Re: What christian rock bands are there

Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 14:07:38 GMT
Newsgroups: alt.music.christian.rock
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> From: "Michael K McCleary" <email-address-deleted>
> "Josh Spencer" <email-address-deleted> wrote in message
> news:email-address-deleted...
>
>>
>> In my opinion a faith that is so frail as to be threatened by opposing
>> lyrics is really no faith at all. It is simply fear-based morality.
>>
>
> Faith is frail, in that it dwells in fragile vessels that are held together
> by the Holy Spirit.
We are frail, maybe, but faith and the Holy Spirit are anything but.
> Isn't all morality basically fear based? whether it is fear of punishment or
> incarceration, the fear of not fitting in (second-hand morality as Ayn Rand
> calls it), or the fear, borne out of love, of displeasing a loving and just
> Father.
Yes, all morality could be called fear-based.
My implication was that faith in Christ takes us above morality. That's
what I understand Paul to have said when he wrote that the system of "do not
taste, do not touch, etc." had absolutely no value for restraining the
flesh. Only a regenerated spirit does. He chides the people for trying to
return to rules-based religion and the belief that it's what you avoid that
make you holy. Instead, know Christ.
Since I know Christ, when I hear a lyric that misrepresents or
misunderstands him, I think "that's too bad for them" or "that's sad" or
"hmmm, i can see how someone in their situation would think that." I don't
go, "Oh my gosh, what if they're right?! I can't be a Christian anymore! I
need to go out and sin!" That's just ridiculous for someone who actually
*knows* Christ. And yet that's the attitude behind such a fear of lyrics.
If what other people say has such catastrophic potential for our standing
with God, then we should all cut off our ears.
> Regardless of all the tired bromides, I don't listen to secular music mainly
> because I'm blessed enough to really enjoy all the great Christian music
> that's out there (and recently some really great stuff like Copeland, Mae,
> AnBerlin, Acceptance,etc...and heck, I really dig the Newsboys "Belly of the
> Whale" tune).
Well, there you go. That's great for you. Most people's taste doesn't let
them go that route.
josh