Heavenly Greetings!

I am George Frideric Handel, although you might know me better as the gentleman whose tunes play in your local shopping center every December. I must admit, after observing the modern Christian music scene from my celestial concert hall, I find myself not filled with divine inspiration, but divine exasperation. Things are indeed haywire and I find myself wondering, along with my new heavenly companion R.C. Sproul, “what’s wrong with you people?!”

Back in the day – my day, that is, the 1700s – we composed music with the sole purpose of glorifying God and stirring the listener’s soul. We wrote fugues, sonatas, and oratorios that echoed the intricate nature of our Creator’s works, a form of spiritual devotion that united the listeners in a collective act of worship. Our compositions didn’t aim to top charts, but to trace the lines of scripture in melody and rhythm.

Fast forward to the 21st century, where Christian music resembles a spiritual selfies galore. Artists, I implore you, there’s only so much one can croon about their personal divine interventions before it starts sounding like a heavenly humblebrag. When did the message of the Gospel become a backing track to our own spiritual adventures?

Anyway, the melodies and lyrics, once profound and deeply rooted in Scripture, now have all the theological depth of a kiddie pool. The 95 Theses were arguably the most notable ‘hit’ of the Reformation, but modern Christian music seems intent on adding a 96th: “When in doubt, slap on a catchy chorus and a bridge about waves and oceans.” And don’t get me started on the Christian radio station trinity of Fire, Wind, and Water.

I dare say even the noble Luther would spin in his grave – or perhaps write a strongly-worded thesis – at the sight of hymnody being replaced by vacuous pop lyrics. Where is the deep consideration of God’s sovereignty and grace that marked the hymns of the Reformation? Where is the musical exploration of the weighty doctrines that inform our faith? In all this “me-centered” music, I fear we’ve lost sight of the true center of our faith – CHRIST!

Songs are awash with self-help cliches and repetitive refrains that would make even my fellow composer, Vivaldi (of the “Four Seasons” fame, yes, that one) cry out for some musical variation. Do we not owe it to the Creator to create with as much breadth and depth as we can muster, rather than resorting to recycled rhymes?

And don’t even get me started on the music videos. In my time, we performed in grand cathedrals that reflected God’s majesty. Now, it appears one cannot sing about the Lord without standing atop a hill at sunset, gazing thoughtfully into the distance as if searching for a lost contact lens.

It’s high time we return to the rich theological heritage that defined the music of the Reformation. My dear modern musicians, your ability to spread music far and wide is a blessing that Bach and I could only have dreamed of. But please, remember the essence of Christian music: It is not to elevate ourselves, but to glorify Christ.

In short, dear artists, let’s bring the focus back from “iBelieve” to simply “Believe”. It’s time we gave the “me” a rest and put the “Christ” back in Christian music.

Yours, in heavenly humor and hope,

G. F. Handel