Donald K. Stewart, Contributor

Those of us who enjoy good, contemporary gospel music have received yet another devastating series of 'upper cuts' from some of our most treasured, trusted gospel-reggae icons.

The STAR of March 14 reported that "everybody may need to Get Flat for this one, as the Bloodfire Posse is planning a one-time only performance after 18 years of separation" (set for April 27).

To the undiscerning reader who will do anything for 'unity', nostalgia or the reliving of sentimental moments, this may have been seen as a most welcomed gesture. After all, what could be so wrong in doing just one pulsating performance for "old-time' sake" with a couple of good unsaved friends?

What is OK?

I would ask such readers to consider the following scenario. If I had a former girlfriend with whom I had been sexually active before I became a Christian, would it be OK for me (just for old-times' sake) to now re-establish links with her for a one-night (sexual) fling ... no intention for a sustained relationship, but just to remember the 'good old days'?

Friends, we have a serious problem on our hands, and somebody from either the gospel-music fraternity or the implicated church leaders will need to explain these developments, especially to the countless faithful (but now disillusioned) gospel-music supporters, who have felt betrayed by their mentors and role models.

What a collaboration

In the April 3 edition of The STAR, we read the following headline 'When God and Elephant clash', and the opening words read, "The unlikely has occurred. Gospel artiste Stitchie has collaborated with hardcore dancehall artiste Elephant Man on a gospel track called What A Mighty God."

What then is the conscious reader (whether Christian or not) to make of these disclosures? Are we supposed to congratulate Stitchie for his strategic move in making a big tune with the 'great' Elephant Man, or are we to commend 'Ele' for his recognition that "we need some Jesus Christ inna di dancehall"?

While none of us (sin-prone human beings) is vested with the ministry of judgement and condemnation, the Bible makes it quite clear that we have a responsibility to examine both ourselves and others, checking for the appropriate fruits (Mat 7: 15-27, Luke 3: 7-9, 2 Cor 13: 5, Gal 5: 16-26, 1 John 4:1-2, 2 John 1:7-11).

It is, therefore, my humble conviction that these collaborations represent yet another ungodly alliance between the holy and the profane (Ezekiel 22:26, 44:23) and an attempt (whether consciously or not) to drink from both "the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils"(1 Cor 10: 21-22).

Painful consequences

Christian ministers and artistes (like all other Christians) must decide on which side of the fence they are standing because any attempt to straddle both sides will ultimately result in painful consequences (in more ways than one). We cannot deliberately yoke ourselves with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14-17) and not expect to be defiled, nor should we expect God to sit, OK smiling in approval with us, while we systematically dishonour His name and His body.

With the present trends of unholy 'collaboration' and this pepper-pot- soup ecumenism before us, how will our gospel artistes ever hope to convince the viewing public that it's not just about hype, profile and money?

If our Christian musicians, ministers and entertainers felt like they had not been receiving sufficient support from the Christian community in the past, I can guarantee them that with this type of "careless living", they will now have to work overtime if their ministries are to be authenticated in the eyes of many, like myself, who have felt 'sold out' by their inappropriate actions.

One redeeming factor, however, is that there are still many who 'have not bowed the knees' to moral and spiritual compromise, ... and even for those who had temporarily lost their way, ... the door of repentance and restoration is still open, courtesy of the love of Jesus Christ.