YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN

Ok folks; allow me one more insignificant rant before the stuffing of the turkey begins.

I am a card carrying member of a program called Interlinc. These people basically tell us uncool, out-of-pocket youth leaders what music is cool. Lately I have noticed a few trends within this circle. most recently, upon arrival of my quarterly package (complete with posters, cds, dvds, etc.) They had advertisements for two selected works that I had to laugh at.

#1 Jonny Lang “Turn Around” CD
Why oh why are they promoting this album? I mean is it fair to Christian bands who work 365 days a year to diffuse the lies of the world to only be overrun by a one-shot gospel album maker? Granted, I do not know Jonny Lang nor his personal testimony but read this from his own web site…

Lang was in the studio one day with his producer, Ron Fair, who is also president of A&M/Interscope Records. There wasn’t anything pressing on the agenda; they were doing routine work on the final stages of Lang’s previous record, Long Time Coming. Then, out of the blue, Fair said something completely unexpected. “He looks at me and goes, ‘Dude, you need to make a gospel record,’” Lang says, laughing at the recollection. “Now, I hadn’t really mentioned much to Ron about that side of my life, but for some reason he knew where I was at. So I thought about it for just a second and said, ‘Yes, I do.’”

So there it is. The inspiration behind the entire album. So what does Interlinc do? They showcase Lang as if he were Billy Graham coming to town for a crusade. Posters, video clips, the works! I am not happy with this choice folks. But I’m old and out-of-touch remember.

#2 “Rocky Balboa” Movie Poster
11x17 glossy folks, it’s nice. On one side it has the classic raised arm victory pose with 2 Tim 4:7 plastered all over it… “I have fought the good fight…” On the other side it advertises “Free resources for your church or group” complete with resource guide and dvd, trailers, posters, and flyers.

Stallone says this, “The character of Rocky was built on the idea that he was chosen to do something. That’s why the first image in Rocky is the picture of Christ.” Good Stallone, way to imply that Jesus was a normal man who one day decided to save the world. (Is that the Historical Jesus argument?)

Anyway, here’s my point. Are these good works? Yes. Will they be fun to watch and listen to… yes! Will there be themes within them that echo the fruits of the Spirit… I bet there will be. But should we as Christians force our people to look at these works and say, “Now that is the epitome of Christ’s work and purpose right there?”

I just think it is a little dangerous, simply because 2-Pac has a song about love… does that mean I should promote him too?