Letters to the Editor 

‘Indefensible prejudice’ against Christians

Editor,

Much of Jim Reed’s “Connect Recommends” for 1/5/05 is devoted to telling us why we shouldn’t like local band Showbread. He does finally admit that their latest CD is “one of the most impressive slabs of brutal, high-energy metalcore that’s ever come from our local music scene.”

But the rest of his “Recommendation” is “Yeah, buts” that are mostly (and unabashedly) based on conjecture. Evidently, their sin was Christianity.

I’m not saying I know more about music than Jim does. Jim regularly knows more about the musicians he discusses than their own parents do, and frequently knows more about music and the business than the musicians do.

But something went wrong this time. He clearly made no attempt to interview anyone associated with the band, or do any research whatsoever — openly admitting his ignorance about their beliefs, music, and motives.

Instead, he lumped them in with what he derisively called “stealth Christian” bands, all of whom he thinks believe, not in Christ, but simply that “professing an abiding love for Jesus was a quick and easy shortcut through the often inhospitable — and unprofitable — world of indie touring.”

Something’s really wrong here. I’m not saying no bands have done that (I can’t even say for sure that Showbread didn’t do it), but to make those kinds of accusations while confessing ignorance about the alleged offender is just indefensible prejudice.

At least Jim could have found out something that I do know: “Showbread” is the Old Testament term for the Jewish bread of offering to Yahweh.

And “Yahweh,” by the way, is the title of the closing song on the latest CD by U2. Are they a bunch of no-talent frauds too?

Birney Bull

 

Editor’s Note: We had two separately scheduled interviews with the band, but unfortunately Showbread was a no-show for both.