Last night, the UNCF aired its annual special, An Evening of Stars, in a tribute to Patti LaBelle.
She’s my favorite singer ever and everyone needs to know it. But that’s not why I’m writing this post. No, this post is really about Yolanda Adams. She gave us two selections last night– one was “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” on which she did a phenomenal job. She sang and proclaimed the name of Jesus all up in through that thing.
The other song was a duet with Brian McKnight, “On My Own,” which they both sang incredibly well. She changed a couple of the words, so as to be a bit more appropriate… like, instead of “I’d be lying here beside you,” she said “standing here beside you.”
Ok, let’s chat. It’s not the first time, nor will it likely be the last, that Yolanda Adams has been out singing ”secular” music with “secular” artists somewhere. A few years ago, she sang “Sweet Thang” on BET in a tribute to Chaka Khan. She performed in a tribute to New Orleans for the musical finale at the Grammy Awards a couple of years ago. And, she was featured on “Jesus Walks” with Kanye West. And folks have had a lot of problems with all of that.
Personally, I don’t really care. I believe she is tasteful in her musical choices, and that she exercises discretion in the songs she agrees to sing and the places in which she agrees to sing them. I have not seen her on any of these television appearances compromising the glory of God for her own reputation or success. I believe that she carries Christ with her and displays him openly, every chance she gets. But maybe I’m naive.
I don’t mind what she does, but I know that A LOT of people do, so holla at me.
How do you feel about it and why???
FIRST! I really believe Yolanda is one of the greatest singers of our time. She really brings it 99% of the time. Even if a song starts out rough, you better believe she will have gotten everything back in order by the time the song has ended. I realize, though, that she's often in the midde of controversy because of her choices. There are sometimes when I think her outfits are a little tighter than necessary during a performance. It makes me glad that she doesn't, in those times, turn around and do a jig, distracting all the men in the audience. I think, though, that she is a fashion icon that pushes the limit, sometimes too far. As far as where and what she decides to sing, I think it's just as difficult to assess the proper boundaries as with her clothes. It's all relative, and we'll probably have different standards in ten years. What Madonna was doing in the 80's is more than normal for pop stars these days. When hymns were starting to be written, they were often put to familiar bar tunes so that people would sing along easily. That's controversy. So, it's hard for me to tell the difference between an innovator and someone inappropriately breaking all the rules.
I partially care and halfway dont care...lol I love YoYo... Lawd knows i do! But i will say this... When God gives you a platform, one must be cautious in how they use it. Like my question is, where is the line drawn between ministry: doing it all to help people encounter God's fullness and pimping Jesus' name for self interest? Like, is God pleased that she is using the platform that HE gave her to venture out into areas that is not benefitting HIS cause? Areas that may be counter productive to His purpose for her life. Areas that may help her attain monetary gains and notoriety but risk causing the lost to view her as the stereotypical fake Christian therefore having yet another excuse to not attend church. Is she willing to compromise a few things to gain wealth and such? (shrugs shoulders) I dont know what her thinking is... everyone wants to build wealth so that their families can be taken care of...but where do we draw the line as Christian artist. Many Gospel artist are trying to find ways of making more money because selling records solely in the Black Gospel market doesn't seem to satisfy. So lets try to look like the world as much as possible so people will listen to us. Lets push the envelope so we are sexy enough ...but not. The bad part about all of this is...i dont think many Christian artist are trying to appeal to the world to reach them...i think they just wanna be LIKE the world because the WORLD is cool. (just my opinion) Choose a side of the fence... if not, your weight will cause the fence to collaspe ... then people wont know WHAT you stand for cause they can't tell with u lying there on your butt lookin all confused and what not! (will that preach EJ?) ahahhaahah....
That'll preach, "me"! LOL I agree with you on what you're saying, but I don't know if that's necessarily Yolanda's testimony. Both you and Janice demonstrated the bottom line, I think... where is the line drawn? It's hard to tell. And if it's hard for US to tell, maybe it's hard to judge it, too. Maybe the best response is a prayerful one. But it's also very easy to stand for NOTHING and say "well, we all just need to PRAY." So, I don't wanna leave it there. But what do other folks think?????
Hmm, that's a difficult topic. Everyone has their on opinion on this type of issue. On one side, it's a little strange for me to see you host Praise the Lord on TBN, then to see you sing Sweet Thang. I think she does choose what she does wisely, and I dont think she compromises her faith. Sometimes we can be so deep, but let's be honest. If you are puttin on some mood music for you and your wife, you are not looking for your Fred Hammond Cd., lol. Now there definitely should and must be some boundaries, but sometimes I think we can get carried away. As saved as we all are, everybody on here knows they like to hear a little Luther every now and then:-) I do agree with "me". Some artist motives are not right, but I don't think that pertains to everyone. So, I guess Im with E.J. I mean Im sure she used to listen to Chaka Khan and Patti Labelle when she was younger, so I'm sure she was honored to have the opportunity. When she goes out there and sings, and tears the place up, I think that's a notch in the belt for the whole gospel industry. I believe God still gets the glory out of that even if she isnt singing a "church" song.
OK. This is a BIG NO-NO in my book. It's not OK and gospel singers need to stop it. What in the world are we paying tribute to secular artists for? No Sir! If they're lives have not been dedicated to bringing glory to God, then I think we undermine our purpose by honoring them. It's the truth. I think it's irresponsible not to care. We should care. And if no one is speaking up about these issues, then as believers, we're not doing our job. This has got to stop. The Bible says we're the salt of the earth... sadly, the salt is losing its savor. Lord help us!!!
@luda: I'm with you, as usual! @Anonymous: I hear you, too. You raise a VERY valid point (one that I hadn't considered) about honoring people who have not dedicated their lives to bringing glory to God. The question becomes, though, what it means to have so dedicated your life for that purpose. In this instance, Patti LaBelle professes Christ and has released a gospel album in the past two years. Now, we may want to doubt her sincerity, but neither of us would be in a place to accurately make an assessment as to her standing with Christ. So, I think, by your standards, she's someone we could honor. Now, a tribute to Jay-Z, on the other hand, who has called himSELF a variation of "Jehovah"... I dunno. Oh, and I hear you and I'll check myself on the "irresponsible not to care" part. That's a rebuke that I welcome if I am, indeed, becoming care-less. Cuz I definitely don't want that. AWESOME comments all around, and EXACTLY the type I'm looking for. GIMME MORE! Who else has something to say???
My only thing is...in the Kingdom of the Lord, is Yolanda Adams a PURE example of The WORD of God and Non-Compromising? Remember, PURE example to the body of Christ when she could have decided just to sing You'll Never Walk Alone. BTW, she tore it up! Was that a "Sold-Out" (like Helen Baylor sings about) decision? Yes there is repentance etc.....but answer me YES or NO!
Had to come back for more, lol! Now, truthfully speaking, we all dont work at "christian, non-secular" jobs. When I go to the show, do I only have to watch movies that are made by TD Jakes and Tyler Perry? When you want something to drink, do you drink secular pop, wordly aquafina, or do you have some holy water or communion juice? Must I quit my job because in the elevator they are playing soft jazz, instead of Albertina Walker? Bernie Mac (R.I.P) used some of the worst language in his comedy routines, but guess what, he was a believer. Now, I do not believe God was pleased with his choice of language, and I would never say some of the things he said, but that doesnt mean he wasnt used by God in some way. No he didnt quote scriptures or anything, but at that memorial service, every actor who worked with him talked about how loyal he was to his family, how loyal he was to his wife! I know Pastors that I cant say that about. They talked about how they would see him pray. Now, you don't know what kind of impact that had on the others around him. Who knows if George Clooney goes to church? Bernie may not have preached from a scripture, but I believe his lifestyle off of the set was a sermon in itself. His wife said that he made sure he prayed everyday! I know church folks who cheat on their spouses, beat their wives, and who will cuss you out IN CHURCH! I know folks who can quote a million scriptures, but cant speak to people. I guess all I'm saying is no one can judge except God. No one knows what is going on in a persons life when they are not on "stage" When we get to heaven there are going to be folks there who we didnt expect to see, and there are going to be folks there who we knew were going to be there, but are not. Yolanda didnt drop it like its hot on stage, nor did she sing negative lyrics, she even changed the lyrics. I believe we should pray for artist in those situations that they dont compromise, that they let their light so shine, and ulitimately, that someone is lead to Christ. If I'm a garbage man, I can still do it to the glory of God, and God can still get glory from it. Tired of writing, lol.
OK I've gotta jump back in on this one. Thanks EJ for responding back. But this one's for luda. The Bible says that we are in the world but not of the world. So, I'm not proposing that we won't encounter secular influences. That would be ridiculous. Even Jesus was among sinners. BUT there's a difference when we CHOOSE to lend our gifts, talents, and platform to anything other than what is in alignment with the Kingdom of God. And c'mon Luda. This was a tribute to Patti's entire career...not just her latest gospel album and profession of faith. Last time Yolanda was giving it up for Chaka. She doesn't get a pass. Sorry. And just because we have pastors and church folks succumbing to sin isn't a justification for artists and others that compromise the integrity of their faith. Just because LOTS of folks are bowing down, doesn't mean EVERYBODY is. As we see played all throughout biblical history and American history, just because the majority of folks are doing it doesn't make it right. I'm just saying...
I'm with Anonymous and I think there's somebody that can say what he or she is saying a little better. There is a video you've GOTTA watch EJ and luda too. I think it will change your perspective. It's a potrion of a sermon Da T.R.U.T.H. was preaching at Agape Center church in Jersey. Please watch it! Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGgjzikX7Kc
Now i'm not suggesting that i dont listen to secular music. Of course i enjoy luther and nem... And i may drink a glass of wine every now and again... But if i'm out with a current or former alcoholic, i will opt NOT to drink wine. Not because its a sin, but because i dont want to be the cause of that person falling back into acoholism. See where i'm going with this? What does it say to secular artists/rappers when they see Christian acts on stage singing secular songs trying to fit into that market? Yolanda may not have been in sin singing secular (debatable) but did the outcome present more positive or negative results because of it? Was her decision to do so selfish or a way to draw attention to Christ because people know she's a christian artist? Man...Christians are wack! (i include myself in this also) LOL Sometimes i can't even be mad that my athiest co-workers dont believe... We try to compromise so much because we want to give up so little... More than half the men in the gospel music industry are suspect and we dont even care.... we dont even pray for their deliverance and hold them accountable. They just prance on stage with those ugly fat knotted ties and we bob our heads to the beat. Female artist are dressing more and more suggestive and we cover it by calling it fashion. We now have secular rappers on our projects professing to be Christians but at the same time acknowledging that they aint gonna get rid of their current lifestyles anytime soon... If a non-believer came to GMWA conference...siiiigh...might as well have gay pride at the same convention center..i digress. I know i'm ranting...but uh... Father, please continue to have mercy on all of us... for our so called progress is looking more and more like a set back... wake us up and help us to put YOU back into our ministries.
Checked out the video Sherry. It was great, and Da Truth was speaking the truth. With that said, I still dont change my stance on the topic. I dont think Yolanda was compartmentalizing ( that a word?). "Me" asked the question: "Did the outcome present more positive or negative results", the answer is only God knows. I guess we agree to disagree, and that's the beauty of this website. Blessings to everyone!!! One thing I do know: Sherry and Anonymous I better not see you at that Jay Z tribute when it comes around, LOL! Take care.
Yolanda has a great calling on her life and she has only ONE GOD of which HIS Holy Spirit will check her when she is out of line....as HE will do with ALL of His legitimate children who can and choose to hear and obey His voice.
Luda. LOL! I promise I won't be at the tribute. Too funny and thanks for a great debate.
Whow... things are heating up over here :)! I have been battling with this question for such a long time (I even raised it with Israel Houghton at a workshop), and I still haven't come to a definitive conclusion. But I've decided that where there is uncertainty it's better to err on the side of caution and in this instance that side is closer to that of "Anonymous". I'm beginning to believe that gospel artists collaborating with secular artists (especially on a consistent basis), in the long run, produces more harm than good. Every time I see/hear it done discomfort stirs in me and since the Holy Spirit lives in me I’ll attribute that discomfort to His doing. But that does not mean I will cast judgment on those who apparently do not feel that discomfort. On the other hand, not casting judgment does not mean I will sit back and refuse to voice my concerns. When I see the world fondly embracing gospel artists (or anyone from the “Christian world”), I often think of John 15:18-19 (The Message) - "If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world's terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you.” My prayer is that we will continually grow to realize that the standard to which Christ has called us to live exceeds where we are right now, and that we will be willing to give up our way of doing things for His (since we're supposed to be doing this ALL for His Glory anyway)!
People: THIS is why I created this site. I LOVE THESE DISCUSSIONS. I appreciate each of you: Janice, "me," luda, Anonymous, Gale-Ann, Sherry (I'ma check out the YouTube video as soon as I have a minute)... my mind is racing and I'm ridiculously prayerful as I try to make heads or tails of it all. It's more than just a fun discussion about Yolanda Adams, though, my faith is being challenged. This is how we, as Christians, grow (iron sharpening iron). And it's also how the gospel music industry, which we all love so much, grows. I appreciate the daylights outta y'all. Anyone ELSE have something to contribute???
Yup! Sorry I'm late :) First, I agree with everyone who has stated that this is not a black-and-white answer. And please don't mistake that statement for compromise... cuz it's not. Not that I have any intention (or ability for that matter) to make it big in the gospel industry, but if I did - I personally would not choose to sing/collaborate anything except songs that directly glorify God and His purposes. I'm an actress, but I have no desire to go on Broadway or "get my name out there"... I'm more than content doing dramas through my church. However. There's an argument out there that talks about "crossover" artists and those who make choices to collaborate with secular artists... and the argument is this. Gospel music reaches a gospel audience. Yes, the unsaved will occasionally dabble in gospel music, but most probably won't - same with CCM. So is there a way for gospel artists to reach more of the unsaved? Some argue that "crossover" artists are giving themselves that opportunity by getting their music into the mainstream culture - yet still not compromising their Christianity. I'll say this though - that is NOT an easy task, and many artists ended up falling by the wayside and letting their faith be compromised once they are in the secular market. But can we really say that they aren't glorifying God just because they're in a different market? IF they aren't compromising their lyrics, outfits, performances, lifestyle? I think that motive also plays a big part here... a person who's looking to get into the secular market because they want to make a name for themselves and they just aren't getting the big bucks singing in church... not sure if that really glorifies the Lord. But someone who is coming at this thing from a truly evangelistic intent - that might be worth taking a second glance at. Of course, only the Lord knows that. We just like to try to figure it out for ourselves :) Like I said above - I personally wouldn't do it. But I don't think we can be quite so quick to judge those who do without thinking about this thing from all sides.
Okay...so I haven't had a chance to read everyone's comments, and this is the first comment I am posting...but, I HAD to speak up on the issue...don't know what you posted or the issues that have been raised, so this is by no means an attack :) Just my thoughts... Can we really make a distinction between secular and sacred? And if we do, is it just? I think most often that it is not. Does not the whole world belong to our God? I mean, really...Is it NOT glorifying to God for me to sing "mary had a little lamb" to my sweet little baby girl as she nurses? Is it NOT loving and honoring God for my husband to write me a song of romance to express his love for me? Surely that brings honor to God... Of course, you can also have the mom who despises her children, yet sings "church songs" to them...or the husband that lusts after other women, but romances his wife every evening! Thus, it seems to me that it is not only what is said and done, but what is in the heart of man... Is it only glorifying to God if we include His name? Or say things that are explicitly expressed in Scripture? I think it's helpful to remember that all things were created good... it is sin in the hearts of men that corrupts...and let us not forget that sin is in the hearts of believers and unbelievers alike!!!!! If we forget that, we might actually think we are "good" and have no need for a Savior. let us not dichotomize and create unnecessary distinctions... I don't think it's really a matter of "this gospel singer singing with a so-called secular artist," - the question is, are they living a life worthy of the Gospel they believe? Surely if they are committing adultery, it matters not where or if they sing...but if they have been rescued from the wrath of God and are walking by the Spirit, let them sing with whomever they please, be it their church choir or an old friend...be it in a lounge...on a stage...or in their home... it is the heart of man God is concerned with...
AMEN to busy mom ( I can relate on the name :-) We could all go back and forth about this but it will still come down to the same thing... neither of us has a heaven or a hell to put anyone in so we do have to remain prayerful for EVERYONE - saved and unsaved. I recall when i first got saved how militant I was with "being holy" and what constitutes holiness. God had to show me that what I was doing was not right because in essence I was judging. As artists, secular or christian, it's difficult for them because everything they do is in the spotlight. Can you imagine if that were you? How would you handle it? I give props to Yolanda. She has been respectful in what she has done and although some of us may not agree with her choices we must recognize that we each have our own individual relationship with the Father. We as christians are not called to make sure everyone becomes a christian for it is not about religion but about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you listen to some of the gospel hip hop artists out now i.e cross movement, the ambassador, da truth, etc one may say that the sound of their music is secular. I guess what I am saying that yes it is a fine line but we have to be careful that we do not cross the line of caring for the soul of one to judging them, EJ: I LOVE THIS SIGHT!!! God Bless
I thought i was done...but i just wanted to address judging real quick. I think these discussions are wonderful helping to sharpen our thoughts on matters such as these. The bible says, I John 4:1 NIV says: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” We as believers need to question some actions of people who stand in the national spotlight representing God because if they are not bringing Glory to God...it could be a hindrance. Yolanda is not the average person, she has a radio show, albums..etc... she is a "face", if you will, of Christianity. So her level of responsibility is higher. Now for clarification... i think Yolanda is very sincere in everything she does... i just bring these things up for conversation.... i am a HUGE fan of hers. But if we dont question some of our artist for fear of judging... then where will the accountability fall? 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV says: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction.” So, we are called to rebuke certain things but also encourage that person in the process... I think Yolanda is faithful... she has her flaws like the next person but she was blessed with a spotlight that shines on her... she accepted it and needs to adhere to her call of higher responsibility... God bless you all!!! :-)