Let’s take a stroll down history lane. In 1951, a relatively small-time DJ by the name of Alan Freed was about to make history for himself. Observing the style of the new music that was sweeping across America and gaining popularity particularly with a restless youth population, Alan saw what the new style was doing. He saw the reaction of the beat on the human body and the perverse sexuality that went along with the music. It was not the words to the songs that were driving the increase, but the music style.
Alan Freed chose to use an old ethnic term that was completely vulgar in its connotation to represent the entire genre of music coming out of the music studios – ROCK & ROLL! The term was a phrase used to indicate sexual relationships outside the bonds of sacred matrimony between one man and one woman.
Fast-forward to the late 20th century, and we find churches are struggling with church attendance. Young people do not find the church to be relevant, and even older people are tired of seeing the status quo. The questions that were being asked by churches and their leaders were – “what can we use to entice people to church and how can we show the youth of America that Jesus is a really cool hip character??”
The change of Bible versions was not proving successful enough, and the dumbing down of theology to the level of rank liberalism was not proving to be the ticket either. Besides, those within evangelical circles did not want to be seen as being liberal so they would have to attempt a different path – something that would be radical! What could the answer be to mysteriously solve the problems of drastically declining church attendance? And gimmicks to get the kids on the buses only worked up to a point!
The answer came from an unexpected source and the church and its leaders clapped their hands in glee. Of course, there were a few stick-in-the-mud types who were adamantly opposed to the new answer, but in time many of them would come around as well. The groundswell of support was amazing as the world announced their pleasure at the new trend within the church. Yes, they could now attend with a lot less qualms and definitely a lot less in the area of conviction of the heart.
Dr. Tim Fisher in The Battle for Christian Music said, “When outreach is your stated purpose, you will go to any lengths to justify almost anything in attempting to reach the lost.”
So, before long, the answer which was simple in its inception swelled to multi-million dollar proportions and the world was invited to be a part of the celebrations. After all, the answer had come from their ranks and it was only right that there be some sort of a trade. The world stated, “We will let you have our youth on Sunday, but you have to use our methods to get them there!”
The church did not even blink an eye. In their willingness to see more numbers, they surrendered their convictions, their doctrine, and their standards. Basically, they sold out to the enemy for that which is temporary. For what it was worth, youth began to flock to the churches but it was not for the Bible. It was not to gain biblical instruction on how to live daily life according to the truth of God’s Word and to learn all that pertains to life and godliness. No, they were flocking for what the world had to give but with a so-called Christian flair!
What was the miracle pill that revolutionized the church and made Jesus cool to the masses? Was it doctrine? Nope! Was it expository preaching and teaching? Nope! Was it that revival of God’s people had taken place? Nope again!
The miracle pill was none other than CCM – also known as Contemporary Christian Music. Through the means of CCM, the evil one and his minions were able to infiltrate the church in ways they never had before. Over time, the CCM style would fade into insignificance as it would require more and more of the world to make the youth happy.
Much of CCM was actually introduced by those who were previous rock artists. These rock artists saw an opportunity to capture a new market. With a little twist of the lyrics and a few altruistic inclusions, these rock artists became the new sweethearts of the evangelical movement!
Many of them brought diluted beats, similar lifestyles, desires for self-glory, rock star mentalities, and a desire to fleece the people of God out of more money by charging for the entertainment. What is even worse is that much of the money-changing was taking place in places of worship! Instead of offering help and guidance to those seeking truth, churches and their leaders began offering $10-25 tickets at the door depending on how close you wanted to get to the stage or depending on how popular the singer they were able to capture for the month’s entertainment!
While this could be the material for another full-length series, let me just say I find it appalling when the local church can promote secular, worldly style music and pay so-called Christian artists and musicians exorbitant sums of money to come entertain its members. However, try to get most of the same churches to lift up the work and need for funds for missions and support missionaries and all of a sudden “the budget is a little tight this year!”
In the drive for more “souls” and a desire to build the kingdom of God, all we did was demean the meaning of reverence and mock God by our so-called praise and worship music. Instead of driving more people to desire God, it made them desire more of self. This was adequately expressed through the music being written for instead of the exaltation of the Most High Sovereign, it began to take God and bring Him down to man’s level. The music and styles went from a touch of the worldly to fully worldly with the only difference now is that everybody no longer pretends it is ALL for the glory of God! Today it is ALL about how CLOSE can we get to the world without being the world!
(…to be continued…)
Tired of golden calves in church,
The Desert Pastor
5 Comments
August 30, 2008 at 6:10 pm
excellent article ..Alistair Crowley (satanist)made the statement that he was going to destroy society in britain through music …then along came the Beatles and Elvis now we have our young kids on the streets of britain emulating Britanny Spears by dressing provocatively…He would be pleased with his handiwork if he was alive today to see it .
- dale
August 30, 2008 at 9:34 pm
This is a very informative article. So many people are caught up in an ‘emotional’ Jesus, ‘that song made me feel better’… I volunteered briefly at a CCM radio station and could not believe the artists, and the deejays, who think this is God-honoring. I left after six months because the gospel I gave in my stopsets was deemed ‘too offensive’. What I said was what scripture taught about salvation, repenting and believing on the Lord Jesus. How can someone be drawn to Christ through a song lyric? This is another deceptive lie from the enemy, and so many superficial Christians are eating it up because, like much of the emerging message, CCM is not at all offensive. Again, it makes the listener feel better about themselves. Since when is it about ’self’? What about honoring and glorifying God? There was a concert entitled ‘Winterjam’ with several CCM artists in the line-up. One group in particular took the stage and broke into their rendition of ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, the crowd went absolutely wild. The dress of the young people was very provocative as well. It brought to mind the sermon by Paul Washer “Shocking youth message stuns hearers”, this message should be preached in EVERY church in America. God bless you Pilgrim for speaking out against this insanity.
August 30, 2008 at 9:35 pm
My apologies, I meant to address Desert Pastor.
August 31, 2008 at 8:54 am
Thank you for your helpful post. As a musician in the church and as a Bible teacher I am constantly feeling the tension between the songs we sing and the way we long for people to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Word. I’ve come to feel that we have allowed music to be served in our churches, rather than to be a service and aid in our growth and learning through the Bible.
Thank you for helping me to think further on this vital topic.
Praying with you that we will all be discerning about the best way to make use of music.
http://wardman.wordpress.com
August 31, 2008 at 11:54 am
The Desert Pastor,
Very good article. Laurie mentioned WinterJam, which is what started me researching the CCM issue. Most of our churches have followed the statement of Dr. Fisher’s “Whatever it takes to save the lost.” Yet they won’t think through the logical conclusions to the statement.
Berean Wife