Michael Sweet Stirring The Pot

ishmael81 wrote:

I hear you. I'm currently going through being attacked for being divisive (in my personal life, not here) so I'm trying really hard to be part of conversations without seeming argumentative.

Honestly, at the time I was on the fence about Stryper (due to Mike's vocals, not a big fan) and that kind of pushed me over the edge...

Really sorry to hear about that.  You are a super cool dude, I can't imagine you intentionally doing anything to divide people.

On the flip side, there are bands who are unwavering in their convictions, but still show enough tact and debate  (on places like fb) with love. Seventh Day Slumber is a great example.

Samson wrote:

On the flip side, there are bands who are unwavering in their convictions, but still show enough tact and debate  (on places like fb) with love. Seventh Day Slumber is a great example.

I guess I did leave those types out...but quite frankly I haven't seen many.

Staybrite wrote:

ishmael81 wrote:

I hear you. I'm currently going through being attacked for being divisive (in my personal life, not here) so I'm trying really hard to be part of conversations without seeming argumentative.

Honestly, at the time I was on the fence about Stryper (due to Mike's vocals, not a big fan) and that kind of pushed me over the edge...

Really sorry to hear about that.  You are a super cool dude, I can't imagine you intentionally doing anything to divide people.

Thanks man. It's a long story but basically, some former church members attacked me, my wife, a friend and her husband and our pastor and his wife because of some expectations they had for us that we didn't know about (namely, they wanted us to reach out to one of them during a surgery that none of us knew was scheduled). Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet. So I'm getting it from all sides....

NoOneIsHere wrote:

Yes, I am a big fan of Stryper, one of the few Christian bands that actually has talent IMO, but I think anyone who knows / remembers the history of Stryper should understand a little more about why he comes off as defensive.

The dude has been put through the wringer time and time again by so-called "Christians" who just want to tear them down.

Can you imagine being 21/22 years old, playing music for Jesus because you actually want to reach people...but then having mobs of "Christians" show up at your shows protesting you and calling you the devil? And even the preacher who played a major part in their turning to God start attacking you?

Can you imagine getting it both from non-Christians who want to tear you down because of your faith and also the Christians who were supposed to be on your side for support?

I'm sorry..I have watched over the years how many a*holes have tried to destroy him. Not to mention now in the social media age, where people spout pure hatred out every day without a filter towards anyone who doesn't fit their idea of the perfect celebrity.

I feel for the guys. And I fully understand why someone would build up his defenses and get to the point where they snap back at any negativity.

I have seen a lot of people go through a lot less but still become like that.

Try reading his book sometime...it may change your mind.

1.  I'd think that going through all that would have given him thicker skin, but everyone's different. 
2.  I totally understand getting a little miffed at the whole "selling out"/not really Christian thing and really all that garbage he got over that whole "we aren't a Christian band" thing was just ridiculous considering how up-front most of their lyrics are.  But that is totally different than going off on people who aren't really digging your new music. 
3.  I think there is some validity to what you are saying, but I also think Michael bears some responsibility to be a grown-up and accept that not everyone is going to like his work.  Something people seem to have forgotten in the social media age is that you don't have to respond to every comment you see/hear.  Sometimes the best thing is just to keep on scrolling.

messiaen77 wrote:

NoOneIsHere wrote:

Yes, I am a big fan of Stryper, one of the few Christian bands that actually has talent IMO, but I think anyone who knows / remembers the history of Stryper should understand a little more about why he comes off as defensive.

The dude has been put through the wringer time and time again by so-called "Christians" who just want to tear them down.

Can you imagine being 21/22 years old, playing music for Jesus because you actually want to reach people...but then having mobs of "Christians" show up at your shows protesting you and calling you the devil? And even the preacher who played a major part in their turning to God start attacking you?

Can you imagine getting it both from non-Christians who want to tear you down because of your faith and also the Christians who were supposed to be on your side for support?

I'm sorry..I have watched over the years how many a*holes have tried to destroy him. Not to mention now in the social media age, where people spout pure hatred out every day without a filter towards anyone who doesn't fit their idea of the perfect celebrity.

I feel for the guys. And I fully understand why someone would build up his defenses and get to the point where they snap back at any negativity.

I have seen a lot of people go through a lot less but still become like that.

Try reading his book sometime...it may change your mind.

1.  I'd think that going through all that would have given him thicker skin, but everyone's different. 
2.  I totally understand getting a little miffed at the whole "selling out"/not really Christian thing and really all that garbage he got over that whole "we aren't a Christian band" thing was just ridiculous considering how up-front most of their lyrics are.  But that is totally different than going off on people who aren't really digging your new music. 
3.  I think there is some validity to what you are saying, but I also think Michael bears some responsibility to be a grown-up and accept that not everyone is going to like his work.  Something people seem to have forgotten in the social media age is that you don't have to respond to every comment you see/hear.  Sometimes the best thing is just to keep on scrolling.

What fun is that?

messiaen77 wrote:

NoOneIsHere wrote:

Yes, I am a big fan of Stryper, one of the few Christian bands that actually has talent IMO, but I think anyone who knows / remembers the history of Stryper should understand a little more about why he comes off as defensive.

The dude has been put through the wringer time and time again by so-called "Christians" who just want to tear them down.

Can you imagine being 21/22 years old, playing music for Jesus because you actually want to reach people...but then having mobs of "Christians" show up at your shows protesting you and calling you the devil? And even the preacher who played a major part in their turning to God start attacking you?

Can you imagine getting it both from non-Christians who want to tear you down because of your faith and also the Christians who were supposed to be on your side for support?

I'm sorry..I have watched over the years how many a*holes have tried to destroy him. Not to mention now in the social media age, where people spout pure hatred out every day without a filter towards anyone who doesn't fit their idea of the perfect celebrity.

I feel for the guys. And I fully understand why someone would build up his defenses and get to the point where they snap back at any negativity.

I have seen a lot of people go through a lot less but still become like that.

Try reading his book sometime...it may change your mind.

1.  I'd think that going through all that would have given him thicker skin, but everyone's different. 
2.  I totally understand getting a little miffed at the whole "selling out"/not really Christian thing and really all that garbage he got over that whole "we aren't a Christian band" thing was just ridiculous considering how up-front most of their lyrics are.  But that is totally different than going off on people who aren't really digging your new music. 
3.  I think there is some validity to what you are saying, but I also think Michael bears some responsibility to be a grown-up and accept that not everyone is going to like his work.  Something people seem to have forgotten in the social media age is that you don't have to respond to every comment you see/hear.  Sometimes the best thing is just to keep on scrolling.

1. Yeah, I agree with that. Some people have gotten more immune to it that others. By the same token, I have seen people not take it as well as he has either and totally break apart.

2. Agreed. I think that if he posts a question asking what people thought about it, that he should be able to take the good and the bad. However, when I see a lot of comments from people who were NEVER Stryper fans going out of their way to criticize it, or people who are nasty when they give their comment, I can't blame him for overreacting. I also see a lot of times when he has posted some news, not eliciting opinions, and people use that chance to start making negative comments about the album or band

3. True 'dat..  does work both ways though, too. Sometimes people just need to keep on scrolling without stopping to post negative comments about a band.

Through The Dark Radio wrote:

Staybrite wrote:

Sorry for the long post (and yes I realize this is my fourth consecutive post on this thread….and I do feel like I’m talking to myself, but I am the coolest, most interesting and humble person I know…so why wouldn’t I want to talk to me?)

That's what I'm talkin bout!!!!

ishmael81 wrote:

Staybrite wrote:

ishmael81 wrote:

I hear you. I'm currently going through being attacked for being divisive (in my personal life, not here) so I'm trying really hard to be part of conversations without seeming argumentative.

Honestly, at the time I was on the fence about Stryper (due to Mike's vocals, not a big fan) and that kind of pushed me over the edge...

Really sorry to hear about that.  You are a super cool dude, I can't imagine you intentionally doing anything to divide people.

Thanks man. It's a long story but basically, some former church members attacked me, my wife, a friend and her husband and our pastor and his wife because of some expectations they had for us that we didn't know about (namely, they wanted us to reach out to one of them during a surgery that none of us knew was scheduled). Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet. So I'm getting it from all sides....

And people wonder why I want to live by myself in the middle of the forest.  Sorry to hear this has happened to you. I have to confess that I was so burned by people at my last two churches that I'm really not that involved with people in my current church...not ideal I know, but I've just grown tired of nonsense like that.

Quote :

Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet.

I can't say that I blame her.  Millions of innocent plants are killed as food daily.  Stop the violence! 

Just kidding.  I wish I could even stick to a low carb diet.  I seem to be awesome at screwing that up.

ishmael wrote:

Quote :

Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet.

I can't say that I blame her.  Millions of innocent plants are killed as food daily.  Stop the violence! 

Just kidding.  I wish I could even stick to a low carb diet.  I seem to be awesome at screwing that up.

Wow, what's it to her? Who cares? We don't eat a lot of red meat, mostly ground turkey or chicken. But I can still chow down a t-bone with the best of them I just don't (much) anymore.

Staybrite wrote:

ishmael81 wrote:

Staybrite wrote:

ishmael81 wrote:

I hear you. I'm currently going through being attacked for being divisive (in my personal life, not here) so I'm trying really hard to be part of conversations without seeming argumentative.

Honestly, at the time I was on the fence about Stryper (due to Mike's vocals, not a big fan) and that kind of pushed me over the edge...

Really sorry to hear about that.  You are a super cool dude, I can't imagine you intentionally doing anything to divide people.

Thanks man. It's a long story but basically, some former church members attacked me, my wife, a friend and her husband and our pastor and his wife because of some expectations they had for us that we didn't know about (namely, they wanted us to reach out to one of them during a surgery that none of us knew was scheduled). Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet. So I'm getting it from all sides....

And people wonder why I want to live by myself in the middle of the forest.  Sorry to hear this has happened to you. I have to confess that I was so burned by people at my last two churches that I'm really not that involved with people in my current church...not ideal I know, but I've just grown tired of nonsense like that.

Thanks man. I appreciate it. I can definitely relate to your feelings about not being involved with people at your current church. I've been through that before too, not just once.

MikeInFla wrote:

ishmael wrote:

Quote :

Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet.

I can't say that I blame her.  Millions of innocent plants are killed as food daily.  Stop the violence! 

Just kidding.  I wish I could even stick to a low carb diet.  I seem to be awesome at screwing that up.

Wow, what's it to her? Who cares? We don't eat a lot of red meat, mostly ground turkey or chicken. But I can still chow down a t-bone with the best of them I just don't (much) anymore.

To be honest Mike I have no idea what her problem is with it. But whenever I saw her Labor Day weekend she straight up laughed at me and my wife about it and teased us about it very ruthlessly. I guess since her way is always right, and she doesn't do it that way, it's trivial and frivolous.

I've been on the receiving end of Mike's frustrations, and it isn't fun. I really enjoy their music, but yeah, he is super-defensive. That being said, if someone looked into my life, they'd see some seriously messed up areas too. We're all sinners and in need of grace, both from God and from other believers. I'll cut him slack for what I see are weaknesses because I know that I, too, have weaknesses.

ishmael81 wrote:

MikeInFla wrote:

ishmael wrote:

Quote :

Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet.

I can't say that I blame her.  Millions of innocent plants are killed as food daily.  Stop the violence! 

Just kidding.  I wish I could even stick to a low carb diet.  I seem to be awesome at screwing that up.

Wow, what's it to her? Who cares? We don't eat a lot of red meat, mostly ground turkey or chicken. But I can still chow down a t-bone with the best of them I just don't (much) anymore.

To be honest Mike I have no idea what her problem is with it. But whenever I saw her Labor Day weekend she straight up laughed at me and my wife about it and teased us about it very ruthlessly. I guess since her way is always right, and she doesn't do it that way, it's trivial and frivolous.

My family did the vegan diet thing (and yest we were rather militant about it) for just over a year before we finally gave up.  We still don't do a ton of red meat and very little dairy.  The entire time we were eating vegan we received a never ending parade of crap from friends and family.  It's strange but it is almost as if they feel threatened by it or something and feel a need to lash out at you.

This is a perfect example of why I defend Michael Sweet, even though he may seem to come off as overly defensive sometimes.

Look at the way the guy poses the question to him. He just called the other Stryper tunes "played out oldies".

Yet he will be the guy who goes crying to everyone about how "Michael was unfair to me" and "he got an attitude when all I did was say I like Yahew and God and that they should play them live".

How about this instead:
"Hey Michael, any chance of you adding Yahweh and God to the live set?"
or 
"Hey, any chance of changing things up and adding in some more songs from your recent albums to the live set?

I bet THAT would have gotten a better response from Michael.

Respect is a two way street



(and for the grammar Nazi's....yes, he meant "so don't play"...not "So don't okay")

Staybrite wrote:

ishmael81 wrote:

MikeInFla wrote:

ishmael wrote:

Quote :

Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet.

I can't say that I blame her.  Millions of innocent plants are killed as food daily.  Stop the violence! 

Just kidding.  I wish I could even stick to a low carb diet.  I seem to be awesome at screwing that up.

Wow, what's it to her? Who cares? We don't eat a lot of red meat, mostly ground turkey or chicken. But I can still chow down a t-bone with the best of them I just don't (much) anymore.

To be honest Mike I have no idea what her problem is with it. But whenever I saw her Labor Day weekend she straight up laughed at me and my wife about it and teased us about it very ruthlessly. I guess since her way is always right, and she doesn't do it that way, it's trivial and frivolous.

My family did the vegan diet thing (and yest we were rather militant about it) for just over a year before we finally gave up.  We still don't do a ton of red meat and very little dairy.  The entire time we were eating vegan we received a never ending parade of crap from friends and family.  It's strange but it is almost as if they feel threatened by it or something and feel a need to lash out at you.

Yep. We're getting the same thing. The only supportive people we have are our very closest friends (about ten people) and my parents. Hers are indifferent and most other folks think we're committing some sort of new covenant sin by not eating meat, eggs or cheese.

ishmael81 wrote:

Staybrite wrote:

ishmael81 wrote:

MikeInFla wrote:

ishmael wrote:

Quote :

Also, I have an aunt that is very negative about my wife and I eating a plant based diet.

I can't say that I blame her.  Millions of innocent plants are killed as food daily.  Stop the violence! 

Just kidding.  I wish I could even stick to a low carb diet.  I seem to be awesome at screwing that up.

Wow, what's it to her? Who cares? We don't eat a lot of red meat, mostly ground turkey or chicken. But I can still chow down a t-bone with the best of them I just don't (much) anymore.

To be honest Mike I have no idea what her problem is with it. But whenever I saw her Labor Day weekend she straight up laughed at me and my wife about it and teased us about it very ruthlessly. I guess since her way is always right, and she doesn't do it that way, it's trivial and frivolous.

My family did the vegan diet thing (and yest we were rather militant about it) for just over a year before we finally gave up.  We still don't do a ton of red meat and very little dairy.  The entire time we were eating vegan we received a never ending parade of crap from friends and family.  It's strange but it is almost as if they feel threatened by it or something and feel a need to lash out at you.

Yep. We're getting the same thing. The only supportive people we have are our very closest friends (about ten people) and my parents. Hers are indifferent and most other folks think we're committing some sort of new covenant sin by not eating meat, eggs or cheese.

We even had two Christian families who went vegan for awhile around the same time we did.  Both families quit after a year or two and felt a need to "repent of their vegan ways" and apologize to those that they encouraged to "go vegan".  Dumbest thing I ever heard, as if God truly cares if you eat meat or not.  People can be so touchy about the silliest things.  Best of luck with the new eating lifestyle, it has many benefits.

NoOneIsHere wrote:

This is a perfect example of why I defend Michael Sweet, even though he may seem to come off as overly defensive sometimes.

Look at the way the guy poses the question to him. He just called the other Stryper tunes "played out oldies".

Yet he will be the guy who goes crying to everyone about how "Michael was unfair to me" and "he got an attitude when all I did was say I like Yahew and God and that they should play them live".

How about this instead:
"Hey Michael, any chance of you adding Yahweh and God to the live set?"
or 
"Hey, any chance of changing things up and adding in some more songs from your recent albums to the live set?

I bet THAT would have gotten a better response from Michael.

Respect is a two way street



(and for the grammar Nazi's....yes, he meant "so don't play"...not "So don't okay")

What a lot of long-time fans of bands fail to understand is that 75% of the people at a concert or show (to see an 80's/70's) band are only there to hear the songs they remember from the radio...or from their 80's records.  If Stryper hit the stage and played all new songs on even 1/3 of their set, MOST of the concert goers will be disappointed and complain....resulting it lower attendance for subsequent shows.  Hardcore/long-time fans just need to be happy they can even watch any of these bands perform live anymore.