I love art and all it's various expressions (dance, song, rap, graffiti art, painting, poetry, etc) and have come to appreciate religious and non-religious artist despite their unique backgrounds and perspectives of life, economics, church, God, etc.

All "artistic" abilities are God infused gifts given to inspire, comfort and transform people, despite how people abuse their talents. I have a wide range of music on my music play-list, but it doesn't mean that I necessarily agree or endorse all their lyrical content and moral emphasis. I believe, I can still appreciate them in context of who they are and be in "awe" of God's creative abilities embedded within our minds and physique.

At times I am appalled by certain artist content or means of expression (s), but I have learned in hindsight there is lesson to be learned even from the Ozzy Osbourne's and 50 Cent's of the world.

So, don't judge me by my "Music Play-list".  Understand that the music I listen to (within moral limits, which i define later) doesn't define me or the complexity of who "Jack Hakimian" is 247. Sometimes I can't even define myself, but thank God for His Shepherding and Knowledge of me (1 Corinthians 4). Also, please don't make me or anyone else guilty by association like the Pharisee's did with Jesus.

In the final analysis I don't believe Christians, especially "Missional Leaders" should retreat from culture (it's not possible), rather we should positively engage culture, critique it and see it for what it is. A mixture of good and bad, like us. We need to learn the skillful art of "eating the watermelon and spitting out the seed"! Also, we should judge each song individually and not by the presentation of the artist as a: christian vs. non-christian, country vs. gangsta rap, violent vs. non-violent (you get the point).

You wouldn't stop analyzing your pastor's sermon in the future, because they have never failed to teach heresy in the past. Each sermon needs to be critiqued in light of scripture on it's own merit. So, each song must be weighed in light of Biblical doctrine and practice. If God can speak truth through a "thief on a roman cross" or a "donkey" He can use the most unlikely rocker or hip hopper of our time(1 Corinthians 1). If error can come from the most prestigious leaders in the Bible like Aaron (Golden Calf Worship) or Peter who denied Christ three times or discouraged Him from going to cross then it can also come through the most famous Gospel artist or so called pastors\preachers\theologians\christians of our times.

We must discern each artist and each song in light of scipture to stay truly honest like the Bareans interaction with Paul the Apostle  (Acts 17:11). Never discredit an entire body of work based on the background of an artist, teacher, philospher, writer, director, speaker, etc. They may capture and articulate truth concerning a theological or social condition better then the most famous preacher of modern times.

These are the values I am teaching my boys: Jacob, Jeremiah, Josiah and Joel, so they don't become these weird Christians who don't have a clue about how the world is and how Christ integrated his life into the lives of non-religious people. I reject the Christian, sheltered, secluded parenting that raises naive children who are either so attracted to the "world" as teen agers they get sucked into it's illusion or they are afraid to incarnate themselves like the "Logos" Jesus Christ (John 1) and live amongst sinful men.

Also, we should learn to be honest that there are clear moral perimeters when it comes to art, entertainment and education (10 Commandments-Law of Love [Romans 13]). But, many times mainstream secular music rarely crosses those moral lines, but rather they violate church traditions of what is proper lyrics, dance and art. They are like the Pharisee who were offended by Jesus and His disciples for not washing their hands or healing people on the sabbath (Tradition vs. Truth).

The Bible itself is a very provocative "Rated R or Mature" book that is filled with erotic love poetry (Song of Songs), distorted sexuality (David's Son Raping His Sister, Homosexual Sex of Sodom & Gomorrah, Noah's Nudity, Men Spilling Semen On The Floor, Solomon's Concubines), violence (Book of Revelation, Women Getting Their Bodies Cut Into Pieces, The Crucifixion of Jesus, Joshua's Conquest of Canaan, etc). Please read the Bible in totality from Genesis to Revelation doing some light cultural-historical research. The explicitness of the Bible will shock YOU!

Some of the music on my play-list is meant to entertain, inspire Worship of Jesus and educate "you" the listener of other peoples culture and perspectives. I have attempted to remove songs with blatant curse words, but naturally some of the songs have 1 or 2 expletives in order to communicate a point. If you are under 18 listen with caution and do not practice what you see and hear other's doing for Jesus sake. At the same time, do not pull away from people who are living un-Christian lifestyles, but influence them by equipping yourself and staying in community with them. Contact me if you need support!

As you listen to all forms of music ask yourself what is the purpose of this song? How does it bring me closer to the 'heart" and "mission" of Jesus? What is the artist trying to say that I need to know? What can I appreciate about the artist?

This practice will make you a critical thinker who can discern, but still remain compassionate and engaged with people who are not serving Christ. So many Christians don't know this balance. They either become like the "World" in their actions or seclude themselves from any meaningful relationship with non-Christians who curse and live sinful lifestyles.

YOU SHOULD BE DIFFERENT, EVEN IF IT MEANS OFFENDING THE RELIOUS LEGALIST. JESUS & PUAL THE APOSTLE DID, THEREFORE YOU ARE IN GOOD COMPANY!

Thank you and enjoy the music that speaks to me or is just plain fun to listen to. SHALOM!

Written by :

Jack Hakimian