It appears that the next contemporary phrase the church will have to wrestle with is "faith-based song". Just exactly what is meant by that phrase? Is it the "faith which was once for all delivered to the saints," or is it an artificial, man-made faith? We better know the difference.
You might remember that George Strait (who by the way is a very talented gentleman)had another, what some would call, "faith-based song," back in the 1980's that I hear aired on Christian radio, entitled "Love Without End, Amen."
The last verse of that song is particularly insightful:
"Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates. When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake. If they know half things I've done, they'll never let me in. And then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again."
The words he heard were the "secret about a father's love." It's a "love without end, amen." This is a "faith" alright - a faith that ignores the need for the atonement of Christ and repentance. It's the American good-ole-boy philosophy - "I may be a rascal, but God loves me so much He'll just wink at my discretions and say 'come on in.'"
This is what one man called, "the Elvis syndrome," - he could sit around the piano, late in the evening, singing gospel hymns, only to finally climb the steps to his bedroom and fornicate.
Maybe we should make a distinction, placing "faith-based songs" in the category of Christian entertainment, while keeping the category of "gospel" music for just that - the gospel!
Before we endorse a "faith-based song", riding piggy-back on the career of a well known entertainer, we would be wise to determine what kind of faith it is.
Van Morris

I'm sorry Van, but as an Evangelical Christian myself, I don't see much distinction between Mr. Strait's nor Randy Travis' latest efforts into the Christian music mainstream any more than I see Bill Gaither shameless pitching videos on TBN or other established outlets.

Besides, who's to question the intent of Mr. Strait's reference to "a father's love". Could he possibly be meaning "The Father"? I believe so.

Mr. Morris, I understand your concern and respect your opinion. However, I'm always bothered by people of faith, and those in particular who are leaders in faith, being openly critical of those people who they feel don't necessarily fit the "mold" of Christianity that they believe they should resemble. This is rather unfair judgement and purports others into legalistic viewpoints - certainly not very Christ-like, wouldn't you agree?

Funny how when someone takes a stand, he gets branded as a Legalist.
There is a HUGE difference between Randy Travis' foray into Gospel vs. Straits. Randy is taking a bold stance for the Lord and sharing his testimony right and left. I don't have a clue about George Straits heart or his intentions.....but you cannot compare the two. And to throw Gaither in the mix?
I'm not trying to make anyone "fit my mold"
however, the Bible is pretty clear. I would rather make use of my time singing more that just "faith based: songs.....I want the message to ring loud and clear! **


** not too loud or the people will complain anout the volume! ha

Chris, I'm not a legalist - I'm truly not. And I'd like to think that you're not either, in spite of the comment you made concerning Bill Gaither. You do know I could ask you if you made that comment because you were attempting to fit Bill into a "mold" of Christianity that you believe he should resemble!
Also Chris, I agree completely that the reference was to the "Father's love". But that is exactly my point. In "Love Without End,Amen" the guy shows up at the pearly gates without the righteousness of Christ, bearing his own sin. However,the "Father" he sings about just loves him right in. Chris, this is not the Heavenly Father revealed in Scripture. This is a man-made idol.
Van Morris

What exactly is the "gospel crowd" that Hendrix eludes to?