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Some of my friends listen to Eminem. They are starting to come to my church, and I really don't think his music can help their spiritual walk. What should I do? Are there Christian groups that sound anything like Eminem? —Sam

I certainly understand your concern. On Eminem's most recent CD, Marshall Mathers (his real name), the rapper offers an album packed with vulgar, hate-filled lyrics that even include rhymes about raping his mother ("Kill You") and murdering his wife ("Kim").

And then there was his debut CD, Slim Shady. Eminem's online biographical sketch gives a summary of this release's offerings: "Chock full of dazzling lyrical escapades that delve into the mind of a violently warped and vulgar yet extremely talented [writer], the [CD] contains some of the most memorable and demented lyrics ever recorded."

If that's not bad enough, the cover art on Slim Shady features legs sticking out of a car's open trunk. In the background, a man and a little girl are standing on a pier. The art refers to the song, "'97 Bonnie & Clyde," another rap about Eminem killing his wife. In this disturbing tune, he fantasizes about slitting his wife's throat, taking her to the beach and tossing her into the water—all in the presence of his little daughter. Here's a sample of the song's lyrics:

Mama said she wants to show you how far she can float/And don't worry about that little boo-boo on her throat/It's just a little scratch/It don't hurt/Her was eating dinner while you were sleeping and spilt catsup on her shirt

So why does this guy sell millions of albums and pack concert halls? First off, I think many like him because he is, in spite of his disturbing lyrics, a talented rap artist. I also feel some people like him because their parents don't. It's just a way to rebel. Or maybe fans appreciate his sick sense of humor. Listening to Eminem is a little like watching an R-rated slasher movie. A lot of people get a kick out of laughing at stuff like that. I also think Eminem appeals to people who feel a lot of anger. Listening to him can be a way of expressing their own painful feelings. The problem is, the bitterness and hatred that come through his lyrics can only breed more anger and bitterness.

With that said, what about your friends? You're concerned that Eminem's raps will hurt their spiritual walk. That's an extremely caring response. Yet from what you've said, it's hard to tell exactly where your friends are spiritually. If they're new Christians desiring to live for Christ, it's important to point out that violent, vulgar, hate-filled music will only hurt their spiritual walk. You may want to share these verses with them: Ephesians 4:22-32, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:8-10.

However, if your friends are spiritual seekers who haven't turned to Christ for salvation, they probably feel there's no reason not to listen to Eminem. Now this doesn't mean you shouldn't explain why you don't like Eminem's tunes. And it's fair to ask them not to listen to Eminem's offensive music when you're around. But don't expect them to understand why you feel the way you do. And if you do insist they stop listening to Eminem—or constantly put the rapper down—you'll probably drive them away from church and the positive influence it can offer them.

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