|
ApologetiX in WV, NY, Car Crashes, Karl
Thu., Apr. 11. 2002 2:01pm EDT
J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) here.
1. I Said "Mars Bash" Not "Cars Crash"!
2. This Weekend: West Virginia & New York
3. Next Weekend: Pennsylvania & Ohio
4. ApologetiX at GMA Week in Nashville
5. Karl's Korner: Your Own Private Idaho (and How to Get Us There)
6. What About That Symbol ApologetiX Uses
7. Upcoming Concerts
8. Special Thanks
1. I SAID "MARS BASH" NOT "CARS CRASH"!
Well, our concert in Mars PA last Friday was a total success ... in more ways than one. On the way home, a driver rear-ended us and successfully totaled our car. My wife, Lisa, our daughter, Janna, and I were stopped at a traffic light when we suddenly were hit very hard from behind. I don't think the driver saw us or even attempted to put on the brakes. He knocked us pretty far and pretty much destroyed the back of our car, but we escaped seemingly without injury. We went to the hospital after the accident and got checked out, just in case, and Lisa spent four hours hooked up to a baby monitor, since we had no way of knowing how the baby (due May 21) was doing.
It appears everybody is OK, although we'll have to wait and see. Today we got news that the car was officially declared "totaled" by the insurance company. Considering how bad the accident could have been, we are very grateful. Other members of the band and some friends were several minutes behind us and stopped to help when they came upon the accident scene. The police and the tow truck arrived almost immediately. We also had insurance on the car to cover difference between what the total value of the car was and how much we still owed in car payments (three years!) So we are very thankful to God for taking care of us. Thanks to all of you who pray for us every day. God hears those prayers. It really was a miracle that we weren't seriously hurt. And that's the second time in two years that we've been rear ended at a stop light, and both times we were all O.K. and the car sustained serious damage. God is good!
Lisa had been hoping for another ultrasound for the past month or two, and she got her wish after the accident! The good news is the baby seemed to fine. The bad news is that the baby its legs crossed, so they still couldn't tell if it's a boy or a girl (which is why Lisa had wanted to ultrasound in the first place)!
2. THIS WEEKEND: WEST VIRGINIA & NEW YORK
Saturday, April 13, 2002 at 6 p.m.
West Virginia Annual Conference
United Methodist Youth Spring Gathering
Fairmont WV
Admission: $15 for pizza dinner and concert
(must get tix in advance)
Contact: James Malick
Phone: 304-366-5188
Email: journeyym@juno.com
(tip: register now- it's selling out)
Sunday, April 14, 2002 at 4 p.m.
Ashville Fire Dept. Training Center
Magnolia Ave
Ashville NY
Contact: Linda Gleason
(716) 782-2181 (716) 782-4288 Blanc@alltel.net
Venue Phone: 716-763-8195
Tickets can be purchased at Christian Treasures in Jamestown, NY
716-488-2659
3. NEXT WEEKEND: PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO
Friday, April 19, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $8 advance, $10 door
Sponsored by North Branch Church
Center High School
Baker Road
Monaca, PA
Contact: Jeremy Higgs
724-375-7415 Tickets
can be purchased at Logos Books in Beaver,
Family Christian Store in Robinson or
through Jeremy Higgs
Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $8/group, $10/advance by April 15, $12/door
The Brunswick Performance
Sponsored by Medina Alliance Fellowship
3581 Center Road
Brunswick, OH
Contact:
PastorDaveWiener/MedinaAllianceFellowship
330-725-7730 pastordave@medinaalliance.org
4. APOLOGETIX AT GMA WEEK IN NASHVILLE
From April 21-25, ApologetiX lead guitarist/producer Karl Messner will be at GMA Week in Nashville along with our booking agent/publicist, Kathleen Burke. If you'll be attending GMA Week and would like to schedule an interview, liners or something else with Karl and/or Kathleen, please contact Kathleen at pr@apologetix.com.
Unless they've added a "best Christian parody" category, we're not up for any Dove Awards. I keep waiting for them to announce the Dodo Awards, because I think I have a much better chance with those!
5. KARL'S KORNER: YOUR OWN PRIVATE IDAHO (AND HOW TO GET US THERE)
Hi. Karl Messner, lead guitarist and producer for ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) here, although J.'s the one responsible for the terrible B-52's joke in the headline.
I want to get the bad news out of the way first. Our concert in Twin Falls, ID on April 28 has been postponed indefinitely. Sorry to all of our friends in the Northwest who had planned to come to that show. In last week's newsletter, we mentioned a husband and wife who were going to make the 1100-mile round trip from Portland OR. We notified them of the change in plans, and they actually decided to make it a 1200-mile trip and come to our concert in Sacramento instead!
We so rarely have to cancel concerts that it's a real let down for us too! And we've never BEEN to Idaho. Maybe you live in a place like Idaho that we've never been to (Editor's Note: Get it ... your own private Idaho. Remember the B-52's song? You don't? Uh ...). First of all, start praying for God to make a way for us to come, and second of all, please read the rest of this.
Things are really busy in ApologetiXland, we're putting the finishing touches on our April 15th announcement, and we're solidifying our schedule. We're trying to squeeze in as many concerts as we can to get to as many of our fans and friends as possible.
As much as we love recording CDs and people do seem to dig them (thank you!), we're still a live band at heart and play 80-100 times a year. We love to play, and we're so humbled when people come up to us after the concert and say, " I thought the CD's were great, but the concert was even better!" That's awesome.
If you've been wanting to get ApologetiX to come to your church, and have been kicking it around, please talk to your pastor or youth pastor, or even some other excited folks, and contact us. We'll help you put it together. It's a lot of fun. We're playing more concerts this year than ever before, and we're excited. We've seen some pretty amazing efforts of young people to promote concerts. One concert we recently performed was promoted mainly by one very diligent college student. She did everything we told her to do, and many other things, and had such a huge turn out, we had to hold a second show that night, and that one sold out, too! In then end, with modestly priced tickets, she funded the show, paid back the folks that donated front money, and even had several hundred dollars left over that she put into the coffers for her next event.
Your mileage may vary, and attendance at concert often has much more to do with local promotion than the "draw" of the band, but we've seen some pretty successful efforts. I've been taking careful notes, and after 500 or so concerts, we're beginning to see what works for folks.
So find a friend or two to help, and get a church or two involved, and let's get ApologetiX to come to YOUR Korner of the Kingdom.
Talk to Kathleen about what it takes. She can be reached at pr@apologetix.com or 949-770-3001 (9-5 Pacific Standard Time).
6. WHAT ABOUT THAT SYMBOL APOLOGETIX USES?
Over the years, we've received a number of e-mails concerning the Trinity symbol we use, which is prominently displayed on most of our CDs. In fact, a week ago, I received a letter from a fan who was returning his copy of "Keep the Change," because somebody told him the symbol we use is actually a satanic symbol made up of three sixes!!! You may have some questions yourself or you may encounter somebody who does, so we wanted to set the record straight.
That symbol is called the "Triquetra" and has long been a symbol of the Trinity -- a foundational doctrine of Christianity. That is the main reason we chose this symbol; it reminds us of the Trinity and of the deity of Jesus Christ. The Christian hard rock band P.O.D. also uses the symbol, although we've been using it since 1992, and I don't know if P.O.D. was even in existence back then.
The Triquetra is actually printed on the spine of all New King James Version (NKJV) Bibles, and you can also find it in the architecture and stain glass windows of many historical churches. If, as some New Agers claim, the symbol has Celtic origins, it was assimilated and converted to Christianity in Great Britain about 1000 years ago, in the early 1100's, and has been primarily a symbol of the Trinity for the last 800 years. It's similar to the way that the feast days that became Christmas and Easter were originally assimilated and converted from pagan rituals so they now celebrate the birth and bodily resurrection of Christ.
Several years ago, we asked Dr. Ron Rhodes, president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries and formerly of the Christian Research Institute and "Bible Answer Man" radio program, for his take on the logo, and he said:
"I can't say I've done any kind of historical study on the triquetra, but I am in agreement with you. I am not aware of any occultic relationship that this symbol has, and certainly the New King James Version cannot be undermined by its use of the symbol (The NKJV is a fine translation.)"
A site for Trinity Assembly of God in Lutherville MD at http://www.trinitylife.com/logodesc.htm explains the symbolism of the triquetra as follows:
"Beginning in the first century, frequent references to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are found in Christian writings and as carved inscriptions on the tombs of believers. The term "Trinity," as a reference to the Three-in-One Godhead, was introduced at the beginning of the third century, probably by one of the early church writers named Tertullian (c. 160-220). Very quickly, this clarified doctrine found its way into church symbolism and art. Seeing a symbol for the Trinity would remind people of the doctrine of the Trinity. The earliest symbol for the Trinity was an equilateral triangle. Other symbols, and variations of them all, soon became used by the Church to depict this fundamental biblical doctrine. Included among them is the symbol to the left of our logo, the triquetra. The triquetra was formed at the intersection of the three interwoven circles. In the triquetra, the three equal arches of the circle expressed the equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Second, the union of the arches represented the unity of the Godhead. Third, their continuous form symbolized eternity. And last, the fact that they were interwoven denoted the indivisibility of the Trinity. In the center of the triquetra was an equilateral triangle, the most ancient of the Trinity symbols, and each pair of arches formed an ellipse, the symbol of God's glory."
Another valuable site for research is: http://www.cet.com/~voice/bible/nkjv.htm
The quotes below are taken from that site:
"The following was supplied by personnel from Thomas Nelson:
'The symbol on the cover of our New King James Bibles is a triquetra, from a Latin word meaning "three-cornered," and was used by the early church to represent the Trinity. The three interwoven arcs are equal in size, and each can be distinguished from the other two, but they cannot be separated without destroying the figure. This symbolizes that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct Persons of equal power, honor, and glory, but are indivisibly one God. The triquetra was especially popular in religious art during the Middle Ages, and is well established as a Trinitarian symbol in Christian art and iconography.'
"Thomas Albert Stafford in Christian Symbols in the Evangelical Churches (New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1994, pp. 50-52) states that the triquetra is:
'one of the most beautiful and most satisfying of the symbols of the Holy Trinity. The three equal arcs of the circle denote equality of the three Persons of the Godhead. The lines run continuously and therefore express their eternal existence. They are interwoven, which expresses their unity. The center forms an equilateral triangle, itself a symbol of the Trinity. Each pair of arcs combines to form a ?vesica,? previously explained as an aureole, indicative of glory. So, here we have a complex expression of equality, eternity, unity and glory in what is essentially a simple form.'
"Heather Child and Dorothy Colles in Christian Symbols, Ancient and Modern: A Handbook for Students (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1971, p. 44) affirm this:
'The Triquetra is an early symbol of the Trinity; the continuous interweaving of indivisibly but equal arcs may be taken to express Eternity; in the centre is the triangle of the Trinity.'
"In Seasons and Symbols: A Handbook on the Church Year (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1962, pp. 70,71), Robert P. Wetzler and Helen Huntington identify the triquetra as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
"Many other books also contain verification of the Triquetra as a Christian symbol. A few of those are listed here:
"Symbols: Signposts of Devotion by Ratha Doyle McGee, The Upper Room, Nashville, Tennessee, 1956. "Symbols in the Church by Carl Ven Treeck and Aloysius Croft, The Bruce Company, Milwaukee, 1936. "Church Symbolism by F.R. Webber, J. H. Jansen, Cleveland, 1927.
"Any symbol can be abused, misused and desecrated. For example, the Nazis earlier in this century used a form of the cross as a party symbol, a use altogether contrary to the true message of the Christian cross. Nonetheless, Christians will uphold the Cross as a symbol of a Gospel that saves. We are sorry that certain groups or individuals have misunderstood or misused the Triquetra. That does not alter the fact that it is an ancient symbol of the Holy Trinity and remains so today."
One site based on Celtic imagery says, "Triquetra - this three-pronged knot may symbolize the Celtic philosophy that everything has 3 distinct yet interlocked levels - physical, mental and spiritual. When the Celts embraced Christianity they used this symbol to represent the Trinity."
Note that the text says that the Celts used the symbol when they embraced Christianity, and not that Christianity borrowed the symbol from the Celts.
Although we don't endorse the perspectives of pagans, it's interesting to note a pagan perspective on the Triquetra. One notable pagan-flavored site concerning Ouija boards and other things, "The Museum of Talking Boards" at http://www.museumoftalkingboards.com/tri.html, says this:?
"The Triquetra symbol itself dates as early as the eighth century on carved stones in northern Europe. A Norse rune known as the Odin Knot or Val Knot resembles it almost exactly. But who had it first, the pagans or the Christians? To know for sure, we would have to find a Triquetra that positively pre-dates Christianity. Since this hasn't happened yet, we're in a bit of a pickle. Maybe it originated with the pagans or maybe with the Christians. Maybe it's one of those universal signs like the cross and the triangle that pop up in cultures irrespective of one another. The pagans have a few points in their favor, however. We can speculate knowing what we do of similar signs. The early Christians freely "appropriated" many pagan symbols, rituals, and holidays and took them as their own. The Mandorla (left), the Christians' sacred almond, was originally a pagan feminine symbol signifying fertility. The Christians changed it to one representing virginity and purity. It is pictured in early Christian art as the almond-shaped halo of Christ. So it's quite probable that the early Christians adopted the Triquetra, an interlocking triple Mandorla, also. In the final analysis, maybe the origin isn't nearly as important as its meaning to the group, or the individual. So whether you're pagan, Christian, or simply a fan of the television show "Charmed," you may believe what you want to believe."
We're obviously not pagans. And we're not trying to send mixed messages. Please note that New Agers sometimes also use crosses (and not always upside down ones, either), and that doesn't take away the power and significance of the cross, either. In the same way, to us and to the church of the last 1,000 years, the Triquetra symbolizes the divine mystery of the Trinity -- one God in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Do you celebrate Christmas and Easter or do you have a cross in your home? You may say, "Well, nobody associates those things with pagan symbols anymore." That's our point exactly. Now, actually, there are some people who think those symbols are still pagan ó people like Jehovah's Witnesses. There are probably others out there who still think of Christmas, Easter and the cross as pagan symbols. But we hope you realize our point; the Christian church and the average person in the world at large does not associate them with pagan symbols, and they see people who do as a bit extremist.
Some of the images and geometric designs that were used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and later for the Temple may have also been used in the decoration of pagan temples. Obviously that didn't make them pagan. God made the shapes that make up the triquetra. If we were to worship those shapes or the triquetra itself, that would certainly be pagan or idolatrous. However, just as the rainbow is something God created, it can be used by various groups for various meanings. Depending on which group uses it, the rainbow may symbolize God's covenant with man after the flood, the gay movement or the New Age movement, to name a few. If the triquetra was a symbol that was seen by the majority of the populace as pagan, then we wouldn't use it.
7. UPCOMING CONCERTS
As always, there are concerts in the works that are not yet listed below. For more details on any or all of the concerts below, please go to http://www.apologetix.com/tour.html
To inquire about booking a concert, please contact our booking agent, Kathleen Burke, at booking@apologetix.com or call 949-770-3001, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
Apr 13 - Fairmont WV Apr 14 - Ashville NY Apr 19 - Monaca PA Apr 20 - Brunswick OH Apr 26 - Hanford CA Apr 27 - Sacramento CA May 04 - Red Wing MN May 08 - Humboldt TN May 11 - Pittsburgh PA Jun 08 - Camdenton MO Jun 14 - Elk River MN Jun 21 - AtlantaFest GA Jun 27 - Paducah KY Jun 30 - Moberly MO Jul 03 - New Philadelphia OH July 06 - Elysburg PA Jul 13 - SonShine Fest MN Jul 1? - LiFest WI Jul 15 - Oklahoma City OK Jul 17 - Brownwood TX Jul 20 - Spirit Fest Midwest MN Jul 27 - Somerdale OH Aug 04 - Inside Out Soul Fest NH Aug 07 - Kingdom Bound NY Aug 10 - Bloomington MN Aug 15 - Cullman AL Aug 17 - Clymer PA Aug 24 - Canton OH Aug 25 - Oakdale PA Aug 31 - Tipton PA Sep 01 - Six Flags, Jackson NJ Sep 07 - Marion OH Sep 11-14 - Honolulu HI Sep 21 - Holland MI
Don't forget: We've got a big announcement April 15.
8. SPECIAL THANKS
Lisa and I would like to thank all of you who have given us presents for the new baby (due May 21). One church in Indiana gave us a blanket they made while praying for the baby. Another woman in Texas gave us a special baby photo album that just happened to be the exact one that Lisa had loved once in a store and had never been able to find again! And that's just a sample! Thank you all! God bless you all!
Apologetically,
J.
-- J. Jackson Lead Singer/Lyricist ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) www.apologetix.com j@apologetix.com
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
|
