from the def con aka defending contending blog:


David Crowder’s crowded theology.
February 28, 2010 by The Pilgrim



Drugs, adultery, homosexuality, pornography, divorce, and occult imagery. These are just a few of the things that describe the golden calf of Contemporary Christian Music.

When one actually delves beyond the happy, clappy, sappy, sentimentalism, and shallow “Jesus-is-my-boyfriend” lyrics that define CCM, we see just what these artists are really about.



The laundry list of problems with CCM artists should be enough to alarm most people especially when you consider that so many professing Christians get their theology from CCM (I wish this was just hyperbole).


Now, I know all these musicians and entertainers are human and susceptible to failure like the rest of us, but you have to admit there’s a proportionally large amount of problems within CCM. Historically, the lifestyles and theology of these artists have consistently been an embarrassment.


Sandi Patty’s extra-marital affair and divorce; Michael English and his extra-marital affair with singer Marabeth Jordan of the Christian band First Call; Clay Crosse’s addiction to pornography;

Jaci Velasquez and her seductive performance with scantly-clad dancers in Santa lingerie; Caedmon Call’s mingling with the world.



And then there’s those whose worldviews and doctrines send up red flags:

Both Rich Mullins’ intention to be baptized into the apostate Roman Catholic Church (before his unexpected death) and POD’s Rastafarianism and use of occult imagery quickly come to mind.




Although some of these artists may have had a true repentant heart after their transgressions came to light, in too many cases, however, I see very little repentance and sadly, even a lifestyle of flaunting their sin.

Ray Boltz embracing his sin of homosexuality and now celebrating it comes to mind as well as Amy Grant’s unscriptural divorce and her 2005 appearance in California where she received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in which she discredited her Christian testimony not only in her dress (or lack thereof) but in her speech as well.

And now the latest pockmark to appear on the already scarred face of CCM comes from one of evangelicalism’s favorite “worship leaders,” David Crowder of the David Crowder Band.



Crowder, who is the


author of the contemplative-promoting book, Praise Habit (referring to the habits worn by Catholic nuns),

also participated in a contemplative/emergent conference with the likes of

Leonard Sweet, Chuck Fromm (founder of the event and of Worship Leader magazine), emerging leader Sally Morgenthaler, Brennan Manning proponent Michael W. Smith . . . contemplative/emerging Marva Dawn, Alpha Course leader and contemplative proponent Todd Hunter, and others.



(See more about this from the source Lighthouse Trails.)

From the Lighthouse Blog2009 National Worship Conference Brings Contemplatives, Laurie, and Sweet Together

But Crowder’s lack of discernment doesn’t end here. He recently granted an interview to the Roman Catholic “movement” known as Life Teen (whose promo video was previously featured on DefCon here) in which they state on their website:

Because of our deep Eucharistic devotion, Life Teen has developed a spirituality that is

100% Catholic
Obedient to the Magisterium
Centered on the Eucharist
Scriptural
Liturgical
Catechetical
Sacramental
Focused on social justice
And:

On December 9, 2007, [at] the Feast of St. Juan Diego, we consecrated the Life Teen movement to the Blessed Virgin Mary and will renew our consecration annually by prayerfully participating in the St. Louis Marie de Montfort Total Consecration. [Emphasis theirs]

And:

Our entire ministry is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary so that we may be led to the feet of her son with the obedience she exemplified.

If you’re wondering why Crowder (or any evangelical for that matter) would grant an interview with the idolatrous Romanists whose teachings and beliefs are antithetical to biblical Christianity, wonder no more. Crowder–whose music may very well be in your car stereo or on your teenager’s ipod right now–concedes in this interview a rather interesting source of influence in the “formation of [his] faith.”


Here’s the question from the interviewer Matt Smith:

You are not Catholic, but on your Illuminate album, you sing a prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. What’s your connection?


Here’s the evangelical “worship leader’s” answer:

Much of the Catholic traditions and writings have been influential in my formation of faith and to be quite contradictory of what was stated earlier, I’ve found much inspiration there. St. Francis is a figure I’m equally attracted to and repelled by. I long for his powers of disassociation from the trappings of “stuff.” I’m beset with consumption and materialism, and he is a compelling symbol of contentment. His contentment and way of suffering terrify me.


You can read the whole interview here.

LifeTeen.com - for Catholic Teenagers


Let this be a warning fellow pilgrims, not all that glitters is gold, and not everything labeled “Christian,” that’s sold in “Christian” bookstores,

and that’s played on “Christian” pop-music stations is what it’s purported to be.



Be cautious that you are not influenced by those who’ve been influenced by Rome. Be careful little eyes what you see; be careful little ears what you hear; and always be sure to choose your entertainment wisely.