Would Jesus Mosh?

http://www.ransomfellowship.org/articledetail.asp?AID=249&B=David%20John%20Seel,%20Jr.&TID=4

A few quick responses off the top of my head (I'll write something a bit more substantive later)...

Mostly the arguments seem to be as follows:

1.The music itself is considered to be “Christian” – this is an incorrect argument often used. The music is not an attempt to praise God (like Church songs) – instead a “Christian” band is usually just that – a band made up of Christians. The reason why people listen is because they can listen to the music that they like without being exposed to the swearing and other bad themes that come out of mainstream bands (in many other genres of music)
2. “The musical emphasis is on volume, power, and intensity. Melody and harmony are virtually absent. It’s a cacophony of rhythm, screaming electric guitars and angry voices. Vulgarity is made public and is celebrated. It is a defiant rejection of all moral demands.” Huh? Wasn’t this said about The Beatles 40 years ago? There is plenty of both melody and harmony in heavy metal. Sure some bands use it to reject authority and push their own world view – just as Janis Joplin used the blues genre (is that considered evil as well?)
3. Moshing is bad – I’m not sure where this comes from. According to his arguments, “Raw physicality and self-inflicted pain are dominate themes. The testosterone level is palpable… Bruised and bloodied bodies leave concerts high on animal carnality and social disregard.” The same argument could be used to say that rugby would make Jesus cry.

By the way - the guitarist from Korn is now a Christian, and no longer with the group.

Plenty to think about here:

http://www.alternet.org/module/printversion/64873/?type=blog

How do we reach out to a world like this? Yes, this isn't just limited to America.

From the article...

"There's a surprisingly unified sense between young adults, both inside and outside the faith, that the divisive, judgmental authoritarianism that's dominated Evangelical Christianity for the past 30 years has run its course. Furthermore: the "insiders" (as Barna terms Christians) see the same issues and agree with many of the criticisms as those on the outside -- and are openly talking about taking their theology in some new directions. There's an emerging sense that it's time to let go of the harsh legalism that's defined American Protestantism for the past three decades, and return to something more like the Social Gospel that demanded more of Christians than merely passing judgment on the details of other people's lives."