Simple Answer: No, I certainly do not!
Allow me to suggest that the labels we put on music (or art or movies) are not as simplistic as you might think. Consider, what exactly is ‘Christian music?’ Or, what makes certain music Christian & others secular?
Here is a list of characteristics I’ve heard that make a song ‘Christian’
- “You can buy it at a Christian Book Store.”
Do I even need to comment on how absurd this statement is? By the way, you can also buy some pretty heretical stuff at a Christian Book store…be careful. - “It mentions God, Jesus, blood or joy, peace & happiness…oh, & love.”
Do you realize that there’s a whole book of the Bible that does not mention God’s name. Oh no, is that section of the Bible secular?! - “The music is generally 2nd rate & couldn’t cut it in the real word.”
Now, this…sadly, I tend to agree with. Overall, I think it’s just shallow & lacking in artistic ability. - “It’s played & sung by musicians who love God.”
Come on!! Does it matter if the person who fixes your drink at Starbucks loves God or not? What really matters to you is if the drink is made well or not. And that is precisely the point we should be focusing on…is the music good & is the message good. If your coffee’s bad you don’t drink it. It’s not a ‘Christian’ or ‘Secular’ issue…it’s just bad. I take the same approach with music whether it’s so called ‘Christian’ or ‘Secular.’ If it’s bad, if it’s message undermines things that are good & lovely & if it’s music is generally 2nd rate than I don’t listen.Questions to ponder: What makes a piece of art work ‘Christian? Does it have to have a cross in it? What makes a movie ‘Christian?’ Does it have to end with a person being saved? Just look seriously at the subjects covered in the Bible. & then look at the subjects covered today in so called ‘Christian’ music. Are we even being honest with ourselves? Are we scared to mention or sing about real life issues…disappointment, intrigue, murder, adultery, broken families, anxiety, as well as all the usual ‘happy’ songs. God is so much bigger than our safe ‘Christian’ subculture that dares not venture out into the real world! If we do however, we just might find him out there, as well.
