The dividing line between that which is “of God” and that which is “not” cannot and should not be trusted to the Marketplace. But quite often it is.
The Dividing Line
The pastor of a church I recently played in was a self-professed Nine Inch Nails fan. Aimee Mann as well. So, as we talked through the tension between wise shepherding and over-protectiveness, we found a great deal we agreed upon. Still, he had reservations about my playing cover songs for his congregation. He was concerned that I was giving his people license to buy and listen to music that at least has the potential to be socially and philosophically dangerous.
We agreed that no one needed permission to seek out damaging media. Perhaps the goal, then isn’t so much to prevent people from engaging with certain forms of media but teaching ourselves and our communities how to be discerning consumers, listeners, readers etc… Part of that comes in approaching media with a different set of questions. Particularly the question “what can I see of God in this?”
You see, somewhere before this conversation took place, a decision had already been made about what art is beneficial for christian (mostly Protestant) churches. We were only dealing with material on “the other side” of the sacred/profane line. But what criteria was used to determine the sacred or beneficial nature of the music played in his church or mine? It seems to me that line is drawn with the same pen that draws the line between what is sell-able and not. In other words: We sing this song here because it is sung elsewhere or because the artist who wrote it has other successful songs. That’s not a pastoral criteria. It’s a market criteria. In more cases than not, monetary success draws the line.
The Danger of Falling Asleep
That pastor and I were having a conversation about Aimee Mann. That’s to be expected. But does a similar conversation happen regarding songs by Chris Tomlin, Brenton Brown or anyone on the CCLI top 100?* Are these songwriters above such a conversation? Is there need for similar discernment when it comes to church music? After all, these songs are sung repeatedly and memorized by church congregations. The language and imagery in these songs helps shape the way thousands understand the mystery of God. So, what if it’s off? How would we know? Perhaps we’d recognize it in the fruit such art bears.
It’s no secret that the blogosphere (as well as more than a few coffee bars across the US) is choc-full of church leaders lamenting the immobilization or selfish tendencies of far too many congregates. These same church leaders often acknowledge that the machinery of church can not only contribute to but encourage such immobilization and selfishness. If we’re willing to point out the potential dangers of exposure to media, it is vital that we take a more discerning look at art that has likely played a part in lulling many “to sleep in their faith” with repeated blessed assurances that it is well, not only our souls but well with the world, so long as we recognize and acknowledge how He loves us.
When the next hot, church sing-a-long hits the circuit, will it be evaluated? Will it even be thought about? Or will its status as “beneficial” be established the way Truth is established in Stephen Colbert’s world, where once the Market has spoken, it must be true.
I’m finishing Part 2 of this post and will have it up soon.
(The CCLI Top 100 is a list of the 100 most popular songs sung in churches)
discernment for many is a lost art (get it?), fear, feelings and fanfare become the authority that moves into the place of genuine authority that comes from the King. certainly this weakens the power we experience – and should alert us to discern better the power we experience in worship. at least we are missing something for us, at best God has more for us beyond release of fear, feelings and fanfare. ??
i know it’s only part 1, pal….but you’re on a roll. please don’t slow down. this is SO important. i ache about this every day. i’m keeping you in mind as part 2 jumps of your keyboard. sometimes i love the Jesus in you so much I can’t…um….see straight. ~steveT
Isn’t it true that since ‘Christ’ is in Chris Tomlin’s name, he is above reproach, and shouldn’t be subjected to the same discernment as ‘Santana’ which is obviously spanish for ‘Satan’?
The same holds true for Christopher Walken…
When serving as a youth pastor, I often taught to students that they need to be MORE careful with christian music than secular music. are the songs fixing a faithful account of the things of God?
I know this is just part 1, but I’m wondering if you are assuming that music in the church is worship, or just a part of the liturgy? You are dealing with more of the music, but the whole reason pastors and church leaders should be ‘concerned’ (whether rightly or wrongly) is the reason each song or hymn is chosen, regardless of who wrote it, covered it, borrowed it, stole it or the like. What has been lost is true worship and been replaced with (worship) music or (worship) hymns.
There needs to be a balance between Joyfulness and Reverence. And because we are people of the extreme, we usually slide all the way to one side or the other. Yet, the scriptures tell us to maintain this balance.
I understand this conversation to have happened outside of the “worship service,” so this may not apply, but I would say that, whatever song is sung within “worship” it should be meant to bring you into worship. We do not come to worship to receive a blessings, have fellowship or to learn something. Rather, we come to God, to give Him glory, and to speak about what He has done (Ps 9:1-2).
I also do not want to stop here without saying that I believe music also to be for man, but outside of “worship.” In Genesis 4:21 we already find musical instruments, the father of which was Lamech, who invented the lyre and the flute. His son, Jubal means “ram’s horn” which was a major instrument in Israel. When people were sent on their way there was a celebration with music (Gen 31:27), when a well was found (Num 21:17), the mark of allegiance to tribe, chief or banner (Ex 17:15; Judg 7:18).
With all this, what the Bible does not give us is a list of what music is “Good” and “Bad” so I agree that discernment MUST be made. What is the purpose and what is the result? Hopefully part 2 will attract the attention of the media so that we can all know what the “truth” is.
kw
p.s. – this soapbox that I stand upon is a result of the overarching conservative atmosphere of the church I am a part of. This debate will never be resolved, however I believe you are raising very important issues within the issue that can help us find more clarity in the fogginess of Music in the Church.