CHAPTER 8  



			CHRISTIAN MUSIC..AN ALTERNATIVE?



	Is Christianity's highest calling to be an alternative for the world?  I 

think not.  When I hear this statement made in reference to Christian music, it 

rankles me to think of Christian music simply supplying an alternative.  I think 

this can be a valid function of some Christian music, but it's low on the scale 

of what I believe God has in mind.  But sadly, I feel that most Christian pop 

music is just simply that, nothing more.  The reason for this is that Christian 

musicians are mainly just cloning the offerings of the world, and there is very 

little that is original in music or concept.  Sad, when you think that we 

have a direct link to the source of all creativity, God Himself.  In a 

previous chapter we discussed the fact that Satan cannot create any original 

music.  The best he can do is distort and pervert the original gift.  Then here 

we are, listening to the sounds of the world which are in some way, directly or 

indirectly inspired by satan, for our inspiration.  What we are doing is copying 

the counterfeit!  What we should be doing is tapping directly into God, and 

coming up with something fresh and alive from the Holy Spirit.  How often have 

you heard about a Christian group "Oh, they're the Christian Beatles", or "They 

sound just like U2" or some other comparison.  You never hear the comparison 

made the other way.

	Let me say from the outset, that I do not believe Christian music will 

ever lead the way in trends of music, or be looked up to as the leader in 

originality of sounds, etc.  The reason is that the only element that we have 

available to us that the world doesn't have is the anointing of God, and the 

world can't duplicate that, so they'll never be able to follow it.  At the same 

time, the world has tools available to then that we can't follow.  They have the 

sensual element, the sexy rhythms, the sexy vocal delivery.  They have the 

inspiration of the powers of darkness.  Their lyrics don't have to make 

sense.  We cannot compete with them on their own ground.  For example, we 

can't have a Christian Tina Turner, because Tina can go for it, be as lewd and 

suggestive as she wants, and if we tried to do what Tina does, it would be a 

ludicrous, pale imitation, because we would not be able to use all the tools she 

uses.  We would never be able to compete on a musical level alone because we 

don't have the range of attitudes, the license to use whatever means we want 

just  to produce good music.  Our lyrics must make sense and deliver something 

of value.  We cannot just string phrases or words together because they sound 

good, as the Beatles for instance, have admittedly done.  We do not have access 

to the lustful elements, the rebellious attitudes, the total license that the 

world has at its command.

	The only area we have an advantage in is the spiritual area, the 

anointing of God.  As long as we are just copying the world, we'll always be 

second rate.  Besides, I don't think we're called to compete with them anyway, 

we're called to be set apart for the master's use.  When we get musicians to be 

serious about their ministries and not just about musical excellence, the call 

and commission of God on their lives, we'll begin to produce music that will 

perk up the ears of the world.  When we get our minds renewed to the Word of 

God, when we get established in our prayer life, when we seek the face of God 

rather than the glory of fame or the satisfaction of success, we'll begin 

to make music that will make a difference in the lives of our listeners.



(c)1998 Chuck Girard Ministries