Jesus Has Left the Building

Area concert says it all

by Nikki Keener
Music Editor, Catholic Entertainment Connection

She looks in her closet for just the right shirt. The curling iron is heating up while she applies her make up. Tonight is going to be special. Her name is Shirley DiAngelo, and she is but one of many Catholics over sixty who are avid fans of Christian rock concerts.

"Christian rock really gets me going," said DiAngelo. "I can remember when rock music first came out. They called it the devil's music. But I know that only God could make me feel this good."

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music

Some may find it amazing, but many senior citizens like DiAngelo are disregarding the Christian music standards that have been classics for years.

"To tell you the honest to God truth," said Carol Janus, 75, "I can't even hear the stuff they play at mass. I just mouth the words and hope I stop when the music is over. But that Christian rock -- now that I can hear. And it's got a good beat, too. Now that's the honest to God truth."

Other seniors also attest to Janus' insights and even go so far as to say that the music has changed their lives.

"Before I started going to Christian rock concerts I was embarrassed about my hearing loss," said Stan Lorenz, 67. "But when I'm at a concert, I can just take my hearing aid out. I don't need it. I feel like a normal person again, and I've got Christian rock to thank for that."

Hear I am Lord

Sadly, not all seniors are thankful for the Christian music experience, however. One woman is suing Blessed Tabernacle of Akron, Ohio, and the band "Thunder of God", blaming them for her 88 year-old father's loss of hearing.

"Dad was doing just fine before he started following around that Thunder of God group wherever they went. Now I have to ask him two or three times if he wants Jell-O with his dinner."

A spokesperson for Thunder of God said that the man knew what he was getting into when he stood in front of the speakers. "Besides," the spokesperson continued, "[his daughter] could have stopped dropping him off at all the concerts if she really thought they were harmful."

The Courage to Enter the Song

The senior support of Christian rock bands may seem strange to many because the genesis of Christian rock was really a means for young people to praise and worship in their own way.

"At our current concert, there were only perhaps 15 youth and young adults out of the 125 people who showed up," said Fr. John Rizk of St. Gregory's parish, Corunna, Michigan. "I don't know what that means. We've tried to get a teen band together for Masses as well, to no avail."

Radio personality Jeff Swartz from station WWLZ Gary, Indiana, thinks he has the answer to many parishes' problems.

"Rock music, ok, was like a music of revolution," he said. "The Church is like the opposite of revolution. So kids are getting mixed signals. The music is kickin', but the message is outdated. It's like mixing Eminem with Pat Robertson clips. It just doesn't make sense."

Rockin' the Suburbs

It seems that while churches may have to find other ways to convince teens and young adults to get involved, Christian rock has truly struck a chord with the senior set.

"When I saw some of the ushers raising the roof and some of the women from the altar society swaying with lighters, I figured the Second Coming must be near," joked newly ordained associate Fr. Todd Fleming of St. Gregory's. "I guess we'll have to have a dish-to-pass and poker night for the teens. Maybe shuffleboard? Yahtzee? All I know is the seniors sure are taking to heart Jesus' message about becoming like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven. Rock on!"

Copyright 2002-2006 by Nick Popadich
All rights reserved.

Copyright 2002-2006 by Nick Popadich
All rights reserved.