Responding to Gay Musicians Who Record Christian Songs
The question of responding to gay musicians who record Christian songs touches on the intersection of theology, music, and identity. Christian traditions have long debated the role of music in worship and the characteristics of acceptable worship. Some traditions view musical instruments as having been introduced into worship without divine sanction [1, 2].
In the view of some Christian interpreters, the use of music in worship should be guided by principles of reverence and edification. For instance, Calvin suggests that joyful communications among believers should contain something profitable, and that Christians should use hymns and songs that are modest and decent, rather than obscene or frivolous [3]. Similarly, John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of using music in a way that honors God, warning against practices that lead to lawlessness and sin [6].
The biblical basis for Christian worship and music is found in various passages, including the Psalms. Matthew Henry notes that the psalmist concludes a psalm with holy joy and praise, resolving to praise God with song and thanksgiving [4]. John Gill interprets Psalm 95:1 as an invitation to sing unto the Lord, setting forth the glory of Christ and expressing thankfulness for spiritual mercies [5].
When considering gay musicians who record Christian songs, the issue becomes complex. Some Christian traditions may view the personal lives of musicians as separate from their artistic expression, while others may see a connection between the two. Adam Clarke's commentary on 1 Chronicles 6:39 suggests that the singing in ancient Israelite worship was likely a form of recitative or chanting, and that the use of musical instruments in worship is not clearly mandated by God [2].
Sources
- Amos (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Amos 6:5: And invent to themselves instruments of music, like David - See the note on Ch1 23:5; and see especially the note on Ch2 29:25 (note). I believe that David was not authorized by the Lord to introduce that multitude of musical instruments into the Divine worship of which we read, and I am satisfied that his conduct in this respect is most solemnly reprehended by this prophet; and I farther believe that the use of such instruments of music, in the Christian Church, is without the sanction and against the will of God; that they are subversive of the spirit of true devotio”
- 1 Chronicles (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Chronicles 6:39: Asaph - This person, with Heman, the sons of Kora, Ethan, Jeduthun, etc., are celebrated in these books, and in the Psalms, for their skill in singing, and the part they performed in the public worship of God. It is very likely that their singing was only a kind of recitative or chanting, such as we still find in the synagogues. It does not appear that God had especially appointed these singers, much less any musical instruments, (the silver trumpets excepted), to be employed in his service. Musical instruments in the house of God are, at least under the Gospe”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 39.5: which tend to hilarity may have no empty savor. “ Leave to unbelievers that foolish delight which they take from ludicrous and frivolous jests and witticisms; 453 453 “ Plaisanteries pleines de vanite et niaiserie ;” — “Pleasantries full of vanity and silliness.” and let your communications, not merely those that are grave, but those also that are joyful and exhilarating, contain something profitable. In place of their obscene, or at least barely modest and decent , songs, it becomes you to make use of hymns and so”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 69:30: The psalmist here, both as a type of Christ and as an example to Christians, concludes a psalm with holy joy and praise which he began with complaints and remonstrances of his griefs. I. He resolves to praise God himself, not doubting but that therein he should be accepted of him (Psa 69:30, Psa 69:31): "I will praise the name of God, not only with my heart, but with my song, and magnify him with thanksgiving;" for he is pleased to reckon himself magnified by the thankful praises of his people. It is intimated that all Christians ought to glorify God with their p”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 95:1: O come, let us sing unto the Lord,.... To Jehovah the Messiah, the Lord our righteousness; setting forth, in songs of praise, the glory of his person, the riches of his grace, and our thankfulness to him for spiritual mercies by him: Christ is to be the subject of our spiritual songs, and is the person to whose honour and glory they should be directed: in the New Testament we are instructed to sing unto the Lord, the Lord Christ, Eph 5:19, and this is what Pliny (a) tells Trajan, the Roman emperor, the Christians in his time did; they sung a hymn to Christ, as to a Go”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: image of the king, wouldest thou dishonor it? By no means. Now the practices at marriages seem to be a matter of indifference, but they are the causes of great mischiefs. All is full of lawlessness. “Filthiness, and foolish talking, and jesting, let it not proceed,” saith he, “out of your mouth.” ( Eph. v. 4; iv. 29 .) Now all these things are filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting; and not these simply, but with aggravation, for the thing has become an art, and there are great praises for those that pursue it. Sins have become”