On a nice spring evening, I decided to go see a provocative
new movie that takes a look at an exciting and growing subculture. The film:
ChristCore.
The main premise of the film is a documentary in which
director Justin Ludwig follows two hardcore bands (Messenger and Sleeping
Giant) throughout America profiling their music and lifestyle. What is so amazing is that the director
himself is an atheist hardcore artist, whereas the subjects profiled in the
film are church going Christians with an undeniable edge.
Being a born-again Christian myself, we have seen the
Christian church and its artistic expressions of faith evolve from Gregorian
Chant, Bach Chorales, soul gospel, country gospel, and contemporary
Christian/Jesus people music. What
astonished me is that although hardcore music is not my bag (although it makes
for intriguing listening), we are seeing Christian music continuing to evolve
to new expressions and dimensions of faith.
What is also astonishing about the profiles of Messenger and
Sleeping Giant is that these men wear tattoos, jeans, t-shirts, dance in mosh
pits, and when the music dies down give a sermon and calls for prayer and
healing. Young kids in droves are
being drawn to this faith, probably many more than what Billy Graham could have
reached during his lifetime.
As a Christian, I am open to new and exciting forms of faith
expression. For me I want to express my
faith through the cool complexity of jazz music. Messenger and Sleeping Giant choose their
aggressive approach to speak to a generation of disenfranchised youth. What’s even more amazing is that they do
not even do this for fame, fortune or money.
They do it for the love of God and for the love of the people.
To close with this, at the end of the film, director Justin
Ludwig still stands firm that although he is impressed with the level of
community and the great movement of Christian hardcore music in America, he
still is not convinced that there is a God.
My hope and prayer is that one day Justin Ludwig will come to a living
and dynamic faith that is more exhilarating and dynamic than being high on
ecstasy.
Christcore Facebook Site:
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