Alice Cooper wrote the forward to a new book entitled Rock Gets Religion by Mark Joseph. Cooper who quit drinking and drugs after finding God talks about altering the content of his lyrics since his conversion. This project examines the battle for the soul of secular music, called the Devil’s music when the church demonized pop culture in the 1950 and sixties. When talented musicians like Keith Green were rejected by mainstream music companies, contemporary Christian music began.
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God, James 4:4.
This new industry used passages from the Bible like the verse above to justify this decision. While this rationale makes sense, Jesus encouraged his disciples to live in the world, but not follow their standards. Thus, this separation from society like the Amish didn’t engage the world. Instead of shining light into the darkness of life, Christians artists were preaching to the choir, having little impact on the rest of the world for several decades.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one, John 17:15.
After nearly 4 decades of separation, Mark Joseph writes about how the influence of American Idol is reversing this trend. Instead of being rejected by music executives, average Americans are deciding who advances on these reality shows. As talented Christian artists are being discovered, more and more are choosing to appeal to a secular audience. Subsequently, groups like Reliant K, Stellar Kart and Thousand Foot Krutch are adding a spiritual flavor to rock and roll.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 