Christian rockers: ministry, vocation, or both? plus poll

[farouk]

Okay so what do people think of being Christian rock musicians, especially with clear, testimony lyrics: is it a ministry? or more broadly a vocation? or maybe a bit of both?

Thoughts, guys?

 

[farouk]

What I was thinking about also, for example, that Dawn Michelle of Fireflight might read from the Bible before performing.

 

[vocalyocal]

while I'm sure those who love rock music think they are doing a great service by taking a music genre and making similiar music with christian lyrics, I think its much like what the medical world does to treat heroin addiction, they give the addict methadone, christian rock is much like methadone in so many ways, as it never gets the addict off the addiction, it merely is a substitute for a period of time, then as always the addict goes back to the real mcoy

real rock music is full of all sorts of satanic messages, some are blatant, and others as subtle as satan in the garden, its hard not to like rock music, since it really has a great beat and rhythem, personally its hard for me to enjoy many of the songs, since the lyrics talk in complete contrast to my faith.

I've seen lots of Christian friends who loved rock music, seem to return like a dog to their old life of vomit, I don't know if there is any conection between the methadone of christian rock music, and how most of these rockers go back to the heroin of real rock n roll and walk away from their faith..........I'm not sure what to think

 

[farouk]

while I'm sure those who love rock music think they are doing a great service by taking a music genre and making similiar music with christian lyrics, I think its much like what the medical world does to treat heroin addiction, they give the addict methadone, christian rock is much like methadone in so many ways, as it never gets the addict off the addiction, it merely is a substitute for a period of time, then as always the addict goes back to the real mcoy

real rock music is full of all sorts of satanic messages, some are blatant, and others as subtle as satan in the garden, its hard not to like rock music, since it really has a great beat and rhythem, personally its hard for me to enjoy many of the songs, since the lyrics talk in complete contrast to my faith.

I've seen lots of Christian friends who loved rock music, seem to return like a dog to their old life of vomit, I don't know if there is any conection between the methadone of christian rock music, and how most of these rockers go back to the heroin of real rock n roll and walk away from their faith..........I'm not sure what to think

vocalyocal:

Have you considered the many, clear Christian lyrics that these songs have? and do you think they communicate valid testimony?

And do you think that essentially subjective music style governs or overrides the blessing that clear lyrics can communicate? and is Christian testimony in music really culture-bound to the past?

(Lots of questions there, but your controversial post raises many issues.)

Blessings.

 

[evenifigoalone]

while I'm sure those who love rock music think they are doing a great service by taking a music genre and making similiar music with christian lyrics, I think its much like what the medical world does to treat heroin addiction, they give the addict methadone, christian rock is much like methadone in so many ways, as it never gets the addict off the addiction, it merely is a substitute for a period of time, then as always the addict goes back to the real mcoy

real rock music is full of all sorts of satanic messages, some are blatant, and others as subtle as satan in the garden, its hard not to like rock music, since it really has a great beat and rhythem, personally its hard for me to enjoy many of the songs, since the lyrics talk in complete contrast to my faith.

I've seen lots of Christian friends who loved rock music, seem to return like a dog to their old life of vomit, I don't know if there is any conection between the methadone of christian rock music, and how most of these rockers go back to the heroin of real rock n roll and walk away from their faith..........I'm not sure what to think

I respect your opinion, but since the very same style of music is used (or can be used) in Christian rock as in secular rock, I don't get your analogy.
Even in the realm of secular music, it's not hard to avoid songs with lyrics that contrast to your faith.

It'd seem to me that it's the lyrics that are the issue. If a person is desiring sin, they want lyrics that glorify sin, or ones that don't make them feel guilty. I think the music would have little if anything to do with it. Or do you believe that rock music is inherently sinful?

 

[vocalyocal]

personally I think most of the problem is in the lyrics, but the subtle way real rock works over time is almost unnoticable, its like a drip IV, not so much that one would even notice the change being done

 

[vocalyocal]

I'm a firm believer in the testimony given by a guy named Johnny Todd, he's more than likely dead now, but people keep posting his story on u-tube

 

[farouk]

personally I think most of the problem is in the lyrics, but the subtle way real rock works over time is almost unnoticable, its like a drip IV, not so much that one would even notice the change being done

vocalyocal:

Some of the lyrics of various bands are a clear call to faith.

So you are basing your extremely strong language (referring to the devil, etc) in your previous post, on subjective style aspects which you now say are hardly noticeable anyway?

Not sure I follow.

The fact is, surely, that many young people can be confronted by Christian rock lyrics who might not otherwise be. Added to the fact that many Christian rock musicians want to use their talents and music to honor the Lord. Personally it's moving to hear Fireflight lead singer Dawn Michelle read from her Bible before she sings.

 

[reba]

You guys and YOUR rock music Real rock and roll died with Elvis!

 

[farouk]

You guys and YOUR rock music Real rock and roll died with Elvis!

So what do you really think about the discussion in this thread?

Blessings.

 

[reba]

Really I saw it getting a bit heavy ( PUN ) and hoped to make ya al smile .

 

[farouk]

I respect your opinion, but since the very same style of music is used (or can be used) in Christian rock as in secular rock, I don't get your analogy.
Even in the realm of secular music, it's not hard to avoid songs with lyrics that contrast to your faith.

It'd seem to me that it's the lyrics that are the issue. If a person is desiring sin, they want lyrics that glorify sin, or ones that don't make them feel guilty. I think the music would have little if anything to do with it. Or do you believe that rock music is inherently sinful?

questdriven:

I agree that the lyrics are the issue.

Style and content are distinct.

Classical music concerts are often performed by men in tuxedos or women in off the shoulder dresses; while rock concerts may typically involve musicians in bluejeans, or leathers, and maybe with tattoos, etc. These are simply style matters as lyrics, good or bad, are communicated, I guess.

In my view, it's the lyrics that count, right?

Blessings.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I grew up in a family that believe rock music to be inherently wrong, or at least considered this a real possibility, and in any case was against rock music, Christian or secular. So I used to believe this myself. I don't anymore. IMO, there's no evidence for it, and the Bible is silent on the issue of music.

 

[reba]

When I read the scriptures I see the use of music that was popular in that time frame....

 

[Obadiah]

...real rock music is full of all sorts of satanic messages, some are blatant, and others as subtle as satan in the garden, its hard not to like rock music, since it really has a great beat and rhythem, personally its hard for me to enjoy many of the songs, since the lyrics talk in complete contrast to my faith...

Do you realize that many people had this very same attitude toward music that today is considered traditional hymns when they were new. The also had the same attitude toward many of the instruments used in traditional churches today, such as the organ and piano. I think your position on this is just as unfounded as those of the contemporaries of the writers of what are now our traditional hymns. You may not personally prefer this style of music, but that is no justification to condemn it for all.

Besides, can you name even one Christian rock song that has satanic messages in the lyrics?

 

[farouk]

I grew up in a family that believe rock music to be inherently wrong, or at least considered this a real possibility, and in any case was against rock music, Christian or secular. So I used to believe this myself. I don't anymore. IMO, there's no evidence for it, and the Bible is silent on the issue of music.

questdriven:

Do you think that the origin of such views may lie in people, influenced by those who make sweeping denunciations, being very uninformed and thus prejudiced against Christian rock?

Once people become more informed about the clear lyrics used in testimony to many people by Christian rock musicians, it's probably harder to be hostile, I guess.

For example, a person listening for the first time to Red's Release the Panic track, might not appreciate it as much unless s/he also takes the time to listen to the lyrics of Glass House, and its triumphant, positive call to faith. But taken together, they really complement one another, and so I think that people can usefully make the effort to understand how the throaty roar and elemental rhythms of, e.g. Release the Panic fit into an overall scheme of a Christian rock album (if this makes sense?)

It's as much an exercise in musical appreciation as is listening to a man in a tuxedo or a woman in an off the shoulder dress, performing at a concert. But it's certainly worthwhile, and, like you said, it's the lyrics that count.

Blessings.

 

[evenifigoalone]

questdriven:

Do you think that the origin of such views may lie in people, influenced by those who make sweeping denunciations, being very uninformed and thus prejudiced against Christian rock?

Once people become more informed about the clear lyrics used in testimony to many people by Christian rock musicians, it's probably harder to be hostile, I guess.

For example, a person listening for the first time to Red's Release the Panic track, might not appreciate it as much unless s/he also takes the time to listen to the lyrics of Glass House, and its triumphant, positive call to faith. But taken together, they really complement one another, and so I think that people can usefully make the effort to understand how the throaty roar and elemental rhythms of, e.g. Release the Panic fit into an overall scheme of a Christian rock album (if this makes sense?)

It's as much an exercise in musical appreciation as is listening to a man in a tuxedo or a woman in an off the shoulder dress, performing at a concert. But it's certainly worthwhile, and, like you said, it's the lyrics that count.

Blessings.

I have no idea. People will always have their own ideas, theories, etc. That's fine.
When having a conversation with my dad about Christian rock, he agreed with me on a lot of points, but said something to the effect that he prefers to be on the safe side. He said that when He got to heaven, he might find out that he was wrong, but God can't fault him for doing his best to obey. Can't argue with that logic.

 

[farouk]

I have no idea. People will always have their own ideas, theories, etc. That's fine.
When having a conversation with my dad about Christian rock, he agreed with me on a lot of points, but said something to the effect that he prefers to be on the safe side. He said that when He got to heaven, he might find out that he was wrong, but God can't fault him for doing his best to obey. Can't argue with that logic.

questdriven:

Well, I see.

I guess the very ethos of a Christian rock musician would militate against the idea of 'playing safe'. The genre lends itself to bold and confident expression of music, and when combined with clear, Christian lyrics, I guess it's more of a question of boldly taking opportunities for testimony rather than playing safe, if you see what I mean?

Blessings.

 

[evenifigoalone]

questdriven:

Well, I see.

I guess the very ethos of a Christian rock musician would militate against the idea of 'playing safe'. The genre lends itself to bold and confident expression of music, and when combined with clear, Christian lyrics, I guess it's more of a question of boldly taking opportunities for testimony rather than playing safe, if you see what I mean?

Blessings.

What I meant was, if people think something is wrong or should be avoided, I can't fault them for trying to be safe, so long as they are not trying to coerce others into agreeing with them. (Intentionally spreading misinformation or trying make someone feel guilty about it, I'd consider coercing.)
I myself love Christian rock, and I love going to Christian rock concerts.

 

[farouk]

What I meant was, if people think something is wrong or should be avoided, I can't fault them for trying to be safe, so long as they are not trying to coerce others into agreeing with them. (Intentionally spreading misinformation or trying make someone feel guilty about it, I'd consider coercing.)

questdriven:

I think you are very wise to respect other people's consciences. The freedom to appreciate Christian rock music that comes from passages such as Romans 14 also points us to respect people with different, including opposing views.

I myself love Christian rock, and I love going to Christian rock concerts.

Well, from what I've read from you on different threads, in some ways it has kind of helped you discover yourself, so to speak, and to some extent been one of the means to define who you are as a Christian woman. (If I'm not mistaken?)

Blessings.