Is the Christian Music Industry Liberalizing on Gay Marriage?
THE WEEK MAGAZINE
By Jonathan Merritt
Does it matter if the lyrics you sing to worship God were written by someone with whom you have deep theological disagreements? Christian rock star Vicky Beeching forced her fans to confront this question last week when she told The Independent that she is a lesbian. Her songs are among the most commonly sung in North American churches. But many within her Christian fan base believe gay sex and marriage are sinful. Beeching isn't the first major faith-filled musician to come out of the closet or change his or her views. The shift began in 2004, when Christian musician Ray Boltz, whose songs had become staples in evangelical churches and Christian conferences, came out as gay. Then, in 2009, the Grammy-nominated Anthony Williams (stage name: Tonex) became the first openly gay gospel artist. In 2010, Christian singer Jennifer Knapp came out as a lesbian. [link]
By Jonathan Merritt
Does it matter if the lyrics you sing to worship God were written by someone with whom you have deep theological disagreements? Christian rock star Vicky Beeching forced her fans to confront this question last week when she told The Independent that she is a lesbian. Her songs are among the most commonly sung in North American churches. But many within her Christian fan base believe gay sex and marriage are sinful. Beeching isn't the first major faith-filled musician to come out of the closet or change his or her views. The shift began in 2004, when Christian musician Ray Boltz, whose songs had become staples in evangelical churches and Christian conferences, came out as gay. Then, in 2009, the Grammy-nominated Anthony Williams (stage name: Tonex) became the first openly gay gospel artist. In 2010, Christian singer Jennifer Knapp came out as a lesbian. [link]
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