Saturday,
September 27, 2014
Folks,
we have for many times now been discussing matters arising from the lifestyle,
public utterances, and claims about gifts of prophecy that continue to raise
serious questions about Christianity in our contemporary times, especially as
practised in Ghana and Nigeria. I have been particularly strident in condemning
the “Men-of-God” who always catch public attention with their prosperity
messages and prophecies of doom. It’s all meant to throw the searchlight on
goings-on in the church to prove that Christianity is a lifestyle to be lived
and not professed by word of mouth.
Living
Christianity as a lifestyle enjoins the Christian to be above reproach so
his/her lifestyle can positively influence the world and win more “souls” for
Kingdom business. After all, the Great Commission is still relevant and can be
fulfilled only if Christians can live and do things that separate them from
those they seek to proselytize. Otherwise, if the would-be converts don’t see
any difference between themselves (what they are or how they do things) and the
so-called Christians (what they do or say), they will not be willing to be
converted. And they will have a good cause not to become Christians.
The
proliferation of churches and the intensification of soul-winning efforts are
obvious, meaning that Christians are actively seeking to expand their sphere of
influence. How they do things is already known.
What
seems to be creating the impression that they are on the move is the part
played by Gospel music in the evangelization efforts. All kinds of artistes are
composing Gospel songs in all veins (for praise and worship purposes) and
spreading the Gospel through their lyrics.
Considering
the proliferation of such Gospel musicians and the volumes of rhythms emanating
from their efforts, one might think that Christianity is the “in-thing” or that
the society is benefiting from their work. But a bitter truth lies behind what
goes on, which is that the Gospel music industry is just a money-making avenue
being exploited to create the misleading impression of holiness.
We
have seen the gospel musicians of all types in all guises, performing, gushing
out quotations from the Bible, and holding themselves up as messengers
spreading the Word of God. Some earn much respect for what they are or how
their songs influence their followers while others lag behind or are
disregarded because they can’t reach out to society.
Gospel
musicians play a huge role in Christianity. Take some established ones like
Elder Kwesi Mireku, Beecham, Francis
Adjei, Kusi Berko, Kwaku Gyasi, Stella Dugan, Comfort Annor, Cindy Thompson, Samuel Sarpong, and many many others; and you
should know why the “explosion” of Gospel music in the country. I am even not
talking about Ghanaian highlife musicians shifting to Gospel music at the tail
end of their career (E.K. Nyame, Kofi Ani Johnson, C.K. Mann, Daddy Lumba,
etc.).
Gospel
music is an attraction, which is why all over the world, gospel musicians are
recognized as instruments to be used for propagating the Word of God.
One
important aspect that is often overlooked in the assessment of the gospel
musicians is the kind of lifestyle they live. Of interest to me—and which is
why I am raising issues here—is this concern regarding LIFESTYLE. By how they
live and do things, the gospel musicians go a long way to influence society,
whether for good or bad. How do they hope to be remembered as such? And what
becomes of them if their lifestyle conflicts with the “holiness” that their
songs propagate?
I
have asked these questions because of one stunning development that has been
reported: “Popular gospel musician Christiana Love,
now known as Obaapa Christy, is reported to have recently married a new husband
and even delivered a baby girl for him although her marriage with Pastor Love,
the father of her three children, is yet to be officially dissolved.
Interestingly, Christiana's new husband,
whose name was given as Nana Frankie, is the same man she was accused of
flirting with as far back as 2011 while she was still married to Pastor Love
Hammond, General Overseer of the Life Power Miracle Church”.
This aspect of the news report shocks; but
this is how Christiana Love has reacted: “"People
are saying I gave birth, so what? Ghanaians talk too much, especially on
matters that have no bearing on their lives. I am not concerned about what they
say about me as I am focused on stuff that will uplift my music... One should
not pay attention to what people say. What is said about you will not make
you". (Source: http://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2014/September-24th/christiana-love-grabs-new-husband.php)
Here is the part that
strikes me most: “I am not concerned about what they say about me as I am
focused on stuff that will uplift my music...” Really, Christiana Love?
Focusing on stuff that will uplift your music while doing things that will
downgrade Christianity and the very values that your songs profess?
So, in practical life,
you can just do things to undermine Christian values but seek to uplift same in
your gospel music? A bundle of contradictions!!
You see, my good friends,
this happening says a lot, which I have attempted dissecting and will now leave
for you too to explore. Probably, when we get to know exactly the
contradictions entailed by this posturing, we will know better how to position
ourselves and not be cajoled by anybody.
Indeed, Christianity is
being challenged (and probably undercut too) in many ways in our time. It is
only good character (and not volumes of Biblical quotations, stagecraft, or
theatricals) that can help expand the sphere of Christendom.
I shall return…
·
E-mail:
mjbokor@yahoo.com
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Join
me on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/mjkbokor to continue
the conversation.
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