From: ras@controls.hccd.harris.com (Russell Soule)
Subject: X-ian Music
Organization: Harris Corporation, Melbourne FL
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 18:27:12 GMT


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NOTE:
The following letter was written by a good friend of mine who has listened
with interest to my comments about the secular vs Christian music thread that
has been running through this news group. He is an avid CCM listener and
also quite opinionated. It should be noted however, that he is not a reader
of this, or any other newsgroup, and he is not aware of any of the latest
postings. If it seems like he is rehashing old subjects, please forgive him.
It is for these reasons however, that I make the disclaimer that the opinion
listed below is not necessarily my own. Any comments and replies will, however,
be forwarded to the author.

In His name,

Russ Soule

p.s. Thank you for the responses to my Romans 16 (oops 14) post. At least now
     I know how to post things on the net. 

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Dear Readers,

As an avid reader of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine, it appears
to me that this Christian vs. Secular music has become the biggest issue
in the Christian music community today. Undoubtedly, everyone has their 
opinion. The big gripe seems to be bands "crossing over". Amy Grant is not
the only one. Bands like Holy Soldier, who's latest album is something I 
would expect from Slaughter (no offense to Slaughter fans intended), and 
Magdellan, formerly Shout, have also crossed that line and it seems to be
a continuing trend.

The reasoning behind the "crossover" is that the bands want to relate more
to their listeners and not to cram Jesus down their throat but to teach
positive morals. I think we can all agree that we need more positive morality
in today's society. I feel that the Christian industry is about to miss
the boat. If we remember the story of Jesus it should teach us something.
Everyone expected a great King with wealth and riches to save them. If
God would have sent this kind of person then it would have been exactly
what the people wanted. Instead, He sent a homeless little baby who grew
up to be a carpenter. This is not what the people wanted but through His
teachings and parables, which related to the Kingdom of God, some people 
came to know His grace.

If we give society what they want then how do they distinguish between
Christian and non-Christian. I feel that we as a people have lost faith
in the power of God and that whether or not a person likes Christian music
or not is not the point. The point is if we as Christians do not give God
and the Holy Spirit something to work with then the fight is over. It
seems like Christian music will end up like Christmas, X-mas and X-ian,
where Christ has somehow disappeared.

To sit and argue over this is stupid. These are my opinions which I am 
entitled to just as you are to yours. The Bible tells us in Titus 3:9,
"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments about the
law, because these are unprofitable and useless". If you feel one band
isn't Christian anymore then recommend another band instead of tearing each
other apart. For those who say if you listen to secular music you will burn
in Hell I have one statement for you. In the words of Rick Stanely, "Even
God waits until people are dead to judge them". Come on people, let's get
busy with the stuff that is truly important.

I will recommend to anyone who likes Christian music that anything on the
Pakaderm label is truly outstanding musically and lyrically. Liaison, Alter
Boys, and Uthanda are all great bands. 

To everyone, keep rockin' for Jesus.

Matt McCurry



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=    The path to Heaven is narrow, and the gates of Hell are wide,        =-=
=    and if you're not too careful you just might find yourself outside...=-=
=    in the fire.                                                         =-=
=                     ("Watch Your Step", 1990 Redemption)                =-
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