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The Strange Phenomenon of White Middle-Aged Pastors Listening to Rap Music
- 01/20/11
- 63
There’s a strange phenomenon in the Christian world right now: middle-aged white pastors are talking about rap music and, even more strangely, actually listening to it and recommending it. Suddenly 65-year-old pastors who wear plaid jackets are interviewing dudes who wear their hats all funny and say things in their songs like, “They got ya head bobbin’ til ya lose ya necklace.” This may not be a long-lived phenomenon, but while it lasts, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on what exactly is going on here. (Update: You may also be interested in The Middle-Aged White Guy’s Guide to Christian Rap.)
Why are all these middle-aged white guys suddenly all excited about Christian rap music? Why is it that I am going to pastor’s conferences and hearing these guys talk about Flame and Trip Lee and Lecrae and Shai Linne?
Here are five factors I came up with.
The Copycat Factor
Not too many white middle-aged pastors were listening to any of this rap music before some of the prominent Reformed personalities began to endorse it. Then these rappers began to perform during worship services at big churches, they began to appear at the Reformed conferences, they were invited to sell their wares at the major events. There is definitely a bit of a copycat factor at play in which people are responding to a guy like John Piper and thinking, “If Piper likes him, he must be good.” Not that this copycat factor is in any way unusual when we observe a new phenomenon. When the leaders begin to endorse it, the rest of us tend to follow.
The Novelty Factor
For a lot of people there is a level of surprise and delight in discovering that there is such a thing as good Christian rap music. We’ve come a long way from D.C. Talk and “I love rap music / I always have and I always will / There ain’t no other kinda music in the world / That makes me feel quite as chill.” Today we are seeing a lot of artists who are releasing rap music that is theologically-rich, easily as much so as any other form of music, and that is also enjoyable to listen to. And so a lot of these white middle-aged guys are enjoying the surprise and the fun of exploring rap music, of listening to different kinds, of trying to figure out what it’s all about. For most of them, this is an entirely new genre—a whole new world ready to be explored.
The Cool Factor
Let’s face it—middle-aged white guys don’t know a whole lot about being cool. White middle-aged culture is not very hip (or hip-hop, for that). But rap music and the people who make that music, well, they are definitely cool. That’s the gimmick at the heart of this way-popular commerical from Toyota:
So I think some of these guys are enjoying something that they consider cool, something that is hip and fun and otherwise validating. I’m not cool at all; Lecrae is ridiculously cool; listening to his music allows some of that coolness to transfer to me.
The Depth Factor
I remember an old friend who used to tease me about the rock music I listened to, saying that every song is the same: verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, done. Of course she listened to new country which really isn’t any different, but never mind that. One thing we find in rap music is that the word count tends to be much, much higher than in the average pop or rock or country song. Many of these rap songs have word counts in the hundreds. That kind of word count allows a kind of theological depth and engagement that simply cannot be squeezed into two verses a chorus and a bridge. And in this way a lot of these rappers are leading their listeners into deep theological waters. Many of them are theologically-Reformed, New Calvinists who are reading the same authors as these middle-aged pastors and responding to it within this very different medium.
The Quality Factor
Let’s face it: some of these Christians rappers are really good. So amidst all of the other factors, we cannot lose sight of this one—much of the rap music these middle-aged white guys are listening to is actually objectively good. Yes, it’s rap music; yes, it’s unexpected. But at the end of it all, it’s just plain good. And it’s always a joy to listen to music that combines high-quality music with high-quality lyrics. There is a lot of Christian rap that does just that.
And here is just one example (this is the non-official version of the video but it includes the lyrics which you’ll probably need…especially if you’re white and middle-aged):
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
Releasing on April 1, The Next
Published in 2008, this book
This is a guide that calls men,
This review of the bestselling
New to the site? You can get
This is a guide written
Comments (63)
The thing about Piper is that he is extra cool. As Mark Driscoll says “Piper doesn’t care a lick about being cool, and that makes him really cool.”
Word !!
(said the 44-year-old white guy)
I would go so far as to say that John Piper is actually on a whole other level of cool than Lecrae.
I really appreciate Christian rap. When I became a Christian 4 years ago, I had a pastor expose me to some of it and I was instantly hooked. It has been a catalyst for me to really research more into my faith, look up theological terminology and engage in meaningful apologetics and evangelism. These men are doing wonders for the faith right now; combining something cool, with theological and practical messages and still making OUTSTANDING music.
Praise God for these men and their ministry.
I think we make too much of the “novelty” & “cool” factors. It makes for good press, but I don’t think it’s as prevalent as many think (at least among pastors). For one, I would argue the majority of these middle-aged white pastors don’t care one bit about being “cool.” I’m betting they gave up on that a long time ago.
Secondly, I think this phenomenon is a better testimony to the power of the gospel: bringing together two unbelievably different groups of people under the banner of the gospel. This is the more important point to dwell on (in my opinion).
I’m curious Tim, what do think about those (many pastors in the same middle-aged white category) who are opposed to the genre of Christian rap? Do you think rap is a “redeemable” medium?
How can cover over or gloss over such a beautiful message? why do we need to make it appealing to the world in order for them to hear…is it not Christ alone who gives them ears to hear? Could you honestly tell this apart from the worldly words? just asking.or would this be only for those in this phenomenon that haven’t yet, surrendered their world ways and still accept it?again just asking.
Good article, I’m glad you didn’t bash the middle aged white guys or the rap music. John Piper rocks my face off, so does Lecrae.
Tim,
You should also post the video to “The Call” (Lacrae). It has much of reformed theology wrapped up in a nice little package and is a tremendous song.
Here’s another reason. The lower end of middle-aged white guys and those of us coming up (I’m thinking 25-35 yr old white folk), lots of us grew up around hip-hop and listening to it. I love Biggie, Pac, Outkast, and old underground Memphis stuff, but the lyrics aren’t exactly wholesome. I can put in Shai Linne, get my rap fix, and be encouraged.
It also depends on what you consider middle age. I’m a generation younger than John Piper, but when I was a teenager, most of the guys I knew listened to rap music. Since the town I grew up in was almost exclusively white, they were white guys.
Now that we’re hovering around forty, some of them still enjoy rap music. A few of them are pastors, and I know at least one of them is a fan of Lecrae. So for that generation, it’s not so much of a stretch. Forty was middle-aged when I was a kid, but now it seems kind of young. :)
Thanks for your take on this! I’ve got two teenagers and I LOVE downloading Lecrae and Flame for them. The strange thing about this becomes that I get to listen to them first, and now I’m a huge fan. Lecrae’s depth and inclusion and application of scripture blows me away. Both of his new albums have become my daily workout music, wonder what the people at the gym would say if they could hear it too :)
Definitely kid tested and mother approved.
Anonymous,Check out “The Atonement” by Shai Linne. One album. It will cost you $9.99 on iTunes. After listening all the way through, come back and report on whether your opinion is the same.
I have to say it is pretty cool to see reformed rap hitting the white middle age pastors circuit. There is no question the content of what I have sampled is solid and engaging. But I’m still a loud guitar and drum guy .
But that is not to take away from their talent and what I see as real depth and meaning to their rap. Now if only Dream Theater would be born again and start writing progressive rock reformed records ….
My young teenage boys discovered these guys before they became popular in the Reformed crowd. When I started to review the lyrics in order to approve it for them to listen to I was quite impressed. I don’t care for rap as a middle-aged white pastor, although some of the songs are pretty good. But I love that they are getting good theology from the music. Occasionaly during family devotions one of the boys will mention a lyric that goes with what we are discussing. Now that is what I call cool!
Blame it on the fact that I had a brother who was 6 years older, but I grew up on rap from the 80s and 90s. However, when I began to develop my own taste I fell in love with alt rockof the 90s and then have really stayed with indie rock(yes Sufjan being one of them) as my primary source of music. So I would currently be considered by many a music snob, can’t stand any of the current pop/rap scene for all of the obvious reasons, and for the most part do not like contemporary Christian music, I.e. Love songs that God coud be the interchangeable object.
All that said, I cannot say enough about the reformed rap movement-lecrae, tripp, shai, etc. The medium just supports the artists ability to think deeply, draw the listener in, and produce some of the best worship music going right now.
Having teenage kids is another factor. My boys got me hooked on Lecrae and Shai Linne!
You are right about the theological depth in these songs!
BTW Being middle aged does not necessarily equate to being uncool. I’m 43 and I still think I’m cool. Perhaps I’m deluding myself!
Oh, and I also own a swagger wagon… I must be cool.
God used Lecrae and Flame along with a mentor to expose me to Reformed Theology which eventually led to my salvation.
I am forever indebted to Christ for the work that He did for me and for the vessels that He used to reveal that work.
Soli Deo Gloria!
My hubby and I have 4 African American children we have adopted. My young men, 12 and 14, love this music….and many of their songs, especially Shai’s, have more theology than most adult Sunday School classes. They minister to my boys and even my hubby. They take us back to the cross and we land on our faces prostrate before our God. Thanks for your blog on this.
I agree it is quite refreshing to get the spiritual depth that these guys are offering in a medium that is very hip and cool. I mean, who else sings about these types of theological topics and identifies themselves with big names in their songs like:
“From Edwards to Piper, MacAurther to Spurgeon” -Fanatic
Great article thanks.
I think some of your categories run into one another - at least in my case. I was introduced to this genre when I watched the video of Curtis Allen at Piper’s church, a performance of ‘Unstoppable’ that brought me to tears.Since then I’ve discovered other artists (Shai Linne, Hazakim and others that you mentioned) and have fallen in love with this form which is so well-suited to teaching truth.So - I was introduced to Christian rap by one of evangelicalism’s “leaders” but stayed because of the depth of the lyrics… lyrics which are instructive and convicting like no other genre I know of.
Yo, TC! Kinda changes the interpretation of “Word,” doesn’t it? (“Word” as posted by the 44-year-old white guy.) (posted by the way-over-the-hill white woman)
Speaking as a middle age white pastor, let me just say that the items on depth and quality far outweigh the others. I spent my college/seminary years working in Christian radio and have always enjoyed Christian music, especially that with quality and sound lyrics (which admittedly narrows the field!).
I actually was introduced to Flame, literally, at a conference at a friend’s church. He didn’t sing there, but I got the chance to visit with him a bit, liked what I heard from the man, and took home a CD. I was immediately impressed by the sound theology, something so lacking not only in music, but in our pulpits.
I’m so far from cool I can’t even see it from here. I detest fad-ism, and don’t even like a few of the guys who recommend Flame, Shai Linne, etc. But these are quality young men, reaching a generation for Christ with sound doctrine. So what’s not to like regardless of your age or demographic.
My church meets in an amusement park…and the pastors actually cut a rap video making fun of the location. Self-depreciating, funny —- but totally rap. And these guys are so NOT rap.http://www.youtube.com/user/RedRocksChurch#p/a/u/0/bqJaLJT3EqE
and then they did another -http://www.youtube.com/user/RedRocksChurch#p/u/2/aP4l3_8uV4E
This is a big conservative church. Never seen anything like it
I was happy to see that Piper enjoyed the words and music of these godly Christian artists, but I was not surprised to see his enjoyment. However, when I saw Paul Washer applaud the Christian Reformed Rap Artists….that’s when I knew something funny was going on. =)
“John Piper rocks my face off, so does Lecrae.”
Could not have said this better myself, just would have used some capitals and punctuations. So here ya go. UNTZ..UNTZ..UNTZ.. !!!!
Oh..and Thanx Linsay you said it, and that wuz nuff said!
It could be worse. I know a middle-aged pastor that was so fascinated with Napoleon Dynamite, he learned Napoleon’s dance moves from Pedro’s talent contest. Let’s be thankful pastors aren’t…doing that…to the glory of God! :-0
I personally don’t like that genre of music (if they could only be understood! but then again it wouldn’t be rap, eh?).
No music, with reformed lyrics or not, can be used in the lieu of the preaching of the Gospel. It might be “cool” (for some), but that’s not the point. Songs and music are to worship our God, not an evangelistic tool. I suspect that those who mention rap being somehow related to their salvation, listen to the “reformed” rap because it was rap, not because of the theology behind it.
I want to sing songs that I can understand, not only the words, but the meaning behind the words.
And by the way, just to comment on one of the graphics, walking around with your pants falling down your legs, showing your underwear… in which eyes that’s considered cool? Should we, fallen creatures, use our fallen standards? I certainly don’t want my kids to take that as an example of godliness.
Middle-age white woman (English is my second language - which makes things a lot worse when it comes to rap =) ),E.
“What then? Only that in every way…Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice!” (Phil 1:18)
Don’t forget us uncool, middle-aged white women, Tim. :)
Shai Linne’s “Atonement” album is a theological and lyrical masterpiece. (My convictions about limited atonement were set by his song on it.)
If the Christian life is war, Reformed rap is its battle music.
The very fact that you found the Swagger Wagon video shows your utter coolness Tim. Swagger on!
I am one of those older white guys. I will be 40 in a couple months, married with 3 daughters and grew up on a farm in the midwest.
I can tell you why I love Shai Linne’s album “The Atonement.” The theological truth of the lyrics transcends genre, age or station in life. It is just pure Biblical truth and encourages me daily.
Lastly, how many Dad’s hear and 8 and 6 year old singing about things like the atonement, justification, sanctification and so many other truths?
Thank you Shai Linne for your service to the body!
I’m chuckling to myself over this whole thing. You know, I’m a generation X kid, so rap came on the scene while I was growing up. And I was really into it in the 80’s and early 90’s but then I just got burned out, the whole gangster thing is not appealing. For the last 15 years I have not listened to any rap, so to see a resurgence (if you will) of the genre amongst my Christian friends is kinda funny, I laugh.
But part of this irritates me ever so slightly and it is the coolness factor. Tell me, where in Scripture are we told that pastors or Christians are supposed to be cool? Perhaps it is implied… I doubt it…. I’m not cool. You see, I don’t drink wine, I don’t drive a VW or BMW, I don’t wear ripped jeans with shirt untucked, I don’t have a tattoo, I don’t listen to Moby or all that much of Driscoll and I don’t even use the ESV from the pulpit.
I’ve gotten to the point in my life that I don’t give a care what anybody thinks about me other than my LORD and my wife. I’m me, by the grace of God, I’m me. I like classical music and rock music and I drink Maxwell House coffee. I don’t keep up with the latest episodes on T.V. or the latest movies from the theater, mainly because I just don’t have time and am not interested. Sorry to rant, I’ve been reading Bonar’s bio of M’Cheynne (that may be the cause, it is convicting) but I’m just tired of the American game of keeping up with the latest trends in whatever category.
That said, I’m gonna try to listen to some Reformed Rap, I’m glad it is there, I’m glad that someone began doing this to the glory of God.
Yo Whats up with dat, been rapping fool all my life,shout out to my peoples,nuff said.
The article named a few earlier known brothers who rap for Christ. However, if this piques your interest, and you seek some newer, more hardcore Christian rap, be sure to check out these two full time musical evangelist:Jovan Mackenzy - http://www.jovanmackenzy.com/andRapper/producer IV His Son - http://www.myspace.com/ivhissonThe Lord has blessed my ministry by putting these guys right here in my hometown (Jax FL) and I have been able to preach the gospel to the crowd at their events. Needless to say, they pretty much pound the gospel as well as doctrines of grace in your head with their Godly music.Better warn you as well… These guys are not for the “synergist at heart”. Most of their music content contains sermon clips from the likes of renown Reformed pastors eg James White.From the narrow path,Len QuallsOne Over 99 Ministry
E,You said: “I personally don’t like that genre of music (if they could only be understood! but then again it wouldn’t be rap, eh?”, and “I want to sing songs that I can understand, not only the words, but the meaning behind the words.”The artists of this genre could easily use the phrase “Before you can convince me of error, you must first demonstrate that you understand what I say. ”
You have made the mistake of stereotyping these godly men with other satanic rap artists and their attire. Not only that, you discount the Holy Spirit and his ability to use whatever means He uses for conversion. After all, the Bible says it is up to Him and not the will of man.
Instead E, rejoice that the Spirit does use this music to reach people who are not interested in the typical worship music. I agree that preaching the gospel can not be replaced. These men would agree also. If you had ever listened to the music, you would have obviously understood.
Rather than bash these men, please pray for them and their ministries, that they continue to glorify God and continue to feed the body of Christ who listen to this genre worship music with solid biblical teaching and doctrine.
From the narrow path,
Len QuallsOne Over 99 Ministry
My son, Wes is sixteen. He’s been working in the basement…. Here is what he came up with. http://www.weeza.bandcamp.com He would be encouraged if you would download his stuff. Thanks. He re-tweeted this link.
Ha ha…this was an interesting article. I must admit that my eyes appreciated the “guy” in the suit and glasses more. Could be a number of reasons, but chief among them, I think, is the fact that some guys (or gals) just have presence. There’s no need for swagger, no need for hip clothes - just an absolute confidence.
I’m another case in point, and have been for a while.
The challenge for me lies in the temptation to admire these guys more than the God they so skillfully represent. But I face that same temptation with Piper and Keller and Carson, and with dead guys like John Newton. I suppose I could try to fix that by listening exclusively to people I’m not tempted to think highly of, but I suspect that wouldn’t work out so well. I’m better off focusing on Jesus, and I’ve been helped by Shai Linne and others to do that.
Another band to appreciate (previously mentioned on the Challies blog) is iSix:5 (http://isix5.com/).
Their Unpacked album is a free download, and is certainly worth a listen.
I may be wrong but it seems that you have not listened to the rappers that were mentioned. Their are some christian rappers who cover/gloss over the message, but these indivdiuals mentioned above communicate the beautiful message of Christ alone through rap music.
Listen to Sha Linne rap the book of Romanshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2r4ujFeuqk&feature=related
or listen toFalme rap on the 2nd coming of Christ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UJYqKZHab8&feature=related
What is your standard for determing the kind of music that is wordly and that which is holy? just asking…
Just asking that you listen to the music. If you don’t prefer it that is fine, but the beautiful message is not being glossed over it is being highlighted.
I heard of these rap artists before leaders like John Piper endorsed it. It wasn’t just that it is “cool” so therefore I listened to it… In fact I judged it at first because of the terrible things rap artists put in the songs I had heard growing up. It made me uneasy. Then I found that the lyrics in these songs were theologically sound, which was what made it cool. Other “Christian” rap artists that lacked theological soundness were never really cool. Artists like Tim Brindle, Lecrae, Stephen the Levite, Jai, Shai Linne, and Trip Lee are REDEEMING a genre of music that should have been redeemed long ago, so I praise God for it all. Woo hoo!
I just listened to a little of Shai Linne rapping Romans - not bad! Certainly understandable. The comment about being deeper than typical Sunday school music is quite valid.
This type of expression would likely never become “core” listening for me, however, as melody is crucial in my own preferences. But I’m 50, so that explains quite a lot.
To be truthful, I’m essentially “homeless” when it comes to Christian music preferences, because the styles I like best are seldom played in corporate worship and I really don’t have any other avenues for discovering new music. Once in a while, I’ve been wonderfully surprised, such as by a K/K Getty CD or “Hymns for a Modern Reformation”.
Read most of the post. And a few of the responses. Was taken back by the lack of understanding conveyed in both. I’m not 65, but look … it was our generation that coined the word “cool.” Remember, “like cool, man.” I guess you don’t remember since you were not born yet. We invented the concept especially in our music. How old would Jimmy Hendricks be if he were alive today? Here’s a short list of the “cool” of our age and it doesn’t even include the awesome greats of the R&B genre like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and so forth. Here’s a partial list …The Beatles …Pink Floyd …The Who …Rolling Stones …Led Zeppelin …Eagles …Grateful Dead …Jefferson Airplane …The Doors …Moody Blues …Fleetwood Mac …AC/DC … KISSCream …The Byrds …Aerosmith …Santana …Blood Sweat & Tears …Van Halen …ZZ Top …Genesis …Allman Brothers …Journey …Traffic …Jethro Tull …Lynyrd Skynyrd …Grand Funk Railroad …Black Sabbath …etc.
SO why so surprised by the fact that middled aged pastors like good music when they hear it.
We weren’t born in nor did we live in a vacuum …. dah …
I personally love it even if it is a shortlived phenomenon.
Back in HS I would eat up some Cross Movement and The Ambassador; even though I am a middle class white guy I was blessed by rap groups like that in my formative spiritual years.
LeCrae’s Rehab album is the first rap album I’ve bought in probably 12 years, and my wife and I bump it hardcore in the Pacifica while while we’re rollin’ to church….and now we have a two year old little white guy bobbin’ his head in the backseat with us…..
http://chiefofleast.com/
Pastor David,
Some of those bands are great - but do you ever feel like you have to discrimate between good and bad lyrics even amongst the great bands? I used to follow the U2 of the eighties but some of their lyrics now are just not worth singing and repeating over and over, no matter how catchy the tune.
Just wondering.
I so agree with this. John Piper is so real and that is what makes him so cool.
That was the first thing that I thought of, too. Though personally I am not a fan of it. It causes me to want to go back and listen to the “old” self, which then leads me to powerful memories of the “stuff” I used to do before I was saved.
What about…
REVIVING THE PAST FACTOR
Some of these white doods may have actually listened to secular rap “back in the day” and gave it up when they became Christians. Now, they have the opportunity to enjoy it again.
My Dad once told me that the church does not need to dress up like a clown to witness to the circus. At the time he told me this I didn’t appreciate the profundity of his words, but seeing this and other things like it being embraced by the church, not to mention Calvinists, brings home for me what he was really talking about. Indeed, this is really driven home as I look at the picture used in Mr. Challies’ article - a Christian rapper sitting on a garbage container, with razor wire and a graffiti festooned wall behind him. I wonder - what are your thoughts driven to when you see this image - the Sovereignty of God? Holiness? Purity? I would say not. Rather, I see no difference from this than what any of the current crop of secular rappers are using to promote their music. I wonder, does the rapper pictured embrace the idea of using graffiti, which is considered an illegal defacing of property? Why is he sitting on a garbage can? What does he want me to understand about him and his beliefs about God from this picture? It appears to me, based on the picture, which is worth a thousand words, that he is no different from any other secular rapper out there.
At the end of the day the issue isn’t really about “coolness”; its about the church’s and its leaders’ cultural gluttony, i.e., the act of consuming the culture until it forms us which I believe is a sinful compromise with the world. Indeed, as some recent authors have lamented this is the result of being missional without being theological. Its forgetting that God is holy, and that He has called us to be radically different from the world, which I submit requires that we examine not only the content but the format of the music before we embrace it and use it as God’s Redeemed.
Am I saying that these performers are unregenerate? Absolutely not. However, I am saying that we must examine carefully what is going on here and also determine whether this medium is in fact a suitable means for communicating the transcendent holiness of God and the truths of which these rappers sing. I say this because we cannot forget that there is a “meta message” (as demonstrated by the aforementioned picture) that attaches to the format of the music performed regardless if we wrap it (no pun intended) in the Gospel or Calvinism, and we cannot be so naive as to ignore the origins of this music and what it means in the broader context of our secular culture. It is no mystery that rap has, for the most part, been connected with openly promoting things like killing police officers, sexual promiscuity, illegal drug use, overthrow of the government, demeaning of women, violence, gangs and practically every other form of deviant sinful behavior known to mankind. Additionally, the performers of this music and the industry that promotes it revel in their sinful behavior and flaunt the same before all the world and defy us to challenge them. Try as we might, and regardless if we are rapping about limited atonement, there is another message that is conveyed with this format of music that cannot be separated from it. (The same can be said of the growing and recent fascination with the “screamo” genre of music now being embraced by so many Christians.) So how can the Redeemed embrace it? And by embracing it are we not in some way diminishing the message of the Gospel and the God we serve, even in the eyes of the world?
I also think that our fascination with being cool leads us to make the audience sovereign, and not the message. It is this seduction by the cool that flips the focus and gives us things that you can now find in most “Christian” bookstores like Testamints and t-shirts made by Abercrombie and Fish, a digression that Tullian Tchividjian laments quite well in his recent book “Unfashionable” (pp. 22-25). Sadly, if the world is doing it the Church will only be a few steps behind, adapting our Sovereign Savior and His message to the world’s next craze. I wonder, should I expect to walk into Piper’s books store and find a sign that says - “If you like Snoop Dog, you’ll love Flame and Trip Lee and Lecrae and Shai Linne? Or, if you like Lady Gaga you’ll love the next Christian artist that looks like and sings just like her?
As Spurgeon said, “He who marries today’s fashion is tomorrow’s widow.” I agree and this observation causes me to ponder this: as our culture continues to slouch towards Gomorrah where will the Church be as it continues to embrace and be seduced by what the world considers cool? As the world defines deviancy down, will the Church in turn continue to define holiness down? My fear is that the Church, like Lot, because of its refusal to separate itself from the world, will die in disgrace.
As such, I do not see this as a phenomenon but rather the digression of the church into the subcultural context, a problem that is only going to get worse as the Church and its leaders fail to engage in a more discerning assessment of these issues.