Ever since the 1980s and 1990s, the Christian community has been grappling with a persistent question: What makes a song, an album, or an artist “Christian”?
Amy Grant famously tested these waters when she moved from the Christian market where she found fame into the secular sphere. Since then, the debate has only gotten muddier, with many wondering if an artist’s intention is ministry, salvation, or simply entertainment and fun. Bands like U2 and the Vigilantes of Love were scrutinized in the early 90s. Eventually, many settle on an unsatisfying truce, often using terms like, “They are Christians in a band, but the band itself is not Christian.”
It’s time to find some peace on this enduring issue within the Body of Christ by establishing some clarity on markets, individual faith, and the nature of music.Understanding the Markets
First, let’s acknowledge the reality of markets. Every year, the Christmas and Holiday market sees a huge boost, sending classics from artists like Andy Williams and Burl Ives flying off the shelves. Beyond the holidays, there are vast markets like pop, rock, metal, country, and hip-hop.
Within these larger markets, there is a recognized category often called Christian music, typically shelved alongside inspirational and religious content. It’s a useful market term, but it doesn’t define the essence of the music or the artist.
Individuals, not groups, are Christian
The question of greater importance is, “What makes a Christian?” If all the members of a band are believers, does that automatically make them a Christian band?
Consider this: If a band of Christians sings only about life, cars, and nature—much like the Beach Boys—are they disqualified from being “Christian” because they don’t explicitly reference Jesus? In the 1980s, some even tried to “cancel” Michael Card because he was a Christian who rarely spoke the name of Jesus in his songs. Does this make his ministry or music less valid?
My stance is two-fold:
- Only individuals can be Christians. A group—whether a duet, trio, choir, or full orchestra—is a collection of individuals, but it is not, itself, a Christian entity. In the same vein, there is no such thing as a Christian company or a Christian nation. In this age of grace, God works with individuals. He calls people to Him one by one, and all are equal before Him. If we choose Him in faith, His grace saves us.
- Music is not a person; therefore, music is not Christian. Outside of a marketing context, music is either glorifying to God, or it is not. Even this is difficult for a listener to determine.
Music and the Glory of God
If the Beach Boys sing a simple, innocent song about surfing, does the lack of a Jesus reference make it non-Christian? Or, is the activity of enjoying creation and athletic play wholesome, good, and inherently God-glorifying?
The truth is, as listeners, we cannot know if a song is God-glorifying or not. That is between the artist and God. Each individual involved—the writers, producers, and studio players—must come to God with a clear conscience. It is not the listener’s place to divine or judge the internal motivations of the artist.
A song can glorify God regardless of the market it’s in. We hear stories, for example, that Alice Cooper came to faith, yet he continues to tour with his old music and old band. Is he Christian or not? It’s a question for him and God, not for his audience to settle.
What Can a Christian Listen To?
The question of what music a Christian can or cannot listen to is equally personal—between that person and God. Can you approach God with a clear conscience as you listen, and do you feel it helps you focus on His glory?
Many Christians honestly find themselves able to take songs intended for the secular market and use them as a means to praise God, even changing the meaning of the lyrics in their mind. The artist, like a movie star or painter, holds no power over a believer. As a child of God, a member of the Body of Christ, and directed by the Holy Spirit, your relationship is direct.
Let’s put an end to this argument over what is or is not Christian music, and instead, listen and play whatever gives glory to God. This may look a bit different for every believer on the planet, and the same principle applies to movies, books, and all art forms. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)
p.s. I’ve been playing with AI in a couple posts. Not for content creation, but only for grammar. The above concepts are all mine, but I did you Google’s Gemini for some cleanup work. Let me know your thoughts on this please. I look forward to your comments!