"If your music has a beat, then you're gunna wind up dead"
The place of music in the life of the Christian

The title of this blog entry comes from a song by Audio Adrenaline, the 'Houseplant Song.' It's a tongue-in-cheek dig at the 'rock music is of the devil' perspective that some Christian's hold (particularly here in the US!)

This subject has come to me from a number of recent experiences. First, Melanie and I have suffered from our first 'reality TV addiction,' Rockstar: Supernova is a show where aspiring rockers compete to front a band with Jason Newstead on bass (formerly of Metallica), Gilby Clark on guitar (formerly of Guns 'n' Roses) and Tommy Lee Jones on drums (formerly of Motley Crue). Melanie's addiction comes primarily from her love of rock music. Mine comes from my love of Australians coming out on top. This Tuesday and Wednesday will be the final nights and, with only four contestants left, the lovable and distinctly Australian Toby Rand is one of the front runners. I am mildly ashamed to say, I even stayed up 'voting' last Tuesday night to ensure Toby was not in the 'bottom three' who are threatened with being cut from the show (so you know I didn't waste my time, Toby was not in the 'bottom three' that week). I could try and defend my addiction but it will be over this week and it's not really the purpose of this entry!

Second, one of the responses to my first Blog post was from my aunt, Robbie, who gave me my first Christian music tape back in the early 90's. That first Michael W. Smith tape (I know what you're thinking but trust me, his music has changed a lot since the 80's...not so 'boy band, without a boy band' back then) started a journey of exploring various Christian artists and reflecting (mostly defensively!) on the value of Christian music as opposed to secular music.

Third, I received a very generous early birthday present from a good friend that has allowed me to purchase a lot of iTunes music! Selecting new music for someone who infrequently buys music (at all, let alone en masse) has been a wonderful experience.

Fourth, my seminary/Bible college class involved a section on dealing with stress and I realized I was not 'feeding my soul' with music, poetry, etc. in the same was I used to just a few years ago.

My 'defense' of Christian music remains much the same now as it did in my early teens: music is a very personal expression of the tastes and values of a person. Have you ever found yourself singing a song and caught yourself singing obscene lyrics without even thinking about it? On a sub-conscious level we internalize the music we listen to. That's not to say we don't also internalize the TV we watch, the internet sites we read etc., but it is at least a caution to be wise in how we select music. It is surely better to internalize God-centered music than music that spouts worldly perspectives from lust to materialism, violence to obscene language.

Not only do I think Christian music is defensible, I think it's a worthy addition to the listening experience of Christian people, particularly for those Christian people who are creative types for whom 'feeding the soul' is a regular (if not daily) necessity.

The type (and admittedly, quality) runs the gamut but I have found many favorites I can rely on. Some of my all time favorites include Caedmon's Call, a band that has always played great folk rock but has recently been captivated by a missionary zeal, as evidenced by their 'Share the Well' album recorded in Ecuador and India. An artist I have enjoyed for over 12 years is Steven Curtis Chapman. Admittedly, a less rocky sound, but I find his music to be consistently Biblical - like good poetry set to music. Casting Crowns is a band that has a much rockier sound and has had Chapman produce their music (Melanie and I saw them open for Chapman in 2005, it was fantastic!) Other favorites of mine include:

• Matthew West - his first album 'Happy,' had some good songs but his more recent album, 'History,' has equally great sound but very mature song writing.
• MercyMe - well known for their 'I Can Only Imagine' song, but more recent work includes great albums 'Undone' and 'Coming up to Breath'
• Newsboys - talented Australian band who have recorded album upon album of great tunes. Recently added talented Australian musician, Paul Coleman to their lineup.

I'm sure over the months (and years?) of blogging, there'll be more to add about Christian music (and Melanie wants me talking about the wonders of rock and roll too!) Just to whet your appetite...