================================================ Subject: Re: Hello Everyone From: "Sandy Carter" To: Date: Wed 5 Jun 2002 18:54:02 -0500 ================================================ Hi Elijah: First, welcome to the list. I have to tell you that I for one don't agree with the notion that Creed because the members are Christians, should be a Christian band and blatantly say God is their inspiration. First of all, I think professing to be a Christian band would close many minds to the music, no matter what they might have to say. I think if the lyrics were any more direct or sounded preachy, there are many (including myself) who would be turned off for good. The ambiguity of the lyrics leaves much room for interpretation of meaning, allowing a song to be of personal inspiration. Too often, I find that people expect to be spoon fed what others think and believe in order to validate themselves. This mentality limits creative and individual thought. Why must it be so directly spelled out for it to be right? The Bible itself can be interpreted in many ways. Even the Word of God is up for discussion. And specifically, who is to say that just because music is Creed's gift, their talent they share, their chosen career--that they are required to use it to spread God's Word? Is it their duty to do this? I would think that if the members of Creed who are Christians are living the life, this would be more important than what they write about in lyrics they sell. Scott Stapp explained (and I'm not quoting here) that many of the lyrics reflect a time of confusion (on MOP and HC) and uncertainty in his life as he challenged and defined his spiritual beliefs. Wouldn't the indirect lyrics reflect this state of mind? I'm wondering why is it not good enough that Creed addresses spirituality and presents God indirectly in their lyrics. I think that by saying that Creed is being coy by not confronting their audience (ith the fact that they have a certain spiritual belief) is to assume to much about the music and the writer. Creed has a generally positive message. And oh yes, they do have an agenda. They have an image to uphold, and that is what sells the CD's and concert tickets. To think otherwise would be naive. I think if someone is looking for cut and dry answers, or harder truths, they might find what they are looking for elsewhere. Sandy Carter near Houston, TX From: "William Elijah Horton" To: Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2002 11:47 PM Subject: Hello Everyone > Hi, I'm Elijah Horton from Kinston, NC > > You can check out my website here (www.elijah.barrysworld.net) and my online > gaming group here (www.renaissancegames.com) > > I joined this discussion list to read other people's views on how Creed's > music, and popular music in general, can be a positive or negative influence > on spiritual issues, and what belief the band might hold in particular. > > I generally feel that Creed's music is obviously not blatantly Christian in > design or writing. I feel that Scott Stap and Mark Tremonti do have at least > a good understanding of biblical scripture and principles (you can see > various portions of some verses quoted in many of Creed's songs) > > For those who say I'm just limiting the band to religous elements: I'm not. > Creed is obviously more about social issues and self awareness. But I'm sure > there are those who would find my proposed discussion interesting. > > Anyways. I think that much of Creed's music, in the religous context, is the > equivalent of a watered down proverb or parable put to excellent music. > (Yes, the music is very good, there's no need to state that here ;-) ) > But I want some harder truths in the music regarding Creed's spiritual > feelings, and it's something I do not see. Come out and say something that > cannot be thought of in many ways. Making broad visual statements such as > "To the place with golden streets" and "Where blind men see" can refereence > Heaven, in most cases that is the picture brought to mind. But why not come > out and call it Heaven, in the song itself? The band seems to shy away from > putting itself into any one "religous" crowd, and instead tells it's > listeners that maybe God's here, or maybe He's there, put never pointing > straight at him. I hope this is not how the band really feels about their > beliefs. > > The band has no agenda, understandably. It makes it much easier to not be > stereotyped (that happens anyways) and allows for much more farther reaching > music. I personally feel that as long as they are trying to relate to > people, they make a difference in people's lives. > > Anyways, in replies, the question is basically: "How powerful are the > messages in Creed's music?" > and "What are the messages?" > > - Elijah > > P.S. Flames will be squelched. I am only trying to start a discussion, not > trying to thump Bibles or anything. If you have questions about my beliefs > or Christianity in general, feel free to ask me. I will gladly answer. > > To unsubscribe or change your preferences for the Creed-Discuss list, visit: > http://www.winduplist.com/ls/discuss/form.asp > To unsubscribe or change your preferences for the Creed-Discuss list, visit: http://www.winduplist.com/ls/discuss/form.asp