Why does Christian Contemporary seem to be the only accepted genre amongst believers?

guitarmonster · May 13, 2012

Even on this site, I noticed there is "Christian Contemporary" listed as a genre, then the other genres are listed, as if they are outcasts?

I feel that the church is portraying the wrong message. What about all the Christian metal, rock, pop, hip hop, rap, R&B, polka, you name it, it's out there?

Do people really believe that contemporary can be the only accepted form of Christian music, simply because it's not loud, no screaming guitars or anything?

I'm just trying to figure out why unbelievers feel like they have to give up their taste in music because they became a Christian. I'm trying to figure out why other bands that are on a mission to glorify Him through their music end up getting labeled as secular.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Willing Spirit · May 13, 2012

Different people use the term "Christian Contemporary" (CCM) differently. Historically "CCM" encompasses all Christian rock, metal, pop, rap, etc, but increasingly people began to get the mistaken notion that "CCM" only means the softer safe stuff. This site clearly uses the wider historically correct definition. Back in the early 80's, hard rock bands like Rez Band were easily identified with the CCM label, but now there is a tendency among some to only see softer artists like Amy Grant in the label. Perhaps CCM magazine and soft Christian radio changed the way some people define the genre.

At any rate, I don't think there are to many people here that think only soft contemporary is acceptable to God. In fact the secular music board on this site, is one of the more active music sections (with many favorable discussions on rock music).

Myself I like some artists that are very different from each other, from 77's, Saviour Machine, Kraftwerk, Blind Willie Johnson, Arvo Part, etc. The list would be pretty long, if I listed it all.

There are certain genres I do have a problem with (eg. black metal), but God certainly isn't limited to soft music.

Trogool · May 13, 2012

guitarmonster said:
Even on this site, I noticed there is "Christian Contemporary" listed as a genre, then the other genres are listed, as if they are outcasts?

I feel that the church is portraying the wrong message. What about all the Christian metal, rock, pop, hip hop, rap, R&B, polka, you name it, it's out there?

Do people really believe that contemporary can be the only accepted form of Christian music, simply because it's not loud, no screaming guitars or anything?

I'm just trying to figure out why unbelievers feel like they have to give up their taste in music because they became a Christian. I'm trying to figure out why other bands that are on a mission to glorify Him through their music end up getting labeled as secular.

Anyone have any thoughts?

It isn't. But CCM is the one that gets million dollar advertising campaigns and stuff. Churches that use one of various chant traditions and/or traditional hymns in their worship don't usually do rock concerts.

guitarmonster · May 13, 2012

Saviour Machine is awesome. I really wish I had a chance to see one of their shows, I heard their very theateresque. Most likely people on here definitely are cool with all kinds of Christian music, since you probably dont see too many of the real old fashioned believers on here. I feel bad that there are so many resources like these various kinds of music that could be better used, but your traditional "local yokel church" doesn't want any part of it. I just started to attend online church services at lifechurch.tv and I was amazed at how youth friendly the site was, and their worship music was really good, kind of rock but not heavy, I guess I would kind of compare them to the band Train. When I used to set people up with these different kinds of music, sometimes the pastor would get flack from people about it. When looking into it further he had the associate pastor listen to some of it and read the lyrics. The associate pastor agreed that he personally really liked some of it, and some of it he didn't like at all. When he read thy lyrics he was right on board and they didn't back down. There are many others that unfortunately didn't have anyone like that to stand behind them.

I say, if you love Christ then take up your instrument and make as much noise for him that you can.

Willing Spirit · May 13, 2012

guitarmonster said:
Saviour Machine is awesome. I really wish I had a chance to see one of their shows

Me too!

PBWYMikeW · May 19, 2012

con·tem·po·rar·y   [kuhn-tem-puh-rer-ee] Show IPA adjective, noun, plural con·tem·po·rar·ies.
adjective
1.
existing, occurring, or living at the same time; belonging to the same time: Newton's discovery of the calculus was contemporary with that of Leibniz.
2.
of about the same age or date: a Georgian table with a contemporary wig stand.
3.
of the present time; modern: a lecture on the contemporary novel.
noun
4.
a person belonging to the same time or period with another or others.
5.
a person of the same age as another.

I think the third definition can tell you that any form of modern music can be classified as contemporary christian because of course it is modern type music music

FromADaughter · Jul 11, 2012

I am all for all types of Christian Music! In my life it seems like Southern Gospel is the only accepted genre. But it is so not true.

lightninboy · Jul 15, 2012

FromADaughter said:
I am all for all types of Christian Music! In my life it seems like Southern Gospel is the only accepted genre. But it is so not true.

I checked out your music review blog.

If there was a good Southern Gospel station I could hear on the radio, I would convert to Southern Gospel and mostly ignore CCM.

FromADaughter · Jul 17, 2012

lightninboy said:
I checked out your music review blog.

If there was a good Southern Gospel station I could hear on the radio, I would convert to Southern Gospel and mostly ignore CCM.

Thanks for checking it out!

KimberlyAA · Jul 17, 2012

I enjoy music from all genres once the lyrics are meaningful and the song is catchy. My current favourite song is "Dead Flowers" from a Christian band named Demon Hunter.

Exjunkman · Jul 30, 2012

Most people are not musically inclined. They mostly listen to the singing and the melody.
Grooves, guitar tones and beats are not understood, so the "good" music is only descernable by the minority that understands it.

Don't feel bad about it. Just seek out what you like and enjoy it.

Sketcher · Jul 30, 2012

It's the Christian equivalent of pop music, that's why.

talitha · Jul 30, 2012

I think God is sick of music that is merely contemporary. He says to sing a new song, but I believe this scripture is talking about songs that are breathing what he is breathing at the moment. My favorite music is what's coming out of IHOP Kansas City and MorningStar. An example of each:
Misty Edwards - The Harlot (Spontaneous) (Measure of Love) - YouTube
Featured Video of the Week: Spontaneous Worship - YouTube

WannaWitness · Sep 11, 2012

This believer enjoys a wide variety of music; I believe we're serving a God of diversity!

Some people, however, don't think so. Of course, they are right in their convictions, but believe it or not, there are some people who even think Southern Gospel is evil. I know that's hard to believe, but there are such people who exist.

Exjunkman · Sep 11, 2012

Haven't y'all noticed that secular "pop" music is like that too?
Its all very simplistic. Not much depth lyrically or musically.

The most important control on your radio is the "off" button.
Unless you listen to radio preachers. That's mostly what I listen to.

trentlogain2 · Sep 17, 2012

savior machine? i'll be sure to give them a check.

perhaps one reason why specific categories arent listed here on CF particularly is because it would take too much space to name all the genres of styles there are.

DaPhotoGuy · Sep 29, 2012

Probably just appeals the largest fan base.

talitha · Sep 30, 2012

You know, I was thinking.... whatever is "contemporary" speaks to the most people of a time period. For example, madrigal-type music appealed to the masses during the European renaissance, and tavern-style music appealed to people in the days of the Wesleys (hence the flavor of the hymns penned by Charles Wesley). Since the purpose of praise and worship music is to bring God and his people together, so to speak, it would stand to reason that something fairly current best performs that function.

mariahwmfc · Oct 4, 2012

I look at as a positive thing really.... Perhaps the use of the appealing contemporary music but with Christian themes and ideas can help draw more people back to God. I have already heard of more than one who came back to Christ after being affected by the words of a song.

PaxThroughX · Oct 13, 2012

KimberlyAA said:
I enjoy music from all genres once the lyrics are meaningful and the song is catchy. My current favourite song is "Dead Flowers" from a Christian band named Demon Hunter.

Yes! high 5 \m/ my fav by them would have to be through the black, that whole album is still my fav by DH

Why does Christian Contemporary seem to be the only accepted genre amongst believers?

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