How do we determine if a band is Christian or not?

[Dave Slayer]

How do we determine if a band is Christian or not? There are many bands on Christian labels that don't really have Christian lyrics but the band members themselves may be Christians. If a band is made up of Christians but just writes lyrics that really don't have much to do with Christianity, should they be considered "Christian"? For example, MXPX, Underoath, Jonas Brothers are all "Christians" and their music can be found in Christian Bookstores. But neither of these bands really talk about Jesus at all. Maybe a little, but not much. Should they be considered Christian bands?

There are many bands that are labeled "Christian", but one could not really tell based on the lyrics.

 

[Nick]

Hmmm.....it depends - is the band active in it's faith, and is known to be Christian. That could make them a Christian band, even though their lyrics don't talk about God/Jesus etc.

I think Underoath lyrics are definately Christian.

 

[Twisted Hawk]

How do we determine if a band is Christian or not? There are many bands on Christian labels that don't really have Christian lyrics but the band members themselves may be Christians. If a band is made up of Christians but just writes lyrics that really don't have much to do with Christianity, should they be considered "Christian"? For example, MXPX, Underoath, Jonas Brothers are all "Christians" and their music can be found in Christian Bookstores. But neither of these bands really talk about Jesus at all. Maybe a little, but not much. Should they be considered Christian bands?

There are many bands that are labeled "Christian", but one could not really tell based on the lyrics.

If the lyrics relate to Jesus. Otherwise, Slayer would be considered a Catholic band. Iron Maiden would also be considered a Christian Band.

 

[justvisiting]

It's very simple for me. The music should be worshipful. If I'm not getting that out of it...I may as well go listen to...REO Speedwagon etc.
A Christian should be sensitive to Christian lyrics, and giving glory to God. The music should lift the Spirit in us. I personally, don't listen to raunchy heavy metal (supposed Christian music). I have listened to Stryper before...but without insulting them too much...they don't do nearly as much for me as:
Andre Crouch, Oslo Gospel Choir, Michael W. Smith, Amie Grant (in her Christian music), etc.
To me there is a point where the music overtakes the Spiritual intent. That is not good. That's why as I said...I prefer the Oslo Gospel Choir, over Stryper.
I do enjoy some secular music. Just strictly instrumental. Chopin etudes. Some mellow jazz. I consider much of it God given talent.
Just check out how you feel when you listen to it. Does it lift your spirit to rejoice in God, or does it make you feel even a little sick.
You have to determine for yourself. Not all of us are the same. I used to listen to anything that was good quality musicianship. I'm a little touchier these days about what I select.

 

[Twisted Hawk]

It's very simple for me. The music should be worshipful. If I'm not getting that out of it...I may as well go listen to...REO Speedwagon etc.

It doesn't have to be worshipful. Matthew West's Life Inside is a very compassionate anti-abortion, anti drug/addiction song. It doesn't worship Jesus, but it exhails him.

"We all arrive here, in this place. Imperfect people in need of grace. That's why god sent his only son to die, so that living heart could have a life, inside."

It's not necessarily a worship song, but it's definately a noble song.