5 Reasons to love Christian Music

As I begin to write this, I am fully aware that this post might sound contradictory compared to some of my past posts (like this one). If our goal is to impact the surrounding culture, then I do believe that the label “Christian” can potentially limit our ability to be "leaven" in the world around us (Matthew 13:33).

However, given that this thing called “Christian-music” already exists, there are a large number of reasons I support a lot of what is termed “Christian”. And if you consider yourself a Christ-follower, here are five reasons why I think you should too:

1. WORSHIP is straight up crucial on earth today.

Worship serves so many purposes in the church and in the world today. Entire books have been written about the topic, and I couldn't do it justice in one blog today. Ultimately – it glorifies God, follows multitudes of commands in Scripture, and helps to bring heaven to earth, here and now. There is no doubt that the media and the arts serve a vital role in seeing this happen in today's church. What's your role in bring heaven to earth through worship today?

2. The body of Christ needs to be edified

“The choir” does need to be encouraged. In fact, the best evangelistic witness ever is.... an encouraged church! For sure, some are called to use the arts and the media to help do this.

As well as be encouraged, Christians need to be “prepared... for works of service” and the body of Christ “built up” (edified) “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God... to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” (see Ephesians 4:12-13). If this is done during a rock concert, and most of the people attending are Christians, I for one ain't gonna knock it!

3. Christians deserve to be blessed.

Not only can great music/art potentially be good for the spirit, it can also be good for the soul. While I'm a huge fan of believers being effective “salt and light”, or “leaven” in society, I'm also a fan of the arts/media being used in such a way that is enjoyable and fun for Christians that gather in church on a Sunday morning, as well as festivals and concerts around the world. Christians deserve to be blessed.

4. New believers need a degree of separation while they grow spiritually.

Over the years I have heard many stories of people tossing out parts of their CD/tape(!) collection, because they felt their faith compel them to. In fact, I have some stories myself! I once tossed out a cd in my collection after I realised that most of the songs on the album were about sex (and I don't think Anthony Kiedis was singing to his wife!) However, I currently own a number of cds by artists that other believers have chosen to toss. And I support their decision to do so. Why is this?

The answer is “conscience”, and the matter was addressed by the Paul the apostle a number of times in the New Testament (1 Cor 10:29...)*. In my view, if you want to become great at your medium/art form, you need to study the work of the greats in your field. However, this presumes a degree of maturity in faith, and an ability to exercise good judgement, and follow your conscience. There could may well be periods of time, especially for new believers, where you need to separate yourself completely, from “secular” stuff, and maybe even toss some CDs out, and replace it with music that is found to be encouraging. And this is where the so called “Christian” scene can be of great benefit. Even the Israelites were allowed less freedom after they left Egypt. This is because their sense of identity as God's people as a separate nation was still being formed. For example, they were not allowed tattoos, partly because they would become confused about what they were about, relative to the surrounding nations and their pagan (and harmful) religions. Are we free (in Christ) to get tattoos today? Of course. But for the Israelites, and perhaps for some Christians today, tattoos are off-limits, until one is mature in faith and is able to make wise decisions that won't be regretted later on*. :-) I suggest to you, that some Christians are in a place where they do well to only listen to this thing called “Christian music”. The principle in Romans 14:14-16 applies.

           5. Scripture has been put into song in many creative ways, and that's just plain cool.

I own a bunch of CDs by a band that has put many of the Psalms into song, and for myself and many other believers, this has brought the Scriptures alive in new ways. This is just plain awesome!

All of this, is not to say that I think all musicians who are Christian should go out and start making something that they call “Christian music”, or film makers, “Christian movies”. I don't, as I've explained in the past (sometimes overstating it for effect). I generally encourage people to make great art, and let their world-view naturally influence their art. removing a barrier between the artist and the people they are called to reach.

However, given that this world of “Christian music” exists, I advocate supporting the good things that go on, and embracing what God is doing.

Plus... I guess many artists/musicians (etc) are primarily CALLED to minister to the body, AND/OR lead the church in worship. Switchfoot have a certain calling, Reuben Morgan has another. We should focus on our own individual role, while honouring and embracing those that are called to something different.

Ok. I'm out. Got thoughts? Comments? I'd love to chat more in the comments below.

*For further reading, see for example Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8, & 10. Here, Paul addresses the issue of believers eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols (pagan gods). The principles found here have many applications today, and music/media is one of them.