When Did “Christian” Become a Genre?
Recently I have found myself in several discussions over what it means to be made in the image of God. Based on Genesis 1:26-27, and my limited understanding of the rest of the Scriptures, I have found myself defending the argument that everyone is “redeemable.” Not just that, but I believe that because we are created “in the image of God,” we are all capable of “doing good,” of creating something of value, of worshiping and glorifying the one true God.
It is because of this belief that I can’t stand to listen to Christian radio stations. How in the world “christian” became a musical genre to begin with is beyond me. One of my biggest pet peeves is when the Christian culture declares value or worth of something based merely on the beliefs of the person that created it. For example, there was a song that came out in the mid-90′s called “I Believe” by the band Blessid Union of Souls. It was a song filled with truth, forgiveness and reconciliation. Many of you are probably familiar with this tune that boldly proclaimed that “love is the answer.” Great song, boldly proclaiming the message of our Savior. Needless to say, it was completely snubbed by “christian radio.” That is until a few years ago, when the song had been apparently covered by some pop band that was on a Christian label. The cover was mediocre at best and left all the lyrics exactly the same, but apparently that was enough for the song to now be deemed valuable and worthy of being played on the Christian radio station. I know there are other things that go into these decisions and I know it is a little more complicated of an issue than I have made it out to be, but it doesn’t change the message that is being sent.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Are those who have not been “born again” capable of creating something of value, something that is glorifying to the Father? Is there a need for our “christian” genres? What makes music “christian?” What makes a magazine “christian?” What makes office supplies “christian?” And are things that are labeled as such any better for being so? Doesn’t all of that just further muddle the definition of what it means to be a Christian?
March 15th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Crazy labels, huh? It’s what makes the parable of the Sheep and the Goats so strange to us, I think. Nobody got even their own labels right. On a lighter note, there is a store in Little Rock called, “Lifeway Christian Store.” Sometimes when we drive by, one of us will say to the kids, “Should we stop in to buy some Christians?”
March 16th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
It is Christian when it has an ichthus in it somewhere! Like it is a Christian company when the fish is in the ad. Right? I mean I always buy from them first. Kidding of course. In fact, I usually have the opposite feelings. Man, I am with you. I was listening to a radio program once talking about not shopping at Wal-Mart because they gave to a homosexual organization. Then they proceeded to list off about 25 other companies not to buy from including Apple and most computer companies… Well, when I called to ask what kind of computer they were using to run the radio show I was mysteriously not allowed on the program… Hmmm… Although, I do believe there is a need for worship and God-centered music. I also believe we must be careful not to take words like love and so on and think they are automatically good. In fact, there are a lot of songs that “Christian” artist are writing that I could sing about my wife and it mean the same. So I do agree that good things can come from all because all truth is God’s truth, but I struggle with us throwing out words to music and thinking that somehow they become holy and God honoring no matter who sings them… God is the one who stirs hearts, and he is the one who can take false motives and turn them into something right and good not the person. Good stuff Nathan.. Very challenging..