Entertainment-itis Part 2

All or Nothing?

I ended part one of this article with, “In light of the potential pitfalls, is it necessary to swear off the entertainment industry altogether, or is there a recourse? I believe there is.”

I know what kinds of visual entertainment are going to give me trouble, and I avoid them (most of the time). Fortunately, there's a whole host of wholesome alternatives that I can even buy in box sets, so when the urge to chill comes along, I'm ready.

But what about music? 

Here's where I must respectfully disagree with some fellow believers I dearly love and deeply respect. I'm speaking of those who hold the position that: a) only psalms should be sung in worship services (sometimes even sans instrumental accompaniment); or b) only traditional hymns will do. There also seems to be much discord over whether "praise bands" should serve in churches to enhance the musical component of worship.

I even remember one dear saint who wreaked havoc in a church body over whether or not drums should be permitted in the assembly.

The old hymns are wonderful and many, even magnificent. It Is Well With My Soul, and the story behind it, can't be called anything but a monument to God's enduring love in the midst of cruelest hardship. Likewise, A Mighty Fortress is Our God stands among Martin Luther's finest accomplishments, and has served to comfort our country in its deepest distress. And who would deny that blind Fanny Crosby's hymns demonstrate more vision than the keenest spectacles could afford?

I wouldn't think of taking anything away from such lyrical masterpieces.

But let's face it, the world - and music - have evolved. Not every tune in the dog-eared hymnal is a work of crowning achievement. While music with a Christian message has developed over the years, many of the classic hymns and gospel songs carry with them quite a dated birth certificate. Some are less than singable, and many fail to resonate with modern listeners, especially the youth.

This is a problem. In a world where full albums can be had with a click on a phone, young listeners simply must be offered inspiring musical choices that can stand against the plethora of filth often churned out by unbelieving but oh-so-talented entertainers. In the light speed world of today’s music industry, million-dollar record moguls pump out earworm hits like it’s their job (and good for them, because it is their job). While not everyone’s cup of tea, these infectious tunes will have even the least interested of parties tapping their feet to the same line repeated over and over. It only stands to reason that removing said styles and voices of music altogether for fear of a fruitless message would certainly inspire curiosity and almost a “forbidden fruit” kind of allure. What makes this so bad? Why can’t I have it? There has to be a middle ground for an adventurous palate. A sip of wine as opposed to the whole bottle.

Contemporary music is constantly being adapted to the modern listener for one purpose - money. Just as record conglomerates design their music for a specific purpose (money), should we not support doing the same for another purpose (spreading the gospel)?

Enter, Contemporary Christian Music

Recognizing that tastes have changed, many modern Christian musicians have stepped up to showcase work they've composed with hearts, I believe, every bit as full and sincere as those of the great composers we've just mentioned. These songsters possess a true gift for melody and poetry which, unlike the foolish servant whom Christ condemned, they are attempting to wisely steward. 

Why shouldn't they be encouraged to use their gifts for the betterment of humanity in general and their Christian brethren in particular?

Think of it this way. Nobody enjoys taking a big, fat pill every day, especially children. I remember when I was a child, encountering my first antibiotic pill. I dreaded taking this pill each day. It was scary and I couldn’t understand how this unappealing, almost certainly life-threatening chore was going to benefit me in any way whatsoever. After several days of me probably driving my poor parents up a wall by refusing to take my medicine, they decided to start hiding them in spoonfuls of ice cream. I must say that this timeless tactic is absolutely brilliant. It’s an easy plot to see through as an adult, however, as a nine-year-old, I had no clue that this treat I was receiving was also doing me some good!

I believe the same concept can be applied to Christian music. The gospel can be a hard pill to swallow for some, especially in the modern world where so many are unwilling to listen. I get it, it’s hard to hear that none of us is worthy, that only by the wonderful grace of another Entity alone, we are saved. To many, the concept is unappealing, and with so many other fast paced distractions, there is certainly a fair share of competition. Here is where the ice cream comes in. As we discussed, many of these hymns and the messages behind them can be hard to swallow. However, disguised under the right flavor of "ice cream," listeners may have no idea that the treat they are receiving is also doing them some good.

Can we really argue that there isn't room alongside Spafford and Luther for the likes of Casting Crowns, whose reworking of time-worn hymns only freshens and beautifies them in a new way for a newer, younger audience? Should we tell front man Mark Hall (who also happens to be a youth pastor) to leave it at that, and shut off his own creative juices, lest he surpass the old-time greats? We could, but then he'd have had to hold back on Just Be Held, which speaks to millions of cancer survivors like himself, as well as folks like me, whose cross isn't cancer, but may seem just as heavy.

Are guitars and drum kits less holy than harps and violins? In what way do synthesizers diminish traditional keyboards? Why can't these different musical modalities simply coexist in the church, as they do in other venues?

Bottom line: palatability does not necessarily have to equal compromise.

Modern or Menacing?

Consider this. In today’s world, one would look a little ridiculous searching for a horse to ride to the grocery store. The ‘99 Corolla parked outside might have been viewed as a manifestation of witchcraft to our ancestors, but this is simply the way the world has evolved. It’s what we do now. It’s how we experience and navigate the home God has given us. Technology has changed and will continue to change, and I submit that it’s almost the Christian’s responsibility to acquaint himself with that technology and use it responsibly.

The computer on which I’m typing is a modern convenience. So is the Internet, which I’m using to link readers to stories and songs that will hopefully inspire and enhance their walks with the Savior.

Would my article somehow be more worthy or honorable if I had needed to make countless trips to the library to do my research? Or if I had had to start with a fresh sheet of paper whenever I made a mistake, instead of cutting and pasting? True, I’m risking temptation each time I log onto the Internet, what with all that’s available on that dangerous highway, but what a blessed instrument of time-saving and information gleaning.

My point is, just because something is modern doesn’t automatically make it a menace. Typing is still typing, whether it’s done on an old Smith Corona or a brand-new HP. The tools and means of delivery may have changed, but the product can be every bit as valuable when created by people with principles.

I, for one, derive great inspiration from songs like We Believe and Even If, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if God in His wisdom situates Matthew West's heavenly mansion right next to Fanny Crosby's, so together they can sing His praises throughout eternity. After all, God wants us to relish and enjoy his creation, using all the gifts with which He has blessed us during “our watch.” Let’s just make sure we are doing so responsibly.

Let’s Not Stop There

Part three of this series will offer further suggestions to combat “entertainment-itis,” so don’t leave town! Oh, wait, this blog content can be accessed with the click of a phone (that’s called progress and advancement, which is a major theme of this article).

So, go ahead and leave town! Just don’t forget to check your email for part 3 of “Entertainment-itis" - coming soon to a cell phone near you.