The NY Times has an interesting article on Christian music worth reading. You may have already seen it. Music is certainly a hot button issue for many, and should be for many more. And while there is room for varying preferences in music, this article makes some points that are worthy of consideration ... and they probably didn't mean to. After all, the NYT has no axe to grind in the Christian music arena.
More often, MercyMe relies upon a familiar (though often effective) head-fake: the song seems to be about a romantic relationship, but it turns out to be a relationship with God.Is this good? One has to wonder. What role do "head fakes" play in the communication of the message of Christ? What role do "head fakes" play in worship?
One of my concerns is that our theology, particularly in song, is not unique enough concerning Jesus to prevent those who believe in God but not Jesus to sing it. After all, the uniqueness of Christian theology is the "Christ" part of it, that Jesus is God. That's what sets us apart from everyone else. It seems at times like some have capitulated to thinking "We can't get their attention with Jesus, so let's get it with something else, and then tell them it's really about Jesus."
And is the "head fake" really a head fake, where you get someone leaning one way so you can go another? It sounds more like a bait and switch, where you get someone coming for one thing, and then tell them it's really about something else. Isn't the gospel worth more than that?
If the world likes it, is it really about the God who is Jesus?
1 comment:
This is secular analysis and not at all a documented, intentional approach. In general, I appreciate songs that focus on our love relationship with Christ, His beauty, His desirability. It doesn't suprise me that that those who don't know Christ would say it sounds like an ode to a girlfriend or boyfriend. But Christ is our Bridegroom. We are promised to Him and He to us. As a woman, I have no problem meditating on the emotional, warm fuzzy side of that relationship. You guys like Jesus the Avenging Warrior, but Christ is also our pursuing Bridegroom. And you are His betrothed (i. e. affianced holy girlfriend). I'm sure that aspect is easier for women to appreciate than men.
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