Oh ... I agree 100%

But, being reached for what?
(other than that one generations music)


Oddly enough, the Christian song that has now become VERY important to me, is the song - "Jesus Loves Me". It is the same song that is usually taught to the very young in Sunday school classes. I know .. strange ... but, I don't have to wonder about, or look up, the words to that one.
And that songs message is crystal clear with its simple truth.

+1

Being reached for what, you say? I'm not trying to put your views down. I agree they have their place, but what you need to consider is that its not always crystal clear for everyone. God is seen from many different ways by many different people. You prefer a straight forward God, and this is a great approach for the traditionally raised christian. Very basic and straight to the point, but what are other christians, who feel that life is a bit more than straight forward, supposed to do? Some of us want to express our sadness, anger, confusion, happiness, and joy to God, through our music with our own words. Are you only allowed to praise god during prayer? Are you not allowed to pray in your own way that is befitting to you, when you are in despair or joyful? The Lord works in mysterious ways. Since we were made in his image why can't we? Like I stated earlier, I lost my faith a few years ago, after I joined the military. I thought I would never find it again. I was borderline agnostic. This misunderstood music has renewed my faith. My taste, as well as some others, Christians and Non-believers alike, can't feel the passion nor side with with a basic message, that can be easily understood. It's this hard music that is reaching a lot of those who otherwise would've never given a second glance at traditional christian music, let alone, "Jesus Loves Me".
As for your idea of people wanting instant gratification, I don't believe it. Any person that prefers the style of music that I am discussing, tends to be very passionate, and I would be willing to bet that they want to know and understand what the message is in the music that speaks to them. I refuse to believe that we have become too lazy in this day to care what's being said to us through our music, but if someone doesn't care what the words are to the music they prefer, a different genre isn't going to make them feel any different.

P.S. Thanks for posting in this thread. You have started a very intersting conversation.

Interesting response.

You ask many questions. Some questions that man can not answer, truthfully. Some questions that only God can answer.

Like you - I have had times where I thought I didn't believe in Jesus, or any God.

When I listened to Blood Good, I heard not only something I was into, at the time, - but the message about God and His ways. It made me start thinking about Him - again. This was years after my service time also.

Turns out - It was the same message the Bible tells, just told with some REALLY loud music.
Which is one reason why I asked "being reached for what?". If the message is a different message from Gods - then whos?

Some of your questions are about individuality. That goes back to God creating each one of us a UNIQUE individual. A creation that is different than any before, and different than any that will be. UNIQUE!

I believe, (there's my opinion getting in the way again ) that He also gave us freedom of choice. By that, I mean the freedom to choose His way, or reject His way.

Like 6twang said in his post - I too find myself now liking the softer, more worshipful music. Like "Jesus Loves Me", which has taken on a much deeper meaning to me than ever before. However, It has taken some time to get there. It wasn't overnight. God has been patient and loving, as He is to His other kids. (hey! I'm actually one of the family now!)

And when the message isn't clear - please keep in mind who the master of deceit is. Think - Who likes "muddying up" Gods message? Or better yet - appear as an angel of light, so that he is listened to, instead of God. (answer: the devil, and he goes by many names)

IMHO - the important thing is to not only "find" Jesus, but to stay with Him and let Him bring you up the way He wants to. And don't worry about where you are at, at the moment, if you are with the Lord. The catch being - "If you are with the Lord". Only God, and maybe you, knows that. And keep in mind too, that He might want to move you - so it's important to listen.

The reason I said above, "and maybe you", is because after looking back on some times in my life - I now believe that God was there at that time and I just didn't know it. When I was not faithful - He remained faithful and true.
As a song says "I am weak, but He is strong".

The important thing in all this is - God's Word - and it being put forth, and not hidden. Because it is His Word that brings us to the truth of His salvation - not some rock bands frenzied music. Which, while we may like the music a lot (I did) - still, it isn't Gods Word.

And, remember - it is God that said, His way is the only way. Not me, or anyone else - Him. Where you ask? Answer: In His Word.

As for the thing about "instant gratification" - that has been talked about for some time now, and isn't an idea of mine. It's pretty much an accepted fact now. I hope it changes in the future. Just think of the products that are a result of the "I gotta have it NOW!" mentality - like microwave ovens, for one example. "Instant" Coffee, that still isn't "Instant" enough, is another example. How about buying something on credit, instead of saving up to pay cash because "I gotta have it NOW!"
And I'm sure there are many more examples, if you want to take the time to look for them.

Anyway - Best advise I can think of at this moment - don't get tangled up in small issues, but instead stay focused on The Lord.

Peace and God Bless

Hey Guitar Bandit,

I just read in the military thread that you are deployed now.

Ist - Thanks for serving! [big thumbsup]

2nd - I'll pray for you.

3rd - my wish and hope is that you make it back safe and sound.

I hope you find what I found, if you haven't already - that God is very real, and a great friend to have.

If they will let you have one - carry a small New Testament in your left shirt pocket. (even if you have some kind of body armor)
They have been known to stop a bullet, and save you in that way too.

God Bless You

Red, Kutless, Fireflight, Thousand Foot Krutch, Flyleaf, and Pillar. All of these are awsome christian bands.

Check them out, if you like Skillet, you should like them. Flyleaf and Fireflight have girl singers.


Edit: Wow, well I didn't look at all of the others' posts. My list pales in comparison.

Soooo I'll add a few more to the list.

Hard music (like Metalcore): August Burns Red, The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, Hastetheday, Emery, Underoath

Softer music (like hard to soft rock): The Almost, Nitengale (less famous band, great though- from Alaska), Jars of Clay, Casting Crowns.

Yup, I guess that's good for now.

_________________
"Speak the truth, and speak it ever,
cost it what it will
for he who hides the wrong he did
did the wrong thing still."
-Miss Uel

Thanks Rholloman. It always feels good to know that we still have some support back home.