Jeff,

Thank you for your kind comments on the newsletter : )

I believe that music is God's gift in the sense that any skillful individual is skillful only because of God and further that creativity in general is specifically His gift as we exercise such by virtue of His Image in us. Such is especially manifest in the arts (music, sculpture, painting, writing, theatre, etc.). For example, I would consider Prince an extremely "gifted" musician -- however, my disclaimer there would be that he is certainly misusing his skills to the highest degree by promoting sexual perversion at every turn. I hope this makes sense to you.

I believe that contemporary styles, and virtually all styles of music, can glorify God in the right context. However, I agree with you that the music itself should certainly compliment the lyrics. I also agree that the state of CCM is deplorable in general. This is why I am promoting Steve Camp's REFORMATION MUSIC website. You should check it out -- it is linked in the THINKMAIL #11 BIBLIOGRAPHY.

In Christ's love,

William Kilgore

8-10-98