If you’ve been following along with the Rocketown discussion the past week, you know that the topic of a Christian ministry booking bands that might be considered satanic* has fueled emotions on both sides of the issue. It’s, shall we say, a passionate topic?At the core of the debate is whether a Christian ministry should be booking bands that have blatantly anti-Christian messages. There are points to be made on both sides, which is why Keith Mohr, founder of Indieheaven.com, has been weighing in regularly and has offered to got to the October 27 show and report back as a guest blogger. I’ve also offered Ben Cissell, who leads the Bible studies and Skatechurch, the opportunity to write a guest blog post about Rocketown and the ministry that goes on.In the meantime, Ben sent me this video that Rocketown is using for it’s 2009 fundraising campaign. It offers some insight into what Rocketown does beyond just hosting shows.Understand that Rocketown takes this whole issue seriously. No one who has spoken to me, either on or off the record, denies that the issue of mixing ministry with music that’s contrarty to Christianity doesn’t come without its problems. As one person said, it’s “an ever present discussion.”There is real ministry going on down there, and kids who would be slipping through the cracks otherwise are finding a home there. Or as the young man in the video says, someplace where they’re wanted.At the same time, there is a question about where the line is drawn between reaching out to secular bands. I confess I’m a little uncomfortable with a band that sings about killing Christians playing at a club that wants to share Jesus with kids. Stay tuned!* UPDATE: I used the phrase “might be considered satanic” but judging from a quote from The Black Dahlia Murder vocalist Trevor Strnad, I’d say you can call them satanic without question: “On the behalf of my mates in The Black Dahlia Murder, we are f*cking pumped to hit the road with Skeletonwitch, Toxic Holocaust, and Trap Them. We have forged this alliance in the name of Satan, hand picking the best bands possible to bring you the most stage dive worthy tour of the fall. Circle up!” Err … OK … my discomfort level with their gig at Rocketown just went up a few levels after reading that …RELATED POSTS:Rocketown’s Black Dahlia Murder Show: give me your recaps of the show!The Rocketown controversy gets spotlight by News 2 in NashvilleChristian club Rocketown plays host to night of ‘satanic’ rockRocketown and secular bands: some thoughts from the other side of the issueVIDEO: Rocketown’s 2009 fundraising campaignClick here to subscribe to Gospel Soundcheck by email and have the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter!
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posted October 19, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Its a wonderful video. I am happy for this young man who has plugged in to the resources Rocketown provides. I have no issue with this kind of one on one discipleship. It is needed.
However, I wonder why Rocketown did not present ALL facets of their mission in this fund raising video? Why not put snippets of bands that play there dropping the F-Bomb? Or a snippet of the lead singer exposing himself while onstage a while back?
The presentation in the video is very good propaganda, designed to pull on the heartstrings to raise money from Christians. I wonder if they would be so willing to donate if they saw EVERYTHING that goes on there at Rocketown? Would they be willing to donate if they knew bands who were instruments of satan were invited to preach their gospel to impressionable youth whom Rocketown tells parents to “trust them?”
I say draw the line somewhere. Get off the fence. Take a stand.
posted October 20, 2009 at 12:17 am
Instruments of Satan? What?
I’m sure that people/parents would still like Rocketown regardless of ONE show. People go to the Sommet Center for Pred games and not attend anything else, reason being if they just don’t want to or they hate the other event.
In the show aspect of Rocketown, which you’ve been told and have seen that isn’t all of what Rocketown is, the amount of christian and secular/satanic(because they seem to be all the same to you, Keith) are pretty uneven. If you go on their site, they display all their upcoming shows, along with MYSPACE LINKS so people that are aware of the bands and can listen. That’s there for kids and parents since apparently, Keith, that should be Rocketown’s job not the parents, you know, monitoring what kids listen to. And you make it sound like it Rocketown’s fault for displaying false information, which from what I see they don’t. Everything is there out in the open. It’s like what Columbine was caused from, you know, parent’s not paying attention and pointing the finger at music. Having this show at Rocketown isn’t going to poison anyone’s mind and cause something like Columbine, that’s not what I’m saying. My point being is that someone will go to this show (black dahlia murder) and enjoy Rocketown either because it’s a cool hangout spot, they genuinely love the band, or their friends told them to join, COME BACK to a show like…Underoath (a christian band) and get sparked on the idea of Christianity and find God.
This line that you speak of Keith, what is it? I also see that you and Michael W. Smith are aware of each other, since you have a cool nick name for him. Why don’t you ask him these questions and not post on some blog?
posted October 20, 2009 at 7:25 am
..the kid kept giving props to Rocketown instead of Christ. “If it wasn’t for rocketown..”
We do need to be creative when it comes to reaching out to our at risk youth..but they need to be introduced to Christ through the music..not just a safe place to hang out and get a free meal. There’s PLENTY of Christian bands that are displaying the “tightness factor” that the kids want..this is Nashville for Gods sake.
i agree that the CCM style of music isn’t that effective in this area but they’re headed in the wrong direction with this garbage…i just can’t believe it.
posted October 20, 2009 at 7:30 am
It’s like what Columbine was caused from, you know, parent’s not paying attention and pointing the finger at music -wayne campbell
..dude are you actually blaming the parents for Columbine? You seem to be a bit..er..confused.
posted October 20, 2009 at 9:58 am
There are many ways to reach these kids without undermining and using the platform Rocketown is using. I think this causes some serious confusion and I have a problem with the propaganda of Rocketown and their lack of full disclosure. That’s one of the things that really bothers me. In my mind, the line gets crossed here, mainly because there are other ways to reach these kids. Bringing satanist rock into a Christian ministry without disclosing why and telling supporters about it is problematic at best. I will say that prayers are up that you bring God glory in the ministry and that you follow his clear direction.
posted October 20, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hi Wayne
thanks for your comments. I would like to reply to your comments so I can clarify my position, since you are jumping to many conclusions..
You Stated:
“Instruments of Satan? What?
I’m sure that people/parents would still like Rocketown regardless of ONE show. People go to the Sommet Center for Pred games and not attend anything else, reason being if they just don’t want to or they hate the other event.”
My Reply:
This is not about someone liking Rocketown or not. The issue is Rocketown allowing bands that ARE satanists and preaching their RELIGION to come into their establishment, and providing them a PULPIT to preach their HATE of Christians and my Lord, Jesus Christ. Comparing this to going to the Sommet Center to see a hockey game is in my opinion, ludicrous.
You Stated:
In the show aspect of Rocketown, which you’ve been told and have seen that isn’t all of what Rocketown is, the amount of christian and secular/satanic(because they seem to be all the same to you, Keith) are pretty uneven.
My Reply:
I know the concerts are one of their activities, it is also one they make money from bringing in secular bands, most of whom despise Christians and Jesus Christ. That is not my opinion, that is FACT. That and the fact that is is difficult to tell the difference these days between hard core secular and hard core bands of Christians. They look the same, and in many cases, they act the same.
You Stated:
If you go on their site, they display all their upcoming shows, along with MYSPACE LINKS so people that are aware of the bands and can listen. That’s there for kids and parents since apparently, Keith, that should be Rocketown’s job not the parents, you know, monitoring what kids listen to.
I brought this issue into the light because I AM AN INFORMED PARENT and wanted to inform other parents who may not have time to investigate the content their children are ingesting. There is an ACCOUNTABILITY on behalf of Rocketown to investigate the acts either they are booking in, or a 3rd party promoter are bringing into their establishment. I feel, in the case of the Oct 27 event, that Rocketown blew it in terms of what was acceptable in the bands and message they are preaching. Parents more than likely do not investigate the bands Rocketown brings in, because Rocketown tells them to trust their judgement. Fortunately for myself and my wife we DID INVESTIGATE the bands booked on October 27, because our son wanted to attend the show. He is 16. He is what I would describe as an impressionable boy who is seeking out his spiritual path, and he is attracted to hard core rock music. He had some songs sent by a friend to him by “The Black Dahlia Murder” and liked the heavy sound, electric guitar and drums. He was not aware of what the lyrics of the songs were, because lets be honest, they lead singer of that band barks more than he sings. (But that is like satan, to infiltrate the minds of people in subtle ways). After we investigated the bands, we realized what they were all about, and felt Rocketown was in ERROR by allowing these bands to come into their establishment. Plain and simple. In my opinion, Rocketown is WRONG for allowing these bands into their establishment.
You Stated:
And you make it sound like it Rocketown’s fault for displaying false information, which from what I see they don’t. Everything is there out in the open.
My Reply:
Rocketown’s information on their website tells parents it is a safe place for their children to come to. In my opinion, on Oct 27th, this IS NOT TRUE.
You Stated:
It’s like what Columbine was caused from, you know, parent’s not paying attention and pointing the finger at music.
My Reply:
Music most CERTAINLY had a role in the choices those kids made when they went into their school and killed people. Absolutely. It was one of the ways satan used to infiltrate their minds. You may not believe that, but I do.
You Stated:
Having this show at Rocketown isn’t going to poison anyone’s mind and cause something like Columbine, that’s not what I’m saying.
My Reply:
Maybe, maybe not. But why take the chance, especially when Rocketown promotes itself as a safe place that parents can feel confident that the content being presented is enriching the lives of their children? WHY TAKE THAT CHANCE? Why feed sheep to wolves all in the hopes that a few may be impacted? That is unwise logic. If they want to reach these poor youth, they should go OUT into their neighborhoods, go door to door, and invite them to come to Rocketown for their enrichment programs. Not to see a satantic band.
You Stated:
My point being is that someone will go to this show (black dahlia murder) and enjoy Rocketown either because it’s a cool hangout spot, they genuinely love the band, or their friends told them to join, COME BACK to a show like…Underoath (a christian band) and get sparked on the idea of Christianity and find God.
My Reply:
That is true, maybe that will happen.. or maybe a 16 year old who is impressionable and unsure of his faith will see these satanic bands in action, be drawn to them and their message, and then enter into a dark place that could lead to who knows what. The Point is.. WHY TAKE THE CHANCE?
You Stated:
This line that you speak of Keith, what is it? I also see that you and Michael W. Smith are aware of each other, since you have a cool nick name for him. Why don’t you ask him these questions and not post on some blog?
My Reply:
I have met Michael a few times, I ran sound at his 25th wedding anniversary and his wife’s birthday party a few years ago. Michael is a real nice guy. I highly admire and respect him. However, he doesn’t know who I am. But I bet with almost 100% certainty, that he is NOT AWARE of this Satanic night of music. I can safely assume that is NOT why He founded Rocketown back in 1994. Michael is known in Nashville as Smitty, it’s not a cool nickname I randomly picked. I am posting this on BeliefNet because I brought it to their attention to INFORM PEOPLE of my OPINION that Rocketown is in ERROR with the Oct 27 event. Sorry you take issue with this.
posted October 21, 2009 at 2:24 am
Looks like the video worked, saw a tweet by Michael W Smith Rocketown raised over $300,000 today.
michaelwsmith Great day. Rocketown Fundraiser was amazing. Over 300 thousand dollars raised. Tony Dungy was over the top. Coach Jeff Fisher was a hit.
posted October 21, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Blogged about this today. My blog is http://www.xanga.com/gabrielpeter.
posted October 22, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Channel 2 news in Nashville interviewed me for a story on this issue.
Click this link to watch the video.
http://tinyurl.com/yj3exh2
What are your thoughts on this topic?
Am I making a big deal about nothing?
Does Rocketown need to have more accountability on the acts they bring in?
posted October 24, 2009 at 11:23 am
Check out a video blog about the satanic concert at Rocketown. This guy is a pagan and gets it! http://tinyurl.com/yhkoxz8
posted October 26, 2009 at 12:18 am
Keith, it does offend me, it offends me a lot. Probably as much as these “satanic” bands insulting your God. But that probably doesn’t matter cause I’m not fighting for the “religious” aspect of this. I’m fighting for the all the good that happens inside RCKTWN that you either don’t want to see or simply can’t.
When you said this: “it is also one they make money from bringing in secular bands, most of whom despise Christians and Jesus Christ. That is not my opinion, that is FACT.” Fact? what part of it is fact? Because I know for a FACT that the Christian/religious/faith based bands out weigh the secular. If you want and I give you a list of all the ones from this year and more (again, if you want) to prove your “fact” wrong.
You also said: “is difficult to tell the difference these days between hard core secular and hard core bands of Christians. They look the same, and in many cases, they act the same.” So…alright…because they look the same, means they are the same. You might look like a discreet satanist, but you’re not a satanist and that would probably upset you if you were compared to one. They’re all the same…right? I mean, that’s what you just said. I guess With Blood Comes Cleansing who SOUNDS/LOOKS like Black Dahlia Murder, are the same as them, especially with these lyrics:
“I see His angels rise before me, and His glory shown about,
I stand firm in my faith when all else is gone,
cause in my weakness I will be made strong.
Set yourselves apart; in my name be lifted up.
Set yourselves apart; in my name be lifted up.
Don’t be faithless. This is your destiny.
Defeat your weakness in your victory. (x2)
I will give my all when there’s nothing left. (x4)
I see His angels rise before me, and His glory shown about,
I stand firm in my faith when all else is gone.
God your all I have.
Take my everything.
I owe it all to you.”
………….GOOD POINT KEITH. : /
When you said: “wanted to inform other parents who may not have time to investigate the content their children are ingesting.” So, you’re blaming RCKTWN for the lack of time parents have for their children? Weird, cause that was exactly my point. RCKTWN couldn’t be responsible for such a thing and no one should expect them to. This accountability that you speak of is a parent’s choice. You’re the one forcing this.
So you’re son wanted to attend the show…cool, is that the real problem that his friends are showing your son bands that you don’t approve of? Again…not RCKTWN’s fault. You spoke very highly of your son, well, I’m sure if he’s seeking out his spiritual path then I’m sure he can look up the lyrics and decide for himself what’s good and what’s not. Now I’m not bashing your son by any means but I grew up mentally by finding things out for myself. Even though they are screaming majority of the time, surprisingly, those “barks” are actually words. You should know that because you searched for Black Dahlia Murder lyrics.
Children will be safe from harm, bullying, and any other sketchy activity in there. My mother allows my 10 year old step-brother to go and be completely safe. And nothing has ever happened to him.
Music, a form of art, physically shot people in a school. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Alright. The kids were bullied, harassed, and didn’t feel welcome at the school. Funny how you think music did all of this. A cool thing is that RCKTWN prevents all those things from happening.
Let’s be real now, NO ONE wants people knocking on the doors of their home and interrupting family time and what not. And what’s awesome is that they have people like Tony Dungy, the Mayor of Nasvhille, Jeff Fisher, and all the other people at the Rally, PLUS more. to back that up and spread the word of how amazing RCKTWN is. You could never see how RCKTWN has impacted the people that come in and out of that building because you refuse to see the whole picture and only focus on ONE NIGHT! It amazes me!
You kept saying “why take that chance?” why not? a missed opportunity could happen and that’s preventing so much. I doubt RCKTWN is worse than any school public or private.
You “But I bet with almost 100% certainty, that he is NOT AWARE of this Satanic night of music.” Too bad there’s a board of members to take Michaels place and see. Also, since it’s his baby, I’m sure he’d still check the website and google RCKTWN’s name to see what people are saying. I’m sure he would be disgusted in what you’re saying. You’re insulting something that he made. What if someone insulted your blog, or something that you made? You wouldn’t be too stoked on it, would you?
You can say that RCKTWN is wrong all you want. They have more than enough supporters that would love to tell you other wise. So come the 27th and see that, if it’s not too much satan for you, that is. I’m sure you would be welcome just like every kid, satanist, christian, agnostic, animal, that comes in that building.
posted October 26, 2009 at 3:40 am
You are the type of believer that my non-Christian friends warned me about. You don’t even realize that the case you are making here is pushing non-believers farther away. This is fighting a losing battle. Rocketown won’t be shut down. Even if it did it would mean you’re tossing kids with little to no family out on the streets and giving the one place parents can take their kids and feel safe away from them. If you don’t like it, don’t support it. Pushing Christianity down everyone throat just makes Christians look bad. You are the reason I quit seeking the Church out or fellowship. Rocketown kids are family to me and (being in a secular band) I have several first hand accounts that our music has helped kids deal with tough times. Let’s stop playing Pharisee. Rocketown is doing somethjng amazing. Start a strictly Christian venue if Rocketown is not your thing.
Stay posi Keith.
-Kyle
posted October 27, 2009 at 2:22 am
OK, you win.
have fun
Rock hard.
posted October 28, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Did you go to the show? Give me your recap here:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2009/10/rocketowns-black-dahlia-murder.html
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog
posted November 2, 2009 at 7:16 am
Hi,
The rocktown fundraiser is very successful event and get perfect response from the crowd.They have done very good job for the society.