Is Christian Rock, really Christ-like?

GreenEyedLady · Jul 16, 2004

Oh ya baby, I AM GOING THERE!!!!!:notme:

I just wanted everyone's view on this.
What kinda music do you listen to and do you think that Christian Rock, is Christ-like?
I think we had a thread like this before, but I could not find it.
Just let it out. And lets pick up the pieces at the end and hug!
GEL

Enigma'07 · Jul 16, 2004

I would think that it all depends on the lyrics. God just wants us to worship Him with all we are, I don't think He's real particular.

Mary_Magdalene · Jul 16, 2004

it does depend on the lyrics. i can listen to DC Talk or NewsBoys and be praising Him. I do not understand some of the "acid Christian rock" stuff i have heard - it sounds so angry....I dont know how anger can glorify God.

seebs · Jul 16, 2004

Music, poetry, and other art tend to glorify God even when they don't mean to; simply that we can create, that there can be beauty in what we do... These glorify God.

I have found that there is a lot to be gained by listening to and considering the message of music that many people would write off casually as opposed to Christianity. There is good to be found in it. My signature quote is arguably a piece of heavy metal, but to me, it's a prayer.

BT · Jul 17, 2004

GreenEyedLady said:
Oh ya baby, I AM GOING THERE!!!!!:notme:

I just wanted everyone's view on this.
What kinda music do you listen to and do you think that Christian Rock, is Christ-like?
I think we had a thread like this before, but I could not find it.
Just let it out. And lets pick up the pieces at the end and hug!
GEL

LOL! Ok I'm up for it.

Christian Rock is among the worst things to ever happen to Christianity. I do not think it is Christ-like in the least, and I don't think it matters what the lyrics are (though some are FAR better than others). It leads to confusion, false doctrine, and milk-shake Christianity.

And let the fireworks begin!

Sword-In-Hand · Jul 17, 2004

BT said:
LOL! Ok I'm up for it.

Christian Rock is among the worst things to ever happen to Christianity. I do not think it is Christ-like in the least, and I don't think it matters what the lyrics are (though some are FAR better than others). It leads to confusion, false doctrine, and milk-shake Christianity.

And let the fireworks begin!

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. The worst thing that happened to Christianity was Satan or hypocritical Christians. Both are real close in my opinion. It's ok if a person doesn't like the music, that deals with taste. I can't stand Southern Gospel music, but the words are great. So basically if it's not a persons style of music, don't listen to it.

I love Christian Rock because it speaks to a generation that isn't going to listen to these old hymns, gospel and "old timer" music. Out of all the Christian rock bands I've listened to, I can't recall any that lead to confusion or make me believe their doctrine is false. None of us can judge the hearts of the writers of this music. If the songs in their hearts are to glorify God, then who are we to say they can't sing it?

People want to get tore up because they hear a Christian artist on the mainstream radio. Last time I read the Bible we were to take the message of Christ to the lost world. I pray for Christian rock bands to increase and I pray that more bands become mainstream so some people of this generation will actually have a chance to hear decent songs, lyric wise.

I think Christian rock is Christ-like if the band singing it is Christ like. David said in the Psalms to play skillfully and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Christian rock encompasses both of those requirements and I for one am glad there is a such thing.

BT · Jul 17, 2004

Sword-In-Hand said:
I'm sorry but I have to disagree. The worst thing that happened to Christianity was Satan or hypocritical Christians. Both are real close in my opinion. It's ok if a person doesn't like the music, that deals with taste. I can't stand Southern Gospel music, but the words are great. So basically if it's not a persons style of music, don't listen to it.

I love Christian Rock because it speaks to a generation that isn't going to listen to these old hymns, gospel and "old timer" music. Out of all the Christian rock bands I've listened to, I can't recall any that lead to confusion or make me believe their doctrine is false. None of us can judge the hearts of the writers of this music. If the songs in their hearts are to glorify God, then who are we to say they can't sing it?

People want to get tore up because they hear a Christian artist on the mainstream radio. Last time I read the Bible we were to take the message of Christ to the lost world. I pray for Christian rock bands to increase and I pray that more bands become mainstream so some people of this generation will actually have a chance to hear decent songs, lyric wise.

I think Christian rock is Christ-like if the band singing it is Christ like. David said in the Psalms to play skillfully and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Christian rock encompasses both of those requirements and I for one am glad there is a such thing.

Well that didn't take long. LOL

Sword-In-Hand · Jul 17, 2004

Well the reason for that semi rant is because I am in a Christian rock band and I think I'm far from being the worst thing that happened to Christianity. To me that was just an unintelligent remark.

seebs · Jul 17, 2004

I am very much unfond of the "bands which are precisely like a popular secular band, but sing only about religion" idea. Bands which are Christian, and deal with Christian themes, I don't object to.

I do think that many of these bands would do better to write religious songs about the world, not just songs about religion.

OracleX · Jul 17, 2004

Oh this is a good one! Great topic GEL. Been waiting for this topic to come up.

Lets all have our say but don't forget the rules.
:rules:

bleechers · Jul 17, 2004

It leads to confusion, false doctrine, and milk-shake Christianity

So do most "Pastors" but we don't do away with them!

CCM is filled with confusion, false doctrine and milk-shake Christianity. I have to agree wholeheartedly there (since I debate its adherents all the time).

So, let me agree with this statement on its face because the whole church is headed in this direction. Books, programs, music, seminaries have moved away from the commands of scriptures and the end result is what BT states above.

But let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater. It's not the medium, it's the message. CCM is currently weak, loaded with questionable doctrine, and built upon the false pillars of (a) "positive messages" are better than "in your face" lyrics and (b) don't get hung up on doctrine, it's all about love. This is the problem, not the music.

You wanna see this... go to the Contemporary Music forum. I am known there as the stalwart of the PREACH THE GOSPEL, DEFEND THE FAITH, CORRECT FALSE DOCTRINE wing of CCM (we're a lonely group).

"Christian" books, DVDs, Bible-studies and radio ministries are also full of tripe, but we don't throw out all books, DVDs, etc.

I am a CCM musician. I teach "learn to discern". Check out the Carman thread if you wanna see what's missing in CCM (and the church). What's missing is discernment. Nobody cares that they guy promotes false doctrine... but I do.

I would hope that my music would never lead anyone to conclude that it is "weak". If it is, I WELCOME correction! I even got blasted in the Poetry forum for posting the lyrics to my song "Sola Scriptura".

I used to be on the "all rock music is bad" team until I was challenged to prove it from the scripture... which I couldn't... I have made more inroads into the CCM world by focusing on the doctrinal content of the songs and the statements of CCM musicians and then comparing them to scripture. All other criticisms such as "the back-beat affects the alpha waves in the brain" etc. are not built on the scripture, but on the theories of men and on Freudian psychanalysis.

If there is a scriptural argument aginst the music, I'd be willing to consider it.

OracleX · Jul 17, 2004

BT said:
LOL! Ok I'm up for it.

Christian Rock is among the worst things to ever happen to Christianity. I do not think it is Christ-like in the least, and I don't think it matters what the lyrics are (though some are FAR better than others). It leads to confusion, false doctrine, and milk-shake Christianity.

And let the fireworks begin!

Love ya bro but I want to see some backing in this.

So what exactly makes it the worst thing ever?

Is it the drums? Electric instruments? Large crowds? Lyrics? Volume?

I would agree that some are over the edge and serve no purpose or even hurt the cause. But I can't accept the blanket approach that all is evil.

OracleX · Jul 17, 2004

I forgot to put this in my other post... I think what this really comes down to is preferance and what individuals like. Of course there are extemes to everything, but some people like classical, some like country, some like rock, some like choruses, some like hymns, some like polka.

eldermike · Jul 17, 2004

To me it depends on the motive. This goes for pastors and musicians. If the motive is power to self then it's not worship. If a pastor preaches to hear "you rock"! or the musician plays to hear same, then it's not worship.

The idea that rock music should be set apart from other genres is missing the point. Rock rhythm is useful in music.

I use it often, as I play bass in two rock style Christian bands, I also do some studio work for other bands here and there. I say this only because my experiences are what I use to make decisions on this issue.It's been a big part of my life and the biggest part of my service to our Lord. Why not use scripture to decide this? Because rock music is not mentioned in scripture. So we are left with our ability to observe, to think and to come to reasonable conclusions.

All of the Christian musicians that I have worked with were/are serious worshipers, they are very gifted and more humble than others with different but equal gifts. I have seen more pastors brag about abilities than musicians.

Musicians are always examining this issue, constantly talking about this. It's before every practice, every performance and every studio session, we stop, we pray and we ask the Holy Spirit to speak through the gifts that God has given us. We are aware that we are standing in front of a mix of God's people and those with stones. We pray hard.

I have a theory: God is reaching people..........(finish my theory.)

I left a small church over this issue. I was worship leader and tension was unbearable with the pastor. He used the pulpit to condemn what God was using to bring young people into the house. God is bigger than we know, God can use rock music to reach His lost lambs. In fact He is doing just that.

Christian style rock music is now a legitimate art form. It's easy now to get a gig in a local coffee house, a restaurant or a book store. People are coming to Christ in your town on Friday and sat night because God has His musicians all over the place. Sunday morning is not the time to condemn what God did sat night through the submitted lives of His gifted musicians. Think about it.

Mike

Mary_Magdalene · Jul 17, 2004

i agree Mike.

But, i dont agree with secular songs being performed at church. i think music depends on the thoughts of the one who is writing the song. Our church sang James Taylor's "Youve Got A Friend". now, i know from my unsaved days that James Taylor didnt write that song to tell the world about God. He was probably smoking a joint while writing it-this song has NOTHING to do with God. Just because the words can be used by a Christian to think about God doesnt mean its a Christian song. The underlying theme is still there-it was not written for God and therefore should be avoided.

I guess i am one of those Christians that think followers of Christ should not listen to secular music at all.

and yes, there are pastors, books, etc. that are not in line with the gospel. We should get rid of them too.

OracleX · Jul 17, 2004

eldermike said:
To me it depends on the motive. This goes for pastors and musicians. If the motive is power to self then it's not worship. If a pastor preaches to hear "you rock"! or the musician plays to hear same, then it's not worship.

The idea that rock music should be set apart from other genres is missing the point. Rock rhythm is useful in music.

I use it often, as I play bass in two rock style Christian bands, I also do some studio work for other bands here and there. I say this only because my experiences are what I use to make decisions on this issue.It's been a big part of my life and the biggest part of my service to our Lord. Why not use scripture to decide this? Because rock music is not mentioned in scripture. So we are left with our ability to observe, to think and to come to reasonable conclusions.

All of the Christian musicians that I have worked with were/are serious worshipers, they are very gifted and more humble than others with different but equal gifts. I have seen more pastors brag about abilities than musicians.

Musicians are always examining this issue, constantly talking about this. It's before every practice, every performance and every studio session, we stop, we pray and we ask the Holy Spirit to speak through the gifts that God has given us. We are aware that we are standing in front of a mix of God's people and those with stones. We pray hard.

I have a theory: God is reaching people..........(finish my theory.)

I left a small church over this issue. I was worship leader and tension was unbearable with the pastor. He used the pulpit to condemn what God was using to bring young people into the house. God is bigger than we know, God can use rock music to reach His lost lambs. In fact He is doing just that.

Christian style rock music is now a legitimate art form. It's easy now to get a gig in a local coffee house, a restaurant or a book store. People are coming to Christ in your town on Friday and sat night because God has His musicians all over the place. Sunday morning is not the time to condemn what God did sat night through the submitted lives of His gifted musicians. Think about it.

Mike

I agree and you have made me thing about it.

OracleX · Jul 17, 2004

Godschosengirl said:
i agree Mike.

But, i dont agree with secular songs being performed at church. i think music depends on the thoughts of the one who is writing the song. Our church sang James Taylor's "Youve Got A Friend". now, i know from my unsaved days that James Taylor didnt write that song to tell the world about God. He was probably smoking a joint while writing it-this song has NOTHING to do with God. Just because the words can be used by a Christian to think about God doesnt mean its a Christian song. The underlying theme is still there-it was not written for God and therefore should be avoided.

I guess i am one of those Christians that think followers of Christ should not listen to secular music at all.

and yes, there are pastors, books, etc. that are not in line with the gospel. We should get rid of them too.

I agree with you in that we should not use secular things out of contect. I have seen the same things with love songs used in the same way. The love song was not written about God and the videos are clear about that but some like to turn around and try and put God in it.

We can not put God in to any box. We must put ourself and what we do in to God and if what we are doing is in opposition to Him and we are truly seeking Him, then He will show what doesn't fit.

seebs · Jul 17, 2004

The question of which music is "secular" is non-trivial. Is music secular because the writer is secular? Because the topic is secular? There have been hymns written by non-believers - professional musicians working for money. There have been pieces written by devout believers, which have no overt religious context.

Is the Little G Minor Fugue, by Bach, a piece of secular music? There is more of God in it than there is in many of the hymns I once heard in church.

Is Jethro Tull's Hymn 43 secular? How would you even begin to answer that question?

OracleX · Jul 17, 2004

Seebs you never cease to amaze me with comments ... excellent points.

sunshinejennii · Jul 17, 2004

I see nothing wrong with christian rock. It REALLY annoys me that people think rock in general is wors than other secular genres......have you not heard some of that RnB and Pop and stuff!!!

If the lyrics are not harmful and the expression behind the singing appropriate how can it it not be christ-like? I think Christ would have been at the rock gigs and festivals if he walked the earth now. Several of my friends have really started to take in interest in my faith after hearing my music. To be honest a lot of christian music really doesnt appeal to me musically and yea i will listen to it but im into heavier sounding music. For a lot of my friends the only christian music they've heard is really corny, musically pathetic tripe! So to hear a good loud bass line and what they consider to be good music and then realise the lyrics are praising god is a FANTASTIC witness.

Is Christian Rock, really Christ-like?

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