Should Christian radio stations play artists whom are not overtly Christian in their approaches to music?
In my daily quest to solicit radio stations to play my latest release, I visit a very wide range of philosophies. Some radio stations requests lyrics, others only want charting popularity.
Chris Daughtry received airplay on Christian stations with “Home” and “Crashed.” Both songs contained lyrics which reflect Christian values. However, not all radio stations will not play an artist who does not openly commit to the title of “Christian artist.”
Although I could not find anywhere on Chris’s Website where he openly confesses Christianity, he makes a very interesting comment… “A lot of the lyrics are about how leaps of faith can set us free or tie us down, and realizing that we often find heartache when we run from something and redemption when we run toward something.”
Creed is another band which is very similar with songs like “My Sacrifice” could be interpreted as Christian lyrics.
I appreciate good lyrics, however, should these bands receive Christian radio airplay? Most radio stations do not add many new artists each week. Therefore each slot one of these bands receive from a Christian station excludes an individual or group which specifically define themselves as Christian artists.
I will not attempt to judge the hearts of any of these artists. I’ve met some Christian artists who I question their true intentions. Christian record companies are always concerned about artists who utilize covert lyrics and portray themselves as Christian artists hoping to use a Christian label as a stepping stone.
Furthermore, does allowing secular artist to penetrate Christian radio, lure listeners to secular music?
In country music the popular “Jesus Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood is another pertinent example. An “American Idol” alum like Daughtry, Underwood is not defined a Christian artist. The lyrics nonetheless are openly Christian and reflect Christian values.
For those who have a secular genre and would like to discover similar music JesusFreakHideout.com has an artist database which will display bands which relate to your favorite genre.
I have mixed feelings about secular musicians receiving airplay on Christian stations. I think if the artist is distancing themselves from Christ, then it is an issue. However, if it causes others to reflect on Christ, does it matter the source?
As Christians we already have a committed relationship with Christ and enjoy the interpretation. I don’t think that lyrics alone of secular bands will lead someone to Christ. I will sometimes play a song like “My Sacrifice,” only to plant a seed. Perhaps the next time someone in my audience hears the song, they will think of Christ.
I believe taking the lyrics of secular bands at face value is religion in mediocrity.
For me, it follows the same philosophy as people who believe that just being a “good person” will lead them to heaven.
Christ does not like lukewarm, as is illustrated Revelation 3:16. Christ wants the entire commitment. Christ was either a lunatic or the Son of God … there is nothing in between. We cannot follow or praise him half way.
Music is very subjective, follow Christ first and foremost, and you will find reflections of Him in much more than just music!
Chris Daughtry’s first thank you in his latest release, “Leave This Town”… “I wanna thank: God for giving me the gift of music and the life experiences that inspired the majority of this record, Jesus for loving me even when I’m a screw up.” I think that closes the case on where Chris is coming from.
“Chris Daughtry I wanna thank: God for giving me the gift of music and the life experiences that inspired the majority of this record, Jesus for loving me even when I’m a screwup.” That’s the inscription in his CD booklet of his current record Leave this Town and it comes first in his notes. The band is secular; not all are Christian. Chris is though.
Chris and his wife remain strong Christians. They set an example of a committed and loving family. He recorded “Slow Down” with Third Day, and had a band that sang at churches. His songs can still be downloaded on Soundclick. His version of “Air I Breathe” is moving. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=258448
This is a very interesting topic, and one that plays an exceedingly important role in the culture wars taking place within the Kingdom. It can get a little contentious at times, but it is what it is. I realize that you are focusing on secular bands with Christian themes, and whether or not Christian radio stations should play them. But, I feel that the message is most important, not how we percieve the people singing them. On a different not, I can think of at least one guy that I know, who is a drummer in a secular punk rock band. He has bible studies at every show, he leads secular kids to God, he talks with them about issues that they are dealing with and he prays for and with them constantly. He attends his home church when not touring, he was a virgin until he was married earlier this month and he openly professes his faith…to everyone…more so than some artists that are labeled “Christian”. He is making a difference to a group of people that won’t listen to anyone else. I realize that a Christian radio station won’t play his band’s music, but should we look down on his choice of working in secular music as lukewarm?