I experienced something at my band’s show last Saturday that has lead to a great, personal conviction. All the members of my band are Christian, and our faith is very important to us, if not the most important things in our lives (of course, I can really only speak for myself). Considering our lyrical content, I suppose we would probably be considered Christian Metal, but all I’ve ever wanted to be was a Metal band. A Metal band whose members are all Christian, yes, but not a Christian Metal band. Big difference. But during the Saturday show, during a 30 second break between songs, our vocalist proclaimed our faith to the audience. And really, I’m fine with that. I don’t mind letting other people know what I believe and why I’m up there rocking out. I do it for God, with the gifts He’s given me. However, he didn’t stop there…he went on to issue an invitation to those in the audience who did not know Jesus. He told them that they were loved, and that Christ wanted a personal relationship with each and every one of them. Not a bad message in and of itself. But in saying that, he went beyond simply talking about what we believe, and got into the audience’s personal business. I was taken aback by this, knowing full well that there would be some people who were offended and taken out of the mood by this “altar call”.
But upon reflection, I was reminded of the allegory of the cave. I remembered that, for those who had seen truth and beauty, it is their responsibility to descend back into the cave to spread the good news, often facing ridicule and rejection. Though my gut still feels queasy at the notion of professing faith over a microphone, I must realize that I, who have seen what I believe to be the truth, am called to do it. Again, it’s still not something I’m comfortable with, simply because I know many are made uncomfortable by it. But in the end, I feel I must yield to what I truly believe is right, and be thankful that I’m not the man with the mic. All I have to do is play music…
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I know where you’re coming from when you say you were taken aback by your vocalist's proclamation. It's interesting that at the end of your blog you said you're thankful you're not the one with the mic; all you have to do is play music. It makes me think that God knows whose hand to put the mic in. I know that personally, I wouldn’t have had the courage that your vocalist did, but that’s why I don’t have a mic. I believe that while some people were created to go out and find people who aren’t Christian and tell them of the good news, others were created to simply live the Christian life and allow others to approach them. The second group is designed to know how to share their faith without being forceful or making others feel uncomfortable. Both types are necessary when it comes to freeing people from the cave. There are all types of difference people in the cave. Some people need encouragement; they need vocalist with microphones to say, “Its okay. Step outside the cave. It’s so much better out here.” On the other hand, some people are agitated when they are constantly provoked to leave the cave. They respond better to seeing people outside the cave having a good time and enjoying life. For those people, God made bass players. All you have to do is play music and they’ll get the message.
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