Are Christian Bands Losing their Credibility?
Samuel Van Eerden
August 26, 2006
I was reading through the Cue section in our local paper The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, yesterday, when I came across a listing for the (in)famous ‘Family Values Tour.’ Despite its name, the ensemble of alternative and metal rockers contains anything but family-friendly fair. Korn and Deftones headline the concert (which runs all-day long today, at the local Alpine Valley Music Theatre), flanked by nine other brazen staple-marks of the harsh genre. But I looked closer and noticed another band that I wasn’t expecting to see in the midst of the dark and zombie-toting acts: Flyleaf. And it wasn’t because the name included something other than ‘dead’ or ‘bullets’ in its name.
Flyleaf is a self-proclaimed Christian band which falls under the label ‘alternative.’ Lead singer Lacey Mosley explains that their songs are “personal messages that provide a few moments of clarity before the story begins.” They go the way of the typical Christian cross-over group by refraining to mention the name of God (except for a couple times, including on the song “Cassie;” a reference to the Columbine massacre), and their lyrics tend to wallow in misery, as one might guess by the title of their debut album’s lead single: “I’m So Sick.”
The justification for Christian bands such as these has always been that their songs do not just dwell in pain and despair, but offer hope, as well.
And yet Flyleaf is touring with the likes of Korn and Bury Your Dead; groups that ruthlessly slander Christ and fall back on suicidal moping for resolution. It’s not the first time they have shared the stage with these types, either. Because of Flyleaf’s heavy sound (which borders on metal at times) and screamo style, they bear many similarities to the ‘stickered’ acts (groups like Staind and Breaking Benjamin whose CDs are usually slapped with parental advisory stickers), and have accordingly been offered tour spots with many of them.
Christian music has come a long way since Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant carved the niche. It’s definitely not all praise-and-worship any more. Is that to say it’s all bad? Can Christ-like traits and qualities be uplifted without using Jesus’ name? Can the ambiguous rendering of the word ‘you’ in many Christian songs suffice as a reference to God? Does the word ‘Christian’ even have a biblical justification for its standing in the loud and sweaty rock ‘n’ roll scene today?
Those questions are for the ongoing debate between the two Christian camps that are constantly debating for and against contemporary Christian music.
I’m addressing the question of whether or not Christian bands lose their credibility (and testimony) as Christians when they associate with evil secular bands on tours such as the so-called “Family Values” tour.
In years past, Christian music didn’t have to ‘worry’ about being represented alongside secular acts. They just weren’t a popular-enough draw to the mainstream. I remember when this began to really become an issue, however, with the appearance of Christian rapcore group P.O.D. (Payable On Death) at Ozzfest. P.O.D. has always been very open about their Christianity, and I don’t think anyone who is familiar with them questions their salvation, but even so, their choice to take the mainstage during the tour inciting much controversy. Several years later, alternative rock group Chevelle, followed in P.O.D.’s footsteps, taking the spotlight next to the likes of Cradle of Filth and Marilyn Manson at Ozzfest.
The reasons all these Christian acts give for participating in secular tours don’t vary much. They stick with such mantras as ‘we can be the light that shines in the darkness,’ and ‘by performing for fans of Ozzy or Manson, we can be a testimony to people who would not otherwise hear the gospel.’ My question to them is: what kind of gospel are you really spreading? What is the testimony you are giving? Is the light you’re displaying, the light of John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it”(RSV). . . or just some pyrotechnic effect?”
This is not an accusation. This is a challenge. If you are going to call yourself Christians or BE a quote-unquote ‘Christian’ band; then act like it—be the Christian witness that Christ calls you to be.
It’s not like there aren’t other options for Christian bands to gain exposure, either. The pop/dance ensemble Family Force 5 has really taken off in the mainstream and on MTV, though they still play primarily at churches and for religious outreaches. Christian ‘metal’ pioneer Disciple proves it doesn’t take touring with the giants of secular music to gain a following. After 14 years they still tour with Christians and play Christian venues, and their latest album wasn’t any worse for it, debuting in the top 10 on the heatseeker chart.
Relient K is one of the most popular ‘punk’ rock bands in the U.S. Forget the fact that they are self-proclaimed Christians, they are wildly popular across the board. They are also getting ready to kick off the national Nintendo Tour which also features Hawthorne Heights, Plain White T's, The Sleeping, and another Christian act: Emery. Despite getting more and more mainstream (with lyrics that refer less-and-less to God), Relient K has not minded talking about God in the middle of their concerts. In fact, they often do.
The Christian pop rock band needtobreathe, enjoys the opportunity they have to reach out unsaved people during their concerts. They feel that opening for secular bands allows them to give their Christian message to a whole segment of people they would otherwise not be able to reach. People who would never come to a just-Christian concert (though many are saved through these “just-Christian” performances).
There are two things to keep in mind when we ask the question: do Christian bands lose their credibility when they tour with non-Christians. One: Christian bands run the risk of tarnishing their own image as Christians when they mix in/perform with God-hating groups. Two: Christian band are under huge pressure to change their set or their message when they are playing for a (primarily) secular audience. Any performer’s goal is to win the audience, and this is any band’s highest ideal. Therefore, if changing the word ‘God’ to ‘You’ will get more of a reaction, then the band is encouraged to make that switch. Christian cross-over act Switchfoot does just that by changing some of their lyrics from ‘Jesus’ to ‘Spirit’ depending on the venue they’re playing at.
I think of the Bible verse where the Apostle Paul states: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,” and have one final statement to conclude this article.
God calls us to be a light in the world where we live. Wherever we are, we are to be a testimony to Him and His saving grace lived out through our lives. Popular music groups like Relient K, Flyleaf, and Switchfoot have been given an enormous platform from which they have the ability to impact thousands of people. The great commission is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples out of all men. All Christians have this calling. But with great blessing comes great responsibility, and bands that say they are Christian will lose credibility if they refuse to act like it and speak like it. They will waste the gift that God has given them; the chance to reach many for the eternal kingdom of Heaven.
Flyleaf is a self-proclaimed Christian band which falls under the label ‘alternative.’ Lead singer Lacey Mosley explains that their songs are “personal messages that provide a few moments of clarity before the story begins.” They go the way of the typical Christian cross-over group by refraining to mention the name of God (except for a couple times, including on the song “Cassie;” a reference to the Columbine massacre), and their lyrics tend to wallow in misery, as one might guess by the title of their debut album’s lead single: “I’m So Sick.”
The justification for Christian bands such as these has always been that their songs do not just dwell in pain and despair, but offer hope, as well.
And yet Flyleaf is touring with the likes of Korn and Bury Your Dead; groups that ruthlessly slander Christ and fall back on suicidal moping for resolution. It’s not the first time they have shared the stage with these types, either. Because of Flyleaf’s heavy sound (which borders on metal at times) and screamo style, they bear many similarities to the ‘stickered’ acts (groups like Staind and Breaking Benjamin whose CDs are usually slapped with parental advisory stickers), and have accordingly been offered tour spots with many of them.
Christian music has come a long way since Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant carved the niche. It’s definitely not all praise-and-worship any more. Is that to say it’s all bad? Can Christ-like traits and qualities be uplifted without using Jesus’ name? Can the ambiguous rendering of the word ‘you’ in many Christian songs suffice as a reference to God? Does the word ‘Christian’ even have a biblical justification for its standing in the loud and sweaty rock ‘n’ roll scene today?
Those questions are for the ongoing debate between the two Christian camps that are constantly debating for and against contemporary Christian music.
I’m addressing the question of whether or not Christian bands lose their credibility (and testimony) as Christians when they associate with evil secular bands on tours such as the so-called “Family Values” tour.
In years past, Christian music didn’t have to ‘worry’ about being represented alongside secular acts. They just weren’t a popular-enough draw to the mainstream. I remember when this began to really become an issue, however, with the appearance of Christian rapcore group P.O.D. (Payable On Death) at Ozzfest. P.O.D. has always been very open about their Christianity, and I don’t think anyone who is familiar with them questions their salvation, but even so, their choice to take the mainstage during the tour inciting much controversy. Several years later, alternative rock group Chevelle, followed in P.O.D.’s footsteps, taking the spotlight next to the likes of Cradle of Filth and Marilyn Manson at Ozzfest.
The reasons all these Christian acts give for participating in secular tours don’t vary much. They stick with such mantras as ‘we can be the light that shines in the darkness,’ and ‘by performing for fans of Ozzy or Manson, we can be a testimony to people who would not otherwise hear the gospel.’ My question to them is: what kind of gospel are you really spreading? What is the testimony you are giving? Is the light you’re displaying, the light of John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it”(RSV). . . or just some pyrotechnic effect?”
This is not an accusation. This is a challenge. If you are going to call yourself Christians or BE a quote-unquote ‘Christian’ band; then act like it—be the Christian witness that Christ calls you to be.
It’s not like there aren’t other options for Christian bands to gain exposure, either. The pop/dance ensemble Family Force 5 has really taken off in the mainstream and on MTV, though they still play primarily at churches and for religious outreaches. Christian ‘metal’ pioneer Disciple proves it doesn’t take touring with the giants of secular music to gain a following. After 14 years they still tour with Christians and play Christian venues, and their latest album wasn’t any worse for it, debuting in the top 10 on the heatseeker chart.
Relient K is one of the most popular ‘punk’ rock bands in the U.S. Forget the fact that they are self-proclaimed Christians, they are wildly popular across the board. They are also getting ready to kick off the national Nintendo Tour which also features Hawthorne Heights, Plain White T's, The Sleeping, and another Christian act: Emery. Despite getting more and more mainstream (with lyrics that refer less-and-less to God), Relient K has not minded talking about God in the middle of their concerts. In fact, they often do.
The Christian pop rock band needtobreathe, enjoys the opportunity they have to reach out unsaved people during their concerts. They feel that opening for secular bands allows them to give their Christian message to a whole segment of people they would otherwise not be able to reach. People who would never come to a just-Christian concert (though many are saved through these “just-Christian” performances).
There are two things to keep in mind when we ask the question: do Christian bands lose their credibility when they tour with non-Christians. One: Christian bands run the risk of tarnishing their own image as Christians when they mix in/perform with God-hating groups. Two: Christian band are under huge pressure to change their set or their message when they are playing for a (primarily) secular audience. Any performer’s goal is to win the audience, and this is any band’s highest ideal. Therefore, if changing the word ‘God’ to ‘You’ will get more of a reaction, then the band is encouraged to make that switch. Christian cross-over act Switchfoot does just that by changing some of their lyrics from ‘Jesus’ to ‘Spirit’ depending on the venue they’re playing at.
I think of the Bible verse where the Apostle Paul states: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,” and have one final statement to conclude this article.
God calls us to be a light in the world where we live. Wherever we are, we are to be a testimony to Him and His saving grace lived out through our lives. Popular music groups like Relient K, Flyleaf, and Switchfoot have been given an enormous platform from which they have the ability to impact thousands of people. The great commission is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples out of all men. All Christians have this calling. But with great blessing comes great responsibility, and bands that say they are Christian will lose credibility if they refuse to act like it and speak like it. They will waste the gift that God has given them; the chance to reach many for the eternal kingdom of Heaven.
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