In these days of corporate takeovers and the overall conglomeratization of businesses, names and functions change. In case you’re not a hockey fan, the CCM logo above is arguably the largest manufacturer of hockey equipment in the world… certainly the most recognizable. As I thought of them in relation to this post I did not know how good of an illustration they would turn out to be… it was beyond perfect. Founded in 1899, the CCM above was originally known as Canada Cycle and Motor Co. If you really care to know of all of their iterations and changes over the years, you can always count on Wikipedia for that kind of info. Suffice it to say that the original CCM brand has experienced a multitude of changes and adjustments over the years. In fact, their contract with the NHL expires next year.

There is, however, another CCM. It was/is the moniker given to so-called Contemporary Christian Music. In many ways I am so past this discussion that I am not sure I have much to offer. So I will not volunteer any final word… as I believe there are many. But I do remember well the thought processes involved in my movement from the very conservative music of my youth to CCM and beyond. That is the bulk of what I will share… my own experience.

Music may be one of the greatest areas where personal preferences take center stage. Plain and simple. We can say whatever we want about singing “songs, and hymns, and spiritual songs”. I’m sure that all of us who choose to have the name Christian attached to our music would say that it fits within the scope of that verse. Contrary to the belief of those with more conservative positions, the goal of the majority of us who have chosen to enlist more modern music is not to be cool, but to exalt Jesus… likely the same goal that you have.

There is zero biblical proof that the music itself (style, instrumentation, etc.) can be an isolated part of the discussion. Yet this is the very approach that most of the “discussions” take. This instrument or that sound is ungodly because the world uses it in their music. It really is an absurd ad hoc argument that suggests certain sounds can be labeled unholy. I cannot even intelligently or morally enter into that discussion because to do so would be to give it merit that is underserved.

Finally, to those of us with a less conservative view, a word about humility. Humility does not (necessarily) mean I stop sharing my opinion when it differs with yours. Humility realizes that when the Scriptures are silent on certain details it is usually because there is room for difference. Placing your viewpoint as the “more liberated view” is arrogance. So let the piano and organ folks sing their hearts out to God. There’s room for all of us… that should not change with the times.