The latest Christian knock-off version of a hit cultural phenomenon came out last week. It's called Guitar Praise and it's a Christian version of the popular game Guitar Hero. For only $99.95 you can soon be "rockin' with the best while praising the Lord!" It has been interesting to see the reaction from those outside the Christian sub-culture on this. One reaction was over at GameSetWatch that you can read here. The author is a British games journalist and producer. One thing I found intriguing is that the article quoted contemporary theologian and pastor Rob Bell. I think the article gives an enlightening take on what someone outside the Christian sub-culture might think about this type of thing. Below are a couple of quotes I really liked from the article, but you should definitely check out the whole thing for yourself.
"The word Christian is, in the strict sense, a noun. It literally means somebody who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. People get themselves in all manner of trouble when they turn the noun into an adjective to describe their work, community, bookshop, painting, tee shirt, video game or song. A book or song cannot ‘follow Christ’. As an adjective the word is, in essence, a term of marketing targeting a product specifically at Christian people." - Simon Parkin
"Something can be labeled ‘Christian’ and not be true or good… It is possible for music to be labeled ‘Christian’ and be terrible music. It could lack creativity and inspiration. The lyrics could be recycled clichés. That ‘Christian’ band could actually be giving Jesus a bad name because they aren’t a great band. It is possible for a movie to be a ‘Christian’ movie and to be a terrible movie. It may actually desecrate the art form in its quality and storytelling and craft." - Rob Bell
"The word Christian is, in the strict sense, a noun. It literally means somebody who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. People get themselves in all manner of trouble when they turn the noun into an adjective to describe their work, community, bookshop, painting, tee shirt, video game or song. A book or song cannot ‘follow Christ’. As an adjective the word is, in essence, a term of marketing targeting a product specifically at Christian people." - Simon Parkin
"Something can be labeled ‘Christian’ and not be true or good… It is possible for music to be labeled ‘Christian’ and be terrible music. It could lack creativity and inspiration. The lyrics could be recycled clichés. That ‘Christian’ band could actually be giving Jesus a bad name because they aren’t a great band. It is possible for a movie to be a ‘Christian’ movie and to be a terrible movie. It may actually desecrate the art form in its quality and storytelling and craft." - Rob Bell
3 comments:
Rob Bell's comments are off the mark. There are movies labled "Christian" movies that by most people's opinions are down right bad (quality, cheesy, etc . . .) but there are also people who will think that movie is the best thing they've seen and others who are lead to Christ because of it. One Christian may be uplifted by Rob Bell's preaching while another Christian may think he stinks. This also applies to music. The old hymn vs. praise and now Christian rock.
My take is quit criticising and start celebrating all who seek to glorify God even if they can't sing, act, write, etc . . .
I usually ignore anonymous comments. That's my policy. But I'll bite on this one. By the way, if you don't have a blogger account, just put your name like my brother does on his comments. Just thought maybe the anonymous was on accident ;)
Here are some ?s for you, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous:
1. Are you saying that as long as people are doing something in the name of "glorifying God" then their talent, ability, and giftedness should have nothing to do with it? If so, I think some big chunks of Paul's writings in Romans and The letters to Corinth would get left out. He says let a man do what his GIFTING is. Not just anything.
2. If Rob Bell's comments are off the mark, then what should be the standard for things marked Christian? If it's not true, good, and beautiful, then what is it? I personally think that if it is not excellent, then it's not worthy of Christ, but that's just my personal opinion.
3. What do you think about the author's comments of "Christian" being a noun and not a adjective?
Let me know your thoughts, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous. Let the dialogue flow.
I couldn't agree with Rob Bell more and with the other quote, about the term "Christian" being a noun. The only instance of the word (as far as I know) was for a church that was being made fun of because they were "little Christs", almost like they were saying, "Oh look at the little Christ's over there!" It meant that they were doing the things that Jesus did. I read a quote not too long ago that I agree with and pray that God makes true in my own life: "There's no point in trumpteting the Lordship of Christ if his attitudes, values, and behaviors are not reflected in our own."
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