Christian Rock ‘n’ Roll

I find it curious that in modern popular music the artist is permitted to express any viewpoint whatsoever except for one, which is effectively censored by the industry: Christianity. As soon as the artist sings about this topic, his music is no longer allowed equal footing with music (that deals with) other themes. Mike Boehm’s article (“Christian Rockers Go Beyond Pulpit,” Calendar Aug. 30) serves as a classic example of rock criticism which says more about the critic’s bias than (about) the music being reviewed.

Boehm states that Christian rock “is of little interest to lovers of rock who want to experience the music’s physical and emotional impact without being proselytized.” Why are bands like Stryper accused of “proselytizing,” and kept within a restrictive category? Stryper has never called itself a “religious band”--it is a rock band. As with every other rock band, its songs express what is meaningful to its members. In this case, the subject of interest happens to be God. In my opinion, this is a refreshing change from the popular monotony of “Ooh baby, I want you” which dominates the airwaves.

Boehm accuses Stryper of “the most wooden pro-Jesus sloganeering imaginable,” on the band’s album “In God We Trust,” which contained such lyrics as:

Love can be so cold

And loneliness gets old

More than words or broken promises.

I want to show you what true love is.

“Wooden” is not the first adjective that comes to mind here.

The critic doesn’t hide his aversion to heavy metal during the brief segment in which he actually discusses Stryper’s music. Apparently, he is unimpressed by the excellent musicianship in spite of Michael Sweet’s “rangy” voice. I don’t think the serious listener will detect any “compromise of artistic ideals” in Stryper’s music, old or new.

Please do not send Mr. Boehm to review the Sept. 23 Dio/Stryper show at the Pacific Amphitheater. He probably would not have a good time.

JAMIE BROWN

Anaheim