Could there really be 'Christian hardcore,death metal?'

[ChristianHardRocker]

I found this essay to help prove to those who dont believe there is a thing called 'Christian hard rock,hardcore,deathmetal,etc.' and it comes from the devil,blah blah. Hope you guys enjoy it. Courtesy of www.godcore.com

All rock music is used for non-Christian purposes.

Rock music is solely a genre of music. Categorizing all people who play a particular genre of music as playing music with inherently non-Christians purposes is completely absurd. There are, in fact, many Christians who exist within the realm of rock music who continue to be the light of Christ wherever they go. For more information please see our essay on rock music located here.

Can't rock music, with its fast paced beat and usual depressing lyrics, cause emotional instability?

Teenagers dealing with trying to fit in, find themselves, and/or the angst of growing up are often times the subject of most rock songs, since that is what most teenagers are going through and what the artist has gone through or is going through. Most artists will use this time in their teen years as a testimony as to what God has done in them, and brought them through. Godcore fully condones anything that gives God the glory rather than anything else.

Some rock music has inharmonious sounds. How can this be pleasing to any ear, and especially to God?

With most up-and-coming genres and fusion genres, distortion is used quite heavily, and as such, most of it sounds almost like noise. God has created our minds in such a way that we are creative enough to break the mold of normal use of the guitar and able to use that ability to create the sound we desire. It is the artist's prerogative to use whatever sound they would like. As ridiculous as it may sound, people often love the sound of distorted guitars and such. God has designed harmony itself. Who is to say what is inharmonious? It is my belief that God finds anything that glorifies him and nothing else harmonious.

There are genres of rock music that have growling or screaming; how is this worshipful?

The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto him (Psalms 66:1). What is joyful to one may not be joyful to another, and vice-versa. Just as one may not like this food or another--it is personal preference. There is no guideline in the Bible that shows us how we are to make that joyful noise unto our Lord. The way we worship is not with our mouths alone, but it is with our lives. We must pick up our cross, and worship with our bodies and living sacrifices. Whether we growl or scream during worship should be a non-issue, the issue should be whether we worship or not.

Can we trust this music to minister to our children?

The same can be asked of anything that is bought within the Christian bookstore, or in your local church. The truth is that we must look at the product itself and see what it has to offer. Christians will be known by their fruit and the same can be said for bands who wish to spread the Gospel through their music: we will know them by their fruits.

Why don't the lyrics that I find on the CD's that I bought for my kids at the Bible bookstore have anything to do with God?

This is the artist's preference. Some of the time the artist may wish to use a parable just as Jesus taught; they may take their life experience and use it as a testimony; or they may be sharing a story of how they see God through their lover's heart, or through nature. Mentioning God's name, or stating a well known Bible verse does not make the song Godly and vice-versa, not mentioning God's name does not equate malevolence.

This band looks really dark and evil. How can they serve God when they look like that?

There is an incredible difference between looking something, and being something. God does not judge us by our outwardly appearance and neither should we. Jesus may have looked angry to those bystanders who saw him turn over the tables of the money changers, but as we know, anger is not a fruit of the Spirit, and so we know he was not angry. Judging a person based solely upon appearance is doing you and the person an injustice.

Why do the kids at these concerts push, shove and punch one another? That doesn't seem very loving.

Godcore in no way condones the use of violence in any situation. The pushing, shoving, punching, and often kicking that you describe is what is called "moshing." Moshing has become a growing trend in the rock community, and it started out as a way of expressing one's self.

When these bands scream "Jesus," aren't they using the Lord's name in vain?

Certainly not! When in prayer, is using God's name using it in vain? When calling on the name of the Lord, we do not do it in vain, but we do it because we realize that we cannot do it on our own, but through Christ all things are possible. This is not saying that all bands who use God's name are doing it out of prostration.

I really liked how they explained all of this. I'll be sure to use this the next time someone tells me 'there is no such thing as Christian hard rock,etc'

[Guest LadyC]

sorry rocker, i didn't read beyond the title, because i'm rushing to get ready so i can get my mom to the airport.

i just wanted to say this... based on the title.

God is the giver of LIFE.

satan is the grim reaper of DEATH.

i do believe that christian music can be very hard heavy metal, can be rap, can be any genre really. if the lyrics glorify God and reach someone who might never hear a praise and worship song of a gentler melody, then that's what counts. i think God probably uses earplugs, but what the heck.

i just think the TERM "death metal" is in contradiction to the giver of Life.

[ChristianHardRocker]

sorry rocker, i didn't read beyond the title, because i'm rushing to get ready so i can get my mom to the airport.

i just wanted to say this... based on the title.

God is the giver of LIFE.

satan is the grim reaper of DEATH.

i do believe that christian music can be very hard heavy metal, can be rap, can be any genre really. if the lyrics glorify God and reach someone who might never hear a praise and worship song of a gentler melody, then that's what counts. i think God probably uses earplugs, but what the heck.

i just think the TERM "death metal" is in contradiction to the giver of Life.

well,they still use the term 'Death metal' dont know why but oh well.

[gypc]

I heard a man once say "God's favorite music is Country" (LOL)

Let's look at the reality of all things. I speak english, so I will tell you about Jesus in english because I don't know any other language. I play guitar..........let's say I only know 3 chords...uh.. E-A- and B. Now I wanna play Amazing Grace. I can get by, playing the whole song....but I won't be able to put minor chords in it. Someone might say.."hey, you didn't play all the chords"...ok..no I didn't but did you get the message of the song?

In other words, I don't think God minds at all if someone bangs 2 rocks together and sings "Jesus is the only way, his blood has washed my sins away" No Matter what language or what style!

The question should be........are these people led by Christ? If so there will be fruit. What fruit? Well starting off........what comes out from their mouths? Is it the doctrine of Christ?.......ok 2nd..Gal 5:...the fruit of the Spirit. Is this music producing.....Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Goodness and Self Control..............or is it producing the acts of the sinful nature?.......which are Sexual immorality, Impurity, Debauchery, Idolatry, Witchcraft, Hatred, Discord, Jealousy, Fits of rage, Selfish ambition, Dissensions, Factions, Envy, Drunkenness, Orgies or Rebellion?

It's that simple

[Guest LadyC]

excellent post gypc...

ok makeup is on, hair is dried, i'll see ya'll later this afternoon!

[MeCajunboy]

I found this essay to help prove to those who dont believe there is a thing called 'Christian hard rock,hardcore,deathmetal,etc.' and it comes from the devil,blah blah. Hope you guys enjoy it. Courtesy of www.godcore.com

All rock music is used for non-Christian purposes.

Rock music is solely a genre of music. Categorizing all people who play a particular genre of music as playing music with inherently non-Christians purposes is completely absurd. There are, in fact, many Christians who exist within the realm of rock music who continue to be the light of Christ wherever they go. For more information please see our essay on rock music located here.

Can't rock music, with its fast paced beat and usual depressing lyrics, cause emotional instability?

Teenagers dealing with trying to fit in, find themselves, and/or the angst of growing up are often times the subject of most rock songs, since that is what most teenagers are going through and what the artist has gone through or is going through. Most artists will use this time in their teen years as a testimony as to what God has done in them, and brought them through. Godcore fully condones anything that gives God the glory rather than anything else.

Some rock music has inharmonious sounds. How can this be pleasing to any ear, and especially to God?

With most up-and-coming genres and fusion genres, distortion is used quite heavily, and as such, most of it sounds almost like noise. God has created our minds in such a way that we are creative enough to break the mold of normal use of the guitar and able to use that ability to create the sound we desire. It is the artist's prerogative to use whatever sound they would like. As ridiculous as it may sound, people often love the sound of distorted guitars and such. God has designed harmony itself. Who is to say what is inharmonious? It is my belief that God finds anything that glorifies him and nothing else harmonious.

There are genres of rock music that have growling or screaming; how is this worshipful?

The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto him (Psalms 66:1). What is joyful to one may not be joyful to another, and vice-versa. Just as one may not like this food or another--it is personal preference. There is no guideline in the Bible that shows us how we are to make that joyful noise unto our Lord. The way we worship is not with our mouths alone, but it is with our lives. We must pick up our cross, and worship with our bodies and living sacrifices. Whether we growl or scream during worship should be a non-issue, the issue should be whether we worship or not.

Can we trust this music to minister to our children?

The same can be asked of anything that is bought within the Christian bookstore, or in your local church. The truth is that we must look at the product itself and see what it has to offer. Christians will be known by their fruit and the same can be said for bands who wish to spread the Gospel through their music: we will know them by their fruits.

Why don't the lyrics that I find on the CD's that I bought for my kids at the Bible bookstore have anything to do with God?

This is the artist's preference. Some of the time the artist may wish to use a parable just as Jesus taught; they may take their life experience and use it as a testimony; or they may be sharing a story of how they see God through their lover's heart, or through nature. Mentioning God's name, or stating a well known Bible verse does not make the song Godly and vice-versa, not mentioning God's name does not equate malevolence.

This band looks really dark and evil. How can they serve God when they look like that?

There is an incredible difference between looking something, and being something. God does not judge us by our outwardly appearance and neither should we. Jesus may have looked angry to those bystanders who saw him turn over the tables of the money changers, but as we know, anger is not a fruit of the Spirit, and so we know he was not angry. Judging a person based solely upon appearance is doing you and the person an injustice.

Why do the kids at these concerts push, shove and punch one another? That doesn't seem very loving.

Godcore in no way condones the use of violence in any situation. The pushing, shoving, punching, and often kicking that you describe is what is called "moshing." Moshing has become a growing trend in the rock community, and it started out as a way of expressing one's self.

When these bands scream "Jesus," aren't they using the Lord's name in vain?

Certainly not! When in prayer, is using God's name using it in vain? When calling on the name of the Lord, we do not do it in vain, but we do it because we realize that we cannot do it on our own, but through Christ all things are possible. This is not saying that all bands who use God's name are doing it out of prostration.

I really liked how they explained all of this. I'll be sure to use this the next time someone tells me 'there is no such thing as Christian hard rock,etc'

While I have to agree that "we each and all as individuals" have our own style of music, I am complelled to ask, "What are the "fruit" of the outcome of the person who listens to this type of music? What do they have to contribute to God's outcome for all of us? Is each one of them doing all they can for "Others?" Or is the focal point more on the individual? Another words, "If they're merely concentrating on the "What's in it for me question" then I disagree with your theme. If it's efforts are to guide un-believers or those confused or looking for answers, and sending them in the direction to follow God.....then I say YES! YES! Another way to put is, is if it's in align with God's Words in the Bible, then YES! But if it encourage the occult, blood, snakes and the like , then this is not the message God is trying to convey......We had the same problem getting people to accept our music and style in the 50's and 60's believe it or not....But beware ! Much evil can come from what may appear to be Goodness in the end! As with the 50's and 60's......

Blessings

Cajunboy

[Oh Hamburgers!]

If the band uses Christian lyrics, and advocates a Christian lifestyle while performing their musc, then I think there could easily be christian hardcore,death metal. It's all about the lyrics in my mind, beat has nothing to do with being "godly" or "satanic". Death metal is just a name for the genre, it doesn't mean the music advocates death.

Good post!

[Floatingaxe]

There are genres of rock music that have growling or screaming; how is this worshipful?

The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto him (Psalms 66:1). What is joyful to one may not be joyful to another, and vice-versa.

Everyone knows the pattern of joy! If it is growling or harsh screams, then it is NOT joy. The language of joy is unmistakeable, and not to do with preference! Joy is expressed with unity, and is universally understood. If one has to question it, then it's a good bet that it is not joy that is being expressed!

[Emily~Anne]

There are genres of rock music that have growling or screaming; how is this worshipful?

The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto him (Psalms 66:1). What is joyful to one may not be joyful to another, and vice-versa.

Everyone knows the pattern of joy! If it is growling or harsh screams, then it is NOT joy. The language of joy is unmistakeable, and not to do with preference! Joy is expressed with unity, and is universally understood. If one has to question it, then it's a good bet that it is not joy that is being expressed!

This is how I feel too! The hardest 'rock' I will listen to are songs like "These Are The Days Of Elijah' or 'One Way'. I feel it is important the music have an UPLIFTING message of VICTORY. Which 'Christian death metal' (of what I have seen so far) lacks. They sing things like Jesus Christ is a shattered dream and blah blah blah.

[Floatingaxe]

Isn't Christian death metal an oxymoron?