Christian or not?

What bands are thought of as Christian bands but you think of them as just a band...not necessarily christian. One that I view that way is kings X.

After the first couple of albums, I don't think that many Christian rockers truly see King's X as a Christian band especially after Doug came out of the closet.

Mass is a band that most Christian rockers accept, but there is not much to substantiate that claim in my opinion.

Creed is also a band that was widely accepted by Christians at first. But, there was only one guy that was a Christian, and he wasn't a real good example of that. The lead singer made a porno film with Kid Rock I believe after he left Creed to get himself cleaned up. I am not sure of the timing of that.

Evanascene was also seen as a Christian band and even marketed that way--well, until they hit the big time.

Balance Of Power is a band that seems not to be a Christian band too.

alldatndensum wrote:

Creed is also a band that was widely accepted by Christians at first. But, there was only one guy that was a Christian, and he wasn't a real good example of that. The lead singer made a porno film with Kid Rock I believe after he left Creed to get himself cleaned up. I am not sure of the timing of that.

That I second. The first album, which I own a cheap copy of, is spiritual but isn't what you'd call evangelistic.

I believe that all humans are seeking meaning and purpose. Most people acknowledge there's a supreme Creator and even believe that Creator is the One in the Bible. This reflects in a lot of music, since writers want to create songs with depth and meaning. Doesn't mean they're a "Christian" band. I could site several very secular bands with a song or two that pays homage to God, His grace, love, even Jesus and what He's done for us.... doesn't mean they're Christians.
One of my fav songs was an old 1969 song by Norman Greenbaum called Spirit in the Sky, all about having a friend in Jesus. But there are Scriptural inaccuracies in it. Doobie Bros, far from being Christian at the time, paid homage to Jesus being just "alright with me". We know now that the inspiration behind that was a seeking Michael McDonald who today is a Believer and releases Christian music.
MC Hammer knew the truth at the height of his popularity, today he's chosen the right side of the fence to be on, but his most popular album with "Pray" on it is dedicated to Jesus Christ. (there are some nasty songs on that album in case you're not familiar with it)

I could go on and on. Kansas members were seeking, it's all through their music, and some we know came to faith in Jesus. I believe there are tons of bands made up of simple humans who recognize that hole in their heart, and desire to write music reflecting this. But many who write an amazing song about God, show how lost they are with the rest of their lyrics.

We need to recognize this fact and accept it for what it is. I don't have a problem listening to a song or two by Creed, cuz Scott wrote some clean, well-meaning, truthful songs from the heart. But his confused human side shows through in a lot of songs too.

Cage (for one example)...I don't know why people try to claim them as a "Christian band"

Quote :

Cage (for one example)...I don't know why people try to claim them as a "Christian band"

I saw an ad in heavens Metal magazine for one of Cage's albums once.

I wouldn't consider Alice Cooper a Christian act...but they do carry his new album at the local Mardels.

Ok..you guys can blast me on this one but i do not consider "Bride" to be a Christian Band anymore.

Also I don't consider Rob Rock's "Driver" to be Christian. I recently read an article/interview with ex-members of Rage of Angels and they said they were never a Christian Band...mostly due to the restrictions and rules the Christian Labels wanted to put on them. I still love their album...(but I listen to bands whether they are Christian or not if I like the music)

brokentulsa wrote:

Ok..you guys can blast me on this one but i do not consider "Bride" to be a Christian Band anymore.

Can you define that a bit, please? I don't want to read anything into that.

Well DB, I do not consider them to be Christians anymore...they are universalist and their last few albums are full of universalism lyrics...
IMO they promote a false message and a false hope.

Ya it is so sad but Dale is teaching and preaching stuff that is not biblical. He claims there is no Hell. It is sad. It just goes to show you everyone needs to sit under spiritual authority of someone who is biblical sound and can help us rightly divide the Word of truth. I was a Pastor for fifteen years and saw many people who where toched by God and gave their hearts to the Lord, but for what ever reason got out of church and started believing things that are not true and have fallen away!!! It can happen to anyone. I know the church is messed up allot, but I believe there are allot of biblically sound bible believing churches out there!! That need Godly Metal heads in there churches o keep them from becoming stale, stuffy and hypocritical!!

Tim

brokentulsa wrote:

Well DB, I do not consider them to be Christians anymore...they are universalist and their last few albums are full of universalism lyrics...
IMO they promote a false message and a false hope.

Could you show me some examples of what you consider to be such lyrics? I haven't noticed any.

Besides, I think it's only Dale who's universalist, and maybe I'm wrong.

I may get some backlash for this one, but I believe the whole "Christian" is more a matter of marketing than content. It is who your target audience is. Christian bands are those whose music is being marketed primarily to Christian audiences through Christian retail channels. So when I hear a band like POD or As I Lay Dying say "we are not a Christian band," I don't go into a panic like some people do and fear that they are deserting their faith. I hear them saying "we're not going to let you ghettoize our music and pigeonhole us into one fanbase."

messiaen77 wrote:

I may get some backlash for this one, but I believe the whole "Christian" is more a matter of marketing than content. It is who your target audience is. Christian bands are those whose music is being marketed primarily to Christian audiences through Christian retail channels. .....

I think I would probably agree with you regarding the music scene over the last 15 years or so. It seems many "Christian" rock and metal bands in that period are almost identical lyrically with their secular counterparts. Back in the 70's and 80's you could listen to the lyrics of a band and know if they were Christian or not. Nowadays I can't tell the difference with many bands

brokentulsa wrote:

Ok..you guys can blast me on this one but i do not consider "Bride" to be a Christian Band anymore.

No blasting here. I cannot listen to any new music or support them anymore. For many years I considered them to be my all time favorite band, but no longer. I'd rather support the most hedonistic secular band than a band spreading a false gospel.

Where does a band like "U2" fit into this discussion? Some consider them a christian band. I do not.

As far as U2, I think you have 1 believer for sure. Bono is not ashamed of his faith in Christ. But I've seen the rest of the band on a documentary with the foulest mouths ever (doesn't mean they ain't saved, just makes it questionable). There are a lot of lyrics that pay homage to the faith of the Bible (most likely Bono's influence/writing)

However, I've always wondered about one song.

"I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it"

Then he sings:

"But I still haven't found what I'm looking for"

Kinda weird....

I know Bono's language can be just as foul. I think, based on what I hear and see that He claims to be a christian, but I'm not sure he is. But like I tell alot of people, lets be thankful it's not up to me.

I think that song is the catalyst for many to proclaim the band as a christian one. Again, I'm not convinced

U2 is not a Christian band, but I have no problem believing Bono & The Edge's professions of faith. Seems like I saw one of the other two is a Christian as well. Just because someone's walk doesn't look like mine doesn't mean it isn't genuine. They may have foul mouths, but they have done more for the cause of "the least of these" than I will probably ever do.

I don't think I would consider U2 a Christian band either.

To my mind, there's "evangelical" vs. "clean" Christian bands. Evangelical would be Daniel Band (preachy), while Clean would be, say, the first two Titanic albums (spiritually overtoned).