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.

[PleaseNoMore]

No more what? Truth? You are wrong and you know it. You used scripture out of context and twisted it in an attempt to validate YOUR religious legalistic beliefs. When called on it you don't like it. Oh ye stiff necked people...

[PleaseNoMore]

Well stated.

[PleaseNoMore]

I certainly agree wit you on the dressing up issue.

[PleaseNoMore]

That really irks me more than the music topic. I can't stand some holier than thou type judging others by the way that they look.

[reaganaut]

At our previous church, the audio guy and his wife (our best friends) would always wear jeans and t-shirts to Church. One of the other couples made the mistake of complaining to me about how they dressed (probably figured it was 'safe' because we dress up). The next sunday I showed up in jeans and a t-shirt.

[Chuzzlewit]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this singer:

http://www.nealmorse.com/

[PleaseNoMore]

Another's dress isn't usually a stumbling block as has been suggested by some here in previous discussions. Those who complain about it are usually just looking for someone to criticize or for something to complain about. Then again, you do have those self righteous types in which nothing is ever good enough for them, including the music. But, hey, it ain't about them anyway.

[PetroniusMaximus]

***Of course. Blame the music. Let's blame video games for kids driving like idiots and getting killed in car wrecks, shall we?***


If music has no ability to influence people, then isn't Christian rock just a total waste of time?


You can't have it both ways.

[PetroniusMaximus]

for balance...

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits."

Matt7

[Chad Fairbanks]

I shouldn't have to explain this to you, and quite frankly, people like you piss me off, and that is far more damaging to my soul than what any music has done to me.

[PetroniusMaximus]

***...I shouldn't have to explain this to you,...***


Please do explain to me how Christian rock can have such a good influence on people but dark, rebellious, evil-themed music is incapable of influencing people.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Ahhh, but that's the point - you mentioned a specific band - Sabbath - a band which I have listened to for at least 2 decades, and received an entirely different message than what you claim it has - all because you claim to have seen some kids who got into the occult because of it - which, seems to me they were already looking for an occultic message because people like you claimed it was there.

the bottom line is that your ignorance of something makes you fear it, and if you fear it, you lash out against it. Whether it's Black Sabbath, or Christian Rock. It scares you because it's completely alien to your worldview...

[MamaB]

Our choir got to sing with Steve Green years ago and it was an awesome experience!

[dixiechick2]

Very good observation and analogy....

[PetroniusMaximus]

***you mentioned a specific band - Sabbath ****

Actually you brought them into the discussion.



***because you claim to have seen some kids who got into the occult because of it***

I know many of them. One old friend of mine recently came out of Satanism after 10+ years. He was deeply into music and played/produced for many years. He used music and a "evangelistic tool".



***which, seems to me they were already looking for an occultic message because people like you claimed it was there.***

Metal is full of occult themes and symbolism.


***the bottom line is that your ignorance of something makes you fear it,***

I know these bands well. I was saved out of garbage like that. You are guilty of making assumptions.


***It scares you because it's completely alien to your worldview...***

It isn't alien to me. I understand both industries fairly well.

[Zechariah11]

Ok, so you folks better not sing the Hallelujah Chorus or Holy Holy Holy. After all, that's vain reps. Dear God the pharisaical manner in which some of you speak is appalling. No wonder the church is where it is at spiritually.

Repetitious??
I think not.

Holy, holy, holy! lord God almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty
God in three persons, blessed trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see;
Only thou art holy, there is none beside thee
Perfect in power, love, and purity
Holy, holy, holy! lord God almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name,
In earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! mercifyl and mighthy
God in three persons, blessed trinity!
God in three persons, blessed trinity!

I think that "Pharisees" like Mayflower and I would love that song (lots of reverence and doctrinal content) -- so much better than the musical mantras.

PS. Check that Bible a second time, especially about "NAKED!!!" David. He would be quite insulted about you saying things like that. Also, those Levitical priests who wore linen ephods were not "NAKED!!" either.

[Terabitten]

tried to pray a circle around my house

What kind of bizarro occult practice is *that*?

[Chad Fairbanks]

Well, I'm glad your friend was saved, but what it appears to boil down to is that you don't think that Christianity and :Rock Music" can mutually co-exist... I think it can.

[bootless]

I'll have to check out Switchfoot - never heard of them. I just got Avalon's greatest hits CD, particularly because of the song "in Not Of." First time I heard that was online - it was part of Clay Aiken's demo CD from a few years ago (he had at least 6 or so Christian songs on it). Just a tremendous song. And it's nice to see that although he has graduation to solo tours and TV and stuff, that the WWJD bracelet sent to him by a fan early in the American Idol contest - to remind him where his soul lies - is always on his wrist, for sure while in the public eye.

I took my son to his Christmas concert, which was a wonderful experience: local choirs, an orchestra - first half consisted of the more "popular' Christmas songs, and the second half contained all spiritual Christmas songs, including "Mary Did You Know?" which was tremendously affecting. "O Holy Night" was interspersed with a child reading from Scripture about Jesus's birth, and with a little musical counterpoint of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Just beautiful. And the show wrapped up with a near-a capella "Good News", with the choir standing behind the curtain in support of the solo voice.

It was a wonderful *Christmas* concert!

[MamaB]

I do not see it that way. After we sing a particular song that really reaches out to touch people, then why is it wrong to stand a give God a standing ovation. When we do our special programs, we feel so much better when we know that we are doing what we were meant to do and that is worship God. Sometimes the choir and orchestra members will applaud, too. Yes, we do that in a Southern Baptist Church.