HAROLD KELLER

Christian rock music? A doubtful idea As I write this article, I ask God that my spirit is not a condemning one. I also ask for wisdom and that I be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Be aware that in my Christian walk, I’ve missed God many times. Having said that, I want to address today’s Christian entertainment. Monday, when I received the July 16 issue of Newsweek, my spirit was immediately grieved. The cover read: “Jesus Rocks!” The cover also stated: “Christian Entertainment Makes a Joyful Noise. Hot concerts – Big Books – New Movies.” In reference to the cover, it was stated that Christian entertainment is a booming, multi-billion-dollar business that’s changing the way many Americans spend their time – and money. I have 15 grandchildren and seven are teen-agers. Most of them really enjoy the so-called Christian rap-rock music festivals. Does that concern me? Yes. I agree that I’m old-fashioned, but keep in mind, I love my grandchildren and would do anything for them. I’m concerned because instead of young Christians setting the standards for the world, in my opinion, wanting to be accepted, they are allowing the world to set the standards for the majority of the church. Could I be wrong? Yes. I admit that and I could accept my discernment not being of God. What scares me more than anything is if I’m right. If I am, that will be one time I will be disappointed that I was right. Getting back to the above-mentioned Newsweek, one article begins with this: “Are you ready to rip the face off this place?’ screams the lead singer of Pillar. A hyped-up crowd of teens – 6,000 strong – goes nuts. The aggressive rap-rock band launches into a pummeling kickoff number, the surly singer pounding the stage with his steel-toed boot, sweating right through his baggy Army fatigues and black bandanna. He gestures like a member of some vicious street gang as he screams and roars into the mike, his arm swinging low as if on the way to the requisite crotch grab. This crude move is as integral to rap-rock as the blown kiss to a lounge act, and is usually accompanied by a testosteriod explosion of expletives. The singer’s hand slaps down hard on his thigh – and stays there. Gripping his pants leg with conviction, he screams, Jesus Christ!’ Pause. “Is He in your heart?'” In the same issue, another article by Marc Peyser is titled: “God, Mammon and Bibleman,’ and speaks of Christian entertainment. According to Mr. Peyser, can a movement become a mass market without selling its soul? He ends his article with this: “Maybe the mainstreaming of Christian entertainment has gone too far?” I have a tendency to agree. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivation group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.