Epicserve

Watered Down Lyrics

September 28, 2005 | 10:41 a.m. CDT

In our Bible study last night we looked at Mark 9:38-41, it was an interesting look and brought out a prettying interesting discussion. And then this morning I was having a conversation with a good Christian friend from College about Christian musicians because I mentioned that Switchfoot had a new album out.

He asked if the lyrics where watered down. And I said probably, but I had no problem with that because I think subtle lyrics can be good because they can make you think even more because they don't just come right out and say it. Plus, I said subtle lyrics are good because they reach a much broader audience than a song or artist that is blatantly Christian.

My friend wasn't saying subtle Christian Lyrics are bad but this made me then think about the people out their who complain and fight against Christian musicians that have subtle Christian Lyrics. Going back to the verses we studied last night I think this directly applies to people who spend time complaining and fighting against Christian musicians.

Verse 40 says, "...for whoever is not against us is for us." I think in this situation means, don't fight against those that try to bring the Christian message subtly or any other way. At least they are bringing the Christian message! It's better that people listen to subtle Christian lyrics than those that are against God! We have a huge war against real evils. We don't have time to waste on stupid stuff!

Related tags: Christian, Lyrics, Music

Comments

Josh Ballard
1.   At 11:14 a.m. CDT on Sept. 28, 2005, Josh Ballard wrote:

I can understand this point of view, and I'm glad that there are people out there trying to work their way into secular crowd with so called "watered down lyrics." My only problem with this is that so many times when these things happen the bands end up getting caught up in their own fame and forget why they are where they are, and in that case they are destined to fall. The other thing I'd like to point out is that this can't be done in the absense of those artists who are willing to stand up and flat out scream "We're Christian, whether you like it or not." I have so much more respect for those artists who are unashamed and unafraid of what the media or culture may think of them and continue to press on in their music very openly glorifying and praising God. It shows me so much more of where their heart is and makes me consider them a brother/sister in ministry more than an artist. One of my favorite Christian artists whom I consider a brother in ministry is a rapper by the name of LeCrae, and in one of his songs, he approaches this exact topic with these lyrics:

"And my rhyme's intent is to point straight at the cross without using clever lines and hits. I know you'd probably be impressed if I cleverly used my melody, to share Christ without using his name heavily. But, I'd rather be saying his name so much you could never get me confused or discredit me!"

That's my plea for people in ministry, that we would stand up unashamedly and let people know what we're about, which in turn is what this life is all about: serving our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Brent O'Connor
2.   At 11:46 a.m. CDT on Sept. 28, 2005, Brent O'Connor wrote:

Josh,

Thanks for you comments!

I have a ton of respect for Christian musicians that are blatantly obvious about their faith and who they are as Christians. Whether you are blatantly obvious about your faith or subtle about it doesn't change the fact that either way as Christians we are susceptible to sin.

There have been just about as many Christians who where blatantly obvious who have fallen because of sin as Christians who where subtle about it. Either way as a Christian artist whether you are subtle or blatant about it, you still run the risk of bringing down people who follow you or see you as an example. This reminds me of what I read today about what Paul says elders need to be (Titus 1:5-16 ). If you are a leader in any capacity you should try extra hard not to be tempted by sin.

Ryan Merket
3.   At 12:22 p.m. CDT on Oct. 7, 2005, Ryan Merket wrote:

I can't agree more! Great post.

I see people who do this all the time and I am glad you shared this scripture. Have you ever listened to Denison Whitmer?

Brent O'Connor
4.   At 2:10 p.m. CDT on Oct. 7, 2005, Brent O'Connor wrote:

Ryan,

Can't say that I have heard of him.

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