Critics Review?

[SirMax]

I was thinking about this on the way to work this morning.

I've listened to Revelation ALOT the past few days and here's my question. The name "Jesus" is not there (or did I miss it??? ) and "Lord" is only used once (maybe twice), and "God" is used a few times. Now I am NOT let me repeat NOT the critic here. My question is this....

When WIRE came out the critics were spouting that "Jesus" was not mentioned in the whole cd. Not sure how they could miss what the songs were about but I that's not the question here. CCM in my opinion turned a blind eye to one of Third Day's best cd's. If you have seen them in concert lately ALOT of WIRE songs are played and the crowd responds. So I just think Third Day got the raw end with WIRE.

Now having said all that .....does anyone here see the same thing happening with REVELATION?

DISCUSS......:D

[rossid]

I'm not going to address "professional" critics. I've said to several friends that as far as a Christian message this is just like Wire.

[SirMax]

Thanks Doriano...

maybe I should define "critics" (or what I had in mind)....It could be professional critics or just every day people (Christian and non) that review the cd

[poman]

I had been thinking the same thing. When I saw the thread titled, "Concern about the songs on Revelation", I thought that's what it was going to be about. I'm sure someone will come along and have something negative to say about it sooner or later. I even remember after Wire was released some folks saying that the band was selling out to the secular world and that they would have a hard time continuing to be fans. Wonder if those people are still around?:confused:

[sandyandporter]

Wire was my favorite cd's of the band's until now. Revelation is amazing!

Soooooo many of these songs could be "cross over" hits, and deserve to be. Even if the person doesn't know that it's a "Christian" song, it's going to evoke some deep feelings in them. Then they go.... wow, this Third Day band is great.... I wonder what other cds they have. So they go buy another cd and then guess what? They're hooked and Third Day participates in the salvation of another new Christian!

So ROCK ON Third Day and don't listen to any naysayers. You hit a home run for the Lord on this one.... no matter how many times you called Him by name!

[bullboy81]

this album is similar to wire, but different in many ways. while the lack of the word "jesus" bothers me. for the most part, the songs on revelation do not even really tell the story of salvation. there is no reference to jesus' sacrifice, forgiveness of sin, praising God, etc... with wire, you did have "you are mine", "innocent", and "i believe" all of which have undeniable christian lyrics.

[bullboy81]

there is one song, where the chorus contains the line, "so help me God", i have posted elsewhere (but i don't think it was received well) that this album is completely ambiguous as a contemporary christian album. you can find that same lyric in many other non-christian songs.

[bullboy81]

while anyone who listened to the entire wire album could not deny that it was a christian album, the same cannot be said for revelation.

[Gomer dae]

I was thinking about this on the way to work this morning.

I've listened to Revelation ALOT the past few days and here's my question. The name "Jesus" is not there (or did I miss it??? ) and "Lord" is only used once (maybe twice), and "God" is used a few times. Now I am NOT let me repeat NOT the critic here. My question is this....

When WIRE came out the critics were spouting that "Jesus" was not mentioned in the whole cd. Not sure how they could miss what the songs were about but I that's not the question here. CCM in my opinion turned a blind eye to one of Third Day's best cd's. If you have seen them in concert lately ALOT of WIRE songs are played and the crowd responds. So I just think Third Day got the raw end with WIRE.

Now having said all that .....does anyone here see the same thing happening with REVELATION?

DISCUSS......:D

Well..... one word..... Possibilities!!!! By the way, have you check on iTunes review by the people? They have some NASTY comments on it (of course as well as good comments). Pretty surprise.

[clemsontigers23]

yeah, people who have heard "call my name" are jumping ship lol. I was about to jump with them until I heard the rest of the album.

[Mr.Supervious]

I was thinking about this on the way to work this morning.

I've listened to Revelation ALOT the past few days and here's my question. The name "Jesus" is not there (or did I miss it??? ) and "Lord" is only used once (maybe twice), and "God" is used a few times. Now I am NOT let me repeat NOT the critic here. My question is this....

When WIRE came out the critics were spouting that "Jesus" was not mentioned in the whole cd. Not sure how they could miss what the songs were about but I that's not the question here. CCM in my opinion turned a blind eye to one of Third Day's best cd's. If you have seen them in concert lately ALOT of WIRE songs are played and the crowd responds. So I just think Third Day got the raw end with WIRE.

Now having said all that .....does anyone here see the same thing happening with REVELATION?

DISCUSS......:D


i think that it doesn't matter if the word "Jesus" isn't in the songs because the meanings are still all Christian messages and i can think of many other songs that even though they don't have "Jesus" in the songs are still meaning Great Christian messages

[SmileyFreak1981]

The people who jumped ship with Wire for the aforementioned reasons came back (sort of) for Wherever You Are. My local Christian station played NOTHING off of Wire, but have run songs off of Wherever You Are (and My Hope is You, and the stuff off Offerings) into the ground.

My question to the "Jesus quota" folks is: Why the heck does a song have to say "Jesus" in it to be considered good enough to be called "Christian"? Frankly, I think God gave you a brain, so you should use it to figure out what the song is about. Saying that every "Christian" song should say "Jesus" is somewhat comparable to saying your Pastor should tell you what everything in the Bible means, spelled out in black-and-white, and that you should never read it or study it yourself.

Sometimes when I hear "Jesus" in songs it sounds like someone made them slip it in there or they were trying hard to fit it in. His name has power, and should be used purposefully, not to meet some arbitrary quota. Let the artist say it how they want to say it.

[jesus loves me]

I got the message on "wire" just fine and from the songs i've heard so far from "revelation". the lord's name doesn't need to be there to get the message of the song.

[Howlin' Wolf]

while anyone who listened to the entire wire album could not deny that it was a christian album, the same cannot be said for revelation.

so go listen to Passion!

there is no such thing as a "christian" album! music is art. appreciate the art. No song has ever spoken to me like Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds", and there isnt a "christian" song that will ever match that song's simplicity, beauty, and sheer power. It is my life anthem. If Third day's music speaks to you, then fine. If it doesnt, then move on. But dont rip a blatently christian band for making an album that doesnt fit your "christian" needs!

and who cares what non-believers think? who cares if non-believers dont hear the name of Jesus or the songs are ambiguous?!? Is it Third Day's job to reach the lost with their music?? or is it their job to strengthen the body so that YOU will go out and reach the lost.

and i dont even like third day!

[bullboy81]

i did not mean to upset anyone with my comments. i don't think i mentioned a quota, but that is besides the point. the name "jesus" was not used in wire either, but on songs like "you are mine" there are specific lyrics that talk about jesus' sacrifice and forgiveness of sins. and no, it isn't thrid day's job to spread the word. i am a youth minister and i also lead praise and worship for my church services. in the past songs like "this is the body", "cry out to jesus", "carry my cross", "sing a song", "your love", "thief", and many others have been particularly meaningful to use during worship. i just don't see any songs from the revelation album that jump out at me as having that same meaning and message. don't get me wrong, i like the album and i like the songs. i was just commenting that it was definitely different than other albums.

[Sharon]

I think critics are just "arm-chair quarterbacks" .... think about it. Those who can't play and are "wannabes". IMHO.

[EmmoGomer]

I had noticed that the band are using 'God' much more than Jesus. I must admit I much prefer bands to use Jesus rather than God, as God can mean anything to anyone.
Bands like Leeland talk a lot about sin and redemption which I find refreshing.
Having said all that............I know that Revelation is going to be massive hit, and if it reaches out to non-believers it will have done it's job, and so will Third Day :D

[SirMax]

Sometimes when I hear "Jesus" in songs it sounds like someone made them slip it in there or they were trying hard to fit it in. His name has power, and should be used purposefully, not to meet some arbitrary quota. Let the artist say it how they want to say it.

I love this!!!

so go listen to Passion!

there is no such thing as a "christian" album! music is art. appreciate the art. No song has ever spoken to me like Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds", and there isnt a "christian" song that will ever match that song's simplicity, beauty, and sheer power. It is my life anthem. If Third day's music speaks to you, then fine. If it doesnt, then move on. But dont rip a blatently christian band for making an album that doesnt fit your "christian" needs!

and who cares what non-believers think? who cares if non-believers dont hear the name of Jesus or the songs are ambiguous?!? Is it Third Day's job to reach the lost with their music?? or is it their job to strengthen the body so that YOU will go out and reach the lost.

and i dont even like third day!


Well said,

Nice discussions....keep on...

[TN3Dmom]

Is there ANY question as to what Mac is singing about on "Revelation" ands "Born Again" and "Otherside"? I agree with Smiley, if ya can't figure that out, then maybe you need to be listening to veggie tales. I don't care for the LABEL of Christian band verses any other rock band. Third Day, in my opinion, is a rock band who sing and play songs about faith, hope, love and salvation. Whether they actually use the name Jesus is irrelevant to me. I GET IT! I love all the songs, whether they are overtly "Christian" or not.

[TN3Dmom]

Funny that I happened upon this article just after reading and commenting on this thread.

http://www.slate.com/id/2190482



Excerpts (they quote some Powell guy in there, not our Mac, though):

The entertainers in Radosh's book complain about watchdog groups that count the number of times a song mentions Jesus or about the lockstep political agenda a Christian audience expects. They complain about promoting an "adolescent theology" of Christian rock, as one calls it, where they "just can't get over how darned cool it was that Jesus sacrificed himself." In his interview with Radosh, Powell pulled out an imitation of a 1982 New Wave pop song with the lyrics; "You'll have to excuse us/ We're in love with Jesus." This, he explained, was the equivalent of a black-velvet painting of Elvis. Only it's more offensive, because it's asking the listener to base his whole life around an insipid message and terrible quality music.

The new generation of Christians is likely to be a different kind of audience. Raised on iPods and downloadable music, they find it difficult truly to commit to the idea of a separate Christian pop culture. They might watch Jon Stewart or Pulp Fiction and also listen to the Christian band Jars of Clay, assuming the next album is any good. They are much more critical consumers and excellent spotters of schlock. The creators of Christian pop culture may just adapt and ease up on the Jesus-per-minute count, and artistic quality might show some improvement. But in my experience, where young souls are at stake, Christian creators tend to balk. It's always been a stretch to defend Christian pop culture as the path to eternal salvation. Now, they may have to face up to the fact that it's more like an eternal oxymoron.

[3D NC fan]

I agree that you can't miss the meaning of "Born Again", "Call My Name", and "Revelation". "Caught Up In Yourself" has these wonderful lyrics:

Thank God for mercy
Thank God for His grace
Thank God for everything you've got
Before it's too late

[g-man]

We probably won't have a full God/Jesus count until after the official release.:rolleyes:

[mindyhere]

Wire was my favorite cd's of the band's until now. Revelation is amazing!

Soooooo many of these songs could be "cross over" hits, and deserve to be. Even if the person doesn't know that it's a "Christian" song, it's going to evoke some deep feelings in them. Then they go.... wow, this Third Day band is great.... I wonder what other cds they have. So they go buy another cd and then guess what? They're hooked and Third Day participates in the salvation of another new Christian!

So ROCK ON Third Day and don't listen to any naysayers. You hit a home run for the Lord on this one.... no matter how many times you called Him by name!


I agree with ya Sandy. :)

[TaiAnderson]

Just stumbled on this one. I think these conversations are all good. To me, the line that gets crossed is when people assume they know our motivation for writing the songs and make judgements on our spirituality from those assumptions. I haven't seen that happen.....yet. It has before. It will again.

I will say this. Every song on the new album, as well as WYA, as well as Wire, as well as Offerings II, as well as Come Together, as well as Offerings, as well as Time, as Well as Conspiracy No. 5, as well as Third Day, as well as Christmas Offerings for that matter is a song that we recorded to broadly express our faith in music and encourage you in your faith. Some of the songs are corporate worship songs, but all of the songs are worship "offerings" in that we see our efforts and results of those efforts as a response to the call that each of us in the band feels is our collective purpose.

Many of these songs are part of a continuing conversation between us and God, God and us, us with you, and you with us. Certainly, if you get out the microscope, there are songs when the principal characters are identified by name. In many of these songs, the "characters" are named. Often they are not. I find in ongoing conversations, you seldom continue to call each other by name.

I don't say to my wife, "Hello Shannon. How are you Shannon? Did you have a good day Shannon? I love you Shannon. I'm sorry that I stayed up all night playing Tiger Woods Golf Shannon. "

Nor do I do the same in prayer or in times of worship.

The new record is a rather personal collection of music that is expressing what we are feeling right now. Many of the songs are almost sequels to other themes we've touched on along the way. "Call My Name" is sort of the other side to "Cry Out to Jesus." If we were embarrassed of our faith we probably would not have put a cross on the cover of the record! Not that anyone is saying we are, there is always just a under current of "the band is selling out"....or trying to sell out in these discussions. We do want to sell out the Music Builds tour, but that's a different discussion.

Anyway, the band doesn't apply a JPM (Jesus Per Minute) filter when we make the music. We are THIRD DAY (not subtle). We don't hesitate to speak the name of "Jesus" when it is appropriate, but we try diligently to make sure that we NEVER NEVER NEVER use His name in vain....for no reason or for a calculated financial gain.

For those of you who are maybe at that place where your looking for very direct reinforcements of bible stories or the plan of salvation, we have those songs peppered throughout our catalog. Revelation is more of a record that speaks about the struggles of faith that you encounter along the way more than a "Romans Road Record." I'm continuing to pray that God will uses songs like "Let Me Love You" and "Call My Name" to reach out to people that are going through seasons apart from God, but I also hope that songs like "Revelation", "Run to You", and "Slow Down" speak to the majority of us who figured out that the Christian walk is not without struggle. The record is more of an expression of Redemption and Justification than Salvation. Just don't ask me what all those words mean.

[mindyhere]

I don't say to my wife, "Hello Shannon. How are you Shannon? Did you have a good day Shannon? I love you Shannon. I'm sorry that I stayed up all night playing Tiger Woods Golf Shannon. "



Amen. You have to be true and do what you're moved to do. I like your way of explaining it as I've quoted above. I think that not having to say His name all the time says a lot about your relationship with Him.

[SirMax]

Tai thank you for joining....joins us anytime!

Your response just warms my heart. I believe it is a dangerous slope we stand on when we try to assume a person's intentions. I do believe we are to be judges of the fruit or lack thereof that people produce in their lives. Third Day's fruit is more than evident.

Keep doing what you do and how you do it. "Well done good and faithful servant" will be heard by all of you in Third Day!

[cebrina33]

Tai thank you for joining....joins us anytime!

Your response just warms my heart. I believe it is a dangerous slope we stand on when we try to assume a person's intentions. I do believe we are to be judges of the fruit or lack thereof that people produce in their lives. Third Day's fruit is more than evident.

Keep doing what you do and how you do it. "Well done good and faithful servant" will be heard by all of you in Third Day!

Very well put Wendy! I wholeheartedly agree about the fruit being evident in the music and lives of the Third Day guys.

Tai, thanks for your post. There will always be critics of anything you do, but I trust that y'all are following what God has led y'all to do. Each album is unique in that in portrays a different season in the lives of the men of Third Day. I know I'm thankful for that!

[Mr.Elwood]

I ain't buying it... not enough God in it... they're going secular and I can't support that!!

[sandyandporter]

I ain't buying it... not enough God in it... they're going secular and I can't support that!!

I didn't see and "smilies" so I have to ask.... are you serious????

[SirMax]

I ain't buying it... not enough God in it... they're going secular and I can't support that!!

I thought it was circular????

[TN3Dmom]

I thought it was circular????

Apparently they have come full circular. Wire was the first semi-circle and now Revelation completes the circle.

[sandyandporter]

yeah, people who have heard "call my name" are jumping ship lol. I was about to jump with them until I heard the rest of the album.

I love Call My Name. I think it's very powerful and reminds me of WYA, which I liked alot as well.

Besides Clemmy, no need to jump ship when we're gonna make you walk the plank anyways! ;)

[Mr.Elwood]

I thought it was circular????

"220.. 221.. whatever it takes"

Here's a real question...

Am I just hearing things, or does the melody to 'Run to You' sound like 'Consuming Fire' not that I'm complaing. I someone have those two songs 'Duplexed" in my head and end up hearing both at the same time..

[SirMax]

"220.. 221.. whatever it takes"

Here's a real question...

Am I just hearing things, or does the melody to 'Run to You' sound like 'Consuming Fire' not that I'm complaing. I someone have those two songs 'Duplexed" in my head and end up hearing both at the same time..

Hmmm...haven't noticed that

"Ready" sounds like a Warren Barfield song though (to me at least)

[SacredHeart]

I really appreciate everything Tai had to say on this subject. Something that really frustrates me with Christian artistry - whether it is films, or books or music or any other medium is that we are afraid to allow people the gift of discovering the transcendent truths hidden behind the words or paint or melodies. We’re so fearful that they won’t “get it” that we spell it out in neon signs and then wonder why they don’t care.

The best stories...the best books...the best music...the best art is that which invites the person to think and to feel. Art – in its truest and greatest form - should cause those who are truly hungry for beauty (which is Christ manifest) to search for the hidden treasure within. Only then – once it is found - will it be revered.


Christ demonstrated this throughout his life repeatedly not only in the way He directly communicated with people but also through His parables. He nearly always left people scratching their heads and wondering what he was talking about. He could have spelled everything out in the most direct way but The Law already proved that it doesn’t work. Instead, he appealed to the heart and mind through stories that were ambiguous and messages that were veiled to reach those who “had and ear to hear” and a heart to receive.

Until we appeal to both the intellect and heart of people and start trusting the Holy Spirit to reach them, I suspect our art will continue to be largely ignored by much of the world.

[sandyandporter]

Until we appeal to both the intellect and heart of people and start trusting the Holy Spirit to reach them, I suspect our art will continue to be largely ignored by much of the world.

Wonderful post! I only quoted the end so that James doesn't yell at me!

As an artist I don't particularly like to tell people what my songs are about. Not because I don't want to share that with them but because I want them to be able to have the song have a particular meaning to THEM. Have you ever just loved a song and have it speak to you in a particular way... and then you find out what the song is about and it ruins it!?

Like I said in another thread on this topic. It's Third Day music... it's about God. Duh. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck... it's a duck. It doesn't have to stand up and say I'M A DUCK!

PS.... The more I listen to this cd the more I love it. Have I mentioned yet that I'm going to my first Third Day show on 8/9? ;)

[jojogomer]

Anyway, the band doesn't apply a JPM (Jesus Per Minute) filter when we make the music.



Tai - thank you for Revelation! It rocks. I believe you will reach so many more people with Revelation just as it is!! And I am glad you are not persauded to apply a JPM. No one can mistake your message to make Jesus known (well - except for nutty conspiracy theorists who hate rock music, the color blue, etc)

I LOVE THIS ALBUM - I am a freakazoid over it and can't stop playing it. I wish I could figure out how to bring my computer feed with me wherever I go.

:)

We love Third Day.

[jojogomer]

Until we appeal to both the intellect and heart of people and start trusting the Holy Spirit to reach them, I suspect our art will continue to be largely ignored by much of the world.

This is an excellent post. You are so right.

[poman]

Let me just say, you can't judge a book by its cover. In other words, how can you judge what a band is all about based on one song, two songs, or even a whole CD. They are not selling out, they are not going secular. Although it would be great if their music crossed over to the secular audience. Then, those folks could find out who 3D really is. Like I said, don't make a call based on one CD. Go see them in concert and then you will get the whole picture of who they are and what they believe.;)

[SmileyFreak1981]

Tai thank you for joining....joins us anytime!

Your response just warms my heart. I believe it is a dangerous slope we stand on when we try to assume a person's intentions. I do believe we are to be judges of the fruit or lack thereof that people produce in their lives. Third Day's fruit is more than evident.

Keep doing what you do and how you do it. "Well done good and faithful servant" will be heard by all of you in Third Day!
*agrees wholeheartedly*

I think you made some excellent points, Tai, and your insight is much appreciated. :) :cool:

[cebrina33]

I really appreciate everything Tai had to say on this subject. Something that really frustrates me with Christian artistry - whether it is films, or books or music or any other medium is that we are afraid to allow people the gift of discovering the transcendent truths hidden behind the words or paint or melodies. We’re so fearful that they won’t “get it” that we spell it out in neon signs and then wonder why they don’t care.

The best stories...the best books...the best music...the best art is that which invites the person to think and to feel. Art – in its truest and greatest form - should cause those who are truly hungry for beauty (which is Christ manifest) to search for the hidden treasure within. Only then – once it is found - will it be revered.


Christ demonstrated this throughout his life repeatedly not only in the way He directly communicated with people but also through His parables. He nearly always left people scratching their heads and wondering what he was talking about. He could have spelled everything out in the most direct way but The Law already proved that it doesn’t work. Instead, he appealed to the heart and mind through stories that were ambiguous and messages that were veiled to reach those who “had and ear to hear” and a heart to receive.

Until we appeal to both the intellect and heart of people and start trusting the Holy Spirit to reach them, I suspect our art will continue to be largely ignored by much of the world.


Excellent post!!!

[clemsontigers23]

Some of the songs are corporate worship songs,

I appreciate your honesty. I know that's not your fault, though. Most of that blame falls upon the record labels trying to exploit the latest trends in the industry, which at the time was the worship trend, although thankfully perhaps that trend is dying down and the generic songs are starting to be weeded out. I will say that the Offerings albums are the best worship albums out there, though, at least in my mind.

I personally am able to find Christian messages in secular music made by people who are not even close to Christianity, so I see no reason to, as you said, take the name of the Lord in vain for financial gain and to appease the few who think not saying the name of Jesus in every song means that a band has abandoned their faith. I would encourage yall to take this music to the mainstream, to talk to label executives about releasing singles to Top 40 radio, rock radio, etc. Slow Down would be a huge crossover hit. Chris Daughtry on back-up vocals is great exposure for the band and could bring Third Day into the mainstream. Please, consider taking your message of hope to the mainstream. I don't know if thats what happened with Wire, but even if yall tried it with Wire I would encourage yall to try it once more with this album. This album could be a crossover hit. I pray that this album could be a hit with believers and unbelievers alike.

I love Call My Name. I think it's very powerful and reminds me of WYA, which I liked alot as well.

Besides Clemmy, no need to jump ship when we're gonna make you walk the plank anyways! ;)

that was probably an exaggeration. i like call my name too but i was a little frustrated by it, thinking that third day had completely sold out to making only The Fish type songs. i still would've bought the album though, simply because I always buy albums by my favorite bands so I can at least give them a chance. i've already bought this one, and by the way tai whoever thought of the idea of streaming the audio online for those who pre-ordered is brilliant. that's the only reason i pre-ordered.

[jesus loves me]

Thanks for your comments. 'call my name' is our lord's song to me. i still cry when i hear it. 'revelation' also a song i cry over and is my heart crying to him. thanks guys for doing what you do.

[lilmikey]

I have to say sometimes. Christianity comes out more in the songs meaning than the words of the song itself, if that makes any sense. I would rather listen to a song that helps me in my situation and need than hear a feel good Jesus is Lord song that really has nothing to do with my circumstances and situation at the time. Oh yes it may build me up but does it address my need or the way I feel?
(dont misunderstand me I love praise and worship music)

[bullboy81]

first, this has been my first thread on these boards, and i am very pleased with this experience. do band members post on these often?

second, i understand tai's explanation of the album being more of a conversation. i like the album. however, for my taste, i would like to see more of the blatantly christian lyrics. perhaps next CD. i guess i just got spoiled by mac's "glory revealed" project where scripture was the basis for every song. but thatw asn't third day, so perhaps my expectations were misplaced.

nonethe less, i do think christians do have to be careful of our ambiguity. the truth is, many christians go through life rarely mentioning the name of jesus, the "roman road" or any scripture for that matter, to an unbelieving world. and the truth is, while our actions speak louder than our words, our words still have to be there and be clear because we live in a very spiritually relative culture at the moment. what i mean by redemption and forgiveness, eternal life, God, worship, etc... may be completely different.

i know that they didn't apply a JPM filter, but we're still talking about not once, zero times. that still strikes me as a little odd no matter what the reasoning is, but hey, i suppose i'm skewed in my thinking on that. the bible tells us not to take God's name in vain. and if you didn't know third day was a christian band, you could easily say that they did that with the lyric "so help my God" from the song "slow down"

[RevZeek]

Originally Posted by SacredHeart
I really appreciate everything Tai had to say on this subject. Something that really frustrates me with Christian artistry - whether it is films, or books or music or any other medium is that we are afraid to allow people the gift of discovering the transcendent truths hidden behind the words or paint or melodies. We’re so fearful that they won’t “get it” that we spell it out in neon signs and then wonder why they don’t care.

The best stories...the best books...the best music...the best art is that which invites the person to think and to feel. Art – in its truest and greatest form - should cause those who are truly hungry for beauty (which is Christ manifest) to search for the hidden treasure within. Only then – once it is found - will it be revered.

Christ demonstrated this throughout his life repeatedly not only in the way He directly communicated with people but also through His parables. He nearly always left people scratching their heads and wondering what he was talking about. He could have spelled everything out in the most direct way but The Law already proved that it doesn’t work. Instead, he appealed to the heart and mind through stories that were ambiguous and messages that were veiled to reach those who “had and ear to hear” and a heart to receive.

Until we appeal to both the intellect and heart of people and start trusting the Holy Spirit to reach them, I suspect our art will continue to be largely ignored by much of the world.

Excellent post!!!

Agreed. Extremely well said.

[Mandy Robbins]

Here are My 2 cents.
Worship songs are wonderful for believers. Those of us who love Christ already. But if you're trying to reach the lost they can't always identify with worship songs, and sometimes refuse to identify with Christian songs. But a song about something they are struggling with, they can identify with.

In the Bible, there are many stories, that are about People, and they life they lived, and their struggles. Alot of the time I use them to identify with the things that I am going through. Then by the end of the story, I can see how God was in it all along.

Since these Bible stories are inspired by God, it isn't a far reach to say that songs work the same way. Yes God wants us to Worship him with our hearts and lives, and music, but he also wants us to seek out the lost and reach them. And sometimes the best way is to say "I understand what you're feeling" Then the second step is "I know who can help" That of course is Christ.

Praise God for the new souls this album will reach, so that they can come to know Christ, then the worship songs will mean something to them personally.

We need modern day parables

[sandyandporter]

This cd gets better and better every time I listen to it! Songs that were "ok" the first 7 times I heard it are now great! And songs that were great before are amazing now!

This has become my favorite cd of all time hands down!!!

[RevZeek]

I wanted to share a quote I read on CGR (www.christainguitar.org/forums) I feel it is apropos to the discussion...

"Christian art" is not synonymous with "religious art." Christ is Lord over all, not merely the religious, thus, we sing about all of life because all of life matters.

[Howlin' Wolf]

nonethe less, i do think christians do have to be careful of our ambiguity. the truth is, many christians go through life rarely mentioning the name of jesus, the "roman road" or any scripture for that matter, to an unbelieving world. and the truth is, while our actions speak louder than our words, our words still have to be there and be clear because we live in a very spiritually relative culture at the moment. what i mean by redemption and forgiveness, eternal life, God, worship, etc... may be completely different.


If someone doesnt realize that Third Day is a band of christians, then i would ask what planet they're from.

Honestly, you dont have a leg to stand on in your argument.

[SmileyFreak1981]

first, this has been my first thread on these boards, and i am very pleased with this experience. do band members post on these often?
I am happy you have had a good experience. Welcome! :D Band members do post every so often. They are cool like that. :cool:

second, i understand tai's explanation of the album being more of a conversation. i like the album. however, for my taste, i would like to see more of the blatantly christian lyrics. perhaps next CD. i guess i just got spoiled by mac's "glory revealed" project where scripture was the basis for every song. but thatw asn't third day, so perhaps my expectations were misplaced.
We all have different tastes. I too enjoyed the Glory Revealed project. But, as you have discovered, it's much different from the majority of Third Day's catalog.

nonethe less, i do think christians do have to be careful of our ambiguity. the truth is, many christians go through life rarely mentioning the name of jesus, the "roman road" or any scripture for that matter, to an unbelieving world. and the truth is, while our actions speak louder than our words, our words still have to be there and be clear because we live in a very spiritually relative culture at the moment. what i mean by redemption and forgiveness, eternal life, God, worship, etc... may be completely different.
I agree that we must be careful of ambiguity, however, a vast majority of non-believers that I have encountered (and I realize this is completely anecdotal) don't respond well to "Jesus is the answer" without something that they can relate to prefacing that, be it a story of a situation similar to theirs, or you as a friend being a good friend to them. Then they are receptive to Jesus being the answer that they need.

Aside from that, music doesn't necessarily witness to people. People witness to people. Music is a tool people use to tell stories that touch people's lives, to make people think, or even to worship our Creator. It reaches people deeply in some cases. But it's not the Gospel...it's something we use to communicate. If that makes sense.

i know that they didn't apply a JPM filter, but we're still talking about not once, zero times. that still strikes me as a little odd no matter what the reasoning is, but hey, i suppose i'm skewed in my thinking on that. the bible tells us not to take God's name in vain. and if you didn't know third day was a christian band, you could easily say that they did that with the lyric "so help my God" from the song "slow down"
If a known "secular" band were to have the lyric, "so help me God" in their song, I wouldn't say it was taking the Lord's name in vain. This, of course, depends a little on context, but generally I wouldn't say it was.

We need modern day parables
I couldn't agree more. :)

[Jason]

Good post, DeeDee!

[mindyhere]

I agree that we must be careful of ambiguity, however, a vast majority of non-believers that I have encountered (and I realize this is completely anecdotal) don't respond well to "Jesus is the answer" without something that they can relate to prefacing that, be it a story of a situation similar to theirs, or you as a friend being a good friend to them. Then they are receptive to Jesus being the answer that they need.


I have to agree with this. (This is a bit long - sorry for that.)

I was one of those people not too long ago. Well - a believer - but missing the most important part of Him. Church-going, believed in Jesus, did my best to be good for the most part. Even decided to be baptised when I was pregnant with my second child, to show I loved God (and I did) and that I was committed to Christianity.

But He wasn't living in me. I was walking the steps but the true relationship I needed wasn't there.

Up until God thumped me on the head with a certain Third Day song and opened my eyes, people who pressed me about Jesus really turned me off. I was offended - because I thought, "Well I AM a Christian." People who constantly went on about what God was doing in their lives bothered me, because I just didn't understand. I was living my life, but not 100% for God.

When "I Can Only Imagine" hit the main stream years ago, I heard it because I didn't listen to Gospel stations. I remember thinking, this is a "CHRISTIAN MUSIC" song???! My idea of Christian music was hymns. Which were fine in church, but not on the radio, all the time. And that is what got me interested in tuning into Christian music. Just maybe one of these songs could creep into the "regular" radio stations. That would be so Awesome.

Anyways - sorry this is a bit long.

If this music brings someone into the fold - then hallelujah! What's cool about that is that we can still enjoy them too. We know what it's about. It still touches MY heart when I listen to the album - regardless of His name being mentioned. This music is FULL of Him, whether mentioned by name or not.

I have friends that don't understand my love of Christian music. This is an album I will easily be able to pop in the CD player and introduce to them. A wonderful tool.

Our guys did GREAT with this album.