I have been hearing quite a bit about Reformed Rap in recent days. Many of these rappers have gained quite a bit of notoriety and publicity, and they have been publicized by ministries such as Desiring God, Way of the Master, and others. I have quite honestly been puzzled as to what to think about the movement: can it really be wrong if so many good men are approving of it? I have given it some serious thought, and I have come to the following conclusions.
Before I begin, though, I want to make something clear. Music is not a simple issue and should not be treated with canned answers. My philosophy of music is more detailed than I will get into here, but my conviction is that music itself–not lyrics–undeniably has a spirit. The spirit of music has an extremely powerful influence on the hearer. If you don’t agree, ask any writer of music soundtracks, and I assure you, he will agree with me. No one writing a funeral song is going to use the tune of “Yankee Doodle.” So music itself has a message, and it is my belief that the message that the music conveys must suit the message of the lyrics, as well as the occasion.
I also want to emphasize that any observations relating to the culture of Hip Hop do not apply just to it. Undoubtedly, genres like heavy metal, rock, punk, and others have many of the same qualities. Indeed, the whole world system embodies many of the qualities I will refer to. Since Christian rap is the topic, though, I will be referring to the hip hop culture.
The first problem I see with Christian rap is that rap as a genre has a lot of baggage. I don’t think anyone would deny that. Secular rap celebrates and glorifies things that are antithetical to the gospel; things like drugs, crime, promiscuous sex, hate, rebellion, and violence. In addition to these more obvious things, rap, and the culture that surrounds it, celebrates pride and arrogance. The clothing, the cars, the attitude, and more, all reflect self-centeredness and self-glorification.
That is not to say that God couldn’t possibly use rap as a tool for His glory. What it does mean, however, is that anyone attempting to become a Christian rapper, regardless of his heart, will be faced with the very large obstacle of imitating and assimilating himself into that culture without imitating its associated sins– especially the more subtle sins of pride and self-promotion. The same is true for anyone attempting to reach the culture by becoming like it. Imitate the world in appearance and speech, even with the best of intentions, is a slippery slope that will almost always lead to imitating the world in morality and values (Rom. 12:2).
The second problem I see is that mediums such as Christian Rap are often justified because they are “reaching” people. This is a big problem– it is clearly unscriptural to view music as a tool for evangelism. Scripture unequivocally states that God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe for the very reason that it shouldn’t work (1 Cor. 1:21). When it does, God gets the glory and not man.
Third, I believe justifying Reformed rap creates an unhealthy, even hypocritical, double standard. I cannot count the times I have heard Reformed preachers decry the cultural compromise and unscriptural worship and evangelism methods displayed by the evangelical church at large, and yet when Reformed lyrics are put to a rap song, all that changes. Why?
I believe it’s because my Reformed brethren have a bad habit of putting correct doctrine on a pedestal that it should not be on. Doctrine is important, vitally so, and yet it is not the only test of a godliness and holiness. I fear that proper doctrine has become the test of all things in Reformed circles. If a rap song has doctrinally sound, even doctrinally rich, lyrics, it must be OK, since no one could ever communicate sound doctrine in a way that is ungodly, right? Wrong. God, through Paul, commands the young pastor Titus to teach conduct that is fitting for sound doctrine. In other words, right doctrine must always be followed by right attitudes and actions.
Finally, where do we draw the line in becoming like the culture to reach the culture? Is Reformed hip hop, OK, while Reformed death metal is not? If music really is morally neutral, which I have heard many Reformed brothers say, can we use any genre or style to communicate the Gospel?
The reason this concerns and troubles me is because God saved me out of the punk rock culture. Punk rock glorifies rebellion and anarchy. The music– again, not just the lyrics — is in your face, aggressive, and loud. Is it really possible to communicate the glorious truths of the Gospel through a medium that reflects anger, rebellion, and even hatred? Coming from that background, I would say no. I can’t fathom God receiving glory from music that sounds like it was born in hell.
Please understand that my comments are no reflection on individuals and their walk with the Lord. I am absolutely sure that there are Reformed rappers, Shai Linne, for one, who love the Lord and desire to glorify Him. Nor am I saying that it is impossible to be a Christian and rap about the truth. What I am saying, though, is that I believe extreme caution is in order. It is far to easy to get burned when playing with the fire of cultural conformity and relevance. Again, where you draw the line? God warns against cultural conformity for a reason (Rom. 12:2, etc.), and it is foolish to think that sound doctrine makes anything and everything acceptable. We must test the spirits, and be sure that the flesh is not creeping in.
Why did I write all this? The following video bothered me. It has a very fleshly spirit about it, from the dancing girls in tight shirts, to the practically moshing audience. The performers, as well as the music and the way the lyrics are sung, exude a spirit of pride, arrogance, and look-at-me-ness. I can’t imagine Jesus Christ being at the event and being pleased– and no, I don’t say that just because I’m white. Ignore the lyrics entirely, and I believe you will see little difference from any other secular rapper. Watch the video and come to your own conclusions.
A Note: I know there are many Reformed folks who say that music is morally neutral and cannot be right or wrong. I would answer that by saying that it is a postmodern lie that should be rejected. Individual letters on a page are not sinful, but they can easily be combined to communicate ungodly and sinful ideas. To deny that words have meaning is to deny the authority of Scripture. Likewise, individual musical notes and sounds are not right or wrong in and of themselves, but the message they convey, and the spirit of that message, can have moral significance.
65 Comments
September 24, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Boo!
I wonder what they would’ve said when the first instrument was brought into the church. Heavens no…Oh, the humanity.
September 24, 2008 at 7:56 pm
[...] After giving it some thought, I have written down some of my conclusions on the issue, which can be read here at Always [...]
September 24, 2008 at 8:46 pm
The audience in that video gives me pause as well – quite worldly. But to produce one sample and from that condemn all ‘redeemed hip-hop’ is rather unfortunate.
I’ve never been a hip-hop fan… until I listened to Shai Linne’s “The Atonement”. The “tone” or mood of the music fit the subject matter – the crucifixion – perfectly. And I’ve never heard anything that comes close to the level of solid, Biblical, theologically packed content in ANY other genre of music. Not by a long shot.
I agree there is much undesirable baggage to hip-hop and extreme danger from its culture, but I just don’t buy the argument that boils down to “if it’s got a beat, if it makes your foot tap, then it’s only of the flesh, and therefore evil”. You’ve swerved over into the opposite ditch, I humbly believe, if that sentiment characterizes you.
Check out some artists at the lampmode label. The albums there *consistently* proclaim the law, the wrath of God, and a crystal clear call to repentance and faith in Christ. Sure we can all hum along with the sweet milk of Chris Tomlin but if you’re curious to hear Jonathan Edwards style preaching set to an urban sound, then get ready for some solid food in “rappers” like Shai Linne.
September 24, 2008 at 8:48 pm
This is a brutal topic. How and where do you draw the line? I think the only way to know if God is in it and not the world is not by its sound but by its fruits. If it brings people to true honest repentence and faith the devil can’t be in control of it can he?…On a side note, if you want a great ‘music experience”…grab an old old old hymn book and just read the songs and the calls to worship. some of the richest most fertile soil outside of scripture!!
September 24, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Oh and I didn’t want to watch the video so no comment on that in particular.
September 24, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Dave,
I’m curious, do you read my entire article? It doesn’t sound like you have– it sounds like you have jumped to conclusions and put me in the reactionary, legalistic crowd.
You said “To produce one sample and from that condemn all ‘redeemed hip-hop’ is rather unfortunate.”
That is definitely not what I have done. I am trying to be biblical, and I did not condemn anything. What I did do was say that “extreme caution” is in order. I don’t believe I’m doing anything more than the Bible does in warning us to stay spotted from the world and it’s values.
The reason I used that video is because that rapper is Lecrae, a rapper who has been featured by Desiring God. I took issue with the video because he is someone who is considered legitimate by a respected Reformed ministry.
Again, don’t legitimize any form of music simply because of good lyrics. Again, where is the line drawn?
September 24, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Jason–
Perhaps you could state your comment more clearly– it doesn’t make sense.
September 24, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Warren:
“If it brings people to true honest repentence and faith the devil can’t be in control of it can he?”
I don’t necessarily agree with that. God can save people in spite of things sometimes, but that doesn’t mean they are right simply because they are effective. We have to evaluate methods on more than just results, or we will simply fall into pragmatism.
Amen about the old hymnbooks!
September 24, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Music delivers the emotional weight that, when combined with appropriate words delivers both what you should believe in your mind with what you feel. This song preached the gospel with the emotional weight of a personal testimony.
I whole-heartily recommend this rapper. He is a preacher. He is an evangelist. He is an artist. He tells the gospel of Christ in love with conviction.
All of the supposed arrogance and moshing in this video looked to me more like… dancing. They are musicians. They dance. The moshing you refer to is a form of dancing and there is nothing sinful about it.
You have jumped to the conclusion that they are merely engaging in cultural conformity and relevance, rather than recognizing that most of these individuals being themselves. They grew up with this kind of music and they love this kind of music. They are musicians and they are artists, and have freedom to proclaim the gospel in song.
Would you go to a church in India and accuse them of cultural conformity if they used native Indian instruments? The hymns are great, but for some reason I don’t visualize Indians singing “A Mighty Fortress.” They can write equally theologically pleasing songs the way they understand music.
These Reformed rappers have assimilated into Reformed theology, they are not just 20-somethings looking to be the only pastor in town who wears jeans at church.
As for your Christian death metal comment… actually… there is a band who fits death metal style into their music with Christian lyrics, most of which center around Jesus’s crucifixion. Their name is, “With Blood Comes Cleansing.” They have songs like, “Lash Upon Lash,” “Golgotha,” and “Hematidrosis.” (Hematidrosis is the condition the Jesus had when he sweated blood). It isn’t for everyone, but I like it and it makes me reflect on the suffering and passion of Christ.
You are right when you say that extreme caution is in order. But then again, when is it not in order? Extreme caution must be taken in going to work and eating lunch with unbelievers. Extreme caution must be taken in all of evangelism. You write a blog, but the internet is swarming with pornography. You have to use extreme caution every time you get online. But blogs are helpful and legitimate ways to glorify Christ and proclaim the gospel.
I find no fault in this particular song/video. I think that the recent trend of heresies being passed off as legitimate Christianity (like the emergant church, word-faith, prosperity gospel) has pushed people to hyper-discernment, where the standard is no longer “the scripture,” but “the scripture in my tradition.” Anything else is post-modern, relevant, or cultural conformity. I just have to disagree.
September 24, 2008 at 9:46 pm
The Church is being infiltrated by the ” spirit of the world.” There may be so called ” godly lyrics ” But the style is still worldly.
You can tell what is of God and what is of the world by the anointing. But I mean genuine Holy Ghost anointing.
Many within the Church can’t recognize the true anointing. god help us. artm.
September 24, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Just a PS. As far as music being neutral, Ezekiel 28:13 says, Speaking of satan,” the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.”
This is speaking of music. satan certanily had something to do with music before he fell because of rebellion against God.
It is hard for me to believe that he does not now in his fallen state use music to lure and deceive.
There is the spirit of the world behind much of what is given as worship music in today’s church.
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit reveals the difference. artm
September 24, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Hi Samuel,
“I’m curious, do you read my entire article? It doesn’t sound like you have– it sounds like you have jumped to conclusions and put me in the reactionary, legalistic crowd.”
My bad. I got to your post from a blog I respect, but I do believe in this one area has fallen into the opposite ditch. I lumped you in with that sentiment when I shouldn’t have. My apologies. And ‘condemn’ was clearly the wrong word.
Back to the music: I guess I simply found it extremely encouraging to have found solid theology, artistically expressed, coming from an urban environment. The handful of artists I’ve found at this label do not give mere lip service to God’s Word as so much of CCM, but rather have titles like “Expository Journey”, “Killing Sin”, etc. Good stuff, if you can get past a possible (subjective?) dislike of the rap thing.
I completely agree that music is not always (rarely?) neutral – e.g. Death Metal – but it *can* be. I think pipe organs are grand, but I can’t help but think there were some who greatly objected when the first organ was wheeled into a church, aping the modern music style of the world at the time.
If you desire to warn people not to automatically adopt hook line and sinker an artist because a big name likes him, then I’m with ya. Every song, video, and performance must individually be held up to the light of Scripture and evaluated. Never assume, always discern
Dave
September 24, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I appreciate this article as I too, have seen the same thing; in regard not just to music, but other things like language (al la Mark Driscoll).
While I believe the Doctrines of Grace, I am seeing that TULIP is a free pass to any teacher. Practice IS ignored, as long as you yodal “TULIP!”
Perhaps the problem is that people SAY they believe in certain doctrine, when in reality they don’t believe it. Not REALLY. Its professed but not acted upon.
Take the Rap issue & the thinking that its “reaching the lost” (how many God-haters would think its cool rapping about Jesus anyway?). This is Arminian reasoning and practice in the camp that declares “Total Sovereignty of God”.
Ahem. Anyone see the problem here?
Biblical doctrine will ALWAYS have a practicle application: that is why we must know Truth. We are sanctified by it.
If we truly trust the Sovereignty of God, then let’s act accordingly and not rally around others who use the world to “reach” the world. HIS ways are higher than our ways. His means of salvation, the preaching of the Cross, is foolishness to the God-haters and they cannot understand it.
Otherwise, the criticism of other camps like the TBNers or Free Willers by Reformers ought to stop.
September 24, 2008 at 10:44 pm
“I don’t necessarily agree with that. God can save people in spite of things sometimes, but that doesn’t mean they are right simply because they are effective. We have to evaluate methods on more than just results, or we will simply fall into pragmatism.” That’s a great point and I have no idea how to be the music police as far as style goes. If there is sin in it in any way it is wrong! As an extreme example you can’t invite men to a gentelman’s club and honestly preach because it is a contradiction. You would not get a true convert because their whole view of Christ would be distorted. Same thing if there is sin in the musical presentation of the Word. I guess I don’t view someone being honestly repentent and saved as “results” at least as that word is generally used so I’m not 100 percent on what you mean by that. I picture people raising there hand to some kind of alter call. The only way salvation can truly come is through Biblical preaching and the Holy Spirit. I’m not sure that God would truly work in a sin filled ministry. If it’s all tainted with sin it is not producing good fruit. If there is preaching through the music and the only sin that can be found is the style … I can’t say you’re wrong(in regards to the style itself I know it does seem so worldly) but I’m not sure that’s a finger I could point at a young man and then follow it up with “this is an organ and you will worship this way”! That feels pretty icky.
ps Did i just use the word FEELS on a blog? Feelings oh whoa whoa feeeeelings……..
September 24, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I actually agree with most of what Sam wrote.
However, I don’t agree that “it is clearly unscriptural to use music as a tool for evangelism.” The original Greek word commonly translated “preaching” is “kerugma” and refers to “proclamation of the gospel.” Translating this word “preaching” may be unfortunate since it connotes a specific activity that has cultural meaning for us today that may or may not have been similar to the more general activity that the early church engaged in, e.g. proclaiming the gospel. And perhaps it is more correct to say that music is used today, not so much to evangelize, but to attract people, much as Jesus did with his miracles and feeding of thousands, which then provides an opportunity for proclaiming the gospel in more traditional ways anyway.
September 25, 2008 at 12:28 am
Paul spoke of songs:
Eph 5:19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Col 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Songs are in the context of worshipping God, especially corporately. However, we don’t see songs being sung to the God-haters about Jesus. When proclaiming the Gospel, it is preaching. The activity we see from Jesus, His disciples, and the apostles, was telling of Christ, not singing of the Cross. HIS ways are better than our ways. I hope you see what I mean.
September 25, 2008 at 12:39 am
2 thoughts come to my mind after reading some of these posts.
1) we were teaching 6th grade boys about king saul and now king david. saul was disobedient and then samuel went to jesses house as directed by GOD. Who was picked ? 1 Samuel 16:7 David, because GOD looks at the heart and not the outward apperance. my experience with CHRISTian rap is a good percentage of it is very scriptually based. most of the time when i hear a CHRISTian rap song i have no doubt whom they love and serve and that they are singing to GOD.
having said that my next thought is that in everything including music we should be like the Berean church Acts 17:11 and search the scriptures daily to see if what we see/hear lines up with scripture.
we need to have discerning hearts in all we do.
September 25, 2008 at 1:41 am
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. You have definitely given me some food for thought.
I just want to clarify one thing (which I tried to make clear in the article): I am not criticizing the heart of these men. I believe there are many who sincerely desire to serve God and glorify him with their music. I also do not believe Reformed rap is completely wrong. I just believe that caution is necessary as it is only a very small step into performing for crowds, creating an image, and missing the message. It’s a big danger, I think.
And no, I do not think pipe organs are the only acceptable instrument, nor would I force a church in South Africa to sing western music! I find it amusing how much is read into my comments
I definitely understand cultural differences.
Thanks again for all your comments and for helping continue to think through this and analyze it biblically.
September 25, 2008 at 1:44 am
Having been saved just a few years ago and being in my 20’s, I am shocked that such a wordly video would ever be considered “Christian.” I agree with the above statement that God looks at the heart, but this group’s heart was clearly displayed in this video. In worshipping the King of Kings, I could never be okay with flashy shots of me and my gold, while flashing curious hand movements to the camera. While in college I listened to music similar to this and lived the selfish life full of it’s wicked pleasures but when Jesus Christ saved me, He saved me FROM the world. I have come out from it, and I’m saddened that so many of my generation and older are trying to justify it. The world created rap. This is just another example of Christians selling out the gospel for the world. The gospel is power, and songs sung with a heart after the gospel and a heart of praise, reverence, and in the Spirit of truth, are beautiful and powerful to our God. This past Sunday night I went to a very large mega-church I have never been to, Willowcreek Community Church, for a worship service. I enjoyed the worship, but when the pastor spoke the few brief times, his words were so watered down. After service as my friends and I sat and talked for awhile, we noticed that all the songs that were being played as the background music were secular. Like John Mayer, India Arie, Lenny Kravitz, and even Hip Hop! Here I was listening to the SAME things I would listen to while in the WORLD! And this church has thousands of people attending each weekend! Ironically Bill, the pastor at this church, talked of the need for good Christian music to be played in our homes and cars! I wonder now if that was just to get us to buy the worship groups cd’s! Pray for discernment brothers and sister. Pray for GOD’S truth on the subject. Do not trust YOUR heart (for it’s deceitful above all things). Pray for these pastors that are hardly different from the world. And for the thousands and thousands of souls that are under the shepharding of such men.
September 25, 2008 at 1:51 am
Amen, Dana, Amen!
September 25, 2008 at 2:01 am
Thanks, Samuel. I agree completely.
September 25, 2008 at 2:13 am
[...] If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. You can also subscribe by e-mail. Thanks for visiting!Samuel Laurence Guzmán discuss the phenomenon of Christian rap. [...]
September 25, 2008 at 3:39 am
This subject came up a while back on Lane Chaplin’s blog, where I left the following comment ragarding Paul Washer:
http://www.lanechaplin.com/2008/04/paul-washer-preaching-to-reformed.html
September 25, 2008 at 3:52 am
“The second problem I see is that mediums such as Christian Rap are often justified because they are “reaching” people. This is a big problem– it is clearly unscriptural to view music as a tool for evangelism. Scripture unequivocally states that God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe for the very reason that it shouldn’t work (1 Cor. 1:21).”
If this is true then why in 1 Corinthians 9:22 does Paul talk about becoming all things to all people to reach them by all possible means. I am not saying that we should go out and become a murderer for the sake of trying to reach that murderer but what I am saying is that who are we to play the role of God. If God can so choose to use rap to “reach people” then he can. And he has because I was in the Christian Rap industry at one time and I saw people’s lives changed. And, that was genuine life change. I think LeCrae is doing an amazing job at evangelism. He is preaching Jesus in a manner that makes people uncomfortable. Isn’t that what Jesus did? The pharisees hated what Jesus had to say, and HOW he said it. That is a perfect example of what LeCrae is dealing with. He is preaching the eternal joy found in Jesus. We should back him up and not beat him down. Don’t be a pharisee.
September 25, 2008 at 3:52 am
Exodus 32 describes the event of Moses and Joshua descending the mountain. The first inkling they had that something was wrong in the Israelite camp was the sound of singing (Ex. 32:17-18). The Israelites thought they were worshiping the Lord (Ex 32:5). But Scripture describes a scene that included dancing as part of the debauchery that was related to the music 32:19).
Music is not neutral; its message is inherent in its sound constructs – and these are discernable cross-culturally. The music in this video – apart from the words – is vividly sensual. To deny that requires desensitization to the sound.
When Christ enters a culture (that of India, for example) will that culture not be changed as a result of the hearts He has changed? Will the changed hearts of poets, painters, composers and authors not result in changed poems, art, music and literature?
Unless of course a well-meaning Christian, influenced by the pervasive postmodern relativism of our day, tells new Christians in a different culture that there is no objective meaning in their art and that Christ is not Lord of all our activities.
September 25, 2008 at 4:45 am
What surprises me is why so many “Reactors” to this posting keep saying that Rap is music. I recently watched a DVD done by Black young evangelists that (their words) said Hip Hop is a life style and not music. The said Rap is the music of Hip Hop. They defined Hip Hop as the philosophy of a culture gone bad and the music reflects the rebellious attitude. Frankly what we are hearing is poetry, crafted in an angry style accompanied by electronic sounds and not true music. Oh the sounds are very captivating to the senses but it does not take a rocket scientist to discern dumb, attitude filled electronic sounds done by technicians and not music done by a true artist. The volume never changes. The dis anent sounds do not attract the ear with any kind of harmony at all. Rather the listener is attracted to rhythmic sounds that have be misnamed music. The immature defender of Rap always ends up defending this artless product by saying “but I Like It”. Frankly a human being can become captivated and even addicted by any repeating sound if it is done lone enough. Some might find them selves finding comfort from hearing the continual croaking of a frog or the continual squeeking of a wheel. Man is easily hypnotized with these products. The excuse it the feeling one gets as he gets caught up in the euphoria of the hypnotic sound. In order to justify it we label it WORSHIP and that label is supposed to justify it. Don’t forget in Corinth there were prostitutes that performed their trade and it was called worship.
Lets face it. There is a thing called ATTITUDE. It is reflected in the “artistry” of a song. Frankly a lot of the attitude that I am finding in so called “Christian or Reformed Rap” simply demonstrates how low some folks will go as they “shake their bodies for Jesus”. If we will except this stuff as “music” we need to go back to our rhythm sticks in kindergarten. Lets clear our heads and our hearts and remember there is more to worship than making noises. A good part of worship is for us to shut our mouths and “Be still and know that I am God” as God’s word suggests.
Cordially, Carlos
September 25, 2008 at 5:15 am
Romans 14
The Law of Liberty
1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose] and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written:
“ As I live, says the LORD,
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
The Law of Love
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Philippians 2
Unity Through Humility
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Sorry for posting these in their entirety but I think it’s important in emphasizing my point, so that people do not gloss over the Scriptures. I think when it comes to judging other brothers and sisters in the faith it is more important to have a heart that is expressed in these Scriptures then a discerningly critical heart. I think that has it’s place when passing judgment on things that are clearly outright sinful rebellion that must be repented of, things that are clearly forbad in Scripture; I think it also has it’s place when testing false doctrines against the Scriptures such as open theism, the prosperity gospel, denying the deity of Jesus Christ and so forth, I think that in these things if a brother or sister in Christ has shown themselves to have committed these things or adhered to doctrines like these it is expected that the Church speak out against these things.
I have read your entry all the way through, and I don’t believe that you are doing entirely doing this, but I think that it is communicated subtly throughout your comments. If you agree that you have unity with these men on the things we should have unity on, then I say it isn’t necessary to try to find unity or conformity in the things we don’t have to have unity on. I think the works that these men are engaged in will be judged by God at the bema seat judgment just as your works will be judged there and I think that just as you are earnestly and with concern trying to raise the issue you have with reformed rappers I think that in the same earnest matter with concern for what I think is an unnecessary hindrance you are placing upon brothers and sisters in the faith you may want to examine the Scriptures and see if you may possibly maybe be just a teeny bit off of their standard in this regard.
I love you brother, let us ALL including these rappers examine ourselves so that we may be found blameless.
September 25, 2008 at 6:36 am
The Lord gives us all gifts, and expects us to use them to glorify him. We all are at risk, everyday, to fall short, to get caught up. If we do, hopefully, we have the foundation and the support, to get back up and try again.
I was introduced to hip hop in the late 80s. I had a delayed introduction due to being raised in small town Michigan. All I heard there was Heart, Ted Nugent, and Madonna.
Moving to NY, I had a chance to be touched. Hip Hop, like almost anything, can be beautiful or ugly. Let’s face it, what/who doesn’t have baggage? Hip Hop is smart, gritty, reality and it tells amazing visual stories with sound and lyrics.
Make a joyful noise….
The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.
The Psalms
98
Praise for God’s Righteousness
A Psalm.
1 O sing unto the LORD a new song;
for he hath done marvelous things:
his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
2 The LORD hath made known his salvation:
his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen.
3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth
toward the house of Israel:
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:
make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp;
with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6 With trumpets and sound of cornet
make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.
8 Let the floods clap their hands:
let the hills be joyful together
9 before the LORD;
for he cometh to judge the earth:
with righteousness shall he judge the world,
and the people with equity.
September 25, 2008 at 8:49 am
Mr. Guzman,
Can I ask a question? What do you think of folks like Indelible Grace Music who use the same musical style as indie rockers, yet are basically loved and accepted by RUF, the college arm of the PCA?
September 25, 2008 at 10:47 am
God Bless You!
Davide from Italy
September 25, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Please visit here to see a musical analysis of a typical RUF pop/rock song:
http://religiousaffectionsministries.org/musical-analysis-roley-and-can-it-be-shafer
The above posts don’t read to me as if anyone is judging the hearts of other Christians in these posts, but rather the craftsmanship and affective expression of works of art, which we are called to do in scripture.
Tim
September 25, 2008 at 2:09 pm
“If this is true then why in 1 Corinthians 9:22 does Paul talk about becoming all things to all people to reach them by all possible means”
That verse, in context, means the exact OPPOSITE of what you take it to mean and what seeker sensitive Evangelicalism teaches it to mean.
“19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”
Notice Paul said that he became “as a Jew” to win Jews to Christ and “as under the law” to win those who were under the law.
This passage does not advocate becoming worldly to win the wordly. What it advocates is sometimes giving up some of our Christian liberty in order not to offend others we are trying to win to Christ.
For example, if I was running an outreach to Mormons, it would be a good idea to refrain from drinking coffee or other beverages with caffeine, as it would be an offense to them. They would see me as unholy, and it would be make it harder to witness to them.
Likewise, if my wife and I were to start a mission in an Islamic country where women wear burquas, it make sense for her to wear one. Otherwise the people there would see her as a harlot and reject us before we even got to share the Gospel.
That Scripture would also apply to things like missionaries learning the local language.
Sadly it is too often twisted to be used as an excuse for licentiouness and abandoning New Testament standards.
September 25, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I can’t believe we are judging these guy’s based on a musical preference or style. (Or is that what we are really judging them by? It’s hard to tell sometimes.) Especially when the lyics are biblically sound, and God is the focus and receives the glory.
The comments in the original post really bothered me. It seemed as though you were saying that having a car and wearing clothes was a sin? Am I mistaken?
Of all the problems the Church needs to be concerned with, this is not one.
I loved the way you put a negative spin on this subject for 2/3’s of your post and then tried to be politically correct at the end. Smooth.
I don’t know if you know this or not, but your whole article sounds like it is coming from a racially slanted view, not a biblical one. IMO.
September 25, 2008 at 6:12 pm
In response to many of these postings and to provoke thought, Christians need to remember that the comministic/worldly philosophy of “the ends justify the means” should not be a belief of Christians. Unfortunately, since most Christians today are of the worldly/carnal mentality then that’s exactly the thinking they’ll have…a thinking which is truly ungodly. Just because some people “come to Christ” or “turn to God” does not make the means or tools used justifiable or God approved. And from my observations of the responses, it appears that people’s “sacred cows” have been skewered.
September 25, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Who get’s the glory in the video? All eyes are on the one performing, not on God. We have to keep our focus straight ahead and fix our eye on Christ, otherwise we’ll be led astray. I don’t believe this glorifies God but instead…glorifies man.
September 25, 2008 at 8:16 pm
“Who get’s the glory in the video? All eyes are on the one performing, not on God. We have to keep our focus straight ahead and fix our eye on Christ, otherwise we’ll be led astray. I don’t believe this glorifies God but instead…glorifies man.” The same could be true of Whitley Phipps singing amazing grace to an organ. You can’t take your eyes off him! I think any form could have fingers pointed at it. I’m done. I’m going to only download lyrics and read them. That’s safe isn’t it? Oh wait..they are not all good either….I’m just going to read my Bible!…….too cynical?
September 26, 2008 at 3:15 am
Sam, I am happy to have found your blog! I am glad you posted this. I totally get your points and agree. Music ruled my life before I was a Christian. It set my mood, state of mind and gave me my identity. Music is more than notes and words. I don’t know what word to use to describe the “more” part of it, but there is definitely a tone, emotion or spirit even that is part of musical pieces. I am very sensitive to this, maybe because music was so controlling to me in the past, but I protect myself from music very much and am very careful about what is played in my house. I guess this is a weakness of mine.???
September 26, 2008 at 3:39 am
Music communicates by expressing motion in sound across time. This touches our passions via the motions that are attached to our feelings. For instance when we feel sad, we move slowly and smoothly, our body motion is downward, and generally our speaking is soft. Music can evoke these body motions in us by replicating them in sound: downward intervals, soft dynamics, smoothly performed will suggest these motions to us, which in turn cause us to feel particular emotions. It’s no accident that we say music “moves” us, or that symphonic works are divided into “movements” or that the word “emotion” has the word “motion” in it. They’re all related.
Take the lyrics away from the rap video above and you’re left with music that is predominantly rhythmic, with accents on offbeats, loud, angular. These sounds suggest motions that correlate to anger and rebellion. Those are the emotions that are triggered in the sound constructs of the music itself. If you don’t sense them, it’s likely you’ve drawn your own learned associations to the music (a kind of Pavlovian response) that prohibits you from hearing what is inherent in the sound itself. Objectively speaking, the music in the video expresses rage, and is thus not suitable for carrying the message of Christ’s sacrificial love. Paul says in worship, “let all things be done in a fitting manner.” This music does not fit the text.
September 26, 2008 at 3:43 am
Oh, I just remembered something. Back in the late ’80s/early ’90s me and my friends used to listen to a lot of “Christian” metal or hard rock music along with all of our other secular metal. We really liked the great guitar and music of a few of the “Christian” metal bands. We didn’t care about the lyrics and ignored them. They were hard to hear anyway. But, the point is, that that “Christian” metal was still appealing to us degenerates and satisfied our worldly music taste buds. It didn’t scream “Christian” to us, that’s for sure.
September 26, 2008 at 7:00 am
I have mixed feelings about your post Sam. I do not agree with pragmatic methods. I do enjoy many different styles of music, but I would not wish to cause another to stumble by the music I listen to.
The video you linked to showed me a few things.
I didn’t like the style of these rappers (the whole wearing of shades indoors irritates me anyway!). I thought the backing music had a boring and repetitive beat, which would have made the lyrics forgettable to me. However, as to Hip Hop, I think it may be used, depending, because it utilises a variety of musical genres. Some of it is quite melodic, some of it borrows from heavy metal. I don’t think we can generalise so much. For example, if I were to say “classical music” and only be referring to the works of Handel, Schubert, or Mozart, I would be displaying my very limited understanding of the whole genre.
September 26, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Seriously? Are we wasting our time arguing about this? Let us please talk about something with Kingdom purpose. This is ridiculous and immature. I am sorry I even posted on this entry…
September 27, 2008 at 5:36 pm
“…my conviction is that music itself–not lyrics–undeniably has a spirit. The spirit of music has an extremely powerful influence on the hearer.”
I agree with this statement with one qualification: Individual pieces of music have a spirit, but I do not think that you can say the same thing about an entire genre of music. To say that all rap is bad because most of rap’s lyrical content is horrendous is a fallacy.
My second thought is, if the spiritual qualification of music is dependent upon how that music has been used historically in the culture, then what is the Christian to do? What are we left with? Are we to create a new genre of music all together? The message of rock and roll has historically been rebellion, as you point out. The message of folk and country music has often been lustful and arrogant, even rebellious to the government (think Woody Guthrie).
Southern Gospel music, which I grew up having to hear in church is often absolutely focused on the self and our “rewards in heaven” and rarely focused at all on God. Modern “Christian Rock” has the same problems, and often sounds simply “positive” rather than proclaiming the message of Christ.
In a way i understand the sentiment in this article, but I think it creates an unnecessary dilemma with no solution. At the end of the day, I believe that this is a personal matter of conscience and a secondary issue. And I believe that those rappers who are putting theologically sound work out on the market should be thanked and supported in their work.
September 28, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I actually know the shorter guy in the video (Flame) went to undergrad with him. I have not read all the comments, so what I say may be a little redundant, but here it goes:
I was attending a church in Louisville Kentucky and we all met over at someone’s house to sing hymns and fellowship. We came to a classic, “God Moves in Mysterious Ways”, a song for whose tune I did not know. I remembered someone singing it to the tune of “America” (you know, “America, America, God shed His grace on thee…”
I remember that I was shut down for singing such an amazing hymn to a nationalistic song. I thought about it later and realized, “Hmmm, growing up in a traditionally black church I did not even know the song until a couple years before that.” There was such awesome theology in that song, but I only knew it as that tune. It seems like we have come to a point where we need “hymns”, which were not always liked to begin with. I believe in Church History our beloved hymns were not so beloved at one point.
Anyone who has something against this new medium should remember where we have come from at this point. Your piano was not first in the church. Neither were you guitars and drums. If we are going to associate baggage with Christian Rap we should associate past baggage with ALL these things.
Finally, please make sure you understand that Flame and others do not believe their Rap is saving people. Attend a concert and you will hear as much teaching as rapping. (www.flame314.com)
September 28, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Ps. I guess one question would be the following: What SHOULD Christian music sound like?
September 29, 2008 at 1:08 pm
i am too young to remember, but if blogs were around when contemporary Christian music started, wasn’t this the same thing that people would’ve been writing about it? Comparing it to secular acts of its day?
October 22, 2008 at 7:56 am
I wonder if it would help if you defined “reformed”. Also, if your definition aligns with what reformed actually means, do these reformed brethren speak of where this type of music is and is not appropriate? I am of the reformed church mine being the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. We conduct worship service according to the regulative principle of worship. As a FYI, being a 5 pointer doesn’t make one reformed. They might be on their way to being reformed, but there are other criteria that need to be met before one can call themselves truly reformed.
October 22, 2008 at 8:36 am
I watched the video. Perhaps our sin lies within our ravenous appetite for entertainment. God must entertain us or we are not interested. That can be applied to all styles of music. Self really loves self and we are quite ready to defend what self wants.
November 12, 2008 at 5:08 pm
music does indeed create a certain feel, but that is substantiated by the content, and is hard pressed to exist without it. you have to look at the finished work in totality. The artist featured in the video was, in my opinion, not the best representation of the kind of genre we’re talking about. just in the same way that there are preachers who preach from the flesh, and mainstream CCM artists who are more about image, there will also be poor quality/poor content acts, but the full counsel of our judgement on the issue shouldn’t rest on that. The video had a very worldly feel to it, the artists actions and movements in the video seemed to be laced with the same kind of pride/ego that the secular hip hop artists are drenched in, and the content of the song was not the MOST trite i’ve heard as far as christian rap goes, but it was pretty hollow. not a lot of meat. It’s the same as preachers, you have to listen to the good, God honoring, faithful ones to get real spiritual content and meat. i would suggest artists such as Cross Movement, Ambassador, and Knowdaverbs, they’re more like sermons with ryhme and rythmn than they are songs.
November 18, 2008 at 9:40 am
Samuel,
You wrote: “My philosophy of music is more detailed than I will get into here, but my conviction is that music itself–not lyrics–undeniably has a spirit. The spirit of music has an extremely powerful influence on the hearer.”
Please explain what you mean when you say that music “undeniably has a spirit.”
November 20, 2008 at 2:33 am
Stephen,
I meant exactly that. Music has a spirit about it that undeniably communicates a message and affects the listener. It has nothing to do with the lyrics and can be more powerful than lyrics. I assure you any musician would agree with me. Here are some quotes from people who are a lot smarter than I am and can say it better than me:
“For so long we plowed different furrows … be it of country, rhythm & blues, rock ‘n’ roll … you know what they were doing ? they were messing with your heart and soul. That’s what it was. Nothing has the strength, the power of music” – Sam Phillips
Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought. -E. Y. Harburg
Music is part of us, and either ennobles or degrades our behavior. Boethius – Philosopher
Music is the universal language of mankind. -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words. -Robert G. Ingersoll
November 20, 2008 at 11:42 am
So when you say it has a spirit, do you mean that it possesses a cognizant, sentient life force?
Of the five quotes you provided, none of them described music as having a spirit.
Although maybe smarter, Phillips is obviously wrong. He has yet to prove that “nothing has the strength, the power of music.” Nothing?
Harburg’s point is pretty well said, but it only views the human recipient in passive terms. Surely this can’t always be the case, can it?
Boethius’ ontological claims are obviously false. Music is not “part” of us, it is created by us. But he made many ridiculous statements in his day.
Longfellow is only saying what others have tried to say in that music is not bound by local human languages and is therefore “universal.” I believe this is correct, just stated poorly. But I agree that music transcends human language. But it cannot be said to “be” a universal language that communicates cognitive content irrespective of language (i.e. preaching the Gospel requires words).
Ingersoll’s prose is ambiguous and does not clearly explain how music can be below, or above speech. I suppose “before” can be interpreted chronologically, but that might not be a true statement. As far as it being beyond all words, I think that is a good way to say it.
But the idea that music has a spirit is not only a philosophical, but theological. Does music have “a” spirit or “spirits?” If the former then will it be judged by the sovereign God for eternity? If the latter, then will the “good” spirits be rewarded and the “bad” spirits be punished?
Do you see the tension?
I only ask because you mentioned that you have a philosophy of music that is more detailed than you revealed in your article. I am a musician that plays an instrument in the corporate worship service of a Reformed church in Orange County, CA. I have been writing and performing music for many years. I well understand the response of human affections to music made by man. I just don’t see how that can be interpreted as the music having a spirit.
Can you please explain what you mean?
Also, please explain how you know that music has a spirit.
November 27, 2008 at 4:53 am
Stephen,
Spirit, like many other English words, has multiple meanings. Please don’t take a particular meaning and run with it. I think it’s fairly obvious I didn’t mean music had a spirit as in spirit being or entity. That makes no sense.
If you need me to be very specific, here’s the definition I mean:
Spirit: the dominant tendency or character of something.
In other words, a prevailing attitude. Music has an attitude that can be powerfully communicated, above and beyond the power of words. Music can be angry, happy, rebellious, seductive, etc., and the attitude of the music conveys has a great influence on the hearer. To deny this is to be self deluded.
Once again, I will say that I am not condeming reformed rap as a whole. I just heard a fantastic rap/sermon by Shai Linne that had an altogether different spirit/attitude/whateveryouwantocallit about it than the video I included in this post.
I have really touched a nerve with this post…you would almost think I knocked down an idol.
December 16, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I think it good to bear in mind the various offerings in Leviticus; for example, God commanded the lamb for the burnt & fellowship offering,& the bull for the sin offering to be without defect, spotless, undefiled. This was the ONLY acceptable sacrifice to a Holy God.
So, when we take what originated in the world, and yes, rap, hip hop, rock, country, etc ALL originated in the world, by sinful man, with suggestive lyrics, dance moves, dress, etc.; when we take that and add ‘Christian’ lyrics to it, and offer it up to God as our sacrifice, our ‘evangelical tool’, our form of ‘worship’…do you really believe God will accept it as ‘undefiled’? Is this really worthy to present to a God that is holy, holy, holy? It’s like serving up ‘leftovers’, or playing ‘dress up’.
Let’s all acquaint ourselves with the attributes of God; a great study on this can be found at http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/resources/online_books. Paul Washer has put together a study entitled “One True God”, all who download it will be blessed.
December 19, 2008 at 5:49 pm
What is reaching the lost in the urban culture? It is not the music itself, it is the Gospel being preached in the songs.
“I cannot count the times I have heard Reformed preachers decry the cultural compromise and unscriptural worship and evangelism methods displayed by the evangelical church at large, and yet when Reformed lyrics are put to a rap song, all that changes. Why?”
This is clearly a general statement to describe something that is not general at all, “Reformed lyrics”. Reformed means something very specific and shouldn’t be used in this general term to get a point across. What are reformed lyrics? They are Reformed words. What are Reformed words? Gospel. So why be against preaching the gospel? That’s what these rappers are doing. That’s what John did when he wrote amazing grace. He preached the gospel with music.
God made all things perfect before the Fall. What happened during the Fall? Sin came into the world. It “broke” the good things that God created. So what are some of the things that God created that are good? Food, sex, wine,
Just because the world uses the good things of God in evil ways does not mean they are evil in themselves. For example, sex. Just because the world uses sex in evil ways does not mean that sex is evil. I would hold the same true for music. Just because the world uses music in evil ways does not mean that music is evil. And that goes for rap too. What makes rap a sin? Is it the fast beats? Is it the drum rolls? Is it the lyrical quickness? I personally do not think so. What makes anything a sin is rebellion against God. Is quick music with God-glorifying lyrics rebellion against God? I don’t think so.
“I believe it’s because my Reformed brethren have a bad habit of putting correct doctrine on a pedestal that it should not be on. Doctrine is important, vitally so, and yet it is not the only test of a godliness and holiness. I fear that proper doctrine has become the test of all things in Reformed circles. If a rap song has doctrinally sound, even doctrinally rich, lyrics, it must be OK, since no one could ever communicate sound doctrine in a way that is ungodly, right? Wrong. God, through Paul, commands the young pastor Titus to teach conduct that is fitting for sound doctrine. In other words, right doctrine must always be followed by right attitudes and actions.”
Agree, yet still don’t see why you’re using general statements to describe rap music or Reformed doctrine. Reformed doctrine clearly states that it’s not just the doctrine, it’s the life as well that we must watch closely. 1 Timothy 4:16 says, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” Reformed doctrine makes it ever so apparent that if we are truly saved, we must live holy lives in submission to Christ. Should I assume that this blogger is saying that he believes Reformed rappers are not living holy and submissive lives? Or that their songs are not songs of praise and adoration? I’m not sure. That would be a huge assumption on your part.
“Finally, where do we draw the line in becoming like the culture to reach the culture? Is Reformed hip hop, OK, while Reformed death metal is not?”
Good question. BUT, look at a few things about each. Look at the name of death metal. Death….metal. Could that be one reason death metal is wrong? Don’t think so. Here’s why I would see death metal as something insufficient to spread the Gospel of Christ. It’s simple: you cannot understand the words. How can you preach without words? Within rap, you totally can understand the words. And there are tons of them to hear. So you could even write one song and have a whole systematic theology within it. Haha, now that’s funny.
“I can’t fathom God receiving glory from music that sounds like it was born in hell.”
I have 2 things to say about this statement.
I agree. But who decides what it sounds like? Cause I can listen to punk rock music and hear horrible sounds, loud grunts, and unintelligible words. BUT I can also hear the same thing from the 87 yr old woman praising God in the pew next to me. Is she wrong in sounding that way? What’s her heart’s intent?
When I hear these rap songs that are purposeful in bringing glory to God and not themselves, I don’t hear pride, rage, aggressiveness, idolatry; I hear poetry, uplifting and encouraging words, God-glorifying statements, and a war against the ideals of the culture.
“The reason this concerns and troubles me is because God saved me out of the punk rock culture.”
I can understand this. And we are called not to drink wine in front of a brother who struggles with this freedom. So we are also called to not listen to punk rock music in front of this brother, who struggles with this music (and if it’s not bringing glory to our Creator).
“I am absolutely sure that there are Reformed rappers, Shai Linne, for one, who love the Lord and desire to glorify Him. Nor am I saying that it is impossible to be a Christian and rap about the truth. What I am saying, though, is that I believe extreme caution is in order.”
Agreed. But we shouldn’t be like the Pharisees and create rules surrounding the laws of God so we don’t get close to breaking God’s law. Jesus was against the Pharisees for doing this on the Sabbath.
“Why did I write all this? The following video bothered me.”
I could say that about a million videos. I could say that even about a ton of “so-called” Christian rappers. But I don’t think you can negate every single rap song and rap artist who is writing God-glorifying music and behaving in a godly manner on and off stage. There are some out there.
“Music is not a simple issue and should not be treated with canned answers. My philosophy of music is more detailed than I will get into here, but my conviction is that music itself–not lyrics–undeniably has a spirit.”
Concerning the spirit of music. Yes, I hold with conviction that there is a tone behind many different forms of music. Not necessarily a spirit, per se an angel of some sort, but a mood or attitude behind certain forms of music. Just like the writer says, “No one writing a funeral song is going to use the tune of “Yankee Doodle.” “. And I don’t think rap music belongs in a Sunday morning church service as corporate worship. Most songs are too fast and it doesn’t give a Sabbath-day, restful tone, to worship God in church on Sundays. We have hymns and some contemporary God-centered music for worship on Sundays. But because it doesn’t belong in church on Sundays, doesn’t mean that this type of rap doesn’t have a place. It does. It belongs in your private studies, in your iPod, in your car, and in your blogs (hehe). But I would never say, “Let’s use rap music to worship God on Sundays.” No no no. That is not the right place for this type of worship. But this music does have a place. And because this writer chooses to write about his bad experiences with punk rock music, I will write about my good experiences with rap music.
During times of discouragement and distress because of certain circumstances, I have popped in some glorious rap music and been encouraged to read God’s Word and search for His promises. I have had my hope restored in the futility of this world and the surpassing joy found in Christ alone.
I have looked at the world and said to myself (much like Asaph did), “Why do they continue to prosper while they claim that God does not exist?” During those times, I listen to Lecrae’s, “Don’t Waste Your Life” or “Rebel” and get encouraged by Jesus’ example and His promises that He will hold me by my right hand and guide me though this world is against me.
When I have sinned and come to Christ with a completely broken heart, I can listen to Lecrae’s “Desperate”, and say, “Wow, I’m not the only one going through this.” Knowing that I have brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to struggle. Thus leading me to pray harder for them and myself.
“The second problem I see is that mediums such as Christian Rap are often justified because they are “reaching” people. This is a big problem– it is clearly unscriptural to view music as a tool for evangelism. Scripture unequivocally states that God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe for the very reason that it shouldn’t work (1 Cor. 1:21). When it does, God gets the glory and not man.”
Yes, but tools and preaching are different. Tools are used in the process of preaching, where preaching stands alone as the means to speak the Gospel into someone’s life. But we must ask then, should rap be used as a tool for evangelism? Well, let me ask you this. Should little booklets be used as a tool for evangelism? Should the way I live my life be used as a tool for evangelism? Yes yes yes. But these tools are not what saves people. A tool is a tool. The Gospel is what saves people. So use the tools God has blessed you with, and then preach the Gospel to these people. When they ask you, “Hey, what’s that rap song saying?” You preach baby!
December 19, 2008 at 6:08 pm
What I saw in that video = 1 Timothy 2:8
December 23, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Your blog is great, keep up the good work.
As far as this topic goes, check out this post, as well as the rest of this brother’s blog. He thinks through the matter.
http://lyricaltheology.blogspot.com/2008/12/q-fridays-4-would-spurgeon-approve-of.html
December 24, 2008 at 4:07 am
The tone of the video, regardless of the the lyrical content, was glorifying the flesh. The women were dressed immodestly (tight shirts flaunting their “goods”, sleeveless, bare-backed) In the beginning there was a lot of bumping (although I didn’t see any grinding). All the attention was to the artists on stage (they even carried the one guy around the crowd, mosh pit style). The only thing that even made me think that Glory was going to God was at the end when they all raised their hands. A little too late if you ask me. After they’ve satisfied their flesh then they give the last bits to God. Regardless of “culture” when you become a Christian you are a new creature and you die to your old self. That means anything in your old man that is worldly, sensual or of the devil you no longer partake in even if its part of your culture.
December 27, 2008 at 6:10 am
A word for those who say that a medium used to transmit vulgarity shouldn’t or can’t be leveraged for the glory of God- don’t forget that the God of the Bible has always done just that! Words on a page or language from the mouth can communicate filth- God used both to transmit the Holy Scriptures. What’s more vulgar than the cross as a form of execution? God leveraged the cross for His glory and it stands as the indispensable centerpiece of our faith. What’s more vulgar than an unregenerate, sinful human being such as me or you before conversion? Yet, God chooses to indwell sinners via the Holy Spirit and then leverage us for His glory! Be careful that you don’t cling so closely to cultural preference that you inadvertently argue against God’s glorious design in redemption.
December 27, 2008 at 6:25 am
Another point to make…does not the Bible say if you have an ought with another brother, that you are to go them first, and straighten it out? Since we are talking about following Biblical mandate, why not exercise it in that regard? Seems to me several people here have a legitimate concern that should not be ignored, but rather shared with the people in question. How many here would be willing to talk with any or all of the brothers in the video and express your concerns? Are we just satisfied in talking amongst ourselves and never approaching the actual person we have an issue with, as the Bible calls us to do?
By the way, the first statement I made about God using vulgar things for His glory…wasn’t my words. That came from shai linne, the Christian rapper who has the album Storiez that Dave Leland was talkimg about earlier. By the way, shai linne has done several songs and projects with both artists in this video for years, as well as others on their respectives labels. I would like to see what you guys think about the songs “To My Heart” and “2nd Coming” that he did with Flame, as well as the 13 Letters project he did with Lecrae and Reach Records. If you guys like shai linne, by all means ask him what he thought about this video. His answer might surprise you.
December 27, 2008 at 5:43 pm
First off i garantee off i am a person that is inside the christian music industry and am always apauled when people pick these guys but dont pick at the contemporary artist. second the guy writing this blog and most of you answering obviously have no idea about urban culture no less urban black culture. are we as stern on the missionaries that go overseas and participate in pagan rituals to gain the trust and ear of that culture. you blog guys are always pretending to be God. you guys are always quoting paul but lets quote Jesus…Jesus said if they are not against us they are with us.why dont you guys take your time to tear down some of these secular artists or companies that are destroying kids. truth is if you turn do the volume on any video it willlook like somethingelse. and as far as their production goes, they are missionaries in the rap culture what should it sound like blue grass.you bloggers need to find something better to blog about and stop putting your mouth on everything, especially things you do not know about, you are going to end up speaking against something God is doing.
December 27, 2008 at 8:47 pm
One topic that has not been discussed in regards to ccm is $$$$! Now, the above named rapper from what I could determine from doing a google search for concert tickets is still at that free to $10 a ticket stage of his career. However, when my unsaved sister called to see if my family would like to go to the Michael W. Smith Christmas with her, the $217.00 for 4 tickets kept us from being able to attend. The cheaper tickets around $40 a piece were sold out, $217 for 4 tickets were the medium price tickets and $85 per ticket were still available.
What has become of the industry? How is it any different from the secular music industry? Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Third Day, Casting Crowns, etc. all have web sites with stores where you can purchase all their concert goods: hats, hoodies, shirts, jewelry, photographs of themselves. Yes, we do love to be entertained and adorn ourselves with the lastest trending concert goods. So while the lyrics may be “reaching” people, time will tell if he’ll join right in with the money making ministry that the Christian music has become.
I would have to agee with Sam’s statement in his last comment “I have really touched a nerve with this post…you would almost think I knocked down an idol.”
I sure do miss Keith Green!
December 28, 2008 at 12:20 am
Micheal Horton of Westminster Seminary west likes U2
Infact, alot of Reformed christians listen to secular music, so at the end of the day, everything you said up above is meaningless.
I would rather listen to christian rap then U2 and Tony Bono anyday.
The Reformed World already has pride and arrogance. It already has superstar personality cults, so you can’t blame Reformed Rap for that…..plus rap music is different from both Punk and rock music in that you can fit more words in a song. And this is why you don’t have preachy rock ‘n Roll and Punk Music. But you can preach and teach with Rap music.
I do agree with you about the “spirit” and the mood of music in general.
JNORM888
December 29, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Allow me to ask you a few questions. How do you figure that the corinthian worship sessions looked? Do you think they sang and danced like the Jews? Why do you think the jews gave Paul such a hard time? Why do you think Paul had to defend his ministry to the gentiles? Why was Peter asked to take up and eat?
Why did Paul write,”You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
What more do you want from these people, to dress like you, dance like you, look like you, be like you?
Do you not know that God found nothing in you or your culture, and that we only approach the throne room of the most high because of what his son gave.
Do you think you are loved by the Living God because of the songs you sing, or the way you sing it?
I charge you of one thing one thing only. Please find fault in anything that was said in that song? Was the name of the Lord not proclaimed? Is it not true that any fault you find in these men is because of a preconcieved notion that you think it?
The truth is that these artists might carry themselves a little different than you would like, but you should be happy that they are enjoying God as they are. The only true way to judge something is by what comes out of him, and in this song it is nothing but worship.
This is not to deny that secular hip hop isn’t dispicable. But we are called to bring everything under submission to christ. That is what these people are trying to do, it might not be perfect but which one of us is.
In Peter’s vision in ACTS 10 – the Lord said,”Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
Be very careful what you say and why you say it.
January 26, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Hip Hop music is poetry. There are Christian Rap Artists endorsed by the likes of John McAurthor and once you listen to them and watch their video’s you will see why. The preach the gospel clearly and their lyrics are easily understood, humble, and preach repentance and remission of sins. They don’t dress or act thuggish and true these artists are hard to come by, but just because their are few of them, doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
Basically, your condemming a generality…The video this author posted was an obviously bad example, easy to find. Rap is spoken word, much more similar to speaking, or talking than singing….if it’s clearly understood, and carry’s Christlike attributes, then music in a variety of forms can be glorifying to God. This is not the case with Hard Rock or Heavy metal in my opinion. Hard Rock is abrasive by nature, proven to be unhealthy, and is not easily understandible in lyrics. The Bible seems to validate that understandibility is critical..
April 22, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I’ve listened to to a few of these reformed rappers (116 clique) and they do have a doctrinally sound message while they do not underemphasize sound living. I agree that music is not for evangelism, but I don’t know if that is their purpose. To be honest, from the two albums I’ve listened to it’s closer to exegetical preaching (e.g. one album is a brief exposition of each of Paul’s letters). Music certainly does create an emotional atmoshphere, but where biblically can it be supported that certain atmoshpheres are not appropriate? Many heavy metal artists are heavily influenced by classical music, where can we draw scripturally supported lines about what types of instrumental music is not appropriate?