Page 3 of the Defense of Christian Metal

There is much more to my ministry to my ministry than writing diatribes against aberrant music. I don't want to be known for being a music critic, yet someone has to stand for the truth and oppose mutations and perversions of what is uniquely God's gift of music to the Church. As a result of this I have taken a position that opposes most of what is called "Christian" music across the entire spectrum of the "Christian" music industry. Although I strongly oppose most of what is called "Christian" music today, I cannot and will not denounce across the board all Christian musicians. I don't personally listen to some of the styles of Christian music because they do not incite worship in me but titillate the flesh. In fact, I do believe all styles of CM have been perverted and I do not sense the annointing of the Holy Spirit in most of the music. This is not limited to music. I frequently see preachers on television prance across the stage; posing and acting out a preaching style while the articualte a sermon, yet there is no annointing. That's another problem altogether.

I am also not naive enough to believe people are going to listen to some styles or one styel of music continually. Bluegrass Gospel will not turn on the worship in most people and neither will twangy, nasal, Country Gospel music. I certainly can't worship God with Death Metal music and liturgical, pipe organ, music depresses me.

What is the perfect style? I can't tell you the answer to that question. It's like the question that was posed to a wise, old, black preacher who knew God in the depths of his soul. He was asked, "Preacher, what is unction?" He answered, "I can't tell you what it is, but I can tell you what it aint." In the same sense, I can't tell you what is the correct style but I can tell you what it ain't.

That sounds like a convenient cop out, so let me give yo ua well-deserved explanation of my answer. I believe the mantle of anointing was dropped by the last generation that had God's anointing on their music. It wasn't a sudden event so that you could point out the date and time. As that generation departed gradually into their eternal reward they gradually handed down the mantle. The next generation failed to pick it up, instead they fashioned a new mantle that was more exciting but unanointed. The result is the music became perverted from being fashioned by the influences of the flesh instead of the Holy Spirit. We can see the parallel of this in the mainstream churches; the way they conduct services, ministry, and fashion doctrine that avoids any commitment to God.

There is usually some sort of musical style change from generation to generation. This is to be expected and people shoudn't get too alarmed when this happens. Yet the style has changed dramatically over the last couple of generations. Even though there have been a few musicians that have written and performed annointed music during this time, I believe we have at lest two generations pass without the mantle being picked up. As a result, our present generation and the coming generation are working under a false mantle. This is the reason why I can't point to the style or styles of music that is appropriate for our generation, because it never developed. This is evidenced by the fact each subculture in Christendom. Each of these corresponding subcultures has their own Christianized music version of the subculture they emulate. There is no originality, no creativity, and no distinctiveness in the Christian versions. It is simply borrowed musical styles taken from the World System patterns designed by Satan for his kingdom.

Christianizing those styles has brought the weapons Satan designed to deceive the masses into the heart of the church's future, namely its youth. Satan didn't have to storm the doors of the church. He was invited, clothed with sheep's clothing, and given the run of the house. There are some sincere people who are genuinely saved but caught up in this scheme o fthe enemy of our souls. Why? Because they do not know any better. Many were raised in church under dead preaching and bad examples. The prophets have shut their mouths on the subject choosing rather to prophesy smooth things in the classic spirit of Balaam. There are too many hireling in the pulpit, yes men to a deacon board, who will not speak out and have no knowledge or authority to do so.

Many annointed musicians are wasting their talents because they have not discovered the fallen mantle. They write songs from devoted heats only to have secular and apostate producers and performers change the words. Even though occasional songs slip through that have meaning and annointing, most lie on the cutting room floor, so to speak, or never make it to the cutting room. For example, I have a friend who is an accomplished and legendary songwriter. He wrote a song pleading for the church to minister to the dejected, hurting, souls and convicting them for their coldness in not doing so. He said the song was turned down time and time again by both producers and performers. Most of them told him the song was too serious and needed to be changed. He refused to change it and finally found someone ot record it. The result was it went to number one on the charts and was recognized with the highest award that the industry can give a song that year. Even the corrupt Dove Awards representatives recognize an annointed song even though they frequently honor the demonic and apostate musicians as well.

What's the answer? Of course the answer is to pick up the fallen mantle, but first they have to find it. The result will be a new Christian music style or styles that do not resemble the Satanic world system's music. It will be distinctly Christian, anointed and powerfully convicting. More than a reformation, it will be a revolution.

Some might say, the world would not listen to such music. I will reply that they don't watch Christian movies either or become interested in anything else the church does. We can't just invent things the world likes in order to get them interested in the church? What are we going to do, invent "Christian" pornography to get pornographers interested in the church? I believe we have not given enough credit to God for His ability to prove the reliability of His own works. He doesn't need our carnal modifications of His programs and implements. Doing so only dilutes thier effectivesness.

When God sends a man that man is uniquely Christian, separated and anointed. He sent His book and it is uniquely Christian, separated and anointed. His music used to be the same. Today it is hard to find a man of God, uniquely Christian, separated and anointed. It is even difficult to find His word being preached with the mingled message of the New Age and pop psychology. Today, the music has lost all its distinctiveness and has become blended and mingled with the world spirit.

I don't enjoy writing the rebukes of the "Christian" music industry and its participants and to not hate anyone. Yet strong rebukes are necessary when people harden their hearts and minds to God's Holy Spirit or are seeped in deception. God is speaking through me and others to denounce mutated music and at the same time is calling for courageous men and women who will search for and pick up the fallen mantle. The result will be a music that will join with the word to revive God's kingdom. This may be impossible without a purging of today's church, yet young people have challenged the deadness of their elders before and it can happen again.

May purity return to the church. I know my heart yet understand others may not realize where I am coming from. When they read these typed words that cannot possibly reflect the spirit and tenor of my soul, I pray that their eyes will look beyond what may possibly offend them to the truth in these fallible words I offer.

Dear Mr. Fisher,

I was finally able to view the attachments that you e-mailed to me. Also, for future reference, please only use on attachment per e-mail (my email program and PC aren't the best to work with).

Before this debate goes any further, there is one thing that I would like to address; I did not enter this debate to try to prove to you or anyone else that I am right. As a matter of fact, I'm not trying to convert you in anyway. You see, God called me to be a minister using this style of music. I believe that He is using you as test for me to understand His will for me. I followed Him wholeheartedly and did not ask "why" when he laid this before me. It seems that now, since I am doing His will, He wants me to have a greater understanding of it. I can only praise Him for this trial of purging.

Honestly, I feel that at this point, this debate isn't making any major advances and I think I know why. We each have a view that is conflicting with the other. It seems to me, that you view "Christian metal/rock", as a mutation of music by the hands of Satan. On the other hand, I view "Christian metal/rock", as a creation (not a mutation) of God.

Please point out scripture to me, that states it is a mutation and not a creation. I told you scripturally why I hold onto Christian rock as a creation of God. But you said that it was invalid because homosexuals claim that to be there excuse. They use it for their own purposes. (The Bible is God's Word and is not in existance to support views made by the "human" mind of an individual or a group living in sin. They use it out of context because the way they use it, isn in direct violation of God's laws of morality.) People who use illegal substances, say that they are justified by Genesis 1:12. Men of the world such as Hitler used scripture, but that does not change the meaning of God's Word. I firmly stand behind my use of the scripture (for I take all scripture literally as well). I feel that it was unethical of you to disclaim it on the grounds that a group founded in sin used it.

The next part of this letter does not have a scriptural basis:

Okay, lets both assume (well, on my part it would be an assumption), that "Christian rock" is a mutation of music, by the design of Satan. Keep that thought in your head as I lay out the following scenario. (Also, keep in mind that the Bible says, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper".);

I used to teach self-defense in my father's Karate studio. Say one of my students grabbed one of our training weapons off the wall. He fashions it to become a deadly weapon (we had weapons padded with foam on the outside). He then commences to attack me with it. He inflicts pain upon me with it. I then, take that weapon from him, and strike back....

Imagine Satan giving a deadly tool to the world to attack those who do not know Christ, and weaken those that do. Then God says to His followers, "I commission you to use this tool and go into battle, just as the Devil has come against you with it!" (Please know that that was all hypothetical and I don't claim to know what God would say those words or take that course of action.)

Also, in reference to what you said about Joshua 6 ("It was loud, monotonous, blasts."), that describes a lot of Christian metal. you know, I go to sleep listening to certain Christian metal bands because their music is constant and steady. I can't sleep listening to Classical (even though people say how relaxing it is) music, because of all the variations and changes thoughout the music. Plus, I would never try to listen to classical music while trying to sleep because of how evil some of it is. There have been a few classical composers who were demon possessed and performed classical music because of how the music can open up an individual to demonic possession. (But born again Christians cannot be "possessed" only "oppressed"). I think some classical music is more deadly and Satanic, than the most evil rock album you could find. [That's my personal view, actually the Bible says that sin is sin (another words there is no degree such as slightly bad or very bad).]

One more thing, you have my permission to publish this debate any where you like as long as I have the same freedom. Also, you need not be concerned with altering anything thing you say in such a case. I just though I should let you know that.

With the love of Christ,

Tempest

P.S. I must say one thing; I admire your uncompromising desire to serve God. Though we may disagree in certain areas, I see your heart and that's all that matters.

Hello Tempest, I'm sorry about crowding your computer with the two files. I'll remember in the future not to send any large files and only one file. Let me address your concerns one by one. First, you are partly right about my view. I do believe Secular Rock is a mutation of music by Satan. Professing Christians attempt to "Christianize" and use that mutation declaring God created it. That God created music is true. That He mutated it is obviously not true. There is just too much evidence to the contrary. What I really believe is that Christian musicians can produce music that will win the lost without having to borrow the wolrds mutations. They are very talented and have the benefit of the anointing. Satan's mutations are unfit for God's people and inferior as well. I believe they would come up with a new style arraigned by the Holy Spirit and very powerful. I feel you missed my point about the homosexuals using that scripture in Col. 1:16. They are able to do so in the same manner you have used it because they claim God created sex and their mutation of sex therefore must be of God. That was my point. If we disagree with the use of it to justify the mutation of anything God has created, even music. I gave an illustration in one of my articles of a girl that used sex to get her boyfriend to the alter. Can we condone this use of a satanic method? I don't think so. There are a number of scriptures I would use to prove that Secular Rock music is a satanic mutation. Of course, Secular Rock music is not mentioned in the Bible, so we have to understand Divine Order here. This means any evil mutation of what God creates is a standard for judging future evil mutations. Wouldn't you agree with this?

Let me begin by showing you Satan's mutation of the gospel. If Satan mutates the gospel, then we could never use that mutation to do the work of God. To do so would bring a curse on us. (Gal 1:8-9 NKJV) "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. {9} As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have recieved, let him be accursed."

We can also look at the mutation of prayer. (Mat 6:7 KJV) "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

The mutation of His gifts. (Acts 19:13-15 KJV) "Then certain of the vagobond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. {14} And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. {15} And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"

The mutation of His methods. (Lev 10:1-2 KJV) "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therien, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. {2} And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD."

Actually, the bible is quite full of examples of people trying to do things Satan's way and suffering the consequences. One good man simply touched the Ark of God out of genuine concern, to stabilize it, an died. (2 Sam. 6:6-7 KJV) "And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. {7} And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God."

The example of the Karate weapon you gave illustrates my point exactly. Satan uses hate to set a human being on me (and this happened more times than I can count). Can I use hate to fight back? Not so. I have to use what God gives me which is love and the power of prayer. For example, a deacon in my first pastorate kicked my wife in the back. At first I wanted to kill him, just beat him so bad that he would die. God dealt with me as I knelt on the floor in my office praying. He said, "If you use your weapons, it will be your battle. If you use my weapons, it will be my battle." Because of my violent backround I have had to learn a lot of lessons in that category. God gave us five pieces of armor, one communications system and one weapon. Why did He give us one weapon? Because it never fails. It has never failed and it will never fail. This weapon has been the time-honored means by which the church can reach the lost. God doesn't use the weapons of Satan because they are inferior to His own. (1 Sam 17:38-40 KJV) "And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. {39} And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. {40} And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, an dpu tthem in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine."

Basically, all throughout your responses you have been proving some of my points. For example, the part about classical music being demonic being deadly because it was arraigned by demonic composers is a perfect example for myself to prove my own point. My point about Joshua was that it was not music they were playing. You used the scripture as an illustration of Rock music in the bible, so I was simply trying to prove that it wasn't music in the first place. Maybe I will not change your mind, Tempest. Yet I believe we are making some great advances. First, the fact that we are even talking to people I didn't understand, "Christian" Rock musicians. That is a great advancement.

Finally, you've agreed with me on some things although your position has not changed so I feel it appropriate that I let you know I agree with you on some things also. I don't want to appear as if I'm trying to tear everything you say apart. I agree that God is using me and He is using you. He is using us both to deal with a highly controversial issue that is volatile and causes strong reactions in people of different opinions. If I were to debate anyone on this issue I would certainly want them to acquit themselves in the Christian nature you have portrayed. I pray I have protrayed the same qualities to you. We will never solve anything in the church if we do not suppress our zeal and passion long enough to hear what our oppenents have to say. I have learned also. My last thought is personal between you and me.----- The ending of this letter was part of personal conversation which has been edited.-----

In Christ, C.H. Fisher