Intro: Christian vs. Secular Music and the Loss of Saltiness
Jesus called His followers the salt of the earth, a preservative in a decaying world (Matthew 5:13). But He warned, if the salt loses its saltiness, it becomes useless—”no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Today, in the battle of Christian vs. secular music, Christian music stands at a dangerous crossroads. In a quest for relevance, many Christian musicians have blended so closely with the secular world that their distinction—their saltiness—is fading. The result? Fewer souls converted, fewer hearts stirred toward repentance, and more Christians spiritually anesthetized by rhythms that once glorified sin.
1. The Silence of Jesus in Modern Christian Music
Missing the Name that Saves
It’s astonishing how many songs labeled as “Christian” fail to mention the name of Jesus. Worship music, at its core, is supposed to exalt Christ—not just offer vague encouragement or universal positivity. But in today’s Christian vs. secular music landscape, it’s increasingly common to find lyrics that could be comfortably sung at both a church service and a self-help conference. Some of these songs are spiritually neutral at best and doctrinally misleading at worst.
2. Compromise at Celebrations of Sin
Performing at Gay Weddings
Christians are called to love all people, but love never rejoices with sin (1 Corinthians 13:6). When Christian musicians willingly perform at gay weddings, they don’t just play notes—they send a message. They risk endorsing lifestyles that the Bible says lead people away from God (Romans 1:26-27). Instead of being a light in dark places, these artists dim their light to fit in. The Christian vs. secular music debate becomes especially sharp when holiness is sacrificed for popularity.
3. Sacred Lyrics Over Secular Beats?
Triggering Old Habits
Many Christian songs today borrow the beat and structure of secular hits—sometimes outright copying them. The style, rhythm, and sound feel almost identical. For listeners who once indulged in secular music, hearing the “Christian version” often brings the original lyrics flooding back to mind. Instead of pointing people to Christ, the music becomes a trigger for old habits and mindsets. Can we truly glorify God using tools designed to glorify the flesh? This is one of the most concerning aspects of Christian vs. secular music today.
4. Yoking with the World Through Collaboration
Blurring the Line of Holiness
Scripture warns against being unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14). Yet we now see Christian artists collaborating with secular musicians—not to evangelize, but to make hybrid songs that straddle the fence. These duets are often praised for their diversity and unity, but they blur the line between holiness and worldliness. Listeners begin to assume there’s no meaningful difference between secular and Christian music anymore. That assumption is spiritual poison, and it erodes the line in the Christian vs. secular music struggle.
5. Mimicking the World in Dress and Dance
Losing the Witness of Separation
Take a look at the way many Christian artists now dress, speak, and dance. It’s often indistinguishable from their secular counterparts. Tight outfits, sensual choreography, and slang-laced speech have become standard. What happened to being set apart? Holiness isn’t just about private morality—it’s about public witness. If the world can’t tell who follows Christ by how we present ourselves, then we have failed our mission. The Christian vs. secular music comparison becomes painfully clear in these visual choices.
6. Will Smith’s 2025 “Christian” Song: A Sobering Example
A Performance Not Rooted in Christ
In 2025, Will Smith released a song titled “You Can Make It” that was widely celebrated as a “Christian” anthem. It was played heavily on Christian radio stations and praised by many in the faith community. But let’s be clear: it is not a Christian song. Its performance at the Grammys—complete with rings of fire and ritualistic imagery—was nothing short of a spectacle that seemed more satanic than sacred. This is not discernment; it’s deception. We must stop labeling anything with spiritual-sounding words as Christian. Christian vs. secular music must not be confused by emotionally uplifting but spiritually empty performances.
7. Remaining Holy in a Blurred Culture
The Call to be Set Apart
The word “holy” means set apart. God’s people are not called to blend in but to stand out. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That includes our music. When Christian music becomes indistinguishable from secular music, it loses its power to convict, to inspire repentance, and to glorify God. Christian vs. secular music is a test of whether we honor that calling.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Salt and Light
Choosing Holiness Over Popularity
The battle of Christian vs. secular music is not just about genre—it’s about spiritual identity. Are we shaping culture, or is culture shaping us? Are we leading people to Jesus, or are we entertaining them into comfort while they walk away from Him? It’s time for Christian artists to reclaim their saltiness, speak boldly the name of Jesus, and once again draw a clear line between holy and unholy. If we don’t, the music may continue—but the message of the cross will be drowned out by the beat of compromise.
For a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus, including what it means to be the salt of the earth, visit our Sermon on the Mount (NIV) article.