Christian rap music, also known as gospel rap, is a genre of rap music that features lyrics focused on spreading the Christian faith and teachings from the Bible. While some view Christian rap as an effective way to reach youth culture, others question if the style and culture of rap music is compatible with Christianity. This article will examine what the Bible says about music and creativity, issues of cultural engagement and relevance, and principles for evaluating any art form as a Christian.
The Bible Encourages Creativity and Music
The Bible contains many passages that reveal God as a creative being and encourage His people to express themselves creatively for His glory. In the Old Testament, God filled certain individuals like Bezalel with skill, ability and knowledge in crafts to construct the tabernacle (Exodus 35:30-35). The book of Psalms contains many songs and poems written to praise God. In the New Testament, Paul instructs the church in Colossae to admonish one another with “psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” as they sing gratefully to God (Colossians 3:16). Throughout Scripture, music and creative arts are used to worship and glorify God.
As Christians, we honor God when we develop and cultivate the gifts and talents He has given us. The Bible makes clear that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17). If a Christian is gifted in rapping, rhyming, wordplay, and musical performance, rap can certainly be a way to glorify God with those abilities. The raw talent and lyrical skill of many Christian rappers is undeniable. But the key is making sure the lyrics match up with sound doctrine and that sinful cultural elements associated with mainstream rap are avoided.
Issues of Cultural Engagement and Relevance
One appeal of Christian rap is that it provides a way to engage youth culture and be relevant to a generation that resonates with the sound and style of rap music. If done well, it can be used as a bridge for connecting with unbelievers and introducing people to biblical truth through a familiar musical form. However, there are also cautions about being too accommodating to any culture, especially one as antithetical to Christianity as mainstream rap culture often is.
Though all artistic forms can be redeemed for God’s glory, some cultural artifacts carry significant baggage. Rap music emerged from urban black culture and issues like drugs, violence, sexual promiscuity, and materialism are frequent themes. While addressing social issues has always been part of hip hop, much mainstream rap glorifies sinful lifestyles. Some believe the very sound of hip hop – with its thumping beats and chants – stirs anger and provokes lust. Though lyrics matter most, sound cannot be ignored.
Christian rap artists should carefully consider how much to assimilate the musical style and culture of secular rap. The goal is to reach people effectively without compromising holiness. Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-18). Discernment is needed to avoid cultural assimilation that may confuse unbelievers and lead weaker brothers into sin (1 Corinthians 8:7-13).
Principles for Evaluating Music
When evaluating if a style of music – whether rap, rock, pop, or any genre – is appropriate for Christians to listen to or create, several biblical principles can be applied:
- Lyrics – Do the lyrics clearly communicate biblical truth? Do they help listeners understand and apply Scripture? Are the lyrics devoid of profanity, sexual references, or other unwholesome themes?
- Message – What overall message or worldview does the music convey? Does it glorify sinful behavior or godly living? Does it honor Christ?
- Sound – Does the sound, rhythm, or style of the music provoke anger, promote sexual immorality, or discourage holiness? Does it detract from the lyrics?
- Influence – Will the music influence listeners toward righteousness or unrighteousness? Will it point unbelievers to Christ?
- Emotions – What emotions does the music stir up? Does it encourage wholesome feelings or feed sinful passions?
- Culture – Does the genre or style promote a godly culture or assimilate an ungodly culture? What is the background of the musical form?
- Conscience – Does the music violate your conscience? If it causes doubts, better to abstain (Romans 14:23).
- Wisdom – Does the music demonstrate wisdom, good judgment, moderation, and balance? Or does it lack discretion?
- Edification – Does the music build up Christian faith and cultivate spiritual maturity? Or does it harm faith and hinder growth?
Earnestly applying these biblical principles can help in discerning if a form of music like rap is acceptable for a Christian – both for listening and for performing. Guidelines for evaluating content and culture should influence artists seeking to craft God-glorifying music in any genre.
Proper Use of Christian Rap
Assuming the concerns above are sufficiently addressed, there are appropriate ways for Christians to engage with and utilize hip hop:
- Evangelism – The music can be used to introduce unbelievers to Christ and biblical doctrine through a familiar medium.
- Relating to Youth Culture – Christian rap music can help build common ground with a younger generation while still modeling holiness.
- Encouraging Cultural Reform – Artists can embrace hip hop’s traditional prophetic voice to address social issues and sinful cultural elements with a biblical perspective.
- Redeeming Hip Hop Culture – By infusing rap music with sound doctrine and God-honoring principles, Christians can play a part in redeeming the genre as a whole.
- Developing Talent – Christian rappers can use their gifts to bring glory to God and beauty to the world through creative expression.
- Pure Enjoyment – With discretion, hip hop can be appreciated and enjoyed for artistic merit, musical quality, and skillful lyrical play.
However, proper precautions should still be taken such as avoiding explicit content, being aware of explicit songs masquerading as edited versions, screening albums for children, and not allowing music to hinder your walk with Christ if your conscience convicts. Wisdom and moderation should always be exercised.
Conclusion
The genre of Christian rap continues to be controversial among believers. While some adamantly oppose fusing hip hop with the gospel message, others see its merits for reaching youth culture if the medium is redeemed with sound doctrine and holy living. There are cautions about cultural assimilation, but also great potential for using talents to glorify God in relevant ways.
Applying biblical principles of discernment, evaluating content and culture, and maintaining proper perspective can help determine if Christian rap is an appropriate way for an individual Christian artist or listener to engage with the popular musical form. The lyrics, message, sound, influence, emotions stirred, cultural baggage, conscience issues, use of wisdom, capacity to edify, and motivations should all be considered carefully and filter Christian rap music appropriately.
