Years ago, hearing about Christian Rock music played by Christian Rock groups gave me pause and made me consider what Rock music was, by definition, and whether tunes themed under this rubric needed to conform to certain musical standards - or at least conventions - as proof of rock legitimacy.
I'm clear that with the wide range of music classified as rock it is folly to question if music whose sole purpose is to praise Jesus should be compared with products by the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Ramones or Counting Crows. So, what qualifies as Rock? The rock genre appeals to young people precisely because it is rebellious and irreverent. Because it is loud, sexual and provocative, parents have hated it and often tried to protect their kids - who loved it - from its morality-corrupting sounds and messages. Rock was bad because it made you feel so good. It was liberating in whatever ways the authors intended it to be.
Could Christian rock be that good without the "bad" components? I began to see Christian Rock as rock and roll Methadone for its ability to excite the youthful libido then channel the passion to more Christian-appropriate behavior. OK, nothing wrong with sexual sublimation.
I have to wonder, though, if the question should not be about its legitimacy as rock music but rather its effectiveness in relating Christian values in compelling ways. Is it rock music or the Christian faith that has been commercially co-opted? Is Christian Rock music a good vehicle for promoting Christian principles or just an oxymoron? Many fundamentalists believe the mix is toxic because its goal is to stir passion for the flesh more than the spirit and the lyrics are rarely doctrinally correct.
Since the music appeals to virtually no non-Christian audience, it seems to be be a poor way to evangelize, if that is, in fact, one of its goals.
Whether it is from a classic hymn or contemporary song of any genre, I do believe music has the power to educate, influence, and motivate, but most Christian Rock does a poor job doing any of those things. When I listen to Etta James belt out a soulful spiritual or even Bruce Springsteen sing about brotherhood, sin, and redemption during his concerts that have been compared with religious revivals, I am truly filled with The Spirit!
