Should we label music Christian & Secular? (with Chris Cleveland of Stars Go Dim)

What defines a Christian song?  What if a Christian artist does a love song for their spouse, or a secular artist does a song about their faith?  Why do we say someone is a ‘Christian artist’ but not say, for example, ‘Christian Optometrist’ if they are a believer? 

Chris Cleveland is the perfect person to have a conversation with about this! Stars Go Dim didn’t start as a “Christian” band although he always was, but now they do operate under that label.   

This was a fascinating discussion you don’t want to miss!

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Quick reference guide showing some of the things we cover:

00:01:23: Definition of Christian vs Secular music

00:03:21: Discussion on defining terms in music

00:04:01: Discussion around labels and preconceived notions

00:04:28: Chris talks about his songwriting process

00:06:07: Discussion about Christian artists and their music

00:07:12: Analysis of recent trends in Christian music and the “worship song”

00:10:32: Worship music and songwriting

00:13:09: Perceptions and standards in Christian music

00:16:55: Living up to the expectations as a Christian artist

00:21:18: The profound influence of secular artists on Christian music.

00:26:20: Debate on ‘Secular’ Songs and Artists with Christian Messages

00:26:54: The Spirituality in Songwriting

00:30:15: Analysis of Christian Songs in Mainstream Media

00:31:49: The Importance of Music Selection for Children

00:35:58: Parenting and Music Exposure

00:36:40: The Evolution of Christian Music

00:41:12: Dealing with Public Perceptions and Judgements

00:41:36: Discussion on music tastes and extending grace

00:42:55: Defining thoughts and disagreements within the Christian church

00:45:44: Importance of community in gospel

Consider It Joy is a production of 88.3 Life FM in Bakersfield, CA.  You can find out more, connect, and all the ways to listen by clicking here!

 

Source: https://consideritjoy.podbean.com

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Consider It JoyAaron Perlman Matt Pelishek