I finished my first country song today. Brian White and Don Poythress and I got together to finish what we started a couple weeks ago.
The tune is called “She Don’t Know It Yet” (poor grammar intentional) and it’s no radio hit but it will make a pretty good “inside cut” on someone’s record someday. (You can hear it here.)
But all of this is simply background, not the point of this post.
We finished early and talked – about music – country versus Christian mostly. It’ll be in the next Shlogcast…I hope. I thought I’d turned my recorder off but I hadn’t. (The thing has a tricky pause/record/stop button.)
The gist is this: Don and Brian have written for both markets, country and Christian, and both remarked that there are more rules to writing one than the other. Rules that come from radio and labels. One rule that chaps their hide (and mine) is that metaphors are off limits in Christian music…oh, and “spiritual speak” is preferred.
Co-writers have told these guys (both very accomplished writers in both markets) that they can’t be conversational or metaphorical in their lyrics and get played on Christian radio.
But this post isn’t about Christian radio or Christian music either. It’s about whether you – yes you – understand metaphors, and whether you can spot a spiritual lesson when it’s not communicated with the usual biblical or “churchy” language. Can you?
Now, most of us would quickly say “yes.” “Yes,” we say, “of course I understand a metaphor. I’m not stupid. I took a literature class in high school.” And “Of course I don’t need someone to say ‘Jesus’ in their book or movie or song for me to learn some spiritual lesson from them.”
Really?
Then why do publishers and radio station managers and film makers think otherwise? Seriously. Nothing rhetorical. Are we as bright as we think we are or are the powers that be in “Christian media” right?
Metaphors were the prefered form of teaching for Jesus. Matthew 13 is filled with “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” verses – we refer to them as parables – but these parables are filled with metaphors. If Jesus expects His listeners to dig deeper and actually think to get what He was talking about then why shouldn’t songs in a genre labeled with His Name do the same?
This is probably going to come off as more blunt than it needs to be, for that I apologize.
I think the lack of metaphor comes from the demands of the majority. On the whole I believe that Christians in America don’t want metaphor. We don’t want to think about lessons, we don’t want to be challenged in what we read or what we listen to.
We want to be told that if we live a certain way, life will be good. We want to hear about the glory of heaven, not the blood on the cross. We want it processed and packaged, ready for consumption on Sunday morning, Wednesday night, or the two hours we commute each day.
To be fair it doesn’t apply to all Christians in America or even the world, but Christian radio or publishing isn’t trying to please everyone, just the majority.
I think the real issue here is: Why do the Christian labels think Christians in America can’t, or won’t, understand metaphors?
I am pretty sure that every person reading this understands metaphors (…excuse me for the dis-repair and souvenirs from floor to ceiling, gathered on my search for meaning…).
I think the labels have made for themselves a self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s the same thing that the television networks have done with ‘reality’ shows versus the cookie cutter 30 minute sitcoms. If you put something in a shiny-new package next to the same-old boring fodder, guess which one people will choose. If the only ‘new’ sounding Christian music doesn’t contain metaphors, Christians will choose it. It doesn’t mean that Christian listeners cannot understand metaphors.
So, matman, what about the conversational versus spiritual speak issue? Seems like conversational speaking would attract the majority since it’s how the majority speaks. If you’re correct and the majority is running things, why does the majority want spiritual speak?
Example: You used the word “glory” in your comment. “Glory of heaven” actually. That’s not the way I talk in conversation about anything other than God. Is there a way to say what you mean in a way that someone outside of church circles would understand it? Of course. But if I said “all that God is” instead of “glory” or “utopia in the clouds” instead of “heaven” or “empire of God” instead of heaven” would it be as accepted as me singing “glory of heaven?” I don’t think so. But why? Why would the majority want spiritual ideas communicated in the same few ways, with the same few words, over and over again?
(I have ideas, but I want to hear your thoughts not mine.)
According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, the words we use define our reality. When we use words like glory, heaven and other spiritual lingo, we are able to confine God to a box that is safe, comfortable and familiar.
When you start applying words like empire, utopia and revolution to God and His work, you start “redefining” the “reality” that we’ve (Christians) constructed. It begins to place human concepts on spiritual matters.
Some people are put off by this. “How can you taint the message or purpose of God with your filthy, human frameworks,” they might say (whoever “they” are). But isn’t that all Jesus did? Wasn’t everyone of his messages “tainted” by a human construct?
Good thoughts Shaun. I look forward to the conversation. So forward, that I’m clicking the little box that says “Notify…”
I think the music industry in general is most interested in developing good consumers so that they can make more money. “Good consumers” don’t think all that much (which is why sex sells). “Good consumers” are also loyal to a particular brand. If metaphors are used, then Christian music may come off sounding too much like secular music and people may lose their brand loyalty.
Develop a distinctive product. Make people want that product. Sell them the product. That’s capitalism at work in the Christian music industry according to a cynical engineer. Interesting topic. I’ll have to bounce it off some marketing/PR folks that I know.
Regarding the metaphorical song that you wrote awhile back, I think it was accepted because it already fit a familiar metaphor that Billy Graham’s team had marketed nationwide at his crusades.
MB
I think a part of it is the desire of so many to have clearly defined what is “spiritual” and what is “secular”. Neatly segregated, without ambiguity, people want to see things plainly. To be honest, I have read and heard many people trash very popular CCM artists because every other word isn’t “Jesus” or “God”. They hate the ambiguity of metaphors, and are predisposed to believe that the artists is speaking of earthly matters rather than heavenly things. I don’t know if I’ve communicated very clearly, but the whole reasoning is kind of wishy-washy to start with.
As to conversational speaking: I’m not sure. My wife does not like a lot of the music I listen to because it is “talky music” and not “singy music” (her words). Yeah, I listen to artists who are conversational (Sara Groves is a great example of this). Perhaps the conversational style is a little too slow for people’s tastes, or it’s not hooky enough. Maybe it is too personal. And, again, natural conversations between two people do not have “Jesus” or “God” as every other word, so maybe there is a connection to the metaphor issue.
Very puzzling.
This is going to be a pretty free form response.
Because the “same few words” are what we’ve been ingrained to believe are “holy” words.
Because “It’s the way it’s always been.” In our minds it separates what is secular from what is spiritual.
Because its easier to go to McDonalds and order one of the same 15 things than it is to cook something different every night.
Because it separates that music from everything else on the radio and it validates how we feel as Christians. It validates our beliefs in words that are seemingly Biblical which makes it that much holier.
Besides “utopia in the clouds” is down right new age. It doesn’t matter what context your singing in, those words just aren’t Biblical enough for Christian music.(/sarcasm)
Bottom line, I think Americans just want to be entertained and excercise as little mental dexterity as possible. God forbid we actually have to think while we’re listening to something that’s supposed to be fun and catchy. Just give me a few words I’ve heard before, tweak the song arrangement juuuuust a little and make it sound like whatever’s playing on secular radio. Boom!…the winning formula. It works in all of pop culture today: music, movies, tv, etc.
Bottomline, when the Christian music industry sees their earnings begin to plummet, then they’ll start looking for an alternative “moneymaker”. Sad, but true.
I think it’s about feeling safe.
I was going to write a whole comment on how the industry isn’t to blame and that the industry is only catering to the needs of the majority when this suddenly occurred to me.
I don’t think it is the majority that drives the industry, I think its the vocal minority. I have no evidence to back this up, but if you looked at a bell curve, one end has a vocal ‘pro-holy-non-metaphor’ listening crowd and the other end wants metaphor and deep thinking. The middle curve doesn’t care. The middle curve wants a good beat the can dance, or snap your fingers if your baptist, to.
Just a thought.
Metaphor have more artistic leanings I believe. The general public doesn’t (generally speaking) care about art. Thus for radio stations to make money they have to play to the lowest common denominator. Interesting though that so much of the Bible contains metaphor. I guess Christian radio stations assume people can’t read their Bible and understand them. That’s obviously an overstatement, but I think the concept needs to be considered and questioned. If our Christian music is “safe for the whole family” then those Christian radio station owner better not expose their kids to all the wild stories in the Old Testament!
Lots of interesting perspectives here. I for one, love metaphors. Songs that paint a picture for me are the ones that stay with me. Telling a story is another way music speaks to me.
I think (based on many tags heard on my local Christian station) that many listeners substitute the time they spend listening to the radio for real, honest Bible study, or time spent in prayer. Not to say that everyone who listens to Christian radio, has no prayer or study life. I’m always struck when our local station plays one of their listener tags which says something like: “I realized I wasn’t reading my Bible or praying like I should. I’m so thankful for this station because it keeps me focused on God.” While that may true, it’s a poor substitute for study and prayer.
For me, the radio is entertainment, and something to drive to that drones out chatter in the back seat. I honestly prefer CDs. That way, I can listen to what I want and (at least with my local station) have more variety!
Beth
I think they are right.
Good to see that the best man at my wedding reads schlog, too (hey Matman).
Anyway, I HATE Christian words. They separate us from seekers and make us feel more holy (i.e. spiritual, special, etc.).
I was at a local Baptist hospital (I’m sure that the Methodist and Catholic hospitals do this too, but I was at a Baptist one) and the chaplain came over the loudspeaker to pray. She started out “Creator God” and ended with “in Thy Name we pray”.
What does that say? “In order to talk to God, you have to use words you wouldn’t normally use, that you might not know the meaning of.” That makes God more inaccessible.
I’d say the “kingdom speak” and “no metaphor” rule are incompatible BTW. “Kingdom” is a metaphor. God isn’t literally a king like a human one. He’s a leader, but with more knowledge, wisdom, etc. than any human. The Kingdom doesn’t have geographical boundaries either (necessary for a human kingdom). BTW, “Father” is a metaphor. God didn’t (with apologies to Mormons, but He didn’t) have sex with a “Mother” to get us. We were created and “adopted” (which is also a metaphor).
I guess that means that “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, “Bless Be the Tie that Binds”, and many other classics wouldn’t ever have caught on if the “no metaphor” rule was in place at the time.
Jesus ONLY taught in metaphors (see Matthew 13:34).
Paul
Zach said “I guess Christian radio stations assume people can’t read their Bible and understand them.”
That hits pretty close to the mark. It isn’t that we can’t read and understand the Bible. We just don’t take the time. More and more people aren’t studying or reading the Bible. More and more pastors aren’t preaching the Bible verse by verse, book by book. We’ve become satisfied with Stepping out of the boat, driven by our purpose to our best life now.
Not that any problems I have with that need to be brought to light here, but we’re substituting fast food religion for genuine Biblical relationship.
OK, so you did what I hoped you’d do: You gave the usual answers pretty quickly. Not to criticize. They’re the answers I’ve been giving myself for years. But they don’t satisfy anymore. I wonder if there are different reasons we haven’t thought of yet.
Here’s what’s wrong with the easy answers we have here at the moment.
AMERICANS ARE DUMB
Quote:I think Americans just want to be entertained and excercise as little mental dexterity as possible
I’ve said it this way in the past…”The best way to make money in America is to underestimate the intelligence of the American people.” But is that true? It sure (partially) explains why Jerry Springer enjoyed high ratings for a while but… The thing is, Christians who listen to “Christian music” and read “Christian books” and watch “Christian films” also took Geometry in high school, majored in engineering in college, read professional trade publications and the New York Times and watch CNN. They actually go to movies that aren’t G-rated – some of them made up of intricate plots and unanswered questions. They aren’t dumb. They’re just dumb in church. Or are they?
ART IS DUMB
Quote:The general public doesn’t (generally speaking) care about art
It doesn’t matter if the American population in general cares about “art”, knows what it is or wants more of it. They get it every day without realizing it and they deal with it well. We can debate what “art” is later. For now let’s just talk metaphor and assume that metaphor is, to many, an artsy thing. Well, if this is true, country and pop music is full of metaphor. Well, “full” is exaggerating. There’s SOME metaphor in those genres. And in “Secular” film, tv and fiction there is quite a bit of metaphor. Even in non-fiction. I read marketing books a lot – stuff like “The Dip” and “Purple Cow” by Seth Godin. METAPHORS! But a book about spirituality that sells well is called “The Purpose Driven Life.” Because we don’t like metaphors? Or because Christians don’t like spiritual ideas communicated with metaphors? Or because a certain KIND of Christian doesn’t like their faith to be talked about with metaphors?
GREEDY BASTARDS!
Quote:Bottomline, when the Christian music industry sees their earnings begin to plummet, then they’ll start looking for an alternative “moneymaker”. Sad, but true.
Here’s the thing though. Yes, David Crowder and Chris Tomlin and Michael W. Smith are filthy stinking rich. I know this for a fact. I know where they live and what they drive and I know enough about the publishing industry to make a very good guess at the size of their royalty checks each quarter. Filthy. Stinking. Rich.
But they’re not most artists. Most artists are like Andrew Osenga or me or Sara Groves. Dong OK, but not making six figures. And label presidents do pretty well (relative to me) but, again, not millionaires. And I met a radio DJ a few years ago who lives in his car. I’ve been to Brant Hansen’s house ( http://www.branthansen.typepad.com ), or I should say, his apartment. He ain’t rich. Record companies calculate their profits behind the decimal point. So do retailers. So, if money’s driving this thing (and I think it is to a point) then it’s not the pursuit of wealth – I think – as much as it is being pursued by poverty (as defined by our culture.) They’re trying to stay afloat, not make payments on their yacht…most of “them.”
Your turn. Go farther. Why don’t we Christians like our faith talked about in metaphors? Why do we fall back on spiritual speak (read any “worship song” for examples)? Or do we?
(PS. This post, to me anyway, isn’t about “dumbing down” our FAITH or not. It’s not prosperity preachers versus A.W.Tozer. It’s not about whether we need to think harder about our faith or study more or any of that. It’s about how we communicate what we’ve already learned. Why do we communicate they way we do? But maybe I’m missing how the two criticisms of American Christianity (language and “dumbing down” are linked in some folks minds here. Explain it to me.)
I clinked the comment link to say “Of course, I get metaphores.”
Then I stopped to think.
Yes, I get some of the more blatant ones. But I was the one in high school scratching my head at all the things that were supposedly hidden in the books I read in English. I am finally reading the Harry Potter books for the first time right now and keep hearing about these hidden meanings to things. Yes, I’m seeing some, but I’m missing lots.
Then again, I get the metaphors in Narnia. And if you don’t see the megaphors on sin in the original book “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (which every Christian should read), you have to be blind.
So, is it I don’t get metaphors or is it people try to read too much into some things?
Which leaves the question wide open. Who is right?
Good question, Mark, but not one I’m fit to answer. My question isn’t really who’s right as much as it is “Why are things this way?” I’ll blame somebody for it later ; )
But it’s much easier to pass the blame and not think about it. Which could be part of the problem.
And maybe the other part of the problem is people writing “metaphors” that no one else could possibly get. When you look at the parables, they are fairly straight forward. There has to be a balance between assuming your audience is smart and being puresfully obtuse.
When you look at the parables, they are fairly straight forward
I don’t know about that. Seems like somebody said something about this in the bible…something about not everyone understanding Jesus’ stories.
I read The Parables by Brad H. Young – it’s a book that explains the Jewishness (if that’s a word) of the parables. His main point is that the parables weren’t original to Jesus. In fact, he gives many examples of the same stories told by previous, much older and dead, rabbis. Jesus took their stories and made very small tweaks…and didn’t necessarily change the meaning in the process.
My point being that Jesus was not understood by all BUT he was using stories they knew…conversational maybe? He didn’t make up new stories (not artsy?) but he also wasn’t understood by all (too artsy?). Don’t know that the parables of Jesus score a solid indisputable point for either side. But that’s just my take. Anybody else got one?
Also, the parables aren’t straight forward once we understand what they meant to the Jewish audience Jesus told them to. Many of us may know by heart the modern American explanations of them but I was shocked to read that book at times, to understand what a Jew living in the first century might have made of them. But that’s just a plug for the book…off topic at the moment. But it’s my blog, I can tangent if I want to right?
OH, one more thing anf then I’ll gte back to work…
Mark, you said “There has to be a balance between assuming your audience is smart and being puresfully obtuse.”
Well, I’d explain my attitude when writing this way: MY audience is smart enough to get what I’m writing because I get it and I’m no smarter than they are. To think differently would be arrogant. I assume my audience is as smart as me…because they are…they just don’t rhyme as well ; )
I get your point, but I think you’re logic assumes there’s a level at which we can write at which NO ONE BUT US will haver understanding. That’s arrogant.
If I understand my own writing then somebody else will too. Maybe not the majority. Maybe not enough to make a living off of it. Maybe not the people a label or publisher would like to understand it. Maybe I don’t know how to get my writing to those who will understand it. But SOMEONE else will understand it. NO writer is so special that NO other human being can grasp what they write the way they write it. (Though some think they are.)
And there’s a “market” for purposefully “obtuse” writing. It’s called seminary. There’s an audience for everything. If you’re obtuse and want to write for other obtuse people it’s not a crime. Just don’t complain when it’s not a best-seller. Is that what you’re getting at, Mark?
I think this is an interesting conversation, because I have actually discussed this with others about Christian fiction. About how character and plot development and life values are so clearly spelled out, and it can be really refreshing to read non Christian fiction because it isn’t (of course, some of it is). At times, it rings more true or feels a little deeper. Or digs a little deeper. (although I think there has been some great Christian fiction coming out lately and praise God that Christian fiction no longer means historical fiction. ha.)
Anyway, I think when we are talking about things that belong in the camp of Christian, we like them to sound distinctly Christian, because that is the compartment we have put them into. So you can have a fantastic and moving song that sounds as beautiful as the best written poem, but if you haven’t very clearly stated that it’s about God, then it doesn’t belong in the church/Christian compartment. We like to keep our compartments.
And if you’re writing a book, God forbid you have the word witch in there or child wizards. Because even if everything else supports the life and values Jesus taught, it must be from the devil.
It is much much easier to see something and label it, then to navigate the murky waters of what’s inbetween.
So……back to my original statement. It’s about feeling safe.
Great topic Shaun. I don’t have a lot to add to what everyone has said already, however I totally agree with your sentiment that unfortunately the “dumbing down” of Christian-ease partly is what is keeping people put off by the kingdom. I have a super smart brother-in-law who is put off by organized religion partly because he doesn’t like the over-simplicity of most Christian-ease. He wants to be challenged and Jesus challenges us. Jesus doesn’t make it easy or simple, He wants us to think and believe in Him.
As for media, I suppose most people prefer “dumbing down” because that’s what they want otherwise “Are you smarter than a 5th grader” wouldn’t have appeal. I for one, love metaphors and want to be challenged and I think those co-writers are absolutely right with their observations. As for what to do about it, as consumers we should be more discerning and not just go with the majority. I think the trend today favors this change however. Some of my new favorite “Christian” songs are doing a better job at this like “All I Want”-Future of Forestry and “Eloquent”-Sanctus Real. Even better is a song like “Soul Meets Body”-Death Cab for Cutie. My favorite new website (other than shlog) is songmeanings.net where people discuss challenging lyrics. More Christian songs need to be on that website.
So, Amy, when you buy a “Christian book” is your motive for do so different than when you buy a “non-Christian book?” I know you do both now, and I’m wondering why you do each. Maybe there’s a clue in there somewhere.
So “How to Save a Life,” by the Fray, or “Beautiful Love,” by the Afters, or “Hanging by a Moment,” by Lifehouse, or just about any Switchfoot song is not considered metaphorical? Just to let you know I can be wrong about some of the song names, band names, spellings, ect, but I am honestly asking if those songs by “Christian” artists are metaphorical or not.
Maybe the we stick to our limited conversation because it’s the way we’ve been taught. It doesn’t feel ‘right’ to the average Christian if the ‘right’ words are used or the ‘right’ ideas are conveyed.
I’m basing this on my own experience. It took me a while to realize that all prayer doesn’t have have to start with ‘Dear heavenly father’ and end with ‘In your Son’s name, Amen.’ It’s hard to break out of that mindset, especially if it’s been drilled into you since day one. Not to say that prayer style has no meaning, I still pray in that way, but I also just out and out talk to God the same way I talk to my wife or my friends.
It’s also a bit of ritual and it ‘expresses reverence to God.’
Have you ever been on the cusp of a big idea, but you can’t find a way to verbalize it properly. That’s where I am right now on this discussion.
Shawn B., good question. Yes, that’s the current trend in music I’m referring to which is interesting, particularly as you name 4 bands with Christian beliefs who are known by the mainstream and get their videos played by whoever plays videos anymore.
I think if you were to pick one thing that makes them successful it would be the use of metaphors. Throw Relient K and Sixpence None the Richer in that category as well. I think they are all great examples of how the trend is finally changing.
Shawn B, GREAT QUESTION! I’m glad you brought up the FRAY.
They’re played on Christian radio BECAUSE they’re a bog deal now, same with “Jesus Take The Wheel” and Switchfoot. Switchfoot released records before they signed with a “mainstream” label and they were not played on Christian radio and didn’t sell records. The Beautiful Letdown, which was basically a greatest hits record re-recorded with a few tunes added on, was huge in the mainstream so Christian stations started playing them…as bait. The hope being that a non-Christian would hear Switchfoot on WAY-FM while flipping through the stations and stop, listen to Switchfoot, and then stick around for Casting Crowns. I know this only because Matt from WAY-FM in Nashville told me so when he added their first single to his playlist.
No metaphors can be trumped by other noble agendas. It’s not a hard rule in that sense.
Same is true of The Fray.
The Afters are played by the good guys at stations like WAY-FM but they routinely play shows for 100 or so people. They only had the one big hit. They are struggling to “break” no matter how you measure it. They are not Christian music darlings by any stretch. But I love what they write.
ShawnB – They are metaphorical, they also don’t get as much airplay on Christian stations. Also at least two of those examples have taken some criticism for being to ambiguous in their lyrics.
I think Derek Webb put it best: “don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music.”
I currently don’t have a different motivation for buying Christian over secular. At a basic level I just buy what sounds or reads interesting to me.
When I was running a Christian webcast I played music that fit into this mold, although in a different sub-genre than what shows up on radio. At that time it was part of being what I thought was a “good” Christian.
Shaun,
I was well aware of the bait and switch(no pun intended here) they used with Switchfoot. Growing up in southern California I saw switchfoot play at a youth retreat when I was 17, I am 29 now. To my recolection and being to lazy to look it up, “Beautiful Let Down,” was released only about 4 years ago. Sad to say but “Love is a Movement,” arguably the best song on the previous(remade) album did not make the cut.
As far as “christian radio” using that method, to get people to listen to (accoding to them) “real Christian Bands,” is a practice which I am sure is not “wrong.” I mean lets be honest, I can remember a time when Shaun Groves’ song “Should I Tell Them,” WAS a big hit on “Christian Radio” and played often. I don’t think that song, which is awesome, is outright “preachy” and using much “catch phrases” or “church language.” Yet it is not a mainstream radio play.
I guess being on the outside, of the realities, of what happens in the “christian music” industry, it is hard to fully understand how bad someone like you truely gets hosed.
I read “Christian” books because:
Well honestly, I love to read. So there’s one reason.
I read “Christian” books because:
Another is to avoid too many steamy sex scenes which can be found a lot and unexpectedly in books not penned by a Christian author, male or female, romance or not.
A third is sometimes to identify with the protagonist more because he/she has similar life experience, background, and/or values.
I read not so Christian books because:
I love to read.
There are WAY more than there are Christian.
They often educate and challenge the way I see things, or make me more sympathetic to someone with different backgrounds or experiences.
They are free to tackle many topics that are taboo in the Christian marketplace.
Sometimes they are cheaper.
Well those are the reason I can think of, off the top of my head. Did I provide a clue? I don’t know if I did for myself.
I think it comes down to tolerance. I think that the folks who decide what gets played vs what does not are fearful of being called “tolerant”. It seems to be all the buzz these days… God forbid we allow something that doesn’t scream “Jesus”, lest we be accused of being tolerant of non-Christian things.
Personally, I choose my books and my music the same way.. typically by whatever sound catches my ear or whatever cover/title catches my eye. If I like it, I like it. If I get it, I like it. If I don’t, I might still like it. I don’t look to music or books for my spiritual nutrition- that comes from the Word and my time alone with God. Yes, it helps me to get into a frame of mind to worship sometimes or it makes me more inquisitive about who this Jesus really is (especially when metaphors are used), but I can live without music and still thrive in my relationship with God (wouldn’t want to though)
call me tolerant if you will, but I like hearing what is labeled as Christian as well as what is labeled as secular. I have a feeling that Jesus wouldn’t be listening only to KLOVE (not that there’s anything wrong with that)
just my $.02 for the day.
Shaun,
Yes, the parables are rich and deep and not everyone got them. But they are also rather simple. Look at the Pharasee’s reaction to the story of the bad stewards. They left to plot Jesus’ death because they knew He was talking about them. Didn’t take hours of study and cross cultural comparisons for them to get it. (Okay, so they were the same culture, but you get my point.)
And yes, I was talking about the arrogant when I was talking about purposefully obtuse writing. I love to read and am on several lists/boards for books. A constant discussion topic is book reviews and how they won’t condesend to review genres (I read lots of mysteries) or if they do basically turn up their noses at it. Yet they praise stuff that is so boring most common people won’t enjoy it. And with good reason. It really isn’t that well written or brilliant.
That’s the attitude I was talking about. And it truly does turn people off.
I like your thoughts about assuming your audience is as smart as you are. It’s worked for me so far. Of course, I thought “Hummingbird” was brilliant, so you never know.
those of us who like intelligent, thought provoking, and good music don’t really listen to christian radio anymore. I have basically decided that there is good christian music out there, but it isn’t actually on christian radio….oh yeah, and I like metaphors and I like conversational songs….and Jesus used metaphors and stories alot, so……….
it is frustrating that 1) everything has to be so black and white on christian radio
2) everything has to be theologically dumbed down enough that any one within a broad spectrum of christianity would agree with it.
Back to the original question, “Why no metaphors?”
1. Maybe our high view of the language of the Bible as it has been translated into English drives our desire to hear words like “sin,” “grace,” “glory,” etc. in a song even though we may not hear it in most conversations.
2. Maybe the simpler language reinforces the “us vs. them” (sanctified-me vs. the world) mentality. If you’re in a battle of sorts or just caught up in the foreigner-in-a-strange-land mentality, it’s comforting to hear someone speak your own language.
Ah, now I have the “Life Is a Highway” chorus stuck in my head.
Hmm… my only comment is this: is that why we get so excited about those spiritually metaphorical country songs? I mean, there’s a lot of bleedover there, right? (I don’t listen to a lot of country music, but that’s the feeling I get when I hear it/ hear it when my sis-in-law watches CMT). It’s an inside thing to spur business in both markets. Conspiracy, you hear me? CONSPIRACY!
Okay, seriously… the only legitimate thought I have on metaphors and (solely) radio performance is that, unless it’s a country song with repetitive metaphors, (i.e. “He Was Walking Her Home”/ “three Wooden Crosses” ), it’s hard to catch a metahpor in the middle of a song (i.e., if you’re dialing through stations).
The example my wife and I have been discussing: Derek Webb, specifically “The Ringing Bell”. It’s an amazing record, and honestly the catchiest and most commercial record he’s released, but the best songs wouldn’t work well on radio. My prime example: “Savior on Capital Hill”. It’s got some great satire and a great message, but heaven forbid a listener dials in during the bridge and SERIOUSLY buys into the “All of our problems gonna disappear when we can whisper right in that president’s ear” line. That’s the best example I can think of , but maybe that’s the problem with metaphor and Christian radio… it’s the type of metaphor, because they can easily get deep and require *gasp* multiple listens, and that doesn’t work well with Becky… especially when it’s followed by the requisite “Testify to Love”.
PS Sorry for the all caps… don’t know how to italicize in posts.
PPS Sorry if this has been brought up… i’m going to go plow through the rest of the comments now.
Sean
I wonder if there is something else… I wonder if the large portion of American Christianity that wants to take everything in the Bible “LITERALLY” adds to this problem. Clearly, not all language in the Bible is literal (Psalms as poetry, Revelation and Daniel as apocalyptic, Jesus’ parables, and so on and so on), yet there seeems to be a fear of not taking all of these different styles of genre as absolutely, word for word literal truth. I wonder if this fear of interpreting things in the “liberal” sense as opposed to the “literal” sense manifests itself in the music industry. This would make sense because it seems to me that much of the Christian music industry (or at least the song lyrics) is very conservative in its scope.
I’m not certain. Just a thought.
shaun, you are thought-provoking and very right. i hate the way that things work in the machine of the christian music industry. keep on doing what you’re doing…and sharing the beautiful gospel of jesus christ in fresh new ways. you were great on the faith cafe tv shoot, as well.
could it be that is isn’t a deep answer at all? what if it is just what is in style at this moment in time?
Halpinator’s comment is, I think, at least part of the issue. Andy Osenga’s Dance Away the City comes to mind. A sweet, lovely song, but the one line “pour a little wine” kills it as far as radio play goes because you’ve just offended a huge group of Christians totally opposed to any type of alcohol consumption. That one four letter word makes it difficult to even recommend the CD to certain people who have a particular conviction in that area.
As far as metaphors go, I flat out reject the idea that you can’t use metaphors in Christian songs. That just doesn’t make sense to me. Christian music IS somewhat limited in it’s subject matter. Country can sing about everything from Jesus taking the wheel to Lucille taking her love to town.
Maybe it’s not so much that we’re supposed to have “spiritual speak” in our songs as much as it ought to be normal to have “spiritual speak” in our every day lives.
Does any of this make sense?
so what are some “Christian” songs that have metaphors. they are out there. why did they make it on the air waves?
Hi Shaun – it’s Michelle from Faith Cafe. It’s official…I’m no longer just a shlog-lurker.
I’m fascinated by this topic. After reading through all the comments, here are the random thoughts that popped up in my brain…
* Christian radio music has become a pop music subset. Flip over to your local Top 40 station…hear many metaphors?
* The rise in popularity of writers like Donald Miller and pastors like Rob Bell give me hope.
* Call Amy said we like things to sound “distinctively Christian.” I think this is so true and a huge part of this whole question. Most Christians are really scared of not being blatantly recognized as “Christian.” Call Amy also said “We like to keep our compartments.” Again, very true. It’s why stereotypes are such an integral part of our interaction with other people. For better or worse, they help us classify and categorize others so we “understand” (quotes important there) how to mingle with them.
* Shaun G. asked Call Amy if the motive for buying Christian fiction is different from buying non-Christian fiction. I’m with CA, I love to read in general, I always have. At some point in my teen years, I started reading Christian fiction to – I don’t know – make myself feel better about all the non-Christian fiction I was reading. Or something. Anyway, nowadays, I just pick up what looks interesting. Sometimes it’s Christian, sometimes it’s not. And all too often it comes down to cover design. I’m really bad about judging books by their covers. (BTW, I’m not using that as a metaphor…I mean literal books and literal covers.)
* Finally, the radio as a medium is not really designed to provoke deep discussion among listeners, especially not the way it’s used now. (Back in the day, when families allegedly gathered around the radio to listen to programming, things may have been different.) In general, people use the radio as background or filler noise. They may get enough to sing along with the chorus, but they aren’t usually processing the info. That doesn’t set up a great environment for the Gospel to be presented in a way that attracts non-believers or challenges believers.
I don’t know that there are any solutions here or if what we’re talking about could even be classified as a “problem.” It is what it is and as long as people are talking (or blogging) about it, there’s still hope.
I had to come back to this topic because of the last Harry Potter book. I’m surprised that depsite the many symbols of Christianity, the many Christian thematic elements, and then the blatant things like having Scripture on tombstones, plus an admission of faith by the author herself–Christians still find Harry Potter to be really dangerous.
I have been trying to decide why (besides ignorance of not having read the books) this would be so. Here are my theories:
J.K. Rowling did not come out and say from the start that she was a Christian.
The books, though rife with Christian ideas, are not allegorical like Narnia.
And the theory that makes the most sense to me–to describe the very fictional magic in the book, Rowling uses, at times, the word witchcraft.
So rejection of this, or a song with the word wine, etc. must be fear.
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