When you're a Christian who listens to heavy metal, rock, and scream-o music, along with what is considered stereotypical Christian music, you get a lot of flak for it. You get told that you're not a Christian. That you're losing your Christianity. That you're in a cult because of your involvement in and hunger for knowledge of other cultures and traditions. And it really tears you down. A lot. But, you have to know that you are still a Christian. God loves you.
I personally believe that God doesn't give two sideways craps what music you listen to, who you love, or what you love to do. But again, I don't have a PhD in Religion Theology. I'm just a loving child of God, right? Anyway, here are some Christian bands and songs that I love because they're made to reach the masses and isn't that the whole point of being religious? (Matthew 16:15 in the Holy Bible).So, this one goes out to all of the people that have told me I'm less religious for the things that I do, listen to, and believe.
1. Monster by Skillet
It's scratching on the walls, in the closet, in the halls It comes awake and I can't control it. Hiding under the bed, in my body, in my head. Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?
This was one of the first bands that I came in contact with when I became a Christian. They shortly became one of my favorite.
2. All Around Me by Flyleaf
The music makes me sway. The angels singing say we are alone with you. I am alone, and they are too with you.
I can remember listening to this song play at a church I used to be a member of remembering a safe feeling wash over me... I listen to them anytime I need that again.
3. Mansion by NF
I put holes in the walls with both of my fists 'til they bleed
You might get a glimpse of how I cope with all this anger in me
I first heard NF on a Childish Gambino radio, of all places...
4. Dear X, You Don't Own Me by Disciple
Dear pain, oh, it's been a long time
Remember when you were holding me tight
I would stay awake with you all night
Really anything by Disciple. I first learned of this band from someone I miss, and who I hope is doing better than the last I heard he was.
5. Dare You To Move by Switchfoot
Between who you are and who you could be
Between how it is and how it should be
I mean, everyone knows Switchfoot, right?
6. With Arms Wide Open by Creed
I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side
We stand in awe, we've created life
Who knew?
7. Breathe Into Me by Red
Breathe your life into me
I can feel you
I'm falling, falling faster
8. Be My Escape by Relient K
This one last bullet you mention is my one last shot at redemption
Because I know to live you must give your life away
This was one of the first songs I ever sang in front of a congregation-by myself-and I introduced it as a song that doesn't mention God, but, that's the good part about it.
9. Welcome to The Masquerade by Thousand Foot Krutch
We've got the fire, who's got the matches
Take a look around at the sea of masks
And come one come all, welcome to the grand ball
I first heard this song at Military Ball during a dance between the different companies-and you guessed it-they performed a Masquerade Ball skit. How original. But, I fell in love with TFK. You should check out Trevor McNevan's other band- FM Static. They're fantastic too.
Overall, just because I listen to music like this, and I go to school at Berea College, and I'm bi-sexual, and I don't go to church every week, does not mean I am less of a Christian. And it also means that you're not either.
