It's a shame when a song sounds good, but it doesn't adhere christian values

[bleechers]

Well, let me take a few moments and put some things in context and correct what I've never said.

I think the question needs to be asked why you are so against music that doesn't praise God. Is it commanded in the Bible that the music we create or listen to has to be praiseing him?

Read my posts. All I am doing is making the comparison. Why, if given a microphone, studio time, liner notes, etc. would we want to choose "neutral" music over delivering a "Christian" message? I have said repeatedly that I am not "commanding" anyone to do or not do anything. For their sake, for the gospel's sake, I am exhorting musicians to not bury their talents in the earth (to use a parable ), but to let their light shine before men.

Why so many desperately want to avoid being overt is beyond me.

And where in the Bible does it command us to only listen to music that edifies? ... Scripture does not forbid us to create music that doesn't edify him. You seem to want to tell me that there is a scripture that does forbid us to do so. I ask that you show me this.

I never said anything about "forbidding" anything. No the Bible doesn't "command" you to listen to only that which edifies... but why on earth would you not want to listen to music that edifies?

Again (I seem to quote certain things multiple times): "All things are lawful unto me, but not all things are profitable." So Paul is saying, sure, you can listen or play eternally worthless music, but why? Why purposely choose that which does not edify the soul, exhort the church, rebuke heretics, or preaches the gospel to the lost.

Just because there is a song that doesn't mention God nor any of his atributes doesn't mean that songwriter is going to hell.

Now, come on. I never said or even implied anything of the sort. My reference was to the Judgment Seat of Christ which is for saved believers. There, things that were done for eternal purposes will pass the test and earn reward, temporal and carnal things will burn up to no reward. I'm only exhorting folks to "press on towards the high calling of Christ Jesus" and to "seek the prize."

You want to make the case that songs that say nothing about God drives us away from God, am I correct? If that is the case then I totally reject your message!

No, that is not correct. I never said that "neutral" songs drive people away from God. But I think it's obvious that they certainly don't drive anybody to God. If we believe all these "positive message" bands who say that they want to bring God to a wider audience, can't I (at least) inform them of God's way of doing that? Most of the arguments I have read are based on human reasoning, not on the clear teaching of scripture. I have tried to quote the exhortations and commands to preach the gospel numerous times. Am I wrong to do so?

What is and what is not profitable or edifying must be backed up by scriptural truth. What we do or do not do in the name of Christ, must be defended from the scriptures.

You are takeing the wrong approach to this. I don't say I am going to the mat for say-nothing bands, you are putting me into that box of yours for the sole purpose so that you can acuse me of not going to the mat for bands that defend the faith. That is wrong for you to do this! Not everybody thinks or believes the same as you do and not everybody fits in that box you want to place everybody in.

I apologize. The intent was a general statement about my personal experience in this area, not a comment necessarily about those in this room. If I crossed that line with you, I am sorry.

As for the "box", again, I've never tried to restrict anyone's medium or style. I believe in Christian liberty. However, there is no liberty when it comes to the "message." The "box" here is the scriptures.

Regardless of how anyone feels about it, there are certain Bible commands that are not open to discussion. We are commanded (among other things) to preach the gospel, defend the faith, exhort the saints, sanctify our lives, study the scriptures, etc.

My question continues to be: why would someone who is given a microphone, an audience, a web site, a magazine article, etc. "refuse" to follow God's commands and then call what they do a "Chrstian ministry"? And Why would a Christian choose a say-nothing (or a "subtle") ministry over spreading the good news of the free grace of God?

Again, you assume that anybody who defends the right for a band to just sing wholesome songs and not necessarily sing praises to God is a sinner!

Could you provide a specific instance in which I ever said anyone was a "sinner"?

I have said that it seems foolish. I have said that I don't understand it. I have said that Jesus commands us to go unto a lost world. I have said that we are commanded to defend the faith. I have said that we will answer for the use of His time and our talents... but I never called anyone a "sinner".

That is makeing judgement on your fellow believer and is a sin!

So, I guess that means that you are calling me a "sinner"?

And again you are trying to place anyone who would want to defend these bands as saying they wont or refuse to defend the word of God. This is totally wrong and in my opinion is you once again trying to place everybody in this neat little box of yours that says they will either do this or they will do that. Rubish!

Again, I don't think you are carfully reading my posts. I have said trillions of times, I'm not telling anyone they have to do anything. I have said that the Bible commands us to do certain things and that we will all be judged someday as to our obedience to those Bible commands.

What I am asking for in the way of defense is this: I have asked for a biblical defense of a "subtle" ministry. I have quoted the Bible's commands and I am looking for a scriptural defense of "not saying anything" while still calling what one does "Christian."

There is a box. Once something calls itself "Christian" then the box becomes the Word of God.

Look, if a bunch of Christians want to do eternally meaningless songs, so be it. They have an absolute liberty to do whatever they want. What's wrong with calling on them to search the scriptures and remind of God's commands on their lives?

Musicians are unique in that we are one of a very few vocations that allows us almost absolute freedom to say what we want, when we want, to whomever we want. If somebody chooses to use that freedom to say nothing... fine. I just don't see why anyone would care to encourage them in that choice.

 

[nephilimiyr]

"It is a form of spiritual fratricide to have the means of speading the gospel and not to use them (Ezek. 33:6)." William MacDonald

For a band/artist to not have overtly Christian lyrics is to overlook the vast spiritual need of the world today. Every Christian artist has the means to preach the gospel and edify the saints. To choose not to do so is to reject the calling God has given all Christians. How does one justify being given a microphone, having complete liberty to say whatever he/she wants, and yet not feel compelled to give the gospel to the live audience and the CD listening audience? Welcome to the Laodicean church.

Well we all have the means every day to preach the gospel but do we all? Do you stand on the street corner and tell all passers by that they are sinners and need to repent and come to jesus. That's all it takes Acts 17:11, no excuses necessary, the street corner is there for you and everyone to use. This is America, you wont be put in jail for doing this. This is the same as the musician in front of the microphone. He may have the means to spread the word just like you do on the street corner but he wont do so until he gets that calling to do so. I don't judge you or anyone else if they don't use the street corner but why do you feel it necessary to judge the musician?

My point is that not all people have the calling to preach or to minister. just because a christian knows how to play the guitar and sing doesn't mean you have to say they have to preach. It may be that God will show them when it's time to do so. untill that time comes, as long as they are not singing about sex, drugs, and rock n roll as being all there is to this life I will applaud them!

Neph

 

[bleechers]

This is the same as the musician in front of the microphone.

Just a quick note: this is not the same. I would never argue that my ministry is to "stand on the street corner and say nothing." Nor would I ever claim that God has called me specifically not to say something when given the opportunity.

Do you know groups of people who regularly stand on street corners just to recite "positive" poetry who then refuse to share the gospel. I don't think so. This is different and the differences are obvious.

As a musician I am given an opportunity to speak for my Lord. If the city invited me to stand on the street corner, provided me a PA system and people stopped to specifically listen to what I had to say and THEN I failed (refused) to preach the gospel of peace and reconciliation, then that would be sad and disobedient.

If I failed while in that situation it would probably because of cowardice. Now, I would never argue that "cowardice" was the call of my ministry. Haven't you ever looked back on a conversation and recognized a missed opportunity? I have and it grieves me... "Missing opportunities" is not a ministry.

What I don't do is rationalize my failure. I ask God to forgive my cowardice and allow me another opportunity in His mercy. Paul said that he was "free of the blood of all men" because he never failed to share the gospel. I have failed, but I would never say that "not sharing" was God's will. My failures and my cowardice are neither the standard nor the excuse for anyone.

I will never claim that my willful decision to not share the gospel is God's will and I certainly won't ask anyone to defend such a decision. And let's be honest, "refusing" to take 30 seconds (on a stage, in a place that invited you to play) to share the gospel is hardly worth defending.

Exhort people to share the gospel, don't defend their right not to.

Sharing the gospel from the stage is easy. Whereas I have some sympathy for folks who might be frightened by the prospect of open-air evangelism, I cannot fathom any of them doing open-air poetry and then refusing to preach the gospel.

I don't demand that all Christians have music ministries. I don't demand that all Christians have open-air minsitries. But to those who do, who then REFUSE to preach the gospel, I have some issues. You demanded ACTS to do street evangelism, but he never demanded anyone to do music. He just argued that to willingly do music and willingly refuse to preach the gospel is a problem.

Most people don't do open-air evangelism because they are scared to do so, not because they "refuse" to do so. If artists are scared to use free mic time (again, hardly comparable), then they should say so and not hide behind the facade that they have a "subtle" ministry.

Again, are they "looking for opportunities" or "actively avoiding opportunities"?

If the latter, why defend them?

 

[nephilimiyr]

Well, let me take a few moments and put some things in context and correct what I've never said.



Read my posts. All I am doing is making the comparison. Why, if given a microphone, studio time, liner notes, etc. would we want to choose "neutral" music over delivering a "Christian" message? I have said repeatedly that I am not "commanding" anyone to do or not do anything. For their sake, for the gospel's sake, I am exhorting musicians to not bury their talents in the earth (to use a parable ), but to let their light shine before men.

Why so many desperately want to avoid being overt is beyond me.

Ok, I'm sorry if I miss characterized what your saying but still I feel real uncomfortable. I'm sure your message is good and musicians need to hear that but they have to walk this christian life the same as I do. I'll tell you right now that I am not a preacher nor a minister and I would feel real put off by someone telling I have to be one. I just see you haveing an extreme view on this. Yes I could be wrong but not everything is so white and black and either or, all or nothing.

I feel it's better for musicians to not preach on stage if they uncomfortable with doing it and or if they are not deep into the word or have the Spirit guiding them to do so. If they go up on stage not knowing the word of God and begin to preach because their christian brothers and sisters say it's their duty can have results that will not be too pleaseing to God and may hurt the chance of people actually giving their lives to God.

I never said anything about "forbidding" anything. No the Bible doesn't "command" you to listen to only that which edifies... but why on earth would you not want to listen to music that edifies?

LOL, ok, but your doing to me now what you accuse me doing to you!
I love listening to praise and worship music! It has become my favorite! I'm just saying I don't see anything wrong with listening to music that may not praise God but it doesn't exactly edify him either.

Again (I seem to quote certain things multiple times): "All things are lawful unto me, but not all things are profitable." So Paul is saying, sure, you can listen or play eternally worthless music, but why? Why purposely choose that which does not edify the soul, exhort the church, rebuke heretics, or preaches the gospel to the lost.

I'm understanding you and agree in part but once again you are giving me this feeling that you think I or whoever either listen to music that edifies God or it doesn't. NO, I listen to many kinds of music. Mostly music that does edify God but not all the music I listen to doesn't do this. Sure, that music may be worthless as a means to help me find salvation or a deeper life in Christ but I totally disagree that it doesn't do any good for me. Sometimes that music my lift my spirits, put me in a better mood, it may even help me appreciate Gods glorious creation and in the end cause me to turn to him and worship him and thank him. Sorry but I don't believe that all music that doesn't edify God is worthless, it does have a purpose.

Now, come on. I never said or even implied anything of the sort. My reference was to the Judgment Seat of Christ which is for saved believers. There, things that were done for eternal purposes will pass the test and earn reward, temporal and carnal things will burn up to no reward. I'm only exhorting folks to "press on towards the high calling of Christ Jesus" and to "seek the prize."

Ok, I'm sorry, I guess I did a little judgeing myself there

I apologize. The intent was a general statement about my personal experience in this area, not a comment necessarily about those in this room. If I crossed that line with you, I am sorry.

Thanks!

Regardless of how anyone feels about it, there are certain Bible commands that are not open to discussion. We are commanded (among other things) to preach the gospel, defend the faith, exhort the saints, sanctify our lives, study the scriptures, etc.

Well I'm guilty of not doing this myself, it's not just christian musicians.

My question continues to be: why would someone who is given a microphone, an audience, a web site, a magazine article, etc. "refuse" to follow God's commands and then call what they do a "Chrstian ministry"? And Why would a Christian choose a say-nothing (or a "subtle") ministry over spreading the good news of the free grace of God?

Are you talking about one group or a whole host of them? Read the post I wrote just above this one. Now sure there may be some groups that really aren't christian...do you want them to preach their word? Otherwise groups that remain mostly silent about their faith I can only say just be patient with them, if they have the Spirit in them they will eventually spread the word.

Could you provide a specific instance in which I ever said anyone was a "sinner"?

Sorry I can't but that was the feeling you are giving me. If you notice I didn't quote you as saying that.

I have said that it seems foolish. I have said that I don't understand it. I have said that Jesus commands us to go unto a lost world. I have said that we are commanded to defend the faith. I have said that we will answer for the use of His time and our talents... but I never called anyone a "sinner".

True, we are sent out into a lost world but Jesus didn't send us out without weapons did he? If men and women go out without these weapons...and the Holy Spirit to guide them...they will fail. Again I say that until these musicians become strong in the word and Spirit they should by all means keep their mouths shut! er...not preach.

So, I guess that means that you are calling me a "sinner"?

Yeah I guess it does...that's sad isn't it...Hey don't feel bad, I'm guilty of the same sin and in need of repentence.

There is a box. Once something calls itself "Christian" then the box becomes the Word of God.

But wouldn't you agree that one should study the word of God first and become filled with his Spirit before they start teaching others who know less then they do?

Look, if a bunch of Christians want to do eternally meaningless songs, so be it. They have an absolute liberty to do whatever they want. What's wrong with calling on them to search the scriptures and remind of God's commands on their lives?

Maybe they just don't have the calling to do so yet?

Musicians are unique in that we are one of a very few vocations that allows us almost absolute freedom to say what we want, when we want, to whomever we want. If somebody chooses to use that freedom to say nothing... fine. I just don't see why anyone would care to encourage them in that choice.

Opps...there you go again...I don't think anyone here is saying they should be encouraged to say nothing about their faith. What I'm saying is that they should be given time to recieve that calling by God to do so. The gift of music is much different then the gift of preaching, they don't automatically go hand in hand at the start of ones career. Yes they should be encouraged to eventually speak out freely about their faith but to me that is a goal of theirs they have to meet.

God Bless you and may Jesus's love shine over you forever!

Neph

 

[Acts 17:11]

So you're saying that I am now your standard? Regardless of what the Bible says, if I don't preach the gospel everyday, no other Christian needs to either? Interesting logic.

If you want to make a fair comparison since the topic is music and bands, how about...

1. Are my lyrics clearly Christian?
2. Do I give the gospel everytime my band has a performance?
3. Is the gospel in the liner notes of my CD?

The answer is "yes" to all of those questions. Is it done perfectly? Of course not, but nevertheless the gospel is clear and it's present in my ministry.

If you are interested, visit my website and if you have suggestions on how I can improve upon what I'm doing, please let me know (I'm being serious). I'm not above correction and neither is any other Christian - even if they're a musician.

"My point is that not all people have the calling to preach or to minister. just because a christian knows how to play the guitar and sing doesn't mean you have to say they have to preach."

Though not all of us are all called to be preachers, all of us are called to give people the gospel. As soon as a musician calls his music a ministry, it should be operated as one. Not all secular bands sing about sex, drugs, and partying so how will we know the difference unless a Christian band has clear Biblical lyrics. Shouldn't we encourage those who aren't doing this to be bold in doing so?

 

[ab1385]

In my humble opinion, it is very personal what music you listen to, and it's very diifcult to decide "No-one should listen to any secular music if they are a christian", simply becuase there is no basis for this to be true.

I can see where some people are coming from. Music is very emotive, can lift you up, put you down, make you want to worship God and many others besides. I can se why people would advocate christian only music. You can worship God while just relaxing and listening to music. I would however only go as far as to say that it is *a* way of worshipping God, and this is not its sole use.

I can also see why people say christian artists should write "christian music". It makes sense, if you really thought that the return of Jesus was imminent, then you would preach the Gospel. Hell, we all would (you'd hope!) And we all should preach the Gospel more than we should. But people should be given free reign to express themselves in their music. We all have things that are important to us other then God, and many of these are not anti-God in any way (spouses, friends etc). If music is essentially a way of expressing yourself, which, as an art, it is, then why is it wrong for people to sing about what is important to them?

As for secular music, I think its hard to find a case for "no christian should listen to any secular music". I personally find it easiest to come to God in prayer when I am relaxed, not stressed after a lot of work, say. If I listen to some christian bands, they can really wind me up. Relient K are a great example of this. There are very few christian bands that are good for me to relax to. Third day are a band I can listen quite happily, but you get fed up of anything if you listen to it too much. I personally find metallica's "S&M" to be the most relaxing album I own, or Dire Strait's "on the night". So I listen to them, and in their own way, they make it easier for me to worship God in prayer. Now Im not saying that if I listen to metallica I want to pray, I more want to make the point that there is a place for secular music, even if parts of it aren't "doctrinally sound".

The last point is one that has been sort of made, is that you can't say "I will listen to this, it's by band X, who are a christian band so it must be glorifying to God." Relient K are again an example, they are referred to as a "christian band" yet release many secular songs, again, like Sadie Hawkin's Dance. At the end of the day, its about the songs. If you feel a song helps you in your walk with God, listen to it. If it hinders it, then don't. If it is neutral, then I see no ditinction between listening to that, and any other secular activity which doesn't contradict the bible. Cycling for instance.

Anyway, thats how I feel about the matter.

Disclaimer: I don't actually personally have anything against relient K, I actually quite like "For the moments I feel faint."

 

[nephilimiyr]

Sharing the gospel from the stage is easy. Whereas I have some sympathy for folks who might be frightened by the prospect of open-air evangelism, I cannot fathom any of them doing open-air poetry and then refusing to preach the gospel.

So why are you so understanding toward the average christian but not towards these musicians? They are only christians like you and me you know. Sorry but I don't see any difference between them and the average christian. They have the same fears as we all do. Musicians aren't wonder people who can just shake off any and all inhabitions they may have just because they know how to play instruments. In order to do this they need the Spirit of God in them to direct them. If they don't feel like they have this yet maybe their just choseing to remain silent untill they do?

The point of open air preaching is that all christians are given the command to spread the word through any venue. Yet most christians remain silent thinking that it is the job of the preacher or the musician or the church elders to do this. Maybe open air preaching was a bad example but the thought is that everyone has the duty to preach to the lost but I don't see you talking about them. You want to place musicians on this big tall pedistal saying they should be spreading the word but it doesn't work like that, at least not always.

Most people don't do open-air evangelism because they are scared to do so, not because they "refuse" to do so. If artists are scared to use free mic time (again, hardly comparable), then they should say so and not hide behind the facade that they have a "subtle" ministry

And maybe you should take into account that not all christians who are musicians have the calling to preach? I'm thinking once again your saying that all christian musicians have to do this. Well if that's the case please post the scriptures that state this.

Again, are they "looking for opportunities" or "actively avoiding opportunities"?

If the latter, why defend them?

I'm not so much defending them but rather not judgeing them!

God Bless

Neph

 

[nephilimiyr]

So you're saying that I am now your standard? Regardless of what the Bible says, if I don't preach the gospel everyday, no other Christian needs to either? Interesting logic.

I said nothing of the sort. You clearly have misunderstood everything I said in that post if that's what you think.

If you are interested, visit my website and if you have suggestions on how I can improve upon what I'm doing, please let me know (I'm being serious). I'm not above correction and neither is any other Christian - even if they're a musician.

I will do so...thanks for the invite!

Though not all of us are all called to be preachers, all of us are called to give people the gospel. As soon as a musician calls his music a ministry, it should be operated as one. Not all secular bands sing about sex, drugs, and partying so how will we know the difference unless a Christian band has clear Biblical lyrics. Shouldn't we encourage those who aren't doing this to be bold in doing so?

Well perhaps I'm being held in the dark here...What are the bands out there that call themselves a christian ministry yet doesn't ever mention Christ? or just doesn't preach the word? I really don't know of any. I really don't know of any, I'm just here to present an arguement to what is being said here.

Maybe if I'm given something to look at about this my thoughts will change???

 

[nephilimiyr]

Acts 17:11 I just went over your site and I think it's a very fine christian site. Sorry I didn't listen to your music yet because I have Todd Agnew playing right now but I will go back and check it out!



God Bless



Neph

 

[aria384gp:)]

Oh, and how is Todd Agnew? I've been wanting to check out his music. I've been hearing a lot about him.

Well, anyway, I just wanted to say that with this matter I think it's up to you, and I'm only saying this because personally, I don't listen to any secular music at all. And there are alot of christian artists I don't listen to because basically their lyrics aren't christian at all. I define christian music as a song that lifts up the name of Jesus for example: All The Words by Kutless, Further by Pillar, Yes I Believe in God by Rebecca St. James, Different Now by Out of Eden, King of Kings by Ce Ce Winans, oh and I absolutely love Shout to the Lord by Darlene Z. and Redeemer by Nicole C. Muellen. Now of course there are groups or bands that have a song or songs where not every lyric is literally written with God in it, like Sadie's Hawkin's Dance, but that's what the skip button's for, right? Like on Stacie Orrico's album: the song Stuck which is nothing but about a guy, my whole family skips song #1 Stuck. A brother in my church once said you gotta eat the meat and spit out the bones, but if it's all bones why even bother?

So I would say that 99.9% of the music in my CD library glorifies God, but for that .1% we utilize that skip button lol.

So it's up to what you feel convicted about. Personally, I would feel so convicted for listening to a secular song, while there are some christians I know who have a secular artist and MercyMe right next to each other. If you're feeling a little um-i-dunna-ish about this then maybe God's trying to tell something. So pray about, seriously. Take it to God. If He clothes the lilies of the valley, then He can definitely clear up whatever's bothering you, because as you've been reading, we're all givin ya mixed messages. One says yes, someone else says no, another person says maybe, and then says I don't know, and then... whew, now I'm getting confused. lol

BTW: I was just wondering Brett, what's in your CD library?

 

[brettnolan]

BTW: I was just wondering Brett, what's in your CD library?

Sorrym guys you're getting way ahead of me, but I have time to hit this one. But before I do, how does Further lift up Jesus name? No mention of Jesus at all. This would be one of those songs that "doesn't preach the gospel" and therefore cannot be considered "distinctively" Christian. Correct? Do I need to post the lyrics?

Anyway, how much of my library do you want? I've got gosh darn near everything. Not big on hip-hop, but I do have some old rap on those pesky cassettes (Whodini, UTFO). I've got "satanic" music: AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Journey, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Nat King Cole, Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Elvis Presley, Prince, Wacko Jacko, Paula Abdul, Barry Manilow, The Bee Gees, Rolling Stones, etc.

And WHOA, believe it or not, I have Christian(at least by most people's standards) music (on my desk right now): 2 SonicFlood's, 2 Mercy Me's, GlassByrd, Nichole Nordeman, Watermark, Kristy Starling, Skillet (awesome), Kutless, Strange Celebrity, Sanctus Real, WOW 2004, RK, Caedmon's Call, Chevelle, EastWest, Switchfoot, Benjamin Gate, Plumb, etc.

 

[bleechers]

So why are you so understanding toward the average christian but not towards these musicians?

A fair question and I hope this clears this up: If the musicians admitted that they are scared to say something for God; if they stated that they're actively looking for opportunities; if they were using another outlet to preach the gospel then I'd understand...

Unfortunately, they don't say the above. They actually claim that God called them to be "subtle" or to "say nothing." I don't judge fear, I exhort it unto victory. Do I judge "refusing" to obey the command to preach the gospel in the name of a "ministry"? Sure. We're called, repeatedly, to reprove, rebuke, exhort, correct, judge error and remove false doctrine.

Again, I am not judging that to which scripture is silent (style, medium, etc.), but I have an obligation to defend the faith (ex: against ecumenical artists); promote sound doctrine (ex: oppose false doctrine in songs); exhort my brethren (ex: encouraging them on to reward through obedience); oppose unscriptural teaching (ex: contradicting the "subtle ministry" craze). etc.

And maybe you should take into account that not all christians who are musicians have the calling to preach? I'm thinking once again your saying that all christian musicians have to do this. Well if that's the case please post the scriptures that state this.

Every Christian has been given "the minsitry of reconciliation" (2 Cor 5). Every Christian has been commanded to:

1. Preach the gospel
2. Preach the Word
3. Defend the Faith
4. Correct Error
5. Reject Heretics
6. Exhort the brethren

Are you denying that the scriptures command all these things or are looking for me to post a bunch of verses?... 'cause I can do this if you'd like.

And let's (for the sake of discussion) keep apples and oranges separate. There are two groups in mind here. Group 1 are bands that say that they are Christian, but they're just not gonna say much of anything ("positive message" bands) becuase God called them to be vague[!]. Group 2 are Christians who are musicians who don't claim to do Christian music.

I've got problems with both, but honestly, I have far more problems with Group 1 than with Group 2.

 

[Acts 17:11]

The following reviews are from the non-Christian music site AllMusic.com

Relient K - Two Left's Don't Make a Right... But Three Do
Relient K is a 'can't miss' proposition in the secular market... This release may be the crossover vehicle that launches the band into the stratosphere.
Sixpence None the Richer - Sixpence None the Richer
Those who are offended by religious messages in their pop music don't need to worry — there are a few here, but they're pretty subtle. — Rick Anderson

Evanescence - Fallen
Evanescence ran head first into controversy promoting Fallen. Originally, it was released in the Christian and secular markets; however, the band's use of profanity during an interview with Rolling Stone prompted its label, Wind-Up Records, to recall Fallen from Christian stores.

dc Talk - Supernatural
You have to dig pretty deep on Supernatural to find dc Talk's Christian roots. — Michael Gallucci

If my CD received these reviews I would be horrified and repentant.

These are just a few examples. I remember Jars of Clay complaining about their artistic freedom being limited if they are "forced" to sing about Christ. Plumb was proudly proclaiming how they can play in bars and people aren't offended because they will tell the audience such deep Biblical truth such as "This song may encourage you."

Other artists such as Caedmon's Call, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, etc. are similar. Aside from throwing Christians a bone by jumping on the Praise & Worship bandwagon, the majority of their work is vague and weak at best.

Here's what the Bible says...

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26)

 

[Jazzcat]

By their fruit you will know them indeed!
Sometimes, Christian artists are obviously not "in it" for the ministry, but for the money and the popularity. Steven Curtis Chapman is NOT one of these. His music and his message are consistantly consist, edifying and awesome.
Another person you may not have heard of is Michael Lewis. He's a really smokin' guitar player, and his ministry has taken him to the far corners of the country. His website is MichaelLewisMusic.com for anyone who wants to check it out, and samples of his music are online too. His album, "Discovery", is the most "CCM" style album he's got so far, but that will soon change. He is a very well-known jazz/blues musician, and his music goes along the lines of Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Stevie Ray Vaughn... even John Mayer!

 

[popsadie]

You know, music is also art. Art is NOT propaganda. Art is often subtle and pleads and nudges its viewers/listeners to LOOK deeper. Why is it that we have this standard for music, but not with literature or movies? God wants true honest worship, not propaganda that can be bought and sold...which is how I see alot of praise/worship music these days.

 

[nephilimiyr]

Oh, and how is Todd Agnew? I've been wanting to check out his music. I've been hearing a lot about him.

I like him! He has a great voice and some real kickin tunes but he's mostly on the mello side. The lyrics are totally christian/scripture based, no secular! It seems to me his music is original in that he doesn't sound like anybody else, that's a good thing!

 

[Acts 17:11]

I heard these Newsboys songs the other day (most of you are already familiar with them, I'm sure) and thought they were very appropriate to the conversation. Again (rhetorical question coming up), why would a Christian artist NOT want to sing about Christ?

I'm Not Ashamed

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show.
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.

What are we sneaking around for?
Who are we trying to please?
Shrugging off sin, apologizing like we're spreading some kind of disease.
I'm saying, "No way. No way."

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show.
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.

This one says it's a lost cause – save your testimonies for churchtime.
The other ones state you'd better wait until you do a little market research.
I'm saying, "No way. No way."

I'm not ashamed to let you know
I want this light in me to show.
I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.

God Is Not a Secret

You don't understand
This is not what you think it is
You don't get it man
You want to boil it down to show biz
Your in-depth research shows
Drop the God, emphasize the beat
I've heard that positive pop you dig
I'd rather be buried in wet concrete

Take back your free advice
I don't accept
I will not play those games
God is not a secret to be kept
God is not a secret to be kept

You don't understand
I'm not talking multiple choice
You don't get it man
If the cries offend you, find another voice
I am not running for office here
I won't keep purposefully vague
I've heard New Age Life-force trip
I'd rather be dipped in bubonic plague

Take back your free advice
I don't accept
I will not play those games
God is not a secret to be kept
God is not a secret to be kept

If we keep silent
If we mass defect
These very rocks will scream
God is not a secret to be kept
God is not a secret to be kept

And would I wash my hands again?
Would I deny my savior when
he hung inside the public square?
Did not my silence put him there?