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"Of course the church isn't going to understand things like that," said Lutes. "They were a little early and the church just wasn't ready. The church was more conservative and didn't understand them."

Lutes said Campus Life occasionally hears negative feedback concerning current Christian bands who play hard music, dress alternatively, or aim for secular crowds—but it would be worse if there had been no Stryper.

"The band was either loved or hated," said drummer Robert Sweet. "There were a lot of people who didn't like what we were doing both in the world and as Christians. A lot of people in the name of Christ hated us. I don't know why what we were doing was so shocking then, but I think the whole scene is different now."

Lutes said the band got tired of being attacked by the church for its ministry. They became bitter and angry. This led to youthful rebellion on their final studio album, 1990's Against the Law. The record showed a rougher Stryper that strayed from the explicit God-glorifying lyrics. This garnered them even more negative response. In 1991, they broke up in the face of waning success.

"We are just men and we made mistakes but God used the band," Fox said. "Jesus makes Stryper what it is. If he is glorified in [what the band accomplished], that is what matters."

At the July 7 reunion, the band partied like it was 1989, with black and yellow striped guitars and Bibles thrown to the crowds. But some trademarks, such as the old make-up and spandex, were left behind (save for Robert, who still wore big hair and tight yellow pants).

During the hour-plus set, the band poked fun at themselves for their old gimmicks and joked about their age, as when Michael had to glance at CD liner notes for lyrics since certain songs had not been performed since the mid-1980s.

But if Lutes and Sweet are right that it's easier now for Christian heavy music bands like P.O.D. to find approval, will Stryper make a run at it again?

"We're really not certain at this time," Michael said. "As for now, this is the final show. We want to make sure each time the four of us get together that it is right."

However, Michael revealed that the band has discussed a new Stryper album. "I think a new record is possible … but it all is difficult to pull off," he said.

With the four band members in different states, devoted to their families and involved in separate music projects, a new album may not be logistically possible. Michael said the band has toyed with the idea of a record with new takes on the old hits along with a few original songs.

But whether Stryper comes back for more than one show or not, Fox said, the Christian testimonials he hears—old and new—about the band's ministry are what really matter.

"I'm feeling really blessed that God's done something with this band," he said. "We are happy to do whatever we can for the Lord."

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Stryper's Official Web Site has articles, biographies and the band's full history.

CDNOW ran a story on Stryper's reunion show at the 2001 Stryper Expo.

The official Cornerstone site covered the festival live as well as posted the schedule, band bios, and other information.

Appearing on Christianity Today's Web site last week, Todd Hertz looked at the diversity in people and worship that make up Cornerstone.

Christianity Today's earlier articles on Jesus People U.S.A., which sponsors the festival, includes:

Jesus' People | Lessons for living in the "we" decade. (Sept. 14, 1992)

Conflict Divides Countercult Leaders | A 1994 Christianity Today article reports on the conflict between sociologist Ronald Enroth and JPUSA. (July 18, 1994)

Weblog: Chicago Tribune Investigates Jesus People USA (Apr. 3, 2001)

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July (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45