Now with the increased popularity of gospel hip hop it's becoming more accepted within the 'secular' world of music. The artists look the same, come from the same place, the beats are the same and even the delivery is the same.....BUT spiritually they LIVE! Simply because they are believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
These artists spit the word of God, tell you about Jesus and how he has changed their lives and can do the same for you.
Doesn't it make sense to reach the lost by relating and ministering to them through a means they understand? Are the youth of our society going to listen to the word of God if it is delivered to them in a way they don't appreciate?
Lately I have come across some believers personally and on myspace who totally dismiss gospel hip hop in it's entirety. We've all heard of the "Truth behind Hip Hop" teachings from EX Ministries Craige Lewis. He said that the church should not support the Hip Hop culture because of the decay is has brought to our society. The web site reads (www.exministries.com):
"So, we support Christian rappers that preach the unedited word of God in their music, but we will never embrace the culture of Hip Hop or any other culture of man. We will only support the set apart, sanctified lifestyle of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ."
But on the other hand he indicates that Christian rappers are using Hip Hop as their own tool when it is not of God. I read a bit more to see whether I was just mis-understanding this because it seemed to come across as a contradiction.
"We cannot promote this culture in our churches. Many churches try to use secular music, hip-hop attitudes and customs to try to reach out to the youth. But we must not be conformed to the world. We must pray for the transformation."
In the 'arguments' section of the site it said that,
ARGUMENT - If God is not working through hip hop, how come so many people are touched by the music of Holy Hip Hop groups? They claim to be ministering in the spirit and that hip hop is their median.
"A crowd of young people dancing and partying to beats and raps does not signify a move of God. The truth lies in the fact that when the concert is over, do they throw away the world's music? Are demons cast out of these youth? Do they want to change their lifestyle and live according to the Word of God? Holy Hip Hop and any other form of Hip Hop are not of God because of the spirit that operates through Hip Hop. KRS-ONE and others have been trying for years to get Hip Hop in the church and now they have through this Holy Hip Hop movement. That's why it's hard to even tell the difference between many of these Holy Hip Hoppers and the real Hip Hoppers. Most of them dress the same, promote the same the spirits and even imitate the real Hip Hoppers while they are rapping. Youth pastors, Pastors, and churches should beware. We must not allow Hip Hop in our churches or allow it to be used to reach the youth. It's not necessary!"
So Christian rap would be OK as long as the artist spoke about the word of God truthfully. BUT the origins of rap as a style are of the devil aren't they?
"Rapping is style of conveying a message, like singing, humming, whistling..."
So does this mean that Christian rap is only acceptable if we:
*Don't use hip hop beats.
*Don't wear 'hip hop style clothing' as it conforms to hip hop culture.
*Don't collaborate with secular artists.
*Don't sign with secular record labels.
*Don't use it as a means to make lots of money through record sales.
If we take away all the above then what are we left with?? Does all the above matter as long as your heart is right and your preaching the gospel through your music??
This is a serious argument people, according to alot of Christians including EX ministries we should NOT be allowing hip hop in our church and labelling it 'Christian hip hop'.
WHAT DOES THE WORD OF GOD TELL US ABOUT THIS.......
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