Posted on 08/31/2006 7:19:59 AM PDT by Fighting Irish
Photojournalist Stephanie Keith's first Christian rock show was in 2002, when she walked into a Kansas City coffeehouse and saw a punk band playing staunchly Christian tunes. "It seemed like such a contradiction in terms," she says, remembering the incongruity between the band's brash sound and its intensely Christian message. Over four years, Keith attended dozens of major Christian rock festivals -- including the New Hampshire's Soul Festival, Pennsylvania's Creation Festival, New Jersey's Autumn Blaze event and Virginia's Acquire the Fire fest -- many of which showcase the abundance of Christian punk, emo and hardcore bands. The twelve photographs that follow capture what she witnessed within the tight-knit world of Christian youth culture -- from the prayer tent to the merch table, to the front row.
Mt. Union, Pennsylvania, July 2nd, 2005. Teens enjoy a band at the Creation Festival, one of the largest Christian rock events in the country, which lasts four days and draws upwards of 80,000 people. Stephanie Keith: "[The bands'] direct focus is to get people into worship mode -- putting their hands up in the air and swaying and getting into God."
(Excerpt) Read more at rollingstone.com ...
I'd have to say Johnny Cash is my favorite CCM artist.
The one thing I have notices in the last 10 years is the MASSIVE increase of the number of Christian music stations. They are in every major city of the USA (I travel alot). Also the Christian music is top rate - as good as any rock and roll. With the mix of music they play, plus the promise of music that families can listen to without diving for the dial - they are getting hugely popular. I hear them in banks, restaurants, etc. If you didn't know the song - you would just think it was any music radio...definitely a bright spot in movement of this nation. And a very "slick" advertising campaign for Jesus.
I don't know what this music sounds like, but it can't be any worse than most of the baby boomer "praise music" heard in most megachurches today.
(From a gen X fogey)
Devil's advocate: I'm not sure Jesus needs or wants slick advertising. Its a long stretch to derive the need for "slick advertising" from the Bible's Great Commission.
I should say the pun was intended. :) (Not to take away from my point.)
Slick wasn't the right word - more like music that directly tunes into the culture to proclaim the good news - something that Paul would have agreed with 100%.
With all due respect, Jesus gave a speech from a boat to over 5,000 people on the shore without a PA system, yet every ear heard. Twice, he fed the masses with only a few loaves and fish. I think that's pretty 'slick'.
"Without a PA system"...
Exactly.
Why can't churches these days do without a PA system or amplifiers?
Actually, I have nothing against modern technology as such in churches, but I do not like lame "praise music" that sounds like bad renditions of "Air Supply" songs, followed by "slick" sermons that sound like I'm listening to a used car salesman (or a slick lawyer, for that matter). I guarantee that Jesus or Paul didn't come across this way.
There is a massive change in direction when it comes to todays "young" christian music.
It is leaving the realm of entertainment and moving towards worship.
To see kids with their hands in the air, crying, falling to their knees, singing at full voice with their eyes closed and not giving a rip about what their peers think ..... well...it's what some might call a "far cry" from the music we old fogies had in the 70's and 80's.
There won't be any in heaven ..... we'll all have perfect ears and great seating...for those of you who prefer to sit.
Personally ..... It cannot get loud enough, joyful enough or worshipfull enough for me here on Earth.
Agreed. The 'praise music' is tuneless, monotone, flattened, and without melody. It also seems to to have any rhythmic structure, but stumbles forward, or lurches.
Very boring.
Give me 'Higher Ground' or 'When The Roll is Called Up Yonder' anytime.
The Newsboys are my fave!
-- Jerry Lee Lewis
"something that Paul would have agreed with 100%"
How do you know Paul would agree with using this kind of music?
Paul did not use enticing words, and he explicitly rebuked licentiousness, lasciviousness, carnality and sensuality. He taught modesty, self control, and sensitivity toward the possibility of offending or stumbling others.
Perhaps I should stop myself next time I want to post a christian music thread.
Call me when the subtle vitriol has played itself out ...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.