Tonight's post won't be that long, but it is on a subject that should make us think a little bit.
There's a debate in the Gospel music community about whether some artists have gone too far with their music. They're concerned that the artists are now being more influenced by the dollar and/or the hip-hop culture that surrounds them than being directed by God in the choices of songs, attire & music they do.
Usually the artists in question tend to be younger, and not at all polished singers that may have a true love for the Lord, but don't sing the traditional style of Gospel music that their parents [and critics] grew up with. Some artists that have had that 'performer' label pushed on them include folks like Kirk Franklin, Tonex, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, and others. Something like this video by VOU featuring Damita Haddon would be an example of what they would say is too "worldly".
However, something that reminds them of church service would be perfectly fine by them. Artists like Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, the Canton Spirituals, and any of the mass choirs [Georgia, Mississippi, Colorado, etc.] have more appeal for them. [By the way, I enjoy them, too!] Even a video by someone like Vickie Winans, who some of the same critics would say is too "forward", when she's singing something like "More Than Enough" is more "acceptable" to them.
The thing we have to remember is that while we may have certain preferences in the style of music we like to listen to, the main thing is this: do the lyrics of the songs being performed bring glory to God, or to the performer? We can't know what's going on in the minds of the artists/ministers - only God can do that. But we can listen to what's being said and make our own judgements on that. In the meantime, these artists can reach people for God that we can never imagine being able to touch. So just keep all of them in your prayers.
Have a blessed evening!
. That was just TOO smooth, and had lyrics that a LOT of the listeners needed to hear.
. After a year of constant accusations & rumors surrounding him, Hezekiah came out with this song as an answer to his critics & an encouragement to his followers. There were very few dry eyes in the audience when this song was done!
