What Is Gospel Music? Through The Fire?

Just the smallest stir took place when Chaka Khan gave this rendition of her R’n’B hit at a Celebration of Gospel.  It opens up a lot of interesting questions about what are songs that glorify God?  Gotta tell you, there’s a slice of me (rather than a part for a change) that is old school.  I grew up with the clear distinction of what is a ‘gospel’ song and what isn’t.  Some songs managed to nip over from one to another – take Bridge Over Troubled Water for example, or even better You’ve Got A Friend.  More often than not, though, I was on safe ground if the song mentioned Jesus or God.

Yet.

I’m rather concerned of a rather close minded view to music and praise to God.  Does God’s name have to be mentioned for it to be for Him?  Aren’t there a few songs with His name in it that actually don’t glorify Him.  (Cue dramatic music.)  What’s even more interesting is that there are quite a few songs that have been classed as secular that actually give more insight into the character and nature of God than some of the anodyne songs that seem more like cliche driven efforts.  For example take Stevie Wonder’s ‘Visions’ from his Innervisions album.  Not one mention of Jesus.  Not one mention of God.  Not even a ‘hallelujah’ or a ‘pray’ to legitimately ‘claim it for the Lord’.  Yet when you consider the lyrical content I(‘d struggle to find a Christian song that sums up the concept of shalom better.

So what am I saying?  Am I saying we can include everything and Christianise it just by how we feel?  Am I conversely saying that we need to be ultra-cautious about letting secular songs pass as true gospel?

What I am saying is that sometimes we can make a mountain out of a molehill and miss the beauty in the moment that illuminates who God is.  God is bigger than our definition of music and ‘gospel’ music.  God is bigger, better, more intricate, more complex as likely to be revealed in styles of music we neglect as He is by hymns sung in church services.

That’s what I’m saying … for the time being, subject to change of course!

Shalom

dmcd