Why I Hate Christian Music

[ChosenbyHim]

Short answer- the people who love it.

For the ridiculously long answer, see below. Also, I know I was just complaining about people starting new threads when there are others nearly identical to it and here I am starting the billionth thread about Christian music. I am not starting this because I think Christian music is evil and nobody should listen to it. I'm starting this because I see ZERO discernment going on beyond personal taste.

I hope this thread is at least somewhat different and raises different points. We'll see. Grab your snuggie and some hot chocolate. This is gonna take a while.

Here we gooooooooooo.

Matthew 16:23 "But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”"

Christian music tries to ride the fence between popular music and worship music. I don't think you can have it both ways and I don't know of many artists that successfully pulled this off for an extended period of time. The artists that claim to be reaching out to a secular audience as witnesses water down their message to give it more mass appeal. When it reaches that point, I honestly hear no discernible difference between them and a secular group. Actually, I hear little difference anyway.

Christian music intentionally copies mainstream sounds and trends. For every major mainstream artist, there is a Christian sound-alike. Christian music is THE ONLY genre defined exclusively by lyrical content. They want to be included in the mainstream as 'crossovers,' or at least sit on the music shelves of Christians and non Christians alike, so they have to sound like all the other groups in the mainstream. This not only strips them of artistic creativity (as it does ALL the bands who TRY to sound like another band), but it strips them of their spiritual impact. They're in the world and of the world.

CCM, by it's very nature, is misguided. It's trying to cash in on worship! This is of course just my opinion, but I see it as being equally distasteful as TV preachers who make millions of dollars a year or corrupt politicians who claim to be part of the religious right to score votes. Where is the line?

At what point are you no longer serving the Lord and rather using the Lord to make yourself rich? Or maybe not even that rich- just "famous".

Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Not many Christian artists claim to hate the business they're in.

The music industry corrupts people. Even the most well-intentioned Christian artist, by becoming part of this multi-billion dollar industry, is exposing themselves to extreme corruption and will MOST LIKELY SUCCUMB.

Maybe you think the artist is a Christian. What about everyone they have surrounded themselves with? What about the people at the label, and the publishing company, and the marketing company, and the studio, etc etc etc.? Are they all good Christians too? I can tell you from firsthand experience that they usually are not. For the Christian music industry to compete and make a big impact, they have hired many many people from the secular music industry. CCM needs the secular expertise so they can mimic the secular music business. Not only are they paying these people more than they are worth, but they are turning a blind eye to their corrupt(ing) lifestyles. The Christian industry looks like the secular industry in pretty much every way. So how can the product really be soooo different?

It's not different. But the audience is.

Basically, you people who listen to anything as long as it is labeled Christian have made it so labels will call something Christian just so you will buy it...even if the artist asks them not to. That was the case with MuteMath. They said they didn't want to be marketed by faith because they had ethical objections and the label did it anyway. The result was that the majority of their sales came from Christian audiences. Same with Evanescence. They really couldn't be less of a Christian band (their lyrics are straight up heretical), but because they were played on Christian radio, the audience went out and bought the cd. The band themselves were appalled by how easily Christians were deceived.

Christian artists, just because someone calls them that, are not infallible. They drink, smoke, do drugs and have sex just like secular artists. The only difference is they have to be more secretive about it and lie to their fans. This isn't true of EVERY Christian artist, just as it isn't true of every secular artist. But the odds seem to be about the same. Even sugary sweet Amy Grant lamented that people hide the cocaine when she is around. This was roughly the same time she was cheating on her then husband with her now husband (who was also married). You remember that era, right? Where she was feeling up some model in her video, singing 'Baby Baby' into his ear? Ah the lengths a Christian will go to in order to 'reach the lost.'

How many times have you heard about a 'cross over' Christian artist who just totally crossed over and walked away from Christianity altogether? Too many times. Even some of those who stay in the Christian world say openly that the label of 'Christian' hinders their ability to reach people. Their faith starts to become a secret in certain circles and eventually it isn't there at all.

I understand that everyone is a sinner, even those who are saved. However, for many of the kids on this forum- your arguments are that Christian music is somehow better than secular music when by EVERY MEASURE it is exactly the same. The only major difference is that by slapping the label of 'Christian' onto something they can not only guarantee sales and promotion, but that you will DEFEND the artist like you know something about them. You will do more to spread the word about a Christian artist than you will Christ. They're counting on it.

In the first Bible quote, Jesus says Peter is possessed by Satan. But what did Peter do to deserve that accusation? He didn't want to believe that something bad would happen to Jesus. From Peter's perspective, he was just loving Jesus and thinking positively. From God's perspective, he was dangerously misguided. He was focused on the things of man.

I think some people, while wanting to uplift and defend the Lord, are confusing their own desires and opinions with God's will. Not all Christian music is of God... in fact, it can be a tool of Satan to spread false teachings. You have to believe that or you're leaving yourself wide open. When it comes to the music you listen to, I hope you don't go simply with whatever 'tickles your ears.' Music has power, that's why we all love it and why both God and Satan use it to reach people.

Congrats if you read all of this. You deserve a reward.

Great post about today's modern "Christian" music and CCM. The majority of Christians who listen to CCM and these cross over artists like Lacrea, Da Truth, Third Day, and P.O.D. are definitely lacking spiritual discernment. And yep you definitely said it well. Who knows how much false teachings and heresies that could possibly be in these
"Christian" ecumenical rock and rap songs.

 

[scotty123]

I disagree with the OP in that there is little difference between christian artists vs secular. As general of a statement that this is, there will be examples on both sides of the argument. Stryper was one example given that gave the gospel message without watering it down, yet the band members lived their lives in sin.

How can we place God in a box and say He doesn't use Christian artists because they are hypocrites?? I could come up with several references in the Bible where God used a sinner to further His kingdom... Paul as one! If the message conveys truth, let the unreached hear the words and perhaps light the flame in their heart! If one is saved along the way, is that not something to rejoice over?

Personally, I don't listen to a lot of hard rock. However I've been to several metal shows where they have stopped in the middle to profess their faith. Young people look up to them and truly open their ears when they feel the connection in their music.

I prefer the emphasized vocals in music. However kids these days have been accustomed to metal, techno, hip hop, and the newest is dub step. I wish Christian artists would take the initiative to compete with the secular artists in quality as well as content. Competing to play on the radio, sell cd's in stores, tour concerts, etc. The key is that the message remains true.

On the other hand, I agree with the OP that many artists do it for the wrong reasons: fame, riches, party life. And this is hard to accept because as true Christians we are to stand out from the world. Jesus commands us as believers to set the example, to love one another so that all will know we are His disciples.

It is so easy to condemn the industry because they're in it for the wrong reason, but I would say "they" are the exception. As there are so many artists who have a true passion to lead unbelievers to Christ. And this is the greatest reason we are here on earth, to proclaim His glory.

There are so many avenues which God can use for His glory. I know guys who go to the bars at night to witness on a barstool. No, they aren't there to drink but to love on people who are hurt.

As believers we are responsible in keeping eachother accountable. And that includes believers in the music industry.

 

[Nautilus]

man if only christian music wasnt so bad 90% of the time...it would simplify this whole argument.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

man if only christian music wasnt so bad 90% of the time...it would simplify this whole argument.

Lol. But what I find ironic about those that think that is that the Christian music "genre" is largely - if not exclusively - defined by it's lyrical content. If you replace the lyrical content, then musically - and I say this from an objective point of view - it sounds identical to a lot of mainstream secular music. The sonic value is tantamount.

Maybe my taste is just too selective?

 

[InfiniteDescent]

Christian music tries to ride the fence between popular music and worship music. I don't think you can have it both ways and I don't know of many artists that successfully pulled this off for an extended period of time. The artists that claim to be reaching out to a secular audience as witnesses water down their message to give it more mass appeal. When it reaches that point, I honestly hear no discernible difference between them and a secular group. Actually, I hear little difference anyway.

[video=youtube;7Wr2zyOv_GM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wr2zyOv_GM[/video]

THIS IS WHO MY GOD IS

HE IS THE ONE WHO SAID THAT IN THREE DAYS HE WOULD RISE
HE IS THE ONE WHO TOOK AND BORE ALL OF OUR SIN

EMMANUEL NAME ABOVE ALL

HE IS THE ONE WHO DEFIED AND OVERCAME THE GRAVE
HE IS THE ONE WHO'S COMING BACK ONE DAY

GOD WE NEED YOUR STRENGTH, TO FIGHT THIS FIGHT
MY GOD WE NEED YOU
GOD WE NEED YOUR LIGHT, TO GUIDE US THROUGH THE NIGHT
MY GOD WE NEED YOU
GOD WE NEED YOUR STRENGTH, TO FIGHT THIS FIGHT
MY GOD WE NEED YOU
GOD WE NEED YOU TO, TO SHOW THE LOST WHATS RIGHT
MY GOD WE NEED YOU

STRENGTH
STRENGTH
GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH
STRENGTH
STRENGTH

GOD PLEASE SHOW THE LOST ONES YOUR FACE
AND LET THEM SEE THE TRUTH OF YOUR NAME x2

GOD THEY WILL BEGIN TO SEE THAT YOU CREATED ALL THINGS

REVEALING HIS LOVE
PRAISING IN HIS HOLINESS x2

HIS BLOOD IS COVERING ME
HIS BLOOD IS COVERING COVERING
MY SIN
ALL MY WRETCHED SIN

BRINGING HOPE TO THE LOST
SAVING THEM FROM DEATH
BRINGING HOPE TO THE LOST
AND SAVING THEM FROM DEATH
BRINGING HOPE TO THE LOST
AND SAVING THEM FROM DEATH
BRINGING HOPE TO THE LOST

KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS
CAME TO THIS EARTH TO DIE FOR YOUR SIN x4

HIS HANDS FORMED THE MOUNTAINS
HIS HANDS DEVELOPED THE SEA
HIS HANDS CREATED THE HEAVENS
HIS HANDS ARE HOLDING YOU AND ME

HIS BLOOD IS COVERING ME
HIS BLOOD IS COVERING COVERING
MY SIN
ALL MY WRETCHED SIN x2

HIS BLOOD HAS SAVED ME HAS MADE ME
HIS BLOOD HAS SAVED ME AND GAVE ME A HOPE
A HOPE FOR A LIFE SPENT WITH YOU
A LIFE SPENT WITH YOU


Not good enough in advertising God?

 

[Colt45Bullet]

Good post. Make it easy, stick to hymns and Gospel Bluegrass.

 

[tanakh]

Short answer- the people who love it.

For the ridiculously long answer, see below. Also, I know I was just complaining about people starting new threads when there are others nearly identical to it and here I am starting the billionth thread about Christian music. I am not starting this because I think Christian music is evil and nobody should listen to it. I'm starting this because I see ZERO discernment going on beyond personal taste.

I hope this thread is at least somewhat different and raises different points. We'll see. Grab your snuggie and some hot chocolate. This is gonna take a while.

Here we gooooooooooo.

Matthew 16:23 "But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”"

Christian music tries to ride the fence between popular music and worship music. I don't think you can have it both ways and I don't know of many artists that successfully pulled this off for an extended period of time. The artists that claim to be reaching out to a secular audience as witnesses water down their message to give it more mass appeal. When it reaches that point, I honestly hear no discernible difference between them and a secular group. Actually, I hear little difference anyway.

Christian music intentionally copies mainstream sounds and trends. For every major mainstream artist, there is a Christian sound-alike. Christian music is THE ONLY genre defined exclusively by lyrical content. They want to be included in the mainstream as 'crossovers,' or at least sit on the music shelves of Christians and non Christians alike, so they have to sound like all the other groups in the mainstream. This not only strips them of artistic creativity (as it does ALL the bands who TRY to sound like another band), but it strips them of their spiritual impact. They're in the world and of the world.

CCM, by it's very nature, is misguided. It's trying to cash in on worship! This is of course just my opinion, but I see it as being equally distasteful as TV preachers who make millions of dollars a year or corrupt politicians who claim to be part of the religious right to score votes. Where is the line?

At what point are you no longer serving the Lord and rather using the Lord to make yourself rich? Or maybe not even that rich- just "famous".

Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Not many Christian artists claim to hate the business they're in.

The music industry corrupts people. Even the most well-intentioned Christian artist, by becoming part of this multi-billion dollar industry, is exposing themselves to extreme corruption and will MOST LIKELY SUCCUMB.

Maybe you think the artist is a Christian. What about everyone they have surrounded themselves with? What about the people at the label, and the publishing company, and the marketing company, and the studio, etc etc etc.? Are they all good Christians too? I can tell you from firsthand experience that they usually are not. For the Christian music industry to compete and make a big impact, they have hired many many people from the secular music industry. CCM needs the secular expertise so they can mimic the secular music business. Not only are they paying these people more than they are worth, but they are turning a blind eye to their corrupt(ing) lifestyles. The Christian industry looks like the secular industry in pretty much every way. So how can the product really be soooo different?

It's not different. But the audience is.

Basically, you people who listen to anything as long as it is labeled Christian have made it so labels will call something Christian just so you will buy it...even if the artist asks them not to. That was the case with MuteMath. They said they didn't want to be marketed by faith because they had ethical objections and the label did it anyway. The result was that the majority of their sales came from Christian audiences. Same with Evanescence. They really couldn't be less of a Christian band (their lyrics are straight up heretical), but because they were played on Christian radio, the audience went out and bought the cd. The band themselves were appalled by how easily Christians were deceived.

Christian artists, just because someone calls them that, are not infallible. They drink, smoke, do drugs and have sex just like secular artists. The only difference is they have to be more secretive about it and lie to their fans. This isn't true of EVERY Christian artist, just as it isn't true of every secular artist. But the odds seem to be about the same. Even sugary sweet Amy Grant lamented that people hide the cocaine when she is around. This was roughly the same time she was cheating on her then husband with her now husband (who was also married). You remember that era, right? Where she was feeling up some model in her video, singing 'Baby Baby' into his ear? Ah the lengths a Christian will go to in order to 'reach the lost.'

How many times have you heard about a 'cross over' Christian artist who just totally crossed over and walked away from Christianity altogether? Too many times. Even some of those who stay in the Christian world say openly that the label of 'Christian' hinders their ability to reach people. Their faith starts to become a secret in certain circles and eventually it isn't there at all.

I understand that everyone is a sinner, even those who are saved. However, for many of the kids on this forum- your arguments are that Christian music is somehow better than secular music when by EVERY MEASURE it is exactly the same. The only major difference is that by slapping the label of 'Christian' onto something they can not only guarantee sales and promotion, but that you will DEFEND the artist like you know something about them. You will do more to spread the word about a Christian artist than you will Christ. They're counting on it.

In the first Bible quote, Jesus says Peter is possessed by Satan. But what did Peter do to deserve that accusation? He didn't want to believe that something bad would happen to Jesus. From Peter's perspective, he was just loving Jesus and thinking positively. From God's perspective, he was dangerously misguided. He was focused on the things of man.

I think some people, while wanting to uplift and defend the Lord, are confusing their own desires and opinions with God's will. Not all Christian music is of God... in fact, it can be a tool of Satan to spread false teachings. You have to believe that or you're leaving yourself wide open. When it comes to the music you listen to, I hope you don't go simply with whatever 'tickles your ears.' Music has power, that's why we all love it and why both God and Satan use it to reach people.

Congrats if you read all of this. You deserve a reward.

As an old timer the only Christian Music I like are traditional Hymns. I dislike modern stuff because it usually sounds either like something belonging in Kindergarden or very bad copies of secular rock music. They put me in mind of the
old 'B' sides found on 45 records which hardly got played.