Music

Haven't discussed music here yet, so I figured it's about time...........

I believe that as Christians we are to create good art, and thus emulate our Creator. I believe in the teachings of Francis Schaeffer and Kemper Crabb concerning Christians and the arts. It saddens me that in the Church, for many years, what I regard as a heresy has been taught: that if a Christian doesn't make or use art for the purposes of evangelizing or building up other Christians, he/she is sinning. I disagree with this. I hold to the view that we are to make good art; that we are to be passionate about our faith; and that our faith necessitates that we make good (make that, excellent) art. But nowhere in the Scripture is it commanded that the art we make must evangelize or build up the Body. Sadly, churches have sometimes made artists feel unwelcome, especially if they make art, specifically music that their Christian brothers and sisters might call "secular".

Shame on us for this! (I once did this, as well.) I think there is a principle for us to understand here: some believers are not called to do public ministry! Over the years, I have seen rock musicians who became Christians immediately put in the "spotlight" -- and expected to demonstrate a level of Christian maturity that they could not, in reality, possess. They had only recently become Christians. The pressure put on them was enough to nearly shipwreck their faith.

Do we criticize J.S. Bach for writing what we would today call "secular" pieces of music? Of course not! We know that Bach lived his life for Christ, and that all his music was not written for the Church. Can we not allow our brothers and sisters who are artists today the same freedom in Christ? Can we not give them the benefit of a doubt that they, too, are attempting to live out their faith in Christ the best they can, and make art the way they are called to, as well? I believe it is an awful thing for us to say that Christians who don't evangelize or minister to the Body with their art aren't living for Christ.

The Psalms were written lamenting life's woes. And they are part of inspired Scripture. It would be appropriate, then, for Christians to struggle with life's ups and downs in their art.

Some of my years were spent playing blues/rock behind the drum kit. A few years ago, I was asked to join a modern hard rock (may I add, creative) band, our music written by Christians, struggling with life's dirt. We cannot run from the hard things in life--we have to grapple with them, and continually offer them to the Lord. We have Evening Prayer and Bible study on Sunday nights at the singer and guitarist's home (husband and wife songwriting team -- her voice at times reminds me of Pat Benatar), and discuss living life as a Christian from the Scriptures. We look at the teachings and practices of the ancient Church and their relevance for our lives today. Check out our music if you like -- www.stagedivetheband.com. (We all use different, fun names in the band--the name "Kane" I chose is Celtic, and its' root is "John," our patron for the monastic order I belong to.)

Unfortunately, this will be my last year playing with the band, as Shirley and I will move to okc to serve with my Order after we marry at the end of the year. I've enjoyed playing with SD, but on this earth, we know good things come to an end.

I've also enjoyed playing drums and percussion in the worship bands of a couple of churches. Had to take a sabbatical on this for now -- the parish we worship at now in Houston requires Wed and Sunday rehearsal, and visitation with my daughter is on Wed nights. Family first. There will be music opportunities in the future that involve evangelization, building up the Body, and hard, loud rock -- the Lord has shown me this. I'm looking forward to it. (Christian guitarists, bass players, vocalists in okc -- you called? Email me -- we're coming!)

How funny it is to me that I enjoy the quiet worship music of John Michael Talbot (he is my favorite artist) as well as hard rock (really, rock of all kinds). I feel that I am blessed in that I enjoy a broad spectrum of music.

So, please pray for those who are called to make art, especially music -- that they will be obedient to the calling that the Lord has given to them, and that they will be welcomed in Christian churches and groups, and encouraged by them. And be an encouragement to them yourself.

I welcome your emails -- but I don't wish to debate on the issue. If you disagree, then please pray for me! : )


blessings,
br francis