You get yourself into some dangerous places when you start labeling things as "Christian". Rob Bell, a pastor in Michigan, says in his book, "Christian is a great noun and a poor adjective." I am a Christian, and I am proud to be called one, but when you start labeling music, movies, and books as Christian, that's where the trouble starts. Once non-believers see that Christian label, they automatically think it'll be bad. In the music world, I personally don't believe that "Christian" is a legitimate genre. It is the only genre based solely on lyrical content. Pop, rock, metal, and hip-hop all describe what the music sounds like, not what the artist is singing about. You never see "sexually immoral" or "drug abuse" as musical sub-genres because that's what the artist sings about. The main purpose of music is to express the artist's opinion and feelings on different subjects. Folk singers in the '60s expresssed how they felt about war and civil rights. Punk bands of the '70s expressed the anger and rebellion of the young generation. Rappers of today express their rebellion through violence and drug abuse. Christians in the music industry want to share their worldview as well, only their's consists of positive messages and a God who created and loves everyone. Several artists of faith, like Sufjan Stevens, U2, Switchfoot, Relient K, and As I Lay Dying, all gained popularity in the mainstream without changing their message, but by not calling themselves a Christian group. Although the members are Christians, and they express Christian beliefs in their music, they are just a music group. I believe it is an excellent way to reach people with the gospel and open their eyes to the loving God that created them.

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PEACE and LOVE to ALL