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Calling Evil Good: The Lie of "Christian" Rock and Roll
Contemporary Christian music-it is the innovation of the hour in our age of church history. It has taken the Bible believing church by storm. When a fundamental church institutes CCM as it’s musical style, it always moves into the new evangelical hemisphere. Where CCM comes, new evangelicalism follows, as certainly as the tail follows the dog. Reverent worship disappears, sound doctrine declines, and the holy living is despised. Why does this happen? This wonderfully written book will give you the answer. Missionary Spencer Smith confronts the issues with a loving approach that instructs the reader on public and private Biblical standards concerning music. In his research, he even met many CCM “artists” that reinforce the case being presented and many of those stories are laid out for you. Although our world may be changing and many church services have become similar to that of a circus, God has not left us without a musical blueprint to practice. Although some may attempt to muddy the waters, this book washes away all the filth, so that we might see Jesus. This excellent volume should be read, reread, and applied. Brian R. Jackson, Senior Pastor, Broadway Baptist Church
135 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 21, 2024
I knew what I was getting into when I read this book. I have watched all of the Third Adam films found on YouTube and wanted to know more about the musical aspect of things. I will admit that it didn't go where I was expecting it to, it went much deeper than that.
The origin of where Rock and Roll came from was a page turned and I had no idea where R&B actually came from. Only that when I looked at music through genre most pop songs came under that category - it makes no difference to me since I don't listen to that kind of music. I can honestly say that I think the newest artist that I know of is Billie Eilish and it is safe to say that she is no Gospel Artist.
The book lays a foundation of what this music is and where it originates from which makes this entire journey seems less radicle than the world makes it out to be. I know that for me personally I remember when I was younger that often people sarcastically referred to any music that wasn't a hymn as 'devil music' much like how we say 'Karen' today. Which is why when I first started this thought process into how much music really does effect us. The best my mind could come up with was not to listen to music with curse words or blatant fornication, I guess my mind justified 'polite sin' that was hidden or wrapped up in words that made it catchy and not all that noticeable, it wasn't until third Adam and LEDstudios that whenever I listened to music or shows I was genuinely uncomfortable or just bothered by it. If you have those feelings, this book will answer the questions you have to why you feel this way, IT ALL MAKES SENSE!!
I also enjoyed Spencer's interviews with the christian band members because the way they claimed to have been saved were all feelings and experiences which is what christian conventions like Ignite Youth Group, Bethel, Hillsong - that's what they do. And for the longest time, I had though that I was saved but like Spencer still felt guilty, but that's because the people we listen to as 'christian' youth are listening to leaders that still think that way, or like Spencer said have failed in the secular world and don't' actually care about sound doctrine in their lyrics.
There is a lot that was unpacked in this read and laid out for you and to the point. but the reason why I took off one start was for two reasons. The first reason is because of the formatting and the grammar. There were a few missed errors and the general format of the book was odd and made it hard to read sometimes. There are a lot of direct quotes that are given context but are introduced in an odd format so you do not know that it is a quote until a few words in and then have to start that sentence over. This happened with almost every verse or quote that was given, not to mention that some of the verses that were mention in the bulk of the book were listed but not written out which was a bit annoying since I would have liked to have read the verse that was being referred to so that I could make a further connection to what Spencer was saying instead of stopping and putting the book I am reading down to go into my Bible to find it or just skipping over it entirely and make a mental note to check later when I knew that I will forget to do it once I read another five pages or so.
The second reason was because of the KJV only-est position. Although I read between KJV and NKJV primarily, I don't think it is accurate to say that only the KJV Bible is worthy of reading. Mike Winger brings up some excellent points on the subject. One of the biggest reasons why it bothered me was because of a point that was made about destiny's child that the words destiny was in all these other translations but not the KJV and the destiny's child name was a sign from God. The implication is that 1) it couldn't have been inspired by God because look at where they are now. and 2) it is interesting that every version except the KJV has this word Destiny. When in reality KJV is just a better English that is older but doesn't make other translations not worth reading. I think that is a borderline dangerous thing to teach someone who is new to the faith and are given the rule that they can only go to church that reads KJV and only read KJV when a simpler version might be better for someone reading the Bible their first time around.
Those were my thoughts on the book, I did find it enjoyable and would recommend to people. What I want to think more about is who Satan is and what tricks he is pulling to bring mankind down with him so that you (we) can watch out for those things, music is a great place to start and this book gives a phenomenal foundation in your studies of that.
The origin of where Rock and Roll came from was a page turned and I had no idea where R&B actually came from. Only that when I looked at music through genre most pop songs came under that category - it makes no difference to me since I don't listen to that kind of music. I can honestly say that I think the newest artist that I know of is Billie Eilish and it is safe to say that she is no Gospel Artist.
The book lays a foundation of what this music is and where it originates from which makes this entire journey seems less radicle than the world makes it out to be. I know that for me personally I remember when I was younger that often people sarcastically referred to any music that wasn't a hymn as 'devil music' much like how we say 'Karen' today. Which is why when I first started this thought process into how much music really does effect us. The best my mind could come up with was not to listen to music with curse words or blatant fornication, I guess my mind justified 'polite sin' that was hidden or wrapped up in words that made it catchy and not all that noticeable, it wasn't until third Adam and LEDstudios that whenever I listened to music or shows I was genuinely uncomfortable or just bothered by it. If you have those feelings, this book will answer the questions you have to why you feel this way, IT ALL MAKES SENSE!!
I also enjoyed Spencer's interviews with the christian band members because the way they claimed to have been saved were all feelings and experiences which is what christian conventions like Ignite Youth Group, Bethel, Hillsong - that's what they do. And for the longest time, I had though that I was saved but like Spencer still felt guilty, but that's because the people we listen to as 'christian' youth are listening to leaders that still think that way, or like Spencer said have failed in the secular world and don't' actually care about sound doctrine in their lyrics.
There is a lot that was unpacked in this read and laid out for you and to the point. but the reason why I took off one start was for two reasons. The first reason is because of the formatting and the grammar. There were a few missed errors and the general format of the book was odd and made it hard to read sometimes. There are a lot of direct quotes that are given context but are introduced in an odd format so you do not know that it is a quote until a few words in and then have to start that sentence over. This happened with almost every verse or quote that was given, not to mention that some of the verses that were mention in the bulk of the book were listed but not written out which was a bit annoying since I would have liked to have read the verse that was being referred to so that I could make a further connection to what Spencer was saying instead of stopping and putting the book I am reading down to go into my Bible to find it or just skipping over it entirely and make a mental note to check later when I knew that I will forget to do it once I read another five pages or so.
The second reason was because of the KJV only-est position. Although I read between KJV and NKJV primarily, I don't think it is accurate to say that only the KJV Bible is worthy of reading. Mike Winger brings up some excellent points on the subject. One of the biggest reasons why it bothered me was because of a point that was made about destiny's child that the words destiny was in all these other translations but not the KJV and the destiny's child name was a sign from God. The implication is that 1) it couldn't have been inspired by God because look at where they are now. and 2) it is interesting that every version except the KJV has this word Destiny. When in reality KJV is just a better English that is older but doesn't make other translations not worth reading. I think that is a borderline dangerous thing to teach someone who is new to the faith and are given the rule that they can only go to church that reads KJV and only read KJV when a simpler version might be better for someone reading the Bible their first time around.
Those were my thoughts on the book, I did find it enjoyable and would recommend to people. What I want to think more about is who Satan is and what tricks he is pulling to bring mankind down with him so that you (we) can watch out for those things, music is a great place to start and this book gives a phenomenal foundation in your studies of that.
September 23, 2020
Thought provoking and enjoyable read
This book made me question some deep things concerning my walk with the Lord and the music we play and the purpose of that music to Glorify the Lord rather than simply to satisfy our fleshly desires. It was also an enjoyable, easy read that made me chuckle quite a few times at the obsurdity of the world and so called "Christian Rock" artists. Great book Spencer! Keep up the good work serving our Lord!
This book made me question some deep things concerning my walk with the Lord and the music we play and the purpose of that music to Glorify the Lord rather than simply to satisfy our fleshly desires. It was also an enjoyable, easy read that made me chuckle quite a few times at the obsurdity of the world and so called "Christian Rock" artists. Great book Spencer! Keep up the good work serving our Lord!
July 19, 2020
Long Overdue
Thank you my dear Brother for speaking the truth in love! This truth needs to be shared in every hamlet from coast to coast. The church of the living God seems to have been infiltrated through the deception of the "Christian Rock" oxymoron, rendering the church both Holy Spirit powerless and passion-less. Thank you Brother Spencer, for following the leading of the Holy Spirit to pen the words of this book. Agape!
Thank you my dear Brother for speaking the truth in love! This truth needs to be shared in every hamlet from coast to coast. The church of the living God seems to have been infiltrated through the deception of the "Christian Rock" oxymoron, rendering the church both Holy Spirit powerless and passion-less. Thank you Brother Spencer, for following the leading of the Holy Spirit to pen the words of this book. Agape!
February 15, 2022
Best book I ever read, this should be read by every Christian. Many of us have been lied to!
February 11, 2023
Good Read!
This is a good concise book I just wanted it to be longer! Thank you Spencer Smith for writing it.
This is a good concise book I just wanted it to be longer! Thank you Spencer Smith for writing it.
February 14, 2025
This book is very informative in my opinion. Smith not only gives you examples of people and songs, he also gives scripture to back up what he is saying. As a newer believer I found it very informative without being long winded. Good book to read during your lunch break because the chapters are short and he gets straight to the point without you feeling whiplash.
I will say if you don’t want to hear honesty then do not read this. This is not someone who is going to spoon feed you that “everyone is going to heaven because God loves all” this isn’t “doing good deeds means you are a good person.” This is Bible based with no apologies. If you don’t want to hear honesty then go buy a Joel Olsteen or Joseph Prince book.
I will say if you don’t want to hear honesty then do not read this. This is not someone who is going to spoon feed you that “everyone is going to heaven because God loves all” this isn’t “doing good deeds means you are a good person.” This is Bible based with no apologies. If you don’t want to hear honesty then go buy a Joel Olsteen or Joseph Prince book.
November 26, 2020
Great book
This book is a timely summary of Christian Rock and Roll music. When I listen to music, I would much rather hear the old hymns with a message that Jesus is Risen and wants to be your Friend, Savior and Restorer. When I listen to Christian Rock and Roll, I agree with the Author that there is very little substance in these songs. Christian Rock and Roll??no thanks...It's Rock of Ages for me.
This book is a timely summary of Christian Rock and Roll music. When I listen to music, I would much rather hear the old hymns with a message that Jesus is Risen and wants to be your Friend, Savior and Restorer. When I listen to Christian Rock and Roll, I agree with the Author that there is very little substance in these songs. Christian Rock and Roll??no thanks...It's Rock of Ages for me.
September 12, 2023
I just finished reading this book. Was shocked by the interviews of so called Christians. Prefer the old hymns and not into Christian rock. I go to an independent Baptist church, sing the old hymns and use the KJV. Thankful to my pastor who preaches the Word of God. Thank you missionary Spencer Smith for this book. Getting ready to read "Doctrine Matter".
September 30, 2020
The best ever books on the subject on Christian rock
Well done Brother Spencer. I agree totally with you on this subject. This is the best book on Christian rock and roll. It's a must read.
Well done Brother Spencer. I agree totally with you on this subject. This is the best book on Christian rock and roll. It's a must read.
February 16, 2025
Calling Evil Good
Very good read, like to see an up to date version. This "contemporary Christian" music is seeping into all churches it seems. I don't think its a good thing. And its harmful to the next generation.
Very good read, like to see an up to date version. This "contemporary Christian" music is seeping into all churches it seems. I don't think its a good thing. And its harmful to the next generation.
September 9, 2020
Wonderful book
It was very informative and helped me in my walk with God. I praise God for putting it on the author's heart to write this much needed book.
It was very informative and helped me in my walk with God. I praise God for putting it on the author's heart to write this much needed book.
November 6, 2020
It’s good
It a true eye opener for the music industry. The rock and roll Industry is very bad to listen to
It a true eye opener for the music industry. The rock and roll Industry is very bad to listen to
March 18, 2024
Interesting take on todays Christian music and musicians
July 9, 2020
Lots of Bible and plenty of Quoted lyrics
Spencer gives a good insight what’s really going on with so called Christian music. I can not agree with his form of Christianity but I liked the book. It’s well written and his personal experiences add weight to the account.
Spencer gives a good insight what’s really going on with so called Christian music. I can not agree with his form of Christianity but I liked the book. It’s well written and his personal experiences add weight to the account.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews