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The Vision
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In 1989, Eric Holmberg produced Hell's Bells: The Dangers of Rock 'n ' Roll. Selling almost one hundred thousand copies, Hell's Bells became the definitive critique on rock music and its connection to culture and values. Now, almost eleven years later, Eric is back with a fresher look at the contemporary music scene. Hell's Bells 2 is six and a half hours long and is divided into eight parts. It is the most eye-opening presentation of one of the most overlooked forms of indoctrination, music. The video views the lyrics and the life-styles of the artists against the backdrop of the holiness of the God. This is what makes it so effective. Part One deals with objections. The producer makes it plain that he is not denying anyone's right to freedom of speech or expression, nor is he promoting the dubious practice of record labeling or record burning. Part Two, called Sound and Fury is an examination of the power of music. His section shows that music can have a profound impact on one's belief system. Part Three entitled Heartbeats - Music Spiritual Connection shows that music, as given by God, is to be used as Bach stated, "to [His] glory and the refreshment of the human spirit." If it is misused, it can tear down the very fabric of a society. Part Four, Notes from the Underground, deals with the occult history of rock. Starting from the Enlightenment this section shows how Christian cultural came to be undermined by philosophers such as Hegel, Nietzsche, Kant and others on the one hand, and by the surrender of the culture by the Church on the other. Part Five, The Heart Of Darkness, continues the occult history of rock 'n' roll. This is an incredible journey into the heart of the industry. Part Six called Mojo Rising deals with the controversial subject of satanic sex, which is defined as "sex outside of God's covenantal marriage." Part Seven properly named Antichrist Superstars shows those artists who are epistemologically self-conscious of their rebellion and hatred of the Lord Jesus. Included Marilyn Manson, Korn, Insane Clown Posse, Tori Ames and many others. Part Eight titled Knocking at Heaven's Door is a call to our culture to wakeup before there is nothing left. Mr. Holmberg gives a clear presentation of the gospel and further explains that it is the duty of Christians to "bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" including the arts. Mr. Holmberg explains his purpose- "First and foremost, this presentation was created to explode the lies of 'the world, the flesh, and the devil' and present the gospel of the Kingdom of God to those yet in darkness and second to convict those who claim to be members of God's household but who feed from the trough of pop culture." After watching this well presented, thoroughly documented video, I am compelled to give it "two thumbs up". A set can be purchased from Reel to Real for $69.95 plus shipping. (To order, call toll free 877-701-9279.)
Left Behind One of my favorite intellectual debates centers around this question- is bad beer better than no beer? A corollary is this, "Is free bad beer better than good beer?" One step removed from this question is the question brought to the fore when my dear wife called me from Books a Million asking, "They're giving away copies of Left Behind. Do you want me to get you one?" For a moment I puzzled over this. For a while John Walvoord's little book, Armegeddon, Oil, and the Middle East was selling for a dollar a case. Someone had judged badly on the demand for that little exercise in fiction. But Left Behind has sold millions, so why were they giving it away? Like a pusher giving away the first high, they wanted to get me hooked, and then make me buy the rest. This little tome, written by Jerry Jenkins and inspired by Tim LaHaye has sold millions of copies. It is, however, merely the first installment on the end of the world. At least six more have been released, and graced the secular best-seller lists since Left Behind. More are on the way, as the rapture machine just keeps cranking them out. My conclusion, having read the book is this, free bad books certainly warrant a taste. But I won't be buying any more. The sheer folly of the eisegesis that inspired this book and the others is only surpassed by the inanity of the writing. Jenkins did not cover bad eschatology with good writing, but with bad writing. We are, I expect, supposed to be engrossed in thinking over the staggering human toll of the sudden disappearance of millions of believers. We are supposed to have our hearts torn by husbands whose faithful wives have disappeared, and pastors who have lost their congregations. We are supposed to also watch in breathless fear as the anti-Christ maneuvers himself into a position of power. Will Kirk Cameron fall under his spell? (Sorry, I haven't seen the movie, but sadly already had the image of the smug Mike Seaver in the role of the hero etched in my mind.) What we end up with is less a movie and more a tour of a museum, being led around by the nose, and having assorted cardboard cutouts explained to us. What kept me reading was wondering how bad, the book, not the make-believe scenario, could get. That's not much of an endorsement. Bad eschatology and bad writing are not the unforgivable sin, and so I believe
I will see both Jenkins and LaHaye not at the rapture, but at the marriage feast
of the Lamb. And I'm sure we will share a good laugh at this silliness. But
for now I think these guys should be repenting all the way to the bank. Leave
this one behind, because it cost me more than money- my time, and my easy-going,
genial, demeanor. Read instead the latest installment, this time from our friends
at Canon Press, Right Behind. It, I'm sure, like a truly fine ale, will
be worth whatever it costs. |
