Is Christian Music Still Christian?
(By Chad Bennett)
When I am not listening to class lectures or sermons in my car, I will often listen to the local Christian music stations. More and more this has been a source of frustration in my life. I do not know if I have become more cynical or if the music really has become that bad. The majority of the music, at best, gives nothing substantial and, at worse, presents heresy.
Christians are to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Where is the music in which Christ is shown richly and that teaches and admonishes fellow Christians?
This was brought into sharp contrast when I recently broke out an old Caedmon’s Call disc. While Caedmon’s Call often dealt with Christian living in their lyrics, they also sang of great doctrinal truths. I have included the following as a sampling of their lyrics:
“Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart,
Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart.
Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground
And weep for the praise of the mercy I’ve found…
Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own
In the covenant love of Thy crucified Son.
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
Seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine.”
(From “Thy Mercy” written by John Stocker 1776)
How often do you hear a song that deals with the doctrine of election in popular Christian music? The following is from Caedmon’s Call’s song, “Thankful”:
“’Cause no, there is none righteous
Not one who understands
There is none who seek God
No not one, I said no not one…
‘Cause we’re all stillborn and dead in our transgressions
We’re shackled up to the sin we hold so dear
So what part can I play in the work of redemption
I can’t refuse, I cannot add a thing
‘Cause I am just like Lazarus and I can hear your voice
I stand and rub my eyes and walk to You
Because I have no choice
I am thankful that I’m incapable
Of doing any good on my own (repeat)
‘Cause by grace I have been saved
Through faith that’s not my own
It is a gift of God and not by works
Lest anyone should boast”
I present Caedmon’s Call as but one example of groups that present solid Biblical truths in their music, there are, no doubt, others. Unfortunately, it seems that these groups are in the minority. We live in a culture that has made popular Christian music a means of teaching, and many Christians are more influenced by what they hear on the radio than what they hear from the pulpit. Oh, that God’s truth would be proclaimed boldly in every area of our lives!
I agree. As someone who listens to Christian music daily, I am frequently disappointed by a lack of “meat” in the lyrics that is supposed to make the songs sound more appealing to the masses. Scriptural truths are often discarded in favor of generic sentiment that won’t offend anyone because they could be talking about a Savior, a girl or even a drug.
One of my favorite artists who absolutely does not suffer from this problem is Ricardo Sanchez. His lyrics are never lacking and his talent is top notch.
Chad, great points! Caedmon’s Call is one of my only long-time favorite Christian groups. A former band member, Derek Webb, released his first solo album in 2003 that really helped enhance my view of the covenant relationship between Christ and His Church. Indelible Grace (with whom Webb has also been involved) is another great group that I think you know of, but they aren’t mainstream by any means. Their music, which mostly consists of hymns set to newer tunes, isn’t the kind of music that you would hear on most Christian radio, probably because it’s not watered down enough. (Sad!) The words of the hymns–old and contemporary–are rich with theological meat. And praise the Lord that there ARE contemporary musicians in our day, like Caedmon’s Call, Indelible Grace, and Stuart Townsend & Keith Getty (the “In Christ Alone” writing duo) who are glorifying God with powerful words set to beautiful music that we can listen to, sing along with, and be edified by.
Again, thanks for the good post on an important topic.
Sadly, Derek Webb has gone in some disturbing directions of late.
Rich -
True, I agree with you about Derek’s recent projects. It’s been disappointing to see him go in that direction. However, his first album is still quality music, and of course, same with his work with Caedmon’s. (I think I remember you playing their music at the cabin in Flagstaff a few years back. So thanks for commenting; you reminded me of that good time of fellowship!)
Before I became a Christian I didn’t want to hear Christian music. But I was drawn to guitar music and I was unbaised about who was playing (still am this way). So I was quite impressed when I first heard Phil Keaggy. Now, Phil does have some great, “meaty” lyrics too – but his guitar is what first got my attention. Along those lines is another artist with an intriguing album called “Get What You Expect” (Daniel Minteer). You would probably argue that his lyrics aren’t “meaty” enough. But he definately brings some truth “in your face” in a way that a lot of Christian music seems afraid to do. Yet it can appeal to the non-believer as well. What do you think?