Featured "This Is Why Switchfoot Won’t Sing Christian Songs Anymore"

http://faithlikes.com/2014/04/05/this-is-why-switchfoot-wont-sing-christian-songs-anymore/

I personally agree with what was said, and applaud it.

 

Switchfoot has never, to my knowledge, hid the fact that they are Christian, and I doubt that they will do so now.

To me, they are just saying that in order to impact culture, outside of Christian culture, some Christians need to be willing to contribute to culture outside of the part that's specifically labelled Christian. (Not that it's bad to have artists that work within that part, mind you.) As to what exactly their intentions are or whether none of their future songs will have Christian themes, I'm not them, so I can't speak for them. (Although I doubt they plan on completely leaving Christianity out of their themes.) I just could see what they were saying.

 

I haven't followed Switchfoot from the beginning, neither are they one of the main bands I listen to, but to my knowledge they've always been on both scenes. (I saw them at a Christian music event only last year, and I know they've been around for a good while.) But like I said, can't speak for them.

 

I'm very loathe to make assumptions about others. Maybe their intentions are bad, maybe they are good. I can't read hearts.

I think making songs on the secular scene is a good thing, because it draws a crowd who would never listen to songs that were written for those within the Christian realm. Christians should be contributing to culture, IMO, rather than only contributing to their own subculture. In the past Christians have influenced the culture, including music--why not now?

 

We don't always need to speak directly to be a witness to the world. Yes, I agree, the gospel should be preached, but there are many ways to do that--simply because a band's songs may not be explicitly Christian doesn't mean they aren't doing anything to spread the gospel.
There are bands that preach through their music, and there are bands that may not use their music for that purpose directly.

 

What I meant was this: There are more ways for even a Christian who sings to witness than with music. That they have chosen to do things differently with their music doesn't prevent them from spreading the gospel in a direct manner through other means. We all have different callings.

 

I wasn't sure how recent it was, and didn't entirely care. I just thought it was interesting.

I am familiar with some of songs and albums Switchfoot has done since 2004, and many of them are faith-inspired.

 

Apparently this quote is from 2004, and I'm familar enough with Switchfoot to know they have put out faith-based sings since then, including "Your Love is a Song", which is obviously faith-based to anyone who is aware of the band members' faith (which they don't hide) and played on Christian radio stations. They are also present at many Christian music events. I saw them at one just last year.

Art, whether visual or music, will naturally reflect the values and ideals and worldview of the artist. It doesn't need to be labeled Christian to do so. Is it a replacement for preaching? No. Maybe a band's music doesn't preach directly, but that doesn't mean the members don't in some way.

 

Haha, true I guess. Turns out it's old news anyway. I just thought it was interesting, and I was bored yesterday.