In her latest book, she picks up where she left off in Oh, Be Careful Little Ears, showing the secular origins of CCM and how comments from secular rock musicians about the “beat” of their music support the conclusion that it’s “musical pornography”. She also illustrates how secular rock music is purposefully designed to appeal to our carnal self, regardless of the lyrics, which, when brought into the Christian music world, feeds our selfish, sinful tendencies for no self-control.
Smith’s arguments are borne out of a sincere desire to please God in every area of life. She examines the critical passages of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 about “hymns, songs and spiritual songs” with the conclusion that spiritual songs refer to songs that are designed to edify the soul (verses CCM which appeal to the flesh).
Some of the components of CCM that Smith addresses include the syncopation of the music, the breathiness and other sultry voice techniques used, the body movements of the artists, and simply how does the style of CCM adhere to Scriptural commands to “love not the World”, “not be conformed to the world” and “Be Holy as I am Holy” (1 John 2:15, Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 1:15).
The longest and perhaps most helpful chapter is one in which Smith answers 50 excuses used to defend CCM. She examines them thoroughly and biblically. She also offers a challenge to proponents of CCM to challenge themselves by not listening to any music for one month: At the end of that one month, return to CCM and honestly assess if it causes an “uncomfortableness” in their spirit. Go ahead. Try it!
Although I recommend this book for discerning readers, I'm not thoroughly convinced of the author's arguments. Therefore, I'm not ready to embrace them whole-heartedly. It is good food for thought and will help sharpen advocates on both sides of the issue.
Other similar resources include Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Scene by Dan Luciarini and Crisis in Christian Music by Jack Wheaton. Both of these authors have extensive careers in the music industry and bring significant credibility to the debate. Read 'em & Reap!
Buy it!
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I am curious to read this book now. I wonder if she makes any new points. It sounds like I might disagree with a number of her points.
It's difficult to read reviews like this because typically they lump everything into "Contemporary Christian Music." Sometimes, you have to critique individual by individual, group by group.
Posted by: Mossimo at March 14, 2005 04:19 PM
I'm not sure if she makes any new points, but she is clear in that not everything that's labeled CCM falls under the criticism she levels. She critiques a very specific aspect of CCM.
Posted by: Brad at March 14, 2005 04:21 PM
The author's mentality as described here reminds me of my college dean 25 years ago, who informed me that Keith Green's song, "I Pledge My Head to Heaven," was blasphemous heavy metal. I grew tired of debating this long ago, and figure that if certain musical styles hinder your spiritual growth or irritate you, avoid them, but don't waste your breath condemning something that God has used mightily in others' lives (that's a generic "you," not referring to anyone in particular). Sure, there are loser Christian artists who mess up just like there are loser pastors who run off with their secretaries. That doesn't mean you can lump everyone together.
Posted by: Randy Brandt at March 15, 2005 07:41 AM
Randy,
I agree. Perhaps I should have made that a bit clearer in the post. Smith doesn't lump all of CCM together. She gives a brief disclaimer that not all Contemporary Christian Music is guilty of her charges (however, if one reads the book and misses that disclaimer, it will certainly appear that she is lumping it all together). I enjoyed the book, found it intriguing, but even though I'm not a great fan of CCM, I'm not ready to embrace all of her concerns. At times she seems to go over the top a bit.
Posted by: Brad at March 15, 2005 05:09 PM
