ROFL, Barry Manilow.
Never thought I'd see that in a theology forum.
On the topic:
Anyone who says rock music is evil and shouldn't be used in church needs to study their history. The hymns were radical when they were put forth--and have you ever HEARD the old-style instruments they used pre-800 AD? (It's not just an organ, I'll let you know). They're
loud, and often out of tune.
I do agree rock can be perverted--I'm currently working on a group in Austin that will (God-willing) become something like David Crowder Band and Sonicflood. I understand how music can be used in hypnotism and leading people away from the Word. That is why I make sure I'm not doing those things.
It's not the music that is evil, it's the application of it. If you're singing, "Jesus is Lord, hallelujah!", it shouldn't matter
what type of instrumentation is behind it.
What is the human motivation behind creating Rock songs? (hint: I want to be a star, I want to be famous, I want to be rich) Even in these Contempory services at Church, I have seen guitar solos on to give praise to the player not God.
WHOA, wait a minute, buddy. Problems here:
1) I'm going into the Christian music scene. TRUST ME, it's not about the money. I gave up a lucrative $80k+ / year job to follow Christ, and am now guaranteed just enough to eat 3 meals a day, if I'm lucky.
2) Just because something isn't done to your voice, doesn't mean it's heathen. Remember organs? You know, in traditional services. How about simple pianos? Well, most of the time in those services, THEY SOLO. They are usually the only thing there. Are they giving glory to God? Yes they are! You seem to think that creating a firm frontal melody means you're taking the emphasis off the song.
I have to ask--do you play rythym or lead guitar? A true lead guitarist understands that a "solo" is not so much a solo, but rather a time to emphasize the energy or melodic focus of the song. It's not about the guitarist. Whether I'm hitting mellow Em chords or running up scales high in the fretboard, I'm still giving glory to God.
Let's put it this way. When a writer goes off and talks about his personal life in a book dedicated to teaching people about Christ, no one seems to mind. Why? Because he's trying to show the glory of God in his life. Such is the same with a soloist. They're showing the audience the God-given talents that have been graciously extended to them (just as much as the rythym guitarist under him, and any lead guitarist knows that a weak rythym can ruin a solo). They're showing through the talent they have their form of worship to the Lord.
I know when I'm trying my hardest to make that pentatonic run, it's the time and the effort beforehand that I put into practicing that so that I might be able to show perfection in my musical ability to the Lord.
Besides, hasn't anyone told you yet? Most Christian bands don't play for the crowd. (Note how I said most.) They play for an audience of one. They worship God in the way they know how--if the audience gets involved in their little circle of worship, GREAT. Then they can invite them in, and even let them take a few solos (hello sing-along silences). Either way, the focus is still on the audience of one. The Lord. Glory to Him, not to a band member.
It's the message that counts. Heck, if I judged a pastor by what color tie he wore, (oh no, it's too radical), then I'd start having to wonder why I was in church in the first place.
Don't judge. Just worship, and love God with all your heart.
Shaun
you know, that organist is showing off
let's can him too
