Should Christians Cover Secular Songs?

CCM Singer Kari Jobe covered "In the Name of Love"
by Dutch DJ Martin Garrix

They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery. Is this the case though when a believer who is known for their heavy, God laced lyrics sings a song from an artist who doesn't do Christian/Gospel music? Is it hypocritical when we praise a mainstream artist singing a faith driven song but than condemn a Christian/Gospel artist for singing a mainstream song? What if the secular song itself isn't wrong? What if it's a song about life, love or something positive? It's understandable if a Christian is singing a cover of a profanity laced, explicit song than of course there's going to be questions, backlash and ultimately rebuke from the body. However if it's a romantic song from a spouse to another or a song enjoying life, is it still bad? A sister from my church told me that Kari Jobe (a well established CCM singer) did a cover of a song called "In the Name of Love" by DJ Martin Garrix & Beba Rexha. Not much is known about the song meaning outside of it being a love song. Nothing is known about the religious beliefs of the producer or the artist. However upon looking at the lyrics, there's nothing wrong with what's being said. Some could even say there are religious undertones to the song with lines like "I wanna testify / Scream in the holy night / You bring me back to life / and it's all in the name of love." Initially I was told Kari added those lyrics to make the song more "Christian" but these are the original lyrics written by Rexha. So, is Kari wrong for covering this love song? My honest answer? I really don't think so.

Clip of Christian rock band Red's music video to their cover
of Duran Duran's "Ordinary World"

Again, we have to consider the content of the song. My local church worship team a few years back used the lyrics and melody to "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang to simply to do exactly that, encourage the congregation to celebrate in Jesus. Another song that's not inherently wrong or wicked. As far as the artists themselves, that's another story. We can't assume all secular/mainstream artists
have a vacant relationship with God and all Christian/Gospel artists have a tight bond when there's been times in the public eye especially, where the opposite is apparent. Chris Tomlin, one of the most popular singers in Christian music has covered the song "Where the Streets Have no Name" by rock band U2. While Bono (the lead vocalist of the group) has identified himself as a Christian and has even been a part of Kirk Franklin's "Lean on Me", U2 is not considered a Christian rock band.

World renowned CCM artist Chris Tomlin has covered the song
"Where the Streets Have No Name" by rock band U2

"But we're not supposed to be imitators of the world!" This is loosely referencing Ephesians 5 where it says to be imitators of God. I don't necessarily believe this verse or the argument being presented carries weight to believers singing secular songs. Why? because when you're shopping and the market has a local pop station on and a song your familiar or even like comes on, you don't sing or hum it? I know a lot of people don't but a lot of people do. I'm one of them. I really enjoy a cover of the song called "Big Yellow Taxi" by Counting Crows (which has also been covered by Christian singer Amy Grant) and when it comes on, I'm singin' it! Am I in sin? The song isn't speaking anything negative. Is Amy in sin for covering it? Remember we're specifically talking about song covers being a sin not anything else the artists may or may have not done. What about when we all sing happy birthday? Happy Birthday is a secular song that both believers and non believers know! Christmas songs? Pagan or not, Christians have covered songs like "Mary did You Know", "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer".

CCM band MercyMe, though comically, has covered songs
like Michael Jackson's "Beat It" & Justin Bieber's "Baby"

There is a risk however that I understand may concern some. If a believer covers a song from a non believer, this poses the risk of the listener wanting to hear the original song and then other songs from the original artist. In the end this boils down to the believer individually. I can listen to a mainstream song a not be influenced by it if it happens to be negative. Some people can't. As soon as they get those "vibes" they begin to act out because of the environment the music sets. What do you think?

Should Christian Artist's cover mainstream/secular songs? Even if the song isn't wrong?

Is covering songs a show of respect to fellow artists or a lack of creativity?

Why is it ok for mainstream artists to do or cover Christian songs but vice versa is frowned upon?

- William

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