It's not like I'm a huge rock fanatic or anything. My tastes in music are fairly narrow, limited to a couple of bands and solo artists. But I hear a Christian rock song and I can't help but cringe because of what a pale imitation it is to the real thing.
There's one key element lacking in Christian rock that I believe really defines rock and roll as its own unique class of music. Rock is subversive. When you look at the genre's history, you can't avoid the controversies that emerged from its rise into mainstream popularity. Rock and roll was about rebellion in its myriad forms. Many in the Church said that rock music was demonic in origin because of its suggestiveness.
Christian rock is not subversive. It hasn't been without its share of criticisms, but it's never been rebellious. It's pretty white bread. It favors the establishment. It's safe. Now is it just me or does this description seem very unlike what Christianity is supposed to be?
If Christian rock wants to live up to its name, then it needs to be less touchy-feely and more about rebellion. That even means that sometimes musicians should rock the boat with their core demographic. These artists need to challenge the status quo and say something meaningful about the world and Christian life. The genre need not be pigeon-holed in its subject matter. Let it explore social issues. Allow it to be about imperfection, ignorance, and consequence. Let the artists bleed and show their sins.
Christian rock needs to get under the skin of the world. However, artists of the genre need a degree of authenticity if they want credibility. Some might take umbrage to that word; authenticity. I'm not fond of it, either. The point I'm making is that there needs to be some transparency involved where the music is concerned. I'm not saying that sin should be embraced or affirmed by an artist, only acknowledged as a flaw in one's life. It's the chaffing that a Christian must endure as he walks through life. Some days are more harmful than others.
That's not to say that this will be easy. Christian culture will likely balk at it and look on it as a selling out or "being of the world" rather than in the world. But that's good. Let Christians get uncomfortable. Let there be rebellion. If it means furthering Christendom, I'm all for it. Plus, we can get some remarkable music in the deed.
-L. Travis Hoffman
7/31/2016
