Gunshot fi di Devil
By Andrew Wildes | 
27 responses
“A some big bible we a run out pon dem
Scripture Rifle we a done out pon dem!!!
Gun shot fi the devil, Mek him marrow fly!
Stab him in him neck., dig out him yieee
We naw tek nuh chat fi buss bible gun…”
(Reggae Gospel Song of the Future )
Were you at Genesis 2008 in the Jamaica’s national stadium parking lot?
Oh what a great thing you missed! Imagine in a country so racked with violence and close to 1600 people being violently murdered every year, professing Christians still had free enough consciences to gather and rise their old rusty machines to the “Glory of God!”
Oh it was wonderful to see Prodigal Son, Gospel Reggae’s man of the hour and the focus of too many of the “industry’s” controversies, run out in his full black combat gear like Renato Adams and BUSS it! BUSS it! Pon Satan.
What an exciting night it was! People even started lighting torches – you know when they
light matches and then spray the Bagon on it until a massive fire warms the sky and endangers everyone around! Yes, what a wonderful night of guns and glorious lawlessness. I can just see Jesus smiling.
That’s enough sarcasm – my intent is not to offend or hurt and so I’ll end that, but I must say what I am about to say.
“Spiritual warfare” can never justify what happened at Genesis 2008. This issue should have been touched from Dj Nicholas’ Pop-off –the- Word, and his Naw Go Miss. It should have been touched from St. Matthew started to talk about Street Disciples rising Spiritual Rifles! It should’ve been touched from Gameliel turned the Holy Spirit into some viscous monster who was “boxing” people – but you see at all those places (except probably Gameliel’s song) the gun motif was subtler and so we came to overlook it.
We should have addressed our stand established boundaries then, for probably it would’ve prevent this. The more violent secular Dancehall becomes, the more violent Gospel Dancehall ministers become, and there is no distinction.
It leads us to wonder if our gross indifference as “Christians” towards the staggering murder rate is in anyway related to the ease with which we can go from normal bible-in-hand saints to crude - even cruel - even carnally sounding and excessively violent people.
We wonder if the appalling spiritual state of our churches, our nation and our lives as Christians in Jamaica today, especially in comparison to the lives of many in different cultures and generations before us has anything to do with how little we actually know about spiritual warfare (despite all the carnal gun bussing at Gospel shows)? Could have anything to do with how we have reduced an eternally great issue, to dance moves and pretend gun fire, while not communicating with as much fervor what true spiritual warfare entails?
The indictment against the Dancehall (Gospel too) is hype of substance, and if that is a path taken by Christian ministers we are in trouble.
I’ll address the issue more in-depth in the future and you should start developing your Views on the issue. Gospel Reggae today which has from its beginning been so embroiled in controversy is now becoming like a heavy burden on many of its loyal supporters who just don’t care to bear its increasing burden anymore; that because the issues are becoming too complex - But we can’t afford to lose it because some abuse it.
January 12th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I know we have to take every thought captive and really use the current context to turn people to Christ but bwoy oh bwoy i dont know… bung bang fi di devil… bullet bullet?!! Yes its a metaphor but do we know how to or endeavour to engage in real spiritual warfare? We should. We cant just be singing and don’t even know how to wrestle in prayer!
January 12th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
You saw that statistic 1600!1600 people and still we having gun lyrics in church.I hate gun lyrics I hate them. I hate anything that propogates violence, becasue Music has a way of slowly breaking down walls of morals. Thats why kids in schools can slash one another to death because of violence in songs. Hello, yea spiritual warfare I’ m all for that, but what about declaring scripture, when did that ever not work.A key point to note too a bible in yoour hand is just as good as any random piece of paper- it cyaan kill more dan fly!An open bible in your heart, with you giving Satan all the verses necessary for real spiritual victory, yes, oh yes thats what Satan responds too. Let us wise up saints, and look at how the walls of demarcation with holy and unholy is seemingly absent. It begins at guns now, what? ten years from now is it going to be some sex argument? please people of God! please
January 12th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Man when I saw that I was shocked. I could not believe that a Gospel minister was ACTUALLY wearing a bullet proof vest or whatever it was, I could not believe it as it represented “badness” and the culture that I thought we should be countering.
It’s really sad because as my friend said to me the other the Gospel dancehall that we defended so much in the past has basically supported what was previosuly said.
It grieves my heart to see the Gospel industry become so secularized. I don’t want to bash anyone as I know there is a lot of that going on but it hurts to know that these are the things that many youths get excited about.
When someone goes from “I wish them woulda dun the slackness” to the aforementioned lyrics…its surprising and sad. But what really has to happen is as the saints we have to really really begin to intercede for the artistes of our industry. I don’t mean a two pence prayer, I mean some intense prayer because chatting not getting us anywhere. I just encouraging everyone (including myself) to PRAY PRAY PRAY…INTERCEDE INTERCEDE and repent on behalf of our artistes ask God to reveal to them whatever it is that they are doing that is contrary to the scripture. And that they remember why they began doing this in the first place.
It not easy being in the spotlight, it hard not to try and make your Music sell when you have to support a family and all that and by NOOO means am I supporting those things but they need prayer backatives and as the saints of God, as brothers and sisters in Christ we need to do A LOT more interceding for our siblings…..
January 13th, 2008 at 4:45 am
I am of the conviction that we cannot ‘beat up’ the devil or such like, I recall Daniel waiting on the ARCH ANGEL who was delayed by the prince of persia (satan). I also recall God asking satan where he had been and he said roming the earth looking for whom he may devour. Our BATTLE is with OUR flesh. The day you sin no more is the day you can start chuck it with satan. If you bind him, how long is he bound for? No, I believe by keeping every thought captive and wearing the armour of God we may RESIST the devil and he will flee, but the focus is wrong when we start talk bout shot him etc. I had this issue with several artists who agreed to voice dub plates for HMSS and I told them do not sing about beat up the devil etc and they got offended. I think tradition teaches the church that we have power over satan to bind him and ruf him up. This is incorrect teaching. So I dont fling rock after anyone BUT I pray for them that they are enlightened by the Truth. The same ting go’s for the prosperity teaching and other false teaching.
In regards to the over excitement, well I come from the dancehall into church (Praise God) and in MOST churches I see the same ting going on, in the dancehall we would create a hype by what we play and say and when we play and say it, we would get people doing all kinda madnes by the hype. I see in churches the pastors doing the same ting using the same methods, creating hype and then blowing on people or tuching their heads and people falling over shaking and ting. The Holy Spirit is a spirit of order, however we are humans with emotions and in context nuttin nah wrong with emotions, when I play sound i get hype like fire links or who ever and i worship God, it encourages me when the crowd get hype as well, BUT all in an apropriate manner.
January 14th, 2008 at 6:55 am
On this particular issue I personally think we should pray more and talk less….:$:$…I have been going to a prayer conference recently and there was a scripture that really stood out to me that I felt could definitley be related to this issue.
Acts 12:5- “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. ”
Now even though Peter here did nothing wrong Biblically to be imprisoned there were iron bars preventing him from being “free”, from ministering the Gospel to the lost or doing certain acts for God.
In my opnion, its a similiar not identical but similar situation. The Gospel dancehall industry seems to be in a mess at this particular point in time. Most of these artistes started out with a passion for God and a passion to accomplish His will in their lives and that is why they entered the industry. However, overtime something happened. I believe some are ‘unrepetantly’ in sin and others are just unable to get out and so they both need deliverance.
The verse went on to say “but the church was earnestly praying for Him”. I think that is the part that we, as the church, Christians who appreciate their Music, persons who out of love want to see them be delivered from whatever the issues may be, really need to undertake. We need to conitnually lift these guys up in prayer because that is what can change/transform the situation.
Verse 10 says “They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it.” THIS WAS DONE THROUGH PRAYER!! There is no other way that gates could have opened up on its own BUT by the miraculous power of God.
I am not knocking this particular forum, just trying to encourage others as I encourage myself to intercede on behalf of our brothers so that soon as we continue to pray for them this will not be an issue.
Sorry if it sounds as if I am repeating myself but its something that really really stood out to me and I just thought I should share it….
January 14th, 2008 at 7:13 am
True Joanna.Real true. But Redbeard remember Luke 10:29, Behold I give you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions.So we do attack then enemy, we do, but the treading comes from prayer, much prayer, and using the Word as a Sword.Remember Ephesians 6, speak of the Word as the sword of the Spirit. We are in spiritual warfare for real but as people of God I guess we take it overbooard with all the other connations of war- ozzie, full clip, etc
January 14th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Yo Jo thats an excellent point and I recommend that everyone consider it. I felt the conviction a while back and have been praying for the old and upcoming artistes. I felt especially stirred to pray recently though when thinking about this article and just noting to myself how easy it is to see the problems and become angry, and even merciless, forgetting that it is God that gives us insight into anything we see!
Its easy for many of us to jump on the other extreme and decide not to say anything because we think everything should be prayer forgetting our duty in scripture to expose what is not of God
So right here we seeing a call for BALANCED hearts. We should pray for OURSELVES as we pray for these ministers, that God would let us respond to everyone in love - seeking their good and their growth above punishment and stuff like that.
We have to be hard on truth- unflinching, but gentle. “Speaking the truth in love” as the scripture says.
January 14th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I agree and understand that Andrew….
I agree with exposing the sin but we have to be careful that we don’t go from exposing it to being “accusers of the brethren”/gossipers….because I think sometimes WE cross the line….
January 14th, 2008 at 9:24 am
January 14th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Bwai, oh, bwai! Andrew, you are a wise man! I like what you’ve said, “…how easy it is to see the problems and become angry, and even merciless, forgetting that it is God that gives us insight into anything we see!”
The artists could be “right” and “wrong,” I believe!
To a certain extent they are contextualising - doing precisely what Paul did (eg in Eph 6; 2 Cor 10:5-6; 1Thes 5:8)! A gun to the Jamaican was a sword to the Romans; a bullet-proof vest to the Jamaican was a shield to the Roman soldier! Before you condemn me with the “sword of the Spirit,” sit for a minute or two, and ponder the violent capabilities of the Roman amour which Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, allegorises in Ephesians 6:10ff. What was the sword used for?! Do you envision it slicing hearts, causing blood to gosh violently out of someone’s body as water spews and gushes from a broken pipe? Do you envision how many necks it would cut off, do you envision, how many persons it would make limbless, limping, dead… My point is: do you sense violence? – Are you horrified?! (If you are not aghast, your contemplation is defective!) Do you see dead bodies, do you see, bloody swords, do you see callous hearts, etc…do you see terror?! Hello, the Roman sword was not as modest as a lethal injection. I think most of us have been desensitised to the brutality of the Roman military – our historical distance and or ignorance could be some of the contributing factors for this. Imagine some persons wondering, “Hmmm, yu hear dem Christian de a flash sword and a wear armour fi Jesus?”
Christian military metaphor is not a new phenomenon. The problem is that each metaphor has got its weakness. There are some things about the Christian warfare which makes it similar to the warfare to which it is being compared; there are some things about the Christian warfare which makes it totally dissimilar to the warfare to which it is being compared – thus Paul says “the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons.” The questions one needs to ask are, “What is/are the point/s of comparison? What is its intent? What is the context of this metaphor?
I was not there so I cannot pass a judgement on the event itself. Given our national state of affairs – eg crime, violence, and injustice - I wonder if our Gospel artists are exercising wisdom in their employment of “contemporary” military metaphors. Can’t use traditional metaphors of war – at least they “sound” more humane!
What do we do with songs such as “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Cross,” what so we do with the “Salvation Army”?
One could Write a book on this topic…this is just some quick thoughts… Let’s Discuss the issue more…
January 14th, 2008 at 10:24 am
PS (Mark oye) I’m not condoning what the artists did @ Genesis 2k8! I’m just encouraging us “judge” the matter haphazardly. “Gut feelings”/reactions are not always accurate…perhaps minds need to be informed, and presuppositions/preunderstandings need to be examined and altered in light of faithful study of Scripture – and not our biases/prejudices… (When I first read this article, my gut reaction was “NO.” But why “no”, and on what basis?
January 14th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Hi guys, good to talk scripture, Iron sharpen iron and all that. Georgia, please double back on the chapter of Luke, I would suggest that (reading chapter 1 from verse 1), the Lord APOINTED 70 men and sent them out, AFTER they returned with a good report that even demons were subject to them, he THEN gave THEM authority to trample serpants and scorpians Luke 10:19. Then He went on to warn them dont boast in that fact but rather that your name is written in the book of life. I believe certain things were said to or power given to particular individuals at a given time and we get taught in church that it is for all of us. (Please dont think i am shouting with my capital letters, i dont know how else to enthasise certain words, sorry sis)
In regards to being an acuser of the brethrin, scripture teach us to name those teaching false teaching 2 Timothy 2:17. I am not talking about non esential issues that we might have a differance of opinion on, but as scripture teaches us, furthermore, on a internet site i think we have to be carefull of mentioning brothers and sisters names for tings they dun wrong, as the text is there for ever but they might repent and deal with the issue. Naming big pastors who are blatently teaching foolishnes is a must in my opinion, serious as cancer! Whats your thoughts sis, I know churches teach that we have authority to trample snake etc but in light of scripture i cant agree with it.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Redbread, would you say that the promise that “nothing will hurt you” is only for “particular individuals?” What about the fact that their names “stand written in heaven?”
You are correct in pointing out the context of our Lord’s statement and the persons to whom he addressed it. However, we are faced with a problem - every word in the Bible is addressed to “particular individuals.” Do you think any of its human authors had you or anyone one of us in mind? A question we should ask is this, “How does such and such a text apply to Christians today?” So, how does the Lord’s assurance then of victory over hostility and Satan’s (the enemy) army apply to the community of believers today? Ask similar questions re the “Great Commission.” How does the Lord’s command to his disciples then apply to the community of believers today?
January 14th, 2008 at 11:58 am
ooops….sorry…it’s RedbEARD….MY SINCERE APOLOGIES to you Redbeard…!
January 14th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Hi Bertram, no problem i get called redbread alot also redbird once, lol. its all good. In response, yeah I think we have to be carefull when it comes to specific gifts, to some will be given… etc not everyone and everything at once or on command. I believe the apostles and early church fathers were given specific gifts in order to start the church that do not necessarily apply to all of us now. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 shows us how differant gifts are given to individuals as the Holy Spirit sees fit. to one miracles to another prophecy etc And yes, He was specificly talking to those He was sending out for a particular works. This could also be seen as metaphorically speaking, Barnes commentry reads: ‘Luke 10:19 Lu 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Verse 19. To tread on serpents. Preservation from danger. If you tread on a poisonous reptile that would otherwise injure you, I will keep you from danger. If you go among bitter and malignant enemies that would seek your life, I will preserve you. See Barnes for Mr 16:18.
Scorpions. The scorpion is an animal with eight feet, eight eyes, and a long jointed tail, ending in a pointed weapon or sting. It is found in tropical climates, and seldom exceeds 4 inches in length. Its sting is extremely poisonous, and it is sometimes fatal to life. It is in Scripture the emblem of malicious and crafty men. When rolled up it has some resemblance to an egg,
Lu 12:12 “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Eze 2:6 “And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
. The annexed cut will give an idea of its usual form and appearance.’ END OF QUOTATION
Schools of thought, we know Paul was bitten by a viper and it did not harm him, we also know Paul healed people, can you lay on hands and heal? can I? Only if the gift of healing has been given to us and looking at the scripture that is not all of us. So if a viper bites me i will pray and ask everyone to pray for me, i will have hope that God spares life but by no means demand it or expect it. When faith is built upon such things and someone dies after praying for healing, what happens to your faith?
Love this conversation, holla back fam.
January 14th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I would like to say I agree totally with Joane and with Bertram the answer is prayer and as Bertram mentioned about the armour and weapons during the period of time when the disciples walked the earth, the weren’t puny items. I will say however, that I believe we get too emotional over small things too often neglecting the bigger picture. For goodness sakes do we really believe that wearing a bullet proof vest is going to let christians or other genesis attendees get violent and start killing people? do we believe that the ministers think that wearing a bullet proof vest is the medium for warefare? they are not dumb they do understand that this is done through prayer, that is why they have when the ministers meet to pray and so many other prayer meetings, hence all of this was just metaphoric depicting how as christians we should be militant. why is it everytime the ministers err they must be walking in sin and need to be exposed? where does that leaves us? I know this site is a public site but I do believe that both Steven and Andrew need to look into posting more positive Articles and stop with the tearing down of ministers especially the one in mention are we going to read an article of well the minister did at other Events and how many persons are getting saved? how many schools and homes they visiting to spread light in the darness, how many prisons they are visiting preaching the Gospel? or here is one a post that list the names of the prayer teams assigned to each minister? Guys it is 2008 stop with the beating down of each other, the sarcasm that the writer started out with is most disturbing, how does he or she knows what incites Jesus or what would have him smiling or upset? none of us regardless of how close we are to heaven or God knows what happens in the mind of Christ.
January 14th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Taiye, we do know the mind of Christ, because our spirit -should- be living in us.So…. yea. This is not the site that tears down. We have many uplifting things on the site, but unfortunately people love controversy and so when less that five Articles are written on any hint of controversy, the other hundreds of Articles, interviews, pics, Audio and video songs are overlooked. Scan the site you will see for yourself. We are a site that writes on what is going on. This is going on, and though you may consider us tearing down any one we are simply creating an avenue for discussion. Many individuals are unaware of what is going on in the christian world, like the Gleaner,CVM, TVJ we are media. We have information. In this media though we open up discussions just like the Gleaner with the Letter to the Editor. People pray on leaving the site, I do, alot, so please do not mistake the ministry at work here. My heart goes out for many of the artistes who may seem to do things out of line, I too am christian and fallible so I am not and will not laugh at them, but pray for them.I hope your opinion of the site has been altered.
January 14th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Bertram, though swords were used, it was a metaphor. No one said ”juck satan in his eye’ respect for Satan is clearly pointed out in the Word, mainly Jude. I am not upset with the gun jargon, because the song in itself is fine, is the behavious that followed is my concern.
January 15th, 2008 at 7:08 am
If my use of referring to a particular individual when expressing my concern about the Gospel industry was wrong, I repent and sincerely apologize. I do agree with redbeard when he said we need to be careful about mentioning persons names…so yeh..
January 15th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Yea Joanna and Redbeard is right about name calling, my problem with the site and Georgia and the writer of this article is that names are being called especially it would seem this one artiste in particular, I remember reading the other article that Georgia did last year which left a very bitter taste in my mouth. If this is a ministry and persons are not commenting on the goody goody Articles it would seem to generate some excitement then you guys like the Gleaner, Observer, CVM, X-News and the others have to Write some controversy to get hits, we have to be careful what we call a ministry, how many persons are being saved and delivered through this medium? or by even these sarcastic Articles? I can tell you my Dad is a secular artiste and when he read this article and the other that I pointed out to him about this same artiste he left thinking that Christendom is not the place for him it better him stick to Judgement Yard (Sizzla) if a so dem christian people ya fight the man dem whey a minister to people like him. I am so ashamed, I wonder how many persons who profess to be so concerned about the Gospel artistes behaviour actually email them, call them, talk to them, pray with them not just for them? most of them numbers are public why have you not? I’ll answer because as much as we say we are not like the world and the artistes should not be like the world we all are like the world because we entertain gossip.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Ok, i sat and read, and thought not to comment, but i think I need to(guide ma hands lord). I appreciate the article, and I cant saw that persons should Write Articles, as it is a point of view. However, I like Redbeard, am cognisant of the fact that this is a website, which has many viewers, hence we cant just be mentioning name randomly, and making comments. We must understand that we need to be our brothers keeper, and in so doing if our brother fall, and this can be dependent upon our own believe that he has fallen or has done wrong, we must go to our brother and talk to him bout it, thats what the word says we must do first. Have we?
Did I say i appreciate ther article, yes i did, but on this I was caught by was the fact that theres only one picture seen in the article, why? Is it our intention to target one of our brothers, though many more are mentioned. I wasnt at Genesis(seeing as how that event sparked the writing of the article), but from the pics on this site and others , I never saw anything outta the ordinary. Let me share an experience: Im a dance minister, cause that what I do, and I was to perform at an event one. I had a theme, It was “Warfare”, as at that time, and still, people were being killed by the “dozens” a day. So based on praying on fasting etc, I put together ma dance and ma outfit, which included a bullet proof vest. Now some people would have said how dare me do that, but its wasnt anything physical, i was just giving a physical outlook to a spiritual and biblical thing. The words says we should put on the breastplate of righteousness-i had on a bullet proofvest…..helmet of salvation…wore ma hat (couldnt get a helmet)……i had on ma belt-belt of truth…. i think you get the drift. I wasnt trying to insite violence, but based on the context that it was used it, it was appropriate for such a time.
We are christians, but our weapons arent carnal, plus theres no way we can stand b4 the devil, and kill him, thats not out battle even if we could fight it. However, we should be ready with the word, should ever he try to fool us, or mess with us.
Remember fi use loving words people, and encourage our brothers. When yuh can encourage, pray for them, we are mandated. Most of us will never get the opportunity to affect as many lives as these guys do on a daily basis, so the best we can do is pray for them and as God to guide their feet, mind and their every being.
As Taiye says, and im not trying to side with anyone, email some of these guys, and tell them your concern, theyll respond. I have emailed many of these guys, not cause mi wah mek fren, but they need encouraging words too. I remember once someone said once, ministers minister to people to the glory of God, but who minister’s to the minister.
Thin on these thing, and remember to Love, as how God loves us, and his love is never changing no matter what we do and trust me if yuh check yuhself anno lie.
Blessed Love.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:28 am
People of God, we need to pray. Not just for the artistes, but for those who idolize them as well.
Taiye, thank you for your honesty in saying that Georgia’s article left a bitter taste in your mouth.
Have you ever asked God to show you why this is so? You do realise though that you are being less than honest when you describe this article as ‘entertaining gossip.”? Did they tell a lie on the artiste? No, den is not gossip.
It ought not to be that if someone speaks the truth and we become offended and make accusations without facing the truth ……. truth is truth even if it’s not acknowledged as truth.
We need to bear in mind that is only Jesus Christ saves……..not Articles, not Gospel artistes, not preachers…is Jesus Christ save people. He gave his life…literally….down to the last drop of His blood.
(and Taiye that’s the real reason why your Dad should follow Jesus Christ, and come out of Judgement Yard in the natural and in the spiritual)
And as for the name calling bit…….let’s flip the coin…..if praises were being heaped and no names were called, wouldn’t we accuse FiWiVoice of ‘not giving credit where credit is due?”
Jamaican Christians really need some persecution under wi tail ! I bet if we had to choose ‘long sleeve or short sleeve’ it would be extremely clear to us who and whom we ought to our unwavering support to at all times - di man Christ Jesus!
(Andrew, dis one might run to 66 comments like di one that Georgia did)
January 15th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
wow tnx Souljah..my sentiments exactly…I was reading..sat and thought…and was like ok..no comment..seriously… I would copy and paste the whole thing..but no
SouljaFah Christ says:
Remember fi use loving words people, and encourage our brothers. When yuh can encourage, pray for them, we are mandated. Most of us will never get the opportunity to affect as many lives as these guys do on a daily basis, so the best we can do is pray for them and as God to guide their feet, mind and their every being.
Are these Articles and comments a means to an end? so to speak? I mean we can Write…we can comment til thy kingdom come but…BUT…are they merely thought- provoking, plain controversial…to inspire some serious insight and prayer…for the promoters/’Gospel reggae artistes/ministers’ ( I put that in quotattions because that could be another road- are they just artistes because they make $$$, have managers etc or are they really ‘ministers of the Gospel‘…or both..can they be both?)- back to the road I was going down- is it fine if we Write and comment if a change is not being effected? how do we know a change is coming about? time will tell? or what? seriously…personally if it not reaching the people it supposedly need to reach then…is anything happening? Are the Gospel reggae artistes’ Views required, the production team for Genesis…respected pastors?…bwoy unuh tell me….*exasperated sigh*
As Bertram said:
I was not there so I cannot pass a judgement on the event itself. Given our national state of affairs – eg crime, violence, and injustice - I wonder if our Gospel artists are exercising wisdom in their employment of “contemporary” military metaphors. Can’t use traditional metaphors of war – at least they “sound” more humane!
What do we do with songs such as “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Cross,” what so we do with the “Salvation Army”?
One could Write a book on this topic…this is just some quick thoughts… Let’s Discuss the issue more…
Shall we Discuss more? I disagree…I was there and I still was unaware of most of what took place so I cant even say anything…or even past judgement which none of us are called to do…as a Gospel minister once said to me “Should one really stop to answer all these comments? Seriously? especially if they’r going against what u’ve said and done? at the end of the day…is God yuh really going answer to..so jus mek sure what u’ve said and done line up wit Him..”..not quoting jus summarizing…
my 2cents…& i repeat this could go on and on and on…mayb we should hold a fiwivoice talk session live…lol…
January 15th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I think I’ve written something on this site as a response to the popular notion that we are not called to “judge.” If it has not been posted, it’s somewhere in my computer. But that idea that the Lord is prohibiting judging is SO wrong! Redbeard pointed out the importance of context which is very important for an interpretation of what our Lord was saying – and still says!
Some clarification here… I was referring to further discussion on the issue of the use of Christian military metaphors; I believe we need to Discuss the issue. How do Caribbean Christian youths talk about being soldiers and not give a wrong impression, should we use contemporary military terms to describe our “warfare” or should we stick to the Biblical era, how should we use these terms in cross cultural missions/evangelism, etc, etc, etc…? Given our present global state of affairs, I consider the topic relevant – and very much so…
January 15th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Thats true Bert, thats an issue that could be taken up. Cause as my name says im a SouljaFahChrist, and i believe that I am, and I believe that I have been empowered to tread upon snakes and scorpions, and oh ma weapon is ma B66, filled with biblical and spiritually supernatural clips (just another metaphor, not trying to incite violence). So true Bert, what wording can be use in an ever changing and evolving world!
January 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Lesha…… beyond true..beyond true. Yea Soulja iw onder if its better to use sword than guns. I mean maybe I’m over soft here but people 1600 people died last year.I’m just saying. Maybe the audience is prepared to come out of the era that the bible was written. I’m a dancer too Soulja, and I have camouflage outfits and stuff, and i am loooking forwardto the day I’ll dance with a sword. It just seems safer to me. Yea I love B66, and many other songs that hint to it, but it was the audience at Genesis that I’m worried about. Did they get the point?Did they understand that its really scripture and not bullets are needed for this war?
January 15th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Georgia of course the audience got the picture there was no mention of bullets, the song says and I quote:”the battle hot like a lava ground and a me and me God a come buss scriptures like say me have a gun and me go fast till me meagre down, god man run out run out with your bible inna yuh hand, buss it, buss it pon satan, rept. mi have the bible inna mi right the shield a faith ina mi left han” what exactly are you referring to every soul from babe to granny knew that he was not talking about a physical gun I repeat myself christians are NOT DUMB! My alarm is that if Dancers are always wearibg army fatigues and bullet proof vests as part of their custume why if a minister wears it it is seem as inciting violence obviously Lesha and Georgia has an axe to grind and believe I’m from Portmore so I know this goes beyond having a concern for the minister, this has noting to do with idolizing let’s not go there as I am well able to Discuss that topic at length as it relates the fanfare that I’ve observed. and why not flip the coin is it so bad, to give praises rather than threading upon our own brothers?