Recently I listened to a podcast that was recommended to me. It was discussing the lyrics to the songs that we sing in church and that are played on Christian radio. I think it is a great wake-up call for us to pay attention to what we are endorsing and what we are allowing in our brain. However I do think there were some points that were exaggerated or taken too far in the extreme.
One point I think I disagree with is that it is better to listen to openly secular music than to listen to music that is billed as Christian but does not have theologically sound lyrics. I see a point in the deception of calling it something that it's not, however I don't think that Christians must be doing something defined as Christian every minute of the day because there are many things in life that are amoral. Songs that are amoral are fine to listen to and sing, but many secular songs are not amoral--they are immoral! Some promote and celebrate sinful behavior, some degrade wonderful behavior, etc. These are as theologically unsound as some "worship" songs and are harmful to our consciences as well.
It was also said that for any artist or radio station that defines itself as "Christian", every song sang or played is automatically a "worship" song. I disagree with this as well.
I already have issues with the way the word *worship* is used. It is common practice to use this term to refer to the music part of a church service--where the focus is on learning and remembering who God is and communicating to Him honor, gratitude, etc. I think this is what they were thinking of when they say "worship" song. Many churches also repeatedly spend time to explain that giving in the offering, serving in church ministries, going to our weekday jobs, being a witness in our daily lives are worship too. So why do we keep on creating confusion by calling music "worship" ? There is a specialness to the music part of a typical church service that I haven't yet found an appropriate term for, but I will keep trying!
(to be continued)
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