Is gospel music losing its focus?

Question

Listening to recent records by Kirk Franklin and Deitrick Haddon, I have noticed that they have used samples from secular songs. To me these samples remind you of the original songs and therefore take away any spiritual element of the new songs. I wonder whether some gospel artists are becoming to get more concerned with sales as opposed to spreading the Good News.

In response to Jesus Freak's answer. I am not saying that there is no good Christian music out there at the moment. What I am asking about is whether the use of well known secular songs as samples in gospel tunes is wise. The worst example I can think of is a gospel song from about 5 years ago which used The Isley Brothers' "Between the sheets" as a sample! That surely can't be glorifying God!

Answer 1

I think that showmanship, success and audience share are detracting from the original purpose of Gospel music which was to express praise and joy and love of God and the happiness of salvation. It's all gotten to be big business--money is the bottom line.

My cousin thinks that the *only* acceptable music for a Christian is classical, piano or organ hymn music. I disagree with this. Spirituals, bluegrass, country, even Christian rock--it's all part of the "joyful noise" and quality is a good thing.

But when quality and commercialism collide, Jesus usually gets lost in the shuffle somewhere.

Answer 2

Hi, I've been thinking this for quite some time. I personally feel that some gospel music has taken a wrong turn. I understand they want to recruit and relate to the young people out there but turning Gospel songs to sound like rap, R&B, rock, etc....Is just masking the true sound of christian music and what is really been said. I don't know maybe I am a bit old fashion. I believe in moving to gospel music...but dancing like one is at a night club...just doesn't sit right with me. That is just my opinion.

Peace!

Answer 3

Sir, you are absolutly correct, Gospel music is loosing its focus, I miss the Old "Make me over" Tonex, now he's acting weird, Im only 20 years old and know that mixing gospel with secular is not of God. Many will agrue and say you are judging but their eyes are not opened to the truth. God bless you and continue to expose these things. Deitricks CD sounds like a "Bobby Valentino" CD, Sad but True, i know this because i use to listen to secular music until i got my head together and realized that this is not of God and its not Holy.

Answer 4

I agree. I'm an aspiring gospel artist. I think music should only be labeled "gospel" if that is what its message is. If not, it should be called something else. That being said, sales drive the record industry. If you want to do that for a living, you'd better sell records. Otherwise, touring, paying for studio time, venues, musicians and crew can put you in a hole quickly.

Answer 5

If Christian pop artists learn to incorporate some creativity into their songs, instead of just copying Michael Bolton songs and replacing "I love you, baby" with "I love you, Jesus," then it will be good for the industry.

Of course, the Christian pop industry has a habit of ostracizing musical acts that actually do this, so I don't think there is much hope for it.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I tend to agree with you. Gospel artists should steer well clear of using secular song samples. I immediately question the "motive" and "inspiration" of a gospel song that is done in this way. Gospel music should be inspired directly by God. secular samples just send out all the WRONG messages.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I agree with you. So many Christian groups that I once liked, now they are not Christian any more because they got popular.I guess you just have to make sure that you know when somethings not Christian anymore.

Answer 10

my uncle is a pastor and he said the same thing to me the other day but as long as young people can identify with the music and still get the message i dont see what the problem is