Skillet's Single - Monster (now on rock radio)

[Timmy]

I didn't say I don't like the song. I actually rather enjoy it. I just don't see why Skillet would put it out there for Christian rock. Timmy, I'm on record HATING the fact that those bands are getting played. Why does the secular have to cross over to the Christian? It SHOULD be the other way around, with Christian music influencing the secular world. Monster is perfect for secular radio. Hero is perfect for both. But I don't think I'm wrong in my opinion that "Christian" music should be Christ-centered. If the band wants to release songs to secular music I'm all for that. But with other more Christ-centered songs such as Forgiven, Awake and Alive, and even One Day Too Late to a lesser extent, it seems those are more fitted for the Christian market while your Monster, Hero, AAA, and others go the other route.

Most people like Skillet so whatever they do is golden and no one should ever question this or that. Well, I know we all feel like a Monster. I know that sometimes we don't "want to be better". I just don't understand why anyone would want to continue to focus on negative things instead of Christ. Our righteousness is as filthy rags, yet he became sin so that we could be made the righteousness of God. THAT should be the message that is conveyed, whether directly or indirectly...especially in a market clearly labeled for Christians.

well the crossover goes both ways

[Energy]

I know that sometimes we don't "want to be better". I just don't understand why anyone would want to continue to focus on negative things instead of Christ. Our righteousness is as filthy rags, yet he became sin so that we could be made the righteousness of God. THAT should be the message that is conveyed, whether directly or indirectly...especially in a market clearly labeled for Christians.

Nobody's focusing on the Monster, the song is an instance of acknowledging the side we don't want others to see, the socially unnacceptable things we hide from people. Like the Catholic tradition of going to confession, the purpose isn't to dwell on our faults, it's to acknowledge them and give them over to God so he can "save me from this, make it end". If you don't find any redeeming value to the song because it's dark-sounding and the object of the song is ambiguous, those are merely stylistic concerns. The song does uphold a Christian worldview, end of story.

And BTW I do criticize every move Skillet makes and still approve of what they regularly do, so I don't appreciate being labeled a blind sheep for happening to back Skillet up. Did we call you "a sheep for demanding kumbaya songs on Christian radio like the rest of CCM"? No, because that would also be inaccurate.

Not to be inflammatory to sensibilities, but when Jesus spoke in parables among his disciples when speaking to everyone as well, the disciples didn't say, "I demand a better explanation or else you're conducting yourself wrongly!"...they understood what the parable meant, and appreciated the practicality of its application. Monster has a very practical, wholesome application for any radio demographic. Not actually equating it with a parable, remember, it's a mere confession of indwelling sin (not dwelling on) so that it does not dwell in us any longer.

[pic369]

Do me a favor and pull the quote where I called you or anyone else sheep. Maybe that's the problem. No one stops and actually reads something before making a retort. And, there are countless situations in the Bible where the disciples ask Jesus what his parables mean, because they DIDN'T understand them...although I'm not even sure how that applies here either.

I honestly don't know why I have to be put on trial for a varying opinion. When did I say I wanted kumbaya songs? How delerious are you, seriously? What's wrong with a Disciple "Romance Me" which is written in your "parable" format, only actually focuses on Jesus? What's wrong with "Forgiven" which while still vague, is directed toward Christ. "Awake and Alive"? Since when are these all kumbaya?

All I know is there's not a single instance in the Bible, which is what we are supposed to be living by mind you, where we are told to conform to this world or to allow it to influence our walk. So on Christ-centered radio, it should be Christ-centered. I can't believe anyone could disagree. If you want to listen to The Fray or all of those other bands there are literally thousands of other radio stations to listen to. If I want to hear Monster, I'd much rather hear it on secular radio where someone might wonder about the lyrics and do some searching to find out what the band stands for. At least that way, in your scenario, it could actually have some redeeming quality. But we have enough negatives to focus on in life without having to turn on what is supposed to be positive music and hearing songs that are anything but.

Disagree if you want...but opinions don't mean anything without a Word to back it up.

[ClothedInRoses]

I've been trying to stay out of this little argument, but just wanted to say 2 things. 
1, you guys are being pretty attacking and oversensitive to possible insults.  That's not gonna help your arguments.  Please approach from a rational perspective.  Thanks!

2, the Bible passage is Romans 7:14-24. 

[Skillet_Savior]

Awesome high-quality acoustic version of Monster!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kviCzgocfs

[hansseco]

Do me a favor and pull the quote where I called you or anyone else sheep. Maybe that's the problem. No one stops and actually reads something before making a retort. And, there are countless situations in the Bible where the disciples ask Jesus what his parables mean, because they DIDN'T understand them...although I'm not even sure how that applies here either.

I honestly don't know why I have to be put on trial for a varying opinion. When did I say I wanted kumbaya songs? How delerious are you, seriously? What's wrong with a Disciple "Romance Me" which is written in your "parable" format, only actually focuses on Jesus? What's wrong with "Forgiven" which while still vague, is directed toward Christ. "Awake and Alive"? Since when are these all kumbaya?

All I know is there's not a single instance in the Bible, which is what we are supposed to be living by mind you, where we are told to conform to this world or to allow it to influence our walk. So on Christ-centered radio, it should be Christ-centered. I can't believe anyone could disagree. If you want to listen to The Fray or all of those other bands there are literally thousands of other radio stations to listen to. If I want to hear Monster, I'd much rather hear it on secular radio where someone might wonder about the lyrics and do some searching to find out what the band stands for. At least that way, in your scenario, it could actually have some redeeming quality. But we have enough negatives to focus on in life without having to turn on what is supposed to be positive music and hearing songs that are anything but.

Disagree if you want...but opinions don't mean anything without a Word to back it up.

Just because Monster is dark does not mean it isn't uplifting for some people, sometimes its nice to know that other people feel the same way that you do, and that there is someone who can relate to feeling like a Monster sometimes. Monster is very uplifting in that way, just to know you aren't alone in those feelings. You want the Word to back it up, i doubt you could find one book of the bible that doesn't talk about sin.

[Energy]

Most people like Skillet so whatever they do is golden and no one should ever question this or that.

This what I took particular offense to. We question what we like, then we arrive at our own conclusions, just like everyone else. Of course it was late when I mock-attacked you: I apologize for blowing up over nothing. Sarah is right about my reaction, it was too strong and over-sensitive. All that set me off was this particular generalization of Skillet fans.

[pic369]

I've been trying to stay out of this little argument, but just wanted to say 2 things. 
1, you guys are being pretty attacking and oversensitive to possible insults.  That's not gonna help your arguments.  Please approach from a rational perspective.  Thanks!

2, the Bible passage is Romans 7:14-24. 

Thank you for the Bible reference. I will accept Energy's apology and offer my own if anything I've said comes across as retaliation or a personal attack. Neither was meant. However, I'd like to point out verse 25, which you've left out, which goes on to reference how Jesus Christ is the answer to the sinful desires that lie in the body. Please don't misunderstand. From the very moment I heard Monster in Lima, OH the third time it was ever played live I thought it was awesome. I love the song. That's not the issue. My only issue here was that I don't think it belongs on Christian radio because at the very least, Christian music should be redemptive in nature. While John does ask "somebody" to save him, the average listener isn't going to know who that somebody is...and while it may be therapudic to know there are others struggling with sin, I would think it'd be even more gratifying to know of a loving Savior that's ALREADY died to take that sin away. It's not something that needs to continue to happen day after day...your redemption is readily available at the cross. THAT is the message I wish we would focus on...whether by direct reference or metaphorically. If you play Monster, followed by Hero, you obviously get this...but that average radio listener doesn't have access to a whole cd, which is why I fear they may get the wrong message.

[ClothedInRoses]

^^^sorry, the online Bible I was using didn't show paragraph breaks, and I couldn't remember if that was part of the same section or not.  Just wanted to add it since I think it's the main passage that the song was based on...
And a lot of their songs build on each other and follow similar themes...making single selection a pain.   

[CMike]

I like Skillet, and I like Monster too. That's my input in all of this.

[collide117]

Awesome high-quality acoustic version of Monster!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kviCzgocfs

Yea, that's my home rock station!  I heard that live!!

[Skillet_Savior]

Awesome high-quality acoustic version of Monster!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kviCzgocfs

Yea, that's my home rock station!  I heard that live!!

Really? You live in Rochester? Did you go to the concert last Monday night?

[Servant]

Just moved to Rochester to do a new church plant
was going to go to the concert and my wife got REALLY sick.
grrrrrrr
Lots of brownie points
but I'd rather have had the concert:)

Nevermind wrong Rochester LOL. THough they were just here.



BTW
Monster Rocks and absolutely belongs on Christian Radio.
There are darker aspects of life.  And Christianity must address these darker areas in order to be relevant.
I consider this a growth in CHristian Music. That is is moving away from the "it must be happy and clappy" to be more integrated into all of life's realities, both "uplifting" and "dark".

[Skillet_Savior]

That's what I like about The Last Night, Imperfection, Open Wounds, etc. They are great songs with very powerful lyrics, but they address the "dark side" of life (even for Christians). There is definitely a place for "darker" songs within Christian rock. I've heard people argue that Skillet can't be a Christian band because Christian bands would never write songs about cutting, suicide, eating disorders, abortion (Lucy?), etc. Skillet is slowly changing people's stereotypes about Christian rock (and hopefully Christianity in general) for the better. Hopefully this will draw more people to Christian rock and eventually to Christianity. 

[Awake Panhead]

That's what I like about The Last Night, Imperfection, Open Wounds, etc. They are great songs with very powerful lyrics, but they address the "dark side" of life (even for Christians). There is definitely a place for "darker" songs within Christian rock. I've heard people argue that Skillet can't be a Christian band because Christian bands would never write songs about cutting, suicide, eating disorders, abortion (Lucy?), etc. Skillet is slowly changing people's stereotypes about Christian rock (and hopefully Christianity in general) for the better. Hopefully this will draw more people to Christian rock and eventually to Christianity. 

I hope so too. And I agree, Christians have to be willing to acknowledge the dark sides of human nature if they are to ever reach those who don't know Christ. How can you expect to help them through their problems without at least acknowledging the existence of those problems? I am glad that Skillet is addressing these issues head on.