By Keith Walsh
From the opening keyboard riff, to the glorious vocal melodies and hard drum beats, “Flames Of Change” by Icons of Industry is a catchy song with elements of progressive and classic rock. However, the lyrics present an ancient theme – that of God’s judgment – raising questions about the relevance of Christianity itself.
I spoke with Roberto Montoya – who composed, plays guitar and sings — about the meaning behind this song.
POPULAR CULTURE BEAT: As ‘Flames of Change’ is about judgement, I need to ask if there’s a more progressive theology here, or are we to believe that the entire culture and nation of the U.S is to be judged for so called sins, liberal policies, teaching critical race theory etc?
ROBERTO MONTOYA: The judgement theme in the song comes from an orthodox and historical-grammatical reading of the Christian Bible. There’s been so-called ‘progressive theology’ since the very beginning but for me, the question isn’t whether or not there’s a more or less progressive theology but rather what is the true theology. We can always interpret Scripture through a progressive lens and push it further and further into liberalism that it eventually bears little to no resemblance to the actual meaning of the text. Yes, I believe that not only will the U.S. be judged for sins but the whole world will be judged. This is in accordance with the apostles’ and Jesus’ own teachings. We can look at Matthew 25:31–46, for example, and see that Jesus taught about the judgement of the nations.
POPULAR CULTURE BEAT: Of course we are responsible for our actions. But do we look to a literal translation of the bible as a guidebook? Why can’t we afford to be compassionate and meet people where they are?
ROBERTO MONTOYA: When we read the Bible literally is when we are compelled to be compassionate and meet people where they are. Compassion is our mandate as Christians but so is justice and righteousness. We meet people where they are but we don’t leave them there. We are all called to repent by Jesus and not holding ourselves and others accountable is wrong. If a doctor sees that her patient is sick but fails to provide treatment or instructions on how to get well then she is guilty of medical negligence.
POPULAR CULTURE BEAT: What bible verses are you using? Its seems the judgement of nations is an Old Testament idea, and Jesus’ progressive social ideas also have some foundation in ancient Judaic law, about caring for the oppressed and marginalized?
ROBERTO MONTOYA: I drew from many verses in Scripture but the most direct references are in the coda and come from Revelation. This is a New Testament book. Some people forget that Jesus drew his teachings from the Old Testament. Caring for the oppressed and marginalized and warning people about the coming judgement are not mutually exclusive. Jesus and the apostles did both. When we care for people, we tell them the truth. Sugar-coating or watering down truth because it’s offensive or unpleasant is an evil and is not what Jesus did. There are many sobering passages in Scripture where Jesus warns people.
POPULAR CULTURE BEAT: What can you say to critics of Christianity who say that the faith must adapt to the times or else be obsolete, a casualty of its own antiquity and inflexibility?
ROBERTO MONTOYA: Its antiquity bears witness to its longevity, and its inflexibility is what will continue to preserve it. The Scripture says that the faith was entrusted to God’s holy people. This means that we don’t have the right to adapt it to suit our times or our own desires. The faith was able to save people 2000 years ago and the same faith saves today. Who decides when and how the faith should be adapted? Faith requires humility and the presumption that we know better and that if we don’t intervene the faith won’t survive is sheer hubris.
POPULAR CULTURE BEAT: The Ukrainian and Columbian keyboardists, Artur Lenivenko and Lorena Patricia Ramirez Ruiz, respectively, are brilliant. Did they dropbox or cloud their contributions? How and where was the final project mixed?
ROBERTO MONTOYA: I use a service called Fiverr to look for session musicians and I found both of them there. The service has a way to transfer audio files and process payments so that both parties are covered. They both sent me MIDI files so I was able to load in the tones I wanted. The final mix was done by multi-platinum engineer Brian Reeves.
POPULAR CULTURE BEAT: Thanks for being available for this discussion.
ROBERTO MONTOYA: I really appreciate you giving me a voice to discuss these things, and stimulating conversation and dialog is part of the reason why I make music.
In addition to the above mentioned, “Flames Of Change” features Jeremiah Douglas on bass, James Valdez on drums, and Gael Rodriguez on percussion. The single will be released on all platforms September 16th.
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finis
Really like this tune you guys. And i agree 100% about Judgement Day.It’s not a grey issue ,It’s completely clear and has Been God’s plan through the ages to populate Eternity with those who followed Him when we had the choice to go astray.Again great song. terry
Thank you, Terry!