Boston’s Tom Scholtz is a Schmutz February 15, 2008
Posted by Paul Edwards in Boston, Huckabee, Mike Huckabee, Tom Scholtz.trackback
Rolling Stone has printed a letter from the band Boston’s lead guitarist in which he states, ”Although I am impressed [Huckabee] learned my bass guitar part on ‘More Than a Feeling,’ I am an Obama supporter.” Scholtz disrespectfully requests that Huckabee stop playing Boston’s music on the campaign trail (or anywhere for that matter) because Huckabee is ”a candidate who is the polar opposite of most everything Boston stands for.”
I have every album Boston ever produced. Anybody want to join me for a Boston bonfire? In an effort to be as narrow minded as Tom Schmutz, I can’t in good conscience any longer listen to music produced by people who hold to an ideaology which is the polar opposite of everything I stand for.
BTW, Tom Scholtz closes his letter to Huckabee by referring to him as the “straight talk candidate.” Uh, it’s not Huckabee who is referring to himself on the campaign trail as the “straight talk candidate.” That would be JOHN MCCAIN.
Is Tommy Boy sure he sent the letter to the right candidate?
After I got saved, I think it was Jack Van Impe who convinced me to burn my old music. I think that was some of the best advice I have ever had. I have been listening to Christian music ever since.
I would like to take part, but along with AC/DC, Ted Nugent, etc, Boston got burned. Besides that, their style pass on many years ago.
So Paul, have a good healthy burn, and God Bless. I am sure you wont miss it anyway.
Ed
Ed
You get the point of the “new man” in Christ. Good conviction, keep it.
This blog seems to have died since Huckabee doesn’t have a chance. I notice Paul that you have been talking alot about evolution and ID on your show recently. I would be nice to hash this issue out with folks like skeptimal, who is an atheist and seems to be well learned in his beliefs.
Iggy,
The blog hasn’t died, it’s just slowed down. My daughter is getting married this weekend and I’ve been giving my attention to that.
Paul
You might say; She is “evolving”.
Congratulations!
Broke yet?
Iggy
There is no such thing as an atheist. Who are they fighting if God is non-existent? A better fitted term would be an “agnostic”.
Congrats to your daughter and new addition to the family….
Pixelmaster,
Paul’s now son-in-law was actually my first Christian friend and I find your comment to be smearing the character of someone you do not even know. You may think that it’s funny, but his daughter and son-in-law are real people with character. Also your charactacture of our views on male headship are well worn out, maybe if you studied the complementarian view of the sexes you would understand things a little better…
Colin, little sensitive are we? it was a joke, it was more making fun of Paul than his daughter and son-in-law. I see my comments have been deleted so Paul must have been offended too, after he first let my post through.
Lighten up Colin
Test everything; keep what’s good. I don’t see how Scholz’s political thoughts have anything to do with beauty and truth (or lack thereof) in Boston’s music. “Foreplay” is still brilliant, whether Scholz is liberal, conservative, libertarian, or whatever. “Peace of Mind” is still a good song that cuts against the grain of American greed. Don’t be too hasty (and that comes from an idiot who at various times under various guilt manipulations threw away 8-tracks, cassettes, LPs, and CDs until I finally learned the lesson).
Paul,
Oh boy! We’re going back to the 80’s and burning records! Fantastic! The new ‘Satanism’ is Liberalism and Progressive politics that scare the bejeezus out of rural folk. Go ahead and burn those CD’s and breathe those noxious fumes deep into your lungs! Maybe you can hear the liberal demons screaming as they die in the fire! Or maybe the screams are those of rejoice since demons like fire, right?
Get over yourself. If you really cared about music and your political/religious stance so deeply you would care enough to find out about the artist you listen to before you purchase their products. I’m an Atheist and I refuse to own any CD/LP/DVD with an overt pro-religious message or made by a religious fanatic… Unless it’s really funny and bought at a thrift store.
If you researched all the artists in your CD collection you’d probably be left with only Ted Nugent & Charlie Daniels. Although I’m sure you have some overt Christian rock, right? I bet you have some Petra!
But really, stop pretending to be a victim and enjoy the music. People like you just want to hear a nice song and don’t want to think about it… So stick with it.
don…
You have it backwards. There is no such thing as an Agnostic. The term Agnostic means “not a gnostic”. Atheist means “not religious”. Take it from an Atheist. We reject the Judeo/Christian/Muslim/Pagan idea of “god” and know that science has far more to offer mankind than allegory and metaphor. We are part of something far greater than us that would probably be insulted by the repugnant and impotent role in which it has been cast by humans.
“From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Atheism, as an explicit position, either affirms the nonexistence of gods[1] or rejects theism.[2] When defined more broadly, atheism is the absence of belief in deities,[3] alternatively called nontheism.”
Ken?
“We are part of something far greater than us that would probably be insulted by the repugnant and impotent role in which it has been cast by humans.”
Is it the ‘god’ of science that would be insulted…or the idea of science??? And whose idea might that be???? Who INVEVENTED science???? Does science have consciousness??? Is science organized, or is the first one up the mountain the “king-god”.
Just wondering…obviously you enjoy intrumental music. And BTW…satan doesn’t scare the bejeezus out of Christians, but maybe he should scare the bejeezus out of you…however, God is merciful and there is always HOPE!
In the past year or so I have been impressed, or is it depressed by the general lack of focus on what is important…like burning CDs
“Schmutz”? Honestly? WHY? Is it because he apparently insulted someone you respect? Because he doesn’t hold the same views as you? The time spent burning the music could be better spent helping someone, visiting someone, feeding someone, clothing someone…and the list goes on.
It might be considerably more difficult to convince Tom, if you met him, or anyone who has read this post that you cared about him or them…at all! Especially if they hold views different to your own.
The mandate of love is awful clear and inescapable.
It really isn’t much wonder that Gandi told Jones “Oh, I don’t reject your Christ. I love your Christ. It’s just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Each one of us who say we follow the teachings of Jesus need to pay careful attention to Gandhi’s response. Let it sting a bit…then focus on getting out of God’s way and let him do…whatever he is going to do.
Ken, from a great distance I would guess that you have, in some way, been injured by someone or some group of people of faith and the hostility of the response above isn’t likely to have done much to assuage any anger you may harbor. For what it’s worth, I am sorry.
Nancy, Satan may not scare Christians but he sure gets us fighting each other, filled with pride, confused, ineffective and unfocused…all too often unfortunately and I am not immune.
Jesus followers, when was the last time you were Jesus’ hands, feet, voice…with someone you doesn’t agree with you, is dirty, smelly hard to be near?
It is time for a change!
Andrew,
If Ken were never challenged on his belief as an athiest, albeit in a rather flippant manner, would that be called love??? Once challenged, he has the opportunity (1) to confront truth, which would indicate that there is indeed hope for him…or (2) slink away and disappear under a rock…BTW if it were at all possible for Paul to find and burn all the works of Boston… IMHO, he would indeed be helping a great many people.
Nancy,
Don’t you know that Wikipedia is too liberal for christians? We need to start using Conservapedia http://www.conservapedia.com/Main_Page the biased “christian” alternate for the “Truth”. The christian subculture is laughable, I say that as a christian.
Pixel,
Great site! I didn’t know about it…although, if Christians are addressing (helping to inform) the very liberal left…maybe we should stick to their language so we would be more clearly understood???
Oh, and one more thing…Ken, I’m really not mean…no matter what just plain text conveys. Welcome to the blog about the REAL WORLD. *: ) Posted to by REAL PEOPLE!
Haha, Nancy, that is wasn’t necessarily an endorsement for the site. But if you find it informative, then God bless. My rule of thumb is to not trust anything that starts with a presupposition then makes conclusions from the presupposed position. This includes many positions that christians fight with vigor, IE evolution, Christian = Republican, and other social issues that go along with voting republican. Not that I don’t agree on the social stances, I just think that the right fights them the wrong way. They are devisive, and that is not christian.
This scripture should scare all christians who think they have it all figured out:
Mat 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Thank you Pixel for reading Conservapedia for me so I don’t have to…Would that make you a Conservapedia Hound??
This scripture should comfort all Christians who know the Word of God:
Hebrews 6:1 EVS
1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God
Philippians 2:13 NIV
13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
I find it interesting how this thread has become a “sword drill” of sorts. It seems to lend some weight to my comment above regarding focus.
Nancy, in reply to your comment regarding Ken, I have not been able to come up with scripture that could in context support the burning of music. I was however able to find a song written by Tom Scholtz and David Sikes called “Higher Power” with the following lyrics:
“Let me hold you
Take me back into the secrets of my mind
Let me know you
Come and save me Lord
Don’t let me cross the line
Hey, my high power
The world is spinnin’, but I’m not afraid
Yeah, give me the power It’s the beginnin’, the beginnin’ of another day.
“God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Thy will,not mine,shall be done.
Amen.”
It would truly be a sad day when music containing these lyrics and the other great works of Boston went up in smoke.
Imagine for a moment that Tom was on a journey, looking for truth and meaning…how would the comments here be likely to affect his journey and pursuit of truth? I believe we are all on such a journey!
It is dangerous for anyone, especially those who profess a living relationship with God, to sit in judgment of others regardless of their faith or lack thereof and judgment is passed on this thread in large quantities. (Matt 7:1-2, Luke 6:37)
To look at the example of Christ, it is clear that his anger and harsh words were directed at the established “church” and it’s judgmental, closed, proud leaders (Matt 15:1-16). Even here he was civil in most instances (Mark 3:20-28).
As far as his dealings with those he came to bring hope to, the Jewish people, God’s chosen people, his example is that of love. Even when his disciples were not getting the point (Matt 14:31), arguing about who would be first (Mark 9:33-37) or falling asleep on the job (Luke 22:39-46), when Martha wanted Jesus to rebuke Mary for sitting and listening but not helping, Whatever wrong position those around Jesus found themselves in Jesus responded with love.
That love changed people’s lives…quickly! Zaccheus was changed after one dinner with Jesus. Saul was changed after one encounter with Jesus and 3 days to think it over. One of the criminals on a cross next to Jesus was changed after several hours next to him in horrible conditions. These examples go on and on.
If God provides us with power to cast out demons would not the power to love also be available for the asking?
What is the greatest commandment? That question was asked and answered over 2000 years ago.
It is telling that you felt the need to explain to Ken that you aren’t a mean person…he certainly could believe you were or are. Far better to apologize than blame plain text. We are to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. This applies across the board.
As far a challenging those who aren’t following Jesus teachings in their beliefs…I disagree wholeheartedly! We are to be prepared always to give an account of the joy that is in us. We are to live our lives and love those we come in contact with in such a way that they are drawn. Jesus didn’t travel around challenging people, even the Pharisees and religious leaders. He taught, loved, healed and lived in such a way that people were drawn to him.
We live our lives and follow Him…HE draws people to himself. Our wit, intellect, savvy, accomplishments and so on are at his disposal. He guides and directs while we obey. Our toughest job is to take ourselves out of the equation!
Paul, I would appreciate your thoughts here
Andrew
I agree, sometimes we need to soften our words and take a less challenging stance. That being said, it is also true that we are not all going to be warm and fuzzy Christians, but our Heavenly Father never meant us to be. Christians come in all shapes, sizes, ages, temperaments and political stances (not all card carrying Republicans and we don’t all watch Fox News) *: )
Our Biblical counterparts were also very eclectic in personality…who could not love Stephen when we see him nobly standing and pleading for his persecutors with his last breath…and Paul with his burning evangelical and pastoral spirit…and Peter who told it like he saw it and let the pieces fall where they may…and Thomas not always so sure…They, as we are, were on their journey of transformation into the character of Jesus. Yes, we need all of us! (Proverbs 27:17) Does that mean we will all eventually be morphed into the same personality? NO, I definitely think not.
Here is a great snippet from the site 22 Words
http://twentytwowords.com/2008/03/11/the-holy-spirit-only-calls-a-select-few-to-be-jackasses/
If you are, or become a regular reader of Paul’s blog…you will experience a myriad of opinions expressed… graciously allowed by the author of the blog…being the author, he also allows his opinion to be stated strongly; everyone will not be in agreement this side of the rapture….
And, BTW…I don’t think there will be an actual “burning”…however; because we are using only text…we can’t be sure. *: )
Well Nancy,
Unfortunately I don’t think you agree with me with regards to “sometimes we need to soften our words and take a less challenging stance”. I believe that this should always characterize our interaction those who don’t have a personal relationship with Christ.
The apostle Paul was a great example of this. Yes, he talked with many. For example, after being distressed by all the idols in Athens and talking to people about Jesus, he introduced the people of Athens to “the Unknown God” (Acts 17). He didn’t berade the Athenians, flippantly challenge their beliefs and there is no mention of him calling anyone names like “Schmutz” or burning their writings, idols etc.
Regarding all Christians being warm, fuzzy or republican…warm we should all be, fuzzy that depends on genes and republican well…that is up to the individual. I think it should be said that while you were speaking about behaviour, personality and appearance I am refering to character. We ALL need to be transforming into the character of Christ. In this way I wholeheartedly believe that God DOES intend us to be the same. (Eph 4:15, Phi 2:1)
“Thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, character becomes destiny”
Stephen as you mentioned modelled this loving character beautifully! Paul as I just mentioned above modelled this character. Peter…well he was corrected several times for telling it like he saw it and letting the pieces fall where they may. An example is when he cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest (Luke 22). He wasn’t in line with the loving approach Jesus was teaching.
As you stated, none of these men looked the same, had the same personality or behaved the same in every situation. We have all been created as unique there is no question. Those looking on however WILL know we are followers of Christ by our LOVE! (1 Pet 3:8, 1 Cor 13, 2 Cor 5:14, 2 Cor 6:6, Gal 5:14)
This verse sums it all up so well!
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.”
- 1 John 3:18
Well said Andrew! *: ) I will change my “sometimes” to… “most times”. Obviously ‘more time” needs to pass before total agreement is evidenced. *: )… Can we stand in “unity” without total agreement…I think definitely YES.
Unity is not threatened by such discussions!
We definately stand as such Nancy!