Christians have always had a troubled relationship with AC/DC, kind of like gazelles have always had a troubled relationship with lions. As a kid I remember being solemnly told (by another kid) that AC/DC stood for “Anti-Christ/Devil’s Child”. This seemed pretty credible when you looked at some of their cover art, or listened to songs like “Highway to Hell”.

They’ve been around a long time, but AC/DC are still a relevant and popular band; their 2008 album Black Ice was one of the top sellers of the year. Black Ice includes all of their signature elements - the pounding rhythm section, Brian Johnson’s gravelly scream, and Angus Young’s old school guitar licks. These guys can still rock harder than just about anyone else going around, and hard-core fans are calling it the best album since 1980’s Back in Black.

So what should a Christian make of AC/DC? But that question is too narrow. What should a Christian make of the arts in general, and popular culture in particular? Are we free to indulge, or will we end up on the highway to Hell?

Many say that popular culture is inherently corrupting, and should always be avoided. Such Christians often promote “redeemed” alternatives, which imitate pop culture except with a Christian gloss applied. So you end up with Christian music, Christian movies, Christian novels, Christian radio, Christian paintings and so on. These encourage the faithful to retreat to a cultural ghetto, protected from the unpleasant influences of the outside world. It’s an escapist spirituality, and it can present obstacles to mission. It can also result in some pretty shoddy art. I’m not a fan.

There is another approach, though, common amongst the Reformed. This starts with page 1 of the Bible - “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” God created the material realm, and it is good. The arts both reflect on and participate in the material world, and so they have value in and of themselves. They do not require a spiritual veneer to redeem them. A good painting is worthwhile simply because it is a good painting. The same goes for songs, books, movies and other forms of art. We are free to enjoy them as a good part of God’s creation.

Of course, we still need to think critically. Like all good things in our fallen world, the arts have been corrupted, and this is very true of pop culture in particular. If a book or song or film will lead you into sin, you need to avoid it. But more often I think we are able to take and enjoy that which is good, while simply ignoring that which is not. As with all things, be discerning. Then go out and enjoy the rich world that God has given us.

For further reading

When World Denial Becomes Worldliness by Alan Maben

My Father’s World by Michael S. Horton