Some years ago I walked away from church for good.
After so much hurt, hypocrisy, hate, and disappointment that the church in America has abandoned the truth of the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus and devoted itself to the cult and idolatry of trump and the GOP, I was just done. As part of that, l stopped listening to many of the "Christian" bands and musicians that had been the cornerstone of my music habits for the last 30 years or so. I just didn't know who I could trust and couldn't bring myself to support any musicians who have gone that way.
So yesterday, I started thinking about Easter again and the resurrection and redemption that comes with the risen Lord and it started drawing me back into the music that, in many ways, sustained my faith throughout the years. However, I still can't come to support or listen to those who have entrenched themselves in the false teachings and heresy of "Christian nationalism". To that end, I spent a ton of time going through the bands and musicians I love and researching where they stand on politics, the pandemic, race, and the other issues facing our country and world today. I created two lists, one for bands I deem safe, and one for those who are not safe.
There are two things I want to point out about these lists.
One, these are really only the artists that I listen to. I know there are hundreds of other bands and musical styles out there that I don't listen to, but, selfishly, I kept this to those who's music touches my heart. Your mileage with the artists that influence you may vary. :)
Second, for those who say that artists shouldn't be involved with speaking about politics, race, etc. and should just stick to making music, there's a couple things you need to consider. One, practice what you preach. If these artists have no place to speak out about these issues, then neither do you. Regardless of what they do for a living, their voice and their platform is just as legitimate as any other. What platform do you use to speak out what you believe? Twitter? Facebook? A soapbox on the corner? A protest in front of the capitol building? Your big, dumb truck? Why is that legitimate and these artists using their platform not? Because they have hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of followers? Because their voice is more amplified because of it? All the more reason for them to use their platforms to speak out for what's right. Two, we are called to speak up for what's right. To speak up for the oppressed, downtrodden, the poor, the sick. And to speak out against those who use their positions for corruption and to divide and oppress. And this is especially true for those in positions of power in the church. Think about the pharisees and Jesus' words to them.
Here are some scriptures to consider when you say these artists (or really anyone) shouldn't speak up:
Psalm 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against those who practice iniquity?
Titus 1:10-11, 13 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. ... Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.
1 Timothy 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Proverbs 31:8-9 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Psalm 82:3 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed.
One other thing I want to say about all this. This list is intensely personal. I realize that this issue is something that, perhaps, only I deal with, and that to others, worship is worship and they are able to separate the art from the artist. I get that, but for me, the artist matters. The credibility and motivations of the musicians influence their message and for me, it's hard to get past that. One other scripture that came to mind while I was muddling through these thoughts is Romans 16:17:
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
So having said all that, here are my lists. I would love to hear your experiences with these artists or any suggestions about musicians or groups to add to either list.
Safe:
Rich Mullins
Switchfoot
For King & Country
Needtobreathe
Lecrae
Todd Agnew
Jars of Clay
Five Iron Frenzy
Brave Saint Saturn
Matt Maher
Burlap to Cashmere
Adam Again
Casting Crowns
Amy Grant
Zach Williams
Plumb
Rend Collective
Paul Coleman Trio
Not safe:
Michael Tait
Skillet
Steve Camp
Jeremy Camp
Stryper
Nicole C. Mullen
Comments