What do you think of Christian bands doing secular songs on Christian radio?

Question

I've been hearing alot of secular songs on the radio lately. Now, I am a fan of all types of music, my problem is that I know Christian radio stations would never allow a secular band to sing a secular song on the radio, but what makes it right when a Christian band sings the secular song?

Answer 1

For me it depends on the song and the source- what is the message the song is sending? I do think though, that if they are going to call themselves a Christian station - for the sake of the audience they should stick to music where, at the very least, Christian principles are conveyed. I do hate it when a christian artist covers a song that was not written with God in mind, its roots were very secular and they redo it as if it were a worship song or a song about God- I am just very picky not only about my music but where and how it was 'birthed'
I do however have a HUGE problem with secular music, especially by bands that are nowhere near Christian (U2, the Beatles, etc) being played IN the church and trying to pull it off as worship music- there is just NO justification for that.

Answer 2

Its Christian Radio...for Christian singers...A rap station wouldn't play classical music would it. The only secular songs I've heard on Christian radio definitely could be percieved as containing a Christian message. People listening to CHristian radio would hear and understand that message. The stations are run by and supported by Christian listeners..the one I listen to doesn't do commercials for money. The artisits are also Christians and many give their testimonies. I guess what I am saying is that a secular song sung by a secular band can have one meaning, but when the same song is sung by a Christian band, it takes on a deeper message. In my own humble opinion of course lol

Answer 3

I like both christian and secular music so Id like to hear a station that plays both. Though there are some Christian songs that have made it to secular radio. I was shocked to hear "I Can Only Imagine" on a "soft rock" station. But it isnt a matter of "rights" so much as genre... you dont hear country on a rap station or Elton John on a Jazz station.

Answer 4

Never say "never"; I've heard Rez Band jam out on Christian radio in the mid-80's (honestly thought they were AC/DC)!!!

Ressurection Band's idea was pretty simple: You're NOT going to Christian witness by song to the troubled youth by sounding like a Sunday church choir quartet.

There's nothing wrong at all with Christian music sounding akin to secular music if it attracts someone who would be put off with the revered church pipe organ/piano sound.

It also worked well for Amy Grant, who had a secular sound (that won Grammys) and reached troubled people to God.

By admission: I'm NOT into Christian music.....but Rez Band has BOTH a respectful message about living as God would want us to.......AND THEY ROCK!!!! I really DO hope those guys are out there, kickin' out the jams for their cause in Christ.

Answer 5

I think most of the stations feel a responsibility to not lead people astray. If they help promote a band that is not christian but just happens to do a Christmas song for example, then many may assume that the band is safe for their kids. This is different from a christian band doing a secular song.

Answer 6

1. Should Christian groups do secular music?

Is 'secular' inherently un-Christian? Absolutely not. A lot of music in the world celebrates aspects of life that are not at odds with the Bible.

We often make the mistake in Christianity of making this small subset of stuff and saying that THIS is Christian, when we SHOULD make a small subset of stuff and say that THIS is 'Non-Christian'. Things that celebrate or encourage evil, gluttony, etc. are bad for us, but how can music about the wonder of nature, or the love of family, etc. be bad for us?


2. Should Christian stations play secular music by Christians?

It is a bit hypocritical, but it is usually a business decision. The stations need listeners, and the listeners make a set of contradictory demands- 'safe' music (which usually means rather bland), music that can somehow carry a 'Christian' stamp, music they are comfortable with, AND not the same thing over and over.

Answer 7

Mo money Mo money! Most artists that sing Christians songs were former secular artists. I believe they know money will increase by having a secular record on their album or changing their style of music. It's been done for years by Aretha Franklin,Al Green and Stacie Orrico etc... It is kin of a good thing because it will make the younger generation interested in what other music that they sing. Great concept I think but little off!

Btoo

Answer 8

yep
this a perfect example of how apostasy works
Christendom likes the things of the world.
It gives them a "Christian meaing" and then it is okay to do almost anything in the "name of the LORD"
Anything that is except doing what Jesus did.
Namely, going therfore in an organized manner and preaching the Good News Of God's Kingdom, from door to door and in the public places. Yep. They like to do all their favorite hobbiesd and sports and music and rationalize it with the slogan "in God's name".

Answer 9

There used to be a station like that near where I live. It was commonly called Compromise Radio. it didn't last long.

Answer 10

I have actually researched some of the christian bands and not all of them are christians at all. You shall know them by the fruit they bear.