That Gray Area Between Christian and Secular Music

In theory, Christian musicians could (and maybe even should) occupy the cutting edge of popular music, since Christianity and music have been oh so tightly woven together throughout the whole history of the church. In reality, bands featuring Christian members and a Christian message are merely look-alikes of more popular sounds, and none have achieved any significant milestones in the musical world as groundbreaking artists. Their audience exists not because these bands are creating outstanding music, but rather because they are promoting a message that parents who do things like subscribe to ratings-hound PluggedIn will let their kids listen to. When discussing a recent documentary on the subject, respected indie rock producer Steve Albini took a critical view of the Christian music scene, saying: "Like, if we just say these things that people have been saying for a few thousand years, but if we say it with a spiky hairdo and some bouncy music, then we'll get the kids to listen. That aspect of it, that it's being used as a tool by the church as a larger force, that bugs people."

There are some Christian artists who have gained respect in the secular music community. But, if you want to find them, you have to look underground. David Bazan--currently a solo artist but formerly the lead singer of the band Pedro the Lion--is known for his frank lyrics that aim to test his Christian faith. So even though he has done things like include "Be Thou My Vision" on his albums, he has a respected audience with believers and non-believers alike. Like, look, here's John Krasinski of The Office kissing him! Bazan caused a lot of controversy amongst Christian circles by including an expletive on his albums Control and Achilles Heel, which he decided to do because he thought it was a more honest depiction of how he actually talks. It's evident in interviews that he has done and that his bandmates have done that he is accomplishing his goal--to get people to think.