cthiessen95

[cthiessen95]

“No More Bleeping Christian Music”: A response

A major Christian music website recently came out with an article considering the “disturbing” trend of swearing in Christian music recently, and a lot of people had their two cents to throw in down in the comments section. However, as a former writer for said website and a follower of the trends of the music world, I felt like a thought-out, formal response was warranted.

For those that have not read the article, the message is “Swearing has ZERO place in Christian music” (bold and caps in keeping with original formatting). The arguments are that artists have been doing just fine without swearing in the past, that such words create distractions from God, that they cause some to stumble, etc.

The article then cites many songs and artists that they accuse of distracting from God, being “edgy for edgy’s sake”, and creating massive division. Among these are Hillsong United with their lyric Even when it hurts like hell/I’ll praise you. (“Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)”) The article also mentions Kings Kaleidoscope, P.O.D., The Classic Crime, Derek Webb, Sho Baraka, Andy Mineo, Kirk Franklin, and mainstream hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper.

There are many different directions I could take this response, and I’ll try to make it cohesive. I first want to address the main message of the article (the one in bold and caps) and discuss the double standard that exists with Christian music and faith-based film. For some reason, the authors of this article and many others find the “Explicit” tag next to a song (from a Christian artist or otherwise) or hear something offensive in it, and immediately write it off as an unnecessary, profane piece of entertainment that a believer should not spend time consuming.

However, these same people are far more lenient when it comes to a film. The Passion of the Christ still stands as the highest grossing R-rated film in history. How’s that for not letting a content label stand in the way? In fact, many believers watch the film every single Easter. And while not garnering the same dollar amounts as that film, Gibson’s newest epic Hacksaw Ridge received much acclaim from believers despite its R rating.

An additional point to this double standard is found in the website’s treatment of the film Noah, described as “one of the most polarizing faith-based movies ever released.” Despite loads of violence, a few obscenities, and plenty of Biblical and theological inaccuracy (director Darren Aronofsky called it “the least Biblical film ever made”), the editor-in-chief of the website felt “spiritually inspired.”

He concluded, “But as for me, I love that I have a Holy Spirit who can pluck out the nuggets of truth that I need in the midst of a Genesis remix.” That seems like a majorly different message than “We'll bring zero attention or promotion to any album that contains explicit/profane/blasphemous/sexual language defined by the general society as obscene.”

So why is there this double standard when it comes to consuming entertainment as a Christian? Is it because songs are shorter and thus content has a larger impact? Is it because we tend to repeat what’s sung rather than spoken in movies? I can’t answer that for certain. But as for me, I’d prefer to have the attitude expressed in that Noah review (a film I very much didn’t like by the way).

I believe in a Holy Spirit that “guides us in all truth.” I believe that “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” And I lean on the Holy Spirit to guide me in the difference.

And these beliefs make me even more confused when I read this comment the author made about the language in “Even When It Hurts”: “I don't think any of us will argue that and we don't need to pretend like it doesn't. That's not the point. The point here is that ears have been perked up, and now we're now focused on dissecting the entire message and its delivery.”

Are we not supposed to dissect the message and make our worship truthful and personal with the help of the Holy Spirit? Or are we supposed to sing along without giving thought to what we’re singing? Because that’s what this comment is conveying here. I don’t care if it’s a worship song, a rap song, or anything else, your ears should be perked up and focused on the message!

When I look at the ministry of Jesus, he was never concerned with surface matters. He always looked deeper into the heart, into the meaning, into the reason behind the surface. He says that being angry with someone and calling him a fool is just as destructive as murder. Because it’s the intent, it’s the thought that he was concerned with. So when I listen to a song, I’m not just listening for the literal words that are said, I’m asking myself “why did they say that? Why did they choose those words? What are they conveying here?” And that applies to any words, not just “swear” words. You could just as easily use “clean words” in a worship song, but actually be conveying a very destructive, self-centered message as you could “cause division” with stronger words.

I’ll say it again. It’s not the words that matter. Our hearts, our thoughts, our essence is what matters. Language is a living system that changes all the time. And even now, it differs so much between individuals and cultures. What might be offensive to someone, could really speak life into someone else. And that’s because we put so much weight on words as opposed to meanings. But whether or not you can imagine a church where they’re singing Even when it hurts like hell/I’ll praise you, the reality is they are. A quick search on YouTube shows that.

I have a lot more I could say about specific points from this article. But I think I’ll conclude here because this is the point I want to convey. Speak WITH meaning. Listen FOR meaning. If we tried to understand the deeper parts of people instead of looking on the surface, there would be so much less bickering, hatred, and division. People act, speak, and look differently. Embrace that! It’s a gift! Many of us, especially believers, are fighting for the same thing even if it takes different forms. So please look deeper into the art and entertainment you consume. Because if you do, it will help you understand the world God has created even better, and you will learn how to love even more fully with the love Jesus has exemplified.

[cthiessen95]

Album Picks for January 2017

The Brilliance – All Is Not Lost

This is the most time-relevant album to come out in the beginning month of 2017. David Gungor (brother of Michael Gungor) has put together a work that is both sensitive to what is going on in the world and prayerful to see change. In a Christian music scene that often doesn’t address current events, this album stands out as a breath of fresh air in the midst of Facebook rants and points us to the only Source of truth in a time when it’s hard to know who to believe.

The Flaming Lips – Oczy Mlody

There have been mixed reviews on this album. Some call it unfocused. And I will admit, without some careful analysis, it may be difficult to pull anything out of this album. However, I see a narrative about a friend dying, causing the narrator to go through depression and drug use before coming to acceptance of the death. This theory has kept me intrigued for sure, and I suppose I should write a more in-depth analysis about it. In the meantime, “How??” and Miley Cyrus collaboration “We A Family” are highlights.

Foxygen – Hang

Foxygen’s brand of homage-paying progressive orchestral pop rock psychedelia is over the top, theatrical, and just fun. Frontman Sam France channels as much Mick Jagger and glam spirit as he can on the brief 32-minute effort that leaves the listener wishing it were longer. “America” is a standout track that moves through eerie string pieces and big band  instrumental breaks as France warns “If you’re already there, then you’re already dead, if you’re living in America.” Balancing out this pessimism are songs like “Avalon” which seems to embrace its silliness. Overall, the most fun album of January.

Ty Segall – Ty Segall

Ty Segall shows that guitar rock can still be relevant in 2017 on this rambunctious, fuzzy, Brit rock insta-classic. “Thank You Mr. K” sounds like Segall kidnapped The Beatles’ Mr. Kite for a nightmare merry-go-round ride. One of the softer breaks on the album,  “Talkin’” brings to mind the snarling attitude of Bob Dylan as he sings “I heard you talkin’ ‘bout Philip Jean, about how he’s the boss and he’s so mean. I think you’re talkin’ about yourself.” Like the 10-minute epic “Warm Hands (Freedom Returned)”, this album captivates your attention for its entirety with its blistering instrumentals and pure rock and roll spirit.

The xx – I See You

I See You is The xx’s most fully realized effort to date. This album sees leads Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim singing with a new-found confidence, while still hanging on to the vulnerability and intimacy of their previous efforts. Tracks like “On Hold” and “Say Something Loving” feature the energetic work of producer Jamie Smith following his breakout solo record, In Colour. It all comes together on I See You for a record that is worth many repeat listens. Honorable Mentions:

Bonobo - Migration Brian Eno - Reflection Cherry Glazerr - Apocalipstick Colony House - Only The Lonely Japandroids - Near To The Heart of Life Julie Byrne - Not Even Happiness Loyle Carner - Yesterday’s Gone Okey Dokey - Love You, Mean It SOHN - Rennen The Proper Ornaments - Foxhole

[cthiessen95]

Where Does My Strength Come From?

All right, I’ve been wanting to write something meaningful about music for a good while now and just have not known where to start, what my journalistic voice is, or if I’m even qualified to have a point of view that matters. And while I still don’t know the answers to those latter questions, I listened to a song over the weekend that irked me enough to take this time to sit down with a triple espresso and write.  

The song is the leadoff track from Rise, the new album from American Idol alum Danny Gokey. Now, before I continue I will confess that I do have strong feelings about the state of Christian music, particularly the radio-driven pop sector of it. I am aware of this bias. However, my hope is to see the music change. I’m not just sitting here wanting to bash and reject the work of these artists. But let’s dig deeper. Let’s strive to make “safe for the whole family” inspirational music that is rooted in God’s truth, and not human wisdom.

 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)

 OK, so the song from Gokey is called “Stronger Than We Think.” And what immediately caught my attention is that this title is in direct opposition to a mid-‘90s track from Rich Mullins titled “We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are.” The former is a beat-driven pop self-confidence booster; the latter, a (dated to be sure) piano ballad focusing on our shortcomings and God’s work in them.

 On his anthem, Gokey declares:

“The darkness has to run and hide, ‘Cause we illuminate the night.”

The chorus adds:

“Cause we’re stronger than we think we are There’s a thunder rolling in our hearts Pushing up against the dark Yeah we’re stronger than we think we are.”

Do you see the emphasis here on “We”? The entire song focuses on OUR strength, OUR light, the war WE’RE fighting, throw in every other cliché about human strength. Gokey is building this attitude that points to US to handle the wars, the issues, the struggles of human life. Never once does this song point to God as the source of strength. Never once is it realized that, yeah, we are imperfect and in need of support not only from God, but from our fellow humans. Instead, this song looks inward to say, all I need is the strength inside of me to keep pushing through the hard times.

I understand Gokey’s hope to reach and encourage people both inside and outside the church with songs like this. In an interview on Fox News about the album, Gokey said, “I want to make music that the church would love. But I want to make music that maybe people who would never step foot into a church, people who honestly don’t want to hear about the God message—I wanted to make music for them too.”

And this is where I see many of the Christian pop artists failing. Of course, this issue is not just about Danny Gokey, but it’s an issue that the industry as a whole needs to address. Look, Kanye West and Chance the Rapper are delivering stronger and more honest offerings about reliance on God than much of what’s happening in the Christian pop industry. See “Ultralight Beam”:

“Don’t have much strength to fight, So I look to the light To make these wrongs turn right,  Head up high, I look to the light. ‘Cause I know that You’ll make everything alright And I know that you’ll take good care of Your child No longer am afraid of the night ‘Cause I, I look to the light.”

Now let me turn back to Rich Mullins’ song as the antithesis of “Stronger Than We Think” and an example of honest music that points to God for our strength.

 The song begins:

“Well, it took the hand of God Almighty  To part the waters of the sea  But it only took one little lie  To separate you and me.”

The song continues talking about human shortcomings, both personal to Mullins and looking at humanity as a whole. But yet, in the midst of the borderline self-deprecation, we see Mullins boastful of the power of God. He recognizes our identity as “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the God who IS stronger than we can think or imagine. In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul relays the Word of God revealed to him saying, “’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 9:9-10 (ESV) 

I don’t know how one could read these words or hear songs like Mullins’ and not be encouraged. And guess what. Neither of these tells us to lean on our own strength! We don’t have to be stressed to work things out for ourselves! That is the good news. And I praise God that we have freedom in His strength to fail, to mess up, to learn and grow. Because we have faith in someone bigger than ourselves.

So to conclude, I do appreciate the work that artists like Danny Gokey are doing. There are people being reached. There are people deepening their relationships with God due to their ministries. However, it can be SO dangerous to accidentally or purposefully put our hope somewhere other than the power of our Savior. There’s nothing more destructive than offering anything less than complete truth, especially in a ��family-friendly”, “trustworthy” medium. Let us, both as listeners and music makers, be discerning in where our encouragement comes from.

 “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. The will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:41 (ESV)

[cthiessen95]

Carry On. Trust. Believe.

So I've dabbled in blogging before, but this is my first attempt at a personal blog. I have lots of thoughts running through my head constantly and often don't outlet them anywhere... So here it is. Basically I just have thoughts to share and thoughts that will hopefully encourage somebody, and I don't want to just keep it all inside my head where I forget about it anymore. So read if you'd like :) If not, at least it'll serve as encouragement and reminders that are much needed for myself.

So I may post things about music, or what I'm learning through music, or about God, or about life's journey, or whatever. Just things I'm passionate about! I was trying to figure out what to blog about for my first post and I remembered a song I wrote a couple weeks ago. This song is a song about discovery. It's about not knowing where the path ahead leads, but knowing that there is indeed a path and that someone's laid it out and is guiding me along it.

The lyric in the third verse was kind of the beginning of this song and it came out of a sermon I heard a few weeks back where my pastor was talking about prayer. He was talking about how when we're truly seeking and asking God about something, we need to come to God over and over and over again like a battering ram, ramming against the gates of heaven.  

That really stuck in my head. Maybe because he pulled an analogy from Lord of the Rings to demonstrate it. That always brings out my inner nerd in full strength. 

But anyways, that stuck in my head and I just wrote this song as a prayer ramming against the gates of heaven and trusting God that He knows where I'm going and He is going to help me get there!

There’s a silence in my soul

I’m crying out but I still feel alone

There’s a darkness, I need your light

I just want answers, won’t you come alive

  And even though I don’t know where you are

I still believe that you can’t be far

And even though I don’t know what plans you might have for me

I’ll carry on, I’ll trust, and believe

  There’s a burden on my heart

I want to know, wanna be where you are

There’ve been trials and there’s been pain

Won’t you pour down, oh won’t you rain (reign)

  Cause even though I don’t know where you are

I still believe that you can’t be far

And even though I don’t know what plans you might have for me

I’ll carry on, I’ll trust, and believe

This is my prayer I send to you

I pray that Father you might answer soon

I’m here knocking on Heaven’s door

I won’t relent ‘til I hear you roar

  Cause even though I don’t know where you are

I still believe that you can’t be far

And even though I don’t know what plans you might have for me

I’ll carry on, I’ll trust, and I’ll believe

I hope that this was a source of encouragement to you all. I pray that God will comfort you and give you vision in the times of darkness when you can't see two feet ahead of you. He's there and He'll light the way.