I recognized the allusion to a famous verse in Job, which made alarm bells go off in my head, though I kept it to myself. I had not heard the song before until a couple of weeks ago, and when I heard the first verse and chorus, I immediately became concerned. This does not, however, make their songs immune from critique. Shane & Shane have made some great songs over the years, and I know God will continue to use them. Song lyrics are still therefore fair game for critical evaluation, though I want this to be clear: I am questioning nobody’s faith. I do not think songs need to try to be overly precise nor do I think that every song needs to be “deep.” That said, whether we like it or not, songs still carry meaning, Christian or secular, and those meanings can be internalized by listeners and singers. Believe me, I understand that songs are not theological or philosophical treatises, and there is a certain poetic license that should be allowed for the medium. However, this does not preclude sober reflection on the possible theology songs can convey. I do not doubt these Christians’ faith and was moved by their story and their trust in the Lord. It seems almost too cold-hearted to evaluate the song “Though You Slay Me” by Shane & Shane, given the tragic events, pure intentions, and honest faith that produced it.

Download scripture though he slay me