Should Christians Listen to Secular Music?

I was having some fun surfing around Twitter and read a comment that sparked some great conversation that I want to share with you. A person asked the question: "Why would Any Christian be a FAN of Any Secular Artist or Any1 Who Does Not Sing about God? Well, the conversation went from the actually idea of being a FAN of a person who may sing or promote secular music to whether or not it is okay for a Christian to listening to or sing secular music at all.

My first thought and response was to point out that it seems to be the case that in an effort to be "in the world, but not of it" the church was too quick to trade off certain ideas like children playing marbles in the playground. You (the world) get the secular, we (the church) get the sacred; you get reason, we get faith; you keep love songs, we keep gospel. My problem is, I don't think the world should be giving exclusivity to sing about something they really know very little about. Who knows better about expressing true love and intimacy than God's people?

I believe that the proper object of our affection is God, but He has also given us an example and expression of love in the context of marriage. Did you realize that the Bible begans with a wedding and ends with one? and in between is a love story written in blood about God's love, trust and faithfulness, in the mist of our unfaithfulness. In fact, the imagery of God in the OT is one of a husband and in the NT Christ is seen as the Groom who will present his bride without spot or blemish. If we don't teach the world what true love, intimacy, faithfulness, and yes, ..sex is suppose to look like ... who will?


Here is the one problem I find: media and music in our world today (generally speaking) feeds our flesh and appeals to our appetites. So that (generally speaking again) the music today is creating (or helping to create) in young people and in single people, who have no "proper object of their affection" a desire that they cannot fullfill righteously. Hate to say it, but there is a lot of junk out there, that only promote clubbin, drinking, sex and bad behavior (whether you are young, old, married or single) and I believe it should be avoided.

The Bible instructs us to not be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1ff). Think about this carefully: What you are INFORMED by, and CONFORM to, will TRANSFORM your life. Be discerning in all things. Test all things, hold to that which is good (1 Thess 5:21), not all music is good music, but its not all bad either. Let us not only teach what it means to love God, but let us model that love in the context of marriage and I don't think it is wrong to sing about it either. My Mind, My Thoughts, My Heart, My Words

Your Thoughts?

Never Gave Up

Sometimes you have to be reminded just how blessed you are.

Amen or Ahhh Man?

As I was getting ready for church Sunday morning, I turned on the T.V to listen to some word while I was getting dressed. As I scrolled through the channels to find something interesting, I came across the name Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith and the Agape International Choir. The Choir was jammin' and as he began to speak, I said Amen! But my Amen soon turned into Ahhh mannn. As Dr. Beckwith began to speak, it became clear to me that his message was one that was not Christian. Now, I defend his right to share his message and faith, but what I thought about was how many believers could discern the difference between a minister and a mystic. While Dr. Beckwith’s message might make you happy, if the Christian worldview is true, it will not make you healthy. Here is what he teaches:


Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith is the founder and spiritual director of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, CA. Complete with a Choir, Praise Dancers, Ministers, Counselors and Study time, Agape International boast of over 6,000 members including several of Hollywood’s top celebrities.

Reverend Michael Beckwith and AISC, teaches universal truth principles found in the New Thought-Ancient Wisdom tradition of spirituality. Through New Thought-Ancient Wisdom teachings, each individual can realize that they are a unique emanation of God.

“In Agape’s services and classes we refer to the world’s scriptures and sacred texts, as well as the writings of ancient and contemporary mystics, teachers, sages, philosophers, pundits, scientists, and even the enlightened person next door!”

If you have questions, Dr Beckwith and Agape do not leave you without clear answers:
(information quoted from his website: www.agapelive.com)

Is Agape Christian? No, and yes.

“No, if by Christian you mean the acceptance of Jesus as the only savior and Christianity as the only path to God and eternal salvation.

Yes, in the sense that New Thought- Ancient Wisdom history includes the Gnostic teachings of the earliest Christian mystical sects.”

What about the Bible?

“The Bible is referenced in Dr. Beckwith’s services and Agape’s classes. However, the version that is used is a metaphysical, Gnostic-inspired edition translated and interpreted from the original Aramaic, rather than the Greek translation used in traditional Christian churches such as the King James Version, or the Saint Gregory version used by the Catholic Church.”

What about Jesus?

“Agape teaches that Jesus was not the great exception, but rather the great example. He is an enlightened being, one who attained cosmic consciousness or liberation from a sense of separation from the Source of all that is. Jesus is revered as a wayshower, as an exemplar of unconditional love, selfless service, and self-mastery.”

Can I still practice my Judaism/Christianity and become a member of Agape?

“Absolutely, many within the Agape community maintain their Jewish/Christian faith, while others continue to practice the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, or other spiritual master teachers of past or present generations. As a result, mixed-tradition couples and families often find common ground at Agape without compromising other loyalties.”


Does it matter what we believe? If you, a friend or family member was a part of his church, is there any reason to be alarmed? If you are a Christian and guardian of truth, do you believe you have a responsibility to tell that truth? Do you know the truth? Is there any noticeable difference between his church and yours? What are your thoughts?

I thought I knew, but I had no idea

Last Tuesday night the wife and I received the news that a dear friend of ours was not doing well and was rushed to the hospital. We lifted her up in prayer and was determined to visit her the next afternoon. One thing about Alicia is that her smile was contagious. Even now thinking about her she makes me smile. When we arrived at the hospital, we stood quietly with the family until the doctors gathered us into a bigger room and broke the news to us that Alicia didn’t make it through the surgery. At that very moment the screams and cries I heard faded into silence as I tunnel visioned. I just went blank. I thought to my self, I’m suppose to be a minister, I’m supposed to be praying and comforting the family, but I didn’t, I couldn’t. I sat down, closed my eyes and couldn’t look up. When my daughter called me and asked me how she was doing I broke out in tears and told her she didn’t make it.

At that point, it had become a very long week for us as we thought about her, informed others and tried to be there for some close friends. But heres the thing; I didn’t realize how much her passing would affect me. What I mean is, I can’t recall a time when we went out to dinner or even to the movies, but I also can’t recall a time that we were both in the same room that we wouldn’t be sure to greet each other with a hug and kiss before leaving. The wife and I have been members of Family Bible Fellowship for close to 17 years. In that time we have seen families come together, kids grow up and have called many people our brothers and sisters in Christ. But in many ways, I thought that I merely gave lip service to calling people my brothers and sisters in Christ. I really didn’t realize how much I love my church home and church family. Well, I thought I knew, but I had no idea….

Alicia will be missed as much as she is loved,

Her Brother in Christ,
Shawn

What's Taller than Tall?

I'm in Portland, Oregon this weekend preparing to speak at a conference on the reliability of the New Testament. After getting my meeting room set up, Neil Mammen and I went to Starbucks for some hot chocolate. I've only gone to Starbucks a few times, but I think I'm begining to catch the bug. When I finally made my way to the front counter, I was greeted with a smile and asked the following question:

Starbucks Girl: "can I help you?"
Me: "Sure, can I please have a regular hot chocolate?"
Starbucks Girl: "What size would you like?"
Me: "I'll have a large one."
Starbucks Girl: "well would you like a grande?"
Me: "How big is a Grande?"
Starbucks Girl: "It is a medium"
Me: No, I would like a Tall one"
Starbuck Girl: "The tall is smaller than the Grande"
Me: "But isn't the Grande large?"
SG: "No it's a medium"
Me: "Well then, how tall is a tall?"
SG: "Small"
Me: "And whats Taller than a Tall?"
SG: "A Grande"
ME: "But that's only a medium"
SG: "Correct"
Me: "Well is there anything Grander than a Grande?"
SG: Yes, A Venti"

By this time I felt like I was being "Punked on Candid Camera," so I asked her to please hold up each size so that I can see which was which. By this time everyone behind me in line was laughing at me. The problem was this, until I was able to see the cups and compare their sizes, I was unable to determine what was tall, medium or large. I had to see the standard by which she measured the sizes. It's funny, in life, there are many things we call good, bad, right, wrong, crooked and straight. We say that one action or behavior is "better" than another, there seems to be a standard out there by which we are able to make those judgements and that ulitimate standard is God!

Just something to think about the next time you go to order your Double shot, decaf, extra hot, no foam, venti carmel maccioto, blended milk.

Time to Talk

I just watched this Saturday Night Live spoof of Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton and thought it would be a great way to open up some healthy discussion about our presidential nominees. What an exciting time to be alive! We may be witnessing our first black president, or maybe our first women vice-president. We might just see a better economy, or even a safer America. How about the opportunity to see creation taught side by side evolution in schools or the choice made to chose life. So with all the excitement going on, my question to you is "What's driving you to the polls this coming election?"

In the meantime, enjoy

Confession of Confusion

I Kissed A Girl, and I Liked It!

As a former Youth Pastor and father of three daughters, I always try to stay in touch with what’s going on with our youth today (don’t misinterpret “former” to mean I don’t minister to youth any longer; most of my time outside of vocationally pastoring is spent ministering to youth). Well one of the things I do to see what has our young peoples time and attention is to see what is floating on the top of the music charts on Billboard. Coming in for the 10th week at number one on Billboard’s top 100 is Katy Perry’s song, “I Kissed a Girl.”

“I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chap stick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it

Overnight sensation? No, Katy Perry grew up singing . . . Gospel! Katy’s real name is Katy Hudson, who use to be a Gospel recording artist who sung songs like:

“For He’ll [God] prevail
In the midst of all my trials and tribulations
And He’ll prevail
In the midst of all my sin and temptations . . .”

To singing song lyrics like these:

This was never the way I planned
Not my intention
I got so brave, drink in hand
Lost my discretion
It’s not what, I’m used to
Just wanna try you on
I’m curious for you
Caught my attention
I kissed a girl and I liked it

Hello? Is anyone listening to her? “Drink in hand, Lost my Discretion, not what I’m use to.” No it’s not what she is use to. Katy grew up in a Christian household as the daughter of two pastors. Though she was not allowed to listen to “secular” music growing up, Katy’s life would change forever after being introduced to the music of “Queen” at a slumber party. Ever since then, she says “the group has been my biggest influence.” She tasted it, and she liked it.

I don’t know Katy Perry. Maybe I will get a change to speak with her one day. But I know she is a far cry from home and the self-entitled Christian album she released back in 2001. I don’t actually have a problem with Christians having “Secular” careers as long as their lyrics, lips, and lifestyle do not contradict Godly principles. In this case, I was wondering if she rebelled against growing up in a “strict” home, to express her frustrations or freedom; or is it the case that she compromised her values and beliefs in order to earn some real money. Maybe she’s not quite sure what she believes and she’s still trying to figure things out; or how about this . . . she is just trippin’ with what she believes is a goofy song (a lil’ Cognac will do that to you).

I know what didn’t surprise me . . . all of the responses from the Christian community, blogs, and postings.

”Look at her showing all her goodies”
“Sell out”
“Her parents must be disgusted with her”
“She’s going to hell”

I don’t know what her final destination is (she might be going to the same place you are, put that where you want to). But I do know that many young people adhere to their parent’s rules and values when they are young because they have to. As they get older they are faced with decisions and situations that challenge who they are, what they believe, and how they will live. As I listened to the song I thought it was goofy, when I heard and read the lyrics, I thought it was sad. As believers, we should listen pass the catchy beat, fortune and fame (yeah, stop hatin’), quit just pointing our fingers and shaking our heads, and take the time to listen with our hearts long enough to see that this little girl is confused. All of these blogs I’ve been reading this morning are enough to make anyone jump out the window. And guess who is there to be understanding, forgiving and to provide some (however wrong) love, support, and advice . . . the world! (If you can’t say amen, say ouch).

Just saying that we should be willing to do more than just point at error, but also do something to correct it.

My Mind, My Thoughts, My Heart, My Words

Listen to this interview and what someone else called “A Confession of Confusion” (The first 3 minutes)



P.S. Katy, if you have questions about truth or maybe how you are feeling, when the crowd is gone and the band is back on the bus, I would love to talk with you. Please email me.
Shawn