What makes a band a Christian band?

What elements does a band have to possess which would characterize it as a Christian band? I would like to think that a band would have to explicitly express Christian elements in both their lyrics and dress. I do not think it is enough to have just one or two songs which represent Christianity. A band must possess countless amounts of songs (actually, all of them) which manifest Christian themes. What are suitable themes that a band can discuss? Sinfulness, forgiveness, redemption, absolutely anything which draws parallels to Christian stories and doctrine. What was really interesting on Tuesday’s lecture was the fact that Justin Bieber for example, was discussed having Christian elements in his song “Pray.” Christianity seems to be relevant in popular music which is quite intriguing. When I thought of Christian bands, I conceptualized bands which appear on the Simpsons—boring, unpopular, and out-of-date. I was pleased to be presented with Christian rock bands such as Petra (which to me best fits the category of my former assumption), Switchfoot and U2. I find it stimulating the fact that well-known bands such as Switchfoot and U2 started in the Christian rock scene.

There was a song that was analyzed in class by Switchfoot named, "I dare you to move." It was recognized as having Christian elements and the lyric that was most emphasized and which stuck out to me was, “I dare you to move” which signals one’s redemption; this quotation highlights that. It prompts one to start doing something about their salvation instead of living life mindlessly. What I find problematic about this however, is the fact that this quotation can be applied to anything. “I dare you to move” can be a source of encouragement to those who are not doing what they want in life or what they should. These lyrics can be interpreted in any way, whereas “Until the End of the World” by U2 proves to be explicitly Christian and cannot be interpreted other than reflecting Christianity. So, my question to you is, what makes a band “Christian”? What does this imply? And how does one determine how a band is Christian?

Here is an interesting site which has the Top Christian Music: http://topchristianmusicsongs.com/