Staff Blog: April 16th
by: Brandon Jones
Talking Smack:
So I listen to this “Alt Nation” program on Sirius Satellite Radio/XM Radio which is basically a channel that plays all of today’s popular Alternative Music. Well anyway, they started playing Anberlin on the station back during late last summer and ever since, the DJ has made snide comments about the members of Anberlin and their Faith. Just yesterday the DJ made some comment right before song break that said something like “Next up is a band that’s into underage prostitutes” which if you know Stephen is partially true. Stephen’s work with Faceless International seeks to provide support for those trapped in the sex slavery business. But think about this for a minute, you’re just a casual listener who is tuning into this channel and all of a sudden a DJ comes on and says something like that. You’re immediately taken aback by that comment and you’re probably repulsed. They do it for shock value I understand that but it’s disheartening and tragic that they would make a joke of it. This isn’t the first time that this station has said snide remarks, I’ve heard several other instances where the dj insists on pointing out their member’s Faith and making fun of it. Now to be fair, do they make comments about other band’s and their members religious beliefs? Of course not. I have not heard this DJ or any other on the station talk about any other popular band in that manner nor do they make joke of what other band members believe in. Whenever the word “Christianity” is brought to light in these public instances is when people in the media decide to go into attack mode. It’s really quite sad and to be quite honest, pathetic. This is only on Satellite Radio where you know they play zero commercials and the chatter between songs is minimal. So could you imagine if the station had hours to talk smack on a daily basis?
This is where I am bringing you the reader into all of this. What I want to know is if you have heard similar stories on other public radio stations currently spinning Anberlin or other “Christian” artists. Have you heard similar sentiments? What are your thoughts?
| 07/30/2010 09:48 pm | News
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big whoop. that is SUPPOSED to happen. in fact, Jesus said that you are blessed if the world persecutes you. they should be stoked!
what a jerk. (the dj, i mean)
Guess he got upset that rock n’ roll wasn’t just about getting drunk anymore?
“Oh my gosh! Musicians CARE about things!?!?! I was just in it for the ladies…”
I’m kinda kidding, but kinda not as well.
That’s why I always get annoyed when people slag off Bono, ‘cos even though I’m not a big U2 fan, at least the guy cares about things other than his own superstardom. (And I know it’s a gross generalisation, but yeah music isn’t just about getting smashed and “rocking out” like cool dudes…)
the bible tells us repeatedly that the world hates and will continue to hate christians. its really only going to get worse.
and again, tyler beat me to what i was gonna say. haha.
as far as other instances like that, with christian artists being singled out by radio djs, cant say ive really heard anything.
but i dont listen to the radio at so, yeah.
Yep well said. Most of these guys tend to be pathetic howard stern wanna-be’s any way so it’s definately not suprising.
Alt Nation is #1 for my listening pleasure @ work, but I’m saddened by their recent remarks tho!
At the risk of sounding like I’m spouting off some bumper sticker theology, they say that if you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that barks the loudest is the one that got hit. I’d suggest praying specifically for the dj. His animosity toward Christianity is probably the outflow of some deep spiritual conviction he struggles with. I got saved (and still attend) in a church that is all about evangelism (on the street, on the job, you name it) and bitterness and hatred toward Christianity is just part of the territory. The thing to remember is that they don’t hate you, although it sure seems like it sometimes. They hate what you stand for. Or more specifically, who you stand for. The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing… and as Tyler H said earlier… Jesus told us in no uncertain terms, :they hated Me, they’re gonna hate you.” In fact, the Bible tells us to “be weary when men speak well of us.” Not that we’re to go out of our way to be flippant or belligerent… but know that it’s coming and keep in mind that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood. Sorry for rambling, the preacher in me got out a bit. Better save that for Sunday. :-)
good ol fashion evangelism and the power of prayer at its finest.
i love it. :)
praise God.
Whoops, misquote… it was Jewel U that said that the world will hate us. Tyler H was the beatitude. Just making sure my sources are in order.
I’ve heard Anberlin played on 2 local radio stations. I don’t listen to local FM radio that much now but when I’ve heard them be played I haven’t heard any stupid comments about the band.
just out of curiosity, what is the definition of ‘good ol fashion evangelism’? :)
I’ll give you a hint, fusse. Not Southern fire-and-brimstone Bible-thumpin’.
oh im talking new testament vintage evangelism. haha.
fusse – It’s the kind of evangelism where you actually move your lips and say something about Jesus in such a manner that it might, God forbid, make an unconverted person uncomfortable and get them thinking about the reality of eternity.
Admiral Tobias – I’m not Southern… but in my opinion, Christianity in this generation could use a little more fire and brimstone. I’m talking conviction as opposed to condemnation. In the hour we live in, Christianity has chosen isolation over inspiration. Have we forgotten that Hell is real? That real people, many of whom we know and love, will go there if they die without God? The harvest has never been more ripe and every day people step into eternity without God. We may not be able to reach them all… but we’ve gotta try.
That’s the unpopular stance Scott, didn’t you know? Saying someone will go to hell is controversial and might hurt someone’s self esteem so we certainly can’t say that ;) We live in a politically correct society and no one wants to step on anyone else’s toes, so we’re left talking about happy, bubbly, sugar coated feelings rather than absolute truth.
oh boy, now i’m waiting for a rant from the our wings are burning guy whose real name i dont remember at the moment.
anyway, Scott L are you an actual preacher/pastor/whatever?
and yea mine was the beatitude cus i happened to be reading them this week and it was the most recent in my memory bank. but yea i pretty much agree with Scott
Tyler H – Guilty as charged. :-)
Brandon – That’s alright, I’ll be in good company… Jesus’ stands were so unpopular they crucified Him. Paul himself said he longed to be a partaker in Christ’s suffering… and his stands lead to all kinds of painful encoounters. But when you really have a revelation of who God is and what He’s saved you from… how can you not share it? I don’t get it. I was so lost and messed up, and God used someone to lead me to Him… why on earth wouldn’t I want in on that?! It’s not about notches in your gun like some Louis L’Amour gunfighter… it’s about letting God use you in the most amazing miracle that could ever happen in a person’s life.
This thread is awesome. Scott L praise God for Preachers like you that do not let us wallow in our own apathy. Like the saying goes the road to hell is paved with good intentions. If we are afraid to even say anything for fear of turning someone off we are risking too great a price. I.e.an opportunity to win someone to Christ. Our good intent is in no way a replacement for God’s absolute truth. The truth wins everytime.
yeah buddy. im on board with scott here for sure.
haha.