Christian music vs. Mainstream media

[Daxx]

In general atheists are one of the most intolerant groups I know- and that goes further than just music. Just mention God in front of one and they go off about trying to force "God" on them. People can't have a Christian symbol on their desk at work because it might "offend" somebody. How is that possible in a country built on religious freedom?

That's interesting. In my experience theists are more intolerant. Mention that you're an atheist (or god forbid, a Muslim!), and you'll never get a shot at the presidency of the USA. Say "happy holidays" to someone, and some Christian will rant on about how you're "destroying christmas". Respectfully ask someone to substantiate their belief in God when they're evangelising at your door or on the street literally trying to push a bible into your hand, and they'll scream that they don't need to because they have faith, and you should respect their religion instead of asking questions.

Generalising from personal experience sure is the best way to prove a point.

/offtopic

[sillyking14]

i've made this point before an i'll make it again.

neither side is more intolerant. there are people that are equally intolerant on both sides. unfortunately. the crusades were an unfortunate result of intolerant Christians. but there have also been many acts of violence against Christian groups because of what they believe. by atheists. same is true for muslims, and hinuds. there are some people that believe what they believe and do try to force other people to conform to heir beliefs. then there are people that don't really understand what they believe and therefore don't cause a problem. and then there are people that really know what the message behind their belief is and follow it as closely as possible. this last group is the people that really make a difference, no matter who what they believe. but this is entirely off topic, although i don't think that should matter since this topic is an off-shoot of another that was simply created because it was de-railing the other topic.

[ElementalGod]

In general atheists are one of the most intolerant groups I know- and that goes further than just music. Just mention God in front of one and they go off about trying to force "God" on them. People can't have a Christian symbol on their desk at work because it might "offend" somebody. How is that possible in a country built on religious freedom?

One of the most foolish posts in the thread and your slur against atheists is not based on anything but your own misconceptions and your own experiences. You do realize there is no such thing as a meaningful atheist grouping in society that shares anything? It is lack of belief and nothing more than that, if you had attacked humanists then that would still have been misinformed, but not straight up incorrect. People cannot be grouped according to their lack of belief in the same way you wouldn't describe all the people that do not play golf as an actual group that is somehow related. Atheism is not a school of thought (if it is then not collecting stamps is a hobby).

[vrt]

I'm an atheist and I listen to Demon Hunter (should be fairly obvious by name that it's a christian band). I also listen to satanic black metal if I'm in the mood for it. Who cares about their 'message', their music is effing awesome.

[Belthus]

I was visiting my mother. She hadn't programmed any presets on her car's radio, so I was scanning stations. On the first pass, one of my choices was what I later found to be a Christian rock station. I liked the music, but the lyrics turned me off (and the same would be true for my mother), so I removed that station.

[Scaredgirl]

I was visiting my mother. She hadn't programmed any presets on her car's radio, so I was scanning stations. On the first pass, one of my choices was what I later found to be a Christian rock station. I liked the music, but the lyrics turned me off (and the same would be true for my mother), so I removed that station.

I know what you mean. The fact that the music tries to convert you is a big turn-off. It's like watching tv-ads instead of movies.

[vrt]

I was visiting my mother. She hadn't programmed any presets on her car's radio, so I was scanning stations. On the first pass, one of my choices was what I later found to be a Christian rock station. I liked the music, but the lyrics turned me off (and the same would be true for my mother), so I removed that station.

I know what you mean. The fact that the music tries to convert you is a big turn-off. It's like watching tv-ads instead of movies.

There's a few good ones out there with subtle lyrics. Some, like Demon Hunter, are actually pretty damn hard to understand most of the time (due to the cryptic-ness, not bad singing). I quite love that, leaves things open to interpretation.

[TheMadEvil]

I agree with vrt. I'm an atheist, but love listening to Christian bands that have a subtle message. My favorite christian band is Skillet, and I even like their very 'God-loving' songs, mostly because I don't really care if there is a god or not (guess that makes me more of a agnostic maybe? but i personally don't believe in god, so i'd say i'm more of an atheist). I hate listening to gospel, or any music that forces god on you, just the same as i hate talking to people who force their religion on you, whether it's islam, christianity, judaism, atheism, whatever.
Personally, I listen to music because I like the music, lyrics, and/or message. I have a very wide breadth of genres I listen to, and there is very little I really dislike. Unfortunately, most of the mainstream can bear no more than Jars of Clay-like bands, whose messages in their mainstream music is almost non-existant, which I actually don't mind...just give me good music, ok?

[PuppyChow]

I just want to say that Christian bands aren't forcing their message upon you. You don't HAVE to listen to it. They aren't saying "listen to our message, or I'll find you and kill you and your family."

[CB!]

I just want to say that Christian bands aren't forcing their message upon you. You don't HAVE to listen to it. They aren't saying "listen to our message, or I'll find you and kill you and your family."

Haven't you heard that new song by Mercy Me... it's their latest hit called, "Listen to our message, or we'll find you and kill you and your family"... j/k, I agree with you Puppy... if Christian music is trying to convert everybody, the same should be said for music that talks about sex, drugs, your tractor breaking down, and your wife leaving you...

[Levgre]

I don't like listening to songs about God, praising God or talking about how God is involved in their life.

Sure, even mainstream bands talk about God some, for example, Dave Matthews Band does some and I don't mind that at all.  But Christian bands are  Christian bands for a reason, most often their religion is central to their music, lyrics wise, message-wise, etc.

But, you won't see LOTS of types of music in mainstream media.  You hardly see hardcore rock, avant garde alternative music, and dozens of other genres.  Should all the fans and musicians of those genres feel "pushed out" too?


And have you ever heard Islamic rock bands or Buddhist music on TV?  Is it 'really' just the Christians that are being persecuted music wise?

[jmizzle7]

I don't like listening to songs about God, praising God or talking about how God is involved in their life.

Sure, even mainstream bands talk about God some, for example, Dave Matthews Band does some and I don't mind that at all.  But Christian bands are  Christian bands for a reason, most often their religion is central to their music, lyrics wise, message-wise, etc.

But, you won't see LOTS of types of music in mainstream media.  You hardly see hardcore rock, avant garde alternative music, and dozens of other genres.  Should all the fans and musicians of those genres feel "pushed out" too?


And have you ever heard Islamic rock bands or Buddhist music on TV?  Is it 'really' just the Christians that are being persecuted music wise?

No, it's not just Christians that are being pushed out, but then again, I think we all know why American media won't let a Muslim band play on their stages...