I know there is much debate on this one. Is Christian rock really Christian music? Yes. Absolutely, definitively, and by definition. They have Christian lyrics, they have a Christian message, so there should be no question there. However, a much more important question could be raised, is it holy and acceptable to God? That question raises some serious issues, and in my personal walk, I've found a variety of answers.
Simply put for me, I am a Christian. I play a variety of instruments. But, nearly everything I play, I play for the glory of God. I play to praise him. Even if I'm not heard, it's enough for me to know that I'm doing it with my whole heart, atuned to God. So, if I play a Kutless song, or a Pillar song, am I suddenly serving Satan instead of God? How about a greyer area? What if I play a Green Day song? Can I still say I'm a Christian musician?
I think this is something that each of us should answer personally. I don't care how great of logic people come up with, I know that my personal experience has been far to great to accept anyone telling me that Christian rock is evil. I've felt drawn to God through it. it speaks to me in ways that hymns NEVER will. It addresses issues the old hymns don't.
Hymns like talking about the great things that will happen after we die, or the wickedness of the world. Great. But how does that minister to me NOW? I'm not a Christian because I want to get to heaven when I die, I'm a Christian because I desire a deep relationship with Christ NOW. Modern Christian music often addresses things that we are going through now, living in today. Often the message is strong, but sometimes it does get diluted. But, because some are fakes, does that mean all are condemned? There are fake Christians, and fake churches everywhere you look. Do we then decide that Christianity is false?
Christ himself said, that there would be fakes. But those that are real in Him will know them and reject them. Listen to the message, and use discernment before casting judgement.
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