At 49, Alisa Childers, former member of the Christian pop group 2 Girl, has become a voice of influence in the world of Christian music and theology. With the release of her new book, The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond, Childers has intensified her role as a thoughtful critic of the current state of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). Drawing from her experiences in both the music industry and theology, she is using her platform to challenge Christians to carefully evaluate the music they listen to and the worship they engage in.
A Deep Dive Into the State of Contemporary Christian Music
Childers has become a leading voice in encouraging discernment within the church when it comes to musical choices, particularly in relation to CCM. In a series of interviews and videos shared with platforms such as Cross Examined, she has raised concerns about the current state of the Christian music industry. According to Childers, many of the biggest CCM labels are owned by secular companies whose focus is more on profit than theological depth.
“There’s not really a theological standard in contemporary Christian music that people have to match up to. It’s really just what’s going to sell,” Childers bluntly stated. She emphasized that the market-driven nature of the industry has led to a shift in how Christian music is created, focusing more on radio play and emotional appeal than on spiritually rich, God-centered lyrics.
The Blurring of Boundaries Between Secular and Christian Music
Childers has cautioned Christians not to blindly assume that music labeled as “Christian” is aligned with the biblical truth. She calls for believers to be more discerning when it comes to worship, urging them not to mistake emotional highs or popular appeal for true worship.
“Don’t just assume because something has a Christian label on it that it’s inherently even Christian,” Childers explained, stressing that Christian music artists must uphold theological integrity in their songwriting. She also highlighted the role of secular influences in shaping Christian music, warning that too often, secular companies run CCM labels, which leads to a lack of accountability in terms of biblical accuracy.
Worship and the Importance of Stability Over Emotional Highs
Childers has also delved deeply into the nature of worship, arguing that true worship isn’t about seeking emotional highs or spiritual thrills, but about aligning the mind with God’s truth.
“True worship is not about chasing a spiritual high. It’s about aligning our minds with the mind of Christ and extolling His nature and character as revealed in the Bible,” she said. Childers explained that worship should be stable, focusing on God’s unchanging nature rather than fleeting emotions.
This perspective has garnered both support and criticism, with some viewing her stance as a refreshing return to theological depth in worship, while others argue that it dismisses the power of emotional connection in the worship experience.
The Rise of Deconstruction and Its Impact on Worship
In her book and recent videos, Childers has also addressed the issue of deconstruction within Christianity, particularly in relation to the popular culture’s influence on worship and theology. She has expressed concern about the shift away from traditional values, particularly within the younger generation.
One of the most significant issues Childers points to is the growing secularization of modern worship, with more young Christians turning to secular music and embracing ideas that deviate from orthodox Christian teachings. She believes that deconstruction, often rooted in doubt and disillusionment, can have a negative impact on one’s faith and worship.
“If I’m going to critique this movement, it’s because I care about the church and I care about people who are really lost,” Childers noted, explaining that her criticisms aren’t just about what’s wrong with the culture but about protecting believers from making mistakes in their spiritual journey.
Alisa Childers’ Call to Action for the Church
As Childers continues to speak out on the state of CCM, her call for discernment and theological grounding in worship is at the forefront of her ministry. She urges church leaders and worshippers to carefully consider the lyrics and message behind the music they consume and engage with.
Her outspoken stance has led to a growing platform, with many fans and fellow believers rallying behind her in support of a more thoughtful, scripture-driven approach to worship. Childers challenges the church to rise above trends and embrace worship that is **rooted in biblical truth rather than cultural fads.
Conclusion: The Future of Worship and Christian Music
Alisa Childers’ insights into the current state of Christian music and worship are both provocative and necessary in a time when theological standards in music seem to be fading in favor of commercialism and cultural trends. Her message is a clarion call for believers to engage more critically with the music they listen to and the worship they participate in, ensuring that it remains grounded in biblical truth.
As the conversation surrounding CCM continues to evolve, Childers’ courageous voice will continue to influence the direction of Christian music and worship, urging the church to keep its focus on God’s unchanging nature in a world that is rapidly changing.