“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10 NJKV). This scripture verse brings to the foreground the calling we all are to endure in discipline, and thanks to the Father. For Christian Hip Hop artists, the gift of rap and Hip Hop musicianship is collected in evangelism and discipleship. A Singular Or Broad Light? Applying Christian Hip Hop I have written extensively... Read more
Any kid in the 1970s knew what song to sing when the end of the school year approached: “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper. The anthem chorus of the track, “School’s Out/ For summer,” held school-aged kids through those drab closing months. Most of those kids may have known Alice Cooper, but, arguably, these same kids may not know his history, least of all his faith-based testimony. Alice Cooper, “School’s Out (2002 Remaster),” from the “Rock and Roll High School” soundtrack,... Read more
The title has come to hold a proverbial location in pop culture. The juxtaposition of Christianity with Heavy Metal highlights what could, at first glance, appear to be a “problem.” Yet, when the veil is pulled back and a look under the hood is made, a juxtaposition gives way to a dynamic faith-based dialectic between sacred and secular identities. Christian Heavy Metal is not a “problem.” Rather, it’s the assigned, knee-jerk stereotype of Heavy Metal that limits any credible analysis... Read more
Complicated days seek comfort, answers, and resolutions. Personal issues are hard to settle alone. Yet, the pride of contemporary life directs most of us to follow this twisted path for reconciliation. The Psalms are full of heartfelt moments that speak to humanity. Pain, angst, frustration, and suffering are balanced and neutralized with comfort, calm, resolution, and hope. It’s a rare occasion in the current globalized post-modern digitally saturated environment to see, or rather hear, a contemporary Psalm which tugs and... Read more
The inconsistency of the current socio-political climate keeps the populist in check with baited breath on the next evolution. Continuing to question, “Where are we?” by the press and sociologists begins to wear as thin as the culture’s patience. Yet, what other question can one ask at this time? A cursory review of the daily and evening reports contains some aspect of this point: “Where are we?” Attempting to answer is just as futile an action as asking the question... Read more
This article takes a socio-religious, faith-based, Christian reading of the “No Kings” events on Saturday, October 18. “No Kings.” The day took a turn to the absurd. Nearly 7 million people, covering more than 2,700 events across 50 states and internationally, including in London, Paris, Rome, and Lisbon, Portugal. Organized by multiple political action organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible, and MoveOn. The point? Axios cites Katie Bethell from... Read more
Listening As Faith/Belief Discourse The morally bankrupt content of the current global-local state demands a critical epistemological pedagogy in how to contend with the corrupt slaughtering of identity. We could simply silence the phone, leave social media, and turn off the news. This confusing media-on, media-off relationship begs the question: “Are we honestly going to try this technique? If we do, how long would it last? Our days are bombarded with sensory overload to the extent that some level of... Read more
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8 NKJV) It was on Sunday, September 21, at the Charlie Kirk memorial that pointed words were expressed by Erika Kirk. Her comments do more than display humanity; these words frame the importance of the country to critically assess itself for substantial progress, change, and cooperation. “By far the most striking moment of Turning Point,... Read more
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NKJV). The foundational 1991 work by theomusicologist/musicologist Jon Michael Spencer, “Theological Music: Introduction to Theomusicology,” continues to be relevant in today’s musical landscape. The opening of the work defines theomusicology as follows: “Theomusicology is musicology as a theologically informed discipline. Borrowing thought and method from anthropology, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, it has as... Read more
Alternative music was first used in 1979 by Terry Tonkin, a music clerk and writer at the time, to describe underground music. Since then, the genre known as alternative has covered pop and rock music. The genre itself incorporates music and bands that work outside of the traditional and standard definitions of pop and rock music. No longer seen as underground, alternative music is a firm fixture in the music industry. Biffy Clyro is an alternative rock band from Kilmarnock... Read more
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