I recently saw an article posted on Facebook about the "psychology" of music. The article, and specifically the comments made by the one who shared it, centered around the idea that since music can (and does) have emotional impact on listeners, we as christians should avoid certain types of music that trend more towards the negative side of emotions.
The other point made is that christian musicians should not try to write Jesus or christian themes into these types of music. The implication being that they would be inherently opposed and therefore something along the lines of "christian metal" would be an oxymoron, and we should not try to dress Jesus in worldly music to get the message across to fans of that genre.
I want to address the 2nd point first.
At it's core, I do not believe the issue is about the music. In my experience, non-christian fans generally did not stop listening to Poison and start listening to Stryper. Unbelievers do not typically hear christian rap and think "wow, I'm a sinner." Does it happen? YES. But that's more the work of the Holy Spirit than any working of the musician.
Music genres arise out of a certain group's feelings and views. The views and feelings surrounding that genre is not likely to change much. The spirit of the people attracted to rock n roll was rebellion and individualism. In general a rock beat with "be good boys and girls" lyrics will not be attractive to a rock n roll fan.
Typically when you get "christian rock" or "christian rap" what you end up with are christians trying to be "cool". Usually you end up with an insincere, manufactured product that the fans of that genre can see right through. One thing I have learned as a minister, is that people see RIGHT THROUGH a facade. Insincerity shines like a beacon for all to see.
I want to make a note here: I do know of a handful of christian musicians who naturally and genuinely connect to these genres. When they write, they write from the heart, and since Jesus is in their heart ... Jesus comes out in their music. You wouldn't sing their songs in church, and not every line is dripping with theology and doctrine, but the rebirth and grace they have received and the struggle against sin and darkness in life clearly comes out in their music. One such band is Skillet. They have many songs that unashamedly proclaim The Gospel, and their music is often found on secular top 10 charts. They're not fake. And people are drawn to the genuine.
Like I said, the issue here isn't the music, though. It is when we try to dress Jesus up to make Him more attractive. Most of us would balk at the idea of redrawing Jesus in pictures with a spiky hair-do, tattoos, and an eyebrow ring wearing a shirt 2 sizes too small. But that's the same attitude that writes christian lyrics to pop genres, just to try and be cool. Like I just mentioned, it's one thing if it comes natural and genuine, but when you intentionally 'dress up' Jesus wrapped in a secularly appealing image (music or otherwise) the message you send is this:
"My Savior is not good enough as He is, so I have to pitch you a 'cool' image or else you won't accept Him or His teachings."
You are telling Jesus, "I don't think you're capable of changing hearts. You're old and out of touch. You may be God, but You need MY help to get through to people."
Whether it is manufactured music, trendy settings, fashionable clothing/styles, or any other thing used to "market" the Gospel the message you send is "Come to Jesus, He is cool!" And if that is your message, you get 2 responses:
1. They see right through your manufactured image and want nothing to do with you or Jesus..
2. They fall for it and "accept", "receive" or "come to" Jesus because He essentially won a popularity contest in their minds.
These are the stony and thorny soils in Mark 4. They either fall away when life gets uncomfortable or their temporary belief is choked out by things of the world.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of the rescue of sinners! Not a "like Jesus, He's cool" message to make people FEEL BETTER about their life.
Apart from forgiveness and mercy bought by Christ we are rebels. Enemies of God. His wrath abides upon us. How are you supposed to feel better about that?
People "won over" by a superficial presentation receive a superficial faith. They have no concept of their own sin or their need for a savior. And if they do not "backslide" or "fall away" from the church, then they will sit Sunday after Sunday in their pew with the false assurance that they have escaped judgment because they like Jesus.
People don't need to think Jesus is cool. They need to know He saved them from a justly deserved judgment.
Occasionally, you may have the rare person who comes through that and does, honestly repent and who is born again. Be assured, it was not the pageantry that did it, but the Holy Spirit. It's ALWAYS the Holy Spirit. We cannot save anyone. Only Christ can, and only God can change their hearts.
All our manufactured images/music does is to build a false image of who Christ is, and what He is about.
When we are ourselves, full of flaws and as far from hip or cool as many of us are,... that sincerity and genuinely changed heart, the Holy Spirit living through us, will impact far more people than we ever could by trying to play at what is popular by the world's standards..
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