Music Series: Part 5

One of the most interesting things I’ve learned from looking at the issue of music in Christianity is how often people are literally stigmatized based on nothing more than what they listen to. Seriously, we do it every day. For instance, a person from a more conservative sect of Christianity can very easily meet a person from a less conservative sect and get along perfectly fine up until it’s time to turn on the radio. We (and I’m talking to you, Christians) can make snap judgements by little more than looking through someone’s CD wallet! How shallow is that? That’s the topic of Part 5 of our music series.

CCM represents rebellion, therefore it is sin.

Even right off the bat, you can see how the preceeding “argument” is nothing more than a judgemental condescention packaged in such a way that it resembles an intelligent point. Don’t be fooled. It is neither a good point nor intelligent.

My girlfriend, who is a high school music teacher, told me this story once and it almost make me hit the ceiling! One of her students came up to her and asked her if she liked the band Casting Crowns (a CCM band). Because of the policies of the school, she wasn’t permitted to answer, but the student proceeded to give his opinion. He said that he lays in bed at night with the headphones under the pillow listening to the local CCM radio station, and fell in love with the song “If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns. The reason he has to hide the fact that he listens to it is because his parents disapprove! Let me quote some of the lyrics to you:

It’s crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls’ teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren’t His arms reaching
Why aren’t His hands healing
Why aren’t His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren’t His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

For the rest of the lyrics, go here

Now on what planet should a teenager who is yearning to listen to this type of music be afraid to do so? It’s nearly impossible for me to comprehend the amount of stupidity that would make a parent so against this music that a child would be afraid of punishment for listening.

But here, we are trying to be fair. So instead of insulting the parents, let’s dissect one of the arguments. Is CCM a sign of rebellion?

It would probably more accurately represent their position to say that CCM is a musical style that resembles a musical style that represents rebellion. Either way, let’s dive in. However, I’ll have to warn you, there isn’t much to this argument, therefore I don’t have much to say about it. It’s simply another example of leveling an outrageous charge in order to shock Christians into compliance. Anyway, on we go.

One of the most vacuous websites on the internet is WayofLife.org. This site is a haven for people looking to validate their opinions with loosely gathered biblical references and more than a few misinterpretations of CCM artists. I find the site to be repugnant, but at the same time it gives good insight into the minds of those who viciously oppose new music. They’ll call it “rebellious”, “sinful”, “sensual”, etc., while completely ignoring ANY of the good. Regardless, they have an entire page dedicated to convincing you that CCM is rebellious. They quote a few artists, almost always out of context or with an accompanying “interpretations” of the statement immediately following. It’s generally a hodgepodge of ridiculousness meant to eliminate any desire you may have to listen to good music like Casting Crowns. Why do they say it’s rebellious. I’ll sum it up for you.

After reading over the whole site, the main point I take away from it is, WOL thinks the Bible says CCM is wrong. Therefore, if you don’t think it’s wrong, then you are rebelling against the Bible. Therefore, if you like CCM, you are rebellious. Now, I don’t have to tell you how ridiculous that sounds do I? I hope not.

There are more substantial arguments out there, and I don’t want to ignore them. For instance, much of Rock music was produced in the spirit of the rebellious culture of the 60’s and 70’s. Since some CCM music resembles that style of music, CCM is too closely associated with rebellion. Many times, these people are smart enough to not call it “sin” (since it isn’t), but they come so close that they might as well say it. You’ll hear phrases like “a little too close” or “dangerously close” or “flirting with” when they refer to it. Please don’t get me wrong, I do not condone listening to music that promotes a rebellious attitude. But we have to be smart enough to realize that CCM is taking a musical style and writing original songs with original spiritual lyrics.

Bottom line, CCM is not rebellious. Even the more “hard” stuff is, while perhaps unpleasant to some, not rebellious. It is a simple example of people using familiar, non-sinful methods of expressing their love and worship of God. Poetry written on paper or a napkin is still poetry. Thankfully, some people have realized this. Sadly, others have not. (seriously, you need to read that last link. You know someone has gone off the deep end when they thing Patch the Pirate is borderline sinful!!!!)

Previous posts in the Music Series:
Part 1
Part 1.5
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Also, feel free to address any concerns or inaccuracies in the comments or you can also email me, and don’t forget to subscribe to my feed if you haven’t already!

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