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The behavior of the musicians themselves might catch the attention of some viewers. Many of the performers casually mention the fact that they frequently perform in bars and clubs, while Pedro the Lion's David Bazan is seen sitting with open bottles of beer and cigarette smoke blowing around him—not to mention his colorful vocabulary. Are these professional choices and lifestyle decisions appropriate, even valuable, in the Kingdom, or are these musicians behaving just as badly as their unsaved counterparts?

Larry Norman at the Cornerstone mainstage

The film certainly doesn't have a shortage of engaging intellectual ideas, but, if it does have a flaw, it's that many viewers might have a hard time understanding the dynamics of the industry portrayed. Though the filmmakers call themselves outsiders, they clearly intended the film to be watched by those who already have a fundamental understanding of what Christian music is. Indeed, even some CCM fans might find themselves wondering what the blazes Cornerstone is, something that's never directly explained.

Also disappointing is the film's narrow scope in terms of portraying the eclectic styles that make up today's gospel music industry. The musicians portrayed are almost all hardcore, punk, or indie rock groups, including such acts as MxPx, Zao, the Supertones, and Steve Taylor. But where are the Christian folk groups? What of jazz and blues musicians? And how about Southern and black gospel? These genres are all conspicuously absent, meaning that, if nothing else, many folks will find that the brief musical performances captured on tape won't be to their liking.

Still, these minor flaws in the movie's craftsmanship don't change the fact that this is a highly insightful movie, one that should be watched and discussed by anyone who's interested in the intersection of faith and art. At one point, Punk Planet journalist Dan Slinker says, "As amazing as I'm sure some of these Christian rock bands are, there's a lot more amazing real bands." If this quote provokes any kind of reaction in you—be it heartfelt agreement or furious indignation—then Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music? is a documentary film that you shouldn't miss.

This film is not showing in theaters, but is available on DVD here. You can also learn more about the film at the official website.

1. Many of these musicians talk about the concept of the originality. How important is originality in works of religious art? Why?
   
   
2. Some of the musicians say that they play at bars and clubs as a way of reaching out to unsaved audiences. Do you think this is a good way to evangelize? Is this what the Bible means when it tells us to be in but not of the world?
   
   
3. What does the film tell us about the relationship between art and commerce? Art and evangelism?
   
   
4. The film presents many different views on the Christian music industry. Which of these do you find yourself agreeing with the most? Why? Which of them do you find yourself disagreeing with? Why?
   
   
5. How do you think Christian artists should approach controversial political subjects like abortion and homosexuality?

There's little here in the way of objectionable content, save for a handful of slightly colorful words and phrases and some scenes shot in smoke-filled bars. And with such a broad spectrum of differing opinions expressed, there's bound to be something here that you disagree with. For older, discerning audiences, though, there are a number of heady topics addressed that should lead to rich, rewarding discussion.

Photos by Jim Dubs and Jeff Hadick

© Josh Hurst 2006, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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