Faith, God, and Rock & Roll: How People of Faith Are Transforming American Popular Music

In this follow-up to his book "The Rock and Roll Rebellion", author Mark Joseph profiles many of the popular (and some not-so-popular) artists in the mainstream music industry who haven't shied away from sharing their faith through their music, but haven't necessarily clubbed people over the head with it, either. This book was first published in 2003, so it's missing some obvious artists from the current music scene who should probably be included in a subsequent edition (Neal Morse, Flyleaf, Skillet, etc.). It's my hope that the author will consider releasing such an updated edition at some point in the future. The artists who are profiled include Creed, 12 Stones, Lenny Kravitz, Destiny's Child, Gary Cherone (Extreme/Van Halen), Kendall Payne, Jars of Clay, Lifehouse, Kirk Franklin, and many more. This book, rather than rehashing too much of the content from the first book, focuses more on telling the stories of artists who have personified the ideals of the first book in their musical careers by refusing to be relegated to the halls of "Christian Rock", but have also refused to totally check their faith at the door. It's a very insightful and entertaining read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who's a musician or music fan who has ever pondered the question of "sacred vs. secular" when it comes to the music industry.

Mark Joseph wrote a book with one point in mind: Christians, particularly in the music world, should be salt and light to the world, rather than insulating themselves in the church/Christian realm. He has included brief biographies of many well known musicians - U2, Alice Cooper, Lenny Kravitz, Lifehouse, Jars of Clay, Gary Cherone (of Extreme and Van Halen fame), Lauryn Hill, and more, to show us that it is possible, even desirable, for Christian musicians to infuse the popular culture with subtle messages of hope and love. I enjoyed reading all these profiles, which included many musicians' views on faith. However, I have a few objections to the book. 1) The thesis, while in part true, ignores one major consideration. Just as in the church, there needs to be preaching (witnessing/introduction of the gospel) and teaching (education for those who already believe), so too is there a need for Christian musicians in the secular realm, and others to remain in the "CCM" world. Joseph seems to be criticizing musicians for not venturing out into the world, and being satisfied with the bubble they are living in. I, however, applaud musicians who recognize the need to minister to those who already believe, and remain in the CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) scene. 2) As far as writing itself goes, Mark Joseph is average, at best. I did not want to keep on reading because of the writing style, but rather because of the musicians he featured towards the end (Dashboard Confessional and U2, to name a few). I tolerated the chapters that focused on musicians I didn't know, simply because I wanted to be more informed. I was sorely tempted to just skip them over, though. Anyways, this book is not anyone's attempt at Pulitzer Prize-winning literature. Joseph is writing this because of his love of rock music, and as a gift to others who love it like he does. Definitely an enjoyable read, though it does not necessary merit a second perusing.

It was pretty good. I would also include more even testimony of failure, for this reason. If you paint a picture that everything is perfect, and leave out what is not, you could be seen as being willing to omit details to make your point. This is a flaw that is recognizable in different cults. But, if you lay out everything exactly as it is, it is much more difficult to deny that there is something of value in the testimony of the ones who were successful in living for Christ. Like, the Bible includes Saul, Judas and Demas, alongside Peter, Paul and David. But, insdead of Saul and Judas and Demas discrediting God, they prove the value of what Peter, Paul and David really had in God.

Mark Joseph excels as a writer! The content and selected persons and details that he uses in Faith, God and Rock

This book is just cool. Loved it. Joseph does a great job of telling many stories that would have never been heard.. If you're a follower of God and a rock' n' roll fan, read this book.