What Christian Musicians Say About Christian TShirts?
Christian musician Zach Neilsen has his priorities straight. In describing himself, “musician” comes third on the list, behind “husband” and “father of three.” When commenting on a variety of topics, Neilsen also shows his priorities when he talks about Christian t-shirts-- that it's not about what's popular, it's about what gives the right message.
Zach Neilsen is very straightforward when remarking that there are some Christian t-shirts which are helpful and give the right message, but that there are others which are in bad taste, some even offensive. He says that the latter does more harm than good; when what is printed on a t-shirt is sarcastic, ridiculing, or a put-down to those who do not share the Christian beliefs, they show Christians in a bad light. This includes t-shirts which are designed to make the statement that people who are Christians are somehow better than those who are not.
Neilsen makes a very valid point when he says that even a person who has and lives the strongest Christian values distracts away from that fact if he wears t-shirts with sarcastic, off-color “humor,” and offensive designs. In that type of situation, the person will have less chance of sharing his faith, because people will be less likely to take him seriously.
This is especially true if the people who wear them are in the public eye, such as Christian musicians and bands. In general it is not difficult to ascertain what is in good taste and what is offensive; and Neilsen makes clear his stand that performers especially should focus on the types of t-shirts that are tastefully designed.
This is a far easier and better way to get the message across, and it reflects in a much better manner on both the musicians who wear the t-shirts and on Christians as a whole group. When musicians like Zach Neilsen wear these shirts, they know that their fans see them as representing not only themselves but Christians in general, so it is important to present a good message.
Neilsen's bass player also commented with a similar opinion. As the entire point of wearing Christian t-shirts is to show one's faith and share it with other people, these musicians agree that the best way to go about it is to make one's selection of these shirts carefully, choosing t-shirt designs which communicate the message of one's beliefs in a fresh, positive way.