The theological and ethical controversies surrounding Hillsong, Bethel Music, Elevation, and Jesus Culture have led many church leaders (especially Southern Baptists) to discuss whether the controversies of the churches sourcing these worship songs should dictate their validity. While much of this discourse has taken place in popular theology circles (via blogs, magazine articles, and popular-level books), the conversation should be brought into the academic sphere as theologically-trained practitioners discern whether to incorporate these songs into their worship services.
In this paper, I use exegetical, theological, and historical reasoning to argue that a song ought to be judged not by its source but rather on the merit of its truth and efficacy in communicating that truth. After briefly discussing the implications of 1 Corinthians 8 and Mohler’s theological triage on this debate, I survey and reveal the controversial histories of six questionable hymn writers whose many hymns are still cherished and used across denominations. Despite the questionable
backgrounds of individuals such as Spafford, Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, and others, the
content of their songs contains timeless truths and beauty. While acknowledging the complexities and potential challenges involved, the overarching goal of singing these songs from questionable sources remains to glorify God and edify the church through biblically accurate, theologically sound, and emotionally invoking songs. Likewise, the songs of modern questionable sources such as Hillsong, Bethel Music, Elevation, and Jesus Culture may also be used based on the biblical and theological integrity of the songs themselves rather than the intentions or shortcomings of their composers.