Directory of Contemporary Worship Musicians - Way of Life Literature

things as wrong and staying away from them. Briner says,“What I’m calling for is a radically different way of thinkingabout our world. Instead of running from it, we need to rushinto it. And instead of just hanging around the fringes of ourculture, we need to be right smack dab in the middle of it.”It is obvious that contemporary Christian musicians,including NewSong, are “right smack dab in the middle” ofmodern culture in direct disobedience to the command inRomans 12:2, “be not conformed to this world,” and of 1 John2:15-16, “love not the world...”It was through Briner that Charlie Peacock becameassociated with NewSong. Peacock is a secular rocker/producer whose “spiritual” music is so vague as to be almostmeaningless. Of Peacock’s songs, the author of one of his fanwebsites states: “I’m not even sure I know really what some ofthe songs really mean, and I’ve listened quite a bit. If that tellsyou anything.” It tells me that the lyrics are vague and a vaguemessage is not a clear Biblical message. e message toPeacock’s Everything at’s on My Mind album “doesn’t comeout and grab you—it’s something you have to glean foryourself.” By keeping the message vague, rockers such asPeacock can keep one foot planted firmly in the world whilestill claiming to be Christian. e world isn’t offended at avague spiritual message; it is offended at the cross of JesusChrist whereby it is told that there is only one narrow way ofsalvation and only one acceptable path of sanctification.While NewSong is much bolder in preaching the gospel, theydon’t hesitate to associate with and work with the CharliePeacocks of pop music.NewSong is radically ecumenical aer the typical CCMfashion. For many years the band partnered with WorldVision, which doesn’t even preach the gospel if publicevangelism happens to be forbidden in a location. WorldVision’s web site states: “In many countries where we work,formal public evangelism is forbidden by government policyand we respect this.” Since Jesus has commanded us to go to240