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ANG PINAKABAGONG KABABALIWAN NG MARAMING MAHILIG MANOOD SA YOUTUBE, ANG MOY MOY BINABOY. PAMASKONG HATID NG MOY MOY BINABOY PRODUCTIONS. STARRING DEXTER HIDALGO AND KRISTOFFER GONONG, DIRECTED BY FRANZ VALMONTE.

IS CHRISTIAN MUSIC GOING SECULAR?

SEATTLE - Sixpence None the Richer hits it big with "Kiss
Me", Ghoti Hook gets huge airplay on M2/MTV, the Gospel
Music Association defines Christian music, Bob Carlisle
beats out the Spice Girls on the Billboard charts. What is
happening to Christian music? Is it a good thing?
Over the past few weeks, while flipping through channels
on the tube, we were amazed at how many times Sixpence
None the Richer's video "Kiss Me" was playing! It was on
VH1, M2, MTV and Canada's Muchmusic. Then, we heard it
at the gym, on secular radio stations, and in stores at the mall.
The only place we hadn't heard it yet was on Muzak in the
elevator and interestingly enough, on any Christian radio
stations.

Fulfilling our goal of being the world's largest Christian
concert search engine, we contacted Sixpence's booking
agency, KB Productions for a tour update. To our surprise,
they informed us that "they're not doing any Christian
concerts anymore". We replied, "Oh? We have them down
for numerous festival appearances this summer". They
replied, "well maybe some festivals". We then do what we
always do and try to get to the source of best information
for the band. We contacted Tim Rauter of Squint
Entertainment who then informed us that "KB is not
doing any more booking for Sixpence. They are being
handled by the William Morris Agency". He also added
that "Sixpence definitely will be doing more Christian
concerts, but right now they are doing more secular
venues". In fact, as of this printing, our database shows
that Sixpence has been opening up for such acts as the
Bare Naked Ladies and are currently touring in the UK.
When VH1 did an artist spotlight on the band, no mention
was made of their Christian beliefs or to their roots in
Christian music.




Christian music has been the only genre of commercial
music experiencing double digit growth. The nature of
Christian music has changed dramatically over the past
few years being accepted and almost embraced by
secular record companies and retailers eager to cash in
on this multi million dollar industry. These changes have
recently led the Gospel Music Association to adopt the
following criteria in determining whether a song is
Christian in nature and can be eligible to receive a Dove
Award, the organization's coveted annual prize. It
reads, "Gospel music is music in any style whose lyric
is substantially based upon historically orthodox
Christian truth contained in or derived from the Holy
Bible; and/or an expression of worship of God or praise
for His works; and/or testimony of relationship with
God through Christ; and/or obviously prompted and
informed by a Christian world view." With that new
definition in place, Michael W Smith's latest single,
"Love Me Good", among other contenders, was deemed
ineligible because it failed to fall within the GMA's
definition of Christian music.

Instead of espousing the views of one organization such
as ourselves or GMA's upon you, our readers, we have
decided to ask your input. Virtually every day of the year,
we receive an itinerary from an artist or band we have
never heard of. Before we broadcast their concert dates
to the world, we try to determine if the artist or band
indeed plays Christian music. What should our criteria be?

For example,...
Recently, we received complaints that Mxpx was not a
Christian band because they only play secular venues
with secular bands. When we pulled the itineraries, we
were bombarded with requests from our subscribers for
their tour schedules. In fact, Mxpx is the 21st most
requested artist or band in our database that our readers
wish to see in concert. We've included their tour dates
back into our database. We recently received concert
details that Juliana Theory would be playing at
Cornerstone. When we asked the band if they were indeed
a Christian band, they responded, "We are not a Christian
band. Rockit!"

Where is Christian music going? Is it really going secular?
Should websites such as ours have a criteria for Christian
music like GMA does for the Dove Awards? Is music
Christian because it talks of Christ or is Christian music
any music that is performed by an artist or band who
professes Christianity? What do you think?

HERE'S WHAT SOME OF YOU ARE SAYING...

Please email us your responses by CLICKING HERE and
within the subject of your email, type CCA NEWS. By
doing so, you grant us permission to reprint your opinion
on this topic. We will publish your responses right here
on this page so check back again soon.--©1999 CCA
BREAKING NEWS

"If the issue could be boiled down to one thing, it would have
to be this: To what degree does the existence of this dichotomy
of "Christian" music vs. "secular" music serve to help, or hurt,
the completion of the Great Comission? To me, it seems to
hurt. The one thing it seems to insure most is that many non-
Christians will never hear the message Christian artists have
to share, whether due to lack of accessibility in the
marketplace, or to refusal to listen due to the "Christian"
label placed on the music. Music is more than art to be
enjoyed. It is a channel with which to communicate messages.
Every artist does that, christian and non-christian alike,
whether intentionally or otherwise. My hat goes off to those
Christians who are being good stewards of the talents God
has given them by purposefully using their art to
communicate God's love and Truth in the secular
marketplace. I aspire to follow in your footsteps. God help us
as Christians not to love the world, but to love the people in it
enough to carry the message of the gospel to them where ever
they may be, through whatever means available--including
music. "Is Christian music going secular?" I hope so."

Dallas Perry

"I feel that maybe one or two groups I would consider to be
secular. I feel that they say that they are Christians yet
never sing a word about God in some of their songs. I'll take
Amy Grant for example, she has a few good Christian songs
but, a lot of them have a secular base which I don't even
mention God's name. I feel that they are just doing the songs
to be on the charts or the money. They should be serving God
not themselves. I think you guys did give six-pence non the
richer a chance but, I feel that they were never a Christian
band to begin with. When first heard the song, "Kiss me," I
thought to myself, " What does that have to do with God?"
Well my answer to that is nothing. I feel that if they want to
be considered a Christian band, SING IT, don't say it, and
LIVE IT. If they would allow God to work through them they
could become an awesome band. My Christian friends in
school ask me what kind of music I listen to and I say
Contemporary Christian. Then I say, " Like DC TALK,
newsboys,Rebecca St. James." They automatically say, " Oh,
I have their CD. They are so cool." Gee DC TALK, and
newsboys, Rebecca St. James talk about God all the time
and they didn't have to write any secular songs to get that
popular among the lost. That's because they allowed God to
work through them. Yes, it did take some time but, I do think
it was worth it. When I hear the song, "Kiss Me," I feel that
they are talking about sex. And that's usually the impression
left on most teenagers. Keep up the good work and continue
to let God shine through you guys!!"

Love in Christ,
Rebecca (teenager from Monticello, MN)

"The whole thing is, Christian music never gave bands like
Sixpence None the Richer a chance. They have always been
on the boarder between cutting edge and pop; they have
always given Christian music something that is creative
and pushes the envelope without being strange or
unaccessible. They were right in time with secular bands
like 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant, Mazzy Star,
Counting Crows, etc.--all bands that have received much
acclaim. And they were not copying these bands, but had
their own sound. Yet the Christian music industry seems to
ignore bands like this. As far as the money aspect.
Sixpence was stuck with a record deal with a company that
had to file bankruptcy at least once. This company was
probably also feeling the constraints of trying to push
cutting edge music in this market and I am not blaming
them. Sixpence had no control over albums that were
frozen, could only be distributed by Spring Arbor (while
the record company was having money trouble), and could
not shop these albums to another label. Even beyond that,
history has shown that bands like this and the Choir, The
Prayer Chain, etc. CAN'T make money in the Christian
market because they are not properly marketed and people
just don't want to listen, even though these bands have
broken so much ground musically and lyrically for the
Christian market. (I name less controversial bands, who I
admit, have done things that people question, but these are
often because they are struggling with understanding their
place in a market that doesn't want them, puts excessive
restrictions on them, and won't support them--when they
could quit caring and make a mint if they played the trash
that the rest of the world wants.) Switching over to the
secular market is not a greed issue as much as realizing
that if one stays in the Christian market one will be
unemployed and bankrupt. I'm thankful that so many
bands can switch without playing trash or watering down
their message. And also for the ones who stay even when
money is tight. Unfortunately, once a band signs with a
secular management, (who is going to keep them out of
the red financially) they have certain contractual
restrictions that apply. These include doing concerts with
bands that will help promote sales and unfortunately not
with Christian bands. Finally, Sixpence's latest album
was out for close to six months before the single was
snatched up by MTV and the radio. The Christian market
ignored the album (which has excellent lyrics but, believe
it or not, is even more cutting edge than before). Yet they
made it big. And when they did, Christian teens wanted
the album, which was never marketed well in the Christian
realm, so these teens were first exposed to it in the secular
realm. I thank God that they still have a reputation as a
Christian band and stand out from the crowd. Thank you
for listening."

With much love,
Jason Ruona (Oshkosh, WI)

"It's great that we have organizations that try to weed out the
non-christian bands from the ones that serve God. Bottom
line is--as a parent of a child, God has ordered the parents to
ultimately be responsible for their children. Of course with
God, the pastor, the youth pastor and any other "Christian
authority" God sends along a teen's path and the foundation
layed down at home, we pray our teens will grow to be
"mighty warriors" for God. I have four boys (the oldest 13)
and only allow them to listen to christian music. We don't
care if it is rock, rap, ska or punk rock. So, just getting into
the teen-years with my first one, it's really scarey! I assumed
if the CD was bought at a christian book store---it was
christian. Wrong. It was a Creed CD and I heard a couple of
songs I wondered about. They have a website, and the say
"we are not a christian band". Even though most of the
songs refer to God or the Bible. The go so far as saying GD
in one of the songs. So, as parents we must always be on
guard for the enemy!!! He is always just waiting to get his
foot in the door. Listen when God sends up red flags, even
though it's bought in a christian store or some of the songs
sound good, if you don't feel comfortable about it check it
out yourself. Ultimately, we as parents need all the help we
can get, so I Praise God for this web site for us to use. Keep
up the great work!"

Keep your eyes on Jesus,
Rhonda Scherb

"My roommate and i are both christians. we have bible
studies regularly together and live daily holding each
other accountable in our continuous journey to pursue a
deeper relationship with Jesus, and in leaning to become
more like Him. Does this mean i live in a "Christian"
house? or that i have a "Christian" cat? is my car a
"Christian" car because it is owned and operated by a
Christian? Why, then, do we apply this sort of standard to
music? Why must it be labelled. i say this: more power to
the band that specifically dislabels themselves as
"Christian." are you shocked? allow me to explain. Jesus
did not spend His time amongst the "righteous" and at the
time, He was considered unrighteuos for doing so.
Christians of today can look back at the lucidity of
situations in which the Pharisees were sure that Jesus was
demon-possessed. But they were so sure that they were
right!.......so let's get on our knees, folks, and let's allow
our SOVEREIGN God make known to us the truth of each
band individually. Love rejoices in the truth."

Underneath my scaly humanness,
Amelie Riley

"Christian Music as a whole is not going secular. Only a few
Christian groups are going secular. There is no need to
worry about Christian music. However, it makes the industry
"look bad" when a well known Christian group goes secular.
There is more money to be made in the secular industry and
some groups may feel like becoming millionaires insteading
of spreading the Gospel through song. That is a issue that
should be discussed with the individuals and their God.
Hopefully, thay are making this switch to bring more money
into God's ministry. If it is for selfish reasons then it is
totally in vain. On the other hand, it may be a good thing
for a Christian group to perform with secular groups at
concerts. After the audience heard songs about drugs, sex,
and other sinful things, they get to hear a "peculiar" song
that brings a message of a savior that can deliver them
from drugs , sex, and other sinful things. Also remember
that there are several secular artist incorporating the
Gospels into their music intentionally or not. To name a
few, we have Lauryn Hill, R. Kelly, Kelly Price, Faith Evans,
Robbie Williams ("Millenium"), and other well respected
secular artists. The question should be Is secular music going
religious?"

Mr Big

"I believe the Christian music scene is in trouble in many
areas. First, most of the labels are secularly owned! The
ones at the top giving the orders are not saved...what a
tragedy. Also, Christian music is a high dollar industry
for the labels. Although I believe we must be light in
darkness, I think we jeopardize the message when the
bands no longer play "Christian concerts." On one hand,
yes God is able to reach a whole new crowd of unsaved
people, BUT the problem is that Christian teens are going
to secular concerts to see their favorite bands! We all
know that teens have enough influence on them from the
world to have to see their favorite Christian band play
where alcohol is sold...where the name of Jesus is
nowhere being lifted up. As far as the bands, where does
Holiness and accountability come in? We teach our kids
to live a Godly life and stay away from the temptations of
the world, yet they have to go to secular venues to see
these "Christian" bands play. I think it is sad and I think
God is grieved. If a Christian band wants to play secular
music for entertainment, then they need to declare that...
but to advertise as a Christian band and then only play in
secular places....that is a double standard! God help us!
You haven't even touched the aspect that a lot of
"Christian bands" are full of musicians that aren't
following Christ. I know first hand this is true. Many of the
artists on the labels are saved, but the label picks the
bands a lot of the time and just try to get the best...
sometimes leaving out the "Christian" aspect! We need to
be praying for our Christian Music industry for God to
bring a radical revival to the hearts of every label
executive and every musician/band!"

Shari Hicks
Deerbrook Church
Houston, TX

Praise God. As a Christian Musician, songwriter, and
youth pastor, I've been believing God for a long time to
restore rightouesness to the Christian Music industry.
I think GMA's decision is awesome. They will get flack
from many Christians, but God will honor their decision.
Success is pleasing GOD! I believe there will soon be a
large swing in the 'industry' to GOD! As this happens we
will all get back to the simplicity of loving God and
others and God will use the music to glorify HIS name,
reach the lost, and deliver the oppressed. And as
Christian Musicians stop trying to be like the world and
shine as a light, the world will come to us. As for your
database and company. Honor the Lord and he will honor
you."

Richy Clark

"I think the GMA definition is a good starting point, but it
doesn't go far enough too. Many CCM artists don't write
their own songs, they are manufactured by the LABELS. The
GMA definition doesn't take in account whether the band is
ministry oriented or not. I think whether the band is
ministry oriented and relevant should be our #1 criteria.
I've been involved as in the Christian Underground Music
scene for sevens years now, and I've seen most of the bands
and artists you mention in your article. Some of them never
had any ministry element to them in the first place. So, it's
not surprising to me that they have chose the fame and
fortune of the Secular World over serving our Lord. Another
thing that is wrong with the GMA definition if an artist
writes a song about a life experience that's not overtly
Christian, and their label chooses it as their single they
don't get supported. Which, I don't know if that's right or not.
The state of Christian Music is the LABELS' fault, not the
bands or even Christian Radio. The Labels sign the bands
and approve their releases. Many labels have no REAL
Spiritual Litmus test as a criteria to sign a band or artist.
One label executive boasted to me after an interview, "we
always try make sure that there's at least one Christian in the
band, most of the time we want it to be front person of the
band." With standards like these no wonder Christian Music
is in the state it's in. The GMA and Christian Radio needs to
hold the labels accountable for the artists they sign. I don't
think we can set an over and under on how many times a
song has "Jesus" , "GOD", "Lord", etc.. for airplay nor
should we take for granted that an artist is playable because
their marketed by their label for Christian airplay either.
Bands and Artists should be judged by their fruit and what
they're about."

Joe Coker
Rock of God Ministries

"I think that the GMA definition of Christian music is
correct, but let's not condemn a Christian artist for making
it big with a non-christain song. Let's just face it, most of the
audiences that a Christian band will play for in it's lifetime
are mostly Christians. So let's look at it like this: These that
crossover and make it big get to share Jesus with more non
christains than most of us will ever get to. I would consider
it a blessing and an honor if God allowed my band to be
signed by Virgin records, or to play big shows with big
name artists. I pray for some of these bands every night,
that they can keep their faith in spite of national fame.
What I'm saying is this: "Kiss me" may not be a Christian
song, but Sixpence None the Richer is still a Christian
band even though their hit song makes no mention of God.
Let's lift them up and hope that God will use our music in
the same way."

Jacob Seal

"As a Christian musician in a Christian modern rock
band, I think that the answer to this question is obvious.
First, let's remember that we are each personally
accountable to God for our own actions- whether a label
told us to do it or not. Now let's address the question. One
way to decide if it's Christian music is to listen to the
message (people still do that, right?). Is it edifying or is it
detrimental? Does it reveal Truth or mob rules? Let's
remember that selling records should not mean selling
your soul (or something like that). Which leads me to the
next point. Not everyone who professes to be a Christian is a
Christian. Let's see what that old book, um, you know- the, oh
yes- The Bible has to say. A tree is judged by the fruit it
bears (loosely paraphrased)- or a Christian band is judged
by the music it plays. The reason I play Christian music is
to glorify my God and to carry out the Great Commission
(in a relative language spoken today). I can't speak for
others, nor do I want to judge anyone (that's God's job),
but how can lyrics and music that have nothing to do with
Jesus be called Christian? Some are in it for the music
some are in it for the money- some are in it for the ministry,
and that's cool. But if the music has no ministry in it, then
it's not Christian music- even if all the members are devout
believers. That's not saying that they're sinning- they just
don't play Christian music. On the other hand, I don't
consider Metallica or Joan Osbourne Christian music just
because they mention God (boy do they have a surprise
awaiting them). If our hearts are in the right place, then
God will use us regardless of what label is put on us. But
if the music isn't Christian, then it's not Christian music."

Freddy

"As a manager for local Christian musicians in the
Dallas/Ft. Worth area, I have seen the infiltration of secular
record labels trying to cash in on the success of Christian
Music. The truth is, many of these companies are really
wolves dressed in sheep clothing. There have been many
bands that originally started out with the purpose of
spreading the Word of God through music but got
derailed when signing on with a secular based label or
even a secular booking agency. It saddens me when I
hear the comments of artists who say they no longer
perform Christian Music. Many times, this is a result of
companies pushing artists to going mainstream in order
to enhance their own profitability. Where ever there is a
possibility of monetary gain, there will be individuals
who seek to exploit it for their own selfish desires. It is
important for Christian Artists to discern who they
associate with in a business relationship because of
these threats. These external threats boil down to being
works of Satan looking to bring down God called
ministries. We need to pray for the Christian Music
Industry because there is indeed corruption in it and
there are definitly evil infiltrations threatning its future
and internal fabric."

James P.

"I agree with the GMA's definition. I think that is what you
should use, unless you want to come up with another rating
system for songs that are 1 - Totally within the definition, 5 -
barely in the definition 7 - Mentioned God once in songs or
10 - are Christians even though they sound like demons.
I think it is incredibly sad that so many artists have sold out
their beliefs for money and popularity. If their music is to get
my attention on my Father or to lead other to him it is
obviously Christian. That is what kind of music I should see
when I access "Christian" Concert Authority."

In Him<><
Mindy

"I completely agree with GMA's definition of what CHRISTIAN
music is. Our whole purpose is to bring glory to our Lord
Jesus Christ. If the lyrics of a "Christian" song don't do this,
then the song should not be considered Christian music."

In Christ,
Josh R.

"I only listen to Christian music. I like to hear songs about
Jesus, not a lost relationship or someone blaming God.
I heard that there were alot of drugs at a recent MXPX
concert!! Why would I want to go to that? Anyway, what
I'm trying to say is, these bands have an awesome talent,
if they don't praise God with it then they better stop
touring and figure out what is really important in life."

In Christ,
Phil

"We believe Christian Music should give God glory and
reflect biblical principles that direct people to Jesus.
We feel the GMA criteria is good. However, a song such
as Michael W Smith's, "Love me good", would not be
considered Christian under such criteria. On the other
hand, would it truly be considered secular?"

Rick Bernard and Pete Alvelais

"...Recently, a local Dallas/Ft. Worth booking agent
seemed to be proud of the fact that there's a Christian
band in the line-up for the Lilith Fair tour. I didn't
know who he was talking about, but Sixpence None
the Richer seemed to sound like the name of a Christian
band, and so it's interesting to find out that they indeed
got their start in Christian music. I'm not necessarily
opposed to Christians performing in what has been
traditionally non-Christian venues. It's just that Lilith
is such a bad girl. Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion
providerin America, is sponsoring the Lilith Fair concerts.
Planned Parenthood loves Lilith. Lilith loves Planned
Parenthood. That's because Lilith loved to "...prey
eternally upon newborn human babies..." and
Planned Parenthood loves to prey upon unborn
babies. What with Sixpence None the Richer going
on to the big times at Lilith Fair, it seems that these
days Jesus Christ is a pretty good stepping stone for
success. I think that the industry should start a Step
on Jesus Awards thing. At first, Christian musicians
would have a problem with it being called the Step
On Jesus Awards, but hey, there's a whole lot more
Christian musicians that want their ego stroked than
the Dove awards can accomodate. Most Christian
musicians are a bunch of beggers. They, and other
industry people, can talk one mean spiritual talk.
The bottom line, though, is that they would sell their
soul to the devil for a big record contract. The
Christian music establishment is corrupt. It seems
that even when it's not about money - it's still about
money. It's time for a revolution in Christian music."

James Versyp

"I feel that with the world the way it is today, many people
will never step foot in a church or Christian venue of any
kind. I think it's good that Christian bands have now entered
into the secular world to reach all kinds of people that
would normally not be reached by Christian music. At the
same time though, we as Christian have a faithful duty to
uphold as servants to our Father. We are to uplift His name
in all things. We are to confess with our mouth.. go ye into
the world and preach the gospel. If you care enough about
your Lord and Savior to call yourself a Christian to other
Christians, then you need to love Jesus enough to not be
ashamed to call yourself a Christian even in the secular
world. So if you're going to say it, you need to live it and
reflect it. Christian bands in the secular music industry
need to go forth and preach the message with Jesus' name
included in that message. Afterall, if we don't tell the world
about Jesus and what He gave for us.. who will?? As a
member of the Christian rock band Latreia', it is my duty in
service to the Lord to speak His name to all people. Jesus
was all things to all people and this is what we pattern our
music after. Bottom line is this.. if you love Him, you will
tell others about Him, and trust Him to take care of you..
not the music industry.

in His service,

Shawna
lead singer of Latreia'
Oklahoma