Chance The (Christian?) Rapper
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Chance The (Christian?) Rapper

Should his songs be classified as "Christian Rap"?

228
Chance The (Christian?) Rapper
imgur

Chance the Rapper took home three Grammys last Sunday night and had one of the most memorable acceptance speeches and performances in recent memory. At the end of his speech, he belted into the microphone, "Glory be to God, I claim the victory in the name of the Lord!" This has since reopened a debate which began when his newest album, "Coloring Book," was released: is Chance the Rapper a Christian? And furthermore, should his music be labeled as Christian Rap? As I was considering this quandary for myself, one key question kept popping into my mind: what makes a song "Christian"? Can a song have a religion? I think not.

A song can't have a religion any more than a painting or a movie can. These things either honor God by what they portray or don't. Not because of who they were made by, what they were made for, or how they were made, but because of what they are and what they stand for as individual works. One of the most famous "Christian" paintings of all time, "The Last Supper," was painted by a widely alleged atheist, Leonardo Da Vinci; yet it is still regarded as a beautiful representation of Christ and his followers. Why then, can a song not be judged on the same merit?

A song, like any artwork, should be judged in a vacuum on its platform alone. Just because a song is written by a non-Christian, possibly someone obscenely opposed to the values of Christianity, does not mean that song in itself cannot be a positive reflection of our Creator. On the other side of the coin, just because someone is a known Christian does not mean all their music should just be accepted and entertained. All music should be judged on its lyrics alone and the meaning behind it. For example, here is a sampling of a line from Chance's song "How Great": "Devil will win employee of the month by the dozen, til' one score and three years from the third when he doesn't." This line alludes to the fact that Satan has ruled the music industry since basically its conception; however, Chance hopes to end his rule in his twenty-third year — one score and three years — and on his third mixtape, "Coloring Book." Now, the dethroning of Satan from his entertainment empire is something I feel we can all get behind, if I may speak for all Christians in this instance. So, this line — and song as a whole — is a very God-honoring song, I believe. I encourage you to go and look at the lyrics for all of Chance's songs on "Coloring Book" and make a decision for yourself on which songs are spiritually healthy to listen to and which aren't.

So, just as we do not judge a painting, movie, or any other creative work on the artist's beliefs or lifestyle, let's not judge a song based solely on who sings it. Let's make it a point to dig deeper, and truly make educated decisions about why we don't agree with a song's message or portrayal.

Now, back to the main question, is Chance a Christian, and are his songs glorifying to God? The truth: I don't know. He does have many songs that say very positive things about the Christian faith, the Bible, and God in general; however, he does have many which portray a lifestyle directly in contrast to that which the Bible encourages us to lead.

So, on the topic of is he a Christian, I say who am I to judge someone's personal salvation? I have seen some "Christians" who do far worse than sing about drugs or sex. And I know I have done things that have offended the Lord just as much as that! But we are redeemed through Christ's saving blood. It is between him and God to get all that straightened out. I look forward to watching his lifestyle from this point forward, and I pray that he does stick to what he says and serves the Lord alone.

The final point: should his songs be classified as "Christian Rap"? I believe some should, yes. "Blessings, How Great, and All We Got" are just as glorifying to God, I believe, as anything we've heard from Lecrae, KB, Andy Mineo, NF, or any other Christian rapper. Some of his other songs, however, not so much.

So, in closing, I believe it is up to each of us as individuals to study the lyrics and meanings of songs and come to a conclusion about each song on whether we should listen to it or not, no matter who the artist is.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48136
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30554
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954498
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

174546
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments