Test Time
So, you learn something for a few weeks, then your teacher gives a test. Correct? They want to see how well you learned it. They also want you to realize how well, or poorly, you learned the material.
Looks like it is my turn for a testing.
The last two posts were about how crappy the American church has become, some general things that make up this crappiness, and how, despite first reactions, I/you/we should not give up on it, but try to refine it to be more of what we believe the Bible teaches it should be.
Well, the past few days I've been corresponding with a Christian dude about what really makes a "Christian band" worthy of that very title. His desire is to petition a record label that is considered "Christian" in hopes of them signing only true "Christian" artists/bands.
My beef isn't so much with that as it is with the claims that he has about these bands and the assumptions that are being given place towards the actions, intents, and character of these bands. Just because a band doesn't sign "Jesus loves me, this I know", but, rather, has a song about a friend dying of cancer, or their parents divorce, or just a general synopsis of how crappy life can be at times does not, in any way, mean they are less a "Christian" band than someone like David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, or Casting Crowns, in my opinion.
The difference isn't a matter of who is Christian and who isn't. It's their placement and type of ministry that is different. Some musicians are given their talents for in-house, church-based ministry. Others, such as those in question, I believe, have their talents (and the success granted to them) for the purpose of reaching out and connecting with people who may never hear a David Crowder song, people who won't show up for church, etc. Didn't Jesus meet people where they were at? Interesting how the "Church" crowd in His day accused him of being demon-possessed.
Maybe taking crap from church people is part of the deal when you take up your cross and truly follow the plan Christ has for you...?
Looks like it is my turn for a testing.
The last two posts were about how crappy the American church has become, some general things that make up this crappiness, and how, despite first reactions, I/you/we should not give up on it, but try to refine it to be more of what we believe the Bible teaches it should be.
Well, the past few days I've been corresponding with a Christian dude about what really makes a "Christian band" worthy of that very title. His desire is to petition a record label that is considered "Christian" in hopes of them signing only true "Christian" artists/bands.
My beef isn't so much with that as it is with the claims that he has about these bands and the assumptions that are being given place towards the actions, intents, and character of these bands. Just because a band doesn't sign "Jesus loves me, this I know", but, rather, has a song about a friend dying of cancer, or their parents divorce, or just a general synopsis of how crappy life can be at times does not, in any way, mean they are less a "Christian" band than someone like David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, or Casting Crowns, in my opinion.
The difference isn't a matter of who is Christian and who isn't. It's their placement and type of ministry that is different. Some musicians are given their talents for in-house, church-based ministry. Others, such as those in question, I believe, have their talents (and the success granted to them) for the purpose of reaching out and connecting with people who may never hear a David Crowder song, people who won't show up for church, etc. Didn't Jesus meet people where they were at? Interesting how the "Church" crowd in His day accused him of being demon-possessed.
Maybe taking crap from church people is part of the deal when you take up your cross and truly follow the plan Christ has for you...?
posted by johnb. at 12:41 PM
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