The Church of Rock & Roll

Music has always made me feel closer to a spiritual being. It satisfies something in my soul; and most likely it does in you as well. Throughout the years there have been a few bands that have made it known their ties to their religion. Stryper is one such band. Recently Stryper announced that they will be putting out a new album filled with covers of their favorite songs by bands that influenced them. Shockingly enough the songs that drove them to musicianship are not religious songs. Michael Sweet, lead guitarist and front-man was recently quoted in their decision to do such an album:

"For those of you who may think that we're walking away from our faith — you're wrong. We've never been more serious about our faith at any point in our lives. It is, however, important to enjoy what you do and lighten up from time to time. That's what we plan to do."

This statement really bothers me; it seems that Mr Sweet is saying that rock & roll and keeping ones faith can not be done simultaneously. What if rock & roll is my church? I find sanctuary in it; peace; a sense of calm.  Isn't that what religion is supposed to do? I even look to find answers in it sometimes. Music has always been a constant in my life that can take me to a different place. Isn't conventional religion supposed to focus on what is good for the soul. Why can't an insane guitar solo be good for my soul?

There has always been this divide when it comes to Rock & Roll and God. Somehow folks got the notion that people who listen to hard rock / metal, and good old fashioned rock and roll are not religious, or even worse against God. This could not be farther from the truth. We praise God every time we go to a show, or every time our favorite artist drops a new album. We thank God that we were alive to see that show, or hear that lick. Rock & Roll and God go hand in hand. Granted there are groups that do denounce God however they are so few of them. Hell even Ozzy goes to Church! 

In fact I dare you to find a more Christian environment that a rock concert. You will never find a place where people are more in harmony, more forgiving, or more generous than they are at a rock concert. Aren't these what our core religions try to instill in us.