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Post by Josh on Dec 12, 2009 22:10:09 GMT -8
Funny we've never discussed Keith Green on the forums. Any fans out there? Chris- I can't remember, how familiar are you with his music and life? I've appreciated him since my childhood due to my parents influence. Green was especially important to me in my later teen years- I have so many fond memories of his music and hanging out with Steve. I associate his music with that "golden age" of my young faith. I don't listen to him a ton, but every so often I pull out the CDs, as I have done this week, and am still moved. It's not only his music, but his life that was compelling. His wife's biography, No Compromise, is an inspiring and challenging window into a fascinating and brief life.
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ryan
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Post by ryan on Dec 14, 2009 12:34:41 GMT -8
Definitely one of my favorite CCM personalities. This guy continues to challenge through his lyrics and other works despite having gone home to be with the Father nearly 30 years ago.
Like you, Josh, I like his music, but don't play it terribly frequently. I'll pop some of his stuff on for a couple of days and then get sidetracked by something else. Last time I was listening to some of his stuff the message really kicked me in the stomach and helped wake me from some kind of malaise.
A collection of sermons that he gave was released about a decade ago called "A Cry in the Wilderness". Some of his messages were considered controversial, but I have been greatly challenged by them. This book is one of my top 5, and is one of few books that gets reread.
What is your favorite song?
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Post by Josh on Dec 14, 2009 18:54:21 GMT -8
Hmmmm. Tough one.
Here's a list of my all-time favorites:
Pledge My Head to Heaven Prodigal Son Suite Easter Song Song to My Parents If You Love the Lord
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Post by christopher on Dec 14, 2009 20:20:59 GMT -8
I haven't heard much Keith Green, but everyone I know that has listened to his music loves him. I don't know why I never tried to become familiar with his music, but to be honest, I don't buy a lot of Christian music. I found that I dislike about 90% of it so it's a crap shoot I'm usually not willing to take unless I've heard it first. I think some of his controversial views were of the Open Theist sort. He was a big fan of Charles Finney (another open theist) from what I understand. I wouldn't have any problem with that, I'm somewhat sympathetic (though non-commital ) to the view myself.
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Post by Josh on Dec 14, 2009 20:34:09 GMT -8
If I recall Keith Green was sometimes accused of being too perfectionistic (towards himself or others), though he seems to have gone through a personal journey of growth in understanding the delicate interaction of grace with truth.
He was also known for hyperbolic, extreme statements that could have bothered some.
One thing I really like about Keith was that he often offered his albums for free (and certainly to anyone who couldn't afford them).
Another was that he was always hospitable to strangers, down-and-outers, often giving them what little he had, picking up hitchhikers, letting people stay with him, etc..
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Post by Josh on Dec 14, 2009 21:07:39 GMT -8
I really like about 1/2 his songs. The rest- well, I tend to like almost all his lyrics, but he does have some songs that sound dated.
Still, there are quite a few that I think have really stood the test of time and changing musical styles. These tend to be primarily the piano driven songs that avoid the use of the synthesizer.
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Post by Margot on Dec 14, 2009 23:36:17 GMT -8
I've appreciated him since my childhood due to my parents influence. Well, I'm still reeling from THIS quote, but I'm sure I'll get over it... Keith Green was The Man when we were in college. I would agree that many of his songs are dated now, but the lyrics can be pretty piercing. We always thought it was especially interesting how he had such a drive to preach how Jesus' return was right around the corner---and it turned out it was around the corner--for him.
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ryan
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Post by ryan on Dec 15, 2009 11:57:42 GMT -8
I know that the free records angered a lot of Christian musicians who thought that he was setting some sort of bad precedent. I personally think that many of these musicians were jealous of Keith's popularity and success.
Keith Green was very counter-culture in the Christian music industry. He was also very "in-your-face" with his ideas and expectations for Christians. This is hard for a lot of comfortable Christians to listen to because it might challenge them a little too much.
I think that a lot of his music seems dated because he developed a sound that was unique to him alone, but there were a lot of electric organs and other techniques that were used which should be left in the '70s.
I have to confess that his silly songs have always been my favorite. "So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt" and Dear John Letter to the Devil were my faves as a kid, but I have really grown to love the deeper messages behind "Pledge My Head to Heaven" and "Easter Song" (which I appreciate better than the 2nd Chapter of Acts Version).
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Post by Josh on Dec 15, 2009 13:41:47 GMT -8
I like his sillier songs too- especially Dear John Letter, Lies, So You Wanna..., etc.. It was just hard to list them as "favorites". But I've been playing these ones for my son Justus and he's really digging them.
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Post by Josh on Dec 15, 2009 18:25:41 GMT -8
Shortly after Rich Mullins died I attempted to write a poem in honor of my three favorite short-lived Christian musicians (Keith Green, Mark Heard, and Rich Mullins)
Here's the poem for what it's worth (not one of my best, but):
Enoch, Moses, and Elijah inspired by the lives of K. Green, M. Heard, and R. Mullins
Keith pledged his head to heaven And laid his life before Your throne He was the music of my renaissance Ten years after he had flown Sometimes a precious kernel Must crash to the ground and die So that a voice rings ever stronger As the speeding years go by
Mark was a rough-hewn troubadour Who just wanted to be warm With a knack for deep introspection And a heart weathered by storms But he knew one thing for certain As he played on that last stage His Redeemer lives triumphant And was waiting beyond the grave
Rich was a passionate ragamuffin Seeking beauty and paying attention Taking God at His Word and pressing on Past ‘prison bars’ and unanswered questions He went out like Elijah, just as he asked With a whirlwind to fuel his chariot of fire And now he sings the praise of an awesome God Held by Jesus, his hearts one desire
And I look on these strangers lives As friends I have always known I want to learn their lessons well And live by the light they have shown To make my life a prayer to God Rejoicing in a love so blind Letting mercy lead me on in faith Until I also someday leave the world behind
Joshua Coles 6/2/99
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