Rocking For Christ

cbs ^ | 12-7-04

[LouAvul]

The growing clout of America's 100-million evangelical Christians is being heard loud and clear. Just turn on your radio, and you'll notice that a seismic shift in American culture is taking place.

Before, you could tune into different stations, which offered different music and different messages.

But now, as Correspondent Bob Simon reports on 60 Minutes Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT,, evangelical Christian music is flowing into mainstream media -- and changing it. In fact, Christian entertainment now brings in $4 billion a year.

Rappers and rockers are making hits and making money while spreading the gospel to national audiences. Christian groups can be heard on secular radio and seen on "The Tonight Show." Earlier this year, the group Third Day even played at the Republican National Convention.

"The fact that there are Christian themes now emerging in rock and that Christians are in rock is just representative of a spiritual desire or a spiritual hunger in our culture," says Cameron Strang, publisher of Relevant Magazine, a religious publication.

[PetroniusMaximus]

From the article...

"The band POD has been recording Christian music for more than a decade. Their hit song "Alive" brought them mainstream success."

Is POD Christian???

[aimhigh]

Once the liberals get the anti-Christian persecution in full swing, I expect many of these bands will disappear.

[Protagoras]

Make a joyful noise unto the lord.

[Zack Nguyen]

Yes.

[cyclotic]

Let everything that hath electronic amplification Praise The Lord.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Check it, Dog... ; )

[reaganaut]

Yes. So are other cross-over artists on Top 40: Creed, Jars of Clay, Switchfoot.

My concern is that the bands water down the Gospel and it becomes more of a "feel good" message than a salvation message.

"What about wrong, what about right, what about glory, what about Christ...i'm found and I'm heaven-bound" -- Cleansed by Fire, Alice Cooper

[t_skoz]

Rock and Roll PING! email Weegee to get on/off this list (or grab it yourself to PING the rest)

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

I love Switchfoot. Very good band.

I have to say I don't really share your concern. Reaching people for Christ takes on many different forms. There are people who still think an organ and a seventy-two year-old soprano are the only legitimate forms of worship music - but you'll never reach a kid with that stuff.

If young people can get the message that becoming a Christian doesn't instantly turn you into someone very uncool, that's a good thing, imo.

[THE MODERATE]

My concern is that the bands water down the Gospel and it becomes more of a "feel good" message than a salvation message.

I think this comment of yours is on the mark. When so much of this world is based on Rock Music, enjoy going to Church to get away from it, not to hear a Christian version of it.

[proud_2_B_texasgal]

I'll amen that .. and add that it did a WHOLE lot toward leading me into more Christ-centered Christian music as I hungered for "my" kind of music with a Christian message.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

What's wrong with rock music?

[Aeronaut]

As someone who has worked in youth ministry and played in a contemporary band, I am here to tell you you will not reach the youth with traditional Christian hymns. Set the hook first, then reel them in.

[reaganaut]

have to say I don't really share your concern. Reaching people for Christ takes on many different forms. There are people who still think an organ and a seventy-two year-old soprano are the only legitimate forms of worship music - but you'll never reach a kid with that stuff. If young people can get the message that becoming a Christian doesn't instantly turn you into someone very uncool, that's a good thing, imo. I am all for Christian rock and worship and I believe it can be a catalyst to Christ for young people, even secular music by Christians (Alice Cooper considers what is does a ministry of sorts). However, thinking Christ is 'cool' is not going to get someone into Heaven. Going to church does not make one a Christian. It is important that we keep the Gospel message in the music and not water it down. Salvation only comes through belief in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and THAT message doesn't come through enough in Christian and Cross-Over music.

[PleaseNoMore]

At one time the members of POD were voal about their faith. I do think that fame has watered them down a bit. If you want a really great band whose lyrics and lives are just what they say they are check out Pillar. They are awesome with their hard hitting in your face wake up people lyrics.

[AppyPappy]

However, thinking Christ is 'cool' is not going to get someone into Heaven

PREACH!! Remember, the rich young ruler was convinced he was going to Heaven.

[the invisib1e hand]

Switchfoot is one of the striking bands to come out of the late '90's. There was a ton of great Christian music in the '90s.

[Modernman]

To quote Hank Hill:

"Christian Rock isn't making Jesus better, it's making rock n' roll worse."

[PleaseNoMore]

The one group that I am really wild about is Pillar. These guys are really walking their faith. The founder's dad is a soldier in Iraq and he is a former soldier too. They don't water nuthin down. They tell it like it is.