One of the topics that comes up again and again in this industry is trying to define Christian music. It’s the only genre of music defined not by musical style but by religion. Is it Christian because of the lyrics? The record label? The band’s personal beliefs? Is there even a way to define Christian music?
I’ve asked various artists to share their thoughts on the topic. This time, Gotee hip hop artist B Reith tackles the subject in this thought-provoking response.

What is Christian Music?
by B Reith
I struggled for a long time feeling the pressure to decide whether to go “Christian” or “Mainstream.” It took me all these years to accept the fact that I’m both 🙂 Switchfoot said it best, “Christian by faith, not by genre.” I am a Christian, in that I am a believer and a follower of Jesus. I’m also an Artist, and He made me with a unique set of gifts, styles, influences, ethnicity, voice, perspective, etc. I sing songs about life for people whether they believe in Jesus or not. I will never compromise my faith in the lyrics of a song, but I disagree with defining Christian music as a specific sound, style or genre. I think there can and should be Artists that are Christians and don’t have to lose the authenticity of how God created them to fit into a genre and be labeled a “Christian Artist.”
I recently had a youth pastor ask me if I sing “worship songs” or just “performance music”. I know what he meant, but I think we’ve developed some religious thinking that doesn’t necessarily line up with the heart of God and the life of Jesus. My answer is that all of the songs I sing, regardless of the style, content or theme are worship to my Creator (and yes, I do sing “worship songs” too 🙂
To be “in the world and not of it” doesn’t mean to separate ourselves and withdraw from society into our own sub-culture and imaginary safe havens. That’s running from the very thing that Christ called us to do: to “GO and make disciples.” I believe that Jesus meant to “be in the world” by rubbing shoulders with everyday people, being in the culture, bumping into people with problems that are different from us. That’s how he lived. Being “not of this world” means not being a slave to it’s desires, not conforming to culture’s patterns that contradict Godly character, but being connected to our Father and bringing His Kingdom of Heaven here to earth. If “Christian music” is an expression a Christian’s lifestyle then it should go to all corners of the earth in all kinds of styles and languages and reach all kinds of people.
I tread lightly as I say these words because I want to edify and not tear apart my brothers and sisters. But honestly (sorry for how this is going to sound) I think that the majority of commercially and radio approved “Christian music” has been tailored to reach white “conservative” Americans that prefer a contemporary sound and a style that is stripped of diversity and for the most part irrelevant to mainstream America. Now those people deserve to be reached, but what about everybody else? I totally understand that some of us are called to encourage the body of Christ through song and that’s beautiful. But I believe others are called to be salt and light and to just sing songs and let their lives do the talking.
I think over the past 10 years, with the decline in the success of the music industry things have changed a little bit. There are a lot of artists emerging that God is calling out to be Christ filled and creatively free, unbound by what radio stations say. But when I turn on most of the contemporary christian radio stations and listen to the lack of variety, diversity, depth and creativity I realize we have a long way to go.

You can learn more about B Reith on his website.
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