What is Christian music?
Christian music is not a genre; rather, it is a very broad category of music made by followers of Christ who want to glorify God in some way with their art. "Christian music" is much like the extensive term "Canadian music" – rather than being restricted to one specific form, it is a quite general term that can be applied to music in virtually every genre. There are two basic types of Christian music:
Worship music is the kind of music that is suitable for singing in church services. These songs usually have "vertical lyrics," meaning that the lyrics of the song are addressed specifically to God, so the people worshiping feel like they are singing to God directly. This includes hymns, gospel music, and contemporary worship. Even within worship music there is a wide range of musical styles, from solemn, traditional renderings of 18th century hymns to the upbeat experimental post-rock songs of Gungor and Bellarive.
Nonworship music is music written by Christians to glorify God, but meant for general listening rather than being played in a church service for worship. Although there are so-called "Christian record labels," there are also many Christians who publish music with secular, mainstream record labels. The Christian rock scene is vibrant, including the symphonic metal band Skillet, the alternative surf rock band Switchfoot, and the Canadian metal band Thousand Foot Krutch. The Christian rap/hip hop scene is also thriving, led by rappers such as TobyMac and Lecrae.
Classical music owes a great deal of its success to Christian composers and patrons. Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers of all time, was a devout Lutheran and devoted every one of his works "to the glory of God." Christians have also played a large part in the history of country music; Johnny Cash himself was unashamed to say he was a Christian, and sang a number of gospel songs. I've also listened to Christian artists from the genres of synth-pop (Owl City), electronic dance music (GodsDJs.com), jazz (Christian Jazz Artists Network), reggae (Papa San), acoustic rock (Mat Kearney), and even beatboxing (Peterpot).
Classical music owes a great deal of its success to Christian composers and patrons. Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers of all time, was a devout Lutheran and devoted every one of his works "to the glory of God." Christians have also played a large part in the history of country music; Johnny Cash himself was unashamed to say he was a Christian, and sang a number of gospel songs. I've also listened to Christian artists from the genres of synth-pop (Owl City), electronic dance music (GodsDJs.com), jazz (Christian Jazz Artists Network), reggae (Papa San), acoustic rock (Mat Kearney), and even beatboxing (Peterpot).
How much does a band need to sing about God to be a "Christian band"?
I don't think that a "Christian band" necessarily even needs to mention God in any of their songs. If the band members are true followers of Christ, then their beliefs should be evident in their music. However, explicit references to God or religion are not necessary.
For example, Adam Young (the genius behind Owl City) rarely mentions God in his music, but keeps his songs clean and positive and isn't afraid to identify as a Christian. In 2011 he told the Christian Post in an interview, "My prayer is that the music of Owl City serves as a bright light in a very dark place, a ray of hope in this haunted house of a world. I want the Lord Jesus to use my music to do WHATEVER it is He wills."
For example, Adam Young (the genius behind Owl City) rarely mentions God in his music, but keeps his songs clean and positive and isn't afraid to identify as a Christian. In 2011 he told the Christian Post in an interview, "My prayer is that the music of Owl City serves as a bright light in a very dark place, a ray of hope in this haunted house of a world. I want the Lord Jesus to use my music to do WHATEVER it is He wills."
Is it wrong to listen to nonChristian music?
I think it all depends on whether or not the music you're listening to is going to affect your thoughts and behaviour, tempting you to sin. I listen to lots of music written by nonChristians, but I'm careful to remember that what I listen to can influence me profoundly.
Lots of modern music has references to using illegal drugs, abusing alcohol, violence, lust and sexual immorality, pride, greed, hate, disregarding the consequences of your actions, and excessive concern with outward appearances and popularity. However, music affects each of us differently.
If you can listen to Pumped Up Kicks without having the song change your views on violence, then I'd say it's okay to listen to. If you can listen to Thrift Shop without becoming excessively vulgar, materialistic, and prideful, then I'd say it's okay to listen to it. If you can listen to We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (one of my favourite Taylor Swift songs) without getting overly bitter about a breakup you've experienced, then I'd say it's okay to listen to it. But as soon as a song starts inciting you to sin, I would recommend to back away and stop listening. That goes for any song, regardless of the religious beliefs of the person who wrote it.
If you can listen to Pumped Up Kicks without having the song change your views on violence, then I'd say it's okay to listen to. If you can listen to Thrift Shop without becoming excessively vulgar, materialistic, and prideful, then I'd say it's okay to listen to it. If you can listen to We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (one of my favourite Taylor Swift songs) without getting overly bitter about a breakup you've experienced, then I'd say it's okay to listen to it. But as soon as a song starts inciting you to sin, I would recommend to back away and stop listening. That goes for any song, regardless of the religious beliefs of the person who wrote it.
