Gospel Music Isn’t Scripture Based?

The American Bible Society Announced the first “Scripture Song” award at the Gospel Music Association 34th Annual Music in the Rockies. The awards (there were 3 class levels) were “established by the American Bible Society and the Gospel Music Association to celebrate the Gospel and to promote Bible engagement.” (Article available on Marketwatch)

While the details aren’t precise in the article, apparently the gist of the competition was that the Christian song had to be based on scripture… Which raises the question, “What the heck are people singing about in Gospel music if it isn’t based on the Bible?” If it isn’t based on the Bible, does it not cease to be Gospel?

Now, while the above does confuse me, I do like the sounds of what Joseph Crockett of the American Bible Society had to say, “This partnership with GMA provides the American Bible Society the opportunity to encourage writers and artists to develop music which inspires and compels Gospel music lovers to be exposed to the Bible’s life-changing message through song.”

Gospel music lovers becoming Bible lovers… doesn’t that just makes sense?