First things first: Rage Against the Machine is one of my all-time favorite bands. Lyrically there’s much to disagree with but music is about more than lyrics and when it comes to energy, passion, groove, hook, and delivery, Rage is a tough act to beat.
Secondly, the dudes in this video pull the song off nicely, even the guy playing Morello’s parts.
But playing a lyrically-Christianized version of “Bulls on Parade” as an intro to a sermon series is one of those things that makes you go hmmmmmmm… Have a look:
Here’s what offends me about it:
1. Christianizing what is already good art is lame.
It’s no different than modifying a Mountain Dew logo and making it say “Meant to Die for You” or taking a Subway logo and making it say “HisWay”.
2. Christianizing a song by a band you obviously like dishonors that band.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Zach and the boys in Rage would NOT like this version of their song. It is a perversion of their intent and it’s opposed to their extreme leftist political views.
3. Christianizing a song affirms the stereotype
Doing this instead of using an original or “already-Christian” song feeds the impression that Christians can’t make their own good art.
4. Christianizing a song is not “redeeming” it
Please don’t play the “redeeming it for God’s glory” card (a.k.a. the “some hymns used bar tunes” card). In the words of Hank Hill: “You’re not making Christianity better – you’re making rock and roll worse!”
5. Christianizing a song ignores the Law of Residual Effect
Real-life example: back in my mid-teens I was exploring the music of the 70′s. I thought the band Boston was pretty cool. Because I didn’t have a history of drug use or partying lyrics like “Smokin’, Smokin’, We’re cookin’ tonight, just keep on tokin’ / Smokin’, Smokin’, I feel alright, mamma I’m not jokin’, yeah,” rolled onto and off of my mind like water off the proverbial duck’s back.
This unfortunately was not the case for a number of people in whose presence I unwisely played this newfound favorite band’s music. When they heard the songs, memories of partying, drug use, and other worldliness flooded into their minds – thoughts like: “Man, that was fun. I wonder where I can get some weed…” Through this I learned a lesson about being a stumbling block.
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Music is powerful. Songs plant themselves in our consciousness and attach themselves to memories both good and bad. Sometimes showing care for your bother or sister in Christ means not doing things you’re at liberty to do around them.
Yes, I listen to Rage Against the Machine. No, I won’t be playing “Bulls on Parade” as part of my next worship set.
