Even though I spent 11 years in Christian radio (at a Christian Hit Radio station), I'm really not one who draws lines between "Christian Music" and "Secular Music." To me, "Christian Music" is more of an industry term that helps define a "genre" of music that gives listeners and buyers a better idea of the lyrical content. "Secular Music," however, is a not an industry term, but rather is a term coined by Christians to define all other music that's not recorded by "Christian Artists" with "Christian Content." While I'm sure this is helpful for people who want only specific lyrical content in the music they listen to, I've grown away from using these terms and criteria when it comes to deciding what music to listen to.
The Holy Spirit has spoken to me too many times through so-called "secular" music that I simply can't keep my musical and lyrical criteria in a box. I do love a lot of "Christian" music, and I certainly won't throw out all the music created by my brothers and sisters in that industry. But I guess what I'm getting at is that just as "life" covers all kinds of things, I enjoy lyrical content in music that covers all areas of life. I don't go around saying "God" and "Jesus" in every sentence that I speak throughout each day, because plainly and simply, my entire life is in Christ. "His Name" defines my entire life, whether I say it or not and whether I have my hands in the air praising Him or whether I'm watching my St. Louis Cardinals lose four straight games when they're in a pennant race at the end of the season!
Sure, there's some pretty nasty stuff out there (lyrical content in music) that I just don't have the time of day for. Not to mention that there's plenty of legalism in "Christian" music that I steer clear of as well! Anyway, having thought of all this for a long, long time over the years, there's plenty more I could say here. If anyone's interested, we could certainly start a discussion.
I really began writing all of this simply as my own introduction to this video! Now on the one hand, you could take this song to be the antithesis to all I've said here (!), in that it could be interpreted as saying that all music that's not "Christian" is of the devil. On the other hand, I really think the song was written in 'rebellion' against those who say that all rock 'n roll music, in and of itself (even with "Christian" lyrics), is of the devil. That was a much bigger issue back in the day. Either way, Larry Norman (the "Grandfather of Christian Rock") has a lot of fun with this song, recorded live. I've seen him live in concert, and he often forgets lyrics or spends time jumbling through papers trying to find certain songs, but he has a lot of fun with it. He seems to not take himself too seriously, which I believe is something we could all grab a hold of!
Why Should the Devil Have all the Good Music
In honor of this post, I posted on my blog a video of "This is Halloween" from Tim Burton's movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas", re-done by Marilyn Manson. =P
ReplyDeleteHi Joel,
ReplyDeleteI liked that post, I have had a struggle, and often still struggle, with that very distinction of music. When I was younger I had gotten "saved" (only to realize later in life how far I was to understanding what salvation was or what it meant) and was required to tear up all of my music while being watched and approved by family who urged/scared me into a "decision for Christ". I had seen friends fall into the same treatment, and some who felt, and indeed were made to feel like, they had to change their whole persona and stop wearing jeans and tee shirts to don slacks and button shirts and for heavens sake smile smile smile!! Instead of being freed from bondage we were released from one form of it only to be chained to legalism and the "Christian image". Later in life when I fell finally and completely to the cross of Christ and found real freedom, real salvation, and a real relationship. I slowly discovered, and am still discovering a genuine freedom in Christ. I still however feel a pull to shame and guilt when I listen to an old Alice Cooper favorite or any other "secular" music. I do not think there is any genre of music that I do not at least like some of, like you said, I get touched by the Lord through "secular music" as well, but the uneasiness of guilt sometimes stifles it. It’s a struggle, but one that I am winning, however slowly, through my freedom in my Savior.
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteWhen I began my "committed" walk with Jesus 15 or 16 years ago, I had a record and tape smashing party! I had about 200 records and tapes... Motley Crue, the full Kiss collection, Metallica, etc, etc... and I destroyed almost all of them. At the time, I thought it was the only right thing to do. But I later came to regret it, as I grew in my walk with the Lord.
As I said, there's a lot music out there that just isn't worth my time of day. But there is some so-called "secular" stuff that has truly ministered to me. AND, there's some stuff that has lyrics that I don't really care for, but I like to "sing along" because I like the music and/or vocal arrangements. Metallica is one example that sticks out. Most of their lyrics aren't exactly 'uplifting,' but those dudes really know how to arrange music and vocals!
I think this is something that each believer, individually, needs to work out with the Lord. To me, it falls right in line with, "One person esteems one day above another, another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind." (Rom 14:5) I would never push my own thoughts on anyone else.
I can relate to the smile smile smile thing! In the past it was my own legalism that caused me to wear that plastic smile wherever I went! I really thought I had to portray that certain "Christian image," as you say. Nowadays I'm just wanting to rest and discover more and more who I really am and just "be" that person.
Larry is my all-time favourite artist.
ReplyDeleteZack-man! I got to see Larry in concert a decade ago or so, and he is quite a character. And his music was loved by many over the years. This post, by the way, was posted just 5 months before he passed away.
ReplyDelete