One David was a polygamist who committed murder and adultery. The other is accused of forced kissing, rude remarks and other sexual misconduct. Which one’s music should be excluded from church?
Three women who accuse David Haas of sexual misconduct speak with NCR
I don’t like David Haas’ music. It reminds me of something written by a drugged up, scared and depressed bunny rabbit.
But the story raises an interesting question. If woke rules apply, shouldn’t many of the Psalms be stricken from the hymn book?
QUOTE: But the story raises an interesting question. If woke rules apply, shouldn’t many of the Psalms be stricken from the hymn book?
I’m not so sure this is an exclusively “woke” rule. Catholic and conservative churches have done likewise or defrocked or silenced artists/ministers that have had some offense or denounced their faith. For instance, Hillsong music, Ted Haggard, Bill Hibles, Jerry Falwell, Jr., Ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick and others. I could have named Jim Bakker. Yet, he seems to be back in good graces, despite being recently warned by the FDA for selling an allegedly fake Covid-19 cure. But, I digress.
That said, all humans are flawed. Given that, who could rightly contribute anything worthy enough? ISTM, the litmus test shouldn’t be based on flaws but on other principles…such as how their contribution aligns with good doctrine/scriptural principles and adds value to ministry. If that holds, continue to use it despite the individual’s flaws. An exception could be if the person’s actions were so egregious or controversial that using their contribution created undue distraction. In that case, it might be advised to minimize or contextualize their contribution for a period (till such distraction could be appropriately managed).
ADDENDUM: In some situations, a distinction may need to be made between an individual’s contribution and the individual. For instance, a minister’s actions may have been so egregious that it required removal from office or censure. Yet, his prior contributions (e.g., music, books, sermons, etc.), could still be acceptable and useful for ministry (with some contextualization to the intended audience).
And then there are PR considerations. You might want to discard certain materials because they reflect poorly on your congregation. The Psalms are of course there to stay, unless of course Joe Biden gets elected and he starts hurting the Bible and God.
QUOTE: And then there are PR considerations. You might want to discard certain materials because they reflect poorly on your congregation.
Agreed. That was my intent when I said…An exception could be if the person’s actions were so egregious or controversial that using their contribution created undue distraction. In that case, it might be advised to minimize or contextualize their contribution for a period (till such distraction could be appropriately managed).
QUOTE: The Psalms are of course there to stay, unless of course Joe Biden gets elected and he starts hurting the Bible and God.
I can’t determine which is more egregious, that, as president, Trump uttered such a statement or that some actually believe him. SMH.
One is a legitimate prophet and king, the other a songwriter (and music minister?).
The music should stand or fall on its own. Whether that person maintains a place in “ministry” a whole different potato.