I’ve been a consumer of contemporary Christian music (CCM) for roughly 30 years now. I would even say I’m generally a fan of such music. The two most common radio stations I listen to in my car are a local contemporary Christian music station and a local news/talk station. And when I feel I just can’t stomach more news, commentary, or debate, I find reprieve in listening to Christian music. When I work out at the gym, I listen to Christian music either through my Pandora app or through the app of my local CCM radio station.
Over the years, I have learned that not all Christian music is the same and not all of it is even good. But much of it is good. When I say ‘good’, I’m referring to the theological context of the lyrics, not just the beat or the vocals. And when you find a song that is strong on both fronts, it’s a big hit in my book.
This is where Christian music written to have crossover appeal gets tricky. Sure, we celebrate the sharing of the Gospel to the unchurched, uncommitted, and un-Christian folks out there. There is a place for such outreach. But these songs must still be grounded in foundational truth and have the capacity to lead those people to Christ in truth and in love.
There is one song that was released late last year that I just cannot seem to handle, no matter how many times it comes on the radio.
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” is played over and over again, and has reached the #1 spots on Billboard’s “Hot Christian Songs” and “Christian Airplay” rankings. It has reached #8 on Billboard’s “Hot Rock & Alternative Songs” ranking and #12 on their “Hot Country Songs” list. This song performed by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll has broad crossover appeal.
I have listened to this song all the way through, but not often. When it comes on the radio I have a habit of switching stations. It’s like nails on a chalkboard for me.
I am not sure what bothers me more: the minimizing of the word “hell” to equate to living life on this earth, or placing a heavy focus on the individual’s struggles. Now I am sure that life can seem like “hell” at times, but it is not, especially for the Believer. We all go through hard times, and yes, some have it harder than others. But this is not hell. Hell is a place God is not found (Matthew 25:41), where “fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48), and is eternal with no way out (Matthew 25:46).
Psalm 23:4 seems to speak to those times that “Hard Fought Hallelujah” describes. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” God is with you through those storms, unlike the literal place called hell.
Our response during times of trouble and hardship is very important. We can either turn to God or ignore him. We can trust him or we can try our own way. However, our response is not the most important aspect of these times. It’s God’s strength that carries us through, not our own. While our choices have consequences, it’s ultimately God’s power and love that sustain us.
Although the lyrics of this song do contain much truth, overall, “Hard Fought Hallelujah” strikes me as more of a praise of the individual’s triumphs over hard times than praise of an Almighty God. It also epitomizes a recent trend of CCM to bend to what I’ll refer to as “rebel culture”, though another commonly used term comes to mind that I’d rather not use. Christians are called to be set apart (Romans 12:2), perhaps even rebelling when necessary (Daniel 3:17-18), but not for their own glory, but for God’s glory (I Samuel 17).
Is it the worst song to listen to? By no means. But there are better options in Christian music, contemporary or traditional.
That's Rich 
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