Any Switchfoot fans?

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I looked on their website and Facebook page and there is nothing that mentions Jesus Christ at all????

Are you all sure they are Christian or just another hard rock group?

Yes, they definitely have faith. This is a quote from Wikipedia:

Switchfoot is often referred to as a "Christian band", mostly due to their continued involvement with the Christian rock scene. The band has always philosophically disagreed with this label: "For us, it's a faith, not a genre", says Jon Foreman. "We've always been very open and honest about where the songs are coming from. For us, these songs are for everyone. Calling us 'Christian rock' tends to be a box that closes some people out and excludes them. And that's not what we're trying to do. Music has always opened my mind—and that's what we want".[47] They distribute their music directly to Christian markets, and play larger Christian festivals. Foreman's lyrics steer clear of preachiness, exclusive declarations of faith, or even any mention of Jesus Christ, instead questioning the status quo, probing existential issues through "Socratic dialogue"[48] in which he answers questions with more questions, exploring frustrations, or simply being inspirational. This approach has resulted in Switchfoot sometimes being described as a "thinking person's" band.[49][50] Foreman's poetry is acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its heartfelt honesty, which is evident in his appraisal of the human condition, and in his willingness to not just embrace his faith, but to express doubt as well. "As a musician I guess the only thing I would ask from a listener is to put the CD in, close your eyes and forget about all the peripherals," says Foreman. "I guess that's a dream that may not happen in my lifetime, but I listen to music from all sorts of people and I think there is an open-minded individual who will be able to listen to music of all types."[51] Though they hold this position, they have not alienated their Christian fans. As in their indie days, they are still distributed to Christian retail outlets through Sparrow Records, featured on Christian radio and charts, and presented Dove Awards, even after having been signed to the mainstream Columbia Records. "[Signing to Columbia was] a realization of something that we'd wanted to be from the beginning," Foreman explains. "When we were signed to re:think Records [an indie label], the goal was to get the music out to everybody. [But] when Sparrow [a Christian label] bought re:think Records, it was evident that our music wasn't going to be in the hands of everybody. As a Christian, I have a lot to say within the walls of the church. But also, as a Christian, I've got a lot to say just about life in general ... So to be able to be on Columbia and on Sparrow felt like the realization of the two sides of what we had to say. It's a dream come true to be able to have songs that are outside of the box."[52]
Following the release of The Beautiful Letdown, the band temporarily stopped playing at Christian festivals and doing interviews with Christian based organizations, as they found the speculation about their faith to be distracting from the music. Three years later, Switchfoot began going back on this policy, headlining at large Christian-based music festivals, and agreeing to be featured on the June 2006 cover of CCM Magazine,[53] after declining the opportunity for years.[54] Yet in many ways they used the opportunity to describe their split from the CCM industry. This has caused some, such as Spin writer Andrew Beaujon, to take the view that "their lyrics often have two different meanings, one meaning for a Christian audience and one meaning for the rest of us. They try to relate to two different groups of people at once".


They are using the influence of their faith to those outside the faith. And, doing a great job of it, in my opinion.

[ChTatum]

skillet fan here as well.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by notofworks

Yes, they definitely have faith. This is a quote from Wikipedia:

Switchfoot is often referred to as a "Christian band", mostly due to their continued involvement with the Christian rock scene. The band has always philosophically disagreed with this label: "For us, it's a faith, not a genre", says Jon Foreman. "We've always been very open and honest about where the songs are coming from. For us, these songs are for everyone. Calling us 'Christian rock' tends to be a box that closes some people out and excludes them. And that's not what we're trying to do. Music has always opened my mind—and that's what we want".[47] They distribute their music directly to Christian markets, and play larger Christian festivals. Foreman's lyrics steer clear of preachiness, exclusive declarations of faith, or even any mention of Jesus Christ, instead questioning the status quo, probing existential issues through "Socratic dialogue"[48] in which he answers questions with more questions, exploring frustrations, or simply being inspirational. This approach has resulted in Switchfoot sometimes being described as a "thinking person's" band.[49][50] Foreman's poetry is acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its heartfelt honesty, which is evident in his appraisal of the human condition, and in his willingness to not just embrace his faith, but to express doubt as well. "As a musician I guess the only thing I would ask from a listener is to put the CD in, close your eyes and forget about all the peripherals," says Foreman. "I guess that's a dream that may not happen in my lifetime, but I listen to music from all sorts of people and I think there is an open-minded individual who will be able to listen to music of all types."[51] Though they hold this position, they have not alienated their Christian fans. As in their indie days, they are still distributed to Christian retail outlets through Sparrow Records, featured on Christian radio and charts, and presented Dove Awards, even after having been signed to the mainstream Columbia Records. "[Signing to Columbia was] a realization of something that we'd wanted to be from the beginning," Foreman explains. "When we were signed to re:think Records [an indie label], the goal was to get the music out to everybody. [But] when Sparrow [a Christian label] bought re:think Records, it was evident that our music wasn't going to be in the hands of everybody. As a Christian, I have a lot to say within the walls of the church. But also, as a Christian, I've got a lot to say just about life in general ... So to be able to be on Columbia and on Sparrow felt like the realization of the two sides of what we had to say. It's a dream come true to be able to have songs that are outside of the box."[52]
Following the release of The Beautiful Letdown, the band temporarily stopped playing at Christian festivals and doing interviews with Christian based organizations, as they found the speculation about their faith to be distracting from the music. Three years later, Switchfoot began going back on this policy, headlining at large Christian-based music festivals, and agreeing to be featured on the June 2006 cover of CCM Magazine,[53] after declining the opportunity for years.[54] Yet in many ways they used the opportunity to describe their split from the CCM industry. This has caused some, such as Spin writer Andrew Beaujon, to take the view that "their lyrics often have two different meanings, one meaning for a Christian audience and one meaning for the rest of us. They try to relate to two different groups of people at once".


They are using the influence of their faith to those outside the faith. And, doing a great job of it, in my opinion.

I have a problem with this approach if what they want to do is win the lost. If they want to get people to think about life more deeply, then that's one thing, but that is certainly not the most important thing in a Christian's life. Our life should center around Christ. Why shouldn't our songs?

How can you win the lost to Christ without identifying yourself with Christ? What's up with secret faith? I don't recall Christ saying keep your faith to yourself, don't tell anyone, hide your candle....etc.

[ChTatum]

I don't think switchfoot is trying to hide their faith. They are just doing instead of proclaiming.

[ForeverBlessed]

Originally Posted by ChTatum

I don't think switchfoot is trying to hide their faith. They are just doing instead of proclaiming.

I agree with that.

Today we have a generation of young people that are totally unchurched. They do not want anything to do with “grandma’s faith” as they do not believe those fairy tales or they want nothing to do with what they feel is a God of judgement.

It has been very hard for me to accept, and slowly but surely I have peered outside my box because my daughters have made me…. but today many, many young people are either agnostic or atheist. It think the area you live in will make a difference but many have not been brought up going to church as their parents rebelled against religion. The drugs, the alcohol and the sexual lifestyle continues to amaze me as my kids tell all.

I believe that many of this generation will be won for Christ… but the old methods will not work, there has to be some way to reach them with the very basics.. and let God do the rest.

I have to say my girls have been challenged of their faith in God. What got Elaine into the word of God for herself was having to defend her belief that there even was a God. She was challenged and she kept coming to me and saying “did you know that this scripture and this verse has been taken and taught out of context?”…. *sigh* Yep, and now you know why I insist you read it for yourself.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by ChTatum

I don't think switchfoot is trying to hide their faith. They are just doing instead of proclaiming.

The one place I find this in the Bible is that a wife might win her husband without the word BUT I highly doubt that the husband does not know that his wife is not a Christian.

Jesus told the disciples to confess Him before men. Does being the light of the world mean only acting like Christ but never speaking the name of Christ? I'm not seeing that in the acts of the apostles.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

The one place I find this in the Bible is that a wife might win her husband without the word BUT I highly doubt that the husband does not know that his wife is not a Christian.

Jesus told the disciples to confess Him before men. Does being the light of the world mean only acting like Christ but never speaking the name of Christ? I'm not seeing that in the acts of the apostles.

I think you are missing the point Miz. They have stated that they are Christian in no uncertain terms, produce music that is incredibly inspirational, and do good works on a regular basis. But they do not want the band to classified as a Christian band, because in doing so, they automatically close themselves off to a segment of society. They don't need to have a mission statement on their webpage to be an effective witness. You cannot listen to their music or watch their actions and have any question about their belief system. Did you go to the link I listed earlier on the thread, to an article written by Jon Foreman (lead singer.)

I have numerous people that I interact with daily that know that I am a Christian, I don't know that it has come in conversation more than once. I don't feel ashamed that I am not being a witness to them, I am confident through my actions that I am indeed being one. Occasionally one of the girls that I get my coffee from will mention that they are going through a tough time, I will tell them I am praying for them and ask if there is anything I can do to help. They know that I am there for them if they need me, what more do you think a Christian witness is supposed to be? I don't think most people are influenced by our declarations of faith, most are influenced by us living our faith.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by dizzyde

I think you are missing the point Miz. They have stated that they are Christian in no uncertain terms, produce music that is incredibly inspirational, and do good works on a regular basis. But they do not want the band to classified as a Christian band, because in doing so, they automatically close themselves off to a segment of society. They don't need to have a mission statement on their webpage to be an effective witness. You cannot listen to their music or watch their actions and have any question about their belief system. Did you go to the link I listed earlier on the thread, to an article written by Jon Foreman (lead singer.)

I have numerous people that I interact with daily that know that I am a Christian, I don't know that it has come in conversation more than once. I don't feel ashamed that I am not being a witness to them, I am confident through my actions that I am indeed being one. Occasionally one of the girls that I get my coffee from will mention that they are going through a tough time, I will tell them I am praying for them and ask if there is anything I can do to help. They know that I am there for them if they need me, what more do you think a Christian witness is supposed to be? I don't think most people are influenced by our declarations of faith, most are influenced by us living our faith.

I think this is similar to being a painter, or a plumber, or a seamstress. You don't necessarily have to put it on your sign that you're a Christian. But your daily life and witness will show that you are.

[ChTatum]

"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
St Francis of Assisi

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I think this is similar to being a painter, or a plumber, or a seamstress. You don't necessarily have to put it on your sign that you're a Christian. But your daily life and witness will show that you are.

Originally Posted by ChTatum

"Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
St Francis of Assisi

Exactly!