The article does a good job of describing the dilemma faced by Christians in a post-Christian world. There is a real danger or either blending in and becoming irrelevant or tuning out and retreating into an alternate culture.

The author is spot on about the dangers of second-rate imitations of pop culture. I have read enough bad Christian novels and listened to enough bland Christian music to doubt why anyone would find the faith compelling.

However, the news is not all bad. Several of my favorite artists from the 80s (including the one whose lyrics were quoted) started out making cartoonishly silly punk and new wave songs. The enthusiasm was infectious but the message was shallow. However, many of these artists went on to create one thoroughly honest and deeply creative album (usually their last). Check out "I Predict 1990" by Steve Taylor, "The Turning" by Leslie Phillips, "Branded" by Undercover and "Forever Mercy" by the Altar Boys.

<i>Branded" by Undercover </i>

I can't believe I found another Undercover fan! Wow! :D They played at my church here in Michigan when I was growing up and their California punk aesthetic really rocked our world.