How to Remain Hopeful During an Economic Recession

Origitnally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/how-to-remain-hopeful-during-an-economic-recession/


Posted: 17 Aug 2009 08:10 PM PDT


Scriptural Principles & Healthy Mindsets to Live By

So the secret has been revealed. The cat is out of the bag. America is in the midst of strained and struggling economic conditions. I know you’re shocked. Please refrain from gasping in utter surprise, as hyperventilation is not particularly the healthiest means of expressing one’s “flabbergasted-ness.”

You certainly don’t have to be an avid news junkie to realize the weightiness of the financial demise our country has become immersed in. Job loss and home foreclosures are at an all-time high. Small businesses and even corporate conglomerates are closing their doors left and right. Families are cutting back on grocery bills and even the most devoted of churchgoers are steadily placing less and less into the Sunday offering plate. Across the country, Americans are wondering: “What will be the ultimate outcome of the poor economy? Is there a leader who can turn things around?”

Almost in synchronization with the recent poor economy has come a wave of increasing depression statistics. According to Depression Guide:

  • Approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year, have a depressive disorder.
  • Major depressive disorder affects 9.9 million American adults, or about 5.0 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.

We’ve all been there. We’ve all had those days. It is certainly easy to adopt a negative or pessimistic outlook on life during such financially unstable time. All too often, however, it is these very outlooks that lead to such staggering depression percentages among adults. So where is the hope? What in life is worth clinging to? What in life can give us the strength to keep going?

    In such poor economic times, how can we truly not worry about money issues?

    In such poor economic times, how can we truly not worry about money issues?

    We desperately need to be reminded, as a nation, who our God is. We need to be reminded of His grace and eternal sovereignty. I believe the Psalmist David got it right when he said:

    “The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made; in the net which they hid is their own foot caught…The Lord made Himself known; He executes judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands…[But] the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the expectation and hope of the meek and the poor shall not perish forever.” (Psalm 15-16a, 18: Amplified Bible)

    In case you were wondering, it is the Lord God Himself who is not forgetting the needs of the poor and the meek referred to by David in the aforementioned passage. How often we limit our Creator! How often we downsize His limitless, unfathomable mercy, might, and majesty! May we always remember that He remembers us!

    In his excellent book My Heart’s Desire: Living Every Moment in the Wonder of Worship, renowned Christian author, pastor, and speaker Dr. David Jeremiah says, “Life has its holocausts—that’s not news. The real story is the persistence of glory rising from the ashes. How is it that within the context of the worst life can dish out, many people come to love and to glorify God more deeply? I don’t know the whys and wherefores of the evil that is allowed to afflict us. It’s an enigma whose answers won’t be unraveled in this lifetime. But the worst of misery is overshadowed by the wonder of faith; we marvel when people can look into the sky after it has fallen upon them with a crash and whisper, ‘Praise the Lord anyway!’”

    There is indeed something to be said for maintaining an outlook and lifestyle reflective of true joy, even during the most uncertain of times. It is a trait very much lacking in our current culture. But in exercising an attitude and mindset of joy, we must simultaneously remember not to worry. As busy, hardworking Americans, how often do we worry and fret over monetary issues? Perhaps the words of Jesus Himself are needed to address this particular warning:

    “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25-27, New American Standard-updated ed.)

    What indeed will it profit a man to worry about that which he cannot control? Why not walk, live, rest, hope, and trust in the all-sufficient grace and plan of Jesus Christ? It won’t always be easy. The days will be long and the road will be hard. But, in keeping with the words of David, we have not been, nor are we being overlooked by our loving Creator.

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    The Heart of Worship: James Wait Interviews Alicia Lohse


    The Heart of Worship: James Wait Interviews Alicia Lohse

    Posted: 28 Aug 2009 01:30 PM PDT


    Alicia Lohse, worship leader at Grace Church.

    Though she’s not well-known, Alicia Lohse loves God, is kind to strangers and is filled with the joy of the Lord. She also leads people in worship at Grace Church in Durango, Colo.

    If you are ever in Durango, make sure you stop by Grace Church to worship with Alicia and the local Christian community there. Give it up for the little guys, and keep reading to find out why she thinks worship is important.

    JW: Can you tell me a little about yourself?

    AL: I was born in Minnesota but moved to Colorado when I was nine years old. I moved around the state and finally settled in Durango.

    I got saved at camp when I was 16 years old out in Hesperus, Colo.

    For fun I love to play (of course) and chill with my buddies while jamming or watching movies.


    JW: What are some of your favorite verses in the Bible?

    AL: Exodus 32:18, Isaiah 40:31, Colossians 1:10, Romans 12:3


    JW: Tell me a little what is like leading worship at a church?

    AL: I lead worship at TNF at Grace Church and play guitar for the praise team at Grace Church.

    It’s always interesting and not to mention challenging.

    Keeping the focus on God and worshipping Him should always be the most important thing but at times we get in the way of His glory and have to step back and humble ourselves so He can shine.


    JW: What age did you start playing music?

    AL: I started playing music when I was about 14 years old.

    JW: Who or what are some of your influences in music?

    AL: My influences include everything from country to rock to jazz.

    JW: Will you be recording any albums?

    AL: I won’t be recording any albums, although I have recorded a few songs. One song I wrote myself for my fiancé and the other I wrote for another band I perform with.

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    How Much do You Know about the Jewish People? Part One

    Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/how-much-do-you-know-about-the-jewish-people-part-one/

    How Much do You Know about the Jewish People? Part One

    Posted: 23 Aug 2009 12:25 AM PDT


    A Christian named George has become friends with Simon, a Jewish man. George hasn’t yet found a way to approach the subject of the gospel with Simon. One day, he invites Simon to a party. 

    “I’m sorry, George, I can’t go that night,” Simon says. “It’s the start of the Jewish New Year.”

    “Jewish new year?” asks George. “I knew you had a separate one, but I didn’t know when.”

    “Yeah,  we sort of celebrate it for ten days leading up to Yom Kippur,” Simon replies.

    “Yum what?” George feels stupid for asking. He wants to tell Simon about Jesus, but now realizes he hasn’t really bothered to learn more about the Jewish people and their own customs. How much do you know about the Jewish people?

    The Jewish “High Holidays” are right around the corner. Rosh Hashanah (pronounced rush ha-sha-na and sometimes spelled Rosh Ha’Shanah) is the Jewish New Year. For 2009, it begins at sundown September 18. Rosh Hashanah is a celebration ushered in with the blowing of the beautiful shofar, a sort of trumpet made from a ram’s horn. At the end of ten days is Yom Kippur (yome kippoor). Yom Kippur is the yearly Jewish day of fasting - the Day of Atonement - when the people bring their sins before the Lord for forgiveness, as well as ask forgiveness of anyone they may have offended. They do not eat, drink or do any work for twenty-four hours.

    You may be thinking, I really don’t know any Jewish people; why should I read this? It’s important that Christians—and American ones in particular—make a special place in their heart for the Jewish people, especially because we two faiths believe in the same one true God of the universe, the God of Israel.

    Why in America particularly? Because it has the highest percentage of Jewish people in the world, and a climate of religious persecution is coming to America fast for both our faiths. Heavy persecution of churchgoers along with a new rise in anti-Semitism has reared  its head in America as in many formerly neutral European countries. By learning more about the Jewish people and their culture, Christians can better defend Israel and illustrate a desire for unity with Jewish people, thereby opening more opportunities to express our faith and hope.

    George is now exploring some Jewish issues before he talks to Simon again. Let’s go along with him and take a self-survey! As a Christian reading this, you are probably curious about matters concerning the Jewish world community, the nation of Israel and their relationship to world peace and Christianity. Ask yourself these questions:

    -How good is my knowledge of the Old Testament compared to the New?
    -In what New Testament book and chapter does Paul concentrate on explaining God’s special place for the Jews to new Gentile believers?
    -Am I aware of how sensitive most Jewish people are to the mention of Jesus and the Gospel message?
    -What’s another name for Jesus that I can use when speaking with Jewish people?
    -Am I aware that Jewish people feel The Church in general supported Hitler’s actions?
    -Why is the phrase “Jewish person” more polite than the term “Jew”?
    -Am I aware of the significance of these other Jewish holidays:  Passover, Hanukkah and Purim – and how they can be important to Christians?�
    -Is Judaism a nationality, a religion or a culture?
    -Do Jewish people really need to be “converted” to Christianity?
    -What’s a “Messianic” Jewish person?

    If you couldn’t come up with the answers to five or more of these questions, don’t go witnessing to a Jewish person just yet! Stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll be answering these questions for George.

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    Michael Jackson is alive … or so some people want people to think

    Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/michael-jackson-is-alive-or-so-some-people-want-people-to-think/

    Michael Jackson is alive … or so some people want people to think

    Posted: 27 Aug 2009 03:41 PM PDT


    The Michael Jackson life-after-death machine has officially kicked off. 

    Like Elvis, Tupac and other icons who died before their time, people have started saying that Jackson faked his death.

    Though Michael Jackson died on June 25, and his death has since been ruled a homicide, videos like this one proving that MJ’s death was a hoax have been popping up all over the Internet:

    These videos claim that Jackson, faced with billion-dollar debts, decided to just drop out of sight for a while, leaving his family, friends and fans behind.

    Conspiracy theories aside, people around the globe, from Spain to Dubai, have also reported seeing Michael Jackson.

    Most recently, a video posted on LiveLeak.com  purportedly shows the King of Pop  jumping out of the same van in which his dead body was hauled away.

    Though some people will immediately scoff at the "silliness" of these conspiracy theories and sightings, as a Christian, I understand why people would come up with such things: People need something in which to believe.

    However, as G.K. Chesterton said, "When people stop believing in God, the problem is not that they will then believe in nothing, it’s that they’ll believe anything."

    For a segment of the world’s population, Michael Jackson is that "anything" of which Chesterton spoke.

    I’m sure there are benefits for those who worship MJ–His music and legacy makes them feel alive; he represents the last vestige of goodness in an increasingly cruel world.

    Since MJ was world-renowned, those devoted to him also have an opportunity to make fast-friends who share their devotion and love of the icon… sort of like being a member of a church.

    Though faith in Michael Jackson sounds promising, the only problem with it is that it probably isn’t what Michael would’ve wanted.

    Michael Jackson knew that he was just a man. As such, I don’t think he’d want his fans deifying him in death, as I also believe MJ knew that every talented celebrity owes his ability to God.

    Michael’s friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach reportedly said, “Our favorite stars might light up the crowd, but their glow is a mere reflection of a more infinite radiance."

    If Michael’s most devoted fans would put their energy into seeking after the source behind Michael’s talent, instead of trying to lay the foundations of the Church of Michael Jackson, they’ll have a greater treasure–God.

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    Pop Culture Moments by Mo: I Can Do This All Day


    Pop Culture Moments by Mo: I Can Do This All Day

    Posted: 25 Aug 2009 05:56 PM PDT


    I can do this all day

    I can do this all day- An irate health care town hall attendee stares down President Obama and his healthcare bill. This week, the president has taken a break from the debate, vacationing with his family in Martha's Vineyard.

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    IAAF responsible for prejudice athlete Caster Semenya facing

    Originally posted here:  http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/iaaf-responsible-for-prejudice-athlete-caster-semenya-faces/

    IAAF responsible for prejudice athlete Caster Semenya facing

    Posted: 25 Aug 2009 11:10 AM PDT


    When 18-year old Caster Semenya of South Africa obliterated her competition in the woman’s 800 meters in Berlin Wednesday, most thought “Wow, that’s an extremely fast young lady,” and thought nothing else of it.

    Some people, however, listened to her deep voice and looked at her muscular, masculine-looking frame and thought, “This must be a man.”

    Gender controversy is nothing new to Semenya. caster semenya

    She accepts the taunts with grace and dignity, just like a world class athlete.

    Her coach, Michael Seme, said he was constantly asked about Semenya’s sex, since her voice and features are so masculine.

    According to the Guardian, “Semenya had been ‘crudely humiliated’ a few times and the closest Seme said he had seen her to anger was earlier this year when some people wanted her barred from using a women’s public toilet. Then Caster said, ‘Do you want me to pull down my pants that you can see?’ Those same people came to her later and said they were extremely sorry.”

    Seeming to confirm the suspicions of the naysayers, the International Associate of Athletics Federations, the body that oversees the Berlin World Championships, asked gold-medal recipient Semenya to take a gender test.

    I understand why most people are concerned about Semenya’s gender: It goes against people’s sense of egalitarianism and general fairness if a man can compete as a woman.

    Because of all the doping scandals that have taken place over the years, I also understand why the IAAF is concerned.

    What I don’t understand, however, is why the IAAF confirmed that Semenya was undergoing genetic testing.

    According to its Policy on Gender Verification, matters such as this are supposed to be confidential.
    No wonder Semenya’s family and even the South African government is crying foul.

    Jacob Semenya, Caster’s father told a local South African newspaper, “She is my little girl; I raised her and I have never doubted her gender. She is a woman, and I can repeat that a million times.”

    “For the first time South Africans have someone to be proud of, and detractors are already shouting wolf. It is unfair. I wish they would leave my daughter alone.”

    The African National Congress, South Africa’s ruling party asked South Africans to support the athlete.
    “Caster is not the only woman athlete with a masculine build and the International Association of Athletics Federation should know better,” said a statement from South Africa’s ruling party.

    To further fan the flames of prejudice, someone also recently leaked that Semenya’s testosterone level is three-times that of a normal female.

    What nobody is saying, however, is that there are any number of biological reasons why Semenya’s testosterone could be three-times higher than that of an average woman.

    These include: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-producing tumors and anovulatory androgen excess (polycystic ovary syndrome).

    There is also the possibility of Semenya having an intersex disorder such as androgen insensitivity.

    Androgen insensitive individuals can have the genitalia of one sex, but have the chromosomal make up of the opposite sex.

    Though some such as Steve McConkey of 4 WINDS, a Christian track and field ministry, think that Semenya should be stripped of her medal if she is genetically male, Semenya will likely be able to keep her medal if she is androgen insensitive, as the IAAF makes provisions for the disorder.

    After reading the IAAF’s Policy on Gender Verification, it seems as if the only reason it is testing Semenya is to see if she had an unfair advantage, testosterone-wise, over the other women she ran against.

    I say this because the issue can’t be about Semenya being genetically male or female, as the IAAF, along with the International Olympic Committee, has allowed male-to-female and female-to-male transsexuals to openly compete in athletic events since 2004.

    But that’s just my best guess. Unless the IAAF tells people why it decided to test Semenya, we won’t know.

    One thing I do know though: By leaking confidential information to the press, the organization has tarnished South Africa’s “golden girl.” And as far as I’m concerned, the organization deserves every accusation of racism, classism and sexism that Semenya’s family and her supporters hurl at it, as it bears most of the blame for the way Semenya has been treated.

    View the IAAF’s Policy on Gender Verification here: www.iaaf.org/mm/Document/imported/36983.pdf

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    Orissa One Year Later: Fear, Persecution Remain High

    Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/orissa-one-year-later-fear-persecution-remain-high/



    Orissa One Year Later: Fear, Persecution Remain High

    Posted: 25 Aug 2009 11:46 AM PDT


    Manini Digal knows the wrath of Hindu extremists in India.

    Manini, 17, from a poor family, was caught by extremists last August during the outbreak of anti- Christian violence in Orissa.

    They tore off her clothes and attempted to rape her. Then they poured kerosene over her and set her on fire. Her body was severely burned. Manini arrived at a hospital in critical condition.

    Open Doors co-workers covered her medical expenses during her recovery and also prayed with her. She is now praising God for His protection and recovery.

    Sunday, August 23 marks the one-year anniversary of the violence in Orissa, which was started when Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda was assassinated.

    Hindu nationalists wrongfully blamed it on Christians and used his murder as an excuse to attack them.  On Sunday India’s church leaders will commemorate the anniversary with “Peace Day” which will include marches, fasting and prayer vigils.

    Since the outbreak of violence last year, at least 120 people have been murdered, 250 churches destroyed and over 50,000 individuals displaced. It has been claimed that this was the worst case of religious persecution in India since the partition of Pakistan and India in 1947.

    More than 4,000 Christians in Orissa are currently seeking refuge in relief camps and are unable to return to their villages for fear of death or forcible conversion to Hinduism.

    Recent reports state that Christians remain targets of violence and persecution by Hindu extremists.

    According to Compass Direct News, a reign of terror continues in the area as the former Hindu rioters are issuing death threats to witnesses during trials.

    Of the more than 750 cases filed in various police stations in Kandhamal district and neighboring Gajapati district, only six people have been convicted in two cases. Some of the witnesses are running away to save their lives after receiving death threats.

    This year India jumped from No. 30 to No. 22 on Open Doors’ World Watch List of countries where Christians suffer the most severe persecution. Last week the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) placed India on its watch list for frequent outbreaks of violence against minorities, especially Christians.

    The report sharply criticized the Indian government for failure to protect the rights of religious
    minorities.

    Eight states in India have passed anti-conversion laws although only five states are currently
    implementing the law. Anti-conversion laws are designed to prevent Hindus from converting to
    Christianity despite the fact that India is the largest democracy (1.1 billion people) in the world and its constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

    The violence in Orissa and in other states comes at a time when many Christians feel that Hindu
    fundamentalism is on the rise. The extremists’ goal is to make India a Hindu nation rather than a secular one. There are an estimated 25 million Christians in India (2.3 percent) with 80.6 percent Hindu and 13.4
    percent Muslim.

    “The situation is still bleak for Christians in Orissa,” says Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller.

    “Many of our brothers and sisters remain homeless. The area simmers with tension and fear that major violence could resume at any time. Christians are still being persecuted. They need your prayers.”

    www.OpenDoorsUSA.org


    Seeing and Hearing The Bigger Picture: Da T.R.U.T.H.’s Latest Album Makes da Big Splash

    Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/seeing-hearing-the-bigger-picture-da-t-r-u-t-h-s-latest-album-makes/

    Seeing and Hearing The Bigger Picture: Da T.R.U.T.H.’s Latest Album Makes da Big Splash

    Posted: 19 Aug 2009 11:24 PM PDT


    Cover of Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s latest album: "The Big Picture"

    Cover of Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s latest album: "The Big Picture"

    Cross Movement Records Rapper Hits No. 1 on iTunes Christian/Gospel Charts

    Grammy-nominated Christian rapper Emmanuel Lee Lambert Jr., who goes by his nickname/rapper title Da’ T.R.U.T.H., is making waves in the contemporary Christian music world with his latest studio release: The Big Picture (July 21, 2009). As one of the least-recognized sects of the Christian music world, Gospel hip-hop and R&B is certainly in need of talented artists with a passion for Jesus Christ and a desire to reach this often-overlooked demographic of Christian music lovers. Da T.R.U.T.H is certainly doing just that.

    The acclaimed artist, who has toured and recorded with other well-known names such as Kirk Franklin and Mary, Mary, recently landed the No. 1 spot on the CMTA R&B/Hip Hop Chart, No. 2 on the Billboard Gospel chart, and No. 4 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian chart during his album’s debut week (Source: Christian Today: www.christiantoday.com). Interestingly, the project itself is narrated by multi-platinum and Grammy-winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin, whose musical style has, itself, broken barriers in the Christian music world.

    Few Christian hip hop fans are aware of Lambert’s unique and highly respectable education background. He is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and the Institute of Jewish Studies. He is also a two-time winner of the Chicago-based Stellar Awards Gospel Music award (2007 and 2009). Ironically, as a youth, Lambert had no passion for rap music, as he listened to popular contemporary Christian tunes of the day. He often recalls, “I had no interest in rap music. As a matter of fact, I was disenchanted with the whole idea of rap.” But, as is often the case in God’s bigger picture and story, God had other plans. In no time at all, Lambert was writing and free-styling his own Christian rap tunes, having been nicknamed “Da’ Truth” by age 19.

    The theme of Lambert’s latest album, The Big Picture, is all about just that: God’s bigger picture, spanning the vastness of the creation story found in Genesis to the redemption of the Cross, finally culminating with the glorious return of Christ in the Book of Revelation. Lambert’s challenge to Christians worldwide is one of a continuous embracing of God’s eternal story and a call to live like we believe He is coming back. According to an article featured on Christian Today, Lambert’s album tackles several culturally controversial issues, including “politics, prejudice, and more in songs like ‘My President’, ‘Great Wall’, ‘Fantasy’, and ‘Pain.’”

    In promotion of his latest project, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. has launched a nationwide Big Picture Live Tour, with stops in cities large and small across the country. Concerts have been said to include highly cinematic elements and one-of-a-kind multimedia worship experiences. Thus far, the tour has already made noteworthy appearances in several acclaimed music ministry venues, including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rock the River Tour and Gospel artist CeCe Winan’s Always Sisters, Forever Brothers Tour.

    With countless music artists employing the use of interactive social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, it is no surprise to see Da’ T.R.U.T.H. hopping on the same bandwagon. However, his use of interactivity with fans and followers via a live, web-based reality show is inherently different from other artists of his genre. During episode broadcasts of Living the Big Picture, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. challenges listeners to unite alongside him in showing the world how to live like Jesus Christ; how to live the big picture. You can follow the show, submit your own video blogs, and post responses at: www.ilivethebigpicture.com.

    You can find out more about Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and his tour schedule at his official website: www.datruth.net.

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    Alice Cooper banned from gig for anti-Christian values

    Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/alice-cooper-banned-from-gig-for-anti-christian-values/


    Alice Cooper banned from gig for anti-Christian values

    Posted: 18 Aug 2009 03:39 PM PDT


    alice cooper

    Alice Cooper, of “School’s Out for Summer” and “I’m 18” fame, was told that his show can’t go on in Finland.

    Cooper and his band were booked to perform at Tampere Areena Oy, an arena in Tampere, Finland Dec. 11.

    However, the owners of the arena cancelled the event when the supposedly dark nature of Cooper’s “Theatre of Death” show came to light.

    Harri Wiherkoski, managing director of the arena said that "artists who express suspicious values from Christianity’s point of view cannot be allowed to perform at the venue."

    He also told reporters that his venue doesn’t “arrange concerts where Satanism or non-god-worshipping occurs."

    Concert promoter Kalle Keskinen, said “We never imagined that a rock veteran who has performed in Finland in four separate decades without any problems and who has spoken in public of his own religious convictions would not be allowed to perform at Tampere Areena in 2009."

    Keskinen said the concert will probably be moved to Espoo, however this is contingent on Alice Cooper’s approval, he said.

    Cooper, who is a practicing Christian, told Cross Rhythms magazine last year that he reconciles his stage persona with his personal faith without problem.

    “As a Christian, I don’t declare myself as a ‘Christian rock star.’ I’m a rock performer who’s a Christian. Alice Cooper is the guy who wants to entertain the audience – it happens that he’s a Christian. Alice (the character I play on stage) began life as a villain and he remains one. There’s a villain and a hero in every Shakespeare play," he said.

    " Alice is no more dangerous than a villain in a cartoon or a Disney film. We have fun with him. He snarls and wears make up. He’s punished for his crime and he comes back on the stage in white top and tails. We put on a good show. I’ve always put limits on Alice because I believe there’s a certain amount of Alice that’s a gentleman. He’d slit your throat, but he’d never swear at you. And there’s always a punchline; he may kill you, but he’ll slip on a banana peel. I get right-wing Christians down on me and I always ask them the question: ‘If I was doing Macbeth, would it be OK?’ And they always say that’s Shakespeare so of course. I say that’s about four times more violent than anything I do on stage."

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610

    Underground Music Friday — Mr. John Duncan

    Originally posted here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/underground-music-friday-mr-john-duncan/
    -

    Underground Music Friday — Mr. John Duncan

    Posted: 14 Aug 2009 02:37 PM PDT


    clip_image001

    Guess what today is… Drum roll please. Today (and every Friday) is Underground Music Friday.

    A lot of Underground Christian musicians have been contacting me, asking me to give them a platform to share their music ministries, and I’m gonna give it to them.

    This week’s artist is Mr. John Duncan.

    Mr. John Duncan isn’t new to the music industry. He recorded secular music for nearly a decade, recording five albums. Then, with encouragement from his mom, he recorded his first religious song. After recording that song, he knew that music with a message was the way he should go.

    Since some rappers sound alike, sometimes it’s hard to know who is spitting 16 bars over the tight beats coming from your speakers.

    Thankfully, that’s not the case with Duncan.

    That’s because nobody sounds like him.

    His voice is earthy, and his delivery is sort of an hybrid between rap and gospel. The way he enunciates puts you in the mind of Scarface, but the way his rapping blends with the way he sings the hook, is reminiscent of Bone Thugs and Harmony.

    His first Gospel project, "The Prodigal Son," was released back in April and has already been an underground success according to his label One Way to Go Entertainment.

    “I am proud of each and every [song] from my album because each one is a reference to my life story,” he told Gospel Synergy.

    Enough for Me is [the song I’m most proud of] because of the impact that it has already made.”

    “When I perform, seeing the people singing along and getting out of their seat to dance… it’s a wonderful feeling.”

     

    Watch his latest single, Enough for Me here:

    Connect with Mr. John Duncan here: http://www.myspace.com/mrjohnduncan

    Buy his cd here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mrjohnduncan

     

    If your music is good, you are an Underground Christian musician and you’d like to be considered for my Underground Music Friday feature, contact me.

    You are subscribed to email updates from The Underground
    To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
    Email delivery powered by Google
    Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610