When it comes to today’s secular music charts, you would be hard-pressed to find something that contains Jesus-centered lyrical content, but it is out there. Hidden away in the poetry of modern songwriting are nuggets of Biblical truth, and it seems to be becoming an increasingly popular trend. Justin Bieber is one artist that has let his personal convictions shine through his music — and it looks as if he is only going to get bolder.
According to the Sun, Bieber is in the process of creating a “religious concept album.”
“There are key themes of love and redemption in the tracks he has created so far,” a source told the newspaper. “It will certainly surprise some fans.”
Other examples include UK rapper Stormzy, who soared to the top of the charts with his hit single, “Blinded by Your Grace.” Bob Marley’s iconic track “One Love” may also come to mind, which contains the line, “give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right.”
Other examples of secular artists singing songs with clear Christian undertones:
1. Kanye West – Jesus Walks
“God show me the way because the Devil’s tryin’ to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me, with me, with me, with me, with me)”
2. The Fray – You Found Me
“I found God on the corner of First in Amistad
Where the west was all but won
All alone
Smoking his last cigarette
I said where you been?
He said, ask anything”
3. Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More
“Serve God love me and mend
This is not the end
Live unbruised we are friends
And I’m sorry
Love that will not betray you, dismay or enslave you,
It will set you free
Be more like the man you were made to be
There is a design,
An alignment, a cry,
Of my heart to see,
The beauty of love as it was made to be”
4. Bob Dylan – Saved
“I was blinded by the devil
Born already ruined
Stone-cold dead
As I stepped out of the womb
By His grace I have been touched
By His word I have been healed
By His hand I have been delivered
By His spirit I Have been sealed.
I’ve been saved
By the blood of the lamb”
5. U2 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
“You broke the bonds and you
You loosened the chains
You carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it”
And those are just a select few examples — despite the front Hollywood puts on, faith is the foundation of many artists across all genres, from country to hip hop.
(H/T: BBC)