We can all agree that just because someone says that they are a “Christian” does not make it so. Likewise, just because something is labelled as “Christian” does not make it so. So how can we determine what is and what is not “Christian” music? As discussed in a previous blog entry, for anything to be called “Christian”, it must follow these principles as set forth in God’s Word:
Kevin Smith, of DC Talk, once said, “Not everything has to be about God.” This is a bold statement, and very revealing. The fact is, everything does have to be about God. Try reading the entire Bible some time. It is all about God, specifically Christ Jesus. Try reading the entire New Testament some time. It is all about Christ Jesus. Try reading church history some time. These people's lives were all about God. What did Paul say? “…that in all things He might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18d). Paul also said, “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8). Likewise, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). In other words, our life is all about Christ. Ergo, everything has to be about God. What does Deuteronomy teach us? “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (6:5-9). Every moment of every day, everything you do should reflect, and be reflected upon, God. Jesus should be your first thought when you wake in the morning and your last thought before you sleep at night, as well as every thought in between. When you are at work, you should “work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col. 3:23).
Artists such as Switchfoot, Flyleaf, and Mute Math do not consider themselves to be “Christian” bands, and do not want others to consider themselves as such either. Artists such as Switchfoot have said that they try to write music for both Christians and non-Christians alike. They do not wish to exclusively attract Christian fans. In other words, they want to be accepted by and acceptable to the world. What does God’s Word teach us? “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17). “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).
Toby McKeehan, of DC Talk, said, “Sometimes, being labelled a Christian band, we consider that a negative…”, and, “Our goal has always been to be out there on a mainstream level…” In other words, they want the affection of the world. They want to be popular amongst the world. They do not want the world to associate them with Christ and to look down on them for being “Christian”. Guess what? Our message and our Saviour will never be acceptable to the world. You cannot live with one foot in the world and the other foot in Christ. To do so is to be against Christ. A genuine Christian would never consider it a negative thing to be associated with Christ Jesus and labelled as a Christian band. What does God’s Word teach us? “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:24-26; cf. Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-25; 17:33; John 12:25). “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). If you are a Christian, you proudly embrace the title: "if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16). Which name? The name "Christian".
Artists who do not consider themselves to be “Christian” clearly are not Christian bands. It is impossible to be a Christian and not want to be identified as a Christian. These artists separate themselves from Christ Jesus and do not want to be associated with Him for the sake of the world. They exhibit a shame of Jesus and His name. What does God’s Word teach us? “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38; cf. Luke 9:26). These artists, if they profess to be “Christians” themselves, avoid the name of Jesus because it is a reproach to the world. The world hates Christ Jesus! The world hates those who belong to Jesus because they are a reflection of Him. The fact these artists would rather be loved by the world demonstrates powerfully that they are not Christians.
If they are genuine Christians, it will be evident through and through. That means that not only will their life reflect it, but so will their music. Everyone watching them or listening to them will see the evidence of their Christianity. Using Christian thought, imagery, or Scripture in one’s music does not make an artist “Christian”. U2 has some spiritual sounding songs, but they are not Christians; they are New Agers. Creed was labelled as a “Christian” band due to some of their spiritual sounding songs, yet at an awards event they made it known that they are not a Christian band. Likewise, ignorant individuals also tried labelling Evanescence as Christian when they clearly are not. On Lifehouse's website, the question was asked if they were Christian. The answer was that one of them was "raised Christian" but that the other two were not. Being raised Christian does not make you a Christian. Having Christian parents, going to church, praying a prayer, and being baptized do not make you a Christian. P.O.D., when asked if they were a Christian band, said, “We’re not, but we do believe in Jesus.” Believing in Jesus means absolutely squat. What does God’s Word teach us? “You believe that there is one God. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (James 2:19). You need the right kind of belief.
Artists such as Skillet and Thousand Foot Krutch are not Christian bands. Whether or not these artists may or may not be genuine Christians themselves is irrelevant. If the music itself does not bear evidence or witness of being Christian, then it is not Christian music. The whole concept behind music that is Christian (i.e., Christian music) is that it evidences itself to be Christian by the very content of the lyrics. Like Christians who can be recognized by their fruit (the evidence of a changed life), so too of Christian music. It is unmistakable. You cannot mistake it for anything else. Christian music is easily identified as Christian by its content. You can see and hear it in the lyrics. They sing about God and God’s truth (Scripture and scriptural principles). If you start playing Skillet or Thousand Foot Krutch in a club, nobody will identify it as Christian music. If you start playing hymns or music by Petra or Cross Movement, everybody will identify it as Christian music. If you cannot identify it as being Christian from its lyrics, then it is not Christian music, regardless of whether or not the individual members may or may not be genuine Christians themselves. If you enjoy listening to artists such as Switchfoot, Flyleaf, Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, etc., that is perfectly fine, but do not label them as "Christian" because they clearly and definitely are not.
On his first album, before he became famous, Eminem rapped "But in the midst of this insanity, I found my Christianity". Would anyone in their right mind label any of his music as "Christian", even if he himself professed to be a "Christian"? The evidence witnesses to the fact that he is not a Christian. Avril Lavigne grew up singing in a church choir, yet you would have to be insane to even suggest that she is a "Christian" in the least. Her fruit speaks loud and clear to the fact she is not a Christian. Alice Cooper apparently became a Christian many years ago, but no one would attempt to call his music “Christian”. He may not sing the kind of lyrics he used to, but that does not make his current music “Christian” by any stretch of the imagination.
Sarah Anthony, of The Letter Black, said, "...we don’t want to preach from a stage. You came to see a rock show and not listen to a sermon..." I am sorry, but music is a means with which to evangelize the lost and witness to them. If a Christian has been gifted in this area, they should use this gift toward that end. If a person professes to be a Christian, then they have a responsibility to represent and reflect Christ Jesus in everything they do, including the lyrics that they write. What does God’s Word teach us? “How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14). As a musician, you are the listener’s preacher. Your music might be the only "Bible" these people ever read (or listen to). If God and God’s truth (Scripture and scriptural principles) are not contained in your lyrics, then how will they ever hear in order to believe? Your lyrics must be clear and precise. Some argue that clear and precise lyrics will drive them away. Correct, because they hate God! It is only the individuals whom the Lord has changed their hearts from ones of stone to ones of flesh (Ez. 11:19; 36:26), and opened them to be receptive of the message (Acts 16:14), who will hear the clear and precise lyrics and be drawn in by them to a changed life. To water our lyrics down for the lost goats that will never come to Christ is sheer folly.
Some argue that with obscure lyrics, the listener may wonder what it is that the artists have that he/she does not and so seek for deeper meaning. However, this argument is ridiculously absurd and illogical. Our message is supposed to be clear and precise! Not obscure and absent! What does God’s Word teach us? “There is none who seeks for God” (Rom. 3:11; cf. Ps. 14:1-3; 53:1-3). Man does not seek for God when the message is clear; it is less likely man would do so when the message is obscure. The fact is that the majority of people who listen to music do so mindlessly. They merely listen to the composition of the music (the “beat”) and rarely pay attention to the lyrics. Great beats do not equal great songs. Nobody is going to find Christ from obscure lyrics!
If these individuals are genuine Christians, they should be putting the Word of God to music and evangelizing the lost. Martin Luther once said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” That this is true is evident from Psalm 119:54: “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” The Great Commission says to "Go and make disciples" (Matt. 28:19). How can you do this if your lyrics never mention Christ or speak on biblical principles? For example, if a song says "I love my wife, I'll do anything for my family, we can make it...", you can easily identify it with biblical principles. Now, read the lyrics to Thousand Foot Krutch's Rawkfist or TobyMac's Get This Party Started and notice how entirely void they are of any and all biblical principles, repeating the same lame lines over and over and over again. Sprinkling the term "Most High" throughout does not change a thing. The context of such songs is clear. The emphasis is on partying, when it should be on the Lord Jesus Christ. Asking God to bless a record that is completely void of Him and His truths is pure vanity.
Artists whose concerts consist of singing their godless, worldly music and then trying to incorporate a false gospel message (“Jesus loves you” is a false gospel; it is not presenting the entire gospel) are guilty of performing what is known as a double standard. They are entertaining the world on the world’s terms and then trying to preach to them. James said, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Your music should present a clear and precise picture of what you believe and stand for. Then, when you present the gospel to them, it will be seen that your music reflects this same message. If Christ Jesus cannot be seen and heard in your lyrics, then your music is not Christian music. Period! Christian music is like church—it is for the Christian. When the lost become saved, it becomes for them. Trying to create "Christian" music for the lost is an oxymoron. They do not want Christian music. They want nothing to do with Christianity. They hate Jesus. So if you are creating music for the lost, it is not Christian music. Christian music is for Christians. Always has been, always will be.
What about artists who sing Christian music but are not Christians themselves? Identifying Christian artists is also about examining the kind of lives they lead; examining their fruit. Artists such as Ray Boltz and Jennifer Knapp are not Christians, despite having sung songs that have Christian content. They embrace homosexuality and think that God is okay with it, when His Word clearly says that He considers it to be an abomination. Such artists may have beautifully written lyrics that correspond with biblical truths and yet their lifestyle does not reflect what the Bible says about a genuine Christian. Do they have a “look at me” or a “look at God” attitude? Do they appear to be seeking fame, money and self-glorification or do they glorify God and His Kingdom? Do they portray pride and arrogance or meekness and humbleness? Do they claim to know God but never sing about Him, His Kingdom and values? Is the artist pointing their life, ministry and performance to Christ? Anyone can say they are a Christian, know God and sing Christian songs, but does their life reflect Christ (1 John 2:6)? Hell will be full of people who honoured God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Matt. 7:15-23; 15:8).
Most people do not like getting the impression that someone has deceived them in order to sneak a particular message, content, or genre to them without their realizing it. Consider this: imagine there is a genre known as "Muslim music" or "Hindu music" or "Buddhist music", which conveys messages promoting Islam or Hinduism or Buddhism. Now, what if a band that should be so categorized tried to avoid that label so that people would listen to their music without realizing what the content was until after hearing it? How would Christians react? A lot of Christians would complain very strongly. They would have a valid point. If you are indeed a Christian artist, concealing your message in order to reach the mainstream audience is highly deceitful and extremely not Christ-like. The Bible says our message should be clear, precise, and bold. If I purchase a CD from an artist who labels themselves as "Christian", I expect to be hearing about Christ somewhere in the lyrics. If Christ and His truths are not present, it simply is not Christian music.
In summation, the purpose of Christian music is three-fold:
- Music must bring praise, honour and glory to God’s name (Ps. 9:2; 61:8; Heb. 2:12).
- Music must direct the listener toward God (Col. 1:18).
- Music must be edifying to the listener and build the listener up (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19-20; Col. 3:16) by drawing the listener closer to God.
- Music requires understanding (1 Cor. 14:15; Ps. 47:7) and must not be confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). In other words, its message must be clear and precise.
Kevin Smith, of DC Talk, once said, “Not everything has to be about God.” This is a bold statement, and very revealing. The fact is, everything does have to be about God. Try reading the entire Bible some time. It is all about God, specifically Christ Jesus. Try reading the entire New Testament some time. It is all about Christ Jesus. Try reading church history some time. These people's lives were all about God. What did Paul say? “…that in all things He might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18d). Paul also said, “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8). Likewise, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). In other words, our life is all about Christ. Ergo, everything has to be about God. What does Deuteronomy teach us? “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (6:5-9). Every moment of every day, everything you do should reflect, and be reflected upon, God. Jesus should be your first thought when you wake in the morning and your last thought before you sleep at night, as well as every thought in between. When you are at work, you should “work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col. 3:23).
Artists such as Switchfoot, Flyleaf, and Mute Math do not consider themselves to be “Christian” bands, and do not want others to consider themselves as such either. Artists such as Switchfoot have said that they try to write music for both Christians and non-Christians alike. They do not wish to exclusively attract Christian fans. In other words, they want to be accepted by and acceptable to the world. What does God’s Word teach us? “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17). “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).
Toby McKeehan, of DC Talk, said, “Sometimes, being labelled a Christian band, we consider that a negative…”, and, “Our goal has always been to be out there on a mainstream level…” In other words, they want the affection of the world. They want to be popular amongst the world. They do not want the world to associate them with Christ and to look down on them for being “Christian”. Guess what? Our message and our Saviour will never be acceptable to the world. You cannot live with one foot in the world and the other foot in Christ. To do so is to be against Christ. A genuine Christian would never consider it a negative thing to be associated with Christ Jesus and labelled as a Christian band. What does God’s Word teach us? “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:24-26; cf. Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-25; 17:33; John 12:25). “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). If you are a Christian, you proudly embrace the title: "if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16). Which name? The name "Christian".
Artists who do not consider themselves to be “Christian” clearly are not Christian bands. It is impossible to be a Christian and not want to be identified as a Christian. These artists separate themselves from Christ Jesus and do not want to be associated with Him for the sake of the world. They exhibit a shame of Jesus and His name. What does God’s Word teach us? “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38; cf. Luke 9:26). These artists, if they profess to be “Christians” themselves, avoid the name of Jesus because it is a reproach to the world. The world hates Christ Jesus! The world hates those who belong to Jesus because they are a reflection of Him. The fact these artists would rather be loved by the world demonstrates powerfully that they are not Christians.
If they are genuine Christians, it will be evident through and through. That means that not only will their life reflect it, but so will their music. Everyone watching them or listening to them will see the evidence of their Christianity. Using Christian thought, imagery, or Scripture in one’s music does not make an artist “Christian”. U2 has some spiritual sounding songs, but they are not Christians; they are New Agers. Creed was labelled as a “Christian” band due to some of their spiritual sounding songs, yet at an awards event they made it known that they are not a Christian band. Likewise, ignorant individuals also tried labelling Evanescence as Christian when they clearly are not. On Lifehouse's website, the question was asked if they were Christian. The answer was that one of them was "raised Christian" but that the other two were not. Being raised Christian does not make you a Christian. Having Christian parents, going to church, praying a prayer, and being baptized do not make you a Christian. P.O.D., when asked if they were a Christian band, said, “We’re not, but we do believe in Jesus.” Believing in Jesus means absolutely squat. What does God’s Word teach us? “You believe that there is one God. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (James 2:19). You need the right kind of belief.
- Intellectual or Historical Faith.This apprehends the truth intellectually as a result of education, tradition, rearing, etc. It is human and does not save. Matthew 7:26, Acts 26:27-28, James 2:19
- Miracle Faith.
This is faith to perform or have performed a miracle and may or may not be accompanied by salvation. Matthew 8:10-13, 17-20, Acts 14:9 - Temporary Faith.
It seems similar to intellectual faith except that there seems to be more personal interest involved. Luke 8:13 - Saving Faith.
This is a reliance on the truth of the Gospel as revealed in the Word of God.
Artists such as Skillet and Thousand Foot Krutch are not Christian bands. Whether or not these artists may or may not be genuine Christians themselves is irrelevant. If the music itself does not bear evidence or witness of being Christian, then it is not Christian music. The whole concept behind music that is Christian (i.e., Christian music) is that it evidences itself to be Christian by the very content of the lyrics. Like Christians who can be recognized by their fruit (the evidence of a changed life), so too of Christian music. It is unmistakable. You cannot mistake it for anything else. Christian music is easily identified as Christian by its content. You can see and hear it in the lyrics. They sing about God and God’s truth (Scripture and scriptural principles). If you start playing Skillet or Thousand Foot Krutch in a club, nobody will identify it as Christian music. If you start playing hymns or music by Petra or Cross Movement, everybody will identify it as Christian music. If you cannot identify it as being Christian from its lyrics, then it is not Christian music, regardless of whether or not the individual members may or may not be genuine Christians themselves. If you enjoy listening to artists such as Switchfoot, Flyleaf, Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, etc., that is perfectly fine, but do not label them as "Christian" because they clearly and definitely are not.
On his first album, before he became famous, Eminem rapped "But in the midst of this insanity, I found my Christianity". Would anyone in their right mind label any of his music as "Christian", even if he himself professed to be a "Christian"? The evidence witnesses to the fact that he is not a Christian. Avril Lavigne grew up singing in a church choir, yet you would have to be insane to even suggest that she is a "Christian" in the least. Her fruit speaks loud and clear to the fact she is not a Christian. Alice Cooper apparently became a Christian many years ago, but no one would attempt to call his music “Christian”. He may not sing the kind of lyrics he used to, but that does not make his current music “Christian” by any stretch of the imagination.
Sarah Anthony, of The Letter Black, said, "...we don’t want to preach from a stage. You came to see a rock show and not listen to a sermon..." I am sorry, but music is a means with which to evangelize the lost and witness to them. If a Christian has been gifted in this area, they should use this gift toward that end. If a person professes to be a Christian, then they have a responsibility to represent and reflect Christ Jesus in everything they do, including the lyrics that they write. What does God’s Word teach us? “How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14). As a musician, you are the listener’s preacher. Your music might be the only "Bible" these people ever read (or listen to). If God and God’s truth (Scripture and scriptural principles) are not contained in your lyrics, then how will they ever hear in order to believe? Your lyrics must be clear and precise. Some argue that clear and precise lyrics will drive them away. Correct, because they hate God! It is only the individuals whom the Lord has changed their hearts from ones of stone to ones of flesh (Ez. 11:19; 36:26), and opened them to be receptive of the message (Acts 16:14), who will hear the clear and precise lyrics and be drawn in by them to a changed life. To water our lyrics down for the lost goats that will never come to Christ is sheer folly.
Some argue that with obscure lyrics, the listener may wonder what it is that the artists have that he/she does not and so seek for deeper meaning. However, this argument is ridiculously absurd and illogical. Our message is supposed to be clear and precise! Not obscure and absent! What does God’s Word teach us? “There is none who seeks for God” (Rom. 3:11; cf. Ps. 14:1-3; 53:1-3). Man does not seek for God when the message is clear; it is less likely man would do so when the message is obscure. The fact is that the majority of people who listen to music do so mindlessly. They merely listen to the composition of the music (the “beat”) and rarely pay attention to the lyrics. Great beats do not equal great songs. Nobody is going to find Christ from obscure lyrics!
If these individuals are genuine Christians, they should be putting the Word of God to music and evangelizing the lost. Martin Luther once said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” That this is true is evident from Psalm 119:54: “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” The Great Commission says to "Go and make disciples" (Matt. 28:19). How can you do this if your lyrics never mention Christ or speak on biblical principles? For example, if a song says "I love my wife, I'll do anything for my family, we can make it...", you can easily identify it with biblical principles. Now, read the lyrics to Thousand Foot Krutch's Rawkfist or TobyMac's Get This Party Started and notice how entirely void they are of any and all biblical principles, repeating the same lame lines over and over and over again. Sprinkling the term "Most High" throughout does not change a thing. The context of such songs is clear. The emphasis is on partying, when it should be on the Lord Jesus Christ. Asking God to bless a record that is completely void of Him and His truths is pure vanity.
Artists whose concerts consist of singing their godless, worldly music and then trying to incorporate a false gospel message (“Jesus loves you” is a false gospel; it is not presenting the entire gospel) are guilty of performing what is known as a double standard. They are entertaining the world on the world’s terms and then trying to preach to them. James said, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Your music should present a clear and precise picture of what you believe and stand for. Then, when you present the gospel to them, it will be seen that your music reflects this same message. If Christ Jesus cannot be seen and heard in your lyrics, then your music is not Christian music. Period! Christian music is like church—it is for the Christian. When the lost become saved, it becomes for them. Trying to create "Christian" music for the lost is an oxymoron. They do not want Christian music. They want nothing to do with Christianity. They hate Jesus. So if you are creating music for the lost, it is not Christian music. Christian music is for Christians. Always has been, always will be.
What about artists who sing Christian music but are not Christians themselves? Identifying Christian artists is also about examining the kind of lives they lead; examining their fruit. Artists such as Ray Boltz and Jennifer Knapp are not Christians, despite having sung songs that have Christian content. They embrace homosexuality and think that God is okay with it, when His Word clearly says that He considers it to be an abomination. Such artists may have beautifully written lyrics that correspond with biblical truths and yet their lifestyle does not reflect what the Bible says about a genuine Christian. Do they have a “look at me” or a “look at God” attitude? Do they appear to be seeking fame, money and self-glorification or do they glorify God and His Kingdom? Do they portray pride and arrogance or meekness and humbleness? Do they claim to know God but never sing about Him, His Kingdom and values? Is the artist pointing their life, ministry and performance to Christ? Anyone can say they are a Christian, know God and sing Christian songs, but does their life reflect Christ (1 John 2:6)? Hell will be full of people who honoured God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Matt. 7:15-23; 15:8).
Most people do not like getting the impression that someone has deceived them in order to sneak a particular message, content, or genre to them without their realizing it. Consider this: imagine there is a genre known as "Muslim music" or "Hindu music" or "Buddhist music", which conveys messages promoting Islam or Hinduism or Buddhism. Now, what if a band that should be so categorized tried to avoid that label so that people would listen to their music without realizing what the content was until after hearing it? How would Christians react? A lot of Christians would complain very strongly. They would have a valid point. If you are indeed a Christian artist, concealing your message in order to reach the mainstream audience is highly deceitful and extremely not Christ-like. The Bible says our message should be clear, precise, and bold. If I purchase a CD from an artist who labels themselves as "Christian", I expect to be hearing about Christ somewhere in the lyrics. If Christ and His truths are not present, it simply is not Christian music.
In summation, the purpose of Christian music is three-fold:
- To exalt God,
- To edify the believer,
- To evangelize the lost.