Also, the destructive behaviors and attitudes perpetuated through Hip Hop make it difficult to
reconcile the use of sacred terminology to describe it.
While I understand the concerns over the Hip Hop culture and the paradigms that shape the
movement, I think debate over the proper terminology to use when referencing Christian artists who
rap in order to reach the masses with the message of Jesus Christ, keeps us sidetracked.
This reminds me a lot of the controversy that happened in the early church documented in 1
Corinthians 8. Only back then, the fuss was over whether Christians should eat meat used in worship
to idols.
Paul effectively addressed the controversy this way in verses 4-6:
In other words, those of us who know that the gods of this world (Hip Hop as a religion could easily
fall into this category) hold no power, are not concerned with the way the medium was originally
used. As long as the lyrics don't promulgate the false teachings of mainstream Hip Hop, there is no
cause to worry. What we call Christian rap is not nearly as important as the call today's urban leaders
feel to win the world by any means necessary.
I recommend that anyone struggling with this issue read Romans 14 ESV as a guide for how to handle
disputes over matters such as this. At the end of the day, if saying “Christian Hip Hop” makes you
uncomfortable, by all means, don’t say it. However, if your brother or sister in Christ feels at liberty
to say “Holy Hip Hop,” then don’t condemn them for it.
There is no wrong or right in this matter. Please take a moment to watch the video message I
prepared for you about EEW Magazine's celebration of urban evangelists. WARNING: I say
"Christian Hip Hop" several times in the video ;-).
Share your thoughts on this with EEW's Table Talk editors at TableTalk@eewmagazine.com.
reconcile the use of sacred terminology to describe it.
While I understand the concerns over the Hip Hop culture and the paradigms that shape the
movement, I think debate over the proper terminology to use when referencing Christian artists who
rap in order to reach the masses with the message of Jesus Christ, keeps us sidetracked.
This reminds me a lot of the controversy that happened in the early church documented in 1
Corinthians 8. Only back then, the fuss was over whether Christians should eat meat used in worship
to idols.
Paul effectively addressed the controversy this way in verses 4-6:
- “Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that ‘an idol has no real
existence,’ and that ‘there is no God but one.’ For although there may be so-called gods in
heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’— yet for us there is one
God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ,
through whom are all things and through whom we exist."
In other words, those of us who know that the gods of this world (Hip Hop as a religion could easily
fall into this category) hold no power, are not concerned with the way the medium was originally
used. As long as the lyrics don't promulgate the false teachings of mainstream Hip Hop, there is no
cause to worry. What we call Christian rap is not nearly as important as the call today's urban leaders
feel to win the world by any means necessary.
I recommend that anyone struggling with this issue read Romans 14 ESV as a guide for how to handle
disputes over matters such as this. At the end of the day, if saying “Christian Hip Hop” makes you
uncomfortable, by all means, don’t say it. However, if your brother or sister in Christ feels at liberty
to say “Holy Hip Hop,” then don’t condemn them for it.
There is no wrong or right in this matter. Please take a moment to watch the video message I
prepared for you about EEW Magazine's celebration of urban evangelists. WARNING: I say
"Christian Hip Hop" several times in the video ;-).
Share your thoughts on this with EEW's Table Talk editors at TableTalk@eewmagazine.com.
| BI-WEEKLY COLUMNISTS |
The Christian rap movement, though still in its infancy, is
gaining traction and recognition both in Christian and
mainstream circles. And as the popularity of this highly
effective urban evangelism tool grows, so does the
controversy over what to call it. Personally, I am
comfortable interchangeably labeling the art form
“Christian rap,” “Christian Hip Hop,” or “Holy Hip Hop.”
Yet, I know there are some individuals who may bristle
when they hear Hip Hop linked to anything regarded as
Christian or Holy.
Essentially, the argument against it is that Hip Hop is a
religion or sub-culture which denies the existence of God
and teaches that humans are equal with God. Thus, self-
worship replaces God-worship.
gaining traction and recognition both in Christian and
mainstream circles. And as the popularity of this highly
effective urban evangelism tool grows, so does the
controversy over what to call it. Personally, I am
comfortable interchangeably labeling the art form
“Christian rap,” “Christian Hip Hop,” or “Holy Hip Hop.”
Yet, I know there are some individuals who may bristle
when they hear Hip Hop linked to anything regarded as
Christian or Holy.
Essentially, the argument against it is that Hip Hop is a
religion or sub-culture which denies the existence of God
and teaches that humans are equal with God. Thus, self-
worship replaces God-worship.
Is it Wrong to Say "Christian Hip Hop"?
by Dianna Hobbs
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