Christian Music
I love music. But I am ashamed of the way it’s abused in our culture.
The Bible makes it clear that human nature, apart from the Holy Spirit, is sinful. Therefore, I believe that if a musician only allows his natural human instincts, emotions, and desires to instruct his music, he will by default create sinful music.
We hear sinful music every day in the world. Sadly, we also hear it in churches and Christian homes, when people are ignorant of music’s moral messages.
Below are several essays I have written about discerning music for the glory of God. This is my point of view. You may have evidence I haven’t seen yet. Please bring my ideas to the Word of God and be led by the Spirit of God.
I am human too.
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What is Christian Music?
What makes music Christian? Is it the lyrics? the author or composer? the artists? the hearer? the time and place? All of the above? None of the above?
I Love Me, This I Know
Know what’s sad? Many praise and worship songs and hymns we sing today only proclaim truth about Jesus Christ in relation to how it affects US as human beings. Know what’s sadder? Many believers don’t know what else we would sing about. Do you?
Mi – Mi – Me
Read this first, before you stone me to death.
Finding an Absolute Standard for Christian Music
It bothers me that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ don’t seem to find consensus on one essential, central, absolute, discernible standard of music. We do, after all, offer our music to the same One God and Living Lord of our faith.
Hymns on the March
Do you know how Darwin’s theory changed church music? Here’s an oversimplified look at the progression of church music from ancient to modern times.
The 10-Yard Test
Is it possible to set aside personal preferences and judge music solely as a Christian, not as a musician? I wrote this back in 2006 and I still don’t know whether it works for anyone but myself.
Theory of Music History
Yes, I classify jazz and blues with rock music. Grit your teeth and love me anyway.
Discerning Poetic Truth
Trying to answer my long-standing question: At what point does “poetic license” in a hymn text become unbiblical?
Kevin DeYoung on Church Music
Some thoughts sparked by reading a pastor’s 10 principles of church songs and singing. His ideas are exceptionally fine and balanced, though he missed the biggest principle of all.
There’s a Place Somewhere
Exploring some similarities between old Spirituals and contemporary praise music.
Crossing the Line
Crossover music meets crossover literature
Your Attention, Please
A non-scientific observation that I hope nobody will take too seriously but somebody will seriously consider.
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For Fun:
Playing Around
Her and Hymns
Thoroughly Inspired
Laughing All the Way
Not a Christmas Carol
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