They Sold Their Soul for Rock And Roll

[simplyg123]

any one seen this video called they sold their souls for rock and roll, if you like rock music it willl convict you, very revealing, i urge all people to seek this movie

[arunma]

any one seen this video called they sold their souls for rock and roll, if you like rock music it willl convict you, very revealing, i urge all people to seek this movie

I'm curious as to precisely why rock and roll is intrinsically bad. I admit I'm somewhat ignorant, since I don't listen to rock and roll (in fact, Christian hymns and classical are the only music that I ever listen to). But I am very concerned with the legalistic approach that many modern churches are taking to music. I am aware that there are some musicians who openly profess satanic beliefs. But why does listening to rock music intrinsically constitute the forfeiture of one's soul?

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

I'm curious as to precisely why rock and roll is intrinsically bad. I admit I'm somewhat ignorant, since I don't listen to rock and roll (in fact, Christian hymns and classical are the only music that I ever listen to). But I am very concerned with the legalistic approach that many modern churches are taking to music. I am aware that there are some musicians who openly profess satanic beliefs. But why does listening to rock music intrinsically constitute the forfeiture of one's soul?

I watched the video and don't remember there every being a claim that rock is intrinsically bad so that would be a strawman argument. What the video did show is what the lyrics of many big name songs are. Also it showed you how these songs have affected the thinking of generations present and past. Also it shows how some bands have dabbled in satanism. This is true since I was a satanist myself for a year and knew for a fact some groups were into it and some extremely open about it. By the way, I love rock music, if the lyrics don't dishonor God and the bands are not living like hypocrites. I have been backstage at both secular and Christian concerts and can validate many things that some probably think Christians just blowout of proportion.

[arunma]

I watched the video and don't remember there every being a claim that rock is intrinsically bad so that would be a strawman argument.

I see. I didn't watch the video, so all I have to go on here is the OP.

What the video did show is what the lyrics of many big name songs are. Also it showed you how these songs have affected the thinking of generations present and past. Also it shows how some bands have dabbled in satanism. This is true since I was a satanist myself for a year and knew for a fact some groups were into it and some extremely open about it. By the way, I love rock music, if the lyrics don't dishonor God and the bands are not living like hypocrites. I have been backstage at both secular and Christian concerts and can validate many things that some probably think Christians just blowout of proportion.

I am forced to wonder, should our enjoyment of a certain medium be affected by the personal behavior of the person who produces that medium. For example, Mel Gibson was recently shown to be a drunkard and an anti-semite (that is, a racist). Yet I can't think of any Christian, including myself, who would deny that the Passion was an excellent film. I admit I must wonder whether or not rock music should be held to different standards.

Of course, this discussion is largely theoretical for me. As I said, I don't listen to any secular music, so I don't really have a dog in this fight. But again, I am strongly concerned about fundamentalism (as I define it), since it stands directly opposed to the doctrine of salvation by grace.

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

I see. I didn't watch the video, so all I have to go on here is the OP.

I had seen it free online. If I run across it I'll link it up. It was several hours long if I remember correctly.


I am forced to wonder, should our enjoyment of a certain medium be affected by the personal behavior of the person who produces that medium. For example, Mel Gibson was recently shown to be a drunkard and an anti-semite (that is, a racist). Yet I can't think of any Christian, including myself, who would deny that the Passion was an excellent film. I admit I must wonder whether or not rock music should be held to different standards.

Of course, this discussion is largely theoretical for me. As I said, I don't listen to any secular music, so I don't really have a dog in this fight. But again, I am strongly concerned about fundamentalism (as I define it), since it stands directly opposed to the doctrine of salvation by grace.

I actually was referring more to Christian musicians then anybody else. If a "Christian" artist sings praises to God but goes to strip joints and smokes pot I would not want to support them. As for secular artists that probably is a different story. Then again I don't want to support anyones drug habits by buying their CD, tickets and other merch. I think if we are in God's word and use our better judgment we can better define the gray areas in our lives like this so I won't be extremely dogmatic.

[Tariel]

I have never seen this video, but I would be very interested in watching it. I love rock music--especially Christian but I wouldn't rule out secular--and always find it beneficial to see what others are saying against it.

[Sword-In-Hand]

My question is why would a Christian want to listen to a band that is outwardly satanic? And I'm not saying all secular rock is bad, because it isn't. But why would believers want to put lyrics in their head that blaspheme their Savior? Christians avoiding satanic bands should be a no brainer.

I wanna know what's wrong with neutral lyrics? This is how big of hypocrites we all are. A secular band writes a song of how they were a drug addict, experienced all these terrible things, and then got out of that lifestyle. We're happy for them, and enjoy the lyrics.

Now take a Christian band who sings about life experiences, but doesn't mention God or Jesus in their songs. We automatically label the band as heretics or at least not real Christians.

For the most part we're so jumbled in our own sludge we can't decide what's right about anything.

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

I wanna know what's wrong with neutral lyrics? This is how big of hypocrites we all are. A secular band writes a song of how they were a drug addict, experienced all these terrible things, and then got out of that lifestyle. We're happy for them, and enjoy the lyrics.

I don't know if anyone is saying that. I don't find problem with neutral lyrics even though neutrality can be hard to come by. :)

Now take a Christian band who sings about life experiences, but doesn't mention God or Jesus in their songs. We automatically label the band as heretics or at least not real Christians.

I would agree with you there. As mentioned before it's those that don't walk a Christian walk when not on stage that upset me. P.O.D. actually does mention Jesus and etc in their lyrics but what really affected me when I was not saved and at their show with them backstage and on the bus is their walk. No groupies, booze or drugs. I was not use to not seeing those things in the buses and dressing rooms at rock shows.

[ellisb2]

I always thought that "they" say rock and roll is bad because unless it's pro God it's anti God.

[Sword-In-Hand]

I would agree with you there. As mentioned before it's those that don't walk a Christian walk when not on stage that upset me. P.O.D. actually does mention Jesus and etc in their lyrics but what really affected me when I was not saved and at their show with them backstage and on the bus is their walk. No groupies, booze or drugs. I was not use to not seeing those things in the buses and dressing rooms at rock shows.

That's good to hear. I've always loved P.O.D and supported them when the fundies cried they're not Christians. People can say what they want about lyrics, but it's hard to discredit Christians when they're walking the walk, and to hear their walk had a bigger influence on you than what they sang should open up alot of eyes to people against such things.

[Tariel]

My question is why would a Christian want to listen to a band that is outwardly satanic? And I'm not saying all secular rock is bad, because it isn't. But why would believers want to put lyrics in their head that blaspheme their Savior? Christians avoiding satanic bands should be a no brainer.

I wanna know what's wrong with neutral lyrics? This is how big of hypocrites we all are. A secular band writes a song of how they were a drug addict, experienced all these terrible things, and then got out of that lifestyle. We're happy for them, and enjoy the lyrics.

Now take a Christian band who sings about life experiences, but doesn't mention God or Jesus in their songs. We automatically label the band as heretics or at least not real Christians.

For the most part we're so jumbled in our own sludge we can't decide what's right about anything.
:amen:

Some of my favorite songs are clearly not Christian--they were done by secular artists--but there isn't anything wrong in the songs either. There was a time in my life when two or three lines from a secular song became my prayer....and honestly I don't know where I'd be right now if it wasn't for that.

[Bro_Sam]

I haven't seen it but it's been my experience that things like this and av1611 are based on sensationalism and not serious research.

[simplyg123]

I'm curious as to precisely why rock and roll is intrinsically bad. I admit I'm somewhat ignorant, since I don't listen to rock and roll (in fact, Christian hymns and classical are the only music that I ever listen to). But I am very concerned with the legalistic approach that many modern churches are taking to music. I am aware that there are some musicians who openly profess satanic beliefs. But why does listening to rock music intrinsically constitute the forfeiture of one's soul?
to your question, i know what i know from the video, but i dont think its strictly rock, Satan was in charge of music, on the video several musicians acknowledge being possesded, including, elvis, in which he has a gospel record, the video in my mind is mind blowing

[Dondi]

"They Sold Their Soul for Rock and Roll"

The answer is in the title. The video chronicles those who have sold out to rock and roll. Who've allowed themselves to make Rock music their idol. But that doesn't account for everyone in the rock business.

Any Satanic influence in Rock music is because the musician is already predisposed to lurch into that direction. In otherwords, the music doesn't make the message, the message makes the music. They have blatently allowed themselves to sell out to the Devil.

But I think for the most part, rock musicians are just out to make music and try and make a living. So I don't think it necessairly becomes a problem unless the music becomes the idol.

[eldermike]

As a life long musician it's been my experience that rock music is only a small part of a so called rock lifestyle, and not even the driving part at that. Drugs and sex are the root problems, rock music is just background noise to these real issues.

I play southern rock Christian music today. It reaches inside the culture of drugs and pulls some out. We see it every weekend somewhere.

God used a donkey once that we know of. He's God and he can use whatever He uses to bring his saints home.

I would go out on a limb and also add that as many people get trapped in religions, as do in the drug culture.

There is no "rock" culture. IMHO

[mlqurgw]

The first thing that came to my mind when I read the OP was that it isn't possible to sell your soul, it doesn't belong to you. As far as the rock music goes I like to listen to it occansionally. The problem isn't the music, though music has a great influence on the passions and emotions, nor even the lyrics themselves. The problem, as Christ put it, is in the heart. Sin is a matter of the heart not the hands, or ears. Unbelievers will give in to all sorts of passions and lusts and seek many ways to gratify their evil desires. If God were to remove His restraining hand what would you not do? While we must be careful to not call evil good and good evil we need not lay blame on the outward things which are a result of the condition of the heart. There, but by the grace of God, go I.

[arunma]

to your question, i know what i know from the video, but i dont think its strictly rock, Satan was in charge of music, on the video several musicians acknowledge being possesded, including, elvis, in which he has a gospel record, the video in my mind is mind blowing

I don't know much about Elvis (again, I know virtually nothing about secular music, so forgive my ignorance), but I am curious as to the reference to the Gospel record. How could anyone talk about the Gospel by any spirit other than the Spirit of God?

[simplyg123]

I don't know much about Elvis (again, I know virtually nothing about secular music, so forgive my ignorance), but I am curious as to the reference to the Gospel record. How could anyone talk about the Gospel by any spirit other than the Spirit of God?
those who try to decieve us do it all the time, there are many false teachers that claim to be teaching the gospel, but infact are telling lies. if elvis said he was a christian, would you believe him on that alone. Fact is some would. Lets face it. Elvis was not under the spirit of God. He did many evil things. Maybe he was a christian, im not sure the name of the autor, i believe it was foley or something, but he was some kind of evil satanist, well elvis once quoted foleys writings in one of his shows

[arunma]

those who try to decieve us do it all the time, there are many false teachers that claim to be teaching the gospel, but infact are telling lies. if elvis said he was a christian, would you believe him on that alone. Fact is some would. Lets face it. Elvis was not under the spirit of God. He did many evil things. Maybe he was a christian, im not sure the name of the autor, i believe it was foley or something, but he was some kind of evil satanist, well elvis once quoted foleys writings in one of his shows

Well, I've never listened to any of Elvis' music, but I think the issue here is secular music in general. While I don't listen to any secular music, the vast majority of people at my church (probably everyone) do. I know that these are all very godly people. This is why I find it very difficult to believe that there is anything wrong with secular music. Certainly I do not deny that certain musicians, such as Marilyn Manson, probably produce less than ideal music for a Christian audience. But I am curious as to what is intrinsically evil about rock and roll.

[JacobHall86]

Ill stop listening to Secular Music when CHristian Music doesnt suck.

[UBERROGO]

I have seen two anti R&R videos. One is called Rock and Roll Sorcerors of the New Age. This is basically a video of a guy who was a gust peaker for about 3 hours and went really into depth and played music backwards for the congregation. The other one was called Hells Bells. It has gone through several remakes to comment on the newest music. They are both pretty convincing. But in the end I cannot paint everything with a broad brush. I listen to secular music mostly because I dont like the way "christian music" is produced or how it sounds. Plus the whole Amy Grant scandal turns me off as well.

[arunma]

Ill stop listening to Secular Music when CHristian Music doesnt suck.

Heh, you do bring up a valid point. Most modern "Christian rock" isn't of the best quality (but then, I don't like rock music in general). Mostly I listen to the older Christian hymns. And when I listen to modern music of any kind, it's almost always worship music.

[Ringo84]

Ill stop listening to Secular Music when CHristian Music doesnt suck.
(laughing) Hilarious!
Ringo

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

Ill stop listening to Secular Music when CHristian Music doesnt suck.

There is plenty of good Christian music out there. I hope you make this statement out of ignorance.

[JacobHall86]

There is plenty of good Christian music out there. I hope you make this statement out of ignorance.

I listen to alot of Christian Music, but I like secular music as well.

Avalon. Enough said.

[Romanseight2005]

any one seen this video called they sold their souls for rock and roll, if you like rock music it willl convict you, very revealing, i urge all people to seek this movie

I saw it. It was very good. I loved the interview with Cassie Brinnal's parents. In fact I think about her alot. Her life is quite a testimony, and most people are not even aware of the whole story. I am thankful to the producers of the video for getting all of Cassie's story out.

[Romanseight2005]

The point wasn't so much that all secular music is bad. What he was showing, was that Particularly the Rock and Roll Industry is not nuetral. The whole machine is led by darkness. That doesn't mean that every musician who isn't praising God is purposely being satanic. It means that if that musician doesn't take a stand, and instead does what the manager asks, or the producer, etc. he will be a pawn for the enemy. There is evil behind the motion of the industry.

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

I listen to alot of Christian Music, but I like secular music as well.

Avalon. Enough said.

My wife is a big Avalon fan but I am not. To me the one guy sounds like a girl and I just don't get it. ;)

Right now I enjoy listening to Pillar (http://www.pillarmusic.com/), Skillet (http://www.skillet.com/), Disciple (http://www.disciplerocks.com/), Day of Fire (http://www.dayoffire.com/), Decyfer Down (http://www.decyferdown.com/) and Red. If you don't know who most of those are you can listen to them at RadioU (http://www.radiou.com) or ChristianRock radio (http://www.christianrock.net). You can watch videos at TVU (http://www.tvulive.com). The production of their albums are good and some of these bands are even on secular record labels but they still have a Christian message in their lyrics and live Christian walks.

[HypoTypoSis]

Where's the receipts? :doh:

[UBERROGO]

MxPx has a few good songs but I can remember the days when they were considered a punk christian band. Not so much these days. (from what people tell me)

[simplyg123]

Heh, you do bring up a valid point. Most modern "Christian rock" isn't of the best quality (but then, I don't like rock music in general). Mostly I listen to the older Christian hymns. And when I listen to modern music of any kind, it's almost always worship music.
i dont believe it is christian music if the goal is to entertain yourself, christian music should be to glorify the lord, God is not for our entertainment

[RajunCajun86]

the lyrics are what's important, what does this music make me think about, what effect does it have one me, what emotion does it stir me, good ones?
these are some of the things that God uses to help me decide
ex. God has convicted me about listening to Guns n Roses because of the language and content, but there is other stuff that He has not convicted me of

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

i dont believe it is christian music if the goal is to entertain yourself, christian music should be to glorify the lord, God is not for our entertainment

I totally agree. Some of us do that even with rock music though.

[JPPT1974]

i dont believe it is christian music if the goal is to entertain yourself, christian music should be to glorify the lord, God is not for our entertainment

If only that we need to hear
The words rather than let them
Be for entertainment
Sadly though many people want to
Listen to them for entertainment and
Pure joy when they are missing the meaning
Of those words.

[MikeMcK]

Saw their "expose" on Brian Wilson. I wasn't impressed.

They claim that Brian Wilson is evil and must be possessed because he hears voices in his head, but what they never tell you is that he's battled mental illness all his life, including multiple personality disorders and a variety of disassociative disorders.

They also don't tell you that, through many years of therapy (real therapy, not the Eugene Landy quackery) and medication, he now has these things under control and leads a relatively normal life.

As someone who's faced mental illness both personally and in my family, to call him "demon possessed" because of his illness is just cruel and is anything but Christian.

They also claim that Charles Manson influenced the Beach Boys because one of "his" songs appeared on their "20/20" album.

Again, what they don't tell you is that the only association with Manson was through Dennis Wilson. Carl Wilson and Al Jardine begged Dennis to stay away from him and Mike Love even asked the Beach Boys' legal department to get a court order of no contact against Manson.

There are also two mistakes in their statement about the song.

The first is that that there isn't any legal record of Manson having written the song. It is and has always been credited to Dennis Wilson.

It's just a rumor like the rumor that Charles Manson auditioned for the Monkees. It's just an urban legend and shouldn't be taken seriously.

Second is that they don't mention that "20/20" wasn't a studio album by the Beach Boys, but a compilation of b sides and songs that ended up on the cutting room floor released by Capital Records as an attempt to capitalize on unreleased material after the band left to form their own record label.

The song was never even meant to be released.

The only two remarkable things about that album are that it was the first glimpse of someone the music from the infamous "Smiley Smile" sessions, and that one of the singles from the album, "I Can Hear Music" is co-written by Phil Spector, who was the object of some of Brian's more interesting delusions.

In his increasing paranoia, Brian believed that Spector was trying to kill him through subliminal messages in his music.

Sorry for rambling but the bottom line is that after that, how am I supposed to take "They Sold Their Souls" seriously?

It's shoddy journalism at best, outright deception at worst.

[Gus2009]

I watched the video and don't remember there every being a claim that rock is intrinsically bad so that would be a strawman argument.

The argument is not a strawman. He was never adressing what the video actually said, only the OP. And the OP has an assumption that rock is intrinsicaly bad. In fact the question/argument was directed towards the poster. The term "strawman argument" is used far too loosely in these forums