From: wgorlitz@wiz.outb.wimsey.bc.ca (Walter Gorlitz)
Newsgroups: rec.music.christian
Subject: Re: Space aliens eat Amy CD's for breakfast
Date: 13 Aug 92 21:17:57 PDT
Organization: Wizard Online

Pun alert:

if Space aliens eat Amy CD's for breakfast, what's breakfast for Amy?

But seriously... I have only been reading for about two weeks.  The volume of Amy messages doesn't suprise me at all.  As a DJ (at a local rollerskate) who plays only Christian music, I have had my share of embarrasing moments around not only Amy, but Michael, Stryper and Petra.  Most Christian kids only know these four (Stryper a lot less now) bands/artists and there have been plenty of times when people come up to me and ask "can I hear a song by ..." and I'm in the middle of playing one of their songs. 


 I don't think people know the artist's music, but only know of them in the sense that they are cool or popular and their music is good.

My goal for the last ten years has been to educate Christians (and non-x's) about the diversity of Christian music.  I would personally rather listen to Tim Miner than MWS; Lisa Bevil than Amy, etc.  All of these bands are fine in small amounts, but there are dozens of good Christan artists who are never mentioned.  With 1250 units (CDs, Albums and Cassettes) in my data base, I have another 300-500 others not in the list.  I don't like them all, but if they are doing it a ministry, the I try to support the


m somehow, even if I don't play them.

A few days ago, someone asked what music they should buy for their church's library.  The choice is difficult.  Get a good crossection of styles and avoid Amy, MWS, Petra, and possibly DC Talk.  Most Christians know about these bands.  Do get Edin-Adahl (_Revival or better yet the Swedish version of it), at least one from Allies, Scott Blackwell, Steven C, Chapman (no flames please), Kim Hill, as much Charlie Peacock as you can afford, the re-release of _In_Another_Land_ by Larry Norman, either _The_Life_ 


or the "old testament trillogy" by Michael Card -- this is much more traditional, but great music and lyrics --, and possibly a Jeff Johnson.  This is a good mix, but talk to others about it too.  Oh yeah, metal: just about anything with Ken Tamplin's name on it is good glam-rock, Bloodgood (with David Z.), and Rez for old time's sake.  If they want speed metal or thrash, call me.
Just remember there are hundreds of active bands, thousands of inactive, recording Christian music.  Their theology may be sound or not.  They may be more interested in making music for Christ than they are in proclaiming Christ in music (no bias from me) you have to decide what kind of music  you are going to listen to.

Personally, Kieth Green is an inspiriation to me.  His music reminds me of where I want to be in Christ.  That is why I think his music is so popular.  I don't think that it is a situation of people idolizing him, but admiring the work that he has done.  It is truly motivating.  Isn't that why we sit through sermons in the first place?

walter

--- Via UCI v1.02 (C-Net Amiga)

             Signature?  I'm a Mac user, why do I need a signature?
 wgorlitz@wiz.outb.wimsey.bc.ca       walter gorlitz       a416@mindlink.bc.ca
Newsgroups: rec.music.christian