Christian Music Reformation
I am sitting here in my living room on a quiet Saturday morning thinking not so quiet thoughts. I have been listening to my local Christian music radio stations for sometime now as I drive 30 minutes to and from work. I have noticed a dangerous and jolting change in what I hear. It seems blatantly obvious to me that Christian music has made a turn for the worst. The songs I hear are so general in their theme I might as well listen to my local secular radio station (the music is better there too). I did not hear the name of Jesus one time this week in a song. Instead I heard lyrics like this:
‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I’m so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I’m free to be me and your free to be You
Another One…
Don’t ask me how I’m doing, if you don’t want to know
I stayed out late woke up ate oh you know how it goes
Give off the vibe that is everything is fine if you don’t look in my eyes. It’s all going so perfectly wrong
Hey, hey, hey what can I say, it just been one of those, one of those days.
I-I-I-I…
Why is it if the purpose of making “Christian” music is to bring other to Christ that these lyrics are so vague? Why are Christian artists the same as secular ones, they just have their own radio station? It is rare I see a Christian artist speak the name Jesus.
I was once at a concert of a very popular Christian band and not once did they even mention God. Good grief, don’t call yourself a Christian band, just be a band. We fail to glorify Him when we speak and sing of the benefits of the gospel, but fail to proclaim the Gospel itself. – Steve Camp
Now, I by no means am saying secular music is bad. It’s not. I like it, I listen to it, but at least there my expectation will be met that God will not be mentioned. I never thought listening to Christian music that God would not be mentioned.
One of my great influences is Steve Camp. He spent a lot of time with Keith Green, this is the guy who paved the way in Christian music and ticked off a lot of people doing it. He broke down barriers and walls and busted out of the Christian bubble. He not only accepted homeless drug addicts (which was unheard of in his time) he told them the gospel! The thing about Keith was he never compromised in his music. He was constantly giving the gospel and bringing others to Christ. I know that there are some Christian bands out there doing that very thing, however, the vast majority is blending into the bland wallpaper of vague.
Steve wrote what he calls the 107 thesis to the Christian Music Industry. I love it! Take some time and read it. http://www.solideogloria.org/beliefs/stevecamp/index.htm
It is not nice, and I totally agree!
Christian music companies are owned by secular people. How in the world can you have a ministry to the unsaved ran by unsaved people?
In this Christian music world we have what is called the Dove Awards. What? Seriously? Why are we giving each other awards for writing good songs supposively about God? We are honoring man instead of God. Isn’t our purpose to give Him all the glory and honor?
We fail to glorify Him when we praise the servant through awards and accolades rather than exalt the Master. “I was but a pen in God’s hand and what praise is due a pen?” (Baxter) God will not share His glory with another. (Psalm 115:1; Isaiah 42:8 ) - Steve Camp
God is very clear in scripture that He will not share His glory. This is a very dangerous line to mess with. King Nebuchadnezzar was struck down dead because he took God’s glory for himself. Yet, another example of the Christian music world blending into the lines.
As Christian musicians we should be different. I mean we have the creator of the universe inspiring us to write and play. Our songs should be better, they should be ahead of the trend instead of years behind. An unsaved person should be able to listen to our songs and give his life to Christ right there. Why isn’t the gospel being presented at the majority of Christian concerts? Why is it that instead of pleasing God the tide has turned to pleasing man and his ideas of what this should look like?
Here is my plea, if you are a Christian band, making Christian music that neither brings people to God or His presence. Do us all a favor and take the title Christian off everything you do. Otherwise, through down the secular influences , refuse to compromise and run without shame into the hurting world and use your God given gifts to bring other into His kingdom. This is our purpose!
