Singer Tim Lambesis Said He Became Atheist But Kept Claiming to Be Christian to Keep Selling Music

Christian Post ^ | 06/17/2014 | Leonardo Blair

[HiTech RedNeck]

The scene of the rededication of the Temple had the ancient equivalent of stereo: two large choirs in antiphony. And the customary instruments, of course.

Joyful “noises” (the original term means shouts).

Such media are often quite fit to express the majesty and grace and power and love of the Lord. That’s why big pipe organs were put in cathedrals.

Now, let us “axe” a blessing of the Lord... (pun intended).

[drumr337]

This is nothing new, My father in the late 50’s and early 60’s , played the piano for one of the biggest gospel quartet's ever. He told me about the drinking and carousing of some of the biggest names in Gospel music. I , being a PK have seen so many ministers fall. Thank God I had such a strong spiritual leader who taught me don't ever look to man for God

[OldPossum]

Some 50 years ago I found myself backstage during a concert in the South by nationally-known quartet singers. I was just taken aback by the vulgarity of the speech of the singers as they spoke to each other.

I would love a hint at who you are referring to. Also, what was the nature of the vulgarity you heard?

At the time I was working for a small-town radio station. It was the practice for incoming live performance shows to arrange for many commercials to run on local radio stations prior to the upcoming events. They were to be paid for once the performers were in town. Unfortunately, it was also the practice for some of these performers to not pay their bills, so people like myself (low on the totem pole at the station) to go out and collect the money when they had arrived and were performing. Hence, my being "backstage," to get the money owed.

So many years have gone by that I do not recall the names of the quartets.

The nature of the vulgarity? The f-word, the c-word, and even G-damn, from men who sang the praises of God! I just found this language from men who sang gospel songs astonishing.

[Flying Circus]

My rule is anything written in the last 60 years or so doesn’t belong in church. I haven’t found a song that breaks it yet. I don’t care if it is gospel, so-called Christian rock, or even what passes for modern hymns, it seems that modern composers and musicians have lost the ability to create sacred music. I sometimes wonder if it isn’t a sign of how accursed our age is.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks SeekAndFind.

Lambesis noted that the majority of "Christian bands" he encountered while he was on tour had taken similar positions – where they were simply working to collect a check. "We toured with more 'Christian bands' who actually aren't Christians than bands that are. In 12 years of touring with As I Lay Dying, I would say maybe one in 10 Christian bands we toured with were actually Christian bands," he said.

[JSDude1]

You mean that most of the music in your church never mentions the Cross, and what He’s done for us?? I am shocked..not, it’s the same in mine. It’s all feeling, and not really doctrinal that reminds me of what God has done.

-JS

[Iscool]

I go to any church I want and I'm Christian. Some play the organ and some play the guitar.

I enjoy hymns, some contemporary stuff and even a little bit of that 'chanting' found in Pentecostal churches...

[fwdude]

So many years have gone by that I do not recall the names of the quartets.

Would "The Imperials" ring a bell?

[OldPossum]

No, I can say with some degree of certainty that the Imperials were not among the groups performing.

[AppyPappy]

He admits to being a hypocrite.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: He admits to being a hypocrite.

Which ironically isn’t hypocritical in this instance....

[onedoug]

Chrsitian? Tattooed-up like that?

Whatever.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Chrsitian? Tattooed-up like that?

Is there a commandment? :)

[GSWarrior]

For what it's worth, here is my unsolicited list of artists I like who happen to be Christian whose lyrics don't always expressly praise God, but who address religion and spirituality in their lyrics. IOW, they are not CCM artists.

Mike Farris
Bill Mallonee & Vigilantes of Love
Mark Heard (RIP)
Buddy and Julie Miller
Steve Taylor (chagall Guevara)
The Vespers
Poema
Jars of Clay
Mary Mary

[onedoug]

Really?

Leviticus 19:28

[dragonblustar]

I don’t care if it is gospel, so-called Christian rock, or even what passes for modern hymns, it seems that modern composers and musicians have lost the ability to create sacred music. I sometimes wonder if it isn’t a sign of how accursed our age is.

I'm thinking the same thing.

[AD from SpringBay]

The lyrics to some of the songs just have no meaning. Most songs are about the person and have little focus on Jesus or God. And the worst part, they drone on and on and on, repeating the same lyrics over and over again like some Tibetan chant.

Yep... there's a combination of a loss of vocabulary, an ingrained self-esteem bubble, and a lack of scriptural understanding and depth among many Christian song-writers today.

[Morpheus2009]

Was this guy a drug junkie or something?