[glahoiten]

I've been puzzling over this, and I haven't really come to a definite answer (not that there should be one) but I'd just like to hear your guys' opinion. I was thinking about starting an online radio station someday, but here's the thing. A lot of bands I like, I think, have christian messages, but aren't "christian" music (example: U2, mutemath, foo fighters (listen to learn to fly), audioslave (like a stone),etc). So can I rightfully advertise such music, if it were mixed in with openly christian artists as music with a christian theme, or do you think that would just outrage christians, or the artists?

but the real question I have is should I claim it is christian, or would that merely alienate non-believers out there? maybe just say has a good message, or not say anything? Would this cause christians to not find the station when they need help? I suppose the real question I have is should I make a station appealing to christians searching for music to keep them steadfast, or should I make it to appeal to all, and maybe influence some non-belivers? is there any middle ground I could achieve? It all tends to boggle my mind thinking of all the moral implications.

[mYdEePeStDrEaM]

The problem with the non-Christian songs you mentioned and what distinguishes them from Christian songs is that they weren't written with a Christian intent. You are free to interpret music any way you like. If you interpret it as a Christian message, that's good! But, what I mentioned previously is what distinguishes them.

And, no. You should not claim it Christian. By claim, I believe you mean put a Christian label on it? This would not be right. Because even though the songs may have some kind of Christian message to you, doesn't mean that's the purpose of the song.

I think this online radio station would be great though! Maybe make it a "positive" radio station, not just Christian? I would be interested in helping with anything that's needed as well!

[thesteve]

Originally Posted by glahoiten

I've been puzzling over this, and I haven't really come to a definite answer (not that there should be one) but I'd just like to hear your guys' opinion. I was thinking about starting an online radio station someday, but here's the thing. A lot of bands I like, I think, have christian messages, but aren't "christian" music (example: U2, mutemath, foo fighters (listen to learn to fly), audioslave (like a stone),etc). So can I rightfully advertise such music, if it were mixed in with openly christian artists as music with a christian theme, or do you think that would just outrage christians, or the artists?

but the real question I have is should I claim it is christian, or would that merely alienate non-believers out there? maybe just say has a good message, or not say anything? Would this cause christians to not find the station when they need help? I suppose the real question I have is should I make a station appealing to christians searching for music to keep them steadfast, or should I make it to appeal to all, and maybe influence some non-belivers? is there any middle ground I could achieve? It all tends to boggle my mind thinking of all the moral implications.

I think the bigger issue is whether or not you can put your stamp of approval (so to speak) on an artist's body of work. Intentionally or otherwise, when you start blurring the line between "Christian" and "positive" you run the risk of having listeners confuse the two terms. In the case of the Foo Fighters, when you put "Learn to Fly" on your station, you may have Christian listeners going out and purchasing other Foo Fighters' albums that may not have the same positive message. This is the problem with having a Christian station and playing artists just because their message is positive.

On the other hand, if you set out to be a "positive" station, you alienate yourself from playing more "worshipful" (for lack of a better term) songs (i.e. Tomlin, Crowder, etc.) as these are religion-specific and positive on a level that only applies to a subset of people. This would not exclude a lot of other artists that claim Christianity though, like Relient K, Five Iron Frenzy, Skillet, etc.

[glahoiten]

hmm... interesting on the positive station idea. However, with the lack of a "christian" label, would christians looking for some music to give them some reassurance, etc. be able to find it? Plus with the lack of a christian label, it would probably keep me from being able to have pastors or anything go on there. If this is true, and even if it would be less likely that christians would find it, would it be outweighed by the possibility of perhaps non-believers being exposed to christian artists? Would lacking clear-cut messages be watering it down too much to be considered doing god's will? I haven't ruled out the possibility of maybe cutting out the not-so-clearly christian songs and just making it christian, but that would probably alienate non-believers. You make a good point though deepest dream. I suppose I couldn't really claim songs have a christian message unless the artist gives the full ok. Thanks for your insight, and thanks a ton for offering to help. Though when I said someday, it'll probably have to wait until I get out of school, cause I'll be pretty busy with college. But I'll come back around when I'm ready.

[thesteve]

Originally Posted by glahoiten

hmm... interesting on the positive station idea. However, with the lack of a "christian" label, would christians looking for some music to give them some reassurance, etc. be able to find it? Plus with the lack of a christian label, it would probably keep me from being able to have pastors or anything go on there. If this is true, and even if it would be less likely that christians would find it, would it be outweighed by the possibility of perhaps non-believers being exposed to christian artists? Would lacking clear-cut messages be watering it down too much to be considered doing god's will? I haven't ruled out the possibility of maybe cutting out the not-so-clearly christian songs and just making it christian, but that would probably alienate non-believers. You make a good point though deepest dream. I suppose I couldn't really claim songs have a christian message unless the artist gives the full ok. Thanks for your insight, and thanks a ton for offering to help. Though when I said someday, it'll probably have to wait until I get out of school, cause I'll be pretty busy with college. But I'll come back around when I'm ready.

Like I said previously, it all really depends on what you want to do. It doesn't sound like you really have a clear vision of what format you would want this station to have.

[Rainer.]

There's also music by Christians that I wouldn't call "positive" or "reassuring" at all. Perhaps some Pedro the Lion, very rough lyrics, very honest and tough, but very Christian.

[AlphaSigma]

Originally Posted by Rainer.

There's also music by Christians that I wouldn't call "positive" or "reassuring" at all. Perhaps some Pedro the Lion, very rough lyrics, very honest and tough, but very Christian.

Which I think is fine.
I think it comes down to focus and mission. What is the band trying to accomplish through their music?