Christian ministry tends to be a worthy, good cause. Helping people grow in their personal walk with God tends to be the general, overarching, purpose of many ministers around the world. Sometimes, though, I think Christians tend to go a bit overboard with their good intentions and sometimes those Christians make websites like this one. I think I agree with the underlying premises of the site’s creator(s). I agree that some music lyrics can tend to be “bad” while others can tend to be “good.” However, I don’t think that breaking down bands into “safe” and “gay” categories accomplishes anything constructive.
The purpose of Christian discipleship, of Christian teaching, is to come alongside others and live with them as you both learn how to make wise life choices. I think for many Christians this is a scary concept, “How can I trust this other person to make wise choices for himself? Wouldn’t it be easier and ‘safer’ to make the choice for them?” In the short term the answer is yes, it is easier to make choices for people instead of walking with them as they make the choices for themselves. But in the end it’s ultimately unproductive for their life. Once they’re out of your life, out of your ‘control’, they have no framework upon which to base their decisions.
My point is that sites like this which attempt (from good motives) to help people choose “good” music by making lists of ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ music are doing people a disservice.
P.S.- Why are Cyndi Lauper and Evanescence on the “safe” list (which is PAINFULLY short and chock full of bands that aren’t very good) while all the great artists and bands are on the “bad” list? Who’s on the “bad” list? Why, bands like Phish, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, John Mayer, Kansas (who I’m going to see in concert next month), Barry Manilow, Frank Sinatra, Arcade Fire and Elton John. Seeing these artists on the bad list makes me absolutely stunned to not see other names there like The Beatles, John Lennon (who is more obviously anti-Christian than anyone of those I just named) and The Allman Brothers. Seriously, what’s up with that?
**Update 1/31/07: After further reading on the linked site I have to say that I completely disagree with their premises and their ideals. I have nothing in common with said site. lovegodsway.org is not a Christian site, nor does it express Christian ideals or teachings.
