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Marcella Smith warned against being too quick to judge Christian artists without knowing their motivations: "Take the log out of your own eye before you try to take the log out of someone else's eye. 1 Samuel 16:7b says, 'Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"

Many expressed the need to be in the world, not of it. "I agree that there's value in artists creating explicitly Christian music," wrote Joel Buursma. "But to those critical of Christians who work in the secular music industry, I would ask if they think it would be better if there were no Christians working in the secular music industry! I thank God for those who are truly trying to be salt and light, whether they're clearly proclaiming God's truth or simply trying to lessen the spiritual darkness in the world around us."

Shane Sellstrom agreed, compelled to stick up for crossover artists: "When taking into consideration the fact that these musicians are Christians, we should encourage them. It is obviously wrong to judge someone by assuming their motives, and unless their actions [reveal impure] motives, I choose to assume that mainstream Christian artists have been called by God to make the music that they do."

Becky Stapleton wrote: "How can we be 'salt and light' if we only work in the Christian industry? Christians have to be involved in the secular music, news, politics, etc. in order to make an impact on our world."

"Many are far too quick to judge usually without knowing the facts," according to Marty Marmor. "As an artist manager, it is very difficult to walk that fine line between ministry and the business of music. If an artist crosses over, and through the music reaches thousands of people who are lost and hurting, we as believers should say, 'Praise God.'"

Chris Blackstone, a pastor who recently preached on this topic, wrote: "There is a necessary and natural tension in our lives between using our God-given gifts in society and serving God. To say that musicians can only perform 'sacred' music puts a requirement on them that is not placed on people in other professions. Can a web designer who is a Christian only design websites for churches? Can a salesman only work for a Bible publisher? The more we place a line between 'secular' and 'sacred' jobs, the more we demean the meaningful work that Christians all over the world contribute to making life better for others."

Doug Clanton wrote: "Did the Apostle Paul 'sell out' by making a tent for an unbeliever? If the quality of their work [is recognized as excellent], Christians should not be ashamed of whatever mission field the Lord has placed them in. Billy Graham prefers to preach in football stadiums instead of church buildings, because more lost people show up. It is not our place to criticize the ministry field of another. I would encourage Brother Pruitt to trust the Holy Spirit as he works in the hearts of the chosen."

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