I had a lovely opportunity recently to do a guest post at the arts and culture blog, Wrecked For The Ordinary. I decided to write on the topic, What is Christian music, and why do you care?
It’s a timely topic. The Grammys were just handed out on Sunday, and as regular readers know I’m always questioning why Christian music is lumped in with Gospel music.
I’m not alone. Today, over on the Idol Chatter blog, blogger Paul O’Donnell asks the same question about this year’s Grammys. (Thanks to my reader JazzyPaul, who reminded me that it’s the labels who submit the artists for Grammy category nominations. “Certainly, if I was Mary Mary’s management,” he commented, “I’d be all about trying to put them up next to Beyonce.”)
I talk at length about this question in the post at Wrecked For The Ordinary. Check it out and let me know what you think.
By the way, Mariah Secrest is the editor at Wrecked For The Ordinary, and she did a guest post for this blog last week. Check out her post, and also get a free download of her song “Pulse” from her EP, Green Light.
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posted February 11, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Ahh yes, the never-ending debate. If it’s a slow week, just post this topic and watch the comments fly!!
Your post is well thought-out and represents a nice and reational view. I think people’s criticism of Christian music artists reveals more about themselves than it does of the bands/singers.
Our culture has turned to this mentality where, if you say you like something, you have to accept everything that band ever has done or will do. You immediately become attached to whatever someone thinks that band represents.
“Oh, you like Family Force 5? Then you must have an incorrect view of salvation like they do. As a matter of fact, I’m not even sure you’re a Christian now.” (nevermind the person criticizing probably can’t name the guy or what he does in the band.
“Oh, you like Hillsong United? You must agree with the over-commercialization of Christian culture and not care about music. All of that mega-church/praise and worship stuff sounds the same anyway.”
“Oh, you like Project 86? Their Truthless Heroes album didn’t even mention Jesus, so they stopped being Christian somewhere between their 2nd and 3rd albums.” (nevermind the first 2 albums didn’t mention Him either)
I’m exaggerating (slightly) to make a point. Music is a very personal thing and when you like something, you will defend it to the end while insulting whatever the other person likes, no matter the result.