2 of 2

If a record company doesn't like a product for any reason that an artist is presenting, I believe that it is their right to do whatever they wish. However, if that is the case, they should release an artist to explore his artistic endeavors as he wishes.
—Chris Risheill

The Apostle Paul used some very strong language concerning very strong subject matter. (In one instance, he used the Greek equivalent to somewhere between crap and s—-.) Although I realize Scripture talks about no unclean thing coming out of our mouth, but what if that statement is more about hatred, and non-edification? I don't think we all ought to be incredibly potty-mouthed, but I do think we certainly have bigger fish to fry! Also, while profanity may not be right for "safe for the whole family" radio stations, it certainly could get the attention of others who commonly use profanity.
—Heather Strouse

Hertz was far too lenient in his comments about the use of profanity in art. The matter speaks for itself: profanity is profane. It's bad enough that in anger and the flesh we utter profanities. But to deliberately script and produce it is unacceptable to those called to live holy unto our Creator, pursuing that which is pure and true and right. The church today has a crisis of discernment and compromise of the authority of Scripture.
—Duane L Burgess

I don't understand why we categorize certain words as profane and others as not. They're all words. I think this definition gives certain people a sense of morality and others a sense of rebellion. If it makes a stronger point to use a certain word, then use it. I do understand why Christian record labels would have rules against the use of certain words. That's why I think Webb needs to break free from the record label cage. Because he's one of the few Christian artists that actually make good and meaningful music, I believe him when he says the song is important.
—Cate Song

I believe that using curse words is completely unnecessary and inappropriate. The Bible is pretty clear when it comes to the power and effect our words have (life and death is in the power of the tongue) and that we should tame our tongues.
—Abe VanMeter

Artistic and poetic license is celebrated. People live and die for this freedom. But as a Christian, I live for so much more than just to make music, no matter how much I love it. Heroism in a Christian should be different from that of the world. If any of our music ever begins to take away people's eyes from God, is it really worth our artistic pride?
—Louriz Manuel

In his song "Wedding Dress," Webb used strong words to great effect in making a profound point about the reality of grace covering our broken lives.I would fight for the freedom to do that! But the use of distasteful words just to say, "Look what I can say" is not needed. Flaunting liberty is a dangerous thing.
—Verne Haskell

I for years have battled with trying not to swear. I think artists should have artistic license except were it will adversely effect others by leading them down a slippery slope. Matthew 18:6 comes to mind.

—Richard Campbell

I am a Christian songwriter. I wrote a song that included a profanity. I worried slightly about it, but it seemed to fit. My youth pastor told me he played it for the middle school students but stopped it before that line. I then decided to change it. I did not like the idea that kids needed to be protected from my music.
—Larry Davidson

The more I read about Derek the more I start to wonder what his true motivation is. Does he truly think the message he's been given by God to share is so important that he's just fighting any and all opposition to it? Or is he just rebelling for rebellion's sake?Can we know?
—Jessica Stewart

The heart of this matter lies in sensationalism. If it takes a curse word to get an audience's attention, then what does that say about the awe inspiring, life changing Word of God?
—Gilbert Paez

Copyright © 2009 Christian Music Today. Click for reprint information.

first page |  2 of 2