Is this song proper to sing at church ?

Question

I'm wanting to sing this song at church, but the pastor says that he doesnt think it would be proper in church. Are there opinions pro and con ? I would love insight as I'm going to try to convince him that it would be proper. http://music.yahoo.com/Styx/Show-Me-The-Way/lyrics/40506142

Answer 1

I agree with your pastor. Styx was a '70's rock band, and they did not pander to the Christian music audience. That would be as lame as the time some people thought that "Stairway to Heaven" should be accepted as a hymn.

Answer 2

Not really only because most people that already attend church haven't lost their faith or have found it again already. While its a nice christian song for those who have. Its kinda like blunt honesty about how messed up God's world has become. When your in church you wanna praise him not point the bad things about what his world has become

Answer 3

I think the reason he doesn't like it is that the writer isnt sure there is a heaven.

It mightn't be quite what they're looking for in church because of this although the lyrics look amazing.

If you really wanna then just sing it anyway it's not like he can stop you once you get going :)

Answer 4

No!

Answer 5

'Every night I say a prayer in the hope that there's a heaven'

That's kind of a questionable first line for a song to sing in church, don't ya think? I think it's a great song, and it was written around the time of the Gulf War when people were afraid and looking for strength and hope. So that would make it a great song to use in a fundraiser, a graduation, an anti-war march, even the Olympics - but not, I think, a church.

Religion is based on faith, not on asking for signs before believing. Perhaps the song is a little too much about searching, whereas the church prefers to believe that it has already found what it is looking for. It's a  particularly appealing song because most people, even the ones who go to church, are still looking for answers in life, but I don't think it's appropriate to be sung in a church, where performances are supposed to be to the glory of God rather than for the enjoyment of parishioners :) Most hymns are either in praise of God or describing one's search for God - but they have to end with finding faith I think, and this song doesn't. A little like Poison's 'Something to Believe In'.

I suppose at a church-related event it'd be acceptable? I suppose it depends how progressive your church is as well...

Also, at some point Styx was accused of making Satanic messages part of their music on Snowblind, so your pastor might have a little trouble accepting the rest of their music even if the charge was false. Churches have to err on the side of caution I guess. Band members also had the usual alcohol-related health problems, so there's another thing to object to. I guess you can welcome all the sinners into church, but you don't necessarily want them doing the preaching.

Lotsa luck, let us know how it turns out -  and if you find an alternative song that's okay w the pastor let me know!

Answer 6

I sing on the worship team at my church and we are contemporary enough that I have heard a U2 song played during a youth group slide show in church.  However, even for a contemporary church, I don't think a Styx song would go over well, even if it is about someone searching for the way.  Songs that are part of a worship service should be worshipful.  That is a good song about someone who is looking for the right thing but it doesn't lead you to the person who is the way.

Answer 7

Basically I agree with your Pastor. The purpose of church is primarily to worship God, be inspired and encouraged, and to fellowship with other like minded individuals. While the Styx song show me the way, may be loosely associated to something religious, it is at best a stretch. Many songs lend themselves to being inspirational but are not worship songs. I.E. Climb every mountain -- Sound of Music, or What the world needs now is love sweet love, etc. Check out some of the modern worship music on Yahoo Music. Look for bands like Casting Crowns, Audio Adrenaline, Chris Tomlin, Third Day, or stop by your local Christian Book Store for more ideas. Don't give up on your desire to sing in church, but remember it is not a performance, it is an offering to God, and a way to help others enter into worship. God Bless !

Answer 8

sorry but no but nice song

Answer 9

Styx are not a renowned sacred music groups.  although the sentiments are about love they emphasise the secular over the divine.  Go with something a little less rock and roll,