Why is it that "Christian" music is constantly in it's own little box? It gets its own section in the stores, sometimes halfway across the room from all the other CDs, and as soon as a "Christian" band becomes popular, it has "sold out", and the entire Christian community starts questioning the band's salvation.
It's almost as if people think the "Christian" music will physically hurt them. Every other genre of music- pop, classical, metal, rock, etc., is classified on the type of instrumentation, not the lyrics. "Christian" music isn't a genre, it's a label that makes the line more defined between the Christian community and the secular one. We don't have a Hindu section, or a Jewish section, or a Pagan section in any music store. So why do we insist on seperating the "Christian" music from all the other types?
Some even see the "Christian" music label as a sign of lack of quality. While I disagree with those people, I can see where they get it from. If you turn your radio dial to a Contemporary Christian Music station, it's very probable that two songs in a row will sound so alike you have to strain to make sure it's not the same one. However, there are several "Christian" artists who turn out great artist and might even be appreciated by mainstream listeners if we only weren't so afraid to come out of our "Christian" box. And I don't mean just in music.
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"Some even see the "Christian" music label as a sign of lack of quality. While I disagree with those people, I can see where they get it from. If you turn your radio dial to a Contemporary Christian Music station, it's very probable that two songs in a row will sound so alike you have to strain to make sure it's not the same one. However, there are several "Christian" artists who turn out great artist and might even be appreciated by mainstream listeners if we only weren't so afraid to come out of our "Christian" box. And I don't mean just in music."
In my community we have 3 different Christian music stations. One plays older things, more Hymns ect. this kind of station fits with your statement. The other 2 stations in my area are not at all the same. They will play something by Chris Tomlin one minute, and the next they are playing KJ52 or Skillet. I have never heard someone equate the Christian label with a lack of quality. Look at artists like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Michael W. Smith, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Artists that put their records under the Christian label are not (for the most part) putting it their because they have a lack of quality. They are trying to sell to a specific audience. A Christian audience. There are some bands that have crossed over onto a secular label, look at bands like Skillet, Switchfoot, and some have even crossed over from secular onto a Christian label, ie Brian Littrell.
"Christian" artists, more than any others. I love music, and I listen to Nicole Mullins right after Rihanna, Beyonce, and Metallica...LOL. Who cares how they market, Music is life.
I do generally equate Christian music with lack of quality because most Christian rock music sounds the same. Being not Christian means I don't want to listen to music with heavily Christian undertones or overtly Christian lyrics, which is the main characteristic of Christian music.
Common sense is as rare as genius. ~Emerson
I understand, however, as a christian, I don't want to listen to music with strong anti-christian messages, yet I don't get offended when they mix that music in with all the other music according to the actual music and not the lyrics.
Stormy
I'm curious as to what counts as anti-Christian music for you. Do you mean language that specifically insults your faith, or just messages that don't mesh with your values?
T.k.
Things that specifically insult my faith. I usually don't listen to messages that don't agree with my values either, but I don't label that as anti-Christian. More like just anti-my personal views.
Stormy
Could you give me an example of a song that insults your faith? Not being Christian I don't listen for that, and I'm curious.
T.k.
As one who listens to both Christian and secular music, I'd also like to know who/what in particular you are talking about. I don't think even Manson, who many conservatives/religious folk (for lack of a better way of putting it right now) pretty much despise, has anything that anti-Christian, either explicitly or implicitly.
-- quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
music that glorifies God.. Christian music.. music that doesnt glorify God.. is not christian music. Its easy to tell, if a song's lyrics are based on bible it is christian.. if it is not, meaning if a song has lyrics don't agree with biblical principles... it is not christian music. Thats just how you decipher which is which i guess.
But what, exactly, are the principles you see as agreeing with the Bible? Christians interpret the Bible differently, so I'm not really clear on what you count as "glorifying god" and what you don't.
T.k.
bible talks about not being involved in lying, cheating, stealing, kililng, adultery , lust etc. to name a few. if a song promotes any of those issues, then there is a clue that it is not a christian song. If a song uses biblical words, phrases or ideas that show worship/honor/praise/ to God, then it is a christian song. There are exceptions of couse, where some songs have Jesus or God in the lyrics, but still promote some of these issues that i mentioned above.. then i would consider that song non-christian. If a song has moral values, but doesnt mention anything about God. I would call that inspirational. If that song is under a christian label, then i guess you could call it a christian song.
To be frank, its kinda easy to tell what promotes God and what doesn't. I believe Christian songs are primarily written to bring people closer to God, understand who God is, and show worship and praise to HIM. I could probably elaborate on my reasonings for christian songs, but im a little tired. if you have any questions on this issue or my faith you can reply, pm or whatever, and i'll try to answer the questions as best as possible. Hopefully, this cleared things up.
Mike
ps. most of those thoughts i wrote werent mine, they were primarily what the bible has to say. I can give you the scripture references if you want ... right now i have to go to bed.
God Bless!