Does God Listen to Rap?

Does God Listen to Rap?

Author: Curtis Allen

Publisher: Cruciform Press

Published: 2013-11-01

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13: 1936760789

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A lot of people think that if there is one style of music in the world that God hates, it has got to be rap. Some have even gone so far as to call rap, “An unclean thing before the Lord.” They don’t believe something originally associated with so much evil can ever be redeemed for God’s glory. Lots of other people love and accept rap as their preferred form of musical expression. Many of these who are Christians can’t imagine why God would have any issues with rap – at least, not with songs by believers that encourage and edify them in the faith. Who’s right? And maybe more importantly, who cares? You should. And here’s why. In the past 30 years, rap music has become a vital artistic and cultural force globally, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Like it or not, you are probably exposed to rap in one form or another on a fairly regular basis. If you’re interested in this book you may be a believer in Jesus who likes rap a lot, and as Christians, when we love something that is (if you hadn’t noticed) closely associated with sin and rebellion, our justification for being involved with it really does need to go beyond, “Dude, this is good stuff.” But maybe you’re in a different category. Maybe you’re a Christian parent, concerned that rap music may have a negative impact on your child. Maybe you’re a youth pastor worried about having a rap concert at his church because of the potential pushback. Or maybe you’re just a rap fan who is curious to see if there’s even any biblical evidence for or against rap. To put it simply, if you’ve made it this far, this book is probably for you. Does God Listen to Rap? covers two areas. First, it presents a sociological history of the emergence and development of rap. If you enjoy rap and hip hop culture, you’ll love this part of the book. Then the book explores the Scriptures to bring some biblical (not just personal or anecdotal) resolution to the question of God and rap. Ultimately, this involves a set of larger questions involving God and the arts. This is more than just an apologetic for rap music, this is a biblical way to think about how Christians can be in the world yet not of the world, and how they can express themselves to the glory of God. So, does God listen to rap? Come find out.


Book Synopsis Does God Listen to Rap? by : Curtis Allen

Download or read book Does God Listen to Rap? written by Curtis Allen and published by Cruciform Press. This book was released on 2013-11-01 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A lot of people think that if there is one style of music in the world that God hates, it has got to be rap. Some have even gone so far as to call rap, “An unclean thing before the Lord.” They don’t believe something originally associated with so much evil can ever be redeemed for God’s glory. Lots of other people love and accept rap as their preferred form of musical expression. Many of these who are Christians can’t imagine why God would have any issues with rap – at least, not with songs by believers that encourage and edify them in the faith. Who’s right? And maybe more importantly, who cares? You should. And here’s why. In the past 30 years, rap music has become a vital artistic and cultural force globally, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Like it or not, you are probably exposed to rap in one form or another on a fairly regular basis. If you’re interested in this book you may be a believer in Jesus who likes rap a lot, and as Christians, when we love something that is (if you hadn’t noticed) closely associated with sin and rebellion, our justification for being involved with it really does need to go beyond, “Dude, this is good stuff.” But maybe you’re in a different category. Maybe you’re a Christian parent, concerned that rap music may have a negative impact on your child. Maybe you’re a youth pastor worried about having a rap concert at his church because of the potential pushback. Or maybe you’re just a rap fan who is curious to see if there’s even any biblical evidence for or against rap. To put it simply, if you’ve made it this far, this book is probably for you. Does God Listen to Rap? covers two areas. First, it presents a sociological history of the emergence and development of rap. If you enjoy rap and hip hop culture, you’ll love this part of the book. Then the book explores the Scriptures to bring some biblical (not just personal or anecdotal) resolution to the question of God and rap. Ultimately, this involves a set of larger questions involving God and the arts. This is more than just an apologetic for rap music, this is a biblical way to think about how Christians can be in the world yet not of the world, and how they can express themselves to the glory of God. So, does God listen to rap? Come find out.

Rap With a Mission: How Rap & Hip-Hop can be used in Missions and Evangelism

Rap With a Mission: How Rap & Hip-Hop can be used in Missions and Evangelism

Author: Joseph George a.k.a Joey.G

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2016-07-28

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13: 1326584502

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This Book explores the History behind Rap and Hip-Hop in the Christian and Non-Christian World. It describes how Hip-Hop has strongly influenced and shaped Global Youth Culture and how it plays out in Post-Modernism. It importantly shows how Christians are using it to communicate the Gospel in Missions and Evangelism.


Book Synopsis Rap With a Mission: How Rap & Hip-Hop can be used in Missions and Evangelism by : Joseph George a.k.a Joey.G

Download or read book Rap With a Mission: How Rap & Hip-Hop can be used in Missions and Evangelism written by Joseph George a.k.a Joey.G and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2016-07-28 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Book explores the History behind Rap and Hip-Hop in the Christian and Non-Christian World. It describes how Hip-Hop has strongly influenced and shaped Global Youth Culture and how it plays out in Post-Modernism. It importantly shows how Christians are using it to communicate the Gospel in Missions and Evangelism.

Hip-Hop Redemption

Hip-Hop Redemption

Author: Ralph Basui Watkins

Publisher: Baker Academic

Published: 2011-10

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 080103311X

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A sociologist and pop-culture expert offers a balanced engagement of hip-hop and rap music, showing God's presence in the music and the message.


Book Synopsis Hip-Hop Redemption by : Ralph Basui Watkins

Download or read book Hip-Hop Redemption written by Ralph Basui Watkins and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2011-10 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A sociologist and pop-culture expert offers a balanced engagement of hip-hop and rap music, showing God's presence in the music and the message.

Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me

Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me

Author: Curtis Allen

Publisher: Cruciform Press

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 85

ISBN-13: 1936760436

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To interpret Scripture rightly, imitate Jesus. The earthly ministry of Jesus was all about rightly interpreting and applying God's Word. We can do the same. No special training required. In fact, right interpretation of Scripture, followed by right application, is the primary way that Christians are to be like God. This is not an issue of education. It's an issue of imitation. The example of Jesus' life shows us how.


Book Synopsis Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me by : Curtis Allen

Download or read book Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me written by Curtis Allen and published by Cruciform Press. This book was released on 2012 with total page 85 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To interpret Scripture rightly, imitate Jesus. The earthly ministry of Jesus was all about rightly interpreting and applying God's Word. We can do the same. No special training required. In fact, right interpretation of Scripture, followed by right application, is the primary way that Christians are to be like God. This is not an issue of education. It's an issue of imitation. The example of Jesus' life shows us how.

Rap on Trial

Rap on Trial

Author: Erik Nielson

Publisher: The New Press

Published: 2019-11-12

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 1620973413

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A groundbreaking exposé about the alarming use of rap lyrics as criminal evidence to convict and incarcerate young men of color Should Johnny Cash have been charged with murder after he sang, "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die"? Few would seriously subscribe to this notion of justice. Yet in 2001, a rapper named Mac whose music had gained national recognition was convicted of manslaughter after the prosecutor quoted liberally from his album Shell Shocked. Mac was sentenced to thirty years in prison, where he remains. And his case is just one of many nationwide. Over the last three decades, as rap became increasingly popular, prosecutors saw an opportunity: they could present the sometimes violent, crime-laden lyrics of amateur rappers as confessions to crimes, threats of violence, evidence of gang affiliation, or revelations of criminal motive—and judges and juries would go along with it. Detectives have reopened cold cases on account of rap lyrics and videos alone, and prosecutors have secured convictions by presenting such lyrics and videos of rappers as autobiography. Now, an alarming number of aspiring rappers are imprisoned. No other form of creative expression is treated this way in the courts. Rap on Trial places this disturbing practice in the context of hip hop history and exposes what's at stake. It's a gripping, timely exploration at the crossroads of contemporary hip hop and mass incarceration.


Book Synopsis Rap on Trial by : Erik Nielson

Download or read book Rap on Trial written by Erik Nielson and published by The New Press. This book was released on 2019-11-12 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A groundbreaking exposé about the alarming use of rap lyrics as criminal evidence to convict and incarcerate young men of color Should Johnny Cash have been charged with murder after he sang, "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die"? Few would seriously subscribe to this notion of justice. Yet in 2001, a rapper named Mac whose music had gained national recognition was convicted of manslaughter after the prosecutor quoted liberally from his album Shell Shocked. Mac was sentenced to thirty years in prison, where he remains. And his case is just one of many nationwide. Over the last three decades, as rap became increasingly popular, prosecutors saw an opportunity: they could present the sometimes violent, crime-laden lyrics of amateur rappers as confessions to crimes, threats of violence, evidence of gang affiliation, or revelations of criminal motive—and judges and juries would go along with it. Detectives have reopened cold cases on account of rap lyrics and videos alone, and prosecutors have secured convictions by presenting such lyrics and videos of rappers as autobiography. Now, an alarming number of aspiring rappers are imprisoned. No other form of creative expression is treated this way in the courts. Rap on Trial places this disturbing practice in the context of hip hop history and exposes what's at stake. It's a gripping, timely exploration at the crossroads of contemporary hip hop and mass incarceration.

Rap and Religion

Rap and Religion

Author: Ebony A. Utley

Publisher:

Published:

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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This book provides an enlightening, representative account of how rappers talk about God in their lyrics--and why a sense of religion plays an intrinsic role within hip hop culture. Why is the battle between good and evil a recurring theme in rap lyrics? What role does the devil play in hip hop? What exactly does it mean when rappers wear a diamond-encrusted "Jesus" around their necks? Why do rappers acknowledge God during award shows and frequently include prayers in their albums? Rap and Religion: Understanding the Gangsta's God tackles a sensitive and controversial topic: the juxtaposition--and seeming hypocrisy--of references to God within hip hop culture and rap music. This book provides a focused examination of the intersection of God and religion with hip hop and rap music. Author Ebony A. Utley, PhD, references selected rap lyrics and videos that span three decades of mainstream hip hop culture in America, representing the East Coast, the West Coast, and the South in order to account for how and why rappers talk about God. Utley also describes the complex urban environments that birthed rap music and sources interviews, award acceptance speeches, magazine and website content, and liner notes to further explain how God became entrenched in hip hop.


Book Synopsis Rap and Religion by : Ebony A. Utley

Download or read book Rap and Religion written by Ebony A. Utley and published by . This book was released on with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an enlightening, representative account of how rappers talk about God in their lyrics--and why a sense of religion plays an intrinsic role within hip hop culture. Why is the battle between good and evil a recurring theme in rap lyrics? What role does the devil play in hip hop? What exactly does it mean when rappers wear a diamond-encrusted "Jesus" around their necks? Why do rappers acknowledge God during award shows and frequently include prayers in their albums? Rap and Religion: Understanding the Gangsta's God tackles a sensitive and controversial topic: the juxtaposition--and seeming hypocrisy--of references to God within hip hop culture and rap music. This book provides a focused examination of the intersection of God and religion with hip hop and rap music. Author Ebony A. Utley, PhD, references selected rap lyrics and videos that span three decades of mainstream hip hop culture in America, representing the East Coast, the West Coast, and the South in order to account for how and why rappers talk about God. Utley also describes the complex urban environments that birthed rap music and sources interviews, award acceptance speeches, magazine and website content, and liner notes to further explain how God became entrenched in hip hop.

The Northington Chronicles

The Northington Chronicles

Author: L.J. Watts

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2011-09-19

Total Pages: 334

ISBN-13: 146287973X

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Stephen Northington was ten years old when his parents died. His maternal grandmother, knowing his parents wishes, continued to raise the Northington children as Christians. Stephen grew into a personable, easy going and laid back guy. He is a non-politically correct Christian man without the expected fire-and-brimstone personality whose character is not often challenged. However, even though his Christian beliefs are sometimes questioned non-believers find it hard to argue with him. Kathy Hall was raised with very little religious influence in her life. She grew up in an upper middle class family and was the youngest of four children and the only daughter. She was very popular in high school and college and had the same four best friends all eight years. She grew up to be a very beautiful woman and is successful in her career. But, Kathy is not successful in love and is a divorcee who is also the mother of a very urban preteen daughter, Kendra. Kendra is pampered but not spoiled. She is allowed the freedoms of most urban children. She travels to malls and Chicago attractions using the public transportation systems with her closest friends and knows the Chicago streets better than most adults. She is also well aware of her mother’s single-life woes as she watches first hand the men that come in and out of her life and is present when her mother’s friends sit around the kitchen table to discuss the details of their romantic adventures and failures. Stephen and Kathy are coworkers at a major corporation and they eventually become acquainted. They are assigned side-by-side cubicles where they become regular coffee chit-chatters. Kathy uses Stephen as a sounding board for her weekly Monday morning pity party cries over her failed relationships. Eventually, Kathy has a revelation as she suddenly sees Stephen in a new light and their lives become intertwined. They find themselves facing life issues that initially create conflict between Kathy and Stephen. The conflict between them begins to subside but increases for Kendra. As they move forward with their lives Stephen is encouraged, Kathy is motivated but Kendra’s frustration deepens. The lives of the three of them become more intertwined as they face new and more challenging conflicts. See how these three handles a homosexual couple attending a barbecue at the home of Christians and decide to challenge the host; Kendra develops a friendship with a Christian girl and they become best friends. She watches as her friend gets bullied by a school classmate and tries to encourage her; and Kathy is alarmed and frustrated with the surprising political agendas revealed at the public school Kendra attends and challenges the administration. Stephen, Kathy and Kendra handle these challenges and more in The Northington Chronicles, A New Beginning. Book Reviews: I found reading The Northington Chronicles to be magnetizing. From the opening paragraph you're drawn in with the conflict swirling through Kendra's mind. L. J. Watts has keenly constructed many scenarios that provide the correct amount of tension which makes The Northington Chronicles a compelling can't-put-the-book-down read. Each chapter, each scene, begs both questions and answers. How would I react if this event appeared in my life? Not only are you given a glimpse inside the three main characters lives, you truly get to live vicariously through them as their stories unfold. Kudos to the author and may God continue to bless you. ERW Northington Chronicles: A New Beginning is the best book I've read in years. It's a mixture of everyday life issues with some comedy and drama with a little bit of romance sprinkled in there. There's so much to learn from reading this book including how to biblically (Christ-like) handle situations like bullying, and domestic/civil coupling, etc. It's a great book for book clubs because it causes one to have questions a


Book Synopsis The Northington Chronicles by : L.J. Watts

Download or read book The Northington Chronicles written by L.J. Watts and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2011-09-19 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Stephen Northington was ten years old when his parents died. His maternal grandmother, knowing his parents wishes, continued to raise the Northington children as Christians. Stephen grew into a personable, easy going and laid back guy. He is a non-politically correct Christian man without the expected fire-and-brimstone personality whose character is not often challenged. However, even though his Christian beliefs are sometimes questioned non-believers find it hard to argue with him. Kathy Hall was raised with very little religious influence in her life. She grew up in an upper middle class family and was the youngest of four children and the only daughter. She was very popular in high school and college and had the same four best friends all eight years. She grew up to be a very beautiful woman and is successful in her career. But, Kathy is not successful in love and is a divorcee who is also the mother of a very urban preteen daughter, Kendra. Kendra is pampered but not spoiled. She is allowed the freedoms of most urban children. She travels to malls and Chicago attractions using the public transportation systems with her closest friends and knows the Chicago streets better than most adults. She is also well aware of her mother’s single-life woes as she watches first hand the men that come in and out of her life and is present when her mother’s friends sit around the kitchen table to discuss the details of their romantic adventures and failures. Stephen and Kathy are coworkers at a major corporation and they eventually become acquainted. They are assigned side-by-side cubicles where they become regular coffee chit-chatters. Kathy uses Stephen as a sounding board for her weekly Monday morning pity party cries over her failed relationships. Eventually, Kathy has a revelation as she suddenly sees Stephen in a new light and their lives become intertwined. They find themselves facing life issues that initially create conflict between Kathy and Stephen. The conflict between them begins to subside but increases for Kendra. As they move forward with their lives Stephen is encouraged, Kathy is motivated but Kendra’s frustration deepens. The lives of the three of them become more intertwined as they face new and more challenging conflicts. See how these three handles a homosexual couple attending a barbecue at the home of Christians and decide to challenge the host; Kendra develops a friendship with a Christian girl and they become best friends. She watches as her friend gets bullied by a school classmate and tries to encourage her; and Kathy is alarmed and frustrated with the surprising political agendas revealed at the public school Kendra attends and challenges the administration. Stephen, Kathy and Kendra handle these challenges and more in The Northington Chronicles, A New Beginning. Book Reviews: I found reading The Northington Chronicles to be magnetizing. From the opening paragraph you're drawn in with the conflict swirling through Kendra's mind. L. J. Watts has keenly constructed many scenarios that provide the correct amount of tension which makes The Northington Chronicles a compelling can't-put-the-book-down read. Each chapter, each scene, begs both questions and answers. How would I react if this event appeared in my life? Not only are you given a glimpse inside the three main characters lives, you truly get to live vicariously through them as their stories unfold. Kudos to the author and may God continue to bless you. ERW Northington Chronicles: A New Beginning is the best book I've read in years. It's a mixture of everyday life issues with some comedy and drama with a little bit of romance sprinkled in there. There's so much to learn from reading this book including how to biblically (Christ-like) handle situations like bullying, and domestic/civil coupling, etc. It's a great book for book clubs because it causes one to have questions a

Letters From The Earth

Letters From The Earth

Author: Mark Twain

Publisher: Youcanprint

Published: 2017-04-04

Total Pages: 57

ISBN-13: 8892658379

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The Creator sat upon the throne, thinking. Behind him stretched the illimitable continent of heaven, steeped in a glory of light and color; before him rose the black night of Space, like a wall. His mighty bulk towered rugged and mountain-like into the zenith, and His divine head blazed there like a distant sun. At His feet stood three colossal figures, diminished to extinction, almost, by contrast -- archangels -- their heads level with His ankle-bone. When the Creator had finished thinking, He said, "I have thought. Behold!" He lifted His hand, and from it burst a fountain-spray of fire, a million stupendous suns, which clove the blackness and soared, away and away and away, diminishing in magnitude and intensity as they pierced the far frontiers of Space, until at last they were but as diamond nailheads sparkling under the domed vast roof of the universe. At the end of an hour the Grand Council was dismissed. They left the Presence impressed and thoughtful, and retired to a private place, where they might talk with freedom. None of the three seemed to want to begin, though all wanted somebody to do it.


Book Synopsis Letters From The Earth by : Mark Twain

Download or read book Letters From The Earth written by Mark Twain and published by Youcanprint. This book was released on 2017-04-04 with total page 57 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Creator sat upon the throne, thinking. Behind him stretched the illimitable continent of heaven, steeped in a glory of light and color; before him rose the black night of Space, like a wall. His mighty bulk towered rugged and mountain-like into the zenith, and His divine head blazed there like a distant sun. At His feet stood three colossal figures, diminished to extinction, almost, by contrast -- archangels -- their heads level with His ankle-bone. When the Creator had finished thinking, He said, "I have thought. Behold!" He lifted His hand, and from it burst a fountain-spray of fire, a million stupendous suns, which clove the blackness and soared, away and away and away, diminishing in magnitude and intensity as they pierced the far frontiers of Space, until at last they were but as diamond nailheads sparkling under the domed vast roof of the universe. At the end of an hour the Grand Council was dismissed. They left the Presence impressed and thoughtful, and retired to a private place, where they might talk with freedom. None of the three seemed to want to begin, though all wanted somebody to do it.

Religion and Popular Culture in America, Third Edition

Religion and Popular Culture in America, Third Edition

Author: Bruce David Forbes

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2017-03-01

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 0520965221

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The connection between popular culture and religion is an enduring part of American life. With seventy-five percent new content, the third edition of this multifaceted and popular collection has been revised and updated throughout to provide greater religious diversity in its topics and address critical developments in the study of religion and popular culture. Ideal for classroom use, this expanded volume gives increased attention to the implications of digital culture and the increasingly interactive quality of popular culture provides a framework to help students understand and appreciate the work in diverse fields, methods, and perspectives contains an updated introduction, discussion questions, and other instructional tools


Book Synopsis Religion and Popular Culture in America, Third Edition by : Bruce David Forbes

Download or read book Religion and Popular Culture in America, Third Edition written by Bruce David Forbes and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2017-03-01 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The connection between popular culture and religion is an enduring part of American life. With seventy-five percent new content, the third edition of this multifaceted and popular collection has been revised and updated throughout to provide greater religious diversity in its topics and address critical developments in the study of religion and popular culture. Ideal for classroom use, this expanded volume gives increased attention to the implications of digital culture and the increasingly interactive quality of popular culture provides a framework to help students understand and appreciate the work in diverse fields, methods, and perspectives contains an updated introduction, discussion questions, and other instructional tools

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

Author: Gucci Mane

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2017-09-19

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1501165321

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The highly anticipated memoir from Gucci Mane, "one of hip-hop's most prolific and admired artists" (The New York Times).


Book Synopsis The Autobiography of Gucci Mane by : Gucci Mane

Download or read book The Autobiography of Gucci Mane written by Gucci Mane and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2017-09-19 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The highly anticipated memoir from Gucci Mane, "one of hip-hop's most prolific and admired artists" (The New York Times).