Popular Christian Music

There is so much christian music bullshit in the world today. I hate the people in christian bands that sell their music for money? Why should you try to capitalize off of your gods divine message? Also consider that Jews and Moslems do not do this, do they have more respect for their god that may or may not exist?
Shit, this is poorly worded, but I had to do it.

 

Who told you Jews and Muslims don't do this?

 

i dont see TV ads trying to sell jewish and islamic music

 

I understand what your saying and I feel that way about other things, but not music as much. But how much of 'christianity' is a capitalist venture! The case is proven by looking no further than the modern 'christian' bible with over 50 translations in English: KJV, NKJV, NIV, Good News, Living Translation, ASV, etc...oh and the most laughable of all, the message bible. Hey freak'n Zondervan...your modern day Christian monopoly!

My point in bringing up scripture is that even something many say to be 'God's infallible Word' has been marketed. Just look at James Dobson...they guy has written so many books that basically all say the same thing. He is an ultraconservative with his radio show, etc. He is at present a big player in the Western Christian world. It is NO different then what Jews did in the temple that angered Christ so much when he was enraged.

I think music comes under a different category but by sayign that I probably set a double standard. Take a band like Switchfoot, though I don't dig 'em much. They have been a xtian band forever and they basically would say their music is 'inspired by God'. But being that their music is their life it also has to be their career according to the way the world perceives music; they cannot not do it for money. You can't really get studio time and do international touring if you aren't earning some loot. I only really disagree with specific worship albums and the like. I view them differently because they are created and marketed specifically for churches...Hillsongs and Vineyard are geared toward world domination of christian worship. These songs have added to the 'sensationalism' and 'dramatic' infusion at church services. You have your speaker at the end giving an alter call....cue the music to set the mood (make it like a movie)...rah rah rant about organized church services.

...not sure about jew and muslim musicians but i imagine it is the same.

 

hmmm...last time i checked judaism and islam weren't big in the South I am sure it is a different story if you livein a region where that religion is 'the opiate of the masses'.

 

While I see your point, I have to disagree that it is all about money, for most bands at least, for these two reasons:

1.) I know some people in local Christian bands. I don't think they have ever gotten paid for a show, they all work regular jobs, and they aren't the kind of people who care about money a great deal. By knowing them I can tell they have 2 reasons for doing this, one they love God, two they love music.

2.) Unless it is a group that markets themselves like a secular group I.e. POD and Switchfoot, they don't make a lot of money. I think it was Third Day that I heard was the best selling Christian band, and they only made like I think 30,000 a year (per member). Granted, that isn't a SMALL amount of money, but for the most popular Christian band, it isn't a something to write home about. Compared to secular artists making millions a year. Also, if that is the MOST popular group think about the groups that are just in the mediocre range. Truth is, most other bands have to work straight jobs when they aren't touring.

While I don't listen to Christian music (I used too, when I was into other styles of music), I still think that they aren't doing this strictly for the money, because no one is going to become a Christian artist to get rich...

 

who said Christians cant make money from the gifts they've been given? Just cause they are christians does that mean they should be poor? Should they do shows for free and give thier art away at markets too?

I am a singer and artist. my songs are not all "jesus in your face" but there is alot of spiritual reference. My art has alot of christian symbolism.

I'm not using Christ to make money, i am expressing myself and what i am passionate about like any other artist. It costs money for band equipment, and time for practising and writing. It cost money for art supplies too, and time to create good pieces.

Just thought i would share what i feel, speaking from experience , and since i think all christian ministry is extremely important and quite underpaid. The last band i was in did nothing but freebies. Not because we wanted to, but because people assumed that since we were christians, we would do it for free. We werent looking for profit, but enough money to cover costs, maintain equipment, and taking time away from our families to set up and tear down everything would have been very nice, but our main goal was to share GOd's Love, which is why we didnt complain and always said yes when asked to play somewhere.

 

Good post Seahorse... I agree

 

No its not right because you should give up everything and live a life dedicated to Christ.

 

And should all Christians be missionaries in Africa or Pastors?

 

Jesus never commanded EVERYONE to give up everything to follow him, just the rich young ruler guy. The reason being was to 1.) prove a point about greed and such (He knew what the response would be) and 2.) show us that in order to follow him, we would have to give up anything we put before him, otherwise we are paying lip service.

Personally, I don't put money before God and have never had that problem because I don't care about money. Yeah, if I get some extra cash, it is cool to spend it on some new guitar related stuff, some CD's, whatever. But I am not a greedy person. Possesions and money mean nothing to me and I would be just as happy whether I am where I am right now (financilally speaking), whether I was stinking rich (and chances are I would give a lot of the money away), or if I were poor or whatever. Material stuff means nothing to me, except it can be nice to have but contributes NOTHING to happieness.

But some people have a problem with greed, in which case they need to get rid of material stuff.

But why is Monolith who's profile says they are a pagan telling Christians what they should do and how they should worship their God?

 

I was reading in one of Paul's letters (I wish I was better at remembering specific books, but for some reason I want to say 2nd Corinthians), concerning the gifts from the Holy Spirit, that he said we each get different gifts, because then they can all function accordingly to eachother. There is a line about if everyone spoke in tounges (and no one translated), and someone was to walk in on the congregation-they would think tat they are insane.

Point being, I believe this can be applied to not only gifts from the Holy Spirit, but all people in general. We are all different for a reason. We all have differing skills and needs so that we can function harmoniously. some are called to Pastoring, others are called to music, others are called to go to business school, others have ideas and are entrenpeneurs (I suck at spelling). Keep in mind here I don't use "call" in an exclusivly religious context. Athiests, agnostics and people of every faith have callings of what to do with their life.

So, after all that, I agree JD4U...

 

Well written, I agree as well : )

 

Furthermore, Jesus was a carpenter. He was not strictly a religious leader. He was "in the word but not of it." As Christians, we are needed were ever God leads us. And that can be a janitor, a teacher, a doctor, or pastor. It does not matter what you are, as long as you use the skills God gave you for Him.

Right now I am a student in college, however, I am coaching my third volleyball team this year. I believe God is leading me in the dirrection of coaching and if that is so I will use the gifts that God has provided for me for Him.

 

Monolith, is a Pagan,is a Christian,is a Pagan. Is a Pagan who knows what you should o as a Christian. I'm confused.

 

I agree with what everyone has said about gifts; however I don't think anyone is addressing this question, which basically is bolded above. I agree that people should be able to do what they are passionate about and earn the currency of this world, but what about 'marketing' Christ, as he is God's divine message/messanger. I tried to touch on this with my post about the multitude of English translations...when there are many many languages that don't have a translation at all.

I'm not trying to stir up discension with this but I'd like to hear some thoughts from believers.

 

i have given up everything and am living a life dedicated to Christ. I cannot stop myself from writing songs or painting pictures and wanting to share them with the world and *gasp* perhaps even get money for it!
I have 3 kids and the money comes in handy.

Now Christian bookstores...that is a whole other issue. Shouldnt BIbles be free??

hmm....

 

Not if they have nice covers : )

 

Just going by the bible.

 

Where do you keep getting this shit? I have NEVER said I was a Christian once on this forum.

For about 2 or 3 years all I did was study the bible, visit with fellow Christians and discuss things. I have pretty much read the whole thing give or take a few books. I stopped when I woke up and found my truth. So as an "x-christian" who's uncle is a traveling preacher I know a good bit about the bible. Does that make me a Christian now? No..

But I also have studied the Koran does that make me a muslim? No I just have an interest in world religions.

I am not testing religions to see which one fits me, I have mine. I just find man and his religions very interesting.