my home and turned from a suc cessful career in show business. Musical a r t i s t r y and personal charm made him an effective draw ing card in evangelistic meetings. Large crowds were captivated by his masterful performance of bril liant concert solos. Having won their respect and admiration, he then told of the success he had at tained in the world and how even tually he had found in Christ some thing which far surpassed anything he had known previously. Then he played a few sacred selections while the testimony was allowed to take root in the hearts of the hearers. Here was a perfect example of fishing technique. . . . using person ality and talent as bait to attract people within range of the gospel. But alas, this particular artist came under the influence of well-mean ing critics. “Worldly music and entertainment have no place in the church, brother; don’t talk about yourself so much, p r e a c h the Word!” Today his ministry has been sharply curtailed. He still loves the Lord, he will accept opportuni ties to witness . . . but much of his effectiveness is dormant. In another instance, a noted Hollywood musician was converted, a man who had been associated with many big names of the entertain ment world. Quickly he became an effective witness. Young people flocked to hear him, admittedly drawn by glamour and musician- ship and the big name. Before long, well-meaning f r i e n d s persuaded him that he should learn to preach and that he should not “ advertise Hollywood, mention big names, play entertaining music or talk about himself and his past experi ences.” Under their influence his style of ministry changed. Discarding bril liant concert solos and insisting that his former career not be publicized, he preferred to preach rather than to give personal testimony. Well, sermons are very important. But there were many preachers much better qualified than he, whereas very few had the marvelous fishing tools which he possessed. Consequently he received fewer and fewer invitations to conduct services. Today, in discouragement, he is again in the professional enter tainment field. He loves the Lord
and maintains a positive Christian testimony; but how tragic that his unique fishing opportunities have been curtailed! Yes, it is regrettable that young people should be drawn to a service by the glamour of big names and the lure of music rather than by a hunger to hear about Christ. But again the question arises, aren’t these the very ones we are trying to reach? People who attend church to learn more about the way of salva tion have already been awakened to an awareness of their need. What about the multitudes “ dead in tres passes and sins,” unconcerned about spiritual things who could perhaps be reached by a testimony from someone whose artistry and person ality they admire? Someone then insists that “we shouldn’t copy Hollywood meth ods.” Does he mean that we should not use air-conditioning, electric lighting, modem musical instru ments, billboards, microphones, dis play advertising? Would he deny a preacher’s right to use radio and TV as channels of gospel proclama tion? Does he advocate renouncing these modem tools just because the world uses them? Could ministers operate more effectively from a hillside cave, dressed in sackcloth and sandals? Then there’s the charge that gos pel songs and choruses are often copied after the rhythms of popular music. But multitudes of sincere Christians strenuously resist such an accusation. They feel that Holly wood has no monopoly on the natural expressions of joy, rhythm, melody, smiles. Who has better right to the liltingly melodic expres sions of joyousness than the man who has found real peace and as surance in Christ? Hymns of wor ship to the Lord should be sung with piety and dignity, of course. But is there not also justification for radiant songs of testimony about the Lord and the many blessings we find through faith in Him? Rather than Christians having stolen that which belongs to the world, the reverse is actually true! The world offers a synthetic coun terfeit of the things to be found in Christ. Why should we surrender the rich glories of music, renounc ing our right to beautiful melodies
and gorgeous harmonies, keeping only that which is sedate and often doleful? This is our tragic blunder! Music belongs to God’s people. It is being used temporarily by others, but only temporarily. As someone has said, “ There’ll be no music in hell but the wailing of lost souls. Heaven will be the dwelling- place of music throughout eternity.” Billy Sunday often remarked that “ the only tune the devil owned was the spittoon!” If some of us wish to express reli gious emotions with music that is rhythmic and melodic and joyful (as did the plantation Negroes in slavery days), and if others prefer more sedate outlets, why should either group ascribe unworthy mo tives to the other? Who of us is competent to become the supreme judge of wisdom and propriety and good taste? Admittedly, some Christian work ers have made use of music and drama and showmanship that is not always approved and understood by other segments of Christianity. Disagree with them if you will but don’t charge them with insincerity or “ aping Hollywood.” Cannot their motives be as sincere as your own? One person finds applause dis tasteful in a gospel service; another feels that such an expression of ap preciation and encouragement is natural and wholesome. One insists on dignity and solemnity; another prefers j o y f u l exuberance and friendly informality. One objects to religious motion pictures; another can cite examples of divine blessing upon the showing of certain films. Someone indicts all evangelists as mercenary because of certain iso lated cases; another points to the sincerity and humility and fre quently sacrificial lives of the great majority. It is impossible to persuade all Christians to agree regarding every detail of Christian service. Let each rejoice in the ministry and methods of those with whom he is in agree ment; let him observe with gracious forbearance the efforts of those who choose differixig methods. A word regarding “ lurid life sto ries.” This writer has encountered the accusation many times but has been unable to persuade such crit ics to cite particular instances. Be cause someone looks askance upon
The King's Business/May 1957
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