Gospel Music: Good Music; Bad Theology?

[funkStrat_97]

What do you think about the lyrics of some popular gospel songs? There have been isses raised about CCM lyrics not measuiring up to Scripture, but in many of those cases I feel that the criticisms are largely subjective. In the case of black gospel music (both traditional and urban), there may be a more clear indicaton that some lyrics are off base. Mainly, some songs are quite obviously rooted in Word-of-Faith theology or have influences from those teachings to variuos degrees. And the thing is that there are some well-known ministers who are also gospel artists that adhere to some controversial teachings such as Word-of-Fatih. Do you think that the popularity of or acceptance of Name It/Claim It theology has contaminated gospel music?

[sjonathan02]

What do you think about the lyrics of some popular gospel songs?  Do you think that the popularity of or acceptance of Name It/Claim It theology has contaminated gospel music?

I feel like you're asking two separate questions which are highlighted above. Are you?

[funkStrat_97]

I feel like you're asking two separate questions which are highlighted above. Are you?

Not really (did't intend to).  But the question is how has the influence of  Word-of-Faith teaching within the black church community has also influenced some gospel lyrics.

[T-Block]

What is this Word-Of-Faith u talking about?  I never heard of it, or maybe I have and don't know the proper name.  My pastors preach holiness or hell, that's all I know and care about.

[funkStrat_97]

What is this Word-Of-Faith u talking about?  I never heard of it, or maybe I have and don't know the proper name.  My pastors preach holiness or hell, that's all I know and care about.

Word Of Faith

[T-Block]

Word Of Faith

O.K., now I am enlightened on what this teaching is about.

[sjonathan02]

Not really (did't intend to).  But the question is how has the influence of  Word-of-Faith teaching within the black church community has also influenced some gospel lyrics.

You'd have to give some examples, more than likely, for this to be a concise discussion.

[funkStrat_97]

You'd have to give some examples, more than likely, for this to be a concise discussion.

"Name It and Claim It" - The Clark Sisters

Chorus 1:
Just name it and claim it,
it's yours, it's yours,
yours for the asking,
yours, it's your blessing;
whatever you need (from the Lord),
Lord, oh, oh, oh, oh,
oh, oh, oh, oh,
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Verse 1:
If you just grasp your mind,
then you ought to be able
to speak it with your mouth,
it's yours, it's yours...

Right here, we have classic Word-of-Faith teachings presented in no uncertan terms.  Other examples included sayings such as "I command every .....", and so on and so forth.

[sjonathan02]

"Name It and Claim It" - The Clark Sisters

Chorus 1:
Just name it and claim it,
it's yours, it's yours,
yours for the asking,
yours, it's your blessing;
whatever you need (from the Lord),
Lord, oh, oh, oh, oh,
oh, oh, oh, oh,
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Verse 1:
If you just grasp your mind,
then you ought to be able
to speak it with your mouth,
it's yours, it's yours...

Right here, we have classic Word-of-Faith teachings presented in no uncertan terms.  Other examples included sayings such as "I command every .....", and so on and so forth.

Never heard the song. With that said, just reading the lyrics, I'm not necessarily moved by them, at all. 

BTW, I have no idea where you were going with the "I command every..." 

[chevonee]

"Name It and Claim It" - The Clark Sisters

Chorus 1:
Just name it and claim it,
it's yours, it's yours,
yours for the asking,
yours, it's your blessing;
whatever you need (from the Lord),
Lord, oh, oh, oh, oh,
oh, oh, oh, oh,
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Verse 1:
If you just grasp your mind,
then you ought to be able
to speak it with your mouth,
it's yours, it's yours...

Right here, we have classic Word-of-Faith teachings presented in no uncertan terms.  Other examples included sayings such as "I command every .....", and so on and so forth.

I love that song so much. Personally I don't see anything wrong with songs such as this. I mean maybe we're not understanding your point or something but this song is based on biblical terms....so what could be wrong with that?

[funkStrat_97]

BTW, I have no idea where you were going with the "I command every..." 

I command every marriage to work out  or I command every situation that keeps you out of the will of God to bow down and other similar sayings.  The idea is that by faith, you have to power to make things work out by speaking it.  Of course, we know this is not true.  Look at how many Christian marriages have NOT worked out despite someone's command that EVERY marriage must work out.  And there are other sayings that are inspired by Word-of-Faith teachings where the idea is that fait is a force that can be controlled by our words.  This is bad theology and if music is being used as tool to spread bad theology, then it's doing a dis-service to the Body of Christ.  Word-of-Faith teaching may make people feel good, but it also gives false hope that things will work out to our satisfaction and that we can get anything we want just because we have faith and are willing to speak that faith into existance.  God NEVER promised us that our will would be done.

[SirTJ]

I understand your query fully, and honestly, I feel that is HAS contaminated Gospel Music to a certain degree. That being said, however, I am not a big fan of Word-of-Faith teachings, so my opinion could very well be swayed by that fact. 9 times out of 10, a discussion like this can't be held without some form of verbal bashing, so I'll just leave it at that. 

[betnich]

What do you think about the lyrics of some popular gospel songs? There have been isses raised about CCM lyrics not measuiring up to Scripture, but in many of those cases I feel that the criticisms are largely subjective. In the case of black gospel music (both traditional and urban), there may be a more clear indicaton that some lyrics are off base. Mainly, some songs are quite obviously rooted in Word-of-Faith theology or have influences from those teachings to variuos degrees. And the thing is that there are some well-known ministers who are also gospel artists that adhere to some controversial teachings such as Word-of-Fatih. Do you think that the popularity of or acceptance of Name It/Claim It theology has contaminated gospel music?

    If so, it has been going on since the 1970's...IMO you can't form your theology based on songs....you have to get into the Word of God...

[Angel4ever]

I command every marriage to work out  or I command every situation that keeps you out of the will of God to bow down and other similar sayings.  The idea is that by faith, you have to power to make things work out by speaking it.  Of course, we know this is not true.  Look at how many Christian marriages have NOT worked out despite someone's command that EVERY marriage must work out.  And there are other sayings that are inspired by Word-of-Faith teachings where the idea is that fait is a force that can be controlled by our words.  This is bad theology and if music is being used as tool to spread bad theology, then it's doing a dis-service to the Body of Christ.  Word-of-Faith teaching may make people feel good, but it also gives false hope that things will work out to our satisfaction and that we can get anything we want just because we have faith and are willing to speak that faith into existance.  God NEVER promised us that our will would be done.

God has given us the power to speak to our moutains according to our faith ( Mark 11: 22-24). We can Name it and Claim it as long as we are being realistic in what we want. I understand what you are saying about those who command every....  It won't work unless those who hear and the speaker  must have faith and believes. Some lyrics are based upon what the writer has experienced, or what the Lord wants to communicate. Sometimes its the Word put into a song.

[bishop2]

I think its fine, its scriptual.  Thats a good Twinkie Clark song.  Gospel songs are written from a lot of different angles, and it has to do with a few things, experience, what you are taught at your church, what you put in your spirit.  So the prosperity songs, and name it claim it songs are the least of the church's worries... We still sendin people to hell for what they wear and if they wear pants or jeans to church, for women preachin, and should we use juice or water for communion...

[georgiagurl]

God has given us the power to speak to our moutains according to our faith ( Mark 11: 22-24). We can Name it and Claim it as long as we are being realistic in what we want. I understand what you are saying about those who command every....  It won't work unless those who hear and the speaker  must have faith and believes. Some lyrics are based upon what the writer has experienced, or what the Lord wants to communicate. Sometimes its the Word put into a song.

I think its fine, its scriptual.  Thats a good Twinkie Clark song.  Gospel songs are written from a lot of different angles, and it has to do with a few things, experience, what you are taught at your church, what you put in your spirit.  So the prosperity songs, and name it claim it songs are the least of the church's worries... We still sendin people to hell for what they wear and if they wear pants or jeans to church, for women preachin, and should we use juice or water for communion...

I agree wit yall

[B3Wannabe]

I think its fine, its scriptual.  Thats a good Twinkie Clark song.  Gospel songs are written from a lot of different angles, and it has to do with a few things, experience, what you are taught at your church, what you put in your spirit.  So the prosperity songs, and name it claim it songs are the least of the church's worries... We still sendin people to hell for what they wear and if they wear pants or jeans to church, for women preachin, and should we use juice or water for communion...

Indeed. Everything that I've asked God for unintentional and intentional has been granted. I pray for God to direct me then if I don't have the ability/resources to do what He wants me to do, I ask for it. I don't pray for superficial things. Those things will be added if I do what He asks me to do. It's that simple.

[changedman]

Excellent discussion. I also admire the tasteful way opinions are being exchanged.

[chevonee]

God has given us the power to speak to our moutains according to our faith ( Mark 11: 22-24). We can Name it and Claim it as long as we are being realistic in what we want. I understand what you are saying about those who command every....  It won't work unless those who hear and the speaker  must have faith and believes. Some lyrics are based upon what the writer has experienced, or what the Lord wants to communicate. Sometimes its the Word put into a song.

I think its fine, its scriptual.  Thats a good Twinkie Clark song.  Gospel songs are written from a lot of different angles, and it has to do with a few things, experience, what you are taught at your church, what you put in your spirit.  So the prosperity songs, and name it claim it songs are the least of the church's worries... We still sendin people to hell for what they wear and if they wear pants or jeans to church, for women preachin, and should we use juice or water for communion...

Co-sign!!!!However, I do understand what you're saying funkStrat....and you're right it is beginning to get out of hand. I think that it is up to us individually to study to show ourselves approved so that we will know the difference between Biblical principles and a bunch of hot air. This is indeed a great topic of discussion, I don't think it'll get out of hand as long as we try to understand each others point of view....and agree to disagree (sp?) if need be.

[B3Wannabe]

Co-sign!!!!However, I do understand what you're saying funkStrat....and you're right it is beginning to get out of hand. I think that it is up to us individually to study to show ourselves approved so that we will know the difference between Biblical principles and a bunch of hot air. This is indeed a great topic of discussion, I don't think it'll get out of hand as long as we try to understand each others point of view....and agree to disagree (sp?) if need be.

Society creates music, which is then influenced by music. It's a circle. We create music based on the things that we experience and the music in turns affects the ideas and emotions of others.

It's not the lyrics of the songs that are the problem though. It's society's craving for a quick fix. In this case, there is no quick fix. Do what God asks you to do and your marriage will work. Do what God tells you to do and your bills will be paid. Do what God tells you to do and you will prosper (which is also subjective).

The problem is that not EVERYONE is doing what God tells them to do. We get into an argument with our spouse and instead of fixing it, we want to hold on to it for later. These things build up to cause our marriages to break. We reaaaaaally want those brand new Jordans and a Wii for our children, so we skip on paying a couple bills. This causes our lights to get cut off.

I'm training my children better than this. Plus, they have a living example of what God can do....if you do what He tells you to do.