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Worldly Evangelism–It Stinketh to High Heaven
I am very disappointed.
James White has coupled himself with hip-hop artists and new calvinist methods in order to proclaim a biblical message in a popular way. In other words, using what the world loves in order to reach the world. It is both shameful and inexcusable. For the record, if the genre of music had been Bluegrass, I’d have been just as disappointed.
Apparently, not everyone believes the old saying, and I’ll give my paraphrase, “If you use worldly attractions to bring the world in to the Church, you’ll have to continue using worldly attractions to keep them interested.”
It’s true.
When most people speak of the errors and harmful methods of new calvinism, most tend to think of Piper, Keller, Mohler, Driscoll, etc., but James White? C’mon.
According to the video’s promotional comments, “This video is a collaborative effort between IV, Crown Rights Media, and Alpha and Omega Ministries.”
Well brethren, IV, Crown Rights Media and Alpha and Omega Ministries have adopted worldly methods in order to promote biblical truth, and that is something to pray about, not that they be blessed, but they repent and forsake their worldly attitudes. James White has sold out for popularity and the enlargement of his ministry.
This is not preaching. It’s not even evangelism. This is entertainment. Deep, doctrinal lyrics wrapped in worldly, hip-hop packaging is not preaching the Word of God. It’s compromise. It’s a sell-out for the purpose of enlarging a ‘ministry’. This is neither an example of nor a promotion to holiness. It’s an example of selfish exaltation. This is not biblical Christianity, it is worldly, pop pseudo-evangelism – and it stinketh to high heaven.
What could be worse? How about White encouraging other pastors and churches to do the same? He does.
You want a circus Church? Enjoy this video. You want biblical Christianity? Then reject this for what it is – worldliness and compromise for the sake of ‘Self’.
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- Christian Zeal (5ptsalt.com)
5 Pt. Salt 
Hi Joel,
You know I hadn’t given much thought to this particular issue, because frankly, I’ve been dealing with a number of fires on several other fronts; nonetheless, given what I have been exposed to in Alaska by subtle compromises in rap and ancient tribal rituals, I’m very inclined to agree with you on your perspective here. Even though I’ve been out of the bush for just over four years now, I know I should be more abreast of what’s going on, but this particular thing hasn’t dropped right into my lap.
Thanks for taking to the time to share this.
Before I look into this, and I will, I can’t believe James. R. White is involved in rap, at all even in a support function. His stereotypical whiteness proceeds him.
My second thought though, if it is true, that it is not like you are saying. James is REALLY smart. I can’t believe he would be so inclined to risk the wrath of your blog!
“Yo . . . Peace out . . Luv homies . . . ” James R. White aka “Predestined M.C.”
Okay, watched the video.
First point, all christian music is the music of the world with Christian messages placed upon it. A Might Fortress by Martin Luther was a bear/bar song with the lyrics changed. Any music made with instrumentation has to reflect the times it is in because the song was made in a certain era and certain culture.
Now if you want to argue for non instrumental music . . . well maybe you have a point. But if you support any of the old hymns, or any christian music from the past, your point does not stand.
The styles, are reflective of the accepted fads of the time.
To our dismay, rap is the “music” of our time though . . .
Not about the music. It’s about conformity.
Soap box mode enabled
I don’t know James White from a bunch of tulips, but if he is guilty of the charge against him , then this is not a new thing. Somewhere along the history of christianity , christians have become obsessed with “growing the church” , and as a result , compromise , conformity and whatever else that has been seen to be right has been employed in the process. In short , the end justifies the means. But biblically, we have been called to preach the gospel , the same gospel that will offend many and call to repentence a few. Once the gospel has been presented in such a fashion that it appeals to the masses , then it is no longer the true gospel. My immediate recollection of the church growth model goes back to Bill Hybels, but no doubt the movement goes back beyond that , but the point I’d like to make is this , its our job to faithfully proclaim the gospel , its the task of the Holy Spirit to add to the congregation those who God predestined for that purpose. Imho ,seeker friendly, contextualised, and culturally relevant gospels save no one, sin is not a contextual or cultural issue, it’s a human problem that needs to be met with the truth. Bring back the fire and brimstone preaching.
Any attempt to lessen, or let me say ignore, the doctrines of total depravity, eternal unconditional election to salvation, and limited atonement of sin only to the elect makes the message another gospel. That is exactly what is going on in the church today.