Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Christian music

A friend forward this to me...

It was sent to KLTY FM in Dallas after an exchange between two DJ's this morning on the radio.

KLTY - this morning, around 8am, the pair of DJ's had a very disturbing exchange. After playing the remake of "Pride (in the name of love)" by Delirious?, originally written by U2, one DJ asked, "Was that U2?" to which the other responded, "No, that was Delirious?. We only play the good stuff, we don't play no trash." This particular DJ then repeated similar statements.
Now, first of all, my memory is not perfect so I do not consider these direct quotes - but I do consider them the direct "gist" of the statements. Second, the DJ's names' are not important, but YOURS is, and so is our Lord's. Regardless of who said this, it is deeply concerning for me as both a Christian and one who appreciates the tremendous impact that U2 has made for the Kingdom of God. Allowing this slander (literally) on the air poses KLTY as self-righteous, and Christians as war-mongers of culture. This adulterates the image of our Lord. Third, if by chance they were "just joking," then I would encourage such antics off the air, not on the air.
To make a statement like this, on the air, betrays a tragic misunderstanding of U2, specifically, and good music, in general. U2 have made tremendous contributions to the church, and it serves us well to encourage them, and to welcome them to Dallas when they play on Oct 29. They are our brothers, not the enemy.
This is grievous, and sadly irresponsible.
Please, please...let us watch our words carefully.

I still find it interesting when people decide what's Christian music and what's not by the person singing it.
U2 received no recognition after their All That You Can't Leave Behind Album -- until a "Christian" band decided to record it (on the same album that Delirious?'s Pride version was recorded on). Once they recorded it, U2 was nominated at the Dove awards for song writer of the year.
And Los Lonely Boys received no recognition for their song Heaven until Salvador recorded a version of it, and now its on Christian stations everywhere.
It's all so goofy.

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