In an era where the term “Christian” means SO many different things, how do artists and songwriters who subscribe to the historical, orthodox Christian Faith make music that connects people to the God revealed in Scripture? Here are a few keys from the pages of God’s Word to guide Christian Music Makers as they endeavor to make music with eternal spiritual impact
(PART 1/5) KEEP BELIEVING
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11)
We find ourselves living in a time where Christianity has been pitted against science, naturalism, moral relativity, logic, social norms, and much more. It’s treated by many as on par with greek mythology, Santa Clause, or fairy tales. For some, Christianity is a dangerous lie used to subjugate, oppress, and control. The pressure to abandon belief in God at this point in history is constant and unrelenting and can be discouraging, disorienting, and even unbearable for Christian Music Makers who choose to follow the Jesus of the Bible. I've experienced this journey firsthand.
About 10 years ago I began deconstructing my faith. My doubts and questions led me to the edges of unbelief. What was really awkward about that season for me is that I was in full-time ministry the whole time. I was ready to accept the outcome - wherever the truth led. Fortunately, I had resources and mentors around me to help process my thoughts, as well as offer a balance to the atheistic information I was consuming. At the end of the day, historical, orthodox, Biblical Christianity made the most sense to me. Have I still wrestled with doubts from time to time? Of course…that’s part of faith. (And let’s be real: How can a person go through the last couple of years and NOT question God?) But ultimately, I made the choice to dive into the deep end and haven’t looked back.
My encouragement to you is: Don’t be afraid to deconstruct your faith. I believe that there are things about modern Christianity that SHOULD be dismantled. If God is God, then God is big enough to carry you to the other end. But be cautious not to throw the “baby out with the bath-water” so to speak. If we are going to believe in God, then doesn’t it make sense to let God define reality? If we are going to accept Christianity, then let’s not create a version that’s more preferable or tolerable to us or the God-dismissing culture around us. Let’s accept God’s version of God. We find God’s version in God’s Word.