‘Christian’ Rock.. The Great Debate

C. H. Fisher

Introduction

To my knowledge, there has never be a shred of convincing evidence presented to prove that "Christian" Rock music is a viable, scripturally correct, God-honored and authorized tool that can be effective in winning the lost or benefiting the salvation of the saved.* No one is required to prove "Christian" Rock music is wrong, but those who support "Christian" Rock music have the duty and responsibility to prove that it is an inspired work of God.* They cannot in good faith, honesty and with ethical considerations offer scriptures for there are none.* To cover up the obvious holes in their arguments with scriptures is patently disingenuous.* The only options they have left to prove "Christian" Rock music is inspired of God are as follows:

1.* They point to the number of souls "saved". * This is covered in the affirmations I submit later in this document.* I can only make a short reply here that a number of folks "get saved" during the emotionally charged series of meetings most churches call "revival".* A huge percentage either do not come back or last for a short time and then vanish.* Many are called but few are chosen (Matt. 20:16).* God says, (Isaiah 48:10 NKJV) "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."* The proof has been and will always be in the fire.* Emotion is not fire.* It is zeal that rises and falls, comes and goes, with whatever influences it.* Charles Finney and a number of other great evangelists would not permit the people to make "conversions" while under the influence of emotion.* Finney knew that decisions made in the heat of emotion are seldom lasting.* He sometimes waited six months before he would permit them to make a public profession and only after he had questioned them.* The percent of his converts that remained is in the 80% range.* *Some, like Esau, would make any statement as long as their flesh was satisfied.* *Fruit that remains is the only evidence worthy of consideration if* *"Christian" Rock music proponents are going to use conversions to justify and validate CR as an inspired work of God.* The fruit must also be biblical Christianity, not hip-hop versions who resemble the worldly more than they do Christ.

2.* They point to their own qualifications. * This is not a relevant type of evidence in validating "Christian" Rock music as an inspired work of God.* *We could point to the ascetic monks who sat for years atop high poles or in caves amidst high mountains, but that fails the test of evidence.* One's pedigree, degree, or other awards and titles, and sacrifices do not enter the equation.* In correspondence with a "Christian" Rock organization, the fact that their main star was an ordained minister was mentioned over and over again as if that settled the issue.* It doesn't even deserve consideration as a minor point in a debate on truth.* Truth is not measured by the man, but by the Word of God.* *If one started basing truth on the earthly titles or accomplishments of man, we would soon discard the Word of God to follow the deviate paths of men.* I cannot know whether a person is good or bad except by their fruit.* Sometimes good people do bad things, get involved in error, and even fall from grace because they obeyed the flesh rather than God.* Our goodness is not what qualifies us as correct in our doctrine and ministry.* It is the word of God alone.

Mahatma Gandhi was a dedicated man also, but his work was most definitely not of God.* Gandhi was so convinced of his rightness that he said fifteen years before his death,* "I must tell you in all humility that Hinduism, as I know it, entirely satisfies my soul, fill my whole being, and I find a solace in the Bhagavad and Upanishads that I miss even in the Sermon of the Mount." * Then right before his death he wrote, "My days are numbered.* I am not likely to live very long - perhaps a year or a little more.* For the first time in fifty years I find myself in the slough of despond.* All about me is darkness; I am praying for light." * How much different things look in the light of eternity.* Even false light disappears.* I suspect this will be the case with those who have promoted "Christian" Rock music one of these days.

3.* They resort to ad hominem when all else fails, and I have experienced the ad hominem defense even before they try other means of presenting their case.* Attacking the character of the man challenging you instead of evaluating and answering his points is not a valid defense of ones position.* It points out the possibility that one is insecure in his position and has no valid information with which to defend himself.* Ad hominem is usually the end result when all information has been given and neither opponent has anything left with which to argue.* In this debate, when that point is reached the debate should be concluded for it has run its course.* However, when I see ad hominem up front, I know the debate cannot honestly and ethically begin.* *"Christian" Rock music proponents usually base the ad hominem on a false presupposition that their character has been attacked because the challenger points out the error in their position.* Instead of defending their position they defend themselves.* It is the quick and easy way to avoid a substantive discussion of the issue.* Such error usually surfaces because of the frustration in trying to make a quick point.* A honest, ethical, debate that is entered into by two parties who agree up front to answer the points with substance rather than ad hominem and which provides adequate time for thought and response, will help prevent this problem.

4.* Finally, they resort to public opinion. This is also invalid because the majority is going to hell (Mat 7:13 NKJV) ""Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."* *Using public opinion to determine truth is concordant with voting on the Word of God.* There was a group of dignitaries, theologians, University professors, and etc., who got together and voted on the words of Christ.* After their vote it was concluded that Jesus didn't say 90% of the things God's Word attributes to Him.* Their vote was an egregious attack on the truth.* Public opinion has nothing to do with determining the truth and whether CR is an inspired tool of God.* *