Anberlin

On Friday night, I went to the Anberlin show in the FAC. I have been a fan of Anberlin since I was 14, and they have risen to the prestigious level of my favorite band. They have influenced me in so many ways; their music, their image, their scene, their conduct, and, most importantly in my mind, their portrayal of Christianity to the world. This has been an aspect of them that, as I have followed and learned more about them, that I have come to admire.

Anberlin has decided to not market themselves as a Christian band. To some, this is a huge turn-off, and for others even rises to the level of being an offense so great as to not like the band. Anberlin instead has decided to market themselves as just... a band. However, when someone learns about the members of the band, they will find out that all of the members are dedicated Christians. This fact comes through in their lyrics. Their lyrics, unlike "Christian" bands, do not openly admit to their faith, but they show that these men believe in something more, have morals and standards, and are proud of this fact.

When it comes to the Empire, it could be argued that since the band are not openly professing their faith in their lyrics or at their shows, as other bands such as Relient K or Underoath do, they are giving into the standards and indulgences of the Empire. To some, this means that the band are giving in to the Empire and are trying to just slide under the radar and pass unnoticed. And also, Anberlin's lyricist and singer, Stephen Christian, deals with some of his demons in his lyrics. He deals with breakups, confusion about life, and anger at others in his lyrics. These are issues not usually dealt with so roughly in other bands' lyrics.

However, on the Kingdom side, Anberlin never slides into darkness or evil to express these fears and feelings. They keep their level of "PG"-ness to a moral, respectable level. They show that Christians feel these emotions too, and aren't just smiling, Bible-toting spreaders of cheer. We are real people too, with as wide a range of emotions as everyone else. And they also show control in expressing these feelings. They don't cross into negative thoughts of depression or suicide, or use their anger as an excuse to sin. Also, their conduct on stage, in interviews, and in interactions with their fans show are completely positive, never allowing themselves to come across as arrogant or crass. They conduct themselves as men of character.

Because of these facts, Anberlin have earned my respect and admiration. They show that Christians can be relevant and involved in a rock scene known for sex and drugs without giving in. They stand up for what's right without being offensive. They show love, and don't judge. For these reasons, I believe that Anberlin are strong role models and icons for Christians to look up to and emulate.