Cleveland Hardcore Church is a means for those of us who listen to hardcore, punk, and metal to learn about who Christ really is, by giving kids the truth.CHC was founded by Dan Pelletier, who's been a part of the hardcore scene since 1993. Dan built his entire way of life around some of the principal hardcore ideals and ways of life.Hardcore was basically started by a bunch of kids in the late 1970's, who united behind ideals that they believed there was something better out there and were sick of the mediocre lifestyles and genres of music that were being broadcasted to the masses. They sought to liberate themselves from drugs and mediocre lifestyles, and be a part of a community that would be a family to them. No matter what belief they had, they united behind the ideal that something was wrong with pop culture and society, and sought something that appeals to some basic human needs (community/family, and belonging). They purposed to achieve this by expressing their hearts through the most aggressive music they could.Today, we think there is something grossly wrong with our society. All you need to do is look around and you can see it for yourself. What has hardcore become?! It’s ridden with whiney “woe is me†vocals and has effectually become commercialized and lost heart. To think that some bands would consider themselves “hardcore†is ridiculous. It’s not just a style of music; Hardcore is a way of life and it is in your heart.Does anyone really want to believe a lie? What if it makes you feel comfortable to believe a lie? What if everything you thought you knew about Christ was incorrect? If you have a bad experience with an African American Male, do you write off all African Americans and become racist? Have you had a bad experience with a Christian and wrote off all Christians? Are you guilty of this kind of prejudice? My challenge to those who are reading this is to really know who Christ is before you decide to write Him off, because chances are your preconceived notions about Christ are false and you’ve built your ideal against a perception of Christ, and not who He really is.However, regardless of any different beliefs, which I believe can be discussed absolutely without fear of retaliation, “We need to take care of each other out here, we’re a @$%&*! family...†-Scott Vogel
Basics of what we believe:
1. Not everybody is equal under what is right, because we’re all good at something different and good at different levels. However, we are all equal under what is wrong. This way, no one can boast of being a better person than anyone else. Nobody living today is perfect. (Psalm 14:3)
2. Just as there are natural consequences (both good and bad), there are super-natural (both good and bad). If everyone is equal under what we as a people do wrong (i.e. lie, dishonor, cheat, betray, hate, etc.) that puts everyone on the same playing field. (Ezekiel 16:58)
3. Hardcore is not just a style of music; it’s a way of life. We wish to convey that by living life to a higher standard and expectation, not the expectation of what pop culture says is the “cool†thing to do. (Romans 12:2)
4. Hardcore is a source for strength and we are a family. If one of our own falls, we must be there to pick them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
5. To stick to your guns and do what is right, even if one has to stand alone in order accomplish this. (Isaiah 1:16-17)
6. While sticking to your guns and doing what is right, to be at peace and to reinforce this peace with all who disagree. (Romans 12:18)
7. Hardcore is not a fashion show. It’s a place where real people care more about making a difference than what they look like. If you want to look fashionable that’s ok, but do it for yourself, not to be seen by others. (Matthew 6)
*We hope that if you listen to hardcore, metal, or punk, that you will find a renewed sense of community that relies on real relationships, rather than digital/internet ones.
*We hope you’ll understand that we’re just a bunch of guys who care about hardcore, and want to see it once again become autonomous from pop culture and emo.
*Most importantly, we hope you will give it a chance and be willing to learn about something you thought you knew about.
..
