The Christian Medium

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. While the issues is fresh on my mind I want to address it here. Can one be a christian and be on a secular music label? So let me ask you this; is there such thing as a christian taxi driver, mortician, plumber, carpenter?  If so does the importance lie on the messenger/artist or the medium of what is expressed? My point is if you’re a “Christian” carpenter, and the house collapses because you  didn’t do the job the right way will it will it reflect on you’re Christianity or not ?

Throughout my upbringing Iwas always  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 lie. 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. It’s a mission field. Just like wherever 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?

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~ by johnlinnell on March 1, 2011.