To quote the great Hank Hill: "Can't you see you're not making Christianity better, you're just making rock music worse?"

 

I don't dislike it as a genre, but I find most of the songs I've heard to be bland and unlistenable. The flatness of the music undoes any potential to be moved by the words. It makes them more hollow. If I'm listening to religious music, I'll take the old songs myself.

 

I think you're right to a degree. Much of it is "cookie cutter" sounding...very much sticking to the formula. Some of the artists have some good songs, but its much like pop music...they have one or two good "catchy" songs and the rest of the album is filler. It's not worth buying, IMO. I rarely buy a CD for one song and I always regret it when I do.

 

However, there are a few bands that offer a little more. And, by that I man they actually produce a whole album that is pretty good.

 

Personally, I would prefer a little more creativity and variety from the music aspect of it. It seems like there aren't many artists/bands that are willing to step out of the norm and try something different...they just keep releasing album after album of the same sound with different lyrics. Its not much different than mainstream pop music in that sense.

 

My personal favorite is Jeremy Camp, although the last album I heard from him was disappointing.

South Park commenting on Christian Music and you take it as "gospel?" (pun intended.) I would think their disdain of the genre would raise it's prominence in the minds of most other Christian listeners. South Park would be the last place I would look for an opinion on Contemporary Christian music. I will say this, however, if there is no message, even if it is listed as Christian music, there is no real purpose in labeling it as Christian---it just isn't. Some Christian music I love, but there are some "Christian" songs that I am hard pressed to decide whether they are Christian or not. They could easily be played in the secular realm and no one would know the difference. If the lyrics don't point you to Christ, make you see your need of a Savior, then it might as well not be labeled Christian. JMO

 

My opinion on the genre was formed well before I ever saw the South Park episode I mentioned. And while the lyrics may point one toward Christ, the awful music that surrounds it does just as good a job of driving folks away.

My opinion on the genre was formed well before I ever saw the South Park episode I mentioned. And while the lyrics may point one toward Christ, the awful music that surrounds it does just as good a job of driving folks away.

 

I guess we are all entitled to an opinion. I enjoy listening to all types of music, and as I have said before, the lyrics are the most important component of Christian music . . . if the message isn't there it is not worth listening to. The purpose and intent of this genre is to encourage believers, lift up the Savior and lead others to Christ. Not all "Christian" music is Christian music. As far as the music of Christian Contemporary goes some music is better than others----to each his own---pretty much like any other genre.

I agree with Jim Schue on this one.. Contemporary christian music is very bland and I feel that it pushes some people away...

I agree with Jim Schue on this one.. Contemporary christian music is very bland and I feel that it pushes some people away...

 

I tend to cringe when I hear it.

"There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and strength for the broken heart. Faith and forgiveness, mercy and healing, he'll meet you wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus."

 

Lately I have been encouraged by contemporary Christian music. Bands like Third Day, Needtobreath, Mercy Me, Newsboys and more.

 

I'm not one who listens to any kind of music normally. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

Unlike you I'm one who listens to any kind of music normally, however like you I've been encouraged by contemporary Christian music. A great encouragement for me has been Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). Everytime I hear it touches a chord in my heart. By the way on Channel 66 Sirius XM its called The Message, excellent contemporary Christian music.

 

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing grace

 

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

 

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below

Will be forever mine

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Unlike you I'm one who listens to any kind of music normally, however like you I've been encouraged by contemporary Christian music. A great encouragement for me has been Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). Everytime I hear it touches a chord in my heart. By the way on Channel 66 Sirius XM its called The Message, excellent contemporary Christian music.

 

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing grace

 

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

 

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below

Will be forever mine

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

 

AMEN!:thumb:

I prefer more traditional songs. There are a couple new songs I like, but I still prefer traditional.

Johnny Cash's 'My mothers' hymn book" is an awesome CD and some of the best christian music around...definately not contemporary!

My opinion on the genre was formed well before I ever saw the South Park episode I mentioned. And while the lyrics may point one toward Christ, the awful music that surrounds it does just as good a job of driving folks away.

 

Are you saying Christian music drives people away from Christian music, or it drives people away from Christ?

Let's compare.

Popular Christian song:

Surrounded by Your Glory

What will my heart feel

Will I dance for you, Jesus

Or in awe of You, be still

Will I stand in Your presence

Or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing "Hallelujah"

Will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

Yeah I can only imagine

 

Popular Rock song:

And we were trying different things

We were smoking funny things

Making love out by the lake to our favorite song

Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking 'bout tomorrow

Singing Sweet home Alabama all summer long

Singing Sweet home Alabama all summer long

 

I tried to post a popular rap song, but the filter would not allow it. Which one drives people away from a Christian lifestyle. My point is if you're looking to be lifted and inspired spiritually, then contemporary Christian music is a good outlet. If you are looking to be entertained by the world then it may not be for you. I would think that someone who uses South Park to support their argument probably isn't looking for the same thing I am looking for in music.

I find much of the contemporary Christian music to be bland. However, there are some songs I absolutely love.

 

Jars of Clay "Like a child"

 

Dear God, surround me as I speak,

The bridges that I walk across are weak

Frustrations fill the void that I can't solely bear

Dear God, don't let me fall apart,

You've held me close to you

I have turned away and searched for answers I can't understand

 

Chorus:

 

 

They say that I can move the mountains

And send them falling to the sea

They say that I can walk on water

If I would follow and believe

With faith like a child

 

 

Sometimes, when I feel miles away

And my eyes can't see your face

I wonder if I've grown to lose the recklessness

I walked in light of you

 

 

[Chorus]

 

 

Little girl:

"I've got joy like a fountain!"

"Be kind one to others"

"In Jesus Christ Your son"

 

 

They say that love can heal the broken

They say that hope can make you see

They say that faith can find a Savior

If you would follow and believe

With faith like a child

Is this "Christian Music?"

 

http://www.rhapsody.com/player?type=track&id=Tra.3320125&remote=false&page=&pageregion=&guid=&from=&hasrhapx=false&__pcode=cmt

"John the Revelator" is a traditional Gospel/blues call and response song. In the chorus, John of Patmos, the traditional author of the Book of Revelation, is writing "the book of the seven seals." In Christian tradition, John of Patmos is generally considered the same person as John the Apostle and John the Evangelist. So in answer to your question, Yes it is "Christian Music". The song was originally recorded in 1930 by Blind Willie Johnson and is included in the Anthology of American Folk Music.

"John the Revelator" is a traditional Gospel/blues call and response song. In the chorus, John of Patmos, the traditional author of the Book of Revelation, is writing "the book of the seven seals." In Christian tradition, John of Patmos is generally considered the same person as John the Apostle and John the Evangelist. So in answer to your question, Yes it is "Christian Music". The song was originally recorded in 1930 by Blind Willie Johnson and is included in the Anthology of American Folk Music.

 

Thanks. I was curious if the singer of a song affected one's view of its level of "Christianity."

 

I thoroughly enjoy that song. Thanks for the history of it.

My opinion on the genre was formed well before I ever saw the South Park episode I mentioned. And while the lyrics may point one toward Christ, the awful music that surrounds it does just as good a job of driving folks away.

 

I agree...I can tell it's a Christian Labeled song as soon as I hear the Vocals...I go the other way...

 

Now I have heard some Christian Labeled Metal bands that are very heavy...I have to read the lyrics to know what they are saying...If I had to take a pick from Christian Rock or Christian Metal...The Metal would win hands down...