Much of the music produced by Southern Gospel entertainers has the same problems that are found within Contemporary Christian rock: Driving rhythms that cater to the flesh, overt commercialism, ecumenism and hedonistic lifestyles. More often than not, Southern Gospel is music to entertain - not edify. This message examines Southern Gospel's past to show that these are not new problems. This material is available in videotape format from www.wayoflife.org. (This MP3 contains the audio track from the video version of this sermon - you will hear audio clips of musicians who are shown onstage in the video, which may be somewhat confusing to those who have audio only.)
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“ Thank you for telling the truth. ” I have spent many years studying and playing all kinds of music, but not anymore. After being in the so called Christian rock scene, and playing so called Christian contemporary, and different types of denominational church music, I have seen firsthand the worship of wicked worldly music by wicked worldly people in these circles. I was one of these people. I have repented of my sin, and thank God for the convicting power of His Holy Spirit. I never again what to be apart of spreading this evil. This southern gospel music that has been a form of entertainment is no different than any type of secular music. It is more dangerous, I would say, since people think it has a "Christian" label. I grew up in the south and have heard these gospel groups all of my life. I have heard stories of how some of these people lived. One guy told me he got out of it because of the wicked lifestyle of the guys in some of the groups he traveled with. I have witnessed smoking, drinking, drugs, and other wicked worldly acts in all types of so called Christian music. Think you Brother Cloud for telling the truth.
s7_g (8/26/2003)
from wheaton, il
“ Great Sermon! ” I enjoyed listening to this message. Brother Cloud is clearly knowledgable of the subject matter, both through personal experience and research.
Some messages on the subject of music tend to be insensitive with regard to the areas of multi-ethnicity and interracial relations. This blunts the message's effectiveness. Brother Cloud shows a sensitivity to these potential pitfalls and does a great job avoiding them. Several times during the message, he points out that blacks as well as whites had people on both sides of the issue of accomodation of music in the guise of worship really serving as entertainment. Thus, his message is more ubiquitous in its potential coverage. And, it is a message for our Laodicean times, so this is very encouraging.
Great message!
wendigo (6/12/2003)
from tennessee
“ interesting! ” i have never heard a sermon on southern gospel before. i always thought SG was THE gospel music to listen too. personally i never could stand it. i dont like people who sound like they have serious sinus problems. but what i dont understand though is some of our hymns dont even mention the name of jesus and if they are taken at face value could even be used to praise a false god such as budda. amazeing grace comes to mind or even i come to the garden none of these songs directly mention the name of jesus and can be taken in any way as a christian song or dare i say pagan song its all in who interprets it. my dad would roll over in his grave if he heard this sermon on southern gospel. he sang in a southern gospel group for years and in his point of view nothing was better or could compare to it. but i do know this my dads agenda was to see souls be saved through his group. he never asked for one dime for the tapes they made he gave every single one of them away. so i do know where his heart was. and i got saved because of my dads witnessing through his group. even though i didnt like the music or singing. it does go to show that jesus can use it at the right time or place. you know some of the lyrics to some southern gospel music really bother me. such as wouldnt take nothing for my journey now got to make it to heaven somehow,or im climbing up on the rough side of the mountain im doing my best to make it in. since when did we have to work to get into heaven or hope that we make it in? and where is the gospel in southern gospel how is singing about my mother in heaven going to get someone saved. all that does is depress me when i hear songs of my loved ones gasping for breath and waiting to walk the golden streets of glory. it just doesnt make anysince
anyway great sermon an eye opener and you have also helped me to reconsider my point of view on ccm
take care
wendigo
Cliff Tucker (12/28/2002)
from Cisco, Texas
“ Great Sermon! ” Sir I do agree with your theme that Southern Gospel music is not necessarily the standard for Christians to listen to. However I also know, according to my studies in 'religious' music that many of the favorite hymns of the church were tavern music with the words replaced.
I am glad someone has 'exposed' the assumed 'sacredness' of SO. Gospel as in the same category, or a very close second to hymns and spiritual songs. It does not even come close.
There is one person I know of that was considered a contemporary Christian artist who loved the LORD and would not fit into the category you are speaking of. Keith Green. He lived his love for the LORD and did much to propagate the gospel through his life. If I remember correctly he made a statement about the shame spiritual music should be a sold commodity.
All in all I enjoyed your treatise and very much agree. Another very important ingredient is the life of the musician. Continue on dear brother.
Kenneth (12/23/2002)
from Oklahoma City, OK
“ A Must-Listen! ” A thoroughly documented warning regarding an area that is often a blind spot among otherwise conservative pastors. Pop that Gaithers CD out of your car stereo & give this a listen!
David W. Cloud is founder and director of Way of Life Literature, a 29-year-old Fundamental Baptist missionary publishing ministry. Brother Cloud was saved in 1973 at age 23, and the Lord gave him a burden to communicate the truths of God's Word via the printed page. Within six...
