Skillet - "American Noise"

Fans who would never have listened to Skillet in the past because of the "Jesus Per Minute" lyrics are more likely to listen when the same message is given just in a different less in your face way. The only difference is that the die hard Christian fans only want them to be preachy and more JPM in their songs. As if they should only play for the saved crowd. Now they are still the same band, same message and nothing really outside of the JPM lyrics has changed. They sing about suicide, loss, divorce, struggles in life, etc etc. Are these not things that Christians and non-Christians struggle about. Look at the song The Last Night, which was a pretty upfront and bold song lyrically sungs from Gods view. Other songs like Forgiven (about finding rest in God) and Awake & Alive (about resisting from temptaions and keeping focused on God) are other examples.
Pretty much if you want straight forward in your face JPM then more of the Icontemporary music/worship music is where your gonna find it. Other bands that want to reach a wider audience aren't going to compromise their faith and will write from a more life view w/God still at the center. But this could all be debated from here till the end of times.

1. I have never challenged the christianity of bands which "water down" lyrics as long as it is still evident from their lyrics they are a christian band.

2. I don't deny that they might get more people to listen and to attend shows if they "water down" their lyrics. The question becomes, then, what are they reaching them WITH? (because music is the main ministry of a MUSICian) I don't discount the ministry at concerts, etc, but that is secondary imo.

3. If that's the direction God leads them, then I am all for it.

HOWEVER

4. If they are aiming to minister to people outside of the christian sphere (mainly) then they shouldn't label themselves a christian band and should mainly play outside of "christian events" because if you are aiming for evangelism as a goal for your band you should go to an area where the need is. (ie: the well don't need a doctor, the sick do)

5. If they are part of the "christian sphere" of music (ie: label themselves as christian) then their lyrics/ministry should be of a certain standard. (otherwise it's like someone dressed in cleats and shoulder pads saying they play basketball) I don't think it necessitates a "high JPM" but SOME "JPM" instead of just "clean lyrics" (which most of them I don't really consider "clean" but mostly empty and meaningless words) ..

6. I get tired of hearing two things:

a. you can say Him and He.. you don't have to say "Jesus" every time for someone to know Who you are talking about! (yes, but if there is no PREFACE or MENTION of Jesus how do we know you are talking about Him when you say "Him" .. "He" .. or "You")

b. it's just like "Ruth" and "Esther" .. they don't mention God specifically... (yes, but what percentage of Scripture are those two books? comparitively little! the LARGE percentage of Scripture most absolutely does mention God (by name and several times!!).. so why justify the large majority of your work by a small percentage of Scripture?)