Friday, 08 October 2010
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What Makes Music Christian?
The past few months, I've been noticing my musical tastes have been changing. The playlist that I listen to has always been predominantly Christian music. I remember back in the day -- well, it’s only three years ago -- I bought my first album: “Stay” by Jeremy Camp. And it still is one of my favourite albums, with a good balance between honesty and accessibility.Still today I buy predominantly Christian music albums. Don’t blame me for being so cheap because people are turned off immediately because things are Christian.
What I’ve been finding recently is that my tastes have changed, perhaps branching further and further away from CCM to more alternative music. By alternative I mean a lot of things. I remember the first metal album I picked up, “Dichotomy” by Becoming the Archetype; I admit I only bought it because it had a pretty cool album cover, but then I moved onto Underoath, and, among other things, to As Cities Burn with a more indie rock sound. Yet it all still fell within this larger group called “Christian music."
Then I was set into all things indie. There was something raw about this genre. It included House of Heroes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cocorosie, Death Cab for Cutie and more.
But lately, I've been moving into this kind of electronica, dubstep and drum and bass type of music with no lyrics. I totally blame my friend Dan for this change. He never should have sent me drum and bass mixtapes. He is a horrible influence on my music tastes.
To describe it simply, it’s kind of club type music. It may be a bit more downbeat, but it's quite popular within those circles. It is totally different to anything you'll find on the Christian market. The closest I've heard is probably the new And Then There Were None album. I find it good in two ways:
- I’ve found that the producers are not usually signed onto a record label, so they can make what they want. You can find a lot of artists on soundcloud.com and alldj.net. They release all their music on their own. Consequently, the music they create has a lot more artistic freedom and expression, because they are not constrained. A lot of the time, as well, I notice that they can do whatever they want without being constricted in one specific box.
- Furthermore, they have this total freeing sense in the style of music. Drum and bass can be totally in your face, but at the same time it can be wildly reflective. Whereas in Christian music, I realize now that it’s the same: God’s love, God’s love, Jesus loves you, Jesus love you, peace, peace...blah blah. There is a totally disconnect between the creativity that God brings to the world and the bland music that get played on the radio stations.
I've been finding myself worshiping God way easier with every bass-drop and every bit of freedom that Christian record labels do not allow. In fact, a lot of the Christian radio stations seem to encroach their artists into one small box that they have to play in and write their lyrics in. It’s increasingly frustrating to me to hear good artists being totally changed to sell more records. Tedashii has a verse in "Go Hard" which goes:
"Went to Asia, had to duck and hide to share my faith/They tell me to water it down when I get back to the States"
There is a disease in the Christian music market -- namely the radio record companies that make perfectly good artists like Bethany Dillon, Jeremy Camp, Adie Camp and many others.
I've even been listening to Chris August recently. I feel he's a good artist, but he is tame in his debut EP. This turning into a rant about Christian music, so I'll stop there.
So, I’ve been listening to all this music, and I can worship God much easier, yet there is no indicator of whether it is made to worship God or the Devil. So, as a consequence, I've been thinking: are lyrics all that define Christian music? I mean, the removal of lyrics makes the music meaningless in discernment of whether something is Christian or not. Does this indicate that what is Christian music and not is mere speculation until confirmation by the original artist? But does that make it Christian still?
What do you think constitutes Christian music? Does it have to mention Christ in it? If it doesn't contain lyrics, does it need to be made by Christians? Can any music be Christian?
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About the Author
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- From: llamalima@xanga
- About Me: Who am I? I am 19 year old university student, prone to stressing over about some assignment due the next day. I sometimes have time to blog mostly about Christian thoughts. In my spare time, I am also a musical connoisseur, ninja, movie junkie, and full-time hypochondriac. I may have lied about one of those, or a few.
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Comments (49)
OK, first of all, "Dichotomy" is AMAZING! One of the best metal albums I've heard. Jason Wisdom has an INREDIBLE scream and probably the best growl I've ever heard.
Also, I agree with how Christian radio puts artists in a box. It's SOO annoying!! It's like all of it is either really boring worship music or annoying pop songs, and when they finally have a decent song they play to death. I love it when bands dare to step out of the box, which is why I mainly listen to Internet radio.
Now, to answer your question. The lyrics do not have to mention Christ. I mean there's a whole book of the Bible that don't God (Esther)! The lyrics do make music Christian though. I don't see what else would.
I'm not sure what you mean by "Can any music be Christian?". If it's asking if any kind of music Christian then the answer is absolutely YES.
COMPLETE AND TOTAL SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF THE CHURCH
As long as the lyrics are along the lines of the christian beliefs I would call it "christian". You can have christian death metal and christian power metal... as long as they sing about jesus.
There's a difference between true Christian music, and Christian music, and metal Christian, and alternative.
One thing I'd like to clear up. There are mainstream bands claiming to be Christian, because they have that "alternative" sound, and they have a couple "Christian" songs, and there are radio stations that play the more "Christian" sounding songs. They have marketed themselves for both mainstream and Christian, and thusly, make more money. Which I think it very wrong.
I was big into the metal Christan scene. I moshed, I rocked out. I went to all sorts of concerts. Underoath, Haste the Day, Demon Hunter, Oh! Sleeper (who prayed before their set). I've seen them all. Yes, there are Christian metal bands. I've read bios on all the band members, and most of them thank God, and dedicate their songs to God. I loved that about it, and the music was good as well.
Alternative is not necessarily Christian, but it can be. It's another substream of it. I think Alternative in main music is like what you said Death Cab, Owl City (who is a Christian, but has mainstream music), and those sorts.
True Christian music is what TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Falling Up all sing about. They appreciate everything that God has done for them, and you can tell that in their songs. Shame, Falling Up has broken up, but their one album, Dawn Escapes, has verses from the Bible that they took inspiration from. Switchfoot as well, a fantastic Christian band. The songs don't need to have Christ mentioned, but I think they should at least, talk about Him, how believing has changed them. The journey on the Christian road. The struggles, the beauty of being a Christian.
What I really dislike about Christian/alternative radio stations is that they have such a limited source of music, so they play the same song over and over and over again. Which is really annoying.
It's kind of funny, I'm still a new Christian (four months!), and before I was saved I listened to a lot of dubstep, drum and bass, and electronic music. I also went to the club a lot and did a lot of ecstasy over the past few years. I can't listen to any of it now, because when I hear it it brings out that old side of me and brings out those old desires. I deleted pretty much all of my secular music, because I just didn't see any point in listening to it anymore.Â
I have found a lot of awesome Christian music, but really can't listen to Christian radio. It annoys me. and I can't listen to electronic music and think about worshipping God at the same time, but I suppose if you are able to then there isn't a problem. I like music that the Holy Spirit really flows through. If you find the good stuff it doesn't all sound the same. Honestly, I would just pray about what God wants you to listen to. He knows what you would like better than you do:)The truth is that "Christian Music" and "Christian Musicians" are two VERY different things. Not all "Christian Music" is written by those claiming Christ. Just as not all Christian musicians exclusively write worship songs.
Just because someone isn't a Christian doesn't mean they can't be a tool in God's hand. For
instance, the gospel group Mary Mary have a song on their most recent
album where they feature David Banner, a well known rapper of the
hardcore variety. Now, I probably wouldn't have chosen him personally
to work with because of him presenting this very kind of distraction. Still, if God can use a donkey to convey a
message, he can certainly use David Banner. lol Besides, you'd be
surprised to learn that some of the people who've written popular
worship songs are not in the least bit Christian. They're just good
songwriters.
The popular Christmas song "What Child Is This" was written using the
same melody as the old folk song "Greensleeves". Did you know it
describes a man pining after his lover, one who some allege was a
prostitute?The key is to always make sure your devotion and adoration is toward God and not simply those He created.
@Babylons_Crowing@xanga - I MUST REPENT. *HITS SELF REPEATEDLY WITH NAIL IN PLANK* OW OW OW...
@Audiofreak18@xanga - "Dictohomy" is an incredible album. End of the Age is sooo epic at the end.
My question "Can any music be Christian?" is indicative of whether, can we use any music to praise God even though it doesn't reference God directly?
@caroliiineee@xanga - 4 months? Wow. Welcome to the Kingdom my fellow sister in Christ!
Yes, I remembered I had a similar experience 8 years ago when I became a Christian. I had this sudden liking towards Christian songs. Until today, around 2/3 of my music collection is Christian and 1/3 secular.
@caroliiineee@xanga - Welcome to the family!!! :D
You talking about whether or not we are tempted to sin via the music we listen to sounds much like what Paul talks about in one of his letters, too.
I'm very glad to hear you're taking your faith in Christ seriously and being very aware of your past and weaknesses so you don't struggle any more than you already may.
I personally find the band Shine Down to be a good band, though I still haven't learned if they are Christian or not. Their one song that got me into them at all, "Call Me", is a very open and vulnerable song that reflected exactly what I was going through at the end of a relationship with a girl I was dating. I sent them a message via their web site to ask if they had any Christian roots or what their views on God was...I haven't heard back from them (and I keep forgetting to go to their web site to see if there are any video responses they recorded). They may not be Christians, but I've only heard ONE cuss word in their music (literally, just one), and the rest of the songs seem to be just an honest response to everyday issues in the world.
But the rest of the time, I'm exclusively into what one would typically call Christian due to the fact that I don't like having to sort through secular artists to see if they are someone who will represent Christ whether they sing ABOUT Him or not.
@llamalima@xanga - I think you can honor and praise God through music even if it doesn't directly reference Jesus. Sometimes a song merely needs to express enjoying the world He has given us or simply celebrating with friends and enjoying their company. Much like St Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel...and if necessary, use words." In a similar way, sometimes preaching the Gospel through song doesn't always mean talking specifically about what the Bible says, but expressing it in how we ought to LIVE the Bible.
As I explained to our fellow blogger above, the song "Call Me" is a very vulnerable song where the singer admits to the harm he caused another. Never mentions Christ (and it would make sense especially if the band is NOT Christian), but yet it still carries that very heart-felt repentance necessary when dealing with pain and offenses. The Gospel is not mentioned, but the HEART of the Gospel is still present.
I think the #1 question to ask when asking if a song or band or artist is Christian or not is this: is their work and their lives BASED on Christ?
@caroliiineee@xanga - Don't feel bad, I can't listen to Christian radio either. But, the Christian music they don't play can be really good. The Contemporary Christian Music is mostly fluff and not worth listening to.
Welcome to the family by the way.
As has been stated in a previous comment, I think "Christian" music refers to music that mentions God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, etc., and is put out by explicitly "Christian" artists. In my opinion, there is a lot of "Christian" music that is produced simply so that people can listen to the same genres without listening to "secular" artists - which parents like.
As I'm sure you've seen, it's created a completely separate "Christian" culture where we have our own versions of everything. Music can be glorifying to God and/or show appreciation for the amazing things God has made without being strictly "Christian" or made by a "Christian" artist. I am a supporter of artists that make great music and happen to be a follower of Jesus as well. They need not label their music "Christian" for me to listen to it. There's a chance I would listen to it even if they weren't a believer. I'm more of the camp that says you don't have to listen to strictly "Christian" music, but it's probably a good idea to set standards for whatever you do choose to listen to. As far as simple instrumental music is concerned, I think that is a matter of personal conviction.
An observation about Christian radio: It would seem that any music can be made "Christian" if a Christian artist performs it... which is annoying. Christian radio stations play many Christian artist covers of "secular" songs, but they don't play the original. Why is that? For example, when the Salvador cover of "Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys came out, it was played every hour at least. However, I have never heard the original played on Christian radio stations. If you're going to play a cover that is pretty much the same of the original, why not play both?
@caroliiineee@xanga - Yay! Yeah, I know I don't comment much on your blog, well, I haven't really been commenting on many people's blog, but you're doing really good, carry on doing what you're doing. And definitely, if it causes you to stumble definitely get rid of it. Listening to Eminem still brings me a lot of memories of back when I wasn't a Christian and things weren't that pleasing to God.
Good on you for deleting all your music, that is a good thing definitely. I actually remove the lyrics to most of my dubstep so I don't listen to the lyrics which aren't very good. What Christian artists have you found to listen to? Unforunately all my friends listen to this nefarious mainstream music, so I cannot influence them to my much better alternative music...=P
@NaitoOfNarnia@xanga - Oh my gosh is this Larry the Cucumber *major props* =D
I was thinking about what you said about secular songs being used as worship, how can it possibly give a complete image of the gospel. The essence of the gospel is Jesus dying on the cross right? So, I'm not sure I understand. =S
Your comment made me think of something else. What is worship? Is the music just a medium to encourage you to something else called "worship" or is the music in itself intertwined in itself with worship?
Oh yeah, about Shinedown, I remember they did a tour a while back, maybe too long ago, when they toured with Skillet and Three Days Grace, which may suggest something.
@Red_Apocalypse_Horse@xanga - The amount of Christian music I buy is now about 1/10. *sadface*, I am a horrible Christian. =D
@llamalima@xanga - In this case, by "Gospel", I mean moreover the good news that God loves us. Or, perhaps better said, the whole story of how God loves, teaches, heals, comforts and gives to us all good things. I agree that the essence of the Gospel is Jesus' death and resurrection and that we can have new life in Him. But we cannot discount everything else that Christ did, too. It wasn't just a single act of sacrifice with the attitude, "Okay, Father, I gave up my life for them. Get me outta here." Christ IS God, so it would make sense to take into account the ENTIRE Bible story: How God shows us that love. The heart of the Gospel is what Christ did for us on the cross, but that isn't the ENTIRE Gospel. We see the Gospel in Egypt as Moses was sent to set God's people free. We see it every time God protected Israel from destruction or restored them from captivity. We see it in Genesis 3 when God tells the serpent who will crush his head though he will bite [Christ's] heel.
Christian music ought to be about life.
It can be like many of the Psalms, in which David laments to God about his pain and struggles.
It can be about enjoying a cool breeze God has sent one's way.
It can be specific adoration for God and what He has done.
It can be about encouraging fellow believers how to be a good friend.
It can be to non-Christians who need a simple word or reminder about God's love.
And more...
All of this can be done without music...like through a simple prayer or over a cup of coffee. I'd say the music is the medium. We worship God in how we live. It's what comes from the heart, as Christ said.
I would even dare say that a totally Godless person who is earnestly seeking truth with humility, is closer to worshiping God in his music than a Christian who sings about God, but has been living contrary to the Lord. This isn't a rule, but definitely something worth considering on a case-by-case basis. Again, it's about the heart...(admittedly, not an easy thing to discern by a song alone).
@llamalima@xanga - Oh, I'm really not offended that you don't comment on my blog, haha. Actually, most of the stuff I write is for my friends in real life, because we are all at different colleges and we use xanga as a way to connect. So, the things I write aren't exactly going to be extremely interesting for people who don't know me and I really don't care about how many comments I get:)
Some of the Christian artists I like are Laura Hackett, Cory Asbury, JJ Heller, Enter the Worship Circle, John Mark McMillan, Phil Wickham, and Ian McIntosh.
@caroliiineee@xanga - Sweet as. I just don't want to seem a friend-whore, that is only doing it for the views, there are way too many of those people. I read a lot of personal blogs on xanga, so I like yours anyway.
Aw, yup, I know most of those artists. Some better than others. Hm. I don't really listen in those circles anymore, but yeah, as long as it ain't something like Hillsong...etc I'm glad. =D
I do not typically listen to music published on "Christian" labels, and I certainly don't censor the music that I listen to. I am not a sum of the music that I listen to and the movies I watch, I am the sum of my responses to the music and movies that I watch. I am in no way harmed or made "unclean" through the act of hearing words that I may find objectionable. To the contrary, I can learn through words that I may find offensive, lewd, or out of order.
Christian labels needlessly separate themselves and have made a killing by convincing Jane and Joe Church-goer that they can only listen advertised in CCM and played on K-love; you know, the type of song that consists solely of inane phrases like "I need you," "I love you," "All I wanna do is worship you," "You are.... (list of attributes applied to Christ from Isaiah)". Likewise, alternative groups that distance themselves from CCM are hypocritical when they still designate themselves as a "Christian" band. For every step they've taken away from a bad placed, they have only created a new genre in which they can distance themselves from the real world.
I, however, appreciate artists who explore spirituality and religion in their lyrics. I've said before, and will say again, that Sufjan Stevens is a great example. He grapples with sin, grace, salvation, lust, and all other sorts of issues in a very realistic way (while producing some of the best music being made today). Another band on his label, The Welcome Wagon, makes no attempts at ambiguity. They've written some of the most beautiful songs I've heard (Deep Were His Wounds and Red, Up On a Mountain, But For You Who Fear My Name) but they've hardly been recognized by the Christian media empire because they're on an indie label and (shockingly) write great music. They've found a lot of admirers outside the realm of the Church, and have built bridges in that regard.
Of course, that's not to say that Christian themes are a prerequisite to get me to listen. Some of my favorite albums would never get played inside the four walls of a Church. Take, for instance, Kanye West's "Late Registration." I also am a fan of a number of fairly innocuous secular acts; Death Cab for Cuties' "Plans," and Adem's "Homesongs" are two of my favorite albums. These are albums that have value to everyone, though "Late Registration" probably shouldn't be in the collection of any pre-teen. The point is that all of these albums, and many more, are artistic revelations that grapple with real issues and give the listener insight into someone else's soul, and at times, this is the best way to get into our own.
@llamalima@xanga - Yeah, if you have any suggestions of music I would be grateful:)
I am in a place right now where I don't want to do anything that doesn't help me grow spiritually. So, even if music is innocent, but it doesn't relate somehow relate to God, I just don't really have any interest in listening to it. I had huge variety of music before, and now I have a really limited amount, so anything you could offer would be nice!To be perfectly honest. Christianity is failing in the music industry. I take my faith very seriously, I go to church and I love Jesus. However, I can not STAND how much the CCM bland feel has stayed the same for the past decade!!! Third Day is MY all time favorite band in CCM. However, they have changed and I have. I can not stand Wishy Washy "Feel Good" God thanks for rescuing me" style type CCM music. I have been distancing myself from this sound because thats not What Gods mission is. We all know he loves us and know pains and tribulations have through in their music on their album. Christian Music to me Is honest where human Brandon Heath is the new amazing guy.Love never fails is EXCELLENT. ive never hard anything like this guy and it totally is honest human non wishy washy music...as fort secular music Im really into Soundtracks/musical scores Disney music.....and there is nothing wrong in that music. LOL Buble or Josh Groban....yeah...
It has to be about Christianity, God, Jesus...otherwise, what is it? Secular albeit non-offensive music.
@caroliiineee@xanga - Im a third day lover but i havent bought their last two albums... Anyway, Brandon Heath is amazing and Musical Scores from movies like Harry Potter (john williams is a genius and Disney music is what im listning too....
As you grow older your taste will change...life has a way of doing that too you...but you will be alright.
@MagisterTom@xanga - I agree with you.