Christian Punk - Tumblr Posts

WELL, HE SAID IT ALL!

You're right, Jesus was the first punk! His entire life was one big protest to the tyrannical, money and hate based society. It was a quiet riot of love.

HE WAS PUNK RAWK AS HELL

And it is difficult balancing faith with a punk lifestyle for so many reasons... First off, people's modern day, skewed views of what is and isn't punk are so exhausting. Not to mention the elitists and their bizarre and inaccurate"requirements"... like I need to meet requirements to be a rebel! HILARIOUS!

A lot of people in the scene will make you feel like you don't belong. But rest assured, no matter what religion you are, you belong here. We accept you. And if some "punks" don't, ignore em. They're not punk anyway.

It's difficult with faith, too. Religious people look at ya like ya have three heads when you walk into a Bible Study decked in two inch long spiked arm bands and a patch jacket. That's part of the reason I hate going to churches. There isn't one I have walked into and haven't been stared at...

I used to go to a Christian homeschool group in middle school that took place in a church. I wore all black every day, it was at the very beginning of my alt journey. My entire class cornered me one day and interviewed me on whether I was going goth or not. None of them had ever spoken to me before, they completely ignored me... except this one emo girl who would sit with me occasionally. Asked how I was. Talk to me about anime and whatnot. Treated me like I was normal. That is when I think I began to understand who my people were... who would accept and be there for me. I mean, at the time, I didn't even know what goth meant... but it clicked in me. I took the label. Then I went home and started researching whatever this "goth" thing was🤣🤣🤣

I went on that rant to say: if you're a Christian and you're goth, emo, punk, metal- whatever! You don't have to deny one half of your identity to accept the other. God put the desire in you to be who you are and not apologize for it. That is not a desire born of sin... that is your fingerprint. Your own unique self. Don't toss it away just because some people told you that being YOU isn't acceptable. Screw acceptable.

Be yourself. Don't apologize for it, either.

It's what you were made for.

im curious, how does being punk affect your feeling of religion? are you still a practicing catholic/go to church?

Hahahahahaha oh boy, buckle in cause this is gonna be a fun ride. I’ll put a cut cause this is gonna be long simply due to the amount of context that is needed to understand how I’ve managed to mash these two things together in my life. I hope this answers your question anon! (And thank you for asking nicely, that usually isn’t the reaction I get).

So, for reference, I am Catholic born and raised. My mom is Catholic, my dad is only recently exploring being religious. My brother has remained a Catholic good boy throughout his life, my sister has denounced religion. I’m somewhere between them. I don’t go to church often, but I still feel at home there when I do (most of the time). So technically, I’m not a ‘Practicing Catholic’ because of that, but I’m following my faith to the best of my ability (explained below).

I 100% believe there is a god, and because of that my faith has had some rough intersections with other parts of my life, such as being punk, the communities Im a part of, and being heavily involved in STEM. And those are things that took me years to figure out for myself. When just looking at being punk though, I think where it really clicked that punk wasn’t against my religion, but actually supports it, was in my freshman year of college. Like I’ve said before, I go to a Protestant school so every class has to somehow have at least one connection to religion (as a chemistry major this can get extremely annoying). But that year, I had a history class as a gen ed, Western Civ to 1450, and an absolutely kick ass professor to go with it. 

This class was the game changer for 18 year old me (oh my god that was 5 years ago). We spent a lot of time in this class talking about religions of ancient civilizations, and of course we talked about Christianity. And this man went absolutely feral. He was the man that introduced me to the concept of ‘Jesus was a punk’. And when you ignore all the random bull shit that comes out of people’s mouths at church and just look at the bible... yeah, he was right. Jesus flipped tables, he ate with societal outcasts like prostitutes and the homeless, and god did he hate the Roman government that controlled so much of the world at that time. 

And I think that’s when I really felt free to embrace the punk culture. The one thing that was holding me back was gone. I also later learned that professor had a metal band (I’m now going to have to try to find his youtube again lol - its been years). 

But yeah, being punk and religious in 2022 is hard. Its hard because the people who claim to be Christians are ignorant, refuse to learn, don’t know the context of the book they call holy, refuse to understand where Christianity stems from and our roots in Judaism, and keep trying to interpret the bible in a modern world (the bible can’t tell you shit about the evils of the internet man). I don’t particularly like going to church because I often find that its a snake pit disguised as a hospital. Though, that’s nothing new, if you ever take the time to read Romans (my favorite part of the bible), its full of Paul just absolutely loosing his ever loving shit because of how corrupt the churches are. 

So instead of going to church once every seven days and conforming to the rest of the vipers there, I try to live my life by Jesus’ standards for interacting with others. Be kind and forgiving, try to understand other points of view, don’t discriminate based on job, color, socioeconomic status, gender, how many kids, ect. Moral of the story, in my opinion, to be a good Christian, you need to treat people as people, and welcome them with open arms. You need to give back to your community. You need to fight for a better world. You need to push back against oppressive and authoritarian governments. And those are all punk values as well.

I have problems with fear and anxiety and started really freaking out about the dark today because the dark is scary. I started praying and thought of you and how you were really shining your light in a community and platform that can mostly wants to be against us. But you were there shouting the love of Christ. You’re awesome man <3

You have no idea how much that means to me. I really appreciate it. Jesus is there for you, always. Even in the dark🖤🖤🖤

Truth is, I'm a fairly negative and very mentally ill person irl... But I don't want anyone else to live their lives that way. I'm tired of all the hatred in this world, swallowing us. We need more confidence in ourselves. We need more hope. Less shame. More love. Love is punk rawk as hell🤘

It's so bizarre to me that I never see anyone talking about or addressing this, so I will.

TX2 is a popular upcoming emo/pop punk artist. He is phenomenal singer, has a great sound- mountains of potential. There's a couple songs by him I enjoy. However, all that being said, he makes me sick.

He makes frequent jokes about depression and self harm on his YouTube channel- creating skits that treat these real and horrible issues like humor. While doing this he also fuels the stigma of associating the emo subculture with self harm.

He is releasing a song called "Walking Dead Man." The subject of it is a friend of his that died of an overdose. Needless to say, this is a very deep and sensitive topic. The loss of a soul should be revered and honored. Every decent person can agree it's a serious conversation to have. Not a joke.

Yet here he is, releasing comedy skits centered around the song with captions like "IS THIS THE SADDEST EMO SONG OF ALL TIME?!" It's disgusting. One of these skits showed a friend of his listening to it and responding "I think I have depression!"

What an oversimplification and invalidation of mental illness. Also during these skits he makes comments like "You're not emo if you've never hurt yourself!" If this is supposed to be satire, it is not clear enough. I chalked it up as an attempt at satire and self depreciation humor until the release of his recent skits on the topic of overdose. It's disrespectful, it's hurtful and it's toxic.

Another thing that bothers me is a song of his called "Randy McNally (No Love Like Christian Hate." I think the title alone says enough, but I'll continue.

I would like to start this discussion by directly quoting the lyrics of the song:

"There's no love like Christian hate. Let's all count down 'till judgment day."

"I know you want us fags to burn in flames."

"Put a bullet in a kid's head, they think they got the sickness if they're not dressed up straight."

I don't talk about politics much on here because I'm an Anarchist. I believe that it's best to stay out of that mess and most productive to work on changing the world how you can in your own life, without the involvement of government. Now, that being said, you already know how I feel about politicians. I'm not at all familiar with the politician he is speaking of here. That's not what I have an issue with. What I have an issue with is this MASSIVE generalization!

He's accusing my people of hate when he's the one releasing a song disrespecting me and my Jesus! There's one verse where he says in a mocking tone "Do you think Jesus loves me?"

YES TX2, I DO!

I'm aware there are Christians who act hateful towards the LGBTQ community. Some Christians believe homosexuality is moral and some believe it isn't. Regardless of what you believe, there's two main commandments God gives us in the Bible. Everything about our lifestyle can be summed up in two rules: Love God and love each other. So the people wanting to shoot gay boys for wearing a skirt? They're not true Christians. The Bible strictly forbids murder in the ten commandments. That's not Christianity! That's using my Jesus to justify your violence.

And by the way, I'm a big supporter for cross dressing. I wear suits and whatnot all the time, it's what I feel best in, and I think everyone (gay or straight!) should wear what they feel best in.

Now, there are Christians and Muslims alike who respectfully don't participate in or don't support homosexual people's lifestyles. That isn't hate. There's nothing hateful about choosing not to participate in something for religious reasons IF you do not hurt or be hateful towards those who do. It's all about mutual respect. If people choose not to support LGBTQ in order to better serve their God and live their life, you need to respect it. Just like Christians and Muslims should respect the fact that some people are attracted to the same sex or have pronouns that are not typical "he" or "she."

So, in summary, he is recklessly defending trans rights yet he is being disrespectful towards and dumbing down the struggles of the mentally ill. He is propagating and worsening already crippling stereotypes for both Christians and emos, all the while acting like some social justice savior. You don't have to bring some groups of people down to lift other groups up.

Equality, not revenge. Love, not hate.

That's true social justice.

That's uncensored, raw, authentic punk.

That's what I believe.

In this world? Christians are the real rebels.

"You don't fit into their All American box:

the coffin created for creative thought."

- Matt Thiessen from Relient K

Realized I never actually came back with pictures of these soooo uhhh here they are!

"Thank God for Punk Rock"

"I Wanna Contribute to the Chaos"

"It's a Metaphor for Capitalism"

"Spider Punk"

So happy to have my first piece of the Front Bottoms merch! Especially being a writer and artist, I LOVE the design. The Spider Punk stuff brings me so much joy. I've been wearing the anti-capitalist pin like crazy. I don't even have to say anything about the Christian punk one, just yes.

I ordered about ten more this morning. Political designs, band designs, fandom ones etc. Pictures coming soon!

Hey punks. You looking for some sick pins and wanna support independent artists? Try the website Redbubble. I just ordered four pins from them and bro I'm so excited for them to come in like sifneofjwonfoenf

Do not waste your time thinking the thoughts of others. Think your own thoughts.

Do not spend time trying to please everyone and be liked by everyone. Spend time learning how to like and please yourself.

Never forget that there is a Holy Spirit inside of you, and it will irritate the demons in some of those around you. Count this as a blessing.

Do they like you? Do they dislike you? Have you aggravated their demons? Don't spend time dwelling on these things. Spend time getting to know the Lord and improving yourself. Learning how to walk in Jesus' footsteps in an individual, unique way. The way He created you to walk. The people worth being around will recognize that fire in you. They will stay. They will stand by you.

I mean, to speak from personal experience... when I tried to be cool and walk the line everyone told me was my own? When I denied my true nature to try and morph into someone else? I was completely alone. Angry. Masking constantly. Exhausted.

But once I began to understand, and more importantly, ACCEPT myself? When I stopped trying to adjust for those around me? When I started actually reading the Word and trying to live it and spending time getting to know myself? People started coming around. I wasn't so lonely anymore.

God carefully selected each and every trait you have. He is a perfect, good Father and He made you just as you should be. Embrace it.

Just as God intended... listen up, kids.

Anarchy ≠ Chaos: A Quick Clarification

Anarchy often gets an undeserved reputation for chaos and disorder. Let's set the record straight: anarchy isn't about lawlessness or a society spiraling into turmoil. It's a socio-political philosophy that seeks a world without oppressive hierarchies, where power is decentralized and shared by the people.

In an anarchist vision, individuals and communities govern themselves, making decisions collectively. This doesn't mean there are no rules or order. On the contrary, it means the rules are created and enforced through mutual agreement, rather than imposed by a centralized authority.

Anarchism encourages cooperation, solidarity, and mutual aid. It values voluntary associations and free exchange of ideas, goods, and services. It's about building a society where people are not dominated by a few, where resources are shared equitably, and where the needs of all are considered.

Critics often misinterpret these ideals, associating anarchy with chaos because it challenges existing power structures. But in reality, it's a call for a more just, inclusive, and harmonious world. It seeks to replace oppressive systems with ones based on consent and cooperation.

So, the next time someone confuses anarchy with chaos, remember that it's a vision of a world where individuals come together to create order through their own choices, not through the dictates of a ruling class. Anarchy is not chaos; it's a commitment to freedom, equity, and community.

Well this is not what I expected.

Since I listen to almost every genre listed above, I spent a whole ass day trying to decide. I'm most into folk punk right now, though, so we went with that.

If I HAD to name my top five it would be:

Folk Punk, Pop Punk, Emo, Heavy Metal, Punk Rawk.

My least favorite would have to be grunge. It's just waaaayyyy too soft and chill for me, lacks a lot of punch for my taste. But maybe I haven't heard the right grunge? Idk. My dad raised me on Creed/Scott Stapp and a friend of mine is a fan of No Name Faces. Which I enjoy Scott Stapp's album "Proof of Life" but I'm not even sure if that's grunge? Eh.

Point is, folk punk is amazing and if you haven't checked it you need to. Great background noise for panic attacks, long drives, parties and crying sessions- it covers all the bases!

LET'S GET CONTROVERSIAL.

What's an alternative band that is loved by the scene, but you despise, think is overhyped, etc? And why do you think that? This interests me.

Being a walking bucket of red flags and contradictions is all "haha they think I'm this, that or the other that's so hilarious."

...until you actually try and snag you a man💀

I'm Christian but alternative and anarchist. Straight but gay coded. Fat but proud of it. Mentally screwed yet strong willed. There's no hope, I send mixed signals by breathing. Anyone relate?

I am learning that boxes do not make you complete. Placing a title on your life does not prove that you deserve to live it. It will not prove that you belong. You do not belong. Few do. This world is not our home.

Boxes are prisons. Don't be their prisoner.

Defy their expectations. Break free.

There's nothing wrong with you.

They simply fear what they cannot label.

...

You do not have to prove that you deserve to exist. You can simply exist. You deserve life. Do not resent your own breath.

I am a practicing Christian in a relationship with God, yet am also most Baptist preachers' worst nightmare. I think that says something about organized religion.

You don't fit in at church or with other "Christians"? You may be doing something right. Never forget: Jesus didn't click with the religious, either. In fact, they murdered Him.

"If voting changed anything, they would make it illegal."

-Emma Goldman

"When discrimination against women goes unchallenged; when minorities are considered second class citizens: when leadership is mastery of mega church principles and not humble service; when the poor and outcasted are not welcomed at the table; when obedience to the Father, loving service to others and simplicity of life are considered exclusive province of elite believers; when evangelical greatness is measured by achievement and not by smallness; and when the rejection and suffering inherent in bold witness to the truth is rationalized, minimized and finally pulverized in cantankerous Bible studies, then Jesus is made an anachronism, His teaching an irrelevance, and His followers an anonymous crowd- their investments and property intact, their credit cards and trinkets secure; a sheepish herd moving in lockstep with the lip serving, self absorbed entrepreneurs who stay busy 'expanding their territories to the glory of God.'"

-Brennan Manning

Not sure if I have enough followers to do this, but doing it anyway.

To the internet "punk" elitists:

Let's stop arguing about what's punk and what isn't and just be ourselves.

THAT'S the truest form of punk rock.

The scene has changed so much since the 70s, becoming needlessly strict and gatekeeping. It begs the question: has the definition of the scene itself changed over the years or have the types of people in it changed? My vote is the second. There's so many bigoted arguments and extremist definitions that I'm not even sure if there IS a true definition anymore unless we stick with the ogs.

Point is, just be yourself. Listen to the music, rebel, have firm beliefs and stop giving a damn. You'll be a punk ass in my book.

Welcome to the fam.

How come no one uses the term Jesus Freak anymore? Like yeah you’re exactly right I’m a weird little freak and God loves me and you and all other weird little freaks so now I get to be a weird little freak for God.