Several Newbie Questions

[s1mp13m4n]

Hello everyone. I have several questions I can not get answers to. The question get avoided or the person gets defensive, or makes excuses. I will use the topic of movies and music as examples. Here are my questions:

Why does christian music copy secular music? A secular artist or style is hot, so christians copy it, why?
What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? Why are christians so fearful of evil if God has already won the war?
Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc.
It seems to be a pattern. If the world comes up with a book series, then christians have to copy it and make a "safe" option.
I am not sure if I am allowed to post links. Here are examples in YouTube: Seth Andrews: Copycats, Seth Andrews: The Satanic Panic.
I am not trying to be mean, I am genuinely curious as it will help me learn and understand. Thank you.

 

[CoreyD]

Hello everyone. I have several questions I can not get answers to. The question get avoided or the person gets defensive, or makes excuses. I will use the topic of movies and music as examples. Here are my questions:

Why does christian music copy secular music? A secular artist or style is hot, so christians copy it, why?
What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? Why are christians so fearful of evil if God has already won the war?
Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc.
It seems to be a pattern. If the world comes up with a book series, then christians have to copy it and make a "safe" option.
I am not sure if I am allowed to post links. Here are examples in YouTube: Seth Andrews: Copycats, Seth Andrews: The Satanic Panic.
I am not trying to be mean, I am genuinely curious as it will help me learn and understand. Thank you.

Hello there.
Nice to have you, and hear you.
Thanks for asking the questions.

I hope I can answer your question satisfactorily.
Why does christian music copy secular music?
I suppose you mean like Rock, Soca, Reggae, Dub, disco, etc.
That is a good question, and I think one that should get persons thinking on if these songs honor God, or if they really cater to the world.

The simple answer to this question which comes from both Christians and non-Christians, is that they are trying to "fit in" with the world, or be acceptable - win the favor of the world. James 4:4

What I have found, is that persons who are of the world, but become "rice Christians" for example, by just saying they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, as their savior, produce songs that fit their genre. As entertainers, they try to gain crowds, and so, they will not use music that people may run from, because they contain certain truths, or are "churchy"?

What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music?
I am not familiar with this, and perhaps do not know what you mean. So I cannot answer this for you. Sorry.

Why are christian films so bad?
I cannot answer this for you either, since I don't watch what most watch.
Also, I think you will have a problem with this, since it may be a matter of opinion.

Sorry I could not help with most of the questions, but I hope I did help a little, at least.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

Hello there.
Nice to have you, and hear you.
Thanks for asking the questions.

I hope I can answer your question satisfactorily.
Why does christian music copy secular music?
I suppose you mean like Rock, Soca, Reggae, Dub, disco, etc.
That is a good question, and I think one that should get persons thinking on if these songs honor God, or if they really cater to the world.

The simple answer to this question which comes from both Christians and non-Christians, is that they are trying to "fit in" with the world, or be acceptable - win the favor of the world. James 4:4

What I have found, is that persons who are of the world, but become "rice Christians" for example, by just saying they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, as their savior, produce songs that fit their genre. As entertainers, they try to gain crowds, and so, they will not use music that people may run from, because they contain certain truths, or are "churchy"?

What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music?
I am not familiar with this, and perhaps do not know what you mean. So I cannot answer this for you. Sorry.

Why are christian films so bad?
I cannot answer this for you either, since I don't watch what most watch.
Also, I think you will have a problem with this, since it may be a matter of opinion.

Sorry I could not help with most of the questions, but I hope I did help a little, at least.

Ok, "Satanic Panic" started in the 60s and grew. The idea is that rock music was evil. It was said that there were hidden messages in the music. Hidden evil messages. Of course that has been debunked as time goes on. I do not understand why christians are so afraid of things. If God is all powerful, everywhere at once, my protected, healer, defender, etc....then why are christians afraid of gays, democrats, etc? According to the Bible, we already won, so why all the fear? You are correct about my christian film issues. They are often rather cheesy. Thank you for the reply.

 

[Joseph G]

Ok, "Satanic Panic" started in the 60s and grew. The idea is that rock music was evil. It was said that there were hidden messages in the music. Hidden evil messages. Of course that has been debunked as time goes on. I do not understand why christians are so afraid of things. If God is all powerful, everywhere at once, my protected, healer, defender, etc....then why are christians afraid of gays, democrats, etc? According to the Bible, we already won, so why all the fear? You are correct about my christian film issues. They are often rather cheesy. Thank you for the reply.

Howdy. I'd like to address just one of your questions and observations.

Rock music. Or any genre for that matter.

Who needs hidden messages when you got these lyrics?

"Imagine there's no Heaven, it's easy if you try. No hell below us, above us only sky". - John Lennon

"Goin' down
Party time
My friends are gonna be there too
I'm on the highway to hell." - AC/DC

"And they say there's a heaven for those who will wait
Some say it's better, but I say it ain't
I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints
The sinners are much more fun." - Billy Joel

"He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places
He converteth me to lamb cutlets
For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger
When cometh the day we lowly ones
Through quiet reflection, and great dedication
Master the art of karate
Lo, we shall rise up
And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water." - Pink Floyd

"I forget how the West was won
I forget if this was ever fun
I just learned these people only raise you to cage you
Sarahs and Hannahs in their Sunday best
Clutching their pearls, sighing "What a mess"
I just learned these people try and save you
... cause they hate you." - Taylor Swift

Who fears who? Who has declared war on who? Who are the targets Christians are interceding for? The whole world, including our children.

All music is preaching. All music worships SOMEone - the devil, self, or the true God. It doesn't have to be overtly satanic to be satanically inspired, either. Any lyrics that challenge or promotes what God calls sin is evil:

Isaiah 5:20 KJV

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Though you may not be aware of it, Christians do not hate the purveyors of evil, though we do speak out against their doctrines. They are bent on destroying themselves and taking their fans with them. What appears to be only benign entertainment is in fact diversion away from the only One Who can save and give life any meaning at all - here and eternally.

Christians also pray for unbelievers and find every way possible to witness to them this important fact: we are not more righteous than them, only saved and made righteous by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. And therefore seek to uphold what He says is true merely out of gratitude.

I'll just add, why do we hate the sin and love the sinner? Why do we pray for them, ourselves, and everybody else? Because we know where the real battle is, and that that battle belongs to the Lord:

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

There is going to be an ultimate victory one day. We all have one lifetime here, long or short, to choose sides. Those who live by faith carry His proof within - our own hearts of flesh (His heart) replacing our hearts of stone.

ALL are invited to join us!

Revelation 3:20 KJV

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

God bless!

biblegateway.com

 

[s1mp13m4n]

Howdy. I'd like to address just one of your questions and observations.

Rock music. Or any genre for that matter.

Who needs hidden messages when you got these lyrics?

"Imagine there's no Heaven, it's easy if you try. No hell below us, above us only sky". - John Lennon

"Goin' down
Party time
My friends are gonna be there too
I'm on the highway to hell." - AC/DC

"And they say there's a heaven for those who will wait
Some say it's better, but I say it ain't
I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints
The sinners are much more fun." - Billy Joel

"He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places
He converteth me to lamb cutlets
For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger
When cometh the day we lowly ones
Through quiet reflection, and great dedication
Master the art of karate
Lo, we shall rise up
And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water." - Pink Floyd

"I forget how the West was won
I forget if this was ever fun
I just learned these people only raise you to cage you
Sarahs and Hannahs in their Sunday best
Clutching their pearls, sighing "What a mess"
I just learned these people try and save you
... cause they hate you." - Taylor Swift

Who fears who? Who has declared war on who? Who are the targets Christians are interceding for? The whole world, including our children.

All music is preaching. All music worships SOMEone - the devil, self, or the true God. It doesn't have to be overtly satanic to be satanically inspired, either. Any lyrics that challenge or promotes what God calls sin is evil:

Isaiah 5:20 KJV

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Though you may not be aware of it, Christians do not hate the purveyors of evil, though we do speak out against their doctrines. They are bent on destroying themselves and taking their fans with them. What appears to be only benign entertainment is in fact diversion away from the only One Who can save and give life any meaning at all - here and eternally.

Christians also pray for unbelievers and find every way possible to witness to them this important fact: we are not more righteous than them, only saved and made righteous by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. And therefore seek to uphold what He says is true merely out of gratitude.

I'll just add, why do we hate the sin and love the sinner? Why do we pray for them, ourselves, and everybody else? Because we know where the real battle is, and that that battle belongs to the Lord:

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

There is going to be an ultimate victory one day. We all have one lifetime here, long or short, to choose sides. Those who live by faith carry His proof within - our own hearts of flesh (His heart) replacing our hearts of stone.

ALL are invited to join us!

Revelation 3:20 KJV

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

God bless!

biblegateway.com

I will have to call you on the AC/DC reference. That song is about a reference to traveling. One reference about a steep road in Australia and the other about a long straight boring road in the US. Christians have gotten this wrong for years. Same with the name of the band. It refers to high voltage. On the album Highway To Hell, the horns seen on Bon Scotts head were superimposed and added by the record label as marketing, to stir the pot, to create controversy. Marketing to sell albums. There is no christian band I know of that can play a guitar like Angus Young or Malcom Young. Behind the Meaning of "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC

 

[Joseph G]

I will have to call you on the AC/DC reference. That song is about a reference to traveling. One reference about a steep road in Australia and the other about a long straight boring road in the US. Christians have gotten this wrong for years. Same with the name of the band. It refers to high voltage. On the album Highway To Hell, the horns seen on Bon Scotts head were superimposed and added by the record label as marketing, to stir the pot, to create controversy. Marketing to sell albums. There is no christian band I know of that can play a guitar like Angus Young or Malcom Young. Behind the Meaning of "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC

We'll have to agree to disagree - the meaning couldn't be any clearer. And if you consider the wider context of AC/DC's work you'd recognize a running theme. You know... like "Hell ain't no bad place to be", "Problem Child", "Dirty deeds done dirt cheap", and my absolute favorite back in the day, "Let There Be Rock".

Speaking of Bon Scott and who was his influence? Let him demonstrate himself, by Who he chooses to mock:

[Edit: Removed vid. Point made.]

I sincerely hope that Bon accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior before he choked to death on his own vomit. I really do. But for the grace of God, I should have gone out as a drunken mess too, many times.

Praise Jesus!

biblegateway.com

 

[dzheremi]

Why does christian music copy secular music? A secular artist or style is hot, so christians copy it, why?

I think this phenomenon of making "Christian" versions of secular popular media is most pronounced in Evangelical circles from the 1960s until today, but it should be stated that outside of that segment of Christianity, this is much less likely to happen. The Orthodox, traditional Roman Catholics, and historically-minded 'high church' Protestants like traditional Anglicans have largely kept their traditional chant forms, which have nothing to do with secular music.

What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? Why are christians so fearful of evil if God has already won the war?
Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc.
It seems to be a pattern. If the world comes up with a book series, then christians have to copy it and make a "safe" option.

Again, this is true of modern Evangelical Protestantism (which I can't really comment on from an insider's point of view, since I'm not an Evangelical Protestant), but not really any other type of Christianity.

I am not sure if I am allowed to post links. Here are examples in YouTube: Seth Andrews: Copycats, Seth Andrews: The Satanic Panic.
I am not trying to be mean, I am genuinely curious as it will help me learn and understand. Thank you.

You should be allowed to post links, yes, since you've been here for a while and have enough posts (I think the minimum number of posts before you can post links is 50, or at least it was when I started posting here). Just click on the little picture of a link that is directly above the text box that you are typing your text into and it should open a dialogue that will allow you to paste a link into the post (if it's from an approved site like YouTube or other mainstream website).

 

[s1mp13m4n]

We'll have to agree to disagree - the meaning couldn't be any clearer. And if you consider the wider context of AC/DC's work you'd recognize a running theme. You know... like "Hell ain't no bad place to be", "Problem Child", "Dirty deeds done dirt cheap", and my absolute favorite back in the day, "Let There Be Rock".

Speaking of Bon Scott and who was his influence? Let him demonstrate himself, by Who he chooses to mock:

I sincerely hope that Bon accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior before he choked to death on his own vomit. I really do. But for the grace of God, I should have gone out as a drunken mess too, many times.

Praise Jesus!

biblegateway.com

Thank you for the calm conversation. Bon Scott drank himself to death. Angus Young and Brian Johnson have clearly said they do not believe in a God. Billy Joel's Only The Good Die Young was about lust over a gurl named Virginia. This brings me back to my original question. Why are Christians so afraid of Satan? What I mean is, Jesus already won and defeated Satan, so who cares if a rock band goes to hell.....it was their choice. Christians already have a get out of hell free card. One thing I do not understand about the concept of Christianity is this. The gospel message can be summed up like this: Jesus is knocking at your door "who is it"? "It is Jesus". What do you want"? "To save you" "save me from what"? "From what I am going to do to you if you do not let me in". This Emo Philips comedy bit from 1987 seems to sum up some of my issues. It is true but it does not get talked about.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Hello everyone. I have several questions I can not get answers to. The question get avoided or the person gets defensive, or makes excuses. I will use the topic of movies and music as examples. Here are my questions:

Why does christian music copy secular music? A secular artist or style is hot, so christians copy it, why?
What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? Why are christians so fearful of evil if God has already won the war?
Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc.
It seems to be a pattern. If the world comes up with a book series, then christians have to copy it and make a "safe" option.
I am not sure if I am allowed to post links. Here are examples in YouTube: Seth Andrews: Copycats, Seth Andrews: The Satanic Panic.
I am not trying to be mean, I am genuinely curious as it will help me learn and understand. Thank you.

Ah yes. Seth Andrews. .... I love the laugh-track in the video you cited.

 

[Joseph G]

Thank you for the calm conversation. Bon Scott drank himself to death. Angus Young and Brian Johnson have clearly said they do not believe in a God. Billy Joel's Only The Good Die Young was about lust over a gurl named Virginia. This brings me back to my original question. Why are Christians so afraid of Satan? What I mean is, Jesus already won and defeated Satan, so who cares if a rock band goes to hell.....it was their choice. Christians already have a get out of hell free card. One thing I do not understand about the concept of Christianity is this. The gospel message can be summed up like this: Jesus is knocking at your door "who is it"? "It is Jesus". What do you want"? "To save you" "save me from what"? "From what I am going to do to you if you do not let me in". This Emo Philips comedy bit from 1987 seems to sum up some of my issues. It is true but it does not get talked about.

Reasonable question. There's a very good reason that most Christians are motivated to care whether others go to Heaven, too. Because we figure it would be almost the height of sin to say to ourselves, "Hey, I'm in. What do I care about anyone else?" - especially knowing that we carry the answer Himself within us.

I'll be straight out honest. There is, tragically, a segment of those who profess the faith that do not care, don't want to offend, don't want to appear self-righteous, don't want to lose family and friends, etc. I do believe, though, that the Lord doesn't allow us to stay there, I'm one of them. And man am I ever thankful that He roused me - my greatest pleasure in life is bearing fruit for His Kingdom, as many of my Brothers and Sisters here do as well. Otherwise I should pray that the Lord go ahead and beam me up - what's the point in being here otherwise?

Along with His admonitions in the Scriptures that I said I loved, He has other means to shake us out of complacency. One tool, and I believe you will especially appreciate this, is through music. If you'll indulge me, here's a perfect example from way back in 1978:

Asleep In The Light - Keith Green

As for this contention:

"From what I am going to do to you if you do not let me in"."

Our eternal destiny is entirely our choice. God wouldn't be Love if He forced us to love Him back. We choose whether to be with Him or separated from Him for eternity. And since everything that He is is good and pleasant, it is by default that a reality apart from Him would be utter hell and torment. We want to be our own gods, that's exactly what we will get - eternity alone with only our own thoughts. Again, sheer hell.

But we have to be honest, too. Jesus does, in the end, in fact tell the damned to depart from Him. And He tells them why, "I never knew you". But why does He not know them, and they not know Him? Because they chose to ignore and mock Him and His offer, thus crucifying Him themselves in their hearts by ultimately calling Him a liar (Satan's original temptation in the Garden of Eden). And seeing as how He Himself refers to Himself as The Truth, calling Him a liar is tantamount to murdering Him.

It's a battle of words. What kind of Physician doesn't reveal the diagnosis?

As for whether we are qualified to judge God and His desire for justice, two things to consider. 1) Though He is the Law, He is also the Redeemer, and 2) when any of us are willing and capable to be beat, tortured and nailed to a cross, bearing the sins of an entire world of ingrates IN OUR PLACE, we are hardly in a position to judge whether He satisfies OUR expectations of Who God should be.

Hasn't He done enough to prove it?

God bless!

John 3:16 NIV

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

biblegateway.com

 

[s1mp13m4n]

Reasonable question. There's a very good reason that most Christians are motivated to care whether others go to Heaven, too. Because we figure it would be almost the height of sin to say to ourselves, "Hey, I'm in. What do I care about anyone else?" - especially knowing that we carry the answer Himself within us.

I'll be straight out honest. There is, tragically, a segment of those who profess the faith that do not care, don't want to offend, don't want to appear self-righteous, don't want to lose family and friends, etc. I do believe, though, that the Lord doesn't allow us to stay there, I'm one of them. And man am I ever thankful that He roused me - my greatest pleasure in life is bearing fruit for His Kingdom, as many of my Brothers and Sisters here do as well. Otherwise I should pray that the Lord go ahead and beam me up - what's the point in being here otherwise?

Along with His admonitions in the Scriptures that I said I loved, He has other means to shake us out of complacency. One tool, and I believe you will especially appreciate this, is through music. If you'll indulge me, here's a perfect example from way back in 1978:

Asleep In The Light - Keith Green

As for this contention:

"From what I am going to do to you if you do not let me in"."

Our eternal destiny is entirely our choice. God wouldn't be Love if He forced us to love Him back. We choose whether to be with Him or separated from Him for eternity. And since everything that He is is good and pleasant, it is by default that a reality apart from Him would be utter hell and torment. We want to be our own gods, that's exactly what we will get - eternity alone with only our own thoughts. Again, sheer hell.

But we have to be honest, too. Jesus does, in the end, in fact tell the damned to depart from Him. And He tells them why, "I never knew you". But why does He not know them, and they not know Him? Because they chose to ignore and mock Him and His offer, thus crucifying Him themselves in their hearts by ultimately calling Him a liar (Satan's original temptation in the Garden of Eden). And seeing as how He Himself refers to Himself as The Truth, calling Him a liar is tantamount to murdering Him.

It's a battle of words. What kind of Physician doesn't reveal the diagnosis?

As for whether we are qualified to judge God and His desire for justice, two things to consider. 1) Though He is the Law, He is also the Redeemer, and 2) when any of us are willing and capable to be beat, tortured and nailed to a cross, bearing the sins of an entire world of ingrates IN OUR PLACE, we are hardly in a position to judge whether He satisfies OUR expectations of Who God should be.

Hasn't He done enough to prove it?

God bless!

John 3:16 NIV

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

biblegateway.com

I am still on the side of the Bible is a man made book. Designed to control people. Check out anything by Aron Ra, Holy Koolaid, Seth Andrews. It just seems that any religion is designed to control people through obedience and fear. Thomas is my favorite disiple because he questioned. He did not just accept on faith. He wanted proof and evidence. Here is an example.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I am still on the side of the Bible is a man made book. Designed to control people. Check out anything by Aron Ra, Holy Koolaid, Seth Andrews. It just seems that any religion is designed to control people through obedience and fear. Thomas is my favorite disiple because he questioned. He did not just accept on faith. He wanted proof and evidence. Here is an example.

If you want to chat about these things----things that I'm all too familiar with----you won't be able to do it here being that this is the Christian Philosophy and Ethics section, not an Apologetics section.

Even so, I'll just quickly say that I've watched Aron Ra, Holy Koolaid, and Seth Andews, and many, many more. I've been doing so for a very, very long time. .............. In fact, I read atheist books for lunch. *** BURP *** !!!!

Each individual argument against the Bible can be cited for its many nuances, most of which can then in turn be philosophically evaluated (... or, in more modern terms, we would say they can have Critical Thinking applied to them). It's not always clear that the atheists (or Ex-Christians usually) are right, or at least, it's not clear that they're exactly as right as they think they are.

In sum, I'd say that while the Bible is obviously written by human authors, I wouldn't equivalate this with thinking that everything in the Bible merely emerged from human brains. Not everything in the Bible is that reducible to the level of the nihil, and I think you owe it to yourself to keep the door open to it.

 

[AlexB23]

We'll have to agree to disagree - the meaning couldn't be any clearer. And if you consider the wider context of AC/DC's work you'd recognize a running theme. You know... like "Hell ain't no bad place to be", "Problem Child", "Dirty deeds done dirt cheap", and my absolute favorite back in the day, "Let There Be Rock".

Speaking of Bon Scott and who was his influence? Let him demonstrate himself, by Who he chooses to mock:

I sincerely hope that Bon accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior before he choked to death on his own vomit. I really do. But for the grace of God, I should have gone out as a drunken mess too, many times.

Praise Jesus!

biblegateway.com

AC/DC = Antichrist's Demonic Cacophony. That is how much I dislike the band. Yes, I know it means Alternating Current / Direct Current, but the band has evil lyrics. @Kokavkrystallos could explain better.

 

[CoreyD]

Ok, "Satanic Panic" started in the 60s and grew. The idea is that rock music was evil. It was said that there were hidden messages in the music. Hidden evil messages. Of course that has been debunked as time goes on. I do not understand why christians are so afraid of things. If God is all powerful, everywhere at once, my protected, healer, defender, etc....then why are christians afraid of gays, democrats, etc? According to the Bible, we already won, so why all the fear? You are correct about my christian film issues. They are often rather cheesy. Thank you for the reply.

The fear Christians have... at least those I know, is not as you think.
It is a fear of displeasing God, who said, "Touch no unclean thing". Isaiah 52:11
To be spiritually clean, one must shun anything that God hates. Psalm 97:10

 

[s1mp13m4n]

The fear Christians have... at least those I know, is not as you think.
It is a fear of displeasing God, who said, "Touch no unclean thing". Isaiah 52:11
To be spiritually clean, one must shun anything that God hates. Psalm 97:10

Thank you. Fear is still not calm or peace. A child that fears a parent means something is wrong with how the parent is doing its job. Fear is a learned behaviour. A loving parent should not be feared nor worshipped. The idea just does not make sense.

 

[CoreyD]

I am still on the side of the Bible is a man made book. Designed to control people.

You could say that the Bible was written by man, and its author used it to control man.
Which do you think is better - to be controlled by God, or Satan? 1 John 5:19
I'd rather God controls me, lest I ruin my life with my bad decisions.

The Bible is super helpful in rescuing people - saving lives.
Are you aware of the millions of people who have been saved from suicide; drunkenness and family breakup; violent lifestyle, including spousal abuse, child abuse, gang wars, fights, etc.; drug abuse; pornography addiction, and other divisive addictions; emptiness; sexually transmitted diseases... some life threatening....

If it were not for the Bible, do you know how much worst California would be.. New York... Michigan... the world?
The police would be up to their necks in crime.
Prisons would be more overcrowded.
Deaths to a greater extent.

The principles in the Bible are far superior than anything offered by man.
If you disagree, please name one thing that has been instrumental in making man's mind over from the animal that he is.
Have you seen this?
The world's leaders cannot solve the world's problems because it starts with changing the mind of man.
The Bible does that. It changes man's mind for the better... among other things.

This is just one evidence that the Bible cannot be man made.
Man does not know how to do that.

Check out anything by Aron Ra, Holy Koolaid, Seth Andrews. It just seems that any religion is designed to control people through obedience and fear. Thomas is my favorite disiple because he questioned. He did not just accept on faith. He wanted proof and evidence. Here is an example.

Do you believe that you are not controlled?

 

[CoreyD]

Thank you. Fear is still not calm or peace. A child that fears a parent means something is wrong with how the parent is doing its job. Fear is a learned behaviour. A loving parent should not be feared nor worshipped. The idea just does not make sense.

Godly fear is not morbid fear.
Fear of displeasing someone is good.

For example, if you fear harming your wife, or hurting her feeling, it is good, because you do everything to make sure your wife is comfortable You love her, and demonstrate that love - you let it show.

One who fears displeasing God, does not want to do anything that hurts or saddens God, because of the love they have for God.
Love is never bad, so fear of God, can never be bad.

Job 28:28; Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 8:13

To fear the LORD is to hate evil​

It makes sense when you understand the difference.

 

[JustaPewFiller]

Hello everyone. I have several questions I can not get answers to. The question get avoided or the person gets defensive, or makes excuses. I will use the topic of movies and music as examples. Here are my questions:

Why does christian music copy secular music? A secular artist or style is hot, so christians copy it, why?
What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? Why are christians so fearful of evil if God has already won the war?
Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc.
It seems to be a pattern. If the world comes up with a book series, then christians have to copy it and make a "safe" option.
I am not sure if I am allowed to post links. Here are examples in YouTube: Seth Andrews: Copycats, Seth Andrews: The Satanic Panic.
I am not trying to be mean, I am genuinely curious as it will help me learn and understand. Thank you.

I'll have a go.

Taking these 1 at a time.

Why does christian music copy secular music? - To appeal to the masses. Honestly, I think it is that simple. People often tend to want music in the style they like / whatever is popular at the time. Churches want to appeal to people, and so it happens. Now, despite all the controversy around it Christian music copying popular music is far, far, far from a modern thing. Martin Luther was one of the first to popularize congregational signing in church in the 1500's and he sometimes used parts of music from folk tunes at the time changing the lyrics to be Christian. His reasons for doing so are much the same as the reasons today.

What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? - A lot of secular music is about sinful themes, sex, drinking, drug use, lawbreaking, and many of the musicians live a lifestyle similar to that described in their songs. There is a smaller bit of secular music that directly embraces the satanic and the occult.

Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc. - Two reasons. First, Christianity is not cool in Hollywood. Many in Hollywood have anti-Christian beliefs. Many of the top stars, writers and studios will steer away from working on a Christian film for this reason. Second, reason number one means there is often smaller funding (less money) available to make a Christian movie. That means they can't hire the best cast and crew. The downside of all of this is that Christian films sometimes appear to be "low budget" because they were made on a low budget.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

I'll have a go.

Taking these 1 at a time.

Why does christian music copy secular music? - To appeal to the masses. Honestly, I think it is that simple. People often tend to want music in the style they like / whatever is popular at the time. Churches want to appeal to people, and so it happens. Now, despite all the controversy around it Christian music copying popular music is far, far, far from a modern thing. Martin Luther was one of the first to popularize congregational signing in church in the 1500's and he sometimes used parts of music from folk tunes at the time changing the lyrics to be Christian. His reasons for doing so are much the same as the reasons today.

What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? - A lot of secular music is about sinful themes, sex, drinking, drug use, lawbreaking, and many of the musicians live a lifestyle similar to that described in their songs. There is a smaller bit of secular music that directly embraces the satanic and the occult.

Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc. - Two reasons. First, Christianity is not cool in Hollywood. Many in Hollywood have anti-Christian beliefs. Many of the top stars, writers and studios will steer away from working on a Christian film for this reason. Second, reason number one means there is often smaller funding (less money) available to make a Christian movie. That means they can't hire the best cast and crew. The downside of all of this is that Christian films sometimes appear to be "low budget" because they were made on a low budget.

Thank you.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Hello everyone. I have several questions I can not get answers to. The question get avoided or the person gets defensive, or makes excuses. I will use the topic of movies and music as examples. Here are my questions:

Why does christian music copy secular music? A secular artist or style is hot, so christians copy it, why?

Using the term, "copy," here in regard to music is a bit too loose to apply to anything usefully identifiable and specific. It's probably better to refer to terms like mimesis and style. This way we can better differentiate between acts of sound cloning [or sampling] from the more general category of musical genre. An example of this would be how we might compare Christian bands like Stryper or Holy Soldier to secular bands like AC/DC or Motley Crue.

Where Christians are concerned, I'm not sure why it's a must that they make music that is [somehow] aurally or ambiently different from what non-Christians make. To me, it's a form of art, and if we're going to press the issue, then we might demand an accounting of why so many churches in America depict Jesus in paintings as a White, Anglo-Saxon when He was in fact not.

I think the important aspect of art, whether it's music or visual media being scrutinized, is to evaluate the motivations and the message of each band and song. We need to do a good job of applying critical thinking here because to fail to do so might cause us to see bands as pseudo-Christian when they're not, and I don't think that should be the first, knee-jerk reaction or evaluation for Christian's to take.

What is the deal with the "Satanic Panic" in music? Why are christians so fearful of evil if God has already won the war?

... some are afraid because of certain Eschatological interpretations, and they may be prone to over-react. The ultimate concern with any form of Satanic Panic among Christians probably has to do with concerns about the possibility of growing persecution or being oppressed or murdered by those individuals who are, shall we say, a tad bit on the misanthropic side of politics and spirituality.

Should we blame them for concern? I don't.

Why are christian films so bad? Poor acting, poor writing, etc.
It seems to be a pattern. If the world comes up with a book series, then christians have to copy it and make a "safe" option.
I am not sure if I am allowed to post links. Here are examples in YouTube: Seth Andrews: Copycats, Seth Andrews: The Satanic Panic.
I am not trying to be mean, I am genuinely curious as it will help me learn and understand. Thank you.

Christians films being "bad" has to do with the money budgeted, the film companies' business ideology, and the available pool of actual talent. None of these aspects are in plentiful supply as compared to Hollywood or Broadway.