Christian Prog
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Recommendations/Featured albums
Forum Description: Make or seek recommendations and discuss specific prog albums
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33437
Printed Date: June 29 2025 at 08:54
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Topic: Christian Prog
Posted By: endlessepic
Subject: Christian Prog
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 02:24
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This is for Christian proggers or decent non-christians. Please no "Christian music blows...satanic metal is the way to go!" Hi, I am a Christian. I am also a really sketchy character, hence my need for a savior...however, I find it difficult to find musicians who are Christians that sound good. There are exceptions however, such as and not limited to - Phil Keaggy! John Standefer, Hyper Static-Union isnt too bad, Neal Morse is really good but I havent bought any of his albums yet. Can anyone reccommend artists that are Christians, (I'd rather it wasnt just straight praise music) and can play really well...preferably prog artists. To see what I'm into = My favorite bands are - but arent limited to ELP Genesis Radiohead Gentle Giant Yes Pink Floyd Dire Straits Chet Atkins Tommy Emmanuel Keane King Crimson Anglagard Zappa Muse and many more...basically every band on progarchives Is there anyone along these lines that play christian prog? Thank you |
Replies:
Posted By: kazansky
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 02:26
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err.. Neal Morse ? ------------- The devil we blame our atrocities on is really just each one of us. |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 02:27
| What particular album should I get of Neal Morse...I want something that sounds somewhat close to Spocks Beard... |
Posted By: kazansky
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 02:31
as i haven't listened to his work, i can't say anything about it. i only heard that his music is influenced by Christianity  ------------- The devil we blame our atrocities on is really just each one of us. |
Posted By: video vertigo
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 03:36
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I have One and ? by Morse I wouldn't particularly recommend either, nothing comparable to his work with Spock's Beard. If you are really into guitar music then ? is good since it features him, keaggy, hackett and roine stolt and alan morse on guitars. I gotta say (as a christian and a prog-head) Morse's solo albums lack what I usually love about prog (which is difficult to describe) and his lyrics are especially lacking. Instrumentally I recommend One over ? but based on guitars alone ? is quite impressive. ------------- "The rock and roll business is pretty absurd, but the world of serious music is much worse." - Zappa |
Posted By: theBox
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 03:37
Piece of cake! You should Listen to "one" and "?" (especially the later is a masterpiece). It's Just like spock's beard and transatlantic and maybe EVEN BETTER! I'm not a christian myself (more of an agnostic actually) though I really love what neal morse is doing! Also, one of my favourite bands ever is (not prog by any means) Sixteen Horsepower, an alt-country/goth/whatever band with christian lyrics! ------------- |
endlessepic wrote:Posted By: MuzikLuva
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 04:09
| The one and only Mr. Rick Wakeman. He is not extremely outspoken about his faith, but it is there in many of his works. |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 04:10
Can you name specifics? |
Posted By: Soul Dreamer
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 04:44
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I'd say try out Iona:
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=417 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=417 ------------- To be the one who seeks so I may find .. (Metallica) |
Posted By: Masque
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 04:57
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Just get Proto Kaw The Wait of Glory if you want to find some Christian prog Heaven that's what I advise, best thing about Proto Kaw apart from their fantastic music and lyrics is their ability to appeal to both Christian and non Christians , they seem to bridge the gap and it makes them sound less preachy but just as convincing which is a very intelligent step forward for Christian music I think and they also display plenty of prog monents. Next I`d advise Salem Hill who are a great prog band with Christian beliefs also I`d advise Iona they are a special band with an amazing female singer on lead vocals. Highly recommended 
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Posted By: oracus
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 06:17
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The best christian album you can buy right now IMO are ? (questionmark) and Testimony by Neal Morse :-) ------------- 
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Posted By: CrazyDiamond
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 07:03
Try Glass Hammer.  ------------- 
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Posted By: andu
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 07:05
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the best christian song i know of from rock is Zeppelin's "In My Time of Dying" from their 1975 album "Physical Grafitti". you need to check that. also blues is the place where you'll find great christian music, rather than prog. as i remember, out of your list of favourites, pink floyd and ELP were actually anti-religion.
------------- "PA's own GI Joe!" 
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Posted By: fuxi
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 07:11
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Since you like Dire Straits, you might like some of Bob Dylan's albums with religious themes, such as SLOW TRAIN COMING, on which Mark Knopfler guests.
Even better are some Van Morrison albums: BEAUTIFUL VISION (again with Knopfler guest appearances) and NO GURU, NO METHOD, NO TEACHER. Without doubt, Van the Man is the greatest (and the most exciting) christian in rock music. (Or at least he would be, if you left out all the great Afro-American Gospel singers.) For example, try 'In the Garden' on NO GURU... I'm not a believer, but whenever I hear that song, I FEEL the Spirit! By the way, you say you like Frank Zappa. If you need some soul-searching, I heartily recommend 'My Heavenly Bank Account'. In the same respect, 'Sheep' by Pink Floyd (on the ANIMALS album) may also be useful. |
Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 07:32
| Maybe you should try After Crying.Not a preaching band, but their(many Hungarian) lyrics are often realted to the Bible and Christianity A Gadarai Megszállott, Júdás, De Profundis, A Világ Végén etc. |
Posted By: harm s.
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 07:39
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I totally agree with Iona, they have a real special sound. Progressive rock mixed with a celtic sound. Start with "The Book of Kells", "Journey into the Morn" and "Woven Cord".
Personally I'm not very fond of Glass Hammer, but they definitely are progressive rock. It's too keyboard heavy for my taste, but if you like ELP, you'll probably like Glass Hammer. "Lex Rex" would be a good place to start. You might also try Ajalon's "On the Treshold of Eternity" or Akacia's "The Brass Serpent". Ajalon is a bit too commercial sounding, but this album has some great tracks. The title track on the Akacia album is 36:15 long! And I like it a lot. It takes a few listens to really appreciate it though. |
Posted By: oracus
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 07:51
I don't know if you aware of the fact that Led Zeppelin's songs hides satanic messages ( http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/stairway.php - if you don't believe me ). So i don't think that Zeppelin fits in Christian category :-) -------------
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Posted By: SignalToNoise
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 08:20
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You really believe that backwards satanic stairway to heaven thing? Sorry, Im 99.9 % sure this isn't true. ;) ------------- I am Swiss, so don't kill me for this! 7yuc**paranoid android http://www.last.fm/user/SignalTonoise"> 
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Posted By: WaywardSon
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 09:03
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The album "Before became after" by Proto Kaw is excellent, almost puts you on a spiritual high!
Great compositions without being too preachy.
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Posted By: Mellotron Storm
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 09:59
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TORMAN MAXT is good.Lot's of guitar.
SAVIOUR MACHINE heavy,gothic. VISUAL CLIFF a good instrumental band. ------------- "The wind is slowly tearing her apart" "Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN |
Posted By: andu
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 10:06
of course i'm aware. that might actually be the explanation for my strong need to go in the cemetery late at night and dig up graves, draw inversed crosses and sing incantations in languages i don't know. this urge comes every saturday evening and i need to be tied up. i was also told that listening to stairway to heaven brings rest to me, especially when played reversed.  ------------- "PA's own GI Joe!"
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Posted By: Chicapah
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 10:22
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Over the last few months I've purchased both ? and One by Neal Morse and I think you would absolutely love the music. Portnoy is drumming so how much more do you need to know about the quality? I also appreciate the suggestions of other CProg bands on this topic because it's hard to get that info anywhere else. ------------- "Literature is well enough, as a time-passer, and for the improvement and general elevation and purification of mankind, but it has no practical value" - Mark Twain |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 10:23
We need an exorcism! Where's the priest when you need him?  |
Posted By: andu
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 10:28
Some Neal Morse therapy & lots of prayer in irregular time signatures seems to be needed! Well Saturday evening (Sabbath) is coming, so see ya' tomorrow! If someone by the name andu is posting devilish stuff on the forums, it was me, but it wasn't me! 
------------- "PA's own GI Joe!"
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Posted By: Spiderprog
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 10:36
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Please help me understand Christian Prog. If it's influenced by the bible or faith it can also be defined as Islamic Prog or Jewish Prog. Perhaps the term spiritual prog is better? In that case is Shakti spiritual prog? Western culture as a whole is influenced by the bible old and new testament so any lyrics with a reference to a messiah or Jesus or a savior is christian prog? Is it music by christians? In that case almost all British and American music is christian. Perhaps I don't understand it but I'm slightly allergic to the term. |
Posted By: Masque
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 11:21
------------- |
Posted By: MuzikLuva
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 11:38
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Sorry for the delay in response to Rick Wakeman earlier. Some of
these may no longer be in print but check out his website to be sure
www.rwcc.com The Gospels - Originally released in 1987 The Word And The Gospels - Originally released in 1988 In The Beginning - Originally released in 1990 Prayers - Only 5000 released and he wasn't happy with this. Wakeman suggests getting Can You Hear Me instead The New Gospels - released in 1996 Can You Hear Me - released in 1996 Orisons - released in 1996 The Word And Music - released in 1996 I'll stop here. Check out his website as he has his own recommendations/comments on each of his albums. Not all are progressive in nature. |
Posted By: Lofcaudio
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 12:10
Though I am a little late to the discussion, I can't help but jump in with my own opinions:
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Posted By: Minimalist777
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 13:57
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You mentioned ELP at the top of your list of secular prog you enjoy, so I would definetly check out Glass Hammer they have very ELP esq keyboards. Iona is very beautiful music, much recommended! ------------- WWOSD? What Would OliverStoned Do? |
Posted By: Moatilliatta
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 14:22
Judaism and Islam don't use the Bible; they use the Torah and the Qu'ran (respectively). However, the Torah is basically the Old Testament.
And as far as who is a Christian goes, sure much of Western Culture and all you mentioned is rooted in Christianity, but nowadays so many people have strayed from Christianity. People who reference God or whomever aren't necessarily Christians, becauase they don't actually practice it (having a relationship with the Lord and making a conscious effort to adhere to His principles). Plus that statement would also mean people who say 'G.D.' (you should know what that means) is also a Christian because they are referring to God, but that is one of the most blasphemous things one could say.
Christian Prog would be something as Neal Morse (my recommendation to the thread-starter, and I think his best work is ONE, but all 3 are good, plus a new one in a month). His music is solely focused on God and the sort. Lyrically, much of it is comprable to standard Christian music, albeit it's more inventive given the concepts and all.
Christians don't always write songs about their spiritual side. Most Christian artists have a bunch of songs about love or even some fun, humorous stuff. So I would say Christian bands don't necessarily write about God, but through most of their work there is a general positivity to the music that comes as a result of their beliefs.
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Posted By: xjester
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 14:31
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Try Orphaned Land.
Their Jewish/Christian prog( not entirely sure which, but it really dosent make the biggest difrence).
Plus, their amazing, so thats aways a plus.
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Posted By: TheProgtologist
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 14:44
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They aren't on this site...yet.But check out a band called Divine in Sight and their excellent album Sorrow & Promise.Very good Art Rock. -------------  |
Posted By: pogoowner
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 15:41
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You definitely need to check out Proto-Kaw. Kerry Livgren writes the best Christian music around, if you ask me, and Before Became After and The Wait of Glory are both excellent albums. And if you want more Kerry Livgren, check out Kansas's most recent studio album, Somewhere to Elsewhere. There are certainly Christian overtones throughout.
------------- And it might as well be raining, 'cause the sunlight hurts his eyes, And his ears will never hear the children's cries |
Posted By: ozzy_tom
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 17:05
I don't think is it really important. I'm a Christian too and I also love ELP music. I think that lyrics aren't so important at all, music counts more. (anyway the most straightward anti -religion song of I know ELP is "Hymn"...Are there any others?) And by the way I don't think that they are so anti-religious to these days 'cause in fact Emerson & Palmer even recorded albums with...Christmas Carols :-). Anyway these are the most christian prog-bands I know: -Light (Netherland band which recorded album "The Story of Moses") -Gracious -Badger (Tony Kaye from Yes played there) -Salamander -Glass Hammer -Spock's Beard (with Neal Morse) And unfortunatelly that's all I know. -------------  
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Posted By: Moatilliatta
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 17:39
Christianity isn't/should not be religion. It's supposed to be about having a relationship with God. There is a big difference. |
Posted By: andu
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 17:47
I agree with you, I also enjoy ELP and PF and the fact that I'm a believer doesn't collide with listening to good music. It is only when musicians get down to the (low) level of anti-religion propaganda that I can not stand and refuse to listen. Unfortunately there are cases... ------------- "PA's own GI Joe!"
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Posted By: lucas
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 17:55
How strange that king crimson is mentioned here, as the "crimson king " is the prince of darkness. 
------------- "Magma was the very first gothic rock band" (Didier Lockwood) |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 18:25
Thank you all for suggestions, I will be checking into the bands you have mentioned! I love finding new music. Just to clarify, alot the music that I listen to isn't christian...and some may even say that it is anti-religious. What can I say...I love prog, and I listen to it for the music and the poetry and such. I have heard about some songs having bad messages but I don't listen to it for the message...I just know it rocks! I hate the lyrics by Greg Lake on that song "The Only Way" but the tune is really good. The lyrics ruin the song though...I just play my own version where I do a bit of lyric changing...cause I hate protest/propaganda/trying to make a political/religious statement type of music. As far as King Crimson...never really thought of that...they have excellant music though... Thanks for responses! |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 18:50
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Neal Morse, first and foremost. Ever since Testimony I've been very eager to what he has to say. As a Christian myself, I find it very inspiring. His follow-ups are equally impressive.
Morse just has the knack of being able to cut right through you with a lyric or a melody. You can almost feel tears well up when you hear "Oh, To Feel Him" from Testimony, "Cradle To The Grave" from One (with Phil Keaggy), or "21" from ?. Simply inspiring. Glass Hammer is a good band, too. They don't really wear their Christianity on their sleeves, but I do detect some in Lex Rex. Iona is another good place to start. A bit on the Celtic side of prog, it's still incredible music, nonetheless. Almost a cross between Clannad and Yes. E ------------- 
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Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 19:07
I like 'One'.Thats a solid prog rock album made by just three musicians and carrying a very strong Christian message.
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Posted By: NotAProghead
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 20:01
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Strange, no one mentioned "Jesus Christ Superstar".
------------- Who are you and who am I to say we know the reason why... (D. Gilmour) |
Posted By: lightbulb_son
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 21:09
Glass Hammer
I am agnostic myself, but a band's religious beliefs do not bother me, unless they are the lyrical and musical focus of the group (exception made for Orphaned Land). ------------- When the world is sick Can't no one be well But I dreamt we were all beautiful and strong 
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Posted By: fuxi
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 07:09
Good point! Have you ever tried it, endlessepic? I definitely recommend it! |
Posted By: Space Dimentia
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 10:06
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I have to admit I try and steer clear of most christian rock as at times its abit to preachy but I do like Saviour Machine, their first 2 albums are awsome example of good, solid prog-metal but their newer stuff is alil bit preachier. Plus I love Eric Clayton's voice its so nice, its very operatic, baratone, I could see him singing on broadway or in the Westend.
Ahh but JC Superstar is just a rock opera/musical and as much as I love it its not very proggy. I love Orphaned Land if we are talking about relgious prog, they are an amazing band and because the music is so awsome and varied and there use of differnt languages is so interesting you can kind of forget all teh relgious connotations within their albums. ------------- Prog is music for the mind Hear your Orphaned child! Check out my bands myspace site: www.myspace.com/equinox17 |
Posted By: fuxi
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 12:52
'Just a rock opera' - true, but it may just be one of the best! I've had this conversation once before (in a different thread), but AS AN OPERA (in which interacting characters come alive through the words they sing)JCS must be superior to TOMMY or even THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY. P.S. Before the terrible wrath of a thousand Genesis freaks descends upon me, let me add that, as MUSIC, THE LAMB is of course ten times better than JCS! |
Posted By: Spiderprog
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 13:22
If you beleive in god then all people have a relationship with him love or hate. If you beleive in god then all music has a relationship with him. |
Posted By: The Wizard
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 13:25
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Prog is about magic mushrooms and eastern philosophies, not Billy Graham and youth group. -------------  
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Posted By: Spiderprog
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 14:18
Amen Brother! |
Posted By: pepefloyd
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 15:40
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argentinian legendary band, Vox Dei and the album La Biblia(The Bible), obviosly christian influenced, more historica than anything, but christian indeed :P
------------- http://www.lastfm.es/user/pepe_floyd84/?chartstyle=basic10"> 
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Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 20:16
Pretty closed minded, if that were the case. I would think that prog is a pretty free genre and can easily cross over between secular and religious (any religion). E -------------
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Posted By: Spiderprog
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 20:33
You are right. But good art is not about preaching, especially in an age that needs new and fresh answers and not tired cliches. I do not understand why, if someone wants to write anything spiritual, he has to proclaim himself as a christian, moslem or any other member of a particular religion. I still think spiritual prog works much better as a term if one is needed at all. |
Posted By: Moatilliatta
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 21:56
I don't think anyone is preaching here. Neal Morse certainly doesn't preach, he tells his own personal stories, feelings and beliefs, or he tells stories and what not from the Bible itself, which in essence shouldn't be much different in concept than retelling a part of any story, though it surely would have a spiritual meaning rather than just a sentimental one. He is not pushing his beliefs on anyone, he is just putting them out there. Besides, I think nearly every musician in some way or another works their beliefs in to their stuff regardless if it's religious, spiritual, moral, etc.
I also don't think anyone says bluntly in their music "I'm a Christian." The artists may speak of beliefs or whatever relating to a certain belief system, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are proclaiming an affiliation. The Flower Kings, for example, speak of many positive things: peace, love, etc. They even make references to God, though not saying it directly. Roine Stolt is not a Christian though.
You also should not make such generalizations of Christianity or any belief, because they all take many different forms. And again, Christianity is supposed to be about having a realtionship with God, it is not supposed to be a formulaic, utterly strict religion. I can't see how these are "tired cliches." Sure, I disagree with some views/practices of certain sects of Christianity, and many of those sects' ideals do need to fix some things, but shouldn't the general morals expressed in the Bible (as well as the Torah and Qu'ran if I'm not mistaken) remain always? You can't say that treating people with kindness, not killing/lying/stealing, etc. are played out and we need fresh ideas. For how many theories and ideas have come and gone over the years, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and so on have all remained, and that should say something. Unfortunately these people who think we need new ideals have been winning, as many nations keep losing grip on their foundations in favor of new ones that appeal to those who are trying to break away from the traditional morals and the like.
Lastly, why should you care if someone wants to say what they believe? If you need new ideas, and Christian ideas are too old for you, don't listen to it. I don't see why people need to question what's already been accepted for all of these years, and (generally speaking) rightfully so. And just because this age is bent on new explainations for everything, why must a man conform to those people and aquiesce to their requests? If a Scientologist wants to write about his ARC triangle and auditing, or if an evolutionist wants to write about is great, great, great, great, great grandfather the ape, let him/her. Are you going to accuse them of preaching to us?
Artists give us their perspectives of religion and morals, love, the world, but are we accusing all of them of preaching to us? No, surprisingly, only the Christians, or so it seems. At least to a much larger degree than the others.
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Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 01:01
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[/QUOTE] I don't think anyone is preaching here. Neal Morse certainly doesn't preach, he tells his own personal stories, feelings and beliefs, or he tells stories and what not from the Bible itself, which in essence shouldn't be much different in concept than retelling a part of any story, though it surely would have a spiritual meaning rather than just a sentimental one. He is not pushing his beliefs on anyone, he is just putting them out there. Besides, I think nearly every musician in some way or another works their beliefs in to their stuff regardless if it's religious, spiritual, moral, etc.
I also don't think anyone says bluntly in their music "I'm a Christian." The artists may speak of beliefs or whatever relating to a certain belief system, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are proclaiming an affiliation. The Flower Kings, for example, speak of many positive things: peace, love, etc. They even make references to God, though not saying it directly. Roine Stolt is not a Christian though.
You also should not make such generalizations of Christianity or any belief, because they all take many different forms. And again, Christianity is supposed to be about having a realtionship with God, it is not supposed to be a formulaic, utterly strict religion. I can't see how these are "tired cliches." Sure, I disagree with some views/practices of certain sects of Christianity, and many of those sects' ideals do need to fix some things, but shouldn't the general morals expressed in the Bible (as well as the Torah and Qu'ran if I'm not mistaken) remain always? You can't say that treating people with kindness, not killing/lying/stealing, etc. are played out and we need fresh ideas. For how many theories and ideas have come and gone over the years, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and so on have all remained, and that should say something. Unfortunately these people who think we need new ideals have been winning, as many nations keep losing grip on their foundations in favor of new ones that appeal to those who are trying to break away from the traditional morals and the like.
Lastly, why should you care if someone wants to say what they believe? If you need new ideas, and Christian ideas are too old for you, don't listen to it. I don't see why people need to question what's already been accepted for all of these years, and (generally speaking) rightfully so. And just because this age is bent on new explainations for everything, why must a man conform to those people and aquiesce to their requests? If a Scientologist wants to write about his ARC triangle and auditing, or if an evolutionist wants to write about is great, great, great, great, great grandfather the ape, let him/her. Are you going to accuse them of preaching to us?
Artists give us their perspectives of religion and morals, love, the world, but are we accusing all of them of preaching to us? No, surprisingly, only the Christians, or so it seems. At least to a much larger degree than the others. [/QUOTE]Very well stated! |
Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 01:02
I apreciate the opinion but I clarified on my first post this thread isnt for dissentors... Thanks |
Posted By: Garion81
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 01:21
Four suggestions to you although they all come from the same writer: Kansas (After 1980) AD (The band Kerry Livgren joined after becoming a Christian and quiting Kansas) Kerry Livgeren (5 albums of solo material) Proto-Kaw (The band Kerry writes for now)  ------------- 
"What are you going to do when that damn thing rusts?" |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 01:27
 I always figured prog was for open minded people and like to expand their horizons a bit ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 03:46
I don't think anyone is preaching here. Neal Morse certainly doesn't preach, he tells his own personal stories, feelings and beliefs, or he tells stories and what not from the Bible itself, which in essence shouldn't be much different in concept than retelling a part of any story, though it surely would have a spiritual meaning rather than just a sentimental one. He is not pushing his beliefs on anyone, he is just putting them out there. Besides, I think nearly every musician in some way or another works their beliefs in to their stuff regardless if it's religious, spiritual, moral, etc.
I also don't think anyone says bluntly in their music "I'm a Christian." The artists may speak of beliefs or whatever relating to a certain belief system, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are proclaiming an affiliation. The Flower Kings, for example, speak of many positive things: peace, love, etc. They even make references to God, though not saying it directly. Roine Stolt is not a Christian though.
You also should not make such generalizations of Christianity or any belief, because they all take many different forms. And again, Christianity is supposed to be about having a realtionship with God, it is not supposed to be a formulaic, utterly strict religion. I can't see how these are "tired cliches." Sure, I disagree with some views/practices of certain sects of Christianity, and many of those sects' ideals do need to fix some things, but shouldn't the general morals expressed in the Bible (as well as the Torah and Qu'ran if I'm not mistaken) remain always? You can't say that treating people with kindness, not killing/lying/stealing, etc. are played out and we need fresh ideas. For how many theories and ideas have come and gone over the years, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and so on have all remained, and that should say something. Unfortunately these people who think we need new ideals have been winning, as many nations keep losing grip on their foundations in favor of new ones that appeal to those who are trying to break away from the traditional morals and the like.
Lastly, why should you care if someone wants to say what they believe? If you need new ideas, and Christian ideas are too old for you, don't listen to it. I don't see why people need to question what's already been accepted for all of these years, and (generally speaking) rightfully so. And just because this age is bent on new explainations for everything, why must a man conform to those people and aquiesce to their requests? If a Scientologist wants to write about his ARC triangle and auditing, or if an evolutionist wants to write about is great, great, great, great, great grandfather the ape, let him/her. Are you going to accuse them of preaching to us?
Artists give us their perspectives of religion and morals, love, the world, but are we accusing all of them of preaching to us? No, surprisingly, only the Christians, or so it seems. At least to a much larger degree than the others. [/QUOTE]Very well stated![/QUOTE]
I would have to agree here. As you addressed with Neal's music, it's not 'preachy' in the least. Testimony is Neal's story, plain and simple. One, ?, and (more than likely) Sola Scriptura are concept albums telling a story. In this case, they all have a common denominator in that it's religious (Christian...oohh, that dreaded 'c' word again!) in nature. I've heard a lot of 'preachy' music jamming their beliefs down our throats that have nothing to do with Christianity. We sure don't hear about that, however. And what if it was preachy? Don't listen to it. Personally, I need to be reminded in-between Sundays. E -------------
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Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 04:09
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Just pre-ordered Sola Scriptura. MP3 samples are available at Neal's website. Always look forward to a new Neal Morse disc.
E -------------
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Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 10:14
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[/QUOTE] Four suggestions to you although they all come from the same writer: Kansas (After 1980) AD (The band Kerry Livgren joined after becoming a Christian and quiting Kansas) Kerry Livgeren (5 albums of solo material) Proto-Kaw (The band Kerry writes for now) [/QUOTE]Is this the same Kansas that scored the radio hit "Carry On My Wayward Son?" I have always loved that song and knew that it was progressive but never really heard any of their other stuff. I keep hearing their name floating around here but unfortunatly havent delved into their works. |
Posted By: el böthy
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 13:01
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I remember reading that Shadow Gallery are a Christian metla band...jejej, as crazy as that might sound, you should give them a try... I know I did...and well, I keep the commments to myself also, you like King Crimson?...but dont you know what King Crimson means? ------------- "You want me to play what, Robert?" 
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Posted By: Trickster F.
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 13:02
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Anything by Marduk. ------------- sig |
Posted By: el böthy
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 13:02
Four suggestions to you although they all come from the same writer: Kansas (After 1980) AD (The band Kerry Livgren joined after becoming a Christian and quiting Kansas) Kerry Livgeren (5 albums of solo material) Proto-Kaw (The band Kerry writes for now) [/QUOTE]Is this the same Kansas that scored the radio hit "Carry On My Wayward Son?" I have always loved that song and knew that it was progressive but never really heard any of their other stuff. I keep hearing their name floating around here but unfortunatly havent delved into their works. [/QUOTE] It´s the same Kansas ------------- "You want me to play what, Robert?"
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Posted By: endlessepic
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 17:25
I guess if i woulda thought about it i woulda realized but never thought about the title |
Posted By: Trademark
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 17:43
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Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford and Adrian Belew are all Christians at this point in time. I imagine that's how KC gets mentioned in a discussion like this one.
Things might have been differrent for Fripp when ITCOTKC was released. |
Posted By: Meddler
Date Posted: January 22 2007 at 21:35
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The Moody Blues acknowledge a greater being, and sometimes it would seem like Jesus and God. Judging from the lyrics. Get Seventh Sojourn. ------------- [IMG]http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/amorfous/astro-1.jpg"> |