Watching the video, brought up a question? Should music like Rap and Punk Rock, which are essentially born out of rebellion and defiance of authority, be used in glorify God? Does using this type of music draw those on the outside into the church as its performers and proponents claim? Or does it draw those on the inside of the church away from God to the world as an unintended consequence? (Right now, some claim 70-80% of youth are separated from the church at the end of college). In other words, does form matter as long as the lyrics say "Praise Jesus?" After all, weren't some of the great hymns of the faith originally viewed with suspicion and written by ex-scoundrels.
What do you think? Is one form of music or style better in the glorification and worship of God? Or should those who think so be forever banished as a legalists?
I have been concerned with a recent trend of taking any art form and then stamping the word Christian on it. However, you are walking on sacred ground to even suggest that some types of music are not very Godlike.
ReplyDeleteI think that many God created music and loves it. David's worship and dancing were absolutely controversial, but he was genuinely praising God. I think as long as you are genuine and your words glorify God, the form doesn't really matter.
ReplyDeleteKaryn, Thanks for the comment. I think what you stated probably reflects the majority view of Christians in America at the moment. And I think there is merit to it.
ReplyDeleteI am just a little worried that it is possible, especially for youth, to be more committed to musical form and style (especially rebellious style) then to the church itself. And when forced to chose between a music's culture and the church they will side with the culture parting with the church.
Hey! I want to thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope your move goes well. :) I have some thoughts on your post too.
ReplyDeleteMany of our traditional hymns are set to old bar tunes, and I'm sure, at the time they were written, they were considered "rebellious" as well. I don't say this to defend punk rock or any of that, only to highlight the fact that our perspectives, whether we like it or not, are influenced by time and culture. When I was in youth group, the adults of the church were up in arms about us singing choruses. Now those same choruses are sung by the same adults on a regular basis as part of corporate worship.
Worship, at its heart, is very personal.
Here are some questions I always as myself before participating in "questionable" worship:
-- Are the words speaking truth?
-- Does the music edify me and others?
-- Does my worship give glory to Christ or distract (me or others) from Him?
If it's distracting or deconstructive to the Body of Christ, it should be kept in private or smaller groups. If, however, it has truthful words that build-up the Body, then I need to get over my preconceived ideas and preferences on style.
That's just my two cents. :)
Kids throughout the centuries will probably want to "rebel" in some ways. Music is probably one of the safest ways to rebel. Why do we get so upset of it? Culture and art are not usually good candidates to hold up against a traditional standard of holiness or God-approval. We may not like certain music or artistic expression (tattoos, for example) but that doesn't mean they are offensive to God - unless, of course it involves outright destructiveness. You wouldn't go into the native African tribes and tell them to shut down their culturual practices, would you? Why does everything have to fall in line with a White Protestant 20th century middle-aged view of what's appropriate?
ReplyDeleteThat's my opinion! Thanks for an interesting post, and for your visit to my blog.
Douglas, stamping "Christian" willy-nilly concerns me, partly because it deems Christians as influenced more than influential.
ReplyDeleteRegarding forms, I guess it depends. The rock and roll version of music can be redeemed. The pornographic version of sex can't. One can maintain its essential form regardless of the content; the other can't.
(What have you decided about your van?)
Doug -- You've raised some interesting points about form, message, and their intersection. I think this question can be enlarged somewhat to include the superficial happiness of many of our praise choruses that we regularly sing in church. I would say the form of them is often too uplifting, too pop-like, for the serious, difficult issues of suffering, conviction of sin, doubts about God -- all places from which we can also worship Jesus. I often have to struggle to not be inauthentic in singing "happy" songs that really don't reflect what I am offering to God from my soul.
ReplyDeleteMake sense? What do you think about that in light of a Christian punk rock band? Could it be that they are expressing their thoughts and emotions more honestly than a others of us because of the form they choose?
Just some thoughts . . .
I'm hoping that kids find a lead in to Christ in any form they can, as long as it seeks God's truth and shows honor and respect to God and to God's creation.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post. It's great to meet you!
Thank you for stopping by at my blog & comment. It is nice "meeting" you. I found this post very interesting as we have children ranging in age from 3-23 and deal a lot with "music". Had you asked me 10 years ago, I would have given you a very legalistic answer! But I have seen how my children have grown with music, and even the stuff I do not like, but as I've seen my kids post specific lyrics that have touched their hearts . . . (and I cannot hear the rap, but know it is) I know God can use the words to bring them close to Him. I am thankful my children like a variety of music, and am thankful how God can use a variety of "musicians" to get to them where they are at.
ReplyDeleteI think we must not forget that our God is a redeemer... and He works ALL things together for good.
ReplyDeleteHe is more powerful then a rebellious rhythm and can redeem that beat to Glorify His name!!!
Doug you commented on my blog the other day and I just wanted to say thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou have raised an interesting set of questions here.
We have been out of the church for more than a year now because of the location that my husband and I find ourselves in. We have been home churching.
I find myself very appalled by the opinions and prejudices that christians throw around. I too was doing this just a year back and I still fall back into that mode of thinking. Having had to pursue God on my own for the past year,and having been removed from so called christian company, I find myself loving more, instead of discussing what I think is right and wrong. It really is the only way to win those who have not yet found their Redeemer. Sanctification is after all God's work, not mine. And it is an individual process.