Do you listen to Hillsong Worship? How about Skillet? Or, Justin Bieber? Maybe, all three?
Music is subjective. We like some genres over others. Right now, worship music is huge. Christian contemporary is popular. But, others like rock music and hip-hop.
Me, I like most genres. But, I do prefer Christian rock over anything else. My wife loves worship and contemporary music; she’s not so much a fan of rock or hip-hop. And, you know what, that’s okay.
Now, mainstream music opens up a different can of worms. Much of music in the mainstream—or secular—sounds similar to Christian. Plus, it has the same genres (rock, pop, among others). The singers are just as talented. The main difference lies in the song’s message—that is, the lyrics.
Christian music glorifies God and His messages. It’s meant to lift others up, not tear others down. Many mainstream songs, on the other hand, glorify sex, violence, and other religions.
Not to mention many artists aren’t necessarily the best role models. And, let’s not forget the music videos. As I said previously, mainstream music opens up a different can of worms.
But, not everything is so black and white. Just because some mainstream songs have inappropriate messages, doesn’t mean they all do. Many of us—definitely, not all—write off the mainstream as negative, period. But, that’s not true at all.
Oftentimes, we think—whether it be subconsciously or not—Christian music itself is one genre. But, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I admit listening to just Christian music is safer. When listening to new music, you don’t have to always check the lyrics. Question the song’s message or stay away from the music video. Do I do this, you ask? You bet, I do.
I grew up listening to mainstream music. And, one thing I’ve learned over the years is there are many songs, artists, and bands that build us up, not tear us down (there’s more than you think). Lifehouse and Natasha Bedingfield have released many songs with positive messages. Lifehouse’s “Everything” is considered a worship song. Worship band Jesus Culture released the song on their 2006 album, “Everything (Live).”
Some songs of Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Ed Sheeran have positive messages, as well. Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” is one of the best love songs I’ve ever heard. Many country songs have positive messages and glorify God. Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” fits the bill.
Keep in mind that many Christian artists and bands play to both Christian and mainstream: tobyMac, NF, Switchfoot, Needtobreathe, Tori Kelly, Scott Stapp, for King and Country, Lauren Diagle, and the list goes on.
Many Christian artists collaborate with mainstream musicians. In the last year, Chris Tomlin released Chris Tomlin & Friends, an album featuring collaborations with country sensations Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, among others. Zach Williams collaborated with country music legend Dolly Parton in the mega-hit, "There Was Jesus." And, there's more.
Some of us go song by song—Christian or mainstream. We don’t fit into any extreme. If it’s Ed Sheeran, the listener checks the lyrics, adds the song to their Apple Music or Spotify collection. And, life goes on.
So, where do you fit in? Do you enjoy worship or Christian contemporary music? Do you enjoy both Christian and mainstream music? Or, do you listen to music one song at a time? Whatever it is, enjoy the music, but do discern well.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 10 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.
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