When a couple of weeks ago we posted this message we received from a listener whom we chose not to identify … we asked for your opinion and did you agree with the point he was making:
I believe our music ought to be Scripturally accurate, as well as convey a true picture of Christ, Christians, and the Church. I have heard a couple of songs on enLighten that I do not believe fit these criteria. One of them, while a very catchy tune, starts off by putting down a preacher for preaching “fire and brimstone.” I’m sorry, but I believe there is way too little “fire and brimstone” preaching today. I agree with the basic premise of the song (“My God’s a Big God”), but I do not think we ought to include in our songs downplaying the very kind of convicting messages that have brought millions to Christ through the ages. The writer also stated: Another song that basically does the same thing talks about a young preacher who was upset that he could no longer preach the Ten Commandments, and was advised to “just preach Jesus.” If we TRULY preach Jesus, we will ALSO preach the Ten Commandments!
This is a valid issue for all of us involved in Christian music to carefully consider … and I am truly pleased that so many of you responded. Here are just a few that we received:
I agree with the article … I think songs should be based on Scripture for several different reasons. Primarily, though, for those that are not believers, this might be the closest they get to the Truth. Alice
Any music which can draw people to thinking of religion is a pretty good song, and whoever complained should just sit back and enjoy rather than attempting to read more into some of the songs. These artists are spreading the word of Jesus but having some fun doing it at the same time. Marita
After listening to the whole song (“My God’s A Big God”), I understand what they are trying to say. It did disturb me for a little when I first heard it. However, we have to remember that these are songs and not Scripture itself and sometimes the artists try more to write a good song than stick to doctrine. Robyn
I would ask the dissenting listener who wants just pure B.I.B.L.E. to listen to some of the hymns and carols that have been revered for centuries. He would have to write off quite a few of the 200-400 year-old standards. There are greater examples of flawed theology and “bibleology” in many of those old standards that we all love. Robert, Winnipeg, Canada
Regarding the person who only wants “SCRIPTURE SONGS” … most songwriters write from inspiration, so God inspires different kinds of songs. Who wants to eat steak every day? God is more versatile than that. I am SO BLESSED when “Ring the Bells of Heaven,” “Just Beyond the Sunset” and these types of songs are played. It picks me up from the doom and gloom of the “only scripture and serious songs” that have been playing. As always a balance in anything is the best solution. Dollie, Amarillo, Texas
I think this gentleman is being too picky. I am very familiar with these songs and I do not believe they were written to convey any other message than that of loving and praising the Lord. I am sure the writer of this song had no intention of saying we should leave out the Ten Commandments or the “fire and brimstone.” I also believe that many people who are not Christians will be more likely to come to Him when the LOVE of God is conveyed to them, rather than hell and fury. Doris, Scott City, Kansas
Finally, this message arrived from Gerald just as I was preparing this post:
Has anyone listened to the lyric of the song “You Might Have Heard Of Me” that’s being played on enLighten? You might want to consider pulling the song from your playlist, as the opening line is fairly offensive … “I woke up this morning, kissed my boyfriend on the cheek …” which seems to insinuate they’re living together. The song goes on to have a decent message, but it’s just really hard to get past that opening line.
This is not near all of the comments we’ve received regarding this. However, it represents a good cross-section of them. And, if you have thoughts or feelings, please E-mail us now.
Finally … I must pose this question: There are three Southern Gospel recordings involved in this discussion – all are or have recently been near the top of the Singing News Top 80 chart, which is compiled from reports of airplay by my peers who are heard on radio stations in the U. S. and Canada. Does this mean that we are failing to properly do our job in judging the content of new recordings before approving them for inclusion in our programming?
Marlin
