I never thought I would ever hear myself say this about Christian music - but here it goes: "At some point we have to draw the line."
What prompted me to say this was a viewing of the video for "Flush" - written by the born-again guitarist from Korn. I saw it for the first time about a year ago and as a Christian I was appalled that such a video could be released by someone who claims to be a Christian.
To his credit, Welch has written an acurate portrayal of how damaging drug abuse can be in "Flush," and from my understanding it is mostly based on personal experience. And anyone who has ever listened to his personal testimony can't help but be touched at how this man came to know Jesus. It is literally a story of a miraculous healing from sin and drug abuse.
What concerns me however is the video for Flush. In it is depicted two scantilly clad women who engage in very sugestive/provocative behavior with each other. Welch says that the women are supposed to depict the effects that hard drugs can have on you - and what they do to you. I can certainly understand the use of imagery to get a point across - but as Christians is it right to use sinful/pornographic images to get a point across?
I would have to say unequivically "no." What is of most concern is that the video seems to promote a sinful sexual lifestyle - when scripture makes it clear that this is one lifestyle that we have been called out of. It just doesn't make much sense to me.
A lot of christian retailers have pulled Welch's CD from their stands because of the video - and they in turn get accused of being judgemental. But come on - they see the conflict with scripture and are being faithful to it is all. It is actually more judgemental of Welch's supporters to criticize these retailers for being faithful to scripture as far as I'm concerned.
Something is amiss here with how Welch is portraying his faith. I don't deny his genuine conversion but I do think he is an artist that should be approached with caution by those of us who are into the Christian Metal scene.
What prompted me to say this was a viewing of the video for "Flush" - written by the born-again guitarist from Korn. I saw it for the first time about a year ago and as a Christian I was appalled that such a video could be released by someone who claims to be a Christian.
To his credit, Welch has written an acurate portrayal of how damaging drug abuse can be in "Flush," and from my understanding it is mostly based on personal experience. And anyone who has ever listened to his personal testimony can't help but be touched at how this man came to know Jesus. It is literally a story of a miraculous healing from sin and drug abuse.
What concerns me however is the video for Flush. In it is depicted two scantilly clad women who engage in very sugestive/provocative behavior with each other. Welch says that the women are supposed to depict the effects that hard drugs can have on you - and what they do to you. I can certainly understand the use of imagery to get a point across - but as Christians is it right to use sinful/pornographic images to get a point across?
I would have to say unequivically "no." What is of most concern is that the video seems to promote a sinful sexual lifestyle - when scripture makes it clear that this is one lifestyle that we have been called out of. It just doesn't make much sense to me.
A lot of christian retailers have pulled Welch's CD from their stands because of the video - and they in turn get accused of being judgemental. But come on - they see the conflict with scripture and are being faithful to it is all. It is actually more judgemental of Welch's supporters to criticize these retailers for being faithful to scripture as far as I'm concerned.
Something is amiss here with how Welch is portraying his faith. I don't deny his genuine conversion but I do think he is an artist that should be approached with caution by those of us who are into the Christian Metal scene.
