"I play music because I believe it will draw people together and draw people closer to God. In this creative space called music, I will fight to have a place where we are ALL safe to be loved and embraced by God through every tone and every note that is played. This is the nature of worship music."
"I have told my fan-base that they will be attending a worship concert. If they are not getting exactly that, then I can't play with integrity.
An event called "8-8-08" is going on this Friday. Eight bands, eight speakers. I recently found out that that a part of the messages that will be spoken will involve a campaign rallying together voters against same-sex marriage in our state.
I went into this show to play music and bring people into a worship experience. I do not understand how this political discussion got involved. This is not what I signed up for.
I was affirmed not to be concerned because any messages spoken about gays would be "truth spoken in love." But we live in a culture where people, Christians, even conservative Christians disagree on how to approach subjects such as gay rights. We MUST realize and be sensitive to the reality that even IF they agree on a Biblical interpretation, Christians still must choose their way of approaching homosexuality in our culture. I don't expect my band-members to agree on the subject and they don't. So I don't bring it up on stage. To our fans, and to the people involved, I'm sorry that we are not playing as a result of this disagreement
I WENT INTO MUSIC TO PLAY MUSIC
I reserve the right not to involve the music of Future of Forestry in this political discussion. I have been told this isn't a political discussion but a Biblical one. But when we are talking about laws, voters, and legislation, we are talking about politics. Fine, you call it a Biblical/Political issue, but never the less, it is still political.
I went into music to play music. I was encouraged to use this opportunity as a platform to voice my own opinion on the subject. But I have no desire whatsoever to get up to a microphone and describe, debate, or publicize my political views. I have told my fan-base that they will be attending a worship concert. If they are not safe to get exactly that, then I can't play with integrity.
A CALL TO SPEAK CLEARLY
As an artist and person, I deserve a choice whether or not to be a part of an event involving such a sensitive subject. Not to be told afterwards.
To Future event collaborators of concerts and worship events, I urge you to speak clearly and with integrity to artists as well as people going to the show about the content of the events you are putting on:
"Hey, Eric, do you want to participate in a worship concert with a ten minute Obama (or McCain) plug. Do you want to be a part of it?"
"No thank you. Maybe next time."
"Hey, Eric, do you want to play in a basketball game with a ten minute intermission talking about gay rights. Do you want to play?
"No thank you. I'm too short. Please call me when you want to just play music."
In the end, I believe the intensions for "speaking in love" are merited. But whether they are spoken harshly or lovingly, I just ask that a Future of Forestry worship concert not be a political platform. Is that too much to ask for? Talk about gay rights in your homes, talk about it at work, most of all talk about it in your voting booths. I am sure that I will too. But why INSIST that it needs to be talked about in worship?
THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
I play music because it is the universal language of all people. Blacks, whites, males, females, gays, and straights. I play music because I believe it will draw people together and draw people closer to God. I leave the political discussions up to my own conversations and my own right to vote. But in this creative space called music, I will fight to have a place where we are all safe to be loved and embraced by God through every tone and every note that is played. This is the nature of worship music.
To the Forestry fans that were excited to see our hometown concert, I am very sorry and sad that we will not be playing. We promise to put together a smaller show soon in the San Diego area. No politics, no basketball…just music.
Thanks for your ears,
Eric
(Future of Forestry will not be performing, but the event has not been cancelled. If you intended on going to the event to see the other bands and speakers, they will still be performing)
8 comments:
Hey guys. Thanks for showing such dedication to your art and for playing for anyone who will listen.
When's the new album going to be ready (not to minimize the hours slaving away in the studio)?
Hey Fellas, Just wanted to show my full support to you all in your decision. I think its great that you are sacrificing money..popularity and even friendships to stand up for what your heart believes. It is important to be one as believers, but forcing something on someone has never been in the character of God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I know all intentions are good in this.. so hopefully there are no hard feelings being passed back and forth. WE LOVE YOU!
awesome. i hope to make it to the make-up concert!
your choice really shows integrity. I personally would have been hurt and frustrated going to a "worship event" where i was attacked by an anti-gay (or anti-anyone) political message. Thanks. look forward to an alternative event soon, PLEASE! :)
thank you so much for taking a stand.. I think politics from the pulpit and Christians using Christ's name to further their agenda (whatever it may be) detracts from the work that He has called us to do which is to "Make disciples of all nations" and often alienates those we are called to reach! "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's."
i love your band infinitely more because of this.
I really support your decision. Thank you for standing up for what you feel is right. I can only hope and pray for such bravery.
Josh
I just read this today.
kudos.
can't wait for October.
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