Christian Rap, also known as Christian Hip-Hop and Holy Hip Hop (HHH) have been around for a couple of decades (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_hip_hop). Over the past several years, HHH has been gaining more attention within Christian and secular circles with a sound reminiscent of secular hip-hop.

As HHH grew, so did the number of opponents. The church (as a whole) has been very divided on the issue. Because its predecessor of secular hip-hop music (with its images, messages, and lifestyle), many believers have a hard time separating the two - even those within HHH. Even though HHH carried a different message, much of the HHH culture carried over many of the same characteristics with a Christian 'twist.'

As the years went on, proponents and opponents for both sides raised banners of awareness. Conferences, seminars, messages, and camps expended countless hours, days, and years addressing their concerns, yet there were few solutions for either side. The wedge only grews wider.

For the HHH community and opponents surrounding this genre, there must be a truce for the sake of the followers of HHH. Even though opponents may find...

• artists speaking like the world - prideful, flashy talk that glorifies the flesh and not God (the same as hip-hop)...
• spiritual babes teaching other spiritual babes...
• youth unable to separate themselves from the hip-hop culture...

...they have a direct responsibility to meet the HHH culture where they are and share in the responsibility to instruct, teach, correct, and train our FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST!

Even though the HHH community encounters...

• people unwilling to understand them...
• few resources of help or support...
• unwarranted judgments...

...they have a responsibility to remain open and diligent to communicate in an open setting that works toward solutions and not problems. They must continue to serve with love as their guide.

In all things (dialogue and solutions), the Word of God and righteousness must not be compromised!

Regardless of the overarching concerns with HHH, it HAS illuminated Jesus Christ for many people that would have never heard about Him otherwise. It has been used as a vehicle to share God's message of love and grace. Though there are many things about HHH that we may not understand, the 'unknown' of HHH shouldn't draw out the worst in Christians, it should draw us closer. Jesus died for the whole world, not just those that live, act, dress, and believe the same - and especially not the ones you deem 'worthy.' Allow the conviction of the Holy Spirit to speak God's will upon the HHH culture, its followers, and opponents. I think we'll be a lot better off if we do...and please our Father in the process.

Feel free to substitute HHH for any other genre of music.