Is contemporary christian music "conforming to the world"

*Army_Wife* · Jul 13, 2011

frankleespeaking said:
This woman has a line she will not pass, This is the line I was refering to! some people have no line at all and see absolutely nothing wrong with any song or music, and that is where the arguement arises, some believe there is no right or wrong when it comes to music and lyrics, and that a Christian can feed his or her spirit what ever flavor of media that it desires and there will be no affect.........and on a lighter note, everyone knows if you play country music backwards the dog comes home the pickup truck gets fixed and your girlfriend comes back

Thanks and I was afraid I would get eaten alive for saying I listen to country music.

If Not For Grace · Jul 13, 2011

I know many people who would say that christian rock, rap, metal, etc etc would be conforming to the world's standards. I'm troubled by that because I LOVE music. As an example lets say there's a heavy rock band that is made up of christian members. Some of their songs mention God,

I love Rock Music, Country Music & the Blues--

Ever Heard Kid Rock sing "only God knows why" or

Kris Kristofferson sing "Why Me Lord"

How about Elvis "In the Gettho"?

Who gets to decide when a song is "gospel"-That label is marketing-do we apply it to literature? I guess IF King David went to fast on his harp, we'd have called that sinful.

Precious Memories MAY or MAY NOT be construed "gospel".

Another hero of mine Keith Richards says:

"You know there are only seven actual musical notes, but I consider silence to be the eighth."

Buy music based on content not label- Now just how do you label

"Knockin on Heaven's Door"? written/performed by Dylan as well as Guns & Roses
who made it popular again.

dies-l · Jul 13, 2011

frankleespeaking said:
This woman has a line she will not pass, This is the line I was refering to! some people have no line at all and see absolutely nothing wrong with any song or music, and that is where the arguement arises, some believe there is no right or wrong when it comes to music and lyrics, and that a Christian can feed his or her spirit what ever flavor of media that it desires and there will be no affect.........

Is that really what this is about?!?!? I haven't seen anyone here who has even hinted that "there is no right and wrong when it comes to music and lyrics". This is a question of whether godly lyrics set to contemporary music styles is an appropriate combination. You seemed to be saying that it is not. Now you seem to be saying perhaps that it is.

Just4Jesus · Jul 13, 2011

coconut711 said:
I originally posted this in the contemp. christian thread, but I figured Id post it here too. I just want to hear people's opinions and what not. Not really looking for a debate or anything. I'm just bored...and curious

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:2

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'm bored and would like some opinions. With that verse (Rom 12:2) in mind do you think contemporary christian music is ok? I know many people who would say that christian rock, rap, metal, etc etc would be conforming to the world's standards. I'm troubled by that because I LOVE music. As an example lets say there's a heavy rock band that is made up of christian members. Some of their songs mention God, some dont, and some do but in a way that can have different meanings for different people of different faiths and views. Would that be conforming to the world? Where do you draw the line on these things? I would like your opinions and inputs! Thanks

if it looks like the world, smells like it, it is no different

56Bluesman · Jul 13, 2011

I made an earlier post based on my experience as a musician, but all in all I find the majority of arguments against all things contemporary in regards to music and the arts, is that many of us Christians confuse our personal tastes as being exactly what God has in mind for everyone else. 'Woe be upon the brother or sister who likes something I don't!', is what I hear from many Christians. I look at the content and the heart in context behind a song or some other expression of art, instead of condemning entire genres and styles out of hand. As a musician there are certain genres/styles and sub genres of music I'm just not into, and there are artists where it's obvious they have nothing to say to me as a Christian because they celebrate evil or sin in through their work. I pray for such artists as I do any other sinner that they may come to know Christ, and if possible I'll share the gospel with them. If you don't like rock or rap or salsa, jazz, the blues, polka or country, etc, etc, it's okay. Just be careful when judging the hearts of your fellow Christians just because they like some things you don't like. They might be in better standing before our Lord than you think.

frankleespeaking · Jul 13, 2011

*Army_Wife* said:
Thanks and I was afraid I would get eaten alive for saying I listen to country music.

I was mowing the yard the other day with my radio headphones, and listening to the clearest station that came in, happened to be country, I believe it was Trace Adkins "your gonna miss this"......I don't know why but toward the end of the song I got tears rolling down my cheeks, I'm glad nobody saw me ....lol

frankleespeaking · Jul 13, 2011

dies-l said:
Is that really what this is about?!?!? I haven't seen anyone here who has even hinted that "there is no right and wrong when it comes to music and lyrics". This is a question of whether godly lyrics set to contemporary music styles is an appropriate combination. You seemed to be saying that it is not. Now you seem to be saying perhaps that it is.

No I'm just saying everyone has a different limit, for example if you went to a movie and it began showing very explicit sex scenes and swearing with Gods name, how long could this go on before you would get out of your seat and leave, maybe you would of seen it was rated R and would of never entered I don't know, I'm only trying to point out everyone seems to have a limit of how far they will go, even in Christian Rock in church services one might think that it is fine, but bring in the strobe lights and flash pods and some might say their taking it just a bit to far......there will always be those pushing the envelope, even the Lords supper, what if it was changed to beer and pizza?

coconut711 · Jul 13, 2011

Another thing, a lot of people will say it's bad because you're pleasing your flesh at the same time as praising God, and you can't do both so it's just really pleasing your flesh. I dont get this. I think we get it confused sometiems. Yes, there's many things that are bad but would be pleasing to your flesh, but I dont understand how ccm is one of those things? It's like saying you don't wear purple shirts because you like purple shirts so it must be actually pleasing your flesh, which goes against God, so it's a sin... So are we suppose to just listen to hymns and gospel all the time. What's if you actually like the piano music - wouldnt that be pleasing your flesh as well.

btw I also understand that some of ccm is really shallow (lets be honest lol) and just not good (lyrically) at all, but there are good songs of the ccm genre that glorify God and still has guitar riffs and drums...

dies-l · Jul 13, 2011

frankleespeaking said:
No I'm just saying everyone has a different limit, for example if you went to a movie and it began showing very explicit sex scenes and swearing with Gods name, how long could this go on before you would get out of your seat and leave, maybe you would of seen it was rated R and would of never entered I don't know, I'm only trying to point out everyone seems to have a limit of how far they will go, even in Christian Rock in church services one might think that it is fine, but bring in the strobe lights and flash pods and some might say their taking it just a bit to far......there will always be those pushing the envelope, even the Lords supper, what if it was changed to beer and pizza?

But, there is a different between saying "this is what I am comfortable with" and "anything beyond this is morally wrong". I don't like certain types of music; that is a personal preference, not a moral statement. However, I also don't want to commit adultery; that is a moral standard, not a mere personal preference. As far as I am concerned, there is no music that is morally questionable, but lyrics may be. Any style of music can be used to glorify God or to to indulge one's self.

frankleespeaking · Jul 13, 2011

If Not For Grace said:
I love Rock Music, Country Music & the Blues--

Ever Heard Kid Rock sing "only God knows why" or

Kris Kristofferson sing "Why Me Lord"

How about Elvis "In the Gettho"?

Who gets to decide when a song is "gospel"-That label is marketing-do we apply it to literature? I guess IF King David went to fast on his harp, we'd have called that sinful.

Precious Memories MAY or MAY NOT be construed "gospel".

Another hero of mine Keith Richards says:

"You know there are only seven actual musical notes, but I consider silence to be the eighth."

Buy music based on content not label- Now just how do you label

"Knockin on Heaven's Door"? written/performed by Dylan as well as Guns & Roses
who made it popular again.

you probably think its OK for kids to have Harry Potter be their hero too!

dies-l · Jul 13, 2011

Me Myself And You said:
if it looks like the world, smells like it, it is no different

Just make sure you are using a biblical definition of the "the world" in the sense that you are talking about.

*Army_Wife* · Jul 13, 2011

I don't think of God as a condeming, wrath of hell, lightening striking God. Although he is capable of all those things, I see him more as my father. A compassionate wise father at that. I think he understands that there is more to many things including music than can be defined in black and white. Has anyone every heard Miranda Lambert's "Heart Like Mine". This makes me think of how I view Jesus. I think the Father just may enjoy a country tune or two. Here are those lyrics for those of you who have not heard the song. I'm sure some of you will cringe...so sorry!

"Heart Like Mine"
I ain’t the kind you take home to mama
I ain’t the kind to wear no ring
Somehow I always get stronger
When I’m on my second drink

Even though I hate to admit it
Sometimes I smoke cigarettes
Christian folks say I should quit it
I just smile and say “God bless”

‘Cause I heard Jesus, He drank wine
And I bet we’d get along just fine
He could calm a storm and heal the blind
And I bet He’d understand a heart like mine

Daddy cried when he saw my tattoo
Said he’d love me anyway
My brother got the brains of the family
So I thought I’d learn to sing

‘Cause I heard Jesus, He drank wine
And I bet we’d get along just fine
He could calm a storm and heal the blind
And I bet He’d understand a heart like mine

I’ll fly away
From it all one day
I’ll fly away

These are the days that I will remember
When my name’s called on the roll
He’ll meet me with two long-stemmed glasses
Make a toast to me coming home

‘Cause I heard Jesus, He drank wine
And I bet we’d get along just fine
He could calm a storm and heal the blind
And I bet He’d understand a heart like mine

Oh, yes He would

OzSpen · Jul 13, 2011

JCFantasy23 said:
Music will always evolve, it's an art form. Even the older hymns were new once! I don't see how it could be considered bad to get new music to worship by in, how would this be a bad thing??

JCFantasy,

I find it to be "a bad thing" when:

the contemporary music lyrics are not God-focussed for worship, and
when the tune is unsingable for an average person like myself.

Sincerely, Oz

faceofbear · Jul 13, 2011

I love unsingable tunes.

dies-l · Jul 13, 2011

OzSpen said:
JCFantasy,

I find it to be "a bad thing" when:

the contemporary music lyrics are not God-focussed for worship, and

when the tune is unsingable for an average person like myself.

Sincerely, Oz

Most CWM (as distinguished from CCM) is very God-Focused for worship and very singable for an average person (probably more so than most "classic hymns".)

Standing_Ultraviolet · Jul 14, 2011

faceofbear said:
I love unsingable tunes.

I love unsingable music, too. Just not something that I want to try to sing along with in a worship service

OzSpen · Jul 15, 2011

faceofbear said:
I love unsingable tunes.

They are in droves in contemporary Christian services that I have visited in my country.

Oz

OzSpen · Jul 15, 2011

dies-l said:
Most CWM (as distinguished from CCM) is very God-Focused for worship and very singable for an average person (probably more so than most "classic hymns".)

You aint been to the churches I visit in my country.

Oz

cheyenne630 · Sep 16, 2011

This thread caught my attention. I am a Christian Recording artist, and let me please say, God uses ALL for His good and glory! As Christian's, we don't have to listen to praise and worship music all the time. Now let me explain before I have a heap of posters coming after that. The idea of CCM is that it is positive music, from a Godly heart. Does the bible not talk about pain? Do we not get strength from what Job writes? Do we not rejoice with David? We are beings that feel, and music heals. Not all CCM needs to say the word "God" or christianese words in order for it to be Godly. As a spirit filled born again Christian, listening to a Christian artist, I already assume Jesus in the song.

There are many many people, even Christians, who do not listen to CCM. So how do you reach a mass amount of hurting people? Go to them, and lead them to the savior with love. God led me in my music, and directed the path I have taken. I lean more on the secular sounding side, though let me tell you, the Holy Spirit is all over those songs! I find it amazing that a spirit filled Christian song can be heard playing in a dance club, a bar, a restaurant...it is then that we bring the Holy Spirit to them. The light out shines the darkness!!

I purposely do not add a lot of Christian sounding words in my songs for the purpose of witnessing. For many, they have been hurt by the church, and have such anger against God. God uses me to open the door to a heart that is closed off. I write very Biblical based phrases, so when people sing my words, they are singing the word of God.

We need to stop trying to fit God into a box that we create. He is God...we are man. he is to be honored as the King of Kings. Jesus came for ALL men!

Westbrook · Sep 17, 2011

Much of CCM is unintelligible to me. I see a lot of folks here talking about the lyrics, but I cannot understand them. All I can hear is what sounds like Rock or Hip Hop or some other beat music. I can probably only understand one in three of the words.

Having said that, I am a musician myself. Before I gave my life to Christ, I played in rock and jazz bands. I was even in a "funk" band once, where I was the only white guy. "Play that funky music, White boy!" LOL!!

I have heard some beat music that does honor God, greatly. Unfortunately, most of you would not understand it since it is from Brazil and sung in Portuguese. While I can converse in Portuguese, I am not as fluent as I am with English. Yet, I can understand the Portuguese words of Brazilian rock/samba/jazz CCM far better than most North American CCM. And the Brazilian lyrics I've heard is actually more God honoring!

For example, "Eu Quero Ser Santo" (I Want to Be Holy), "Eu Tenho um Chamado" (I have a Calling), "Amor Fiel" (Faithful Love), "Bendito o Homem" (Blessed is the Man - Jer 17:16-18), "Ao Cheiro das Águas" (By the Scent of the Waters - Job 14:7-9) and so many, many more.

It was the Brazilian saints here in the States that got me to appreciate beat music again, which I refused to listen to for almost 20 years. I even have an electric guitar again! LOL!

I do like some of the stuff from Casting Crowns ("Who Am I?"), and some other stuff, but, unfortunately, very little of North American CCM is either intelligible or pleasant to the ear, by my tastes.

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