Music Series: Part 2

Ok, while I continue to search the web for a possible candidate for my custom theme, I’ve decided to proceed with business as usual. That means jumping right back into our music series. Again, this series may not be for you, so read on at your own risk. The following article contains TRUTH, and some of you may not be able to handle that.

Also, if you’ve ever heard an argument that you thought was valid, but was not on my list, please email it to me. I’d be glad to add it to the list, and perhaps address it if necessary. If the argument contains something that shows me that I am wrong on my stance on music, I will humbly admit so, and post it for the public to see, because the purpose of this series is not to push my own opinion, but to uncover truth. That’s a promise, and I plan on keeping it.

Unfortunately, I have to start with the easy ones. There won’t be any unique revelations here today, just plain old common sense, so don’t get your hopes up too much. You’ll see what I mean after you read the first argument:

CCM is not godly.

When I’m trying to decide whether or not to debate someone, I generally try to ask myself one question about my opponent: does this person know HOW to argue. Yes, there are rules, and in order for the debate to be fruitful, both participants must understand how to argue. The first argument in the list, is not really an argument at all. In fact, it is a baseless declaration. It introduces no information, proposes no evidence, and shows a mountain of ignorance rather than the intelligent discourse that should be expected. Generally speaking, this “argument” is usually followed by a “why?” on the part of the opposing participant, to which the the first member responds with a series of actual arguments, contained in the remainder of my list. So, for those of you who happen to be on the side of CCM=evil, hear this: the declaration of your position is not, by any means, an actual argument, so please keep it out of the debate!!! We already know WHAT you believe, now tell me WHY you believe it!!!

CCM is just Christian words with sinful music.

OK, now we’re getting closer to a coherent thought that could be construed as an actual argument…but not quite. Let’s break this sentence down into two parts: 1) CCM is Christian words, 2) CCM is sinful music.

CCM is indeed Christian words. However, if you’re dumb enough to be one of those people who call praise and worship music, shallow, 7-11 music (that is, 7 words repeated 11 times…real funny), the let me ask you where the depth of “My Lord knows the way through the wilderness” or “Battle Hymn of the Republic” or “I’ll Fly Away” is. I can think of countless examples of hymns that you don’t hesitate to sing, that are way more shallow than your average CCM song, so I wouldn’t go there if I were you.

CCM is sinful music, is no different than saying that CCM is not godly. It is a declaration of your opinion of CCM, but it offers no substance as to WHY you feel that way! Offer some proof for you declarations if you’re going to be so bold as to make them!!!

CCM is bad because it tries to unequally yoke light with darkness, and the Bible says not to do that.

Is anybody detecting a theme here? I won’t continue to repeat myself, but once again, CCM is declared to be “darkness” without one bit of proof as to WHY it is darkness.

CCM is performed for money and fame, and does not glorify God.

Another 2-part argument, so let’s break this one down too. CCM is indeed performed for money. Albums are sold for money. Concerts are ticketed. All this is true. But, keep in mind that your pastor receives a paycheck every week too. It could be said that he “preaches for money” and that would be true to a certain extent. Paul’s ministry was supported financially, so why can’t a Christian artist support his/her family using the proceeds of sales and tickets? As far as fame goes, perhaps some artists do perform in order to obtain wealth and fame, but isn’t that an inward thing? Who are you to declare the motives of an artist? Can you read his/her mind? Not to mention that simply performing songs for fame is not reason enough to abandon the songs themselves. Just because something wasn’t necessarily meant for good, doesn’t mean that God cannot use it for good. Want proof, check out this guy named Joseph in the Old Testament. I think he’ll tell you otherwise. As far as the “does not glorify God” thing, well like I just said, just because you don’t mean for it to glorify God, doesn’t mean it can’t. Don’t believe me, check out this site and tell me if you still think it’s possible.

CCM artists are wicked worldly people who are in sin.

First of all, PROVE IT!!! Secondly, even if you can, the implication here is that if someone is wicked, we shouldn’t listen to, read, or watch their work. If this is the case, the writings of Paul, Peter, David, Solomon, Moses, etc. are to be discarded because of the wicked things they did. Also, many hymns would have to be abandoned as well, since many hymn writers either used to live in sin, were in sin when they wrote the song, or entered into sin after they wrote the song. These men’s songs are quickly defended by those who cherish their hymns, yet modern Christian artists are constantly being called wicked as a reason to convince people to stop listening to their music. Also, keep in mind that many of the CCM songs are not written by the artists who sing them. Must both the writer and performer pass a “spiritual test” in order for you to approve their songs? At what point do we just give in and admit that a good song, is a good song and stop bothering ourselves with the scrutiny of the lives of the authors and performers? Again, if we had done as much with many of the Biblical authors, we wouldn’t have much of a Bible today.

*For those of you who are going to say something like “but the Bible says we should separate from ungodly people!!!”, I’m going to be writing a post on Biblical separation principles soon, so hold off with the emails until you read that. Let’s just say that we take the principle of separation WAY too far, so I’m going to ask some questions about separation that should make you think a little. Should be fun

OK, well hopefully that got the easy ones out of the way. I probably won’t do five in one post again, as many of the rest will require the entire post to thoroughly debunk them. Look for one, or maybe two if I’m feeling ambitious, in the future. As always, if there are questions, please don’t hesitate to email me with a challenge. I promise I won’t back down. Also, feel free to point out any inaccuracies. I tried very hard to include factually accurate information, but you have reason to believe otherwise, please let me know either though the comments, or email me, but let me warn you, you’d better have proof!

Anyway, until next time…

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