Rap or Religion?
By: Rosa Mancia
Music is an inspiration, something that can change emotions from happy to sad or sad to happy in a second. It offers a way out for so many emotions and also helps you express yourself, said Rene Valdez a young man who dreams of one day becoming a rapper.
Rap began to emerge in the late 1960's and early 70's in Kingston, Jamaica. During the early 1970's rap was being heard in the South Bronx, New York City. Rapping can be traced back to African roots. Its also known as emceeing, which is very important in the hip-hop culture. One important element in rapping is being able to rhyme. By 1990 rap was being accepted, and it was being heard more widely.
"I listen to rap every day," said Valdez, the charismatic teenager who has been motivated since childhood to become a rapper. He got this motivation and desire to rap from Eminem, a famous rapper, whom he admires. Valdez dreams of working with Eminem and learning from this very successful rapper.
Valdez tries to fit rap into his everyday life and takes the opportunity to practice every chance he gets. If I'm in school and I have nothing to do, I'll rap," said Valdez. When I get home I also rap."
My friends hear me rap all the time, mostly at school," he said. His friends support him in his dream and are always willing to hear his new lyrics.
I am supportive of Rene, said Marvin Espana, 16, a close friend of. Everyone has a dream and everyones dream can be accomplished. Hes a bit insane though. Espana has had the chance to not only hear Valdezs lyrics but hes also rapped with him. Rene is progressing, Espana said.
On the other hand, not everyone is supportive of Valdezs dream. His sister, Maria Valdez, 21, is neither a fan nor a supporter of her brothers dream. I am definitely not supportive, she says. I think its a ridiculous idea and a waste of time. I dont think hell make it because of the fact that he doesnt have the talent.
Part of Marias lack of enthusiasm comes from her religion. The Valdez family are members of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Rene has been attending this church with his family since he was a child, and he knows that the church members wouldnt be pleased with his career aspiration.
I dont see a conflict, but I know that other people will see the problem about me wanting to rap, Rene said. I mean, how do you rap and go to church? Its two different things, and thats the problem, he said, looking rather upset. Even for Valdez there is a fine line between rap music and religion and this line shouldnt be crossed.
It would be very hard for someone in church to want to rap," said Pastor Jorge
Romero, of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. In the church there isn't a space for rapping so that the skill can be developed.
Rapping and religion seem to go back to the idea of respect and disrespect. In a sense rapping can be disrespectful as a career for a Christian," said Pastor Romero. The message in the lyrics goes against the church and rap is mundane. Rap and religion are two things that should be separate and they are opposite to one another, he said.
Id never mix religion with rap, said Valdez. I think that would be very disrespectful and idiotic. So where and how does he leave religion?
"Rene supports and believes what the church says, but he doesn't follow it," said his friend. Espana himself understands the conflict of going to church and wanting to rap. Valdezs sister seems to believe that he hates going to church and only goes because he once made a promise to someone that he wouldnt stop going.
Valdez has a decision to make alone but he is taking his time since he is still attending the church that has seen him grow up for so many years. Im afraid to fail, but mostly Im afraid of letting myself down, said Rene Valdez.
23 Comments:
King David ryhmed and so did hsi son, Solomon. Rap is poetry. It's not rap that is bad, it's the words of a particular rap song that are bad. There is plenty of Christian rap glorifying God. There is nothing wrong with that. You can not find a single scripture in the Bible that says it is, and I have studied the entire Bible several times. What the Bible does say is , let no evil communication proceed out of your mouth except that which is good for edification. Also it says, whether you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. So one, when rapping has only to ask the simple question, is what I am saying glorifying God? If it isnt, then it is sin, but if some one raps "Lord, I need a closer walk with the, I'm just trying, to be the man you called me to be" or "it's Jesus! baby' they are lifting up God's name. nothing wrong with that. Saying rap as a whole is wrong without any Biblical basis is just plain bigatry. Remember Psalm 150, let "everything" that have breath praise ye the Lord, Praise ye the Lord!"
10:48 AM
NOw rap culture is a very power thing in America. BUt is "christian rap" any different than "rap music"? The only thing that is different is the words. But the Bible says, "Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments." Psalms 150:3 and 4 KJV. And how can we worship Jesus Christ with corrupt worldly music. Music that was created from corrupt men for corrupt purposes. Worship is the reason us humans were created, but how can we worship God with unholy music. IF "rap music" was created by people who are not Jesus Named, "Christian" aka "Christ like." Than why should we combined Jesus praising lyrics with devils worshipping music.For it says in the Bible "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other YE can not serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24KJV. Our praises unto to God should be holy in ALL ways. For it is written, "Get thee behind me, satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shall I serve." KJV.
9:31 PM
The main question here is: For whos ear is worship for? Mine or God's. IF God's then we need to ask ourselves what does God love to listen to...the only way is to go to the word....Now i dont mean to discourage some one coming new into a relationship with God. But God himself makes a distinction between the world and himself...the other accept to show here is that just because we worship God, it does not mean that he has to accept our worship, Now stay with me for a sec...In the book of Genesis we see two brothers, Cain and Abel, who came to worship God. Abel brought a lamb and Cain brought the best of his garden...i can just picture Cain picking out the best fruits and vegtables that his garden had produced...and bringing it up with sincerity and love to the Lord...but the Bible says that God did not have respect or accept Cains offering....why because even though Cain might have brought it with sincerity and love it was not what the Lord had ask. So we also need to ask if our worship is what the Lord desires...for again even if i bring it with sincerity and love God does not have to accept it.....Now plese dont get me wrong, if someone who is just entering into a relationship with, I beleive he accepts his worship, but as we grow with the Lord I know he will direct us to a truer form of worship one that is closer to God's heart and not ours. Now Im again not saying that there is a specific form that must be followed, but i do beleive that God through the bible gives us clear principles and ideals on worship. We should never lower the standard to reach the world, Jesus never did, he stretched out his hand and lifted up, even kneeled but always lifted up...
7:58 PM
room122.blogspot.com is very informative. The article is very professionally written. I enjoy reading room122.blogspot.com every day.
canadian payday loans
bad credit loans
9:07 PM
Man, I totally agree on that.
There's way too many fools out there that can't grasp.
In fact, I was arguing with my sort of friend jon yesterday about this, and
they wouldn't agree with me that he was wrong. Now I can just show them this blog :)
7:49 AM
Hi,
I keep coming to this website[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url]room122.blogspot.com really contains lot of useful information. Let me tell you one thing guys, some time we really forget to pay attention towards our health. In plain english I must warn you that, you are not serious about your health. Recent Research indicates that nearly 50% of all USA adults are either fat or overweight[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url] Hence if you're one of these people, you're not alone. Its true that we all can't be like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, and have sexy and perfect six pack abs. Now next question is how you can achive quick weight loss? Quick weight loss can be achived with little effort. Some improvement in of daily activity can help us in losing weight quickly.
About me: I am blogger of [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips]Quick weight loss tips[/url]. I am also health trainer who can help you lose weight quickly. If you do not want to go under painful training program than you may also try [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/acai-berry-for-quick-weight-loss]Acai Berry[/url] or [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/colon-cleanse-for-weight-loss]Colon Cleansing[/url] for fast weight loss.
1:37 PM
Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it tough to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about making my
own but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it
Here is my website ; Vivexin
10:10 PM
Like how many of us associate white lab coats with scientists.
What are the things that you need to consider with your web designer in order to maximise your website's performance. What;s more,u will also need a superb eraser that will make u simply erase the incorrect element or even the element in which u are noot gratified with,if u just purchase a bad exceptional eraser,u might not cancel obviously also it may possess a bad cause your whole creation,as properly since the factors above,u also need some anime references for u to draw as.
Feel free to visit my homepage; how to draw manga anime
10:55 AM
What's up, I check your blogs daily. Your humoristic style is witty, keep up the good work!
Also visit my web site http://eating-for-energy.com
3:45 AM
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I've really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing to your feed and I
hope you write again very soon!
My web site; sports induced asthma symptoms
6:38 PM
It's remarkable to pay a quick visit this web site and reading the views of all friends regarding this article, while I am also zealous of getting know-how.
Also visit my web-site ... short hairstyles
8:52 PM
Lots of people in todays way of living would like to learn how to make money online and for a lot of people
this is becoming a lot more of a reality as the internet grows day by
day. These plug-ins will certainly help you to make money online by blogging.
I also didn't dig deep enough into it to find out everything about it.
9:11 PM
Fastidious respond in return of this question with genuine arguments and
telling all regarding that.
Here is my weblog :: professional adwords - -
4:35 AM
However, remember this advice: Do not make the topic too broad; for example, if
you decide to write about global warming, don't try to discuss each and every aspect of global warming, which would turn your paper into a book, but, instead, choose a focus this manageable and, therefore, can be discussed adequately in a student paper. A meal plan can be very detailed and it can be tied to eating great things like fish and nuts to eat. Make sure your kitchen is fully stocked with the foods you need to eat.
Also visit my blog; how to gain weight
5:37 AM
Having a passport on hand means you are free to leave
immediately in an emergency situation. South America is
one of the most unique, interesting, and
exotic locations on Earth, and is full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The more detailed you can write out your plan, the better.
Also visit my page - how to get a passport card fast
4:49 PM
Are you looking for a better way to make money, without breaking your
back or working the traditional 9 to 5 job. There are millions of websites published over the Internet and your
site will just be another addition. However, the
design elements can still be kept same, without affecting the user experience a great extent.
my blog: How To Make A Website For A Business (Http://Howtomakeawebsitehq.Org/)
4:56 PM
Fitness buffs who work out almost every day will burn the THC out of their fat cells quicker than
someone who never exercises. However, these days the fact is that not only the illegal drugs are not only the source of drug addiction.
The synthetic urine works well but it requires some time to prepare
the synthetic concentrated urine.
My blog post: how to pass a hair folicle drug test
11:28 PM
Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening.
I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this article together.
I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading
and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
Also visit my website ... health insurabce
4:51 AM
It may be better understood and applied as
consistency and repetition. Now you can also find our
online landscape design services from many companies. Looking into
all the details beforehand can save you lots of effort and money in trying out various ideas.
Here is my website; landscape design consultant
2:00 PM
I've been sharing company information, responding to comments, and retweeting other amazing
issues out there. The problem lies in this specific model
of iPod. Builders can also produce customized toggles SB options.
Also visit my web page best ipad apps college
8:39 PM
electronic cigarettes, e cigarette forum, best electronic cigarette, e cig forum, e cigarette reviews, smokeless cigarettes
9:10 PM
vans pas cher, ray ban uk, sac hermes, coach purses, mulberry uk, replica handbags, new balance, true religion outlet, michael kors outlet, michael kors pas cher, ray ban pas cher, louboutin pas cher, jordan pas cher, polo ralph lauren, nike tn, lululemon canada, true religion jeans, kate spade, air max, timberland pas cher, nike air max, nike blazer pas cher, nike air max uk, converse pas cher, ralph lauren uk, true religion outlet, north face, hollister uk, nike roshe run uk, longchamp pas cher, michael kors, north face uk, burberry pas cher, coach outlet, hogan outlet, nike air force, abercrombie and fitch uk, polo lacoste, hollister pas cher, nike air max uk, nike roshe, nike free uk, michael kors, oakley pas cher, sac longchamp pas cher, coach outlet store online, nike free run, sac vanessa bruno, guess pas cher, true religion outlet
6:15 PM
doudoune moncler, ugg,ugg australia,ugg italia, ugg, canada goose, canada goose uk, pandora uk, moncler outlet, louis vuitton, links of london, pandora charms, moncler outlet, supra shoes, swarovski, pandora jewelry, hollister, doke gabbana, juicy couture outlet, ugg pas cher, vans, canada goose outlet, hollister, moncler, canada goose, nike air max, louis vuitton, louis vuitton, canada goose jackets, louis vuitton, lancel, karen millen uk, wedding dresses, pandora jewelry, gucci, converse outlet, ray ban, canada goose, marc jacobs, barbour uk, replica watches, moncler, ugg,uggs,uggs canada, toms shoes, barbour, converse, juicy couture outlet, louis vuitton, montre pas cher, canada goose outlet, swarovski crystal, thomas sabo, canada goose outlet, coach outlet, moncler
6:19 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home