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Is it important for us to support Christian artists, such as Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and RED, as they become more relevant in mainstream music? Should their focus be on evangelism or on producing positive entertainment?
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7 responses so far ↓
Jim Latzko // February 21, 2009 at 1:51 am |
Most Christian musical groups are heard mostly on Christian radio stations and in churches. They have a big impact on discipling those who are already believers. They also can have evangelistic impact, if believers take the time to teach their songs to those who do not yet believe.
In order to have a direct evangelistic impact, believers need to be engaged in arenas where people of many faiths, and no faith at all, get together. If some of the highest quality entertainment, scientific research, fiction and non-fiction, engineering work, (etc.) is produced by believers, this can have a great impact on the world for Christ. If we only sing or write for fellow believers, we may encourage one another, but we will end up only talking to ourselves.
Overwhelmingly, the most popular subject for music worldwide has been human relationships, love in particular. The Bible has very much to say about love. Songs that deal with love, and bring God’s perspective to bear on it in a way that is attractive to a wide audience, can be one powerful vehicle in attracting people to wanting to know what God says about love.
Bryan Hutchins // February 21, 2009 at 3:05 am |
I don’t believe Christians should be to quick in abandoning Christian artists who move their ministries into other musical genres. We get all flustered when these artists follow the biblical mandate to “go and be witnesses into the all world.” I also don’t believe we should be to quick in “welcoming with open arms” secular artists who release a “religious” album after a long career that has been rooted “in the world.” We need to let the true character of the artist be a deciding factor in our support.
As for whether their focus should be on evangelism or on producing positive entertainment, I say yes to both. Why should the Christian community settle for anything less.
Jason // February 21, 2009 at 1:29 pm |
Yes, we should be supporting these artists as long as they don’t stray from their Christian roots and use their mainstream influence to continue to evangelise.
David Thomas LaChance // February 21, 2009 at 2:09 pm |
If the gospel suffers, it’s worthless straw that will be burned up when tested by fire. We’re called, even–and especially– as Christian musicians, to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins, not to woo the lost into becoming living sacrifices through faith in Christ. Because, faith is a gift from God which comes only through hearing His word, then it is counterproductive to say anything less . If the hub of a Christian musician’s ministry is “saying less” then it’s just about them; good intentions and all. It’s not wrong to include creative songs and lyrics as “attractional” and entertaining, but those songs can only be, for the Christian, spokes extending from the hub of a non-watered down gospel message. If it’s just about “giving God the glory” through out creativity than we’re using God as a backwards scape goat for our own glory. Our music is then no different than the worlds. Christ said the world hated Him before it hated us, if the world loves us then there’s a problem. The world should love our music and hate our lyrics.
James Burks // February 21, 2009 at 2:12 pm |
It’s very easy for us to take up one side or the opposite on issues like this when there really is only a single, relevant point of view and that is God’s. Obviously, we aren’t God, so we cannot, with any certainty, see this from His point of view nor truly understand what His plan is. I do believe that God has a plan for everything, and it all works to His glory. So, I choose to trust that He is in control, and support Christian artists as He leads me to.
David // February 22, 2009 at 1:28 am |
guess the table wasn’t as round as i thought?
dannyd // February 23, 2009 at 3:54 pm |
We should support them even more than ever. Who else has a better platform to reach the world than an artist with a worldwide secular following? What an awesome opportunity God has given these guys, and if we do anything but wholeheartedly support them – from buying their product to praying for them – we should be ashamed.