Rock: It's Your Decision (1982) - full transcript
A young man's parents and pastor force him to go without rock music for two weeks, and as a result he discovers how rock music is a tool of Satan to control people.
♫ I wanna say
♫ To everyone here today it's true
♫ We're gonna have a good time
♫ We're gonna have a good time
♫ We're gonna have a good time
♫ We're gonna have a good time
Alright.
Real good time.
Whoo!
- [Woman] Jeff.
I'm sick and tired of telling
you to turn that junk down!
Now turn it off.
- [Jeff] Oh Mom, get off my back.
A guy can't get any privacy around here.
♫ Can't walk on water
♫ Got a ball and chain
- Jeff!
(cars honk horns)
(phone rings)
Hello.
- Jane?
- [Jane] Yes.
- I won't be able to catch
the early flight home.
So don't expect me until tomorrow.
- Did everything go alright?
- I'm afraid that Mr. Phillips
didn't accept our new proposal.
I'll fill ya in on it when I get home.
How's everything there?
- Oh Jeff and I had another
blow up about his music.
He left for church in quite a huff.
Really Arthur, I just don't know
what we're gonna do about it.
His attitude is getting worse and worse.
- Did you try talking to him again?
- No, talking does no good.
I think maybe I'll call
his youth pastor, Jim Owen.
Maybe he'll be able to remind Jeff
what the Bible says about obedience.
- Good idea.
We'll talk about it when I get home.
- Very well dear.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- [Arthur] Okay honey.
- Goodbye.
- [Arthur] Goodnight.
(phone rings)
- Hello?
- [Jane] Is this Pastor Owen?
- Yes, this is Jim Owen.
- This is Mrs. Simms.
I'm calling to see if I could
possibly have a conference
with you within the next few days.
- Conference, of course
I'd be glad to talk to ya.
Let me check my calendar.
How 'bout tomorrow at 1:30?
- [Jane] Tomorrow at
1:30, that'll be fine.
- Good, I'll see ya then.
- [Jane] Thank you Pastor Owen.
- Anytime.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Let him take up his cross
daily and let him follow me.
Jesus calls us not only to a life of trust
and a life of belief in him,
but to a life of commitment.
Commitment in our personal
lives, our dating relationships,
and also our music.
In every area of life.
Let us stand for a song of invitation.
- I'm getting tired of hearing
every evangelist we get in here
coming in and telling me how sinful I am.
Last year it was get your hair cut.
Now all we ever hear is
turn off the trashy music.
You'd think they'd get some
other sermon to preach.
- It if weren't for the party afterwards
I wouldn't even be here.
I sure hope this thing
doesn't last much longer.
I'm about to starve.
♫ Mold me and make me
- [Jeff's Voiceover] What's wrong with me?
I can't tell them, they'd only laugh.
Lord, Jesus I'm sorry
about yelling at Mom.
I'll fix it up with her when I get home,
but why do I feel like this?
- Tag!
- [Jim] Hey Jeff, how's it going?
- Oh everything's fine Brother Jim.
Service was just great.
- Jeff, you gotta hear this.
- I believe we're gonna
need some more ice.
- You're home early.
How was the youth meeting tonight?
- Oh, it was pretty good.
Two kids got saved.
The fellowship afterwards was okay.
- Good.
- Mom?
- Yes?
- Mom, I'm really sorry
about the way I acted this afternoon.
I shouldn't have said what I did.
- That's alright dear.
Don't worry about it.
You go on and get some sleep now.
Goodnight.
- Thanks Mom.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
♫ Devil you're young, late in your life
♫ Devil you keep up
♫ Baby you've life
♫ Devil you keep up
♫ Baby you've life
♫ Devil you keep up
♫ Baby you've life
♫ Devil
- [Jim] Now, how can I help?
- I'll come straight to the point.
I've come about Jeff.
My husband and I feel we
can no longer handle him.
Jeff's not a bad boy, but
he won't listen to me.
And with Arthur out of town so much,
well I just can't control him.
- Can you give me a few specifics?
- Basically it's Jeff's attitude.
He won't obey me and
then he blows up in anger
and walks out.
I've talked and talked to him
about his music especially.
But it just goes in one
ear and out the other.
His father has talked to
him about that rock music,
but it doesn't seem to phase Jeff.
He either listens to that
noise at Marty's or in the car.
Brother Owen, Jeff respects
you and you seem to have
a lot of influence with him.
Would you be willing to talk to him?
- So then the problem is
mainly Jeff's attitude,
his rebellion concerning his music?
- Jeff's attitude change became apparent
right after we gave him a
stereo for Christmas last year.
I suppose that was the beginning of it.
- [Jim] Do you know if
Jeff listened to rock music
before he had his own stereo?
- I really don't know.
I didn't pay that much attention
to what he listened to.
Does it make that much difference?
- [Jim] Jeff has probably been a fan
of rock for a long time.
Kids hear it everywhere,
at school, in the car,
in restaurants, on TV.
You weren't aware of his listening to it
until Jeff started playing
it on his stereo at home.
When you and your husband began saying
"No, no, turn it off."
Well, that's when Jeff rebelled.
- You make it sound
like it's all my fault.
What am I supposed to do?
- Of course it's not all your fault.
But neither is it all Jeff's fault.
The more you attack his
music, the more he rebels.
Mrs. Simms, kids identify
so closely with their music,
that if someone attacks that music,
it's a personal attack
on the kids themselves.
You criticize Jeff's music,
he feels as though you're criticizing him.
Especially if you know
nothing about the music.
He feels as though your discipline
is merely as a result
of differing opinions
or taste in music.
Tell me, do you know
anything about Jeff's music,
his favorite songs or lyrics to them?
- [Jane] I'm afraid I
must plead ignorance.
The only thing I know about Jeff's music
is that it's loud and it
drives me up the wall.
- (laughs) Well, you're not alone.
Most parents are not knowledgeable
concerning rock music,
but in order to set standards in the home,
parents should become informed.
And being a consistent
example will go much further
than nagging or yelling.
Do you watch soap operas on television?
- Yes, but what does that--
- Mrs. Simms, Jeff could
scripturally come up with
the same arguments for
why soap operas are bad,
as you could for why rock music is bad.
Whether or not you realize it,
he watches you very closely.
Being a consistent
example for your children
will quickly get the point
across that you mean business.
Scripturally a family's a
two-sided responsibility.
Children are to obey.
Parents are not to provoke
their children to rath.
- I see what you mean.
Now what can I do to correct the problem?
- Discipline in love, not anger.
Be consistent, be an
example, and be available
when Jeff does come to you and
your husband with questions.
And if you think it'll ease the tension,
I'd be happy to talk with Jeff.
- My husband and I would
greatly appreciate it.
I'm afraid to mention
the subject to Jeff again
for fear of another explosion.
- Rock music is one of
the most difficult things
that a Christian young
person must deal with.
I'm not gonna lecture Jeff.
That would turn him off immediately.
But I can enlighten him on a few facts
and guide him into his
own personal decision
concerning rock.
I'll try to find out what's bothering him.
- Thank you very much.
I came here today because of Jeff,
but I think I learned the most.
- Well, my door's always open to you.
Call me anytime.
- [Jane] Thank you, goodbye.
- [Jim] Bye bye.
Thanks for helping me
clean up the rec hall.
- [Jeff] Oh sure.
Anytime.
- [Jim] Jeff, can I talk
to you for a few minutes?
- [Jeff] Well yeah, what's up?
- Well, your mom came in
to see me this afternoon.
She says you've been having some problems.
- (laughs) Yeah.
Mom and I, I guess we haven't been
getting along very well lately.
- Hey, I'm not gonna
deliver some big lecture
or stick the Bible in your nose.
If you wanna talk I'm here.
- Brother Owen, I've
been so confused lately.
Mom's always yelling about something,
but I guess I've been
a real pain lately too.
The Lord's really been convicting me
about acting up at home,
but whenever I decide to
get things straightened out,
then Mom starts in again about my music
and I lose my temper all over again.
I want to obey God and Mom,
but (sighs) it's so hard.
- Well, you know you're
in good company Jeff.
Even the apostle Paul had
to write in Romans seven,
verses 18 and 19, "For I know that in me,
"that is in my flesh,
dwelleth no good thing.
"For to will is present with me,
"but to perform that
which is good, I find not.
"For the good that I would, I do not.
"But the evil which I
would not, that I do."
- What can I do then?
Part of me wants to obey
God, but I always seem to get
so sidetracked.
- If I remember correctly we
had a similar conversation
about a year ago.
Do you remember?
- Oh yeah.
That's when I came in to
talk about my salvation.
- Right.
When you believed with all your heart
that Jesus died and rose
again for your sins,
you became a child of God.
Salvation isn't a promise
of a problem free life.
But with the Holy Spirit
inside you for guidance,
by faith you can live for Christ.
Hour by hour, minute by minute.
A daily dedication and surrender.
Colossians 2:6-7 states
"As ye have therefore received
Christ Jesus our Lord,
"so walk ye in him,
rooted and built up in him
"and established in the faith."
But dedication and surrender,
well they involve more
than just going to church
or reading your Bible.
They also have to do with
every area of your life.
The Bible says "Whatever ye do,
do all to the glory of God."
Tell me, would that include your music?
- My music?
Well, sure, but how can you--
- How can you set standards?
Well any standards for a
Christian should be set
according to scripture.
Sometimes that can be difficult
because scripture isn't always specific.
It never specifically
says thou shall not smoke.
And yet we know that it does talk about
taking care of your body
because the body is a
temple of the Holy Spirit.
If whatever you do is to glorify Christ,
shouldn't your music glorify him as well?
- Sure, but, does that mean
the only thing I can listen to
is Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art?
- No, of course not.
But the music and the words to songs
should not be against principles
set down in scripture.
Elicit sex, drugs,
mocking God, the occult,
aren't these things often
found in rock music?
- I haven't thought of it like that.
But not all rock is that way.
- No, no some contemporary music
wouldn't fit into any of those categories.
But well they are mainly the exception.
A Christian must be very selective
to make sure that his music wouldn't be,
well an embarrassment to God.
Would you be willing to
participate in an experiment?
- What do you mean, an experiment?
- Well let's call it a contract.
For two weeks I want you to not listen
to any rock music.
During those two weeks you
can do some personal research
to see if rock has a place
in your Christian lifestyle.
Are you willing?
- No music for two weeks?
- Hold on, I didn't say no music period.
I said no rock music.
Jeff, God gave music to edify.
I don't want you to be totally
without music in your life.
That would constitute cruel
and unusual punishment.
These are some albums
and a couple of tapes
from my own personal collection.
Why don't you borrow 'em
for a couple of weeks.
- Brother Jim, I don't know what to say.
- Say you'll do it,
you'll research rock music
and find your own conclusions.
Based on God's word, not an opinion.
- Well I don't understand.
What do you mean?
- Well, everyone's got an opinion.
Opinions change all the time.
But God's word never changes.
After the two weeks are up,
come back and tell me what you decided.
And remember what I said about
dedication and surrender.
They both apply to your choice in music.
Well, how 'bout it.
- Man, you really know how
to put somebody on a spot.
I guess it does sound
like a pretty fair deal.
(sighs) Well, alright.
No rock music for two weeks.
But, but what about the research?
I mean, where do I start?
- Ah, these are some
recently published books
on rock music from a
Christian perspective.
They contain some in depth information
on various rock groups and their music.
Why don't you take 'em
and after you've read 'em
come on back, tell me what you think.
But remember, not just your opinion.
- This is gonna be my decision?
- Right, that's why I don't
want just your opinion.
I want a clearcut,
scripturally based conviction.
After you've done your research
and prayerfully searched the scriptures,
I want God's word to back
up whatever you decide.
Nothing vague or contradictory.
If you decide to give me 10 reasons
why you should listen to rock music,
then I want 10 straightforward scriptures
to back up that reasoning.
- I didn't realize what I'd be in for.
(sighs) Okay, okay.
But what if I decide
to go back to my old
music after two weeks?
- Fine.
It's your decision.
It's just like salvation Jeff.
I can show you
the facts of the gospel
right outta this book,
but I can't force you or
anyone else to be saved.
Surrender and dedication,
it's an individual choice.
- I suppose two weeks won't kill me.
Sure, it's a deal.
- Good.
Listen, feel free to call me
if you have any questions.
Uh, let's pray before you go.
Dear gracious God,
I thank you for Jeff
and for the decisions...
(rock music)
(gentle music)
- (sighs) Two weeks!
(scoffs) If I live that long.
(doorbell rings)
- [Jane] Hello Melissa, come on in.
- Hi Mrs. Simms.
- Jeff's in front of the TV as usual.
- Look what Grandma Carter
sent me for my birthday.
Isn't it beautiful?
I've always wanted a birthstone ring.
- It's lovely.
How is your grandmother?
- She's says in her
letter she's doing fine,
but she won't be coming for
a visit until Christmas.
- Oh that's too bad.
Why don't you see if you can get him
out from in front of the TV?
(mysterious music)
- Jeff, look at my engagement ring.
Jeff!
My engagement ring.
- Your what?
That's not an engagement ring.
- Silly, it's my birthday
present Grandma sent me.
Isn't it gorgeous?
- It's pretty.
I like the color.
- Men.
You wouldn't know pretty if
it slapped you in the face.
What are you reading?
- It's a book about music.
Here, you wanna have a seat?
I'm doing some research.
You're beautiful.
- I know.
(guns fire on the TV)
Oh no.
Jeff look, he's gonna shoot her!
Oh. (laughs)
- Great.
What do you do for an encore?
- I'm sorry.
Here, let me help you.
- What does the Bible say
about an eye for an eye.
- The Bible says nothing
about bowl for bowl.
- Forgiveness is one of my better virtues.
- Jeff, did ya get the
tickets to the rock concert?
Jeff did you get the--
- No.
I didn't get 'em.
- Oh Jeff, you know the
concert is in five days.
They'll only hold reserve
seats for so long.
I can get my mom to pick 'em up
if you don't think--
- No.
Don't.
I've changed my mind about going.
- Changed your mind?
Last week you were so excited about it.
Has your mom said anything
that have made you change your mind?
- Yes, no.
I mean it's my own decision.
Look, I'd like to go, but I can't.
- But we've waited almost
three months for these tickets.
I thought this concert was
going to be my birthday present.
- Well look, you can still go.
- By myself?
Alone?
I won't go without you, you know that.
- Well I can't go.
We can go out to eat or
something for your birthday.
- I do not understand you.
What in the world is going on?
So, what's this got to do with
you not going to the concert?
- Okay, let me explain.
You know how Mom and
Dad have been on my back
the past few months.
She went to Brother Owen about it.
- Don't tell me you're grounded.
- Not exactly.
- Well what?
- Well I kinda made an
agreement with Brother Jim.
I'm not to listen to any
rock music for two weeks.
- Huh?
- Well he loaned me some
books to read about it.
He even loaned me some of his
Christian albums and tapes
to listen to while I make my decision.
- What kind of decision?
- Well the Bible does say
that everything we do
should glorify Christ.
So Jim wants me to research rock music.
That's what the book's for.
And to search the Bible
and find out if Christians
should listen to rock.
Look, it's only for two weeks.
And then I can give him my decision.
- Oh all the stupid things.
Look, we can still go to the concert.
We'd already made our plans
way before you made this deal.
- I know.
But I gave my word to Brother Jim.
And to God.
No rock music for two weeks.
- But I, we've been counting on this.
Look, just don't tell Brother Own we went.
He'll never have to
know anything about it.
- But I would know.
And God would know.
And that matters a whole lot to me.
Here, you should read some of this too.
I never realized before how
bad a lotta that music is.
- I never thought you'd
get so, so fanatical.
- Melissa,
please don't leave mad.
I'd go if I could.
Look, we can still go
bowling or something.
- Bowling?
Well if you'd rather stay
home and read some book
instead of going out with me,
well that's your decision.
And I'm going to the concert.
Maybe with Dennis.
He'd love to go out with me.
(sighs)
- Alright, this is it.
Look at him.
(guys exclaim)
- We'll get ya next time.
- I hear ya. (laughs)
- What's this I've been hearing
about your not going to the concert?
- I guess you've been talking to Melissa.
Yeah, I'm not going.
Did she tell you why?
- Something about some
kind of a deal with Jim.
Man, what's going on?
- Just been doing some
reading up on rock music.
Starting to believe
what some of those preachers've
been talking about.
Hey, come over to my house later on.
I'll show you what I'm talking about.
- Oh man, don't start preaching to me.
I get enough of that at church.
- Okay, okay no preaching.
But you're the one that always says
I won't believe it unless I
see it with my own two eyes.
Come on Marty, it won't hurt just to see.
(sighs) I don't want you to think
I'm some kind of a fanatic, okay?
- Fanatic?
I've been wondering about that.
Alright, come on, let's go.
- Look at this one.
You see what I mean?
Over half of those songs,
either the titles or the lyrics
have something to do with sex.
- So what?
It's a popular subject now a days.
And not just with rock music.
- Well that's true.
But does that make it right?
Some of these groups, they
believe in a lifestyle
that's totally against
everything the Bible teaches.
Drinking, drugs, sex.
Some are even involved in the occult.
And if we buy their albums
then we're putting money in their pockets.
We're actually paying for their sin.
Were promoting sin.
- Okay, that's true for some groups.
I could understand if every kid at church
was buying that kinda
stuff, but they're not.
- I think you're wrong.
While we're trying to
reach people for Christ,
the record industry is
pumping sex and Satanism
into the minds of little kids.
I talked to two different record clerks
at the shop at the mall,
they said that they average age
of a person buying a K.I.S.S.
album was 12 years old.
12.
I even saw a little kid buying
Rolling Stones Start Me Up.
- Jeff, don't ya think you're
going off the deep end?
I mean everyone has a right
to his own tastes in music.
- Yeah.
Yeah but the Bible says to avoid
even the appearance of evil.
And a lotta this music is--
- Hey, I said no preaching.
Look, I go to church because Dad makes me.
He acts so holy.
Plays deacon on Sunday and
then cusses us out on Monday.
If you wanna be a goody goody Christian,
that's fine with me, but
don't force it down my throat.
- I'm not trying to force anything Marty.
I just thought if I
showed ya the facts that--
- Okay.
Okay you showed me.
Hey, if you're gonna
get rid of these albums,
throw 'em my way, huh?
See ya later.
- Hi.
How ya doing?
- Pretty good.
Sherry dropped me off so I could see you.
I just wanted to make sure you
weren't still angry with me.
I acted pretty stupid.
I'm sorry.
- Don't worry about it.
I never really was angry with you.
You did have a good reason to be upset.
I'm sorry about the concert.
- Jeff, I didn't mean what I
said about going with Dennis.
I'd only go with you.
Instead, do you still wanna
go out to eat or something,
like you said?
- Sure.
I gotta get back to work.
I get off in 15 minutes.
You wanna wait for me?
We'll talk about it on the way, okay?
- Okay, I'll wait.
- Do you want something?
- Sure, a Coke would be nice.
Too bad about the concert.
Marty's already got his tickets.
He's really excited about it.
Jeff, what if you went to Brother Owen
and explained about our plans?
I'm sure he'd understand
about the concert.
- Melissa, I thought
we'd gotten that settled.
- Okay.
Okay, it's settled.
(sighs)
(easy listening music)
Doctors office music.
(rock music)
- No, put it back on the other channel.
You know I'm not supposed
to listen to that.
- You're not, I am.
Jeff, don't.
Come on.
- No, cut it out.
- (sighs) I think you're acting selfish.
- I'm acting selfish?
It's my car.
- (sighs) Alright Jeff, just how long
are you gonna keep this up?
- I don't know.
At first it was just to
keep my parents off my back.
It's been six days now
and sometimes I wanna
change that channel so bad.
But I won't.
I made a promise.
- Well I'm glad you've
only got eight days left.
(upbeat music)
- Hi, can I help you?
- Yeah, my name is Jeff Simms.
I's wondering if I could
ask you a few questions
about the music?
- Yeah, let me get our manager.
(music overpowers voice)
- [Jim] So tell me Jeff,
how's the research going?
- [Jeff] After going through
my own record collection,
I went to the shopping
mall as you suggested.
- [Jim] Did you have any difficulty?
- [Jeff] Some.
I tried to interview two teenagers
in the record department.
But when they found out I was a Christian,
they hassled me a little bit.
But most of the people I
talked to were pretty nice.
One store clerk even recruited
one of his friends in the store
to answer my survey questionnaire.
After that I copied down
some of the song titles
from the albums of the more popular groups
of the past few years.
- [Jim] Well, you have been busy.
Have you come to any conclusions yet?
- [Jeff] Well I haven't
made any final decision,
if that's what you mean.
I'm still sorting things out,
but I guess I am bothered about one thing.
I never really realized before
how dependent I've been on rock.
Just walking by the audio
store with the music playing,
I just stopped there and listened
without realizing what I was doing.
The beat just grabbed me.
I couldn't get the music outta my mind.
Until I got home and played
one of the tapes you gave me.
It was just weird being
controlled like that.
♫ Around him then you and (scats)
(both exhale sharply)
- Well Jeff, I'm really proud of you
the way you stuck with our deal.
Only five days left.
I think I should tell ya
something that may help you
make your decision.
- What's that?
- Right after I was saved, when I was 16,
I also researched rock music
to see if it had a place
in my Christian life.
Only my decision
was a little bit more
difficult to make than yours
because I was a rock 'n
roll musician at the time.
- You?
But you're a preacher.
- Yeah well now I'm a preacher,
but when I was 16 I wanted to be
a rock 'n roll musician.
(laughs) I's a drummer in
our older brother's band.
We were pretty good for local talent.
Then I got saved and
things began to change.
So, you see I do understand
what you're going through.
No matter how much my music meant to me,
I had to know if it conflicted with
my relationship with Jesus Christ.
I think you know what I decided.
- Yeah.
But you were gonna be a preacher.
I mean everybody expects a
preacher to be holy and--
- And walk the straight and narrow?
Jeff, I wasn't called to be a minister
until my sophomore year in college.
Just like you at 16, I didn't
know where I was headed.
But when Christ came into
my heart, my values changed.
Some sinful habits I had
to get rid of instantly,
but other things, things that had played
a big part of my life,
well I had to give them up.
I remember right after I was
saved my best friend decided
he didn't wanna pal around
with some religious holy Joe.
Deciding to become a Christian
even cost me a few friends.
But, in the long run it was worth of it.
- Well why didn't you tell
me this from the beginning?
- In the beginning
wouldn't you have thought
I was trying to push you into a corner?
Force a decision on you
you may later've regretted?
No, you had to do your own research.
Come to your own conclusions.
Now with the work almost completed,
you're facing some difficult choices.
It's not as easy as a
simple yes or no, is it?
- Part of me wishes I'd
never've even started.
(sighs) Choices.
It's not only rock music now,
but my friendships with Marty's
shaky because of all this.
And Melissa's not exactly happy.
She expects me to go back
the way it was bere all this started.
And Mom's been real nice so far,
but what if I do decide to
go back to my old music?
If I make my decision one way,
my friends are gonna hate me.
And if I make my decision the other way,
my parents (scoffs) are gonna kill me.
- Well I think you may
be exaggerating the point
just a little bit.
Besides, aren't you forgetting someone?
- Who?
- Jesus Christ.
If you do what Christ wants,
all the other things are
gonna fall into place.
He's not testing you beyond
what you're able to handle.
Stick with it these next few days.
And remember, it's your decision.
- Yeah.
It's my decision.
(sighs)
Okay.
Now sir, can I help you?
- [Man] Two burgers and a Coke.
- [Jeff] Two burgers
and a Coke, is that it?
- [Man] That'll do.
- Hey Jeff, phone call.
Some girl.
Make it short, will you?
- Yeah.
This is Jeff.
- Oh Jeff, wanna have some fun?
We're invited to a party
at Marty's tonight.
He just called me.
- Are you sure he wants me to come?
We haven't been, well, you know.
- He specifically told me to call you.
He's called a bunch of the
kids from the youth group
and from school to come over for a party.
Oh please go Jeff.
It'll be loads of fun.
Please?
- What time?
- [Melissa] Marty said around six.
- Okay, I get off work about five o'clock.
I'm gonna have to go home
and shower and change though.
I smell like a giant french fry.
(both chuckle)
Pick ya up about a quarter to six?
Should I bring anything?
- Just yourself.
Marty says he's got all the munchies.
See you about a quarter to six?
- Okay, see ya.
- Bye.
Hey Leslie, how's it going?
Good.
Amanda, Morgan.
- Hey you guys.
- Hey Mel, hey Jeff.
- Marty!
- I have concocted the best onion dip
you will ever taste.
I oughta be a chef.
Hey you remember the last pizza I made.
- Yeah.
You put bad anchovies on it
and I was sick all night.
- I told you to only eat the mushrooms.
- I think I'll just stick to the cheese.
I don't think you can mess that up.
- Oh yeah, I'll bet.
Um Jeff, why don't ya
go back to the garage
and get a bag of ice.
- Sure.
- How's he been acting to you?
- Jeff seems a bit jumpy.
But that ridiculous deal
with Brother Owen'll be over
in a couple of days.
Then he'll snap out of it.
- I don't know, he came on
pretty strong with me last week.
I think he's actually beginning to believe
that stuff he's been told.
I don't know, if he starts
in on it again I'm just.
- Do you want me to fill the cups?
- Yeah, here.
- I'll put these out.
(rock music)
- What's the idea?
- With what?
You mean the music.
Oh man, this is a party.
What do you want, Amazing Grace?
- That's our youth group in there.
- This ain't church.
It's time to let down
from some of the thou
shalt nots we get all week.
- Then why did you bother to invite me
if you planned to play that garbage?
- Man, it's like I told you before,
don't push it down my throat.
Now if you wanna have some fun, okay.
But if you don't like it
then just go home to mama.
- Jeff, Jeff wait.
I wanna talk to you.
Jeff!
You can't just walk out.
I wanna talk to you now.
- You heard him.
He told me to leave, so I'm leaving.
- Jeff.
Jeff what is wrong with you?
Marty is your best friend.
And this is supposed to be a party.
You were supposed to have fun.
- Why did he bother to invite me anyway?
Or'd you talk him into it?
Look, I don't need you to
fight my battles for me
or get me invited to
places that I'm not wanted.
- Jeff, don't kick up a
stink about that music now.
You've only got two days
left on that agreement.
- Look, do you think it's
gonna blow over in two days?
Well it's not.
Not in two days, not ever.
- Not ever?
Jeff, you've been letting
those books you've been reading
fill your head with--
- That's right, that's right.
I've learned quite a
bit these last two weeks
and I'm not gonna stick around here
and be a hypocrite.
- Don't you start
preaching at me Jeff Simms.
You can save it for Sunday School.
I don't blame these
guys for laughing at you
behind your back.
You've become a fanatic, a real fanatic.
Why don't you just go home?
Go home before you lose any more friends.
(door slams)
- Jeff!
Is that you Jeff?
- Yeah, it's me.
(rock music)
- That boy!
Jeff!
Jeff!
Jeff, I am trying to.
Jeff.
I am really disappointed in you young man.
What about your agreement
with Brother Owen?
No, you can't even keep that.
You've gotta blast the
roof off with that garbage.
Well we'll see what your
father has to say about that
when he gets home.
And I'm sure Brother Owen--
- Get off my case!
I'm sick of hearing it.
Go ahead, tell Dad.
Tell Brother Owen.
I don't care.
You think you're so
perfect, well you're not.
With your nose in the soap operas all day,
they're nothing but sex with commercials.
Then you scream about my music.
You're a hypocrite, a hypocrite.
- Jeff??
Jeff come back.
(rock music)
I'm sick and tired of telling
you to turn that junk down.
Now turn it off.
- [Melissa's Voiceover] I
never thought you'd get so,
so fanatical.
- [Jim's Voiceover] Shouldn't
your music glorify him too?
- [Marty's Voiceover]
Oh man, it's a party.
What do you want, Amazing Grace?
- [Jeff's Voiceover]
Over half of those songs
either the titles or the lyrics
have something to do with sex.
Promoting sin.
- [Jim's Voiceover] No matter
how much I loved my music,
I had to know
if it conflicted with my
relationship with Jesus Christ.
- [Melissa's Voiceover]
Go home before you lose
any more friends.
- [Jim's Voiceover] Things that had played
a big part of my life,
I had to give them up.
- [Melissa's Voiceover]
You've become a fanatic,
a real fanatic.
- [Jane's Voiceover] You've
gotta blast the roof off
with that garbage.
- You're a hypocrite, a hypocrite.
(gentle, thoughtful music)
Lord.
Lord, I'm trying so hard.
It seems like everything
has gone so wrong.
I can't fight everybody.
I do wanna glorify you in everything.
And even in my music.
(rock music)
(doorbell rings)
Could you get Melissa for me?
- Sure.
- Jeff, I'm so glad you came back.
I knew once you thought
it over you'd see things--
- Wait a minute, Melissa.
I've got something I wanna
tell you, both of you.
- Mel, he's gonna start spouting
off the same old stuff again.
Well look pal, you can forget
it, 'cause I'm not interested.
- Melissa.
I listened to you earlier.
Please listen to me.
I've been insulted and made
fun of the last two weeks.
Especially tonight by people
that I'd thought were my friends.
I just had a big blowup with Mom tonight.
Said some things I shouldn't have.
I've been driving around
the past two hours
trying to get my head together.
- So?
- So I've made a few decisions.
First of all I'm tired of
one day a week Christianity.
I want people to think that
I'm different when they see me.
I want them to think that
Christianity is something more
than just going to church.
If that labels me a fanatic, well alright.
And another thing, I want
the things that I say
and the things that I do to glorify God.
If that means not doing certain things
or not listening to rock music,
well that's alright too.
I wanna be your friend.
And Marty's.
But if I've gotta make
a choice between you
and living the kind of
life that God wants me to,
then maybe I'd better find new friends.
(sighs)
- [Jim] Looks like the
whole family's here tonight.
- Hi, how are ya?
- [Jim] Just fine, how are you?
- Brother Owen.
- Well Jeff, you nervous?
- Kinda.
I just hope it helps.
Makes them think of things
like I have the past two weeks.
- Well I appreciate your willingness
to share your research with
the youth meeting tonight.
It's just about time to start.
We'd better be getting in.
- Brother Owen before we go,
my wife and I wanna thank you
for the help you've given Jeff.
For the help you've given all of us.
After I flew in from Chicago,
I had a few surprises waiting for me.
But we got together as
a family and we talked
and we prayed and we got
things straightened out.
- And after Jeff shared some
of his research with us,
well, Arthur and I committed
some things to Christ also.
- Well that's great.
It's good to see how the
Lord's working in your lives.
Well, I think we'd better
introduce our speaker.
I think he's got a few
things on his mind too.
Come on.
- I guess most of you know me.
I'm Jeff.
I've been doing a special research project
the past two weeks on rock music.
Brother Owen suggested that
I share with all of you
what I found out.
So here I am.
(sighs)
I want you to think about
these questions I'm gonna ask.
How many of you plan
to leave church tonight
to go out and get drunk?
Or how many of you are gonna go out
and shoot up with some
heroine or smoke a joint?
How many of you guys and girls
are gonna leave the
service tonight and (sighs)
if you're shocked by these questions
or if you think they're a little funny,
maybe you should take a close look
at the music you've been listening to.
Personally, I like rock music.
That is, my flesh.
The carnal part of me really likes rock.
Man I can just turn up that old stereo
and the beat just drives away my bad mood.
Pretty soon I'm really getting into it.
Really moving with it.
And all problems are gone.
(sighs)
But what about the spiritual part of me?
Aren't we supposed to pray
and give our burdens to Jesus Christ?
Are we supposed to just turn up the volume
on our stereos a little louder
and forget about it all?
I know sometimes when Mom and Dad,
when they would try to talk to me,
I'd just tune 'em out
by turning up my music.
Haven't you done the same thing?
Pretty soon I couldn't hear
anything at all, not even God.
And I know some of you are thinking,
hey I listen to rock music,
but I can control it.
I don't think that's right.
What's the first thing you do
when you wake up in the morning?
Or when you come home in
the afternoon from school?
What do you do when you get in your car?
Or what's the last thing you heard
before you came in the
service this evening?
Just walk into some record store
that's playing a really
good get down beat.
See what the music does to you.
Have any of you ever seen
a rock concert on TV?
Or maybe even been to one personally.
How did the audience react to the music?
Well, did they just sit quietly
in their seats and listen?
Man I sure wouldn't.
No, they were all in mass,
swaying and clapping and dancing
and jumping to the beat.
They were actually being controlled.
And so were you.
Also, do ya like to sing
along with the radio?
I did a survey out at the mall
and four out of five of
the teenagers I talked to
said that they lyrics weren't important
as long as the music was pretty good.
I don't know about you
guys, but whenever I hear
a good beat, I just start
singing right along,
without even really
caring or thinking about
what I'm saying.
But aren't we supposed to
have the mind of Christ?
What are the main themes of rock music?
When I went through my own
record collection I was shocked.
Isn't sex a major theme?
And the occult too?
And what about the lifestyles
of the popular groups and artists?
Some are admitted homosexuals.
Others brag about how many
people they've had sex with.
And how many rock stars
have been arrested for drug possession?
Some have even died from drug overdoses.
I used to think, so what?
'Til I took a close look
at what the Bible has to say about it.
Galatians 5:19-21 says this:
"Now the works of the flesh
are manifest, which are these:
"adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness,
"idolatry, witchcraft,
hatred, variance, emulations,
"wrath, strife, seditions,
heresies, envyings,
"murders, drunkenness,
revelings and such like.
"Of the which I tell you before
"as I have told you in times past,
"that they which do such things
"shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Most of these things are a part
of rock music, aren't they?
And we fill our minds up with
these things that God hates.
How can we ever expect to
please God or to glorify Christ?
Here's a song.
Here's a song by The Eagles.
Used to be one of my favorite songs.
One Of These Nights.
But listen to the lyrics.
Full moon is calling, the fever is high,
the wicked wind whispers and moans,
you've got your demons,
you've got desires,
I've got a few of my own.
And later on the words go on.
I've been searching for the
daughter of the devil himself.
I've been searching for an angel in white.
I've been looking for a
woman who's a little of both.
I can feel her but she's nowhere in sight.
Is that Godly?
And listen to these titles.
Listen to how many of 'em
have something to do with
Satanism or the occult.
Sympathy For the Devil,
Dancing With Mister Dee
by The Rolling Stones,
Devil's Den and Dance With the
Dragon by Jefferson Starship,
Evils Ways and Soul Sacrifice by Santana.
And listen to these by
the rock group AC/DC.
Rock 'n Roll Damnation, Let There Be Rock,
Highway to Hell and this
is my favorite right here,
Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be.
What about those of you who
are buying K.I.S.S. albums?
12 years old and younger.
Three of their albums are
entitled Hotter Than Hell,
Dressed to Kill and Destroyer.
And I've seen little kids
wearing K.I.S.S. t-shirts.
Captain & Tennille have even
tried to change their images
with songs like You Need a Woman Tonight,
You've Never Done It Like That.
Don't forget Rod Stewart.
Do You Think I'm Sexy,
Passion, Tonight's the Night.
And you might be sitting there thinking
hey man, I don't listen to that stuff.
I mean I don't buy K.I.S.S.
That's great.
But I think you'd better
look at your albums.
If three or four, or if
only one song promotes sin,
then that's what the author is promoting.
And if we buy those
albums, every album we buy
encourages that artist to keep putting out
that kind of music.
Even Barry Manilow wrote
in one of his hits,
Could It Be Magic, come into my arms
and let me know the wonder of all of you.
And he's supposed to be mild.
I go to school with most of you.
The other kids at school
know that I'm a Christian.
But if they don't see me acting
any different than they act,
then what are they gonna think?
And if my music is no
different than theirs,
then they're gonna say
Christianity's no big deal.
He's no different than anybody else.
I can take it.
I can take it or leave it.
Each one of us is an
advertisement for Jesus Christ.
The friends we go to school with
and the ones in our neighborhood,
will they accept the message
that our lives are advertising?
Christians should be different.
Different in what we say,
different in where we go,
different in how we dress,
different in what we do,
different in what, in what we don't do.
And shouldn't our music be different also?
How can we think or concentrate
on pure and good thoughts
when the driving beat is pumping our minds
full of sinful thoughts
and our bodies full of sinful movements.
Jesus Christ said "He that
is not for me is against me."
Everything that we do should
be to glorify Jesus Christ.
I want my life and the things
I do to be for my Christ.
Not against my Christ.
I've made my decision, what's yours?
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ Until I'm home
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ And sing your song
♫ To everyone here today it's true
♫ We're gonna have a good time
♫ We're gonna have a good time
♫ We're gonna have a good time
♫ We're gonna have a good time
Alright.
Real good time.
Whoo!
- [Woman] Jeff.
I'm sick and tired of telling
you to turn that junk down!
Now turn it off.
- [Jeff] Oh Mom, get off my back.
A guy can't get any privacy around here.
♫ Can't walk on water
♫ Got a ball and chain
- Jeff!
(cars honk horns)
(phone rings)
Hello.
- Jane?
- [Jane] Yes.
- I won't be able to catch
the early flight home.
So don't expect me until tomorrow.
- Did everything go alright?
- I'm afraid that Mr. Phillips
didn't accept our new proposal.
I'll fill ya in on it when I get home.
How's everything there?
- Oh Jeff and I had another
blow up about his music.
He left for church in quite a huff.
Really Arthur, I just don't know
what we're gonna do about it.
His attitude is getting worse and worse.
- Did you try talking to him again?
- No, talking does no good.
I think maybe I'll call
his youth pastor, Jim Owen.
Maybe he'll be able to remind Jeff
what the Bible says about obedience.
- Good idea.
We'll talk about it when I get home.
- Very well dear.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- [Arthur] Okay honey.
- Goodbye.
- [Arthur] Goodnight.
(phone rings)
- Hello?
- [Jane] Is this Pastor Owen?
- Yes, this is Jim Owen.
- This is Mrs. Simms.
I'm calling to see if I could
possibly have a conference
with you within the next few days.
- Conference, of course
I'd be glad to talk to ya.
Let me check my calendar.
How 'bout tomorrow at 1:30?
- [Jane] Tomorrow at
1:30, that'll be fine.
- Good, I'll see ya then.
- [Jane] Thank you Pastor Owen.
- Anytime.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Let him take up his cross
daily and let him follow me.
Jesus calls us not only to a life of trust
and a life of belief in him,
but to a life of commitment.
Commitment in our personal
lives, our dating relationships,
and also our music.
In every area of life.
Let us stand for a song of invitation.
- I'm getting tired of hearing
every evangelist we get in here
coming in and telling me how sinful I am.
Last year it was get your hair cut.
Now all we ever hear is
turn off the trashy music.
You'd think they'd get some
other sermon to preach.
- It if weren't for the party afterwards
I wouldn't even be here.
I sure hope this thing
doesn't last much longer.
I'm about to starve.
♫ Mold me and make me
- [Jeff's Voiceover] What's wrong with me?
I can't tell them, they'd only laugh.
Lord, Jesus I'm sorry
about yelling at Mom.
I'll fix it up with her when I get home,
but why do I feel like this?
- Tag!
- [Jim] Hey Jeff, how's it going?
- Oh everything's fine Brother Jim.
Service was just great.
- Jeff, you gotta hear this.
- I believe we're gonna
need some more ice.
- You're home early.
How was the youth meeting tonight?
- Oh, it was pretty good.
Two kids got saved.
The fellowship afterwards was okay.
- Good.
- Mom?
- Yes?
- Mom, I'm really sorry
about the way I acted this afternoon.
I shouldn't have said what I did.
- That's alright dear.
Don't worry about it.
You go on and get some sleep now.
Goodnight.
- Thanks Mom.
Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
♫ Devil you're young, late in your life
♫ Devil you keep up
♫ Baby you've life
♫ Devil you keep up
♫ Baby you've life
♫ Devil you keep up
♫ Baby you've life
♫ Devil
- [Jim] Now, how can I help?
- I'll come straight to the point.
I've come about Jeff.
My husband and I feel we
can no longer handle him.
Jeff's not a bad boy, but
he won't listen to me.
And with Arthur out of town so much,
well I just can't control him.
- Can you give me a few specifics?
- Basically it's Jeff's attitude.
He won't obey me and
then he blows up in anger
and walks out.
I've talked and talked to him
about his music especially.
But it just goes in one
ear and out the other.
His father has talked to
him about that rock music,
but it doesn't seem to phase Jeff.
He either listens to that
noise at Marty's or in the car.
Brother Owen, Jeff respects
you and you seem to have
a lot of influence with him.
Would you be willing to talk to him?
- So then the problem is
mainly Jeff's attitude,
his rebellion concerning his music?
- Jeff's attitude change became apparent
right after we gave him a
stereo for Christmas last year.
I suppose that was the beginning of it.
- [Jim] Do you know if
Jeff listened to rock music
before he had his own stereo?
- I really don't know.
I didn't pay that much attention
to what he listened to.
Does it make that much difference?
- [Jim] Jeff has probably been a fan
of rock for a long time.
Kids hear it everywhere,
at school, in the car,
in restaurants, on TV.
You weren't aware of his listening to it
until Jeff started playing
it on his stereo at home.
When you and your husband began saying
"No, no, turn it off."
Well, that's when Jeff rebelled.
- You make it sound
like it's all my fault.
What am I supposed to do?
- Of course it's not all your fault.
But neither is it all Jeff's fault.
The more you attack his
music, the more he rebels.
Mrs. Simms, kids identify
so closely with their music,
that if someone attacks that music,
it's a personal attack
on the kids themselves.
You criticize Jeff's music,
he feels as though you're criticizing him.
Especially if you know
nothing about the music.
He feels as though your discipline
is merely as a result
of differing opinions
or taste in music.
Tell me, do you know
anything about Jeff's music,
his favorite songs or lyrics to them?
- [Jane] I'm afraid I
must plead ignorance.
The only thing I know about Jeff's music
is that it's loud and it
drives me up the wall.
- (laughs) Well, you're not alone.
Most parents are not knowledgeable
concerning rock music,
but in order to set standards in the home,
parents should become informed.
And being a consistent
example will go much further
than nagging or yelling.
Do you watch soap operas on television?
- Yes, but what does that--
- Mrs. Simms, Jeff could
scripturally come up with
the same arguments for
why soap operas are bad,
as you could for why rock music is bad.
Whether or not you realize it,
he watches you very closely.
Being a consistent
example for your children
will quickly get the point
across that you mean business.
Scripturally a family's a
two-sided responsibility.
Children are to obey.
Parents are not to provoke
their children to rath.
- I see what you mean.
Now what can I do to correct the problem?
- Discipline in love, not anger.
Be consistent, be an
example, and be available
when Jeff does come to you and
your husband with questions.
And if you think it'll ease the tension,
I'd be happy to talk with Jeff.
- My husband and I would
greatly appreciate it.
I'm afraid to mention
the subject to Jeff again
for fear of another explosion.
- Rock music is one of
the most difficult things
that a Christian young
person must deal with.
I'm not gonna lecture Jeff.
That would turn him off immediately.
But I can enlighten him on a few facts
and guide him into his
own personal decision
concerning rock.
I'll try to find out what's bothering him.
- Thank you very much.
I came here today because of Jeff,
but I think I learned the most.
- Well, my door's always open to you.
Call me anytime.
- [Jane] Thank you, goodbye.
- [Jim] Bye bye.
Thanks for helping me
clean up the rec hall.
- [Jeff] Oh sure.
Anytime.
- [Jim] Jeff, can I talk
to you for a few minutes?
- [Jeff] Well yeah, what's up?
- Well, your mom came in
to see me this afternoon.
She says you've been having some problems.
- (laughs) Yeah.
Mom and I, I guess we haven't been
getting along very well lately.
- Hey, I'm not gonna
deliver some big lecture
or stick the Bible in your nose.
If you wanna talk I'm here.
- Brother Owen, I've
been so confused lately.
Mom's always yelling about something,
but I guess I've been
a real pain lately too.
The Lord's really been convicting me
about acting up at home,
but whenever I decide to
get things straightened out,
then Mom starts in again about my music
and I lose my temper all over again.
I want to obey God and Mom,
but (sighs) it's so hard.
- Well, you know you're
in good company Jeff.
Even the apostle Paul had
to write in Romans seven,
verses 18 and 19, "For I know that in me,
"that is in my flesh,
dwelleth no good thing.
"For to will is present with me,
"but to perform that
which is good, I find not.
"For the good that I would, I do not.
"But the evil which I
would not, that I do."
- What can I do then?
Part of me wants to obey
God, but I always seem to get
so sidetracked.
- If I remember correctly we
had a similar conversation
about a year ago.
Do you remember?
- Oh yeah.
That's when I came in to
talk about my salvation.
- Right.
When you believed with all your heart
that Jesus died and rose
again for your sins,
you became a child of God.
Salvation isn't a promise
of a problem free life.
But with the Holy Spirit
inside you for guidance,
by faith you can live for Christ.
Hour by hour, minute by minute.
A daily dedication and surrender.
Colossians 2:6-7 states
"As ye have therefore received
Christ Jesus our Lord,
"so walk ye in him,
rooted and built up in him
"and established in the faith."
But dedication and surrender,
well they involve more
than just going to church
or reading your Bible.
They also have to do with
every area of your life.
The Bible says "Whatever ye do,
do all to the glory of God."
Tell me, would that include your music?
- My music?
Well, sure, but how can you--
- How can you set standards?
Well any standards for a
Christian should be set
according to scripture.
Sometimes that can be difficult
because scripture isn't always specific.
It never specifically
says thou shall not smoke.
And yet we know that it does talk about
taking care of your body
because the body is a
temple of the Holy Spirit.
If whatever you do is to glorify Christ,
shouldn't your music glorify him as well?
- Sure, but, does that mean
the only thing I can listen to
is Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art?
- No, of course not.
But the music and the words to songs
should not be against principles
set down in scripture.
Elicit sex, drugs,
mocking God, the occult,
aren't these things often
found in rock music?
- I haven't thought of it like that.
But not all rock is that way.
- No, no some contemporary music
wouldn't fit into any of those categories.
But well they are mainly the exception.
A Christian must be very selective
to make sure that his music wouldn't be,
well an embarrassment to God.
Would you be willing to
participate in an experiment?
- What do you mean, an experiment?
- Well let's call it a contract.
For two weeks I want you to not listen
to any rock music.
During those two weeks you
can do some personal research
to see if rock has a place
in your Christian lifestyle.
Are you willing?
- No music for two weeks?
- Hold on, I didn't say no music period.
I said no rock music.
Jeff, God gave music to edify.
I don't want you to be totally
without music in your life.
That would constitute cruel
and unusual punishment.
These are some albums
and a couple of tapes
from my own personal collection.
Why don't you borrow 'em
for a couple of weeks.
- Brother Jim, I don't know what to say.
- Say you'll do it,
you'll research rock music
and find your own conclusions.
Based on God's word, not an opinion.
- Well I don't understand.
What do you mean?
- Well, everyone's got an opinion.
Opinions change all the time.
But God's word never changes.
After the two weeks are up,
come back and tell me what you decided.
And remember what I said about
dedication and surrender.
They both apply to your choice in music.
Well, how 'bout it.
- Man, you really know how
to put somebody on a spot.
I guess it does sound
like a pretty fair deal.
(sighs) Well, alright.
No rock music for two weeks.
But, but what about the research?
I mean, where do I start?
- Ah, these are some
recently published books
on rock music from a
Christian perspective.
They contain some in depth information
on various rock groups and their music.
Why don't you take 'em
and after you've read 'em
come on back, tell me what you think.
But remember, not just your opinion.
- This is gonna be my decision?
- Right, that's why I don't
want just your opinion.
I want a clearcut,
scripturally based conviction.
After you've done your research
and prayerfully searched the scriptures,
I want God's word to back
up whatever you decide.
Nothing vague or contradictory.
If you decide to give me 10 reasons
why you should listen to rock music,
then I want 10 straightforward scriptures
to back up that reasoning.
- I didn't realize what I'd be in for.
(sighs) Okay, okay.
But what if I decide
to go back to my old
music after two weeks?
- Fine.
It's your decision.
It's just like salvation Jeff.
I can show you
the facts of the gospel
right outta this book,
but I can't force you or
anyone else to be saved.
Surrender and dedication,
it's an individual choice.
- I suppose two weeks won't kill me.
Sure, it's a deal.
- Good.
Listen, feel free to call me
if you have any questions.
Uh, let's pray before you go.
Dear gracious God,
I thank you for Jeff
and for the decisions...
(rock music)
(gentle music)
- (sighs) Two weeks!
(scoffs) If I live that long.
(doorbell rings)
- [Jane] Hello Melissa, come on in.
- Hi Mrs. Simms.
- Jeff's in front of the TV as usual.
- Look what Grandma Carter
sent me for my birthday.
Isn't it beautiful?
I've always wanted a birthstone ring.
- It's lovely.
How is your grandmother?
- She's says in her
letter she's doing fine,
but she won't be coming for
a visit until Christmas.
- Oh that's too bad.
Why don't you see if you can get him
out from in front of the TV?
(mysterious music)
- Jeff, look at my engagement ring.
Jeff!
My engagement ring.
- Your what?
That's not an engagement ring.
- Silly, it's my birthday
present Grandma sent me.
Isn't it gorgeous?
- It's pretty.
I like the color.
- Men.
You wouldn't know pretty if
it slapped you in the face.
What are you reading?
- It's a book about music.
Here, you wanna have a seat?
I'm doing some research.
You're beautiful.
- I know.
(guns fire on the TV)
Oh no.
Jeff look, he's gonna shoot her!
Oh. (laughs)
- Great.
What do you do for an encore?
- I'm sorry.
Here, let me help you.
- What does the Bible say
about an eye for an eye.
- The Bible says nothing
about bowl for bowl.
- Forgiveness is one of my better virtues.
- Jeff, did ya get the
tickets to the rock concert?
Jeff did you get the--
- No.
I didn't get 'em.
- Oh Jeff, you know the
concert is in five days.
They'll only hold reserve
seats for so long.
I can get my mom to pick 'em up
if you don't think--
- No.
Don't.
I've changed my mind about going.
- Changed your mind?
Last week you were so excited about it.
Has your mom said anything
that have made you change your mind?
- Yes, no.
I mean it's my own decision.
Look, I'd like to go, but I can't.
- But we've waited almost
three months for these tickets.
I thought this concert was
going to be my birthday present.
- Well look, you can still go.
- By myself?
Alone?
I won't go without you, you know that.
- Well I can't go.
We can go out to eat or
something for your birthday.
- I do not understand you.
What in the world is going on?
So, what's this got to do with
you not going to the concert?
- Okay, let me explain.
You know how Mom and
Dad have been on my back
the past few months.
She went to Brother Owen about it.
- Don't tell me you're grounded.
- Not exactly.
- Well what?
- Well I kinda made an
agreement with Brother Jim.
I'm not to listen to any
rock music for two weeks.
- Huh?
- Well he loaned me some
books to read about it.
He even loaned me some of his
Christian albums and tapes
to listen to while I make my decision.
- What kind of decision?
- Well the Bible does say
that everything we do
should glorify Christ.
So Jim wants me to research rock music.
That's what the book's for.
And to search the Bible
and find out if Christians
should listen to rock.
Look, it's only for two weeks.
And then I can give him my decision.
- Oh all the stupid things.
Look, we can still go to the concert.
We'd already made our plans
way before you made this deal.
- I know.
But I gave my word to Brother Jim.
And to God.
No rock music for two weeks.
- But I, we've been counting on this.
Look, just don't tell Brother Own we went.
He'll never have to
know anything about it.
- But I would know.
And God would know.
And that matters a whole lot to me.
Here, you should read some of this too.
I never realized before how
bad a lotta that music is.
- I never thought you'd
get so, so fanatical.
- Melissa,
please don't leave mad.
I'd go if I could.
Look, we can still go
bowling or something.
- Bowling?
Well if you'd rather stay
home and read some book
instead of going out with me,
well that's your decision.
And I'm going to the concert.
Maybe with Dennis.
He'd love to go out with me.
(sighs)
- Alright, this is it.
Look at him.
(guys exclaim)
- We'll get ya next time.
- I hear ya. (laughs)
- What's this I've been hearing
about your not going to the concert?
- I guess you've been talking to Melissa.
Yeah, I'm not going.
Did she tell you why?
- Something about some
kind of a deal with Jim.
Man, what's going on?
- Just been doing some
reading up on rock music.
Starting to believe
what some of those preachers've
been talking about.
Hey, come over to my house later on.
I'll show you what I'm talking about.
- Oh man, don't start preaching to me.
I get enough of that at church.
- Okay, okay no preaching.
But you're the one that always says
I won't believe it unless I
see it with my own two eyes.
Come on Marty, it won't hurt just to see.
(sighs) I don't want you to think
I'm some kind of a fanatic, okay?
- Fanatic?
I've been wondering about that.
Alright, come on, let's go.
- Look at this one.
You see what I mean?
Over half of those songs,
either the titles or the lyrics
have something to do with sex.
- So what?
It's a popular subject now a days.
And not just with rock music.
- Well that's true.
But does that make it right?
Some of these groups, they
believe in a lifestyle
that's totally against
everything the Bible teaches.
Drinking, drugs, sex.
Some are even involved in the occult.
And if we buy their albums
then we're putting money in their pockets.
We're actually paying for their sin.
Were promoting sin.
- Okay, that's true for some groups.
I could understand if every kid at church
was buying that kinda
stuff, but they're not.
- I think you're wrong.
While we're trying to
reach people for Christ,
the record industry is
pumping sex and Satanism
into the minds of little kids.
I talked to two different record clerks
at the shop at the mall,
they said that they average age
of a person buying a K.I.S.S.
album was 12 years old.
12.
I even saw a little kid buying
Rolling Stones Start Me Up.
- Jeff, don't ya think you're
going off the deep end?
I mean everyone has a right
to his own tastes in music.
- Yeah.
Yeah but the Bible says to avoid
even the appearance of evil.
And a lotta this music is--
- Hey, I said no preaching.
Look, I go to church because Dad makes me.
He acts so holy.
Plays deacon on Sunday and
then cusses us out on Monday.
If you wanna be a goody goody Christian,
that's fine with me, but
don't force it down my throat.
- I'm not trying to force anything Marty.
I just thought if I
showed ya the facts that--
- Okay.
Okay you showed me.
Hey, if you're gonna
get rid of these albums,
throw 'em my way, huh?
See ya later.
- Hi.
How ya doing?
- Pretty good.
Sherry dropped me off so I could see you.
I just wanted to make sure you
weren't still angry with me.
I acted pretty stupid.
I'm sorry.
- Don't worry about it.
I never really was angry with you.
You did have a good reason to be upset.
I'm sorry about the concert.
- Jeff, I didn't mean what I
said about going with Dennis.
I'd only go with you.
Instead, do you still wanna
go out to eat or something,
like you said?
- Sure.
I gotta get back to work.
I get off in 15 minutes.
You wanna wait for me?
We'll talk about it on the way, okay?
- Okay, I'll wait.
- Do you want something?
- Sure, a Coke would be nice.
Too bad about the concert.
Marty's already got his tickets.
He's really excited about it.
Jeff, what if you went to Brother Owen
and explained about our plans?
I'm sure he'd understand
about the concert.
- Melissa, I thought
we'd gotten that settled.
- Okay.
Okay, it's settled.
(sighs)
(easy listening music)
Doctors office music.
(rock music)
- No, put it back on the other channel.
You know I'm not supposed
to listen to that.
- You're not, I am.
Jeff, don't.
Come on.
- No, cut it out.
- (sighs) I think you're acting selfish.
- I'm acting selfish?
It's my car.
- (sighs) Alright Jeff, just how long
are you gonna keep this up?
- I don't know.
At first it was just to
keep my parents off my back.
It's been six days now
and sometimes I wanna
change that channel so bad.
But I won't.
I made a promise.
- Well I'm glad you've
only got eight days left.
(upbeat music)
- Hi, can I help you?
- Yeah, my name is Jeff Simms.
I's wondering if I could
ask you a few questions
about the music?
- Yeah, let me get our manager.
(music overpowers voice)
- [Jim] So tell me Jeff,
how's the research going?
- [Jeff] After going through
my own record collection,
I went to the shopping
mall as you suggested.
- [Jim] Did you have any difficulty?
- [Jeff] Some.
I tried to interview two teenagers
in the record department.
But when they found out I was a Christian,
they hassled me a little bit.
But most of the people I
talked to were pretty nice.
One store clerk even recruited
one of his friends in the store
to answer my survey questionnaire.
After that I copied down
some of the song titles
from the albums of the more popular groups
of the past few years.
- [Jim] Well, you have been busy.
Have you come to any conclusions yet?
- [Jeff] Well I haven't
made any final decision,
if that's what you mean.
I'm still sorting things out,
but I guess I am bothered about one thing.
I never really realized before
how dependent I've been on rock.
Just walking by the audio
store with the music playing,
I just stopped there and listened
without realizing what I was doing.
The beat just grabbed me.
I couldn't get the music outta my mind.
Until I got home and played
one of the tapes you gave me.
It was just weird being
controlled like that.
♫ Around him then you and (scats)
(both exhale sharply)
- Well Jeff, I'm really proud of you
the way you stuck with our deal.
Only five days left.
I think I should tell ya
something that may help you
make your decision.
- What's that?
- Right after I was saved, when I was 16,
I also researched rock music
to see if it had a place
in my Christian life.
Only my decision
was a little bit more
difficult to make than yours
because I was a rock 'n
roll musician at the time.
- You?
But you're a preacher.
- Yeah well now I'm a preacher,
but when I was 16 I wanted to be
a rock 'n roll musician.
(laughs) I's a drummer in
our older brother's band.
We were pretty good for local talent.
Then I got saved and
things began to change.
So, you see I do understand
what you're going through.
No matter how much my music meant to me,
I had to know if it conflicted with
my relationship with Jesus Christ.
I think you know what I decided.
- Yeah.
But you were gonna be a preacher.
I mean everybody expects a
preacher to be holy and--
- And walk the straight and narrow?
Jeff, I wasn't called to be a minister
until my sophomore year in college.
Just like you at 16, I didn't
know where I was headed.
But when Christ came into
my heart, my values changed.
Some sinful habits I had
to get rid of instantly,
but other things, things that had played
a big part of my life,
well I had to give them up.
I remember right after I was
saved my best friend decided
he didn't wanna pal around
with some religious holy Joe.
Deciding to become a Christian
even cost me a few friends.
But, in the long run it was worth of it.
- Well why didn't you tell
me this from the beginning?
- In the beginning
wouldn't you have thought
I was trying to push you into a corner?
Force a decision on you
you may later've regretted?
No, you had to do your own research.
Come to your own conclusions.
Now with the work almost completed,
you're facing some difficult choices.
It's not as easy as a
simple yes or no, is it?
- Part of me wishes I'd
never've even started.
(sighs) Choices.
It's not only rock music now,
but my friendships with Marty's
shaky because of all this.
And Melissa's not exactly happy.
She expects me to go back
the way it was bere all this started.
And Mom's been real nice so far,
but what if I do decide to
go back to my old music?
If I make my decision one way,
my friends are gonna hate me.
And if I make my decision the other way,
my parents (scoffs) are gonna kill me.
- Well I think you may
be exaggerating the point
just a little bit.
Besides, aren't you forgetting someone?
- Who?
- Jesus Christ.
If you do what Christ wants,
all the other things are
gonna fall into place.
He's not testing you beyond
what you're able to handle.
Stick with it these next few days.
And remember, it's your decision.
- Yeah.
It's my decision.
(sighs)
Okay.
Now sir, can I help you?
- [Man] Two burgers and a Coke.
- [Jeff] Two burgers
and a Coke, is that it?
- [Man] That'll do.
- Hey Jeff, phone call.
Some girl.
Make it short, will you?
- Yeah.
This is Jeff.
- Oh Jeff, wanna have some fun?
We're invited to a party
at Marty's tonight.
He just called me.
- Are you sure he wants me to come?
We haven't been, well, you know.
- He specifically told me to call you.
He's called a bunch of the
kids from the youth group
and from school to come over for a party.
Oh please go Jeff.
It'll be loads of fun.
Please?
- What time?
- [Melissa] Marty said around six.
- Okay, I get off work about five o'clock.
I'm gonna have to go home
and shower and change though.
I smell like a giant french fry.
(both chuckle)
Pick ya up about a quarter to six?
Should I bring anything?
- Just yourself.
Marty says he's got all the munchies.
See you about a quarter to six?
- Okay, see ya.
- Bye.
Hey Leslie, how's it going?
Good.
Amanda, Morgan.
- Hey you guys.
- Hey Mel, hey Jeff.
- Marty!
- I have concocted the best onion dip
you will ever taste.
I oughta be a chef.
Hey you remember the last pizza I made.
- Yeah.
You put bad anchovies on it
and I was sick all night.
- I told you to only eat the mushrooms.
- I think I'll just stick to the cheese.
I don't think you can mess that up.
- Oh yeah, I'll bet.
Um Jeff, why don't ya
go back to the garage
and get a bag of ice.
- Sure.
- How's he been acting to you?
- Jeff seems a bit jumpy.
But that ridiculous deal
with Brother Owen'll be over
in a couple of days.
Then he'll snap out of it.
- I don't know, he came on
pretty strong with me last week.
I think he's actually beginning to believe
that stuff he's been told.
I don't know, if he starts
in on it again I'm just.
- Do you want me to fill the cups?
- Yeah, here.
- I'll put these out.
(rock music)
- What's the idea?
- With what?
You mean the music.
Oh man, this is a party.
What do you want, Amazing Grace?
- That's our youth group in there.
- This ain't church.
It's time to let down
from some of the thou
shalt nots we get all week.
- Then why did you bother to invite me
if you planned to play that garbage?
- Man, it's like I told you before,
don't push it down my throat.
Now if you wanna have some fun, okay.
But if you don't like it
then just go home to mama.
- Jeff, Jeff wait.
I wanna talk to you.
Jeff!
You can't just walk out.
I wanna talk to you now.
- You heard him.
He told me to leave, so I'm leaving.
- Jeff.
Jeff what is wrong with you?
Marty is your best friend.
And this is supposed to be a party.
You were supposed to have fun.
- Why did he bother to invite me anyway?
Or'd you talk him into it?
Look, I don't need you to
fight my battles for me
or get me invited to
places that I'm not wanted.
- Jeff, don't kick up a
stink about that music now.
You've only got two days
left on that agreement.
- Look, do you think it's
gonna blow over in two days?
Well it's not.
Not in two days, not ever.
- Not ever?
Jeff, you've been letting
those books you've been reading
fill your head with--
- That's right, that's right.
I've learned quite a
bit these last two weeks
and I'm not gonna stick around here
and be a hypocrite.
- Don't you start
preaching at me Jeff Simms.
You can save it for Sunday School.
I don't blame these
guys for laughing at you
behind your back.
You've become a fanatic, a real fanatic.
Why don't you just go home?
Go home before you lose any more friends.
(door slams)
- Jeff!
Is that you Jeff?
- Yeah, it's me.
(rock music)
- That boy!
Jeff!
Jeff!
Jeff, I am trying to.
Jeff.
I am really disappointed in you young man.
What about your agreement
with Brother Owen?
No, you can't even keep that.
You've gotta blast the
roof off with that garbage.
Well we'll see what your
father has to say about that
when he gets home.
And I'm sure Brother Owen--
- Get off my case!
I'm sick of hearing it.
Go ahead, tell Dad.
Tell Brother Owen.
I don't care.
You think you're so
perfect, well you're not.
With your nose in the soap operas all day,
they're nothing but sex with commercials.
Then you scream about my music.
You're a hypocrite, a hypocrite.
- Jeff??
Jeff come back.
(rock music)
I'm sick and tired of telling
you to turn that junk down.
Now turn it off.
- [Melissa's Voiceover] I
never thought you'd get so,
so fanatical.
- [Jim's Voiceover] Shouldn't
your music glorify him too?
- [Marty's Voiceover]
Oh man, it's a party.
What do you want, Amazing Grace?
- [Jeff's Voiceover]
Over half of those songs
either the titles or the lyrics
have something to do with sex.
Promoting sin.
- [Jim's Voiceover] No matter
how much I loved my music,
I had to know
if it conflicted with my
relationship with Jesus Christ.
- [Melissa's Voiceover]
Go home before you lose
any more friends.
- [Jim's Voiceover] Things that had played
a big part of my life,
I had to give them up.
- [Melissa's Voiceover]
You've become a fanatic,
a real fanatic.
- [Jane's Voiceover] You've
gotta blast the roof off
with that garbage.
- You're a hypocrite, a hypocrite.
(gentle, thoughtful music)
Lord.
Lord, I'm trying so hard.
It seems like everything
has gone so wrong.
I can't fight everybody.
I do wanna glorify you in everything.
And even in my music.
(rock music)
(doorbell rings)
Could you get Melissa for me?
- Sure.
- Jeff, I'm so glad you came back.
I knew once you thought
it over you'd see things--
- Wait a minute, Melissa.
I've got something I wanna
tell you, both of you.
- Mel, he's gonna start spouting
off the same old stuff again.
Well look pal, you can forget
it, 'cause I'm not interested.
- Melissa.
I listened to you earlier.
Please listen to me.
I've been insulted and made
fun of the last two weeks.
Especially tonight by people
that I'd thought were my friends.
I just had a big blowup with Mom tonight.
Said some things I shouldn't have.
I've been driving around
the past two hours
trying to get my head together.
- So?
- So I've made a few decisions.
First of all I'm tired of
one day a week Christianity.
I want people to think that
I'm different when they see me.
I want them to think that
Christianity is something more
than just going to church.
If that labels me a fanatic, well alright.
And another thing, I want
the things that I say
and the things that I do to glorify God.
If that means not doing certain things
or not listening to rock music,
well that's alright too.
I wanna be your friend.
And Marty's.
But if I've gotta make
a choice between you
and living the kind of
life that God wants me to,
then maybe I'd better find new friends.
(sighs)
- [Jim] Looks like the
whole family's here tonight.
- Hi, how are ya?
- [Jim] Just fine, how are you?
- Brother Owen.
- Well Jeff, you nervous?
- Kinda.
I just hope it helps.
Makes them think of things
like I have the past two weeks.
- Well I appreciate your willingness
to share your research with
the youth meeting tonight.
It's just about time to start.
We'd better be getting in.
- Brother Owen before we go,
my wife and I wanna thank you
for the help you've given Jeff.
For the help you've given all of us.
After I flew in from Chicago,
I had a few surprises waiting for me.
But we got together as
a family and we talked
and we prayed and we got
things straightened out.
- And after Jeff shared some
of his research with us,
well, Arthur and I committed
some things to Christ also.
- Well that's great.
It's good to see how the
Lord's working in your lives.
Well, I think we'd better
introduce our speaker.
I think he's got a few
things on his mind too.
Come on.
- I guess most of you know me.
I'm Jeff.
I've been doing a special research project
the past two weeks on rock music.
Brother Owen suggested that
I share with all of you
what I found out.
So here I am.
(sighs)
I want you to think about
these questions I'm gonna ask.
How many of you plan
to leave church tonight
to go out and get drunk?
Or how many of you are gonna go out
and shoot up with some
heroine or smoke a joint?
How many of you guys and girls
are gonna leave the
service tonight and (sighs)
if you're shocked by these questions
or if you think they're a little funny,
maybe you should take a close look
at the music you've been listening to.
Personally, I like rock music.
That is, my flesh.
The carnal part of me really likes rock.
Man I can just turn up that old stereo
and the beat just drives away my bad mood.
Pretty soon I'm really getting into it.
Really moving with it.
And all problems are gone.
(sighs)
But what about the spiritual part of me?
Aren't we supposed to pray
and give our burdens to Jesus Christ?
Are we supposed to just turn up the volume
on our stereos a little louder
and forget about it all?
I know sometimes when Mom and Dad,
when they would try to talk to me,
I'd just tune 'em out
by turning up my music.
Haven't you done the same thing?
Pretty soon I couldn't hear
anything at all, not even God.
And I know some of you are thinking,
hey I listen to rock music,
but I can control it.
I don't think that's right.
What's the first thing you do
when you wake up in the morning?
Or when you come home in
the afternoon from school?
What do you do when you get in your car?
Or what's the last thing you heard
before you came in the
service this evening?
Just walk into some record store
that's playing a really
good get down beat.
See what the music does to you.
Have any of you ever seen
a rock concert on TV?
Or maybe even been to one personally.
How did the audience react to the music?
Well, did they just sit quietly
in their seats and listen?
Man I sure wouldn't.
No, they were all in mass,
swaying and clapping and dancing
and jumping to the beat.
They were actually being controlled.
And so were you.
Also, do ya like to sing
along with the radio?
I did a survey out at the mall
and four out of five of
the teenagers I talked to
said that they lyrics weren't important
as long as the music was pretty good.
I don't know about you
guys, but whenever I hear
a good beat, I just start
singing right along,
without even really
caring or thinking about
what I'm saying.
But aren't we supposed to
have the mind of Christ?
What are the main themes of rock music?
When I went through my own
record collection I was shocked.
Isn't sex a major theme?
And the occult too?
And what about the lifestyles
of the popular groups and artists?
Some are admitted homosexuals.
Others brag about how many
people they've had sex with.
And how many rock stars
have been arrested for drug possession?
Some have even died from drug overdoses.
I used to think, so what?
'Til I took a close look
at what the Bible has to say about it.
Galatians 5:19-21 says this:
"Now the works of the flesh
are manifest, which are these:
"adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness,
"idolatry, witchcraft,
hatred, variance, emulations,
"wrath, strife, seditions,
heresies, envyings,
"murders, drunkenness,
revelings and such like.
"Of the which I tell you before
"as I have told you in times past,
"that they which do such things
"shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Most of these things are a part
of rock music, aren't they?
And we fill our minds up with
these things that God hates.
How can we ever expect to
please God or to glorify Christ?
Here's a song.
Here's a song by The Eagles.
Used to be one of my favorite songs.
One Of These Nights.
But listen to the lyrics.
Full moon is calling, the fever is high,
the wicked wind whispers and moans,
you've got your demons,
you've got desires,
I've got a few of my own.
And later on the words go on.
I've been searching for the
daughter of the devil himself.
I've been searching for an angel in white.
I've been looking for a
woman who's a little of both.
I can feel her but she's nowhere in sight.
Is that Godly?
And listen to these titles.
Listen to how many of 'em
have something to do with
Satanism or the occult.
Sympathy For the Devil,
Dancing With Mister Dee
by The Rolling Stones,
Devil's Den and Dance With the
Dragon by Jefferson Starship,
Evils Ways and Soul Sacrifice by Santana.
And listen to these by
the rock group AC/DC.
Rock 'n Roll Damnation, Let There Be Rock,
Highway to Hell and this
is my favorite right here,
Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be.
What about those of you who
are buying K.I.S.S. albums?
12 years old and younger.
Three of their albums are
entitled Hotter Than Hell,
Dressed to Kill and Destroyer.
And I've seen little kids
wearing K.I.S.S. t-shirts.
Captain & Tennille have even
tried to change their images
with songs like You Need a Woman Tonight,
You've Never Done It Like That.
Don't forget Rod Stewart.
Do You Think I'm Sexy,
Passion, Tonight's the Night.
And you might be sitting there thinking
hey man, I don't listen to that stuff.
I mean I don't buy K.I.S.S.
That's great.
But I think you'd better
look at your albums.
If three or four, or if
only one song promotes sin,
then that's what the author is promoting.
And if we buy those
albums, every album we buy
encourages that artist to keep putting out
that kind of music.
Even Barry Manilow wrote
in one of his hits,
Could It Be Magic, come into my arms
and let me know the wonder of all of you.
And he's supposed to be mild.
I go to school with most of you.
The other kids at school
know that I'm a Christian.
But if they don't see me acting
any different than they act,
then what are they gonna think?
And if my music is no
different than theirs,
then they're gonna say
Christianity's no big deal.
He's no different than anybody else.
I can take it.
I can take it or leave it.
Each one of us is an
advertisement for Jesus Christ.
The friends we go to school with
and the ones in our neighborhood,
will they accept the message
that our lives are advertising?
Christians should be different.
Different in what we say,
different in where we go,
different in how we dress,
different in what we do,
different in what, in what we don't do.
And shouldn't our music be different also?
How can we think or concentrate
on pure and good thoughts
when the driving beat is pumping our minds
full of sinful thoughts
and our bodies full of sinful movements.
Jesus Christ said "He that
is not for me is against me."
Everything that we do should
be to glorify Jesus Christ.
I want my life and the things
I do to be for my Christ.
Not against my Christ.
I've made my decision, what's yours?
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ Until I'm home
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ I'll praise your name Lord
♫ And sing your song