Bride - Dale Thompson

It seems like today’s music is becoming more extreme, and the antics allowed on stage are pushing the envelope of chaos and confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” Bands representing Jesus Christ should, according to Scripture, promote truth and not fantasy, and in all honesty, honor and represent Jesus Christ. From an artistic and theatrical side of the coin, bands should have the freedom to express views, as long as it is in the perimeter of Biblical foundation. The stage is exactly that — a platform of expression and thought, spilled out for the public to view.

Who determines when it goes too far? Who governs what is truth, and where do we draw the line between what is God’s Word and truth, and what is man’s view? Are today’s themes too dark, are bands painting pictures of gloom and doom? These are questions that need to be explored. In recent days I have thought back to the past when Bride was very theatrical on stage. I wore makeup and dressed like someone from a horror movie with my hockey mask and shin guards. Then my hair grew long and the tattoo’s were etched into the skin. There were not many like us in the beginning. To this day I have been accused of writing about the darker side of life. Now I look around and see groups taking their appearance way further than I would have imagined. I have found myself questioning if I am responsible for encouraging the abstract from my own antics of youth and adolescence? My conclusion is this: In the great scheme of things, if Christ is preached and lifted up, and if the Word of God is represented in a manner which shows the love of Christ, then who am I to question or condemn? Through the years I personally have matured and the ministry to which I work has grown in a different direction. God will not judge me on the length of my hair, if I have tattoos or earrings, or even if I paint my face white with black circles around my eyes, but rather whether I have served others in representing Him. “To the least of these you have done unto me.”

There are many bands out there saying they represent Christ. Many are, however even more are not. The style of a band does not always reflect the heart of its members. Punk, industrial, goth, darkwave -- all have their place as long as the message of salvation is accurately being portrayed. Matthew 6:45 says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

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