I couldn't help but wonder.
What gospel?
Whose gospel?
THE Gospel?
One religious teacher's or lay person's interpretation of the Christian message may be lacking; contrary to God's message concerning Christ, salvation, and His kingdom.
Linking anything to THE Gospel implies a standard that frankly, some things don't meet.
Call music "gospel", and there's a listener expectation, (a demand, even, if the listener is a churchgoer or Bible student) that reaches beyond the mere making of good music, and searches the message of the music AND the life of the artist, for adherence to Scripture.
Artists are often given the moniker "minister", "Levite" (or deemed frauds), when it may not be fitting, merited-- or wanted.
You can't back someone into a corner, and insist that they clarify their allegiance to something if they've never taken a stand.
Perhaps that's why some people won't.
Call music "inspirational" and it's safer.
It may also be a more honest pronouncement than that of someone who markets something as "gospel", has a plan to use it, but no desire to truly embrace The Gospel.
Calling music "inspirational" can be vague.
It can be appreciated by a wider audience.
It doesn't require a strict commitment to any religious sect, text, belief system, or an actual relationship with God.
Anyone can say that they received a revelation and share it.
Anyone can say that they were divinely influenced, inspired, or so moved emotionally or intellectually, that they responded by creating a musical composition.
None of that necessarily makes the composition "good news" for everyone.
Fortunately "gospel" has a way of side stepping the motives of those who pimp/sponsor/use/misuse it, and is still reaching people all over the world.
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