Monday, December 05, 2005

You Got Mail

Believe it or not, PRAYZEHYMN gets alot of mail. OK, most if it is junk mail. But some people choose to write us; sharing their views, opinions, support and other things. But one of the most popular subjects that tend to come across my way regarding how "we do things" tends to focus on the PRAYZEHYMN album reviews. Check it out.

"Love the site but I do have a ?tion. . . do you really think it is fair to judge and grade "Gospel" artists when it's not about their "music" per-say but the "message" that God has given them behind it? This is all "ministry" work and support, so do you think it's really beneficial to put up a website about them and their music? and if it is, who is it beneficial to? if i were a sinner and came to that site, would be turned off by some of the content. . ." - "PRAYZEHYMN Fan"


I am not alone. There are several Christian websites, even though many may not be familiar with them in certain circles, that have a rating system. Why not rate a particular project? Secular society is free to do so, Siskel & Rober review movies and they recommend their best, Amazon.com always feature their essential album favorites each and every year. But because we are profess to be Christians, we shouldn't review albums and rate them? Something is wrong with that picture. If a school teacher can grant an A or a F on a student's report card, why can't we do the same for our music. Let's be serious for a second: everything that comes out on radio and on a compact disc and contains a gospel lyric ain't always good. Even though some of my fellow contemporaries tend to kiss up to artists, especially their favorites, someone in these last days need to be willing to speak the truth, even if it looks or feels uncomfortable. I have prayed about how I handle my reviews lately, and I find no fault in it. God has no given me a new directive in handling what I say, and I refuse to compromise my standards and what I believe for anyone.

When one read my review, they should notice one or two things. I never review the artist, just the project in question. Also they should observe I don't play favorites, if it's a good album , it's a good album, if it's not, I point out what needs correction or other technical problems. Alot of people have been blessed by my reviews and I am highly thankful that God has given me the inspiration to do this. In closing, let me prove to the skeptics of my fellow Christian brothers and sisters that grading a project bad or good ain't evil. Check out ChristianityToday.com and NBG. And please, don't direct them any hate-mail. Either support them or briddle the tounge. As the Apostle Paul warns us in I Corinthians 12: "But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary. And those memberws of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

In reading your review on Byron Cages new album, it really brings me to the question on how you feel about "The Exodus"? The merge of Hip Hop and Gospel that you have advertised on your website www.prayzehymonline.com. You say how Byron has changed from his orginal "Praise and Worship" routine, but you are advertising "The Exodus". God never told us to go to "The Club" and witness. Have you even listened to the intro on this upcoming event? When you comment, I will reply.

PRAYZEHYMN said...

Hello anonymous,

To comment, I just advertise the happenings in the industry. Yes, I do question the intent of this, even though gospel promoters including CoCo Brother, an urban hip-hop/gospel DJ in the Atlanta area, are putting this event on. Even Bishop Eddie L. Long, Vickie Yohe and William Murphy (some of today's newest faces in the industry) will be there. I haven't listened to the intro or advertisement to this event, so I can't comment on this one. Even though PRAYZEHYMN is focused on gospel music in particular, the event involves gospel artists. That's why I posted the event. Hope that explains.

And I don't see anything wrong with going to the club and witnessing. We always expect the sinner to come to the church for help, why can't we go to them while they are broken and when they are in need of restoration.

Anonymous said...

No there is not anything wrong with going to the sinner and bringing them to their restoration. We are supposed to go to the Highways and Biways and witness. And yes Ministers and Gospel recording artist were there, but there were also Secular Rap Artist there giving their view on How "WE" the body of Christ can reach the young people. I listenend to the intro on that website www.thespiritofhiphop.com and one rapper was saying that the youth of today doesnt' want anybody preaching to them, they just need somebody to talk to them. Why not preach to the young people? You have (and this is my assumption of what I heard on that intro,) drug dealers trying to give advice to the youth that they don't want to be out on the streets doing this thang". How can a sinner reach a sinner? Yes we need to go and reach our youth, but going to "CLUB 112" is not going to reach anybody. I was also wondering why Bishop Eddie Long didn't have this "Big Event" listed on his Iteniary on his website. My opinion, because he knows that is not the role that a "Bishop" should be playing. Just giving my comment like I said I would. Things that make you go HMMMMMMM!

You be blessed!