Two members of the award-winning Christian band Newsboys have spoken out about the theme of deconstruction within the industry, saying their initial reactions to such stories are rooted in compassion and self-reflection. Michael Tate and Jeff Frankenstein are the lead singer and keyboardist, respectively, of the legendary, multi-Dove Award-winning, four-time Grammy-nominated band that formed in the '80s. Tate and Frankenstein told apologist Sean McDowell on the show: sean mcdowell show That is, there are multiple causes for disintegration within the CCM.
Although neither artist mentioned a specific story of deconstruction, they said that several prominent artists had left or deconstructed Christianity. Among them is John Steingard, former lead singer of Hawk Nelson. Kevin Max, former DC Talk. Marty Sampson is a songwriter and Hillsong worship leader.
Frankenstein said Christians “have made many grave mistakes in response to hearing that other believers are dismantling.”
“Rather than treating the situation with compassion, we started by making judgments,” he said. “When I hear another story come out…the first thing I think is, that's a compassionate response. I try to put myself in this guy's shoes….I think maybe… There's a side of me that I want to dig deeper into: 'How can I be human?' Did I fail this person in some way? ”
According to Frankenstein, individuals may become deconstructed because they were not given the opportunity to ask questions about their faith as children.
“You're not given free will to make your own decisions,” he says.
But Frankenstein said the “number one” reason why individuals deconstruct is because of hypocrisy within the church.
“I think, Christians, we are guilty of great hypocrisy,” Frankenstein said. “…probably the biggest thing that turns someone away from Christianity and Christians is hypocrisy.”
Mr. Tate quoted author Brennan Manning's famous line, which was once included in a DC Talk song, saying, “The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is the people who pay lip service to Jesus and walk out the door.” “They are Christians who deny Jesus with their lifestyle.” That is unbelievable to an unbelieving world. ”
McDowell suggested that musicians are often thrust into the spotlight based solely on their talent, rather than the depth of their faith.
“We often value ability and talent over character and depth,” he says.
Frankenstein agreed, saying, “When you mix business and theology, especially in the CCM and the church, they have to coexist in this world, and that's where hypocrisy thrives.”
“It's a breeding ground,” Tate added.
According to Frankenstein, Christian musicians sometimes face rejection from the business side of the industry, which can affect their faith.
“There's a common pattern, and it happens in pop music as well, which is that this pure thing that you bring to the table is now marketed, manipulated, and forced into the system by the gatekeepers who control it. And in order to maintain a certain level of growth, there has to be a profit on the other side,” Frankenstein said. “It loses its innocence.”
McDowell suggested that musicians, by their creative and rebellious nature, may be more susceptible to questioning their faith. Mr. Tate and Mr. Frankenstein agreed.
“My creativity works in every area of my life, whether I want it to or not,” Tate said. “…I mean, your mind goes there on every level. …Our brains are a little crazy, because we are creative minds when we're not restrained by the Holy Spirit. It can go crazy quickly.”
Tite said there was some question as to whether it was “healthy.” Peter was a famous skeptic, Tate noted.
“But God knew his heart knew where his head was,” Tate said. “…we are saved by grace, through faith. That's all. And though it's hard to believe sometimes, thank God, it's true.”
Tait said he lies in his bunk and asks God questions while the bus rolls down the road during his tours.
“But sometimes we have to look in the Word for what is hidden from us, not hidden from us,” he said. “When you start to doubt, you dig deeper. Your prayers become more intense: 'God, show me your glory today, speak to my heart today'…because humans are flawed. I understand how this can happen: humans have free will, humans wander, but at the same time I am willing to believe and trust God, so to speak, for me and my home. ”
Watch: Why do musicians deconstruct?Newspaperman speaks out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuTTv8kqtvQ
Photo provided by: ©YouTube/sean mcdowell
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
