thanks guys, it also reminds me of Psalms 118 where repeatedly we are reminded "His lovingkindness is everlasting." Sometimes, these simple message need to be hammered again and again into our heads!
I, too, had a difficult time with Colson's comments - in fact I wrote about it on my own blog, on other blogs - and I sent a letter to Mr. Colson himself - which was replied with a form letter - so much for the personal touch. I have always admired his courage and his comments - but this was just far too arrogant and self-absorbed for my liking.
I thought this was a measured and gracious response. I responded way back when at http://www.rdwagner.com/2006/02/colson_doesnt_g.html

I went a bit of of a different direction...
I thought this was a measured and gracious response. I responded way back when at http://www.rdwagner.com/2006/02/colson_doesnt_g.html

I went a bit of of a different direction...
There are good points all around. Chuck Colson has a point in saying that some songs really have no content that is worthy of using to praise God. He is wrong in categorizing all songs in that manner. As one of my worship leaders would often say - the lyrics make the song Christian. In this case, the lyrics really _could_ be used in a bunch of different ways - they just aren't really specific. While we can pick up a meaning of praise and pleading to God, it could just as easily be sung to a person as to God.

Was Chuck a little off in his response? Yes. However, I think we need to read what he's saying and realize that there is some truth there as well. It doesn't hurt to be discerning in what we choose to sing.

I can see where he's coming from as far as the idea of recreation goes. America in general is tending towards a lifestyle focused on amusement or recreation. I don't necessarily agree with all he's saying about contemporary music, but there is definitely a lot of copying of the culture and quite a few songs that come on the "pop" Christian stations that really make me wonder. To be fair, I'm well aware that hymns are based on popular songs of the day, including drinking songs. I also hear the one song out of the bunch that really grabs me with its depth and/or worship of God.

Anyway, it's definitely been interesting reading all of the various takes on this - both those who agree and those who don't. I first encountered this over @ www.worshipmatters.com - highly recommend the site in general. Bob tried to capture both sides of the argument when responding and I think he did a pretty fair job.

-Pete