the weblog of Ian & Lauren McLaren

I have been reading Andrew Osenga’s blog with great interest lately. For those you of unfamiliar with that name, Andrew is a musician who, apart from some stellar solo work, was the lead singer of The Normals and is currently a member of Caedmon’s Call. Basically, Osenga has been posting regarding the tension he experiences in terms of being a Christian but not wanting to be boxed in as a ‘Christian’ musician. This tension grows out of a distaste for the all too well known evangelical types who have ‘hijacked the faith’.

[Lewis has already posted some thoughts on his blog relating to Osenga, and included a fantastic quote, so check that out].

In his latest post, Osenga states the following: “the main reason I am scared of “christian” music [is because] I don’t want to listen to it, because I assume it will be shallow, preachy and offensive to those who don’t agree.” On the other hand, he says that the main reason he plays for Caedmon’s [besides the fact that they are an amazing band] is that “they’re doing amazing things for the people in India, and they’re getting the Church involved, using music to get in the door.” [I would put Jars of Clay and Derek Webb in that boat as well.]

As an aside, allow me to relate a quick story. Upon moving to Southern Manitoba, I quickly discovered that there was a fairly popular Christian radio station on the airwaves, so I tuned in to see what was up. One day, I was driving home from work and this ad comes on that made me permanently turn that dial. It went pretty much like this. [screaming and sirens in the background, clearly some sort of emergency situation happening]. Announcer: “When there’s a fire or flood, you wouldn’t want to be caught without some sort of insurance, would you? Well, most of us live out our daily lives without insuring the one thing that will last: our souls. Turn to Jesus today, and make sure you aren’t left out in the cold when he returns..”

Regardless of whether or not this radio station is playing good music, that ad alone was enough to turn me off. This is the kind of thing that Osenga is talking about, the ‘shallow, preachy and offensive’ nature of what the Christian music industry is trying to sell. I, for one, can get behind bands like Caedmon’s and Jars and artists such as Andrew Osenga and Derek Webb because they have grown a conscience and are aware that they can use their music to affect change, both within the Church and in the world at large.

It’s an interesting and important discussion, and it goes far deeper than this. I just wanted to post some thoughts, and again, check Lewis’ blog for another spin.

On another note, Lauren and I are watching Babel tonight. Review to come tomorrow.