The truth is that far too many would just as soon not be the subject of another article in a magazine that is even remotely associated with Christendom. The only reason most would chat with me was that they were familiar with Image and knew that Image s emphasis is on artistry and faith and not contemporary Christian culture. Most of the artists I spoke to do not want their art to be defined by their faith. When I asked them why, the resounding reply was that Christian art is by definition bad art. Suddenly you need to define the faith and water down the art or vice versa.
Radio has to sell ads to advertisers whose products are aimed toward a narrow slice of humanity.
That kind of reduces music to target marketing. That s what radio wants, not what Jesus wants. According to Wilcox, market forces do more to determine the shape and substance of Christian music than genuine inspiration. More complex music can t be understood on the first run-through, he says, and may need to be heard three or more times to be understood, whereas pop music is written to be understood immediately by anyone who hears it. Pop music doesn t explore the intricacies of mature relationships, but is forever tilted toward the sweet and simple.