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I wrote a poem for my wife many years ago. The poem can be both recited and sung. When I recite it, people say, “Aww, that’s so nice and romantic of you.” But I am wondering what the same people will say if I should sing it. Will I be called a pastor who sings worldly songs, or will I still be seen as that romantic good pastor who loves his wife? Or is it only right for me to recite it and not sing it?
Hear the lyrics of the song and read what follows:
From my very childhood
I chose you for my soul
The stars, moon and sun,
My lasting witnesses
For better for worse,
I truly cross my heart
So baby never think
I’ll leave you for anyone.
My baby never cry,
I’m always there for you
I love you, no matter what you are
I need you, wherever you may be
I love you for my future
I love you for my life
I love you for my children
I love you than anyone
I love you, no matter what you are
I need you, wherever you may be
Now, help me understand again. Am I considered worldly because of this piece of poetry for my wife? Would you even call the poem worldly? Am I being secular for singing it to her, or even to the world? Would listening to a similar song or piece of poetry be considered sinful for me as a Christian?
It may be worthwhile to reevaluate and redefine what is deemed as sinful, secular, and worldly. By doing so, we can then reassess the conversation surrounding the classification of gospel and worldly music. Failure to do so could result in the question of why the book of Song of Solomon is included in the canon of Scriptures. Therefore, a re-examination of our perceptions and definitions is crucial to maintain consistency in our understanding and judgement of what is deemed gospel, secular or wordly song.
The word “secular” is derived from the Latin word “saeculum,” which means “age” or “generation.” It was historically used in Christian Latin societies to refer to the world outside of the church. However, the term does not inherently connote sinfulness or wordiness; it simply means “not connected to religion or spirituality.” For instance, Ghana is a secular state, but it is not considered a sinful country simply because it does not have an official state religion. Similarly, a piece of music without religious themes or lyrics may be classified as “secular,” but this designation does not imply sinfulness or worldliness.
National anthems and folk songs are not considered gospel songs, but they can still be enjoyed and appreciated as forms of artistic expression by Christians. There is nothing wrong with listening to or singing them. It is important to remember that music is just one form of art and that words wrapped in music can be utilised in other forms of art as well.
If one were to judge an art form solely because it is in music and criticize it while praising the same content in poetry or prose, then they would be hypocritical and selective in their judgment. Jesus said in John 7:24,
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24).
It is true that music can have a profound impact on the human soul and is often described as a spiritual experience. However, it is also true that other forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, and literature, can also have a powerful impact on the soul and be considered spiritual in their own right. The aesthetic beauty and emotional depth of art can inspire and uplift us, and help us to connect with the realm of the spirit. Therefore, it is important not to limit our understanding of spirituality to music alone, but to recognise the spiritual potential of all forms of art. If, therefore, we are passing judgement on a Christian for singing or listening to a song that does not fall within our definition of ‘gospel song’, then let’s do same with the other forms of arts.
Allow me to ask: if an artist who does not believe in Christianity creates a painting that tells a story, would you classify it as worldly art? And what if a Christian artist creates a similar painting, would you criticise him/her for creating art that is not “gospel”? Furthermore, how would you classify the painting itself? Would you consider it worldly or unworldly?
Music, like any other form of communication, can be evaluated on the basis of its content and message. If the lyrics or theme of a song are not worldly, then singing it would not necessarily make it worldly. Similarly, if a piece of artwork or story is not worldly, singing or listening to it in musical form would not necessarily make it worldly.
It is also important to note that the morality of a song or story cannot be solely determined by its genre. Highlife music, for instance, may contain moral stories and admonitions similar to those found in sermons. If you judge the story as holy because it came through preaching but judge it as wordly because it is being sung, then where is our honest judgement?
Ultimately, the essence or spiritual value of a song or any form of art depends on its content and message, regardless of its genre or form. A good song worth listening to, therefore, is not about the genre or form but its content and message – not also the term ‘gospel’ or ‘gospel artiste’.
In any case, what exactly is a ‘gospel’ song? If I had the opportunity, I would define a gospel song as any song, regardless of its rhythm or music genre, that praises Christ or talks about his death, burial, and resurrection and the impact on the human soul. In other words, songs that present the good news of Christ are gospel songs. With that definition, the majority of the songs that we classify as gospel songs would not qualify as such.
In conclusion, the discussion about what is considered sinful, secular, worldly or gospel music needs to be revisited, and a clearer understanding of these terms is necessary. Music, like any other form of art, should be evaluated based on its content and message.
Abeiku Okai
Anathallo Chapel Int.
Kasoa, Inside Nyaniba Health College Campus
(+233) 024 9287 855