Issue #12
06-15-2003
by Michael Janke

Got a burning question? Trying to understand recent events? Need clarification on a rumor? Want to know how and why things happen the way they do? Ask CMCentral!

Welcome back to Ask CMCentral. My name is Michael Janke, your answer man and reality television junkie. Currently getting plays in my stereo: All Right Here (Sara Groves), Jake (Jake), The Two Towers soundtrack, Thankful (Kelly Clarkson), and All About Love (Steven Curtis Chapman). That Sara Groves album in particular just speaks to me. If you love folk/pop songwriters she's a must-buy.

For the reader looking for a copy of Mark Joseph's The Rock and Roll Rebellion, check out this site and its low $9.99 price.

William wrote in to say that Randy Matthews is no longer a pastor in Florida but now does a Pirate show at two resorts. Interesting, though unverified on my part.

Last issue's Stumper asked about the Jaci Velasquez independent albums. Thanks to everyone who wrote in with information. The albums are not available today, to the best of anyone's knowledge. Heather's letter answers the question best: "Jaci released an album in 1992 called Help Me and one in 1994 called Keep The Fire Burning. There aren't available anywhere to my knowledge, but if you learn otherwise please let me know! I'd love to own these! Below are the track listings."

A side note. With the upcoming release of the new Harry Potter book I'm already noticing rhetoric over the issue heating up again in some Christian circles. So I want to take a moment to throw out a recommendation for those who do not know where they stand yet, or for those who can't see why or how Christians can read those books. There are actually many Christians who read and enjoy Harry Potter - simply because they think the series is enjoyable. Some of the most prominent Christian leaders of today would be included on that list, and Christianity Today even did an editorial on why they liked the Harry Potter series. Personally, I am not one of these people, but that's largely due to the fact that I've never had a desire to pick one up in the first place. Everyone who knows about Harry comes at this with pre-conceived notions and they are usually deeply held, so the controversy can be an impassioned one. The first thing to do is to try and look at things fairly, and fully inform yourself so you can make a wise decision. There is a book out entitled What's A Christian To Do With Harry Potter, by Connie Neal. In it, Neal objectively and thoroughly goes through the arguments on both sides of this issue, showing why some Christians believe it is wrong to read and why some see it no differently than enjoying The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings. In the end, she makes a strong case that when the facts are clearly presented and understood, and the emotional rhetoric is torn away, it comes down to a personal choice for each Christian (very much like the issue in the early church of eating meat sacrificed to idols). For some it is not okay, and those people should have their boundaries respected. For others, it is okay, and those people should be allowed the freedom to read. This is a very simplistic summary, so if you really want a thorough treatment of the subject I suggest you pick up her book. It's fair to both sides and extensively researched and, most importantly, backed with Scripture. View it at Amazon.com here. There are a handful of books out there on this subject, but this is the best that I've seen.

Reality television update. The Amazing Race rules summer television. Three episodes in and the fun is just getting started. Right now I'm rooting for the clowns and the dating-for-12-years-slash-virgins team, though quite a few of the others also seem cool. I can't believe the two older men survived this past episode. I guess they learned from Flo, that quitters never win a million dollars. I have to believe that they're the next team to leave though, barring a miracle. They are in last place, have no Fast Forward left, and are on gimpy legs.

On with this week's questions.

Q: Why is Stacie Orrico on MTV and in the secular world?
    Andre

A: Why do Christian teachers take jobs in public schools? Why do Christian actors get jobs in Hollywood? Why do Christian authors sign with secular publishers? I don't know the reasons why Stacie Orrico does or doesn't do something. That's pretty much between her, her family, and God. But I certainly cannot sit here and point fingers at her or condemn her for the path she has chosen. The Bible tells us to go into the world to preach the gospel to everyone, to be in but not of the world, and to be salt and light. How can we be salty or light unless we are actually seasoning the meat or in the darkness? Stacie is, in her own way, following the example of Jesus and actually taking her light into the darkness of the world where it needs to be seen. She's not holding it back in our Christian neighborhood, waiting for others to come and find it. How many kids now are going to buy her album because of the song "Stuck" only to hear other tracks that explicitly share her Christian worldview? How many kids will she be able to speak to on a one-on-one basis and share God's love with them? What an awesome opportunity to simply be an example of grace, dignity, modesty, and class in a music world where the emphasis is too often only on sex. Christians complain about the garbage that they see on MTV and other stations. Well, now we're getting the chance to see young and talented acts like Stacie, P.O.D., and Lifehouse there; I would hope we could support them and stand at their side rather than nitpicking or watching with a judgmental eye just waiting to pounce at the first sign of human weakness. Why are they there? Because God gave them talents and they are using those talents to the best of their abilities. Will they make mistakes along the way? Sure. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be faithful to the purpose that God has placed on their hearts.

Q: Can you tell me about the group Truth? I've heard them mentioned a few times, but who were they?
    Ashley

A: Truth was founded in 1971 by Roger Breland. The group, which consisted of an ever-changing rotation of vocalists, traveled around the country singing inspirational/contemporary music in churches. Though never on the cutting edge of pop music styles, it did purse musical excellence in the live setting; often something that was lacking in the churches that they were touring through. Truth served at the inspiration for countless vocal "small groups" around the country, spawned many other Christian music acts (4 Him, Avalon, Steve Green, Russ Lee, Natalie Grant, etc.), and led countless others into other forms of music ministry in the church. Roger Breland and Truth were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in the year 2000; Truth ended its 30-year ministry in 2001. On a side note, Truth also served at the inspiration and reason to live for my friend Jess for the first 18 years of her life. Okay, I'm kidding. Sort of.

Q: Why did Evanescence make this controversy? Why didn't they say what they said since the beginning? When are they going to give a straight answer about all this? Are they Christians or not? Are they a Christian band or not? Are they a hybrid band (secular-Christian)? Is this the future of new bands being a mix of both cultures? Why do they criticize Christian music? Is it that bad? Are people only doing it for fame and money, not for music and faith?
    Enrique

A: I'm still getting a lot of questions and comments about this group so I'll address this one briefly. The short answer to everything you are asking, Enrique, is that it's something between them and God. Only God knows their hearts. Only God knows why they have said some of the things that they have said. There are a million different scenarios that one could work out in their mind if they wanted to waste the time doing so. I choose not to. I am greatly disappointed in the actions of the group this year. Their album is, musically, fantastic, and I love to listen to it. But they have proven themselves to be poor role models and poor examples of mature adults. The Christian question is something that I choose to believe the best on. Only God can answer that, and since they have said they were Christians in the past then who am I to sit and say that they no longer are? I am not God. And I know that Christians can stumble - and stumble hard - just as easily as anyone else. In short, I believe this is a story that will work itself out over time. Until then, I will listen to their CD for what it is, but not let their opinions on faith, God, or Christian music sway me to either side. Truth is truth, no matter how foolish the messenger turns out to be.

Q:I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD HELP ME FIND SOME INTERVIEWS WITH JACI DISCUSSING HER NEW MOVIE, CHASING PAPI. A LEADER IN OUR CHURCH HAS MADE SOME ACUSATIONS CONCERNING JACI,AND WELL I WOULD LOVE TO GET THE TRUTH OF IT ALL AND HOPEFULY SHED SOME LIGHT ON IT ALL.
    Kelley

A: (If I may ask, dear readers, please don't write in all caps. It's hard to read and considered bad etiquette on the internet. While we're near the subject, I would also like to ask that when anyone writes me that they at least try to use proper grammar and punctuation. It just makes it easier for me to edit and use in the column. Thanks. Now back to our regular programming.)

Kelley, The Source For Youth Ministry has an exclusive interview where Jaci addresses the criticisms she has received. If you visit Always Jaci and scroll down you can read a letter from her brother where he talks more about Jaci's experience with the film as well.

Q: One of my favorite CD's in my large collection is Silage, Vegas Car Chasers. I knew the guys broke up, but I heard rumors that a couple of the guys were starting or in another band. Do you know anything?
    Clay

A: Lance Black and Damian Horne went on to form the group Parkway.

Q: What does FFH mean? Is it Future Farmers of Holland? Not necessarily.
    Michael

A: Actually, it does stand for Future Farmers of Holland. How did you ever guess such an obscure thing? Okay, no, actually it stands for Far From Home, though it was shortened to FFH after another group with the same name threatened a lawsuit. The original meaning, when the group was a capella, was Four For Harmony.

Q: I am huge fan of the Paul Colman Trio and am an Aussie. It's been like watching a child grow attending their first tours when they were still relatively unknown to following their huge success in America. I was just wondering if their previous albums have been released over in America and if so how popular are they? I think their live albums are awesome! They show their true passion, gutsy/bold music, personality and humor.
    Aaron

A: No, they are not available in America; at least not in any official capacity in retail stores. Perhaps on the internet. Congrats on the success of an Aussie native, though. And, while we're at it, thanks for the support in the Iraqi Freedom operation.

Stumper of the Week

Q: Just wanted to know what happened to Barry Blaze? What is he doing now? In my opinion his greatest album was with Code of Ethics on Code of Ethics. After COE he went back to his original roots with Blaze. Since then I haven't herd from him or his band.
    George

A: I don't know. Doh! Anyone have any current information on Barry or Code of Ethics?

That wraps up this issue. Keep the questions coming, to ask@cmcentral.com. I'll be back next Monday with my opinion column, and AskCMC will return the week after.
          Michael Janke

There is a brand new section of CMCentral for Missing Artists. It's quite thorough and updated, so please visit there before you send me any new questions on missing bands. I will not answer any question that can be answered by clicking over to that portion of the site unless there is breaking news of some sort.

Please include your name with all submissions. No name, no answer. All questions are subject to editing. Not all questions can be answered due to editorial and other considerations, and personal replies are not possible.