Comments on: The Fray on Christian Music

By: Wayne Watts

Wayne Watts — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:09:28 +0000

I think The Fray have made a wonderful song. It is their choice whether they want to promote Jesus or not. Many Christians have jobs that do not promote Christianity. But our obligation is to reflect Christ in our lives.

Two points to consider though: As they move into mainsteam music, I wonder if the same will become of them that happened to U2. Look at the difference between U2’s early years and now. Music fame can easily become a replacement for God.

Also, I do not think churches should play music that does not mention God or Jesus. A church is not a coffee shop, it has a purpose, and that is to express Jesus’ love. That is one place we do not need to be embarrassed or to be subtle or to downplay Jesus. It is now the only place in our country that Jesus can be mentioned without glares.

By: Casey

Casey — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:35:27 +0000

Thank you for the article.

I have to admit that I was a bit outraged a few months ago when I heard The Fray playing on the Fish. Now, I love their music, at least artistically speaking - they have a really great sound. But, until I saw this article, there was nothing that obviously connected the group or their music to Christianity. Instead, “How to Save a Life” tended to conjure images Grey’s Anatomy.

I often worry about attempts by Christians to reach the unsaved by blending into pop culture. It’s a very fine line and one should know without a doubt that that is really their calling before playing with that line. Too often have we lost good soldiers for what looked like a good idea but was not orchestrated by God.

Are The Fray so called? That can only be truly answered by God, The Fray and, eventually, by their fruit. Nonetheless, I pray that they are victorious in invading pop culture for the Kingdom of God.

As for worship services… Well, I tend to agree with Tom: The real question is why we are singing. If we are singing to worship and glorify God, then we should let the Holy Spirit guide us in what words we us to do so. If our purpose is anything else, then it really doesn’t matter what you sing - as long as it feels good for the moment, right?

By: anne jackson

anne jackson — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 07:59:44 +0000

yes, and sometimes…those musicians who aren’t believers can still see truth and communicate it back into our lives…there are a few staind songs that completely bring me straight to where i need to be. (a few…) not to mention instrumental music. i think truth is so far beyond what we can tangibly see or touch sometimes that we can see it when the father is illuminated, no matter the original source.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 02:13:06 +0000

Isn’t it our purpose to bring non-Christians in to the fold? I would have to say that The Fray are right on in their mission. Especially with the youthful audience that they play to. Pastor Greg Roehlinger at Palm Valley brought up the statistics of the young adults that are not coming to church and your post goes right along with that.

So yes, we should play this music in church. It is amusing and ironic to me that the aging baby boomers that were so moved by the revolution of rock and roll music are critical of this. They should know better than anybody that music moves people and we should use it to move the young to church. Thanks Tony.

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 01:37:59 +0000

I don’t know how anyone could disagree with the comments you posted by The Fray.

As to your second question, one first has to answer the question of why you have music in your services, period, before you begin to discuss what is and what isn’t appropriate.