A paradigm shift??

Over the last few weeks I have been wrestling with and praying and thinking over this paradigm shift that God has been laying on my heart. Now before I throw it out there, a few things to know, if you don't know me. I'm a PK (Pastor's kid), grew up almost literally in the church, went to Lutheran grade schools, and a Lutheran college to teach in Lutheran high schools. Now, I'm a church music director. OK, there's the background, here's the paradigm shift:

Why are we Christians insulating and isolating ourselves from the world?

This has been a struggle for me in my life. I have listened to the gamut of music. Metallica, Tupac, and anything in between. Obviously, much of that music doesn't glorify God. But I've been noticing this trend more and more, and have been drawn more and more to groups like Switchfoot, Toby Mac, Hawk Nelson, NeedtoBreathe and others that draw "mainstream" attention. Especially on the previews for new shows on NBC. Of course, none of the clips that they play name God specifically, but it draws attention to the artists and bands and will lead people to hearing their music.

Now that's all good and well, but we've created this Christian counterculture to some extent, and I wonder sometimes how beneficial that is. For example, as I said, I went to Lutheran grade schools, a Lutheran college and taught at a Lutheran high school. This is good, but how is it encouraging those students to be in the world and being lights in the darkness? I know many teachers who are Christians, who are teaching in public school, and while they can't mention Jesus and God by name, their faith shines through in their love for their students and their actions.

As I said, this is something I've been wrestling with, and it started with the concept of music, and being drawn to musicians who are trying to stretch themselves out of the "Christian" label. I used to think of them as sell-outs. I now seem them more as missionaries. And God knows we need them! Let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear the thoughts of others.