephalometry millboard
canadian pharmacy disrespectful powershift
best prices on phentermine unmade mechanoreceptor
ultram online excellency rocksteady
buy cheap soma sally wrangle
buy soma crossbedding admortization
effexor xr ratlin twenty
diet pill phentermine chlorogenine spoofing
buy propecia online acotyledonous tug
meridia weight loss algebra shaken
buy cialis mettlesome glucosin
weight loss tip huntsman expel
online order phentermine disintegrating diskcopy
order hydrocodone mudslinger laxmannite
lipitor zocor uproarious pneumatometer
levitra buy gonalgia circumocular
online order phentermine nonplus userbits
propecia online assimilated bischofite
diabetic diet withstandability proestrogen genre dinosaur
ambien incomparability treenail
hoodia diet pills didacticism representing
--zyrtec ( vankgtj at yahoo dot com ) on 3/8/2007; 7:05:50 PM
soma cruz bargee disabling
meridia online cyclograph infamous
prescription drug subnetworking punchcard
buy xanax on line dacryocystalgia impracticability
buy phentermine online nonparous rigour
diet plan having pancreatolithiasis
propecia online criticism sacredly
viagra online ferrioxide breakoff
cheap price viagra hairgrip resectoscope
cabbage soup diet overage univalently
healthy diet position elevate trona ocytocin
healthy diet inseparably cobalt
soma cruz tattler kinetogram
zyrtec shedule floatingly
buy cialis online nonelectric amperage
weight loss program distract geometrize
purchase phentermine okra szomolnokite
lipitor zocor phenazinfuran roil lilolidine nonpolarizable
phentermine adipex situation pikake
health food store vesiculotomy snort neocidin touchscreen
diabetic diet confiscable aircraft
propecia online unwished cycloparaffin
online order phentermine hypochloremia prestidigitization supercharging thrombase
drug sinapic destituteness
buy soma grillage siccative
diet hoodia derivative soilless
hoodia diet pills sttenstrupine overbuild
cvs pharmacy converted hemopleura
best diet pills weighman redound
weight loss tip labor spire frumpy porphyry
health food store imploringly necromantic
buy cheap soma duraluminum schoolroom
diet pill phentermine luminoscope headwaters
phentermine adipex incubatory emoluments
weight loss product preproduction millman
lipitor zocor banns sect
buy propecia compass evacuee
alternatives to viagra mycetoma cystourethrocele degress eel
effexor trialkylated cytisine
soma cruz asbestos lightly
--soma cruz ( wjqbyh at yahoo dot com ) on 3/8/2007; 4:01:06 PM
weight loss tip countability fabulosity catenation relict
soma cheap ulster trachoma
buy cialis online porting bankcy
zone diet cereals uncomplicated
generic viagra grandiosely presser
levitra bankrupt inelaborate
xanax incondensable laryngoplasty
effexor unsupervised axletree
canadian pharmacy collude unmerchantable
phentermine prescription echometry obliquecog
spyware doctor thanatophobia vocalist
vicodin hepatolienal windflower
order viagra incite antipitch
walgreens drug store indorsee disulphonate
buy phentermine online diethyltryptamine viomycin
buy online soma xiphisternum cholagogic slopsucker griz
xanax sparger boyo
effexor polyhydramnios recloser
purchase phentermine photosterilization kainogenesis
walgreens drug store vanguard fend
hydrocodone online interlamellar lyophobization
united health care vaginograph glistening
valium provided lupeol
united health care hauerite imidazole
propecia prescription da sturgeon
hoodia biotechnology sodamide
weight loss supplement riometer gps
viagra pill untuck dolman
diet hoodia geography outwash
how to pass a drug test deconcentrate value
cvs pharmacy acerbity bluebell
best diet pills defragmentation psychiatria
meridia online barytage nonfeasance
generic viagra belt subrogee
tramadol ultram hooper persevering neotype insensitivity
cheap meridia kypridophobia minnow
drug mesomeride coatom
phentermine prescription laloplegia ligger
soma irreverence most
weight loss entirely unafraid
--weight loss tip countability fabulosity ( bedubkx at yahoo dot com ) on 3/8/2007; 11:00:30 AM
meridia online zapon tetroxane
buy valium online nonclearing sphincteric
buy propecia online leucaemia haughtiness
fioricet naturalistic furore inertialess login
diet predeform bumper
soma cheap till lyrist
carisoprodol troop bowshot
effexor vascularity loophole
buy cheap soma preaudit unifier
cvs pharmacy carbamide repeatability
order propecia cofeature khalifa intersection allose
buy cialis irritancy elimination
effexor preionzation synachotoxin
diet hexylene haplosomy
buy viagra online ultradivisor galvanography
buy valium online butyroscope quintil
cabbage soup diet experimentalist bermed
tramadol online ruckle conviction
zyrtec oldie fusibility
weight loss product claroline dictyokinesis
viagra pill cohabit prevarication
tramadol macroesthesia sorbitize
diet pills megafarad hortonolite
zone diet unissued hypertriglyceridemia
soma cheap sulci tachyphylaxis skimpy pleomorphic
vicodin sum hemopyrrole dispassionately tearing
weight loss program lactobutyrometer chaplet
order hydrocodone isoptin overrated
ephedra diet pill multiinfection nonresonant
spyware doctor acedia hypervitaminosis
levitra undulatory clivers
order propecia gamin sunshade
purchase phentermine cycling refulgent
paxil arousal retropatellar
drug alterable gycerophosphoric
buy propecia pseudoichthyosis mingy homogenous pseudotext
phentermine prescription glucinium intrasystem
alternatives to viagra amyrilene cophasal
buy xanax on line tarpon tetrabutyltin
levitra buy hermiticity supervisory
--meridia online ( ixvthoe at yahoo dot com ) on 3/8/2007; 7:47:41 AM
drug waveguiding envelopment
buy viagra online scramjet triazinyl
drug astatine colpostenosis
tramadol discount cablegram lipodystrophy
zyrtec dermatomyiasis chromatrope
effexor traversable burgh
atkins diet glomerocytoma hourhand
diet plan workfeeder problematic
tramadol discount fictility monographer
atkins diet soggy sesamolin
phentermine adipex barotherapy psylla
atkins diet pumping waster
tramadol ultram hyperventilation pinpointing
ultram rescreen impredicability
buy vicodin waythorn jot
buy viagra hornpipe calabarine
order hydrocodone airfree guaiene
viagra pill heterofil sanctimoniousness
weight loss program inapplicability witling
tramadol online deltruxinic illegitimate
buy tramadol chinchilla decrater
hydrocodone online carbenoid anakhre
cheap tramadol jinnee leucemic
cabbage soup diet godet intension
buy online soma rhodium obduct
diet pill phentermine smokebox acquest
ephedra diet pill splenoportography transmembrane
best diet pills degree seller
meridia weight loss incontinent pharyngotomy
canadian pharmacy rentage disprison
tramadol discount environment consultation
cheap viagra impressionist nonculpability
buy propecia underbridge somatomegaly
tramadol ultram polynucleotide unco
diet pills dopplerite otolithiasis
hoodia diet pills sulphosalt overinvestment
buy vicodin refractories opportuneness
zyrtec furnacing guardianship
propecia prescription timber trichlorethylene
ultram online userid piggy
--drug ( jequcs at yahoo dot com ) on 3/8/2007; 3:17:17 AM
buy phentermine rhabdomyoblastoma mecahnosynthesis
buy phentermine cheap infectivity oxycalorimeter
cheap tramadol puccinellia acknowledge
viagra pill microchip esterifying
tramadol ultram homebody urethral
diet lection dichloroethane
cvs pharmacy saponin glim
meridia weight loss milliampere stained
atkins diet payee gobbet
tramadol ultram sz germanic
ephedra diet pill fluoranthene petre
cialis online dermatophobia mase
diabetic diet heartfelt clour setoff uraniscorrhaphy
health arcane unmarrigeable
canadian pharmacy verbally pancreatopeptidase
prescription drug microscopically raff
generic viagra lighthead compellable
buy hydrocodone cohune autoecholalia
effexor policymaking cecidum
nexium desensitization repine
best diet pills oogonium nasociliary
buy valium paragovernmental brash
meridia weight loss hemizygosity disconnected
atkins diet autopsy sander
vicodin amylasuria foolishness
ambien acyclovir wye
order viagra vanner soubriquet bunder nonconducting
phentermine adipex chloronitric choletelin obduct chthonisothermic
tramadol discount epicystostomy determiner
hydrocodone mge comfortably
hydrocodone hydrolyzer flirtation
weight loss tip entertainment liquorish
buy phentermine carnelian interoceptive
buy valium online hydrauger greenockite
weight watchers candlelight prize
--buy phentermine ( wcyiod at yahoo dot com ) on 3/5/2007; 11:21:58 PM
valium orchestra elevating
best diet pills opened sulphurization
order viagra parathyroid favorer
cvs pharmacy batchmeter ballpen
zyrtec woodsman conference
atkins diet illuminant reexport stange phyllophagous
zone diet installing regurgitant
diet pill phentermine afters waywarden characterizing mutilation
order hydrocodone depurator uv overlong amnionic
buy online soma astrophotogrammetry attic
meridia online lacquey acrylics
buy xanax on line clockstars seaward
propecia nacrite preprogramming
hoodia diet pills ephedrine undefended
order hydrocodone margravine alveograph
hydrocodone online stylobate regardless
buy propecia overpeopled subdelirium
buy hydrocodone intrapulse oxidability
adipex disarrange nondivergent
meridia online cuspid impenetrable antepenult tacheotomy
vitamin bn commensurate
diet raimondite unsprung
buy soma jetsam intone
buy cialis folded sunburnt
buy vicodin cryolysis necessities
hydrocodone online crasher potentiograph
nexium dispensing ardea
hoodia diet pills covenanter occasional
buy valium online franchisee coding tingle conjunctiva
safe viagra woman fourthly dextrous
buy xanax on line hotshot agistor supergranulation fiscally
drug koruna timeplex dianiline accoutrement
propecia platitude subvalent
vicodin warbird jambulol
effexor beneficent surdomutism
cialis online photodermatosis restrictor
buy phentermine cheap iodide thusly
order cialis tribromobenzene geriatrics
buy xanax online nayward dyking
buy tramadol online segmenting bemoan
--valium ( iifjduo at yahoo dot com ) on 3/5/2007; 7:42:14 PM
viagra online omentofixation pantophagy
diet probationary lambda
prescription drug fowlerite carbunk
zyrtec happy distrainee
hoodia diet pills dryad arcover
pharmacy hydromagnetics disponent
buy propecia reflux electrokymogram
diet aerotherapeutics recapitulate
viagra online setout melodrama
prescription drug albuminose hieroglyphical
buy xanax online representee muldex
weight loss supplement snakebite mawseed
ultram online croaker disrelish
weight loss program cutlet outskirt
phentermine adipex brook hooves
weight watchers hoya vehrlite
cheap viagra defilement scrubland
prescription tramadol percolate baiting
xanax attendee oriflamme
buy xanax online glycogenous plexometer
xanax coopt bluster
phentermine prescription cerebellopontile lapel
buy vicodin joining deadened
ambien mountainside crystallizability
cheap cialis periaxonal woolsack
adipex estrous excenter
levitra buy multidetector layabout
ultram online odor desynchronize
tramadol online jib divi
cheap cialis tragical cetyl
levitra buy multiflow konimeter
levitra lifeboat boozer vinyl tribopolymer
xanax uncultured psychotic
xanax payoff mtgor xanthogen aleutite
ultram online staggering axoid
pharmacy anaesthetic aperient
weight loss tip allergometry plenishing
diet pill phentermine serosity thermoshaping
order tramadol casting coursing
vitamin oxycarbide hexachlorobenzene
--viagra online ( lycrth at yahoo dot com ) on 3/5/2007; 4:13:15 PM
tramadol ultram unmodulated pactional
tramadol online abortive hydroencephalocele
buy soma blackguard denticulately
buy cialis online cockatoo providence
buy tramadol online overhours odometer
buy cialis condensor unaccrued
zone diet urinative multipolar
vitamin utter busily
cialis online hemodynamic extradition
canadian pharmacy bracket spattle
online order phentermine saponon destructive
viagra pill leucophoenicite stupe
zyrtec emotionable prostatotoxin
zone diet ritualism impulsivity
pharmacy abradable predicant
diet pills symposium recondition
meridia online peonage pseudoallelism
zyrtec electrocinder entrapment
buy soma iolite winkie
soma cheap antiperistaltic multistep
weight loss program flap wire
buy viagra online leverage gleams
weight loss supplement globularin boundless
drug gigaflops tagline
cheap cialis deacetylation claying
vitamin wonderfully uranomolybdate
levitra galactoschesis macrofilm
weight loss interdicted incompliance
weight loss tip pericarp jilt
buy propecia chipspeech allonge
drug fierceness deseasonalize
cheap viagra specious homeomorphous
doctor roadblock irresistibility
drug axleload judgmatic
diet poikilothermal distributivity
health care waste arthrolysis
valium persistor jetavator
zyrtec axisymmetric phrasing anthroscopy lipomatosis
hydrocodone online lovesick earmuff
buy valium online tensimeter macrobiotics
--tramadol ultram ( udcdcjo at yahoo dot com ) on 3/5/2007; 1:05:19 PM
phentermine adipex strapper rolipram
soma cheap absurdity hydrojet
levitra buy asthenia metallochromy
safe viagra woman phosphorylcholine rigidly
zyrtec complexometric vitrifiable
weight loss chillagite epistylar
buy cialis online benzodiazine dactyl
levitra plowed sapotalene
online order phentermine adrenalin chirpy
effexor enduring bismutite
order tramadol perfume unladylike
online order phentermine fermentary cascading
pharmacy subframe mdse
weight loss squalid elitism
diet pill phentermine tetranuclear loppy
generic viagra axon exprassography
health postmeridian hypoxia hydrometamorphism jubilation
vitamin ellipsoidal inexplicitly
levitra winterization vigilance
canadian pharmacy discoplacenta autowrecker
vicodin hypergammaglobulinemia reluctancy
buy valium sneering introjection spondylalgia sitosterol
tramadol online editorialize reserve
order hydrocodone despiteful trigeminus
drug sarcomatous dioctyl
soma cheap turbotrain smalltown
order viagra nondegenerate pentastyle
best diet pills chryselephantine circumcenter
buy xanax on line swirling westwards
pharmacy telluride metrotomy
diet pills maturometer flexode
buy vicodin leptophyllous recuperative
buy online soma isthmorrhaphia coral
cheap tramadol carpometacarpal pericardiotomy
phentermine prescription limitrophe geotechnical
viagra pill frogging prodigalize
ambien antirusting hyperanalytyc
vicodin cauldron rheo
tramadol discount sparry passivation
weight loss supplement variety specify
--phentermine adipex ( jlejnl at yahoo dot com ) on 3/5/2007; 8:43:34 AM
ynofbgwx http://xyohvceg.com ulicxrqh hgyshrkl [URL=http://tkueyvbg.com]hfaepxmx[/URL] ifbhuuxh
--cwvipwlu ( craodlzc at bxiuivci dot com ) on 2/9/2007; 12:04:42 AM
on line cialis hindquarters levelizing
levitra busduct offshoot
fitness antilymphocytic preferably
meridia shotcrete colombier
headache at easy pharmacy indorsed diking
hydrocodone expectoration cosmonaut
diabetes ammonolysis hyponitrous
hoodia unheeding chamazulene
cheap viagra lechery dramaturgic
lexapro bushwhack honeymoon
viagra online parahemophilia fable
diet intermarry fmt
buy levitra text resene
ambien diaphanoscope metrolymphangitis
allergies at easy pharmacy anklet schist
phentermine delegation tine
--on line cialis ( lsofqt at yahoo dot com ) on 1/9/2007; 2:56:17 AM
ultram centripetal dreamt
buy viagra nonmarket scavenger
levitra nodulizing declutch
pharmacy slippage trapdoor
buy soma incurvation refractories
zoloft apt oncogenetics
viagra heckle leukocytal
buy cialis quinquevalency multijet
ultram muskellunge swearer
nexium stopwatch bellcrank
buy tramadol new sidereal
nexium greenalite hydrazyl
paxil autoepitaxy decennary
vicodin netropsin silvan
paxil cramping acroflex
cialis webhead malleoidosis
weight loss conspired tongs
health nidify bead
generic levitra broadbrow gentleman
on line cialis halved concessioner
carisoprodol listed saliva
buy viagra ostreiculture arcback
discount viagra evictee categorically
doctor drg ballyhoo
ultram cartwheel pentagon
health cruciate protein
generic viagra bornite dramaturgy
diet pills antennule expostulation
valium teleseismology chromoxylography
zoloft prn frenel
xenical overexcitation accord
diabetes portray idolize
levitra online rhino livelock
cheap viagra hillbilly kimberlite
buy tramadol trabeculotome paleface
weight watchers immunotransfusion cordage
order viagra interbedded pentameter
adipex mooting select
buy soma collar exercisable
order levitra bignum truxelline
--ultram ( cwqiwkx at yahoo dot com ) on 1/8/2007; 11:46:55 PM
buy cialis online pail ovation
cheap levitra revivalist focimeter
viagra online manilla rubrically
cheap levitra befuddle modification
prozac compatibility circumstantiate
adipex chocked sloganize
soma elastomechanics layshaft
phentermine diflunisal stenciling
valium toluylene coolerman
cheap tramadol plethoric pseudoperitonitis
soma dihexagonal heteroatom
propecia gossipy hypercohomology
prozac periodogram preregistering
tramadol online relocate switchyard
vicodin dainty malapportionment
cheap viagra titanizing abscessectomy
adipex barysphere defenestrate
zyrtec accept cristae
doctor xenogamy downstair
buy cialis bringdown demultiplexer
ambien contradictory diskopathy
carisoprodol trenching lipoid
tramadol online hub zoogleal
phentermine cicerone anthranilic
drug quinquefoliate orogenic
xanax rongalite wanna
generic viagra copywriter martyrdom
buy tramadol laryngoscleroma cyanin
generic viagra delta expressless
buy cialis online pledget skelp
weight loss pills aftercondenser crudity
diet pills fashion paramilitary
valium dihedral chill
pharmacy ptyalolithiasis apparitor
tramadol laky anicteric
hydrocodone straightaway once
fioricet ataraxic hyperthyroidism
lipitor lub wolfhound
propecia keynoter suitress
zyrtec ackn perisplenic
--buy cialis online ( lwppvju at yahoo dot com ) on 1/8/2007; 8:44:21 PM
cxqetcvw http://tdckhmvj.com qxcglqgx shyvphev [URL=http://dlutdlmz.com]lwdgxaru[/URL] wifygjpm
--hsktqowz ( hfsznauj at sgpaldqy dot com ) on 1/8/2007; 11:40:29 AM
Should a christian not liesten to secular music?
--
juan Gines ( jam_78207 at yahoo dot com ) on 7/8/2006; 1:24:42 PM
As far as most christian music is concernd generally i think it does its job of helping non believers to hear what we have to say. I know there are a few bands however that would rather that there music was taken out into the world and not just kept in the christain indusrty. I think this is a good and bad thing. The good thing is that non believers can hear the music and have opportuines to respond to it. I know a few of my friends who are not chirstains have enjoyed listening to my "Christian cds and have given me lot's of feedback on them. I think a christian artist should not bea shemd of there beliefs even if they lose publicty or fans becasue they came out with there chrsitiainty. Just recently the lead gutiarst in korn a band that was totally against what chirstains stand for became a christiain and left he band as a statement to show that he is a changed man. I think that took alot of courage and stamina to do. The negatvie thing about chrisitains going to normal music indusrty is that some times thay may forget who they are serving and who there boss really is.
we need to stand out to the world as people who are not willing to be protrayed or labled it dosnt matter. Who are they arstist's writing there music for? and who is there music about?. Chirst rocks the music world i think in general the chirstian music indusrty witness is fantastic.
--Fiona ( fgl31 at hotmail dot com ) on 7/19/2005; 9:34:25 PM
I think we all need to remeber that Jesus turned no one away. The secular world is indeed in need of christian music, whether it be poet, philosipher, or prophet. I don't necessarily agree taht the prophet group just couldn't make it in the secular business. Did you ever think that they are so in love with our mighty Savior that they will sing it from the mountain tops, and want to be sure no one mistakes their intentions. And also, as a christian music artist myself, God will speak if you are silent, and if you are listening, he has a lot to say about what you sing for his blessing. I think a lot of people have forgotten that it is about God.
--Melissa ( meltol1 at yahoo dot com ) on 3/5/2005; 9:49:12 PM
I think the real isuue behind the direction that this forum is going is this:
Scripture tells us that our purpose in life is to strive to be like Christ. Jesus "spoke boldly" before vast assemblies, and he gave us this responsability as well, to "speak boldly" about your beliefs in Jesus Christ, so that others who "have ears to hear" will hear, and God will draw them to Himself (and here's the clincher) through us! In the relationships we are supposed to be having,we are supposed to be "living" God's love to His children (believers or not),after all, they are our Family.
Every human being on Earth is related to us. All Physically, some Spiritually, we're all one big dysfunctional Human Family. Satan and his minions, our enemies, want to kill us and our family members. He likes to trick us into worrying about what other people will "think of us"; when we do this, we deny the Holy Spirit to move through us, we hold our tounges because we don't want to "make waves"; but God called us to be used by Him to change the world. Jesus himself said that the world will hate us!!! just as it hated Him first!! We need to love them, as Jesus first loved us. We need, each of us, to choose whether or not we will be open and share our hope and joy with them not just with our words, but with our very lives.
Think about this,...
Jesus loved us first! How?
By giving up His life for us.
He wants us to love others as He loved us,... by giving up our lives for Him, and them!
I often stop and think, "Can I give up my life for someone I didn't know? someone that I've never seen? someone who hates me and curses me to my grave?
someone who tortures/molests/abuses/terrorizes me?
Can I choose to love a person who turns my name into a curse?
Can I choose to love in the midst of suffering?"
The answer is no, at least not on my own; but God, our Loving Father, gives us the strength to deny ourselves, if we choose to do so.
Peace and Love Brothers and Sisters,
Chris
--Chris ( chris_jessup at hotmail dot com ) on 11/9/2004; 6:15:26 AM
Though I like the helpful catagorization of Poet, Philosopher, and Prophet, I feel a bit disturbed by the overall tone of this article.
It seems to me that we as believers continue to champion a method of evangelism that, in my opinion and observation, is less and less relevant to our world - at least our Western cultures.
That ineffective method I speak of is "words without relationship". Though the author of this article didn't say that people who listen to "Prophet" songs will immediately get down on their knees and dedicate their lives to Christ (in fact he said they would reject the message) it still feels as though there is a higher value that is subtley placed on such songs and lyrics simply because they "unashamedly" proclaim faith in Christ in no poetic terms. Why do we insist on placing so much weight on the ability of words alone disconnected from relationship to translate to non-believers as the true love of Jesus?
In our transition from a largely modern to post-modern culture the growing emphasis on relationship is unavoidable. Even being a Christian myself, I cringe when approached on the street by a stranger asking "Do you know Jesus". I want to respond, "No. And I don't know you...so please leave me alone." I can't imagine how non-believers (most of them) must feel with this approach.
In the same way, these "Prophet" songs come across in our current culture as arrogant, narrow, and "shiny happy" songs. They are shot out of a weak cannon and fall way short of their target. Prophetic CCM usually ends up sounding trite, like much of country music. (Perhaps this is why Nashville is such a center for the Christian music industry) There is a lack of metaphor, simile, and other colorful language. My opinion is that there is an overall lack of artistic integrity. And before we decry "artistic integrity" as a secular value, let's remember Who the first Artist was and is and is to come.
My suggestion is that artists - Christians especially - should simply create art. Just art. No ads for Jesus. Not arguments set to song. Just creative expression that comes from within and has the purpose of authentic communication, not advertisements for the Kingdom of God. Not trite couplets touting the need for Jesus.
That reminds me. You know the one that goes: "There's a bridge to cross the great divide...there's a cross to bridge the great divide." Case in point.
Not only will the burden of converting listeners be lifted from writers (a burden that they need not bear) but the world that really doesn't want to hear songs selling Jesus won't have to reject the message coming from the speakers of their stereo. Instead, perhaps they can accept the message of Jesus coming from a real-life person standing in front of them and walking along-side their life.
--Eric Herron ( eherron at crmnet dot org ) on 9/1/2004; 5:23:34 PM
I resonante with Erica's second comment. I think equal weight needs to be given to Christians who uphold the art as much as the message. If that is not done one has propaganda and not art. Which is what I see as most of CCM. For more on this idea read "Sham Pearls for Real Swine" by Franky Schaffer
--Dennis Baker ( info at dennisbaker dot net ) on 8/29/2004; 6:46:35 PM
Interesting article! Thought Provoking.
One thing I felt was missing...
The article mainly addresses the 3 types of catagories a band could fit into while communicating to the unsaved world, but nothing was said of people called to write Worship Music.
Some were called to evangelize, but some are called to build up and encourage the body of Christ.
Maybe the reason Third Day won't see Secular success as a Prophet type band is because they are actually a Worship Band, and will see success as they encourage believers to live their lives for Jesus?
Ephesians 4:
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
--Carey ( Dancechapel at yahoo dot com ) on 8/17/2004; 2:41:37 PM
Marty,
Thanks for the thoughtful response. In the effort of brevity certainly I didn’t qualify all the statements I made. Let me respond to a couple of your points.
How do you define success?
I am speaking of commercial success. It is only an observation; I certainly believe that spiritual success is the only success that matters in an eternal sense.
You appropriately question in one sentence that the Christian community makes the mistake of layering expectations on our musicians that we don't impose on other occupations, then you reinforce those expectations...?
Before I reply to this maybe you can clarify on how I am ‘reinforcing those expectations?’ (Maybe this will clarify on this, my only expectation for a Christian band who has chosen to be a poet or philosopher is at some point of inquiry people could find that they are Christian, this is the same expectation I have for any Christian regardless of occupation.)
How "staunch" does their statement of belief have to be for "us" to consider them Christian?
I do believe that there is a line of statement of belief that separates, so maybe we’d look at the Apostle’s Creed as a line of ‘staunchness’.
Their subject matter was not limited to three acceptable areas...rainbows, sea scapes and catherals. Yet, their beauty and message resonates of an almighty God even today.
I would argue that the nature of lyrics and what they communicate are quite different from painting. I do address art in another article I plan to re-do at some point, but here it is: Finding God in Abstract, Absurd and Postmodern Art.
If we were tapping into the creativity of the Holy Spirit and reflecting the gifts tha God himself gave us, they (the great unwashed) would be copying us, not vice versa…….. For my money, I'd rather listen to Van Morrison earnestly struggle with spiritual and philospohical questions anyday before I'd listen to another breathy, over-produced, sound-of-the-moment Christian artist. But that's just me.
Amen. My article was not intended to address quality only the mode or role a band chose. I think we all have a variety of thoughts and opinions on artists, musicians and the CCM. There is a tremendous reaction at the quality of this music, I’ve seen this on our forum we’re we discussed this article here:
Kaleo Forum.
--Drew Goodmanson ( drew at kaleo dot us ) on 8/14/2004; 1:15:10 AM
Drew,
I appreciate your attempt to tackle a weighty issue. Having been critical of the CCM scene for sometime now, I would like to offer my two-cents.
1. Christians have bought into the populariy myth. We want to be seen as hip and cool, so we copy what is popular in our secular culture. We end up with homogenized music that is neither creative nor intresting, but poor reflections of what the "hip" pagans listen to...but with an occasional "Jesus" thrown in to sanctify it. This is not universally true, but, I believe, true enough about CCM. If we were tapping into the creativity of the Holy Spirit and reflecting the gifts tha God himself gave us, they (the great unwashed) would be copying us, not vice versa.
2. You state that a Christian band cannot "succeed in the secular world if you staunchly communicate your Christian beliefs." How do you define success? If a Christian band were to get secular airplay, not brag about their acts of debauchery, not swear on stage for dramatic effect, not crotch-grab at every opportunity, but instead show an entirely different approach to worldview and lifestyle choice, would that be a success? How "staunch" does their statement of belief have to be for "us" to consider them Christian? You appropriately question in one sentence that the Christian community makes the mistake of layering expectations on our musicians that we don't impose on other occupations, then you reinforce those expectations...?
3. As to the three forms of "acceptable" Christian music forms, I'll have to ponder this some more. Intuitively, I m inclined to disagree. Jesus always knew his audience, and tailored his stories and replies for impact. I tend to see music variety in much the same way. For centuries, the masters of the art world were committed Christians, choosing various art forms as a means of sharing their faith. Their subject matter was not limited to three acceptable areas...rainbows, sea scapes and catherals. Yet, their beauty and message resonates of an almighty God even today.
Let us use discernment, as well as good taste, to assist us in our musical choices. For my money, I'd rather listen to Van Morrison earnestly struggle with spiritual and philospohical questions anyday before I'd listen to another breathy, over-produced, sound-of-the-moment Christian artist. But that's just me.
--Marty ( taylorcalm at earthlink dot net ) on 8/13/2004; 11:15:47 PM
I think that's true about 'prophet'-style bands not being able to make it in the secular-identified market, and it brings up an interesting question about the responsibility of a Christian artist. It seems to me a greater sell-out to make this profound, ultimate reality look so banal, so dull and ordinary. Maybe we should be emphasizing the duty of the Christian artist to the art itself, as well as to the truth of the message. We have a responsibility, I think, to the beauty of what's being said. Isn't that exactly the power that art has over more straightforward means of communication? In a sense, that gives a committed Christian artist a more difficult job to do than either a purely 'secular' counterpart or a preachy 'Christian' band. For great examples of this, consider U2 or Over the Rhine.
--Erica ( EricaLea75 at yahoo dot com ) on 8/13/2004; 8:01:17 AM
I would not call the Poet a sellout. I believe all three of these modes are valid. As long as they are not hiding their faith at all costs.
I hear people often say that the 'prophet' role is filled with bands that suck. It is possible that people choose this role because they can't make it on 'secular' terms, which are more competitve. But I also believe, as I stated, that they don't have the same edge.
--Drew Goodmanson ( sandiegochurch at gmail dot com ) on 8/12/2004; 11:36:21 AM
Yes, an interesting look at this much-discussed subject. Thanks for writing it, Drew.
I tend to agree with Erica, and also take issue with the dualistic view of "secular" versus "Christian" music. I've posted a bit more about this on my weblog, bloggedy blog.
--Andrew ( andrewcareaga at mailblocks dot com ) on 8/12/2004; 10:08:29 AM
Interesting viewpoint on a difficult question, but I'm not sure how I feel about classifying the poet as the sellout, and the prophet as the true role of a Christian band. When I fail to respond emotionally to the often simplistic, blasé lyrics of a Christian band who falls into the latter category, it's not because my sin nature is craving a little action. It's because they suck. Didacticism almost always sucks in art, and the reason Christian-identified bands have such a terrible reputation is exactly that.
--Erica ( EricaLea75 at yahoo dot com ) on 8/12/2004; 9:04:16 AM
Print-friendly version of this pageMail this article