I freely admit to being something of a closet anarchist, steadfast in my belief that if you want to truly stick it to the man, stick with The Man (from Galilee). To live for Christ is an active act of rebellion, an action standing in direct opposition to those who deny Him plus those on the left and right who seek to trivialize Jesus by classifying Him as a rubber stamp for their philosophy.
Think about the people in the upcoming book viewed in this light. These artists created the music; they brought the ministry. It is from their sweat and blood that the ink was made used by our Lord, One quite familiar with the concept of what it means to give for others, to write the songs forming the soundtrack of our lives. While I am not comparing what was given by alternative Christian music’s pioneers to what was done for us on the Cross, there was genuine, deep sacrifice and personal cost involved in their work. It isn’t a mere “too bad” how their creation is not only no longer available, but not their own. It’s full-blown sin.
Consider what I’m about to suggest in this light. I believe artists whose work has been stolen from them by record companies either indifferent to the value of yesterday’s work or flat-out dishonest in their business dealings should feel no reluctance whatsoever in reappropriating it. In other words, I believe artists so treated should bootleg their own music, and feel not even the slightest twinge of guilt in doing so.
Why should an artist have the least reluctance in making readily available their own music when it was and is a vessel of healing, of reconciliation with Christ, of salvation itself? Whether or not some suit or former suit has the wherewithal to see its value is immaterial. If they don’t, artists should take charge and go underground. Eat the consecrated bread. After all, they baked it.
I believe artists should get together with those they trust. Press the discs, print the covers, practice their look of blank innocence should someone out of a genuine sense of well-meaning come up to them and say “did you know this was out there?” Install the back door out of which they sell their music. Should some suit get wind of this, make sure their tracks are well covered. Be wise in how the cunning plan is carried out.
Too radical, heretical, illegal? Yeah, whatever. There are eternal destinies at stake here. You do what you must to call former believers back home, reinforce the faith of fellow ragtag soldiers, and yes offer the message of salvation to those who do not know Christ. When this is the backdrop, you see the stage in a different way.
It’s time to steal the music back.
