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When J. Jackson became a Christian in 1988, he thought he'd never listen to secular music again. He gave up playing in bar bands and pursued a career in journalism. Little did he know that he'd become the lead singer and songwriter for ApologetiX, a Christian band that parodies rock hits from the 1950s to the present day. ApologetiX has been featured on Christian shows such as "The 700 Club" and secular programs like "The Dr. Demento Show" and even Howard Stern's radio show. Their latest endeavor, a double-disc compilation called New and Used Hits, reached No. 1 on the American Christian Music Exchange's Modern/Alternative Album chart. Frontman J. Jackson spoke with us about the band, their music, and their vision.

ApologetiX are (from left) bassist Keith Haynie, lead singer J. Jackson, guitarist Karl Messner, and drummer Bill Rieger

How did a full-time writer with a journalism degree form a parody band?

J. Jackson I wrote parodies all my life, and I used to sing in bar bands and garage bands. When I became a Christian, I totally turned my back on music, figuring I was done with it. I got rid of about 2,000 records, CDs and tapes. Instead, I immersed myself in the Bible, reading it from cover to cover, over and over. Then, I felt God giving me a clear indication to get involved in music.

I met Karl (Messner, lead guitarist and producer) in 1990. He was a much better guitarist than I am and we played our first ApologetiX concert in 1992. In 1994, we made a conscious decision to include modern rock to reach youth.

Why did you first parody classic rock songs?

Jackson I'd been a singer all my life. I was learning to play guitar when I became a born-again Christian. When I picked up the guitar after getting saved, it was like God had increased my spider powers (laughing). I could play and sing a lot better.

I started figuring out the licks from some of the old songs I used to like, but I didn't feel right singing the words. I was learning incredible stuff in the Bible, and I wanted a way to help me remember things like the names of all the Apostles, the books of the Bible in order, Scripture verses and stories. So, I started writing the parodies to teach myself the Bible and the guitar.

Is parody really an art?

Jackson Art takes many forms to suit many tastes. I don't know many people who like both Norman Rockwell and Pablo Picasso or Rembrandt and Andy Warhol. Some people like parody and some don't.

Parody may be a low form of art, but it is an ancient form of art. It was around in Greece about 2,500 years ago. Mad magazine has been around 50 years. Saturday Night Live has been around 30 years. Weird Al Yankovic has been around 25 years. Their longevity is because that low form of art is popular.

We've found that parody is an excellent medium for teaching the gospel and reaching the lost. Jesus called his disciples to be fishers of men. We just use familiar tunes and humor as the bait. Humor disarms people and allows you to hit them with a serious message afterward. Mary Poppins said it best, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

Do parodies have replay value?

Jackson If it weren't for the fact that it's the Word of God, I'd ask that too. But, we don't just do comedy. It's more like Christian story telling with a lot of humor. I used to cover lots of songs in bar bands. It got so old. But, singing about God's Word is different. We've seen a ton of people get saved and start reading their Bibles. God has allowed this to be used.

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