Music is a powerful form of communication. By combining the right melody with the right harmonies and rhythm, a simple poem can be transformed into an unforgettable expression of deep emotional thought. It is no wonder then why God asks us to sing songs to Him in worship.
Songs have become one of the primary ways messages are conveyed in today’s culture. From catchy jingles in lawyer commercials to soaring politically-charged ballads, our minds are being shaped by music. Music helps us pay attention, connect emotionally and remember ideas.
Recently, a song came out that is striking a chord with many across the world. “Hell Together” by David Archuleta tells the singer’s personal story of coming out as homosexual in a religious household. With tremendous vocal talent and lyrical skill, the former American Idol star expresses his mother’s heart-wrenching reaction to this news as the song’s chorus saying, “Oh, if they don’t like the way you’re made then they’re not any better. If Paradise is pressure, oh we’ll go to hell together.”
It is hard to hear this message and not be moved emotionally, especially for those who have experienced homosexual attraction or a family member “coming out.” As the singer expresses in the song, it is easy for someone dealing with these issues to become angry with God and the church. No Christian wants this. We hurt when others are hurting, and we know that Jesus is the answer to all hurt (cf. Matt. 11:28-30). But, sometimes we don’t know what words we ought to use when confronting loved ones with homosexual desires.
However, what we cannot say under any circumstances is what this song promotes. It is no better to go to hell together. No amount of vocal talent or song writing skill can make this statement anything but tragic. Homosexuality is a sin that is condemned throughout the Scriptures (cf. Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:26-28). But, it is a sin that can be overcome.
When speaking of homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul reveals that among the very people he was writing to were former homosexuals. He says in verse 11, “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” No matter what the world wants us to believe, homosexual desire can be washed away, for there is no sin that our Lord is incapable of cleansing (1 John 1:9).
We cannot surrender and accept homosexuality as an immutable trait. If we do, we will deprive souls of knowing the cleansing power of Christ. Their blood will be on our hands, and we will go to hell together (cf. Ezek. 3:17; Rom. 1:28-32).