Question: Hello Donny, I asked a question quite a while back and based on your response I think it may have been misinterpreted. I asked how you reconcile your spiritual beliefs with your admiration for secular music. In no way was I trying to have you validate your life. I applaud the fact that you have found no conflict between enjoying great pop rock songs and maintaining your sincere commitment to God and the Church. My question was attributed to an opinion held by some Christians I have come across who avoid all secular pop culture. Their music collection is comprised entirely of Christian music, they don't watch television and restrict their secular studies. Accordingly, some have an outlook that a religious lifestyle can't make room for show business.
Have you ever had to respond to criticism concerning your career from within your community? I hope this clarifies my initial question
Response: I appreciate your email. I'm sorry I did not respond the way you wanted before, so let me try again.
There is a series of statements of our church called the Articles of Faith. They summarize some of the basic beliefs. The Thirteenth Article includes this statement: "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." I believe that the music I enjoy is lovely. There may be those who do not agree and they are welcome to their own tastes, but our church does not dictate our tastes in this regard. Of course, if the music is degrading or promotes destructive or immoral behavior, it would not be acceptable.
The Church leadership does not typically try to dictate our careers but I have received nothing but support from the members and leaders as far as I am aware. There are surely some who may feel critical about something I may have done, but I have never have been confronted with it.
Does this answer you question a little better?
