So I've been thinking a lot about music lately as it relates to "worship". I've also been thinking about who my favorite artists are, but more specifically, why they are my favorites.
Before I talk more about that though, I would like to state something that I posted on another blog a while back (Howell).
Something that really bugs me is the title "Christian/worship music". Honestly, I flat out don't understand it. Here's my question, when did the word "Christian" become an adjective? If you think about it, all other music is labeled by the style of the actual music (country, rock, rap, etc). Why isn't "Christian" music? The word Christian should be a noun that identifies a person, not music. Label music that contains Christian lyrics what it is (country, rap, rock, etc.). It's almost like some "Christian" music needs that label to say "These lyrics are going to about God, but the music itself won't be so good." If you're going to make music, make good music and be a good artist. Get your music labeled as the rest of the music world does. Then, maybe more than just Christians will listen to it.
Example: Does a plummer who is a Christian go do "Christian plumbing"? No, of course not. He might be a Christian, but that's his identity. To go with his identity of being a Christian should come a commitment to do what he does with excellence, not a separate label in the Yellow Pages under "Christian plumers".
To Christian music artist: Go make good music! Use the gifts that God has given you to make music and write good God honoring words to go with it! There are some peeps that are out there doing it already, but pray and ask God to give you that talent to make good art that finds it's way into the "secular" music industry. This is so important!!
At any rate, over my next few posts I will be posting songs and artist that have a combination of good words and music. Songs that over the past few weeks/months that God has used to really speak to me.
Before I go, let me post this as a preamble to me getting 3,001 emails telling me I'm evil for thinking "Christian" music is bad. First off, if you're even having that thought, you didn't read this right because I never said that. There is some good music out there that has the label of Christian, and as a matter of fact, a few of those will be posted on here in the next couple of days (Think blonde, spiky, tall hair and a really long goatee). The point of this is a plea for Christians to make good art and to get their music into the rest of the music world. Let's stop separating "our" music from "their" music and just all make good music!
Posts
A La Carte (February 24)
4 hours ago
5 comments:
I would like to see more main stream acceptance for the "Christian" artists' music, but let's face it, the main stream Rock and Roll stations are never going to play music that has an overtly Christian message. If the words Jesus or Cross or anything definitive about Christianity is clearly mentioned, they will stay away from it like the plague. The only way a Christian message will be allowed on Rock radio is if it is covert, subtle, or buried deep below the surface.
I'm all for the idea, but I'm not for burying the message of your art or avoiding using explicitly Christian words or lyrics to satisfy a mass audience.
To all Derek Webb fans,
Several of his songs will be upcoming on my little "music commentary" that I'm doing.
My comment is similar to Ryan's. I totally agree that Christians making music should strive for excellence in the quality of their music. However, I was just talking to someone the other day about Crowder and said that, although I absolutely think his music is good enough to make secular radio, they will never play it because of the completely blatant and unapologetic lyrics about Christ. Unfortunately, usually the only Christian music that makes mainstream radio is that which can be alternately interpreted as a love song or something not so "Christ-like."
All good comments...
But, here's an alternative way to think about it. Take Jars or Switchfoot. Their music made it to mainstream, and their lyrics and music are both great!
Now, I know the "comeback" to that is that the songs they play on the radio are not all about Christ. My question, why is that bad? Not every conversation we ever have is about Christ. We get excited in a sporting event, and that's not about Christ. I would say that a conversation that's not about Christ, and even excitment about a touchdown, can be Christ honoring. Why? Because we are enjoying what He has created. Just b/c His name isn't specifically cried out in a song doesn't mean that it doesn't honor Him.
How many people bought a Jars or Switchfoot CD after they heard them on the radio? They both carry the message of the gospel in some of their songs.
Again, I'm not saying that the choruses that we sing are bad, not at all. I'm just saying that I question the title "Christian" as and adjective.
sorry to bring back an old topic...but i liked your conversation.
but the very nature of CCM is that you don't have to think. you don't have to worry about what you put into your mind. it is all "safe."
hence the adjective. it protects people. of course as an architect, people are like this in the way they buy houses, read books, see movies, meet people to date. it is lazy. it is comfortable.
is it good?!? i am not sure what to say...people always say i will be different when i have children. the good life, the christian life is one of danger, at the edge of self, and utter dependence on Him. i don't know if you can have that in the CCM bubble...but i know it is nice to sometimes just refill within that safe world.
(by the way, i think so few songs are really good... you have to really search. it is not a christian phenomon, but cultural one!)
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