Christian music in a secular world

I used to be. Then I met someone who heard the song "Beautiful" in a movie called "Just Married." She liked the song so much, she bought the CD of the artist (Sarah Sadler). Over the next two months, she listened to that CD alot, which got her to thinking about the faith of her youth. She started going back to church, and through that Christian song in a secular setting, re-dedicated her life to Christ. Worth it? Maybe. Just my opinion though.

 

Reminds me of the old Maranatha! Music group 'Love Song'...

A secular radio station in the Phillipines ('70s) pulled there song, 'A Love Song' off there album and it went #1... In the Phillipines...

Well, some missionaries got wind that 'Love song' was a christan Group and made contact and told them, you won't believe this... You're bigger than the Beetles! (lots of laughs all around on that one.)

But, it was no joke...

So, they flew to the Phillipines for concerts and in the process got to share there faith as did the Christians that attended the concerts...

So, yes, it was used in a secular way...

But, garnered the attention, in this case, of many people who may not have otherwise 'checked out' the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

I am especially encouraged by groups that have a clear message of Faith on their group web sites...

Now, when *those* groups have songs played on secular radio or a movie and people go to check out the group that played the song...

Well, they may *never* go to a church...

But, they'll hear the Gospel notheless...

 

First of all, if the song is ambiguous enough that you can't tell that it's about God, is it really a Christian song?

On the other hand, if it's God's song, then He will use it to speak to those people it's meant to speak to, even if it's in a way that we don't expect.

Gospel songs aren't the Gospel, they're songs. Even if they're about something as important as God, they're just songs.

 

I remember "Love Song!" I have the album!
Boy, am I old!

Anyway, think of P.O.D. Now there's a tough ministry! God works in ways we can't imagine.

 

That's why it is important to remember that no man comes to the Father except the Spirit draw him...

But, the angels in heaven rejoice when one repents...

So, even if a million low lifes don't get it...

It is worth it if the Holy Spirit can use a song to win even just one...

 

Why? We have secular music played in a religious sense all the time. Have you every heard church organists play classical or baroque organ music during worship time or during the prelude/postlude? In fact, we had a soloist a while ago sing the secular Beatles tune "Till There Was You" (also from "The Music Man") to express her feelings when she got saved.

I understand what you're saying, but no, it doesn't bother me. In fact, it tells me that the Christian music in question is so good at conveying the emotion of love that it fits in with the movie. BTW, I haven't seen the movie, but I hear it's pretty good.

BTW - totally off topic: How many people know that the "Wedding Song" (aka, There is Love) was written by Paul of Peter, Paul, and Mary, of "Puff the Magic Dragon" fame? Interesting, ain't it?

 

I read once, and wish I could tell you where, that many songs are refused in the secular music genre so the words are changed slightly and they become 'religious' songs. Honestly, some 'Christian' songs could be sung to a lover instead of the Lord with no words changed at all. THAT bothers me.

Amy Grant has had a few that were so generic they were played on both type stations.

 

It shouldn't Diane. Don't forget Song of Solomon (Song of Songs). IMO, one of the most beautiful books in the Bible. Very inspiring to a soon-to-be-married (3 weeks and counting) bloke like me, and a reminder that I should love my spouse as God loves her.

Then again, I'm a softie, who cries at movies like "Monsters, Inc".

 

Sorry, a song written to our Savior should not be so generic that it could be sung to the 'lover of the week'.

 

Perhaps not, but a song that emotes love for the Savior in the same tone as a spouse loves his/her spouse, that might be on to something.

 

Well I won't buy any Amy Grant because of her adultery but had already felt she was 'selling out' when she crossed from Christian to secular in her songs.

 

Whew, I'm actually glad to hear it. I won't turn the station if Amy Grant comes on, but I refuse to buy her music, because of her adultery. But, for me, it was less about the adultery as much as it was her making excuses for her adultery.

 

MercyMe, DCTalk, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Switchfoot...all of these have had "crossover" hits. So have many others (Third Day, Ms. Grant, Carmen).

Even though these songs may not be a sermon in themselves, they can be a starting point for someone to come to the Lord.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Dear Johnv,

You wrote: " Have you every heard church organists play classical or baroque organ music during worship time or during the prelude/postlude? "

If you come to my church,you will. It's played at the offeratory as well.

I don't think that the Renaissance and Baroque composers of sacred music ever thought that the only place to hear it would be the concert hall!

Besides,how many churches have people skilled in teaching the playing and singing of such ?

In Christ,

Dale

 

What about when Amy Grant sings "Lord, Have Mercy" with M.W. Smith. It is a song of repentance for sin
I am not endorsing her ministry per se, as I have not seen any consistency there, but do you presume to know her heart condition?

"Jesus, I've forgotten the words that You have spoken
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief
Renew the fire again

Chorus
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Repeat

I have built an altar where I worship things of men
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You
Now I am returning to Your mercies ever flowing
Pardon my transgressions
Help me love You again


I have longed to know You & Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness ever flowing without end
I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence
Your grace forever shining
Like a beacon in the night"

BTW, notice that it's not so ambiguous that you can sing it to the "lover of the week"