The christain medium

I’ve been feeling some pressure.
“Not enough writing.”
“Not enough cutting edge journalism.”
“Not enough of your keen and razor-sharp wit these days, old man.”
No one has actually said these things to my face, but I can feel them circulating the universe. Plus: I keep getting bloody noses, so that means someone is definitely putting these thoughts up in the air, causing them to land in my subconscious like grenades of scorn.

Is it because there is nothing to write about? The answer is No: There is oodles to write about.. Speaking of which I’m engaged ..and if you didn’t know you’re not paying attention.. so there.

There’s been alot of ideas and questions sloshing around in my head and I haven’t had a chance to just write them down, and if I don’t do it now they will just vanish into oblivion.

I want to address some issues I have seen and heard on a daily basis for years. LITERALLY. While the issues is fresh on my mind I want to attack it here. The question is ________ artist a christian? (insert band name, painter, writer, etc) And can one be a christian but be on a secular music label? Let me ask you this; is there such thing as a christian taxi driver, mortician, plumber, carpenter? AND if so does the importance lye on the messenger/artist or the medium of what is expressed? My point is; if you’re a “christian” carpenter and the roof falls in on a family of four because you were to lazy to do the job the right way will it matter if you were a christian or not?

Throughout my upbringing Ive always been taught to do my work unto the Lord. I believe this literally applies to the actual product one puts their hands to. Also excellence reflects who you are and where your values lye. Can an atheist be a great carpenter? Yes. And will the work he lays his hands to reflect his atheistic views? That depends on the recipient. And if it does reflect his views then the medium in of itself is the vehicle of persuasion. Also the value system backing it is more apt to be embraced.

Bad art is bad art, and a bad roofing job is a bad roofing job. It doesn’t matter if you are a christian or not. And If christian art sucks (I’m not saying all of it does) than what does that say about us, or more importantly our creator? Bad art is obviously not an accurate reflection of our Lord. I believe God isn’t and never has been able to stay in a box. God can use what ever tool he wants. To say someone cant be used to glorify God just because he or she isn’t on a christian band Is stupid. Its a mission field. Just like where ever you happen to work. Are you still a christian if you work at Starbucks? (which happens to not be a christian company) Its my opinion this kind of ignorance might even be similar to the spark that started slavery. Ignorance gone unchecked and excepted in christian circles has caused the church to retreat from expression and influence,thus causing bands like the Beatles cries for “help” to fall on deaf ears. in my experience the greatest spiritual experience I’ve ever had while listening to music has not been inexplicably “christian.” I believe the purpose of art is to cause the recipient/listener/reader to wrestle with ideas of existence, pain, failure, loss, love, regret, faith etc.. causing the scale to turn inward.

If you look at the music of today you will find certain “christian” bands headlining “non christian” music festivals like; Warped tour, Ozzfest, and others I cant think of. This list includes and is not limited to; Under Oath, As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean, The Chariot, Mxpx, and others I cant think of.

Jesus said to shine our light, and what is a greater place then to the above festivals? And where are you going to find a better platform than to play in front of a demon filled mob?

~ by johnlinnell on May 9, 2009.