The Great Debate: Secular music vs. Christian music

My friend Steve and I have debated over this subject a few times (always in a civil realm, of course) and many good points (+ opinions) have flown back and forth. His theory is: he only listens to Christian music and will only listen to Christian music stating secular music is not worth listening to. Now as someone who only listens to 1 radio station (Air1) I have no problem with that except (cue suspenseful music)…just because an artist or band doesn’t play Christian music do we assume they are not believers or write inspiring songs as well? Some secular artists might be more of a faithful follower than a Christian artist, but if we refuse to listen to them because they are not labeled as “Christian Artists” who’s in the wrong? My theory is: use your own discretion when you listen to music, if you listen to something that riles you up and makes you want to hurt someone, chances are that’s not the best music for you to be listening to. I think we all need as much positivity in our lives as we can possibly get, but as long as the music doesn’t “change” you (or you let it change you) I say go ahead and listen to what you like. Now one could argue I am just defending the fact that I listen to Coldplay, Linkin Park, Muse, Interpol and others to which I can’t disagree with them. But I also listen to Red, Kutless, Tenth Avenue North, Thousand Foot Krutch, Pillar, Plumb, Group 1 Crew, Sanctus Real and many more so I say: use your own discretion when you listen to music. I know in my case sometimes I need or yearn to hear a certain kind of song that might not be Christian. Am I any less of a Christian than Steve because I listen to secular music as well? Is Steve any less of a Christian than me for judging that all secular music is bad? I don’t think so...what’s your opinion on it all?

A Golden Oldie

This poem I’d say dates back 9 or10 years ago. It’s from my “Open Your Mind” collection of poems (my first collection). I wrote this as an open letter of sorts to my girlfriend at the time (now my wife), for I was still hurting from past relationships. Much like Pasteurization, my trust is a timely and difficult process, but an extremely imperative doctrine (if you will) to the makeup of me. Even reading it now I can revisit the emotions of way back then. I hope you enjoy it.

Pasteurize
I’m sorry, but don’t get too close,
you’re not permitted in my vault.
How’d you get that skeleton key?
In fairness, it wasn’t my fault.
I’d rather not embrace that thought
it pulsates a wound oh too deep.
I transform into my facade
rather than just going to sleep.
I don’t want the despair again
so I question any interest.
I can’t distinguish real from fake
low tolerance, what’s to suggest?
Come close, but you should watch your step
my heart’s protected by judgment.
It’s tiresome always on my guard,
I resigned without my consent.
I reformed my way to reason
inflicted, I’ll try to adjust.
Please, just grant me a little time
and in return, you’ll have my trust.

Influential Influences

Something always clicked with me whenever I read any of Dr. Seuss’ books. The way he rhymed was different and fresh…it didn’t follow the “perfect rhyme” outline. His characters were so fresh and the stories that lead these characters always had a meaning. One of the reasons (influences) I wrote “Blair the Bear” was because of him.

Poetry itself is another machine. My greatest influence is a man that had and will forever more have a “dark cloud” over his name, his poetry is “dark”, but unique if Hitchcock (another favorite) is the father of the thriller genre of movies then Mr. Edgar Allen Poe is the grandfather of the thriller short story. He wasn’t afraid to take his writing to depths that people/critics/essayists deemed “taboo” or “off-limits”. He explored the mind of darkness, but with an elegance that has its own place with the greatest poets/writers in history. Several of my poems are influenced by him and will continue to be.

So my question is: who are your influences not just with writing (if you write), but with life in general?

The Gauntlet

This poem is from my second compilation of poetry “The Dim Light”. The last three (The Battle…, Elijah Robert…& Asher Michael…) were from my third “Gray Matters”. I honestly don’t know (or remember) why I was so intent (some say obsessed) on writing this. I just had in my mind an ironic tragedy and this is what came out, I hope you enjoy it.

The Gauntlet
Nothing had ever fazed his faze-less face,
particular phases failed to crack an interest.
Depression scaled up bare walls to the base,
letting insanity outside to be witnessed.

So day after day, he would curse aloud

at himself and at anything he resented.
He would carry with him a darkened cloud
which was evident and clearly represented.

He never once thought that his daily smokes
would bring repercussions too massive to believe.
But all the while death rode on silent spokes
waiting for enough damage to go and retrieve.

When she was diagnosed, he vowed to quit,
but it was too late, the damaged had quickly spread.
She grew weak, his nightmare…an exhibit,
he longed desperately for his own death instead.

His wife urged him to stop; she bid advice
so he tried and tried until he was out of tries.
But she had ended up paying the price,
because cancer confiscated his only prize.

Suicide wouldn’t let them reunite
so everyday after he would become bolder.
He took chances deemed careless, or not right

and the blame had laden the weight of a boulder.

And right up until the end of his days
the blame was still buried inside of his burden.
The burden’s blaze engulfed a vacant glaze
to which he wore until the fall of the curtain.

The Passion for more Passion

Here’s the question of the day: With the success of “The Passion of the Christ” would you like to see more of these movies made? I am actually surprised that more movies (from the bible) haven’t been made and released yet. I think if they are portrayed as “close” to what the bible states (I guess a consensus understanding with consideration to different interpretations some straight-forward others not so much) it would be enjoyable to see. Personally I would like to see a updated version of the “Ten Commandments” a thorough story on David (no bias), Noah’s Ark and the story of Joseph (Jacob’s). What would you want to see made?

Asher Michael Pasquale

Now, to be fair I will be posting my youngest son's poem next (that's all they need is more rivalry) which is in the same realm as Elijah's. Enjoy!

Asher Michael Pasquale

An angelical ray of light

sparkling through a dreary night

hardy rock, with a lustrous glow

earnest elf always on the go

roving to retrieve all in sight.

Mighty engine sharp as a sword

ingrained inside of our heart’s core

christened in the love of the Lord

hearty star, who’s heard with a roar

a determined force full of coos

equipped to use his smile to woos

lamp of life spreading winsome hues.

Pillar of love whom we cherish

a virtue blooming with thunder

splendid souls are comprised from this

quaint and jolly muse of wonder

unique in his warmth and content

as is his laugh and playful way

limitless one-hundred percent

every day we thank God and pray.

Elijah Robert Pasquale

Here is my next poem (It's pretty much straight forward) "Elijah Robert Pasquale" about my eldest boy. I should probably note also that I am horrible at editing (so any mistakes anyone notices please let me know) and a lot of the poems that I will share with you are from (some) 9 years ago up until now. They cover a vast variety of subjects and styles. I will warn you some of them are very personable and very different from "Blair the Bear", some are dark, some are funny, some are encouraging, some are about God and some are quite random. I do not swear or use offensive language. Any comments regarding any of my poems are strongly suggested and encouraged. I truly hope you enjoy my poetry, God bless.

Elijah Robert Pasquale

Energetic bundle of joy

lovingly loved, our little boy

into this world you were conceived

just and righteous as we believed

a smile so charming and sincere

he wears the hope we all hold dear.

Remember we’ll be here for you

open armed to console you too

be yourself and you’ll be alright

everyday you shine light on life

roaming around on hands and knees

the world is filled with God’s beauty.

Peaceful cherub who we cherish

a blessing in which we are blessed

splendid souls are so contagious

quaint and quiet, but full of zest

unique are his beautiful eyes

as is his laugh and playful way

lively and bright as a sunrise

everyday we thank God and pray.