United States

I need to rant about something, and I really hope that I don't offend anyone, but I'm sure that considering the subject matter, that it's impossible not to.

Anyways...

I've been keeping my ear close to the ground a LOT over the last few months, especially locally, regarding everything musical, the local scene, regional scene, internet, you name it.

What I'm seeing a LOT more of, and not just a lot, but an absolute overabundance of, is "christian" contemporary bands/musicians. I know this genre has really taken off lately, but I really have to question the legitimacy of many involved. Are people just doing it because it's the short path to "fame" ?!?

I don't believe that there has been any sudden awakening of christian values lately, so why such an influx of these musicians?

What's buggin me is that it really seems that many are just jumping on the bandwagon, and by doing so, completely exclude themselves from being in 'regular' bands (many even say in their profile "don't contact me for non-christian music", or something to that effect).

Now locally, no bars, clubs that I know of are booking them. Just at church, jesus camps, and those festivals and stuff. Are these bands aware that they are completely outing themselves from local markets and really limiting their own growth potentials? Am I wrong? Misguided?

I'm agnostic, so like to think I look at everything with a fair point of view, but this all looks crazy to me.

Why does it bother you, besides the band-wagon aversion?
Even if half are fakes, is it just because they are fakers in general, or does it touch on something deeper than that?
It leaves more gigs open for you if they cant play anywhere, right?

(not offended by the way)

Why does it bother you, besides the band-wagon aversion?
Even if half are fakes, is it just because they are fakers in general, or does it touch on something deeper than that?
It leaves more gigs open for you if they cant play anywhere, right?

(not offended by the way)

I dont know really, the only way I can describe it is the same angsty feeling I had back in the late 80's when all the "rockers" started putting on spandex, had nicer hair than most chicks and starting pumping out whiny power-ballads ... it drove me nuts lol, we eventually labeled them all as posers, and rightfully so, but now I feel even more agitated that you can't call these guys out on posing because it makes a person some kind of heretic.

I know a few ppl, my bro-in-law is one of them, who make good bux just playing at churches. There's good money in it.

Let 'em have at it, I say. Leaves the bar-rooms for us.

There's always gonna be ppl who take advantage of the newest thing. I've been offered a place in a cpl churches' bands, myself, which I think is quite funny, considering who & what I am, but there seems to be a shortage of bass players at some of the churches, & they did offer to pay.

I'm weird about that stuff, tho, I guess. Don't wanna be a poser, I guess, or offend whatever gods may be offended by my mere presence...LOL

too typical of christians that I grew up with; exclude everyone but us.
all posers must die!

It annoys me as well. Just like the amount of hair bands in the 80s. And the surf rock thing bands decades ago. And most tribute bands.
Don't like it, come here and tell us and don't check out their music

And it's not because I'm not too religious, it's because - like you said - there's too many of em and most of em have no clue what they're doing it for.

I guess part of it is that I see these time-life commercials now for these compilation cd's and they show the people in the crowd all crying and hallujah-ing and having some kind of deep religious experience from the music, that (to me) sounds like every other country-rock-pop crap band out there, but with lyrics like "jesus lubs me... I'm your warrior oh jesus.. hallieujiah! whatever..

I would think a real religious experience would be something different. But what do I know, to me they all look like brainwashed sheep.

Ok, now I'm probably letting my cynical-agnostic side take over, probably not a good thing...

This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I guess you knew that before you opened this can of worms. So allow me to make some commentary.
Starting with: I sincearly hope you dont think I am one of those bandwagoners. Not that I really care what others think of me, but I thought I had made my intentions quite clear.
Second: I will agree that there seem to be "some" posers whom want to use Jesus to get rich. And it's not limited to musicians.
Third: I have to disagree one one point, and this may not be obveous to those on the "outside". There is an awakening of the Christian spirit at the grass roots in this country. There are a lot of Christians, like myself whom have either grown weary of all the special attention society and the media pays to all these other "groups" from gays to vampires. Or like myself am not a "look at the ground and sing softly in vibrato" type of Christian or American. I have a mission. It's not going to get done if I'm more concerned over offending someone.
LIBERTY & VICTORY.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

PS Not offended, and welcome any opportunity to share.

Oh and I forgot. When asked by the meek whom shall inherit the earth about my "Loud and Proud" ways. I tell them
I am the one standing on the edge of the lake of fire, flipping satin off because I know in the end. By the Blood of Christ. I WIN !

Sans, you are the exact opposite of the person I was aiming at, just to make that clear.

I realize there is a big grassroots uprising right now, and frankly it scares the hell out of me. Maybe that is the real reason subconsciously that I made this thread.

As an agnostic, I really don't dis-believe in god, I'm just quite a bit more cynical than your average church-goer. I always felt that religion was a very personal thing that doesn't need to be openly shared, other than to help each other, and other people. I see a church, or a faith even, that shrouds facts and desires great hordes of money. Not just enough money to operate and 'help' others, but no amount of money is satisfying enough for many churches, especially these mega churches.

Bear with me, I'm getting to a point...
I am a generally good guy, I don't have criminal, abusive, or any other problems that affect other people. I do, however, have "sinful" vices, and philosophies that no church would ever openly accept, or shall I say "tolerate"

If the church had not just a philosophy, but an actual policy of "live and let live", then there would be no issues between myself and them. I guess you could say I'm without a doubt a strong opponent of organized religion. But back to the point- The church as it stands now would refuse to allow me and my wife to use birth control, even though we have an autistic child, and have a much higher risk of having another autistic child should she get pregnant. The church would deem it "god's will"... No, it's free will, and I willfully want to not have another child (right now).

Additionally, I used to enjoy smoking weed, I quit 5 years ago, ONLY because of it being illegal, and the fact I live in the state with the harshest penalties in the USA, just not worth the risk. The church would deem it some sort of sin, I'm sure. I treat people a lot better than many "deeply" religious people I know, alot of whom tend to lose their good nature soon as they leave the church parking lot, and flip off a guy 3 blocks away for not yielding the right of way. I live by my own personal morals, and that works for me. What doesn't work for me is an authoritative religious society telling me HOW to live MY life.

Drinking? out. Sexual maturity, watching adult videos, Threesomes, etc. Out. Going to hell, period. How about murder? Seems religion-sponsored government officials are allowed to commit genocide, wars of aggressions, lies, corruption, etc. all at the taxpayers expense, yet the church in 2004 had the gonads to try to tell people that if they voted against all that stuff (voted for kerry) then they were going to hell... wtf?

Just like politics, organized religion has been corrupted from the inside out, to the top of the food chain, and what gets me is that these "poser" bands are part of the corruption. Making millions off of mislead people.

It's all about money.

I know we all need, or want to find a way to make a living off our music, but religion IS personal to me, and what I see going on with all that is offensive to me, religiously. I keep referring to myself as agnostic, but more like anti-religious establishment.

I don't know if my ranting clears it up or makes it worse, but really sans, you are a pretty decent guy and the intent of the OP was not a shot at you personally.

LIBERTY & VICTORY.

Liberty, I agree with. For all. And FROM all. No authority, political or religious should be strong-arming people into living their lives a certain way, so long as their lifestyles don't harm, threaten, or violate the freedoms or civil rights of others.

Victory, against what?

GOD BLESS AMERICA

This is the one I have a big problem with. Does god bless every country? Or just all christian countries? Where is the logic in the statement? I don't ask these things to attack or antagonize you either, I'd seriously like a good thoughtful answer or response. From my perspective, every country in the world thinks "god" exclusively favors, and blesses them. And backs them up during war... supports wars of aggression... know what I mean?

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

NOW there's a quote that I can understand and encourage. It puts everyone on an equal playing field without ill-will or elusive wording that justifies despicable behavior.

I did not / Do not feel you were taking a shot at me my man.
I am in almost total agreement with many of the points you make about organized religion.
Being from an old German Lutheran background, I had an old wise pastor tell me one day, as we were having a beer together tell me. It's not what I put in me that makes me a sinner. It's what comes out.
His point being that we are all damned by the law because we all fall short of the Glory of God our Father. Yet we all can be saved, as a free gift of the Son, Jesus, through the Blood he shed for me.
I have, in the past left my church home, because of the attitudes and behaviors towards a friend of mine whom was, as they say "Living in sin"
I could not participate in said behaviors towards my friend because I loved him, and because I understood his plight.
Man can and will F/U anything he touches.
Yet the blood of Christ I kling to for my sake and for hope for all mankind.
Not in this life. But in the next.

and that's my other issue. We are all damned and can be saved. Many seem to think it's a get out of jail free card for a life of (real) sin, like cheating, lying, stealing, political corruptions, betrayal, you name it.

Confess and repent and all sins will be forgiven.

WOOT, PAR-TAY !!

Victory: for my soul against the evil forces that shake my faith on a daily basis.

GOD BLESS AMERICA because she is the last hope for the freedom of which you speak. Despite all her faults. She, by virtue of you and me and our constatution is the last stand against total socioeconomic control by the world bank. Not just for us / US, but for the world.

They do not understand to repent is not a one time. oops I'm sorry God.
But a life long understanding of what and who we are.

My sin is greater. My Jesus is greatist!