We listen to the radio some at home, not constantly, but some. Instead I often play a cd but more often I think Kristen and I both enjoy the novelty of quiet. Because we don't play it constantly it is not a big deal that I've never plugged the wire in the back that is supposed to help with reception. This morning as we tackled a couple of small packing projects and try to put the house back together at the end of the week, a little background music was welcome. I hit the search button and ended up on K-something, it might be K-luv.. It is a Christian Rock channel, but is not big hair guitar screaming ROCK. The style of music they are playing is very current and even the cynic that churns inside of me can't really find anything to mock.
I find myself wondering why it is often not part of the LDS culture to listen to Christian rock... or is it for a lot of Mormons and I am the odd man out. As Kristen and I chat one theory Kristen presented was that maybe Christian Rock feels irreverent on some level... that we are more prone to worship through music than rock out about Jesus. So far the music hasn't felt too irreverent, so I'm not so sure. I can see wanting a little more variety the longer it plays, but I'm not hating it.
Part of LDS teaching is that though many draw close to Christ, which is always the goal and impressive, that there can only be one complete gospel. That God can not contradict Himself. I know for a fact that many of us get too comfortable in that teaching. We combine it with the knowledge that the world in general is embracing too much that is evil and shunning that which is holy, calling it outdated, and find ourselves alone in an overgrown garden behind a rock wall that we pray holds against the coming tides. I think we are too quick to ignore our brothers and call it "not being worldly".
So, I have to wonder, why don't I listen to other Christians putting there testimonies of Christ and Heavenly hope to music. Every time they use verbage that is not part of our culture am I bothered because it is against my belief structure, or am I just as conceited as the world likes to paint us and don't want reminders that there is a whole big world out there?
As a disclaimer, I love the teachings of my church and am very proud to be Mormon. But every culture has uncomfortable truths that are better confronted then ignored, we are all aware of them. I also think it is a little weird to be one of "those" Mormons who are so removed from the world it is almost like they are backward. It's a fine line to me.
So, here's my question, is Christian rock simply unfamiliar, or does it not fit into the LDS culture, or is everyone else already listening to it.
Either way, as Greydon gets older I think my radio listening is going to have to diminish 80 fold... so far my choices are K-luv or Disney Radio.
Ok, as I am editing this I just heard the first two songs that made me a little uncomfortable. One would take too long to explain my lack of comfort. The other ended with a chorus of a lady singing "Jesus, Jesus, Jeeesuuuuaaauuaaauuas, a la Mariah Carey type of warbling. That will quickly get a channel changed. Maybe Kristen is right.
5 comments:
Cal, there is a whole genre of "Mormon Christian Rock" out there as well. Have you heard any of it? I have to confess, I haven't stumbled across your station, yet, however, so I'm probably not really qualified to post a response. But here I go anyway. (Watch out mouth, this foot is about to insert...)
I suspect the biggest issue is that most of the music set in this tone just wouldn't make it in a Sacrament Meeting. It isn't the lyrics, which are most certainly acceptable. And often it isn't even the melody. It's just that the beat doesn't quite match the mood. Nor should it.
There certainly is a place and a time for everything. Some things are great to motivate a moving project. Others are great for motivating inner reflection.
Sorry... I'm with Kristen on this one. I've heard too many warbling or guitar solo songs that seem to take away from the entire message being delivered.
There is some music that goes too rock and rool for me to enjoy in those other genres, but I agree, there is some great music in LDS culture (but I am extremely picky! I hate cheesy). We have been addictetd to Mountain Blue acapella songs, very blue grass (Oh Brother Where Art Thou style) but I adore that my kids love it and have learned "Wondrous Love" (I can not get enough of that song).
On the other hand, I love Amy Grant, and I am pretty sure I survived my teen years with her music as my therapy, but I rememebr they wouldn't play it in Missionary Emporium in the mall- because she said Jesus too much, so if the play her on K LUV, I am there.
can a old lady voice an opinion?
What I don't feel acceptable is the irreverant usage of the Saviors name; some of the lyrics are o.k.but after two or three mins. every song sounds the same. I agree that most of it isn't sac. mtg. tuneage!!Another vote for mountain music; especially instrumentals as they draw me closer to something in the core of either myself or the land. Muzz
I'm really not into christian songs,not that I'm not christian but sometimes I find it monotonous and they go over board with instruments. I've always found my spirit loves the "worship" time at churches..especially in the protenstant churches,sometimes singing from hymnals can last for an hour or more,but that seemed in the past to prepare me to listening to the message being spoken. That's probably the only thing I wish about LDS church,that the worship time would be longer. It really makes a difference in how I respond and feel to any speakers.
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