Family Force 5 is a five-man rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2005. The band was formerly known as The Phamily, Ground Noise, and the Brothers, before settling for Family Force 5 in 2006.
The band was formed by brothers; Solomon Olds, Joshua Olds, and Jacob Olds. The brothers added two of their friends, Nathan Currin and Brad Allen later to establish FF5. Many pioneer members had left the band including one of the brothers, Solomon old. The band is now left with the duo of Jacob and Joshua Olds.
Family Force 5 is known for their party-centric lifestyle, energy, and enthusiasm during performances. The band has garnered millions of fans with their eclectic and danceable songs, and they have been able to find their way into the hearts of many with their crunk-rock songs that appeal to both religious and secular audiences. Due to their consistent use of Christian imagery and the blend of religious and party lyrics, many have wondered if the band is truly a Christian band. If you’ve been searching for an answer to this, you are in the right place! This article will answer the question: is Family Force 5 a Christian band?
Is Family Force 5 a Religious Band?
Before examining the religious stance of Family Force 5, it is important to discuss what it means to be a religious band. A religious band is a band that believes in a particular religious group and its songs and concepts are influenced by the religious beliefs of that religion.
Since its inception, Family Force 5 has always been linked to religion. The brothers were raised in a religious home and their father was a well-known Christian artist in the 1980s. At various interviews, the band seizes every opportunity to talk about their faith and religion. In an interview with Trish Koutrodimos and ex-band member Derek Mount, he shared his religious beliefs when asked about where he gets his self-worth and identity from. In his words:
“I know it’s the textbook Sunday school answer but through my faith in Jesus Christ. That’s where liberation begins for me. Galatians 3:28 – that there’s no slave, no free, no male, no female, no Jew, no Greek. To me, that’s powerful and profound. We indeed are who we are in Jesus’ eyes and God’s eyes. And obviously, I think God is that cornerstone and we have to find that – and it’s hard, it’s not natural to us as humans.”
The band has stayed true to its course no matter the criticisms they get from listeners and Christian associations. The band is very creative and explorative and their blend of different musical elements has raised criticisms. Some have said that the band has too much faith and talks about it so much, while others, especially Christian forums have said that the band is not Christian enough.
The band has never denied their religion or beliefs and no matter the criticisms they get, they seem unbothered. They do what they deem right and are comfortable with, without seeking approval from anyone. Also, songs by the band contain religious terms and messages. As such, FF5 can be regarded as a religious band.
What Kind of Music Band is Family Force 5?
Family Force 5 is known for incorporating two major genres of rock music. The band’s musical style is a blend of elements of Christian rock and crunk rock music genres.
Generally, rock music developed in the US in the late 1940s. This genre is quite broad and directly draws influences from other genres like; electric blues, folk, country music, rhythm and blues, jazz, and classical music. The genre employs the use of electric bass guitar, drums, and two or more vocalists.
Christian rock focuses on matters of Christianity, emphasizes Jesus Christ, and is performed by Christians. Some Christian rock bands make use of explicit Christian lyrics. This solely depends on the band, because some other Christian rock bands might not want to sound too preachy, thereby merging other elements into their songs.
Christian rock bands are considered a part of the Contemporary Christian music industry and their lyrics are expressions of Christian beliefs, usually embedded with several elements of faith and spirituality. Crunk rock on the other hand is a fusion genre, fusing elements of heavy metal, electronic, post-hardcore, and dance music. This music genre is characterized by screaming vocals, hip-hop beats, flexible themes, rap, and poetics.
Most songs by the band are usually danceable and religion-inspired and they revolve around themes like; faith, spirituality, love and relationships, breakups, peace, toxicity, fun, and lots more.
The band has released a good number of EPs, singles, and albums including a Christmas album, which has been nominated as Rock Album of the year and Christmas Album of the year in the GMA Dove Awards. FF5 has been signed to record labels like; All Entertainment, Star Song, Maverick, Tooth and Nail, Reanimated, etc.
Is Family Force 5 a Christian Band?
To determine if Family Force 5 is fit to be categorized as a Christian band, let’s first examine what it means to be a Christian and a Christian band.
A Christian is a person who believes in the principles of Jesus Christ. Christians uphold the laws and teachings of Christianity and their lifestyle reflects these principles.
In the same vein, a Christian band is a band whose songs are centered on Christian beliefs. Members of a Christian band are mostly Christians that have affirmed their faith in the religion. They should portray Christian lifestyles and must have publicly labeled their band a Christian band.
Christian songs are based on the teachings and practices of Christianity. Such songs express beliefs about the Christian faith and make references to the bible. The themes and lyrical compositions of the songs are deeply rooted in Christianity.
Family Force 5 has identified itself as a Christian band and has operated under the Christian umbrella for about two decades. Though the band has received criticism from some Christians for not being too Christian, the band keeps making their religion-inspired songs in a way that they don’t sound preachy. They incorporate other elements that make the songs danceable and not sober, making it appealing even to a secular audience.
In an interview with Pennlive and some band members, when asked about how they feel being a Christian rock band, they replied:
“We have a lot more to say just through growing up as dudes and as Christians. I think having your sphere of influence grow, just gives us a bigger platform to share the love of Jesus, which I feel is such a powerful influence in our lives. We have such a responsibility the more that we continue doing this. The more kids we can reach, the more it is our responsibility to invest in those kids’ lives and take our leadership role seriously.”
Songs by Family Force 5 are embedded with deep Christian elements. The band has a Christmas album made up of some nostalgic songs to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the love and peace it brings.
Family Force 5 Christian Songs
Many songs by Family Force 5 have received fame in both Christian and mainstream music scenes. Their songs have been listed as Christian songs and have topped Christian music charts. Songs by FF5 are soul-lifting, and melodic, and can evoke certain feelings in listeners. Some of the band’s top Christian songs are;
Walk on Water
“I’m closer to You, but I feel like I’m so far away
‘Cause I let my fear, let my fear get in front of my faith
I’m back and forth like a wave in the wind
But I hear Your voice, and it’s pulling me in, it’s pulling me in I wanna walk on water
Leap And step out knowing
You won’t let me sink
I wanna trust You deeper live life believin’
That You are everything You say You are
‘Cause You’re everything You say You are
I’ve prayed for Your proof, and I’ve asked You to give me a sign”
Let it Be Love
“I’ve never seen a soul set free
Through an argument
I’ve never seen a hurt get healed
In a protest
But I’ve seen sinners turned into saints
Because of grace
It’s love, love that lights the way
Love that lights the way”
Never Say Never
“In life, in death
Your love, unchanging
You’re never gonna change, never gonna change, change
Never gonna change, never gonna change
In life, in death
Your love, unchanging”
If you’re in search of some pretty cool Christian rock songs that are danceable and don’t sound too preachy, you can always check out the band’s tracklist.
Is Family Force 5 a Satanic Band?
Family Force 5 is not a Satanic band. The band has not shown any affiliations with Satanism, individually or collectively and their songs do not reflect Satanic beliefs and practices.
A satanic band is one whose members are Satanists, they believe in Satan and his practices. Songs by a Satanic band are usually embedded with dark lyrics, their concepts are anti-christian, wild, and horrifying. None of these elements have been noticed in Family Force 5’s music style, so we do not consider the band a satanic band.
Conclusion
Since Family Force 5 started as a quintet, the band has always been expressive of their faith in God through their songs and lifestyle. The band has received heavy criticism from different angles for putting too much spirituality in their songs, while some religious fanatics feel their songs are not Christian enough, because they do not evoke a sober feeling and are not preachy. The band’s approach to Christian music has been described as “unconventional” but no matter the styles they have adopted, band members have mentioned that their songs are God-inspired and are used to share positive messages.
Think we were wrong? Write your reasoning in the comments and prove us wrong!