I think when people start thinking about Christian music versus secular music and even those categories, sometimes those aren't really helpful categories to think of because only a person can be a Christian, a thing can't be a Christian, a thing doesn't have a soul that can be saved by Christ, only a person can. And so that's something that we need to think of. I would like Christians to be able to engage in "secular art" be able to be discerning in that. That's not a overall rule, that everyone should engage in secular art or to what extent, and certainly young people who are still under their parents' care need to obey their parents. That's pretty clear in the Bible. And if their parents feel like they're not ready for certain types of art, then that is definitely the priority because God has placed them in authority over them.

That said, as we grow and as we're adults who should be discerning, we should be prayerful in how we engage in the arts. And for me, a big breakthrough was understanding, and this may seem very basic to some people, but in my understanding, I began to see, "Okay, I shouldn't expect someone who's not a Christian to be creating art from a Christian worldview. So how can I take in secular art and enjoy it while still, I guess, guarding against taking it wholesale, taking it as just this is the truth, but actually be discerning?" And I think Christians are called to be discerning and to trust in God for the wisdom for that discernment. I think it's a lot easier for us as Christians to just create rules. Rules that are extra-biblical, that are not in the Bible as to what we should or shouldn't do when really the harder thing, but I think the thing that we're called to is to actually trust God for wisdom in all areas of life. And that includes what art that we engage in.

(Article first published July 29, 2013)

Listen for God in Secular Music

When you switch on the radio or pop in a CD of secular music, you can hear a surprising amount of thoughts on relating to God. Contemporary Christian music has long been popular among the faithful, but secular music often broadcasts the musings of people who are searching for God. When you listen carefully to secular music, you can discover clues about how to reach out to them.

Here are some ways you can use secular music in ministry:

- Take secular music seriously. Realize that even though some of it can be offensive, people are singing about genuine thoughts and feelings that reflect the views of many other people who are searching for God. Don't ignore secular music just because it's secular; listen with interest and objectivity.

- Whenever you hear a song that mentions some aspect of relating to God, take some time to ponder its message. Consider what needs underlie the thoughts and feelings the song expresses. Then ask God to bring to mind other people you know who are struggling with those same thoughts and feelings. Ask God to help you better understand those people and to reveal ways you can help point them to Him. 

- Listen to how secular music portrays God. Compare each song's portrayal with the truth revealed in Scripture. If a song portrays God inaccurately, think about why that might be so. Ask God to show you how to sensitively guide people who don't truly know Him into a real relationship with Him so they can discover who He is. Actively seek to know God more yourself each day. Think about one thing you've recently learned about God that surprised you, then consider how you might share that insight with others.

- Think about the social issues that secular songs address, such as war, greed, hunger, racism, and disease. Then consider how well the worldwide Christian community is responding to such issues, and resolve to make a positive contribution yourself.

(Adapted from Facing the Music: Faith and Meaning in Popular Songs, by Darrell W. Cluck)

Rich Mullins Quotes about Christian and Secular Music

“I hope that you have the opportunity to write something that people are going to read. I hope that you can start thinking about writing more stuff that has something to do with something. That’s always a challenge, because it’s always a little bit scary. If you say something meaningful you’re very likely to turn people off. Let’s face it—we all have to sell product. But I would just like to encourage you to realize, also, that at some point, there isn’t going to be any more product to sell. Someday we’re all going to be dead and the amount of product we sold is not going to be all that important.” — “A Message to the Media,” distributed at Creation 1996 Festival

“But the thing is that sometimes, I think, that when you become too conscientious about being a songwriter, the message becomes a vehicle for the medium. This is a temptation that I think all songwriters have. I think a great songwriter is someone who is able to take a very meaningful piece of wisdom - or of folly or whatever - and say it in a way that is most likely to make people respond. But, what you want them to respond to is not how cleverly you did that; what you want them to respond to is your message.” — interview with Brent Waters, published 1996 in Lighthouse Electronic Magazine

“I think that a lot of people want the Christian music industry to be an evangelistic or nurturing thing. People are looking at the Christian music industry and saying, ‘Feed us! Convert us! Make us what we want to be!’ And that is not the job of any industry. That’s the job of the church. We need to realize that it is wonderful to have songs to listen to while we are doing the housework or driving the car that are going to be positive and uplifting. I don’t really listen to Christian music.” — interview with Brian Smith, published in 1986 in the Cross Examiner

“I think people are people. An exceptional plumber is as exceptional as an exceptional musician. I don’t buy the idea that musicians are a unique breed of people who need to be pampered. I tell them, ‘You know what? I get to make a living doing what I love to do. Isn’t that favor enough?’” — interview with Kim Benson, published 1993 in Rejoice!

“I don’t know if I’m afraid of success; I might be… I tend to think success is overrated, that it’s something everybody goes after until they get it, then nobody knows what to do with it. Your life speaks louder than your music... I can make records for the rest of my life and talk about love, but it won’t mean anything until I love somebody.”—interview with Lou Carlozo, published 1996 in the Chicago Tribune

(Excerpted from "20 Rich Mullins Quotes to Think about Today" by G. Connor Salter)

If you enjoyed this article, you enjoy these articles about Christian musicians who traveled the line between Christian and secular music in interesting ways:

Remembering Contemporary Christian Music Pioneer Keith Green

5 Christian Rock Musicians You Didn't Know About

Was Mark Heard Contemporary Christian Music’s Greatest Songwriter?

Was Michael Been the 80's Most Underrated Rocker?

10 Things You Should Know about Contemporary Christian Musician Rich Mullins

How Did Larry Norman Become the Father of Christian Rock?

You may also enjoy these articles about the spiritual value of music:

Listening to Music for the Lord

What Does the Bible Say About Worship? Do Music Styles Matter?

Translating Your Music

What Is the Spiritual Importance of Music for Christians?

Reading, Writing and Music: A Conversation with Andrew Peterson

Photo Credit: Getty Images/flisk