What's wrong with Christian music?

[BibleBeliever1611]

Why does most of Christian music sound so horrible? Most of the so called 'Christian music' that you find is some guy singing with effeminate voice. It's the worst music I've ever heard. And those types songs like Hillsong get millions or even hundreds of millions of views on Youtube. In fact some of it is so bad that I believe the devil is behind it.

This is what real Christian music should be like:

Or this:

 

[HTacianas]

Why does most of Christian music sound so horrible? Most of the so called 'Christian music' that you find is some guy singing with effeminate voice. It's the worst music I've ever heard. And those types songs like Hillsong get millions or even hundreds of millions of views on Youtube. In fact some of it is so bad that I believe the devil is behind it.

This is what real Christian music should be like:

Or this:

I prefer old timey gospel music like this:

 

[Neogaia777]

Why does most of Christian music sound so horrible? Most of the so called 'Christian music' that you find is some guy singing with effeminate voice. It's the worst music I've ever heard. And those types songs like Hillsong get millions or even hundreds of millions of views on Youtube. In fact some of it is so bad that I believe the devil is behind it.

This is what real Christian music should be like:

Or this:

My guess is that some people like music that calms and soothes them, while some others maybe like music that tells a story, and maybe some others occasionally like music that energizes or empowers them sometimes, etc, and in and from my view, music is art, and art is subject to interpretation or moods or desires, or is in the "eye of the beholder", or "ears of the listeners", etc, and none of it any more or less right or wrong than the other, etc...

I often choose music in particular based on my mood or desires at the time, and I think you'd be very, very surprised by my extremely broad range in it, etc...

I have all types and kinds of all kinds of some very, very different playlists, etc, and I don't think any of it is any more or less ever right or else wrong at the time ever, or ever at all ever, etc...

Anyway,

God Bless!

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

Maybe it's because I listen to old rock and pop songs but I've never liked modern Christian music. It feels like a pale imitation of what's popular, but instead of singing about something like love they have replaced the main theme to be about God. Plus these songs never seem to be all that catchy when compared to secular music.

I get the feeling that's sort of the problem. These Christian artists for all their talents are catering to a niche audience of Christians who will absorb the content like water. I know I'm not the target demographic and I'm sure these musical creations give solace to millions, so I wouldn't say "they are of the devil."

Rather I would prefer Christian artists contribute their material in the secular realm. This will involve becoming more gritty and dealing with themes and ideas which aren't explicitly Christian, but in the end it would have a significant more effect on the world. God knows the popular culture has been surrendered almost completely.

 

[Sabertooth]

What's wrong with Christian music?

You aren't the first to ask that question...

Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music? Larry Norman (1972)

 

[BibleBeliever1611]

I know I'm not the target demographic and I'm sure these musical creations give solace to millions, so I wouldn't say "they are of the devil."

Well, the Bible says that the devil deceives the whole world. It's no surprise if millions of people get solace from the devil.

 

[Eftsoon]

Why does most of Christian music sound so horrible? Most of the so called 'Christian music' that you find is some guy singing with effeminate voice. It's the worst music I've ever heard. And those types songs like Hillsong get millions or even hundreds of millions of views on Youtube. In fact some of it is so bad that I believe the devil is behind it.

This is what real Christian music should be like:

Or this:

I know what you mean, but you're focusing on the poor examples. There's plenty of exceptional Christian music out there. Plenty.

 

[public hermit]

Why does most of Christian music sound so horrible?

Deleted example of public hermit displaying bad taste and judgment.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think 1970s-1990s CCM was great.

 

[com7fy8]

Gentle and humble and kind might be taken by some to be effeminate.

God knows if a male singer is trying to sound female.

What matters first, I would say, is if God's grace is being ministered.

And if I am singing the truth. If a song claims I love God perfectly, I am not perfect; so this song might not be truthful for me to sing it. There is nothing wrong with the song, of course.

And I am concerned about if the only songs are saying I am so glad God is blessing me and loves me, but I am not singing praise to God for loving and blessing any and all others. This could be self-centered singing. But it is true how Jesus loves me so; so this can be good to sing, knowing Jesus does love each of us personally.

 

[A_Thinker]

Why does most of Christian music sound so horrible? Most of the so called 'Christian music' that you find is some guy singing with effeminate voice. It's the worst music I've ever heard. And those types songs like Hillsong get millions or even hundreds of millions of views on Youtube. In fact some of it is so bad that I believe the devil is behind it.

This is what real Christian music should be like:

Or this:

You really shouldn't compare Christian music with secular music ... as the purposes are different.

Certainly, I didn't sing church hymns for 30 years .... because they were great music ... or were catchy.

I have listened to christian music for the past 30 years. Just like in the secular realm, I have my favorite artists, even my favorites radio stations. For instance, I have found that Air1 Radio features more of the songs that I prefer. Sometimes, in life, you need music you can listen to 24/7 to keep you encouraged in a time of trouble. Countless christians have testified to how christian music helped to get them through a tough time. It's a ministry.

You wouldn't compare church choirs to each other ... or to the secular music industry. Chrisitan music, if it is judged at all, should be judged on whether or not it beneficial to the lives of christians, not whether it is on par with the latest secular top ten ...

 

[Gregory Thompson]

The imitation music is part of thought replacement therapy.

When people are addicted to something, (be it church or some form of music with an anti-god message) even crappy music is good-feeling.

But add some disillusionment to any such context, and you wonder years later why you liked it at all?

But that's the reason why, it served for a transitional period, that's it.

 

[Under One King]

The word that comes to my mind when I hear modern CCM music is hollow. It all seems like the same themes over and over, most with no real weight to them. It all starts to sound the same, even the melody. No doubt, many people really like all this modern music, or artists wouldn't be making it. And while I'm sure many artists do care about reaching people and getting a good message out, I feel like many are kind of in it for the money. They know what the target group wants to hear, and they can make it without much effort and still be popular.

 

[GreekOrthodox]

As a chanter, it isn't that the music is sacred but the that the words are sacred. Not only are the words to be a praise to God, but to teach the people.

This the hymn O Monogenis, or Only Begotten in English. It is a summary of the source of Life, Jesus, as the God-man.

Only begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I have a friend who leads a Christian gospel choral group. He calls CCM "711" music - for seven words repeated 11 times.

 

[Subdood]

I'm an avid fan of the late 60's, 70's and early 80's genres of music, and I love 'real' classical music (not the contemporary noise that are better described as cacaphonies than symphonies). I love everything from John Denver to Johann Bach, Yes to Mozart, ELP to Beethoven, Haydn to Abba.

But I simply cannot listen to most "Christian" music. Some of it actually makes my skin crawl. The early stuff, of 4-5 decades ago was the absolute worst - like a bunch of people just learning how to sing and make music. I will say most has grown out of that phase. "Christian" music sounds like insipid pabulum for non-discerning people who just want to have their ears tickled. Most lyrics are so watered down as to be virtually irrelevant spiritually. Some are even downright heretical.

And the repetition... the same words and phrases over and over and over and over and over and over again and again and again... worse than the Police's "Roxanne."

And the VOLUME!!!

We recently visited a mega church wannabe (literally, that's their stated goal) to witness a friend's baptism. Lights were so dimmed during the service we couldn't read our bibles. Sound volume was so loud we couldn't hear ourselves sing, and the music was non-stop throughout the ENTIRE service, so pervasive it didn't even allow us to pray. Worse (as if not being able to read your bible, sing, or pray in church isn't bad enough), they drown out our friend's confession of faith with yet more music. We didn't even get to hear that.

And the "worship leader" (it's what they call their musicians on stage) was a guitar-toting 20-something with t-shirt, tattoos and a man-bun who actually said it was the worship leaders who led Israel across the Jordan into the promised land, urging us to follow his bombast.

Admittedly, not all Christian music is bad... I do like Steve Green and a couple others... maybe it's just me; maybe I'm just getting too old for this culture...

 

[A_Thinker]

I'm an avid fan of the late 60's, 70's and early 80's genres of music, and I love 'real' classical music (not the contemporary noise that are better described as cacaphonies than symphonies). I love everything from John Denver to Johann Bach, Yes to Mozart, ELP to Beethoven, Haydn to Abba.

But I simply cannot listen to most "Christian" music. Some of it actually makes my skin crawl. The early stuff, of 4-5 decades ago was the absolute worst - like a bunch of people just learning how to sing and make music. I will say most has grown out of that phase. "Christian" music sounds like insipid pabulum for non-discerning people who just want to have their ears tickled. Most lyrics are so watered down as to be virtually irrelevant spiritually. Some are even downright heretical.

And the repetition... the same words and phrases over and over and over and over and over and over again and again and again... worse than the Police's "Roxanne."

And the VOLUME!!!

We recently visited a mega church wannabe (literally, that's their stated goal) to witness a friend's baptism. Lights were so dimmed during the service we couldn't read our bibles. Sound volume was so loud we couldn't hear ourselves sing, and the music was non-stop throughout the ENTIRE service, so pervasive it didn't even allow us to pray. Worse (as if not being able to read your bible, sing, or pray in church isn't bad enough), they drown out our friend's confession of faith with yet more music. We didn't even get to hear that.

And the "worship leader" (it's what they call their musicians on stage) was a guitar-toting 20-something with t-shirt, tattoos and a man-bun who actually said it was the worship leaders who led Israel across the Jordan into the promised land, urging us to follow his bombast.

Admittedly, not all Christian music is bad... I do like Steve Green and a couple others... maybe it's just me; maybe I'm just getting too old for this culture...

I do agree that the church/conference performances I've experienced have been loud, but this has been a problem within my church, as well, even though we generally present a different music type (gospel). Musicians always seem to feel that more (volume) is better.

Music ministry often suffers from the influence of non-christian motivations and trends, like musical expertise, technical expertise, showiness, bombast, etc. The most edifying christian music (of any type) is performed by people who are humble ... and who are dedicated to glorifying God and edifying his people.

I was involved in music ministry for decades, ... and our most distracting issue always ... were participants (rarely singers) who were full of themselves ... for some reason or other ...

Where I find my spiritual needs ministered to 24/7 is on Air1 Radio, ... where, of course, I can control the volume ...

 

[GreekOrthodox]

Even from a "traditional" church, there are hymns that are written specifically for church services while others are used outside of services. Christmas carols are probably the most common that we have adopted from the west.

 

[Bobber]

Why does most of Christian music sound so horrible? Most of the so called 'Christian music' that you find is some guy singing with effeminate voice. It's the worst music I've ever heard. And those types songs like Hillsong get millions or even hundreds of millions of views on Youtube. In fact some of it is so bad that I believe the devil is behind it.

This is what real Christian music should be like:

Or this:

I see so need to totally trash the efforts of what present day musicans do as saying they have a effeminate voice and please don't mention a name let's just say that's what you believe. I do agree with much of what you said though....I can't particularlly get into much of current work being done the lyrics many tmes...just not doing it for me.

I found much of the work of Maratha Music from the 70's so very good, lyrics were mostly scripture itself and they seemed to create what I call heavenly tones.....some might laugh when I say there is such a thing but I think there is.

Different music. Some is exhortation Others are songs that worship or minister to the Lord himself. Good to have both but one does need to know or should know there's a difference.

Exhortation Music : Song's about God. Lyrics are all designed to be encouraging other humans or teaching almost a Bible lesson. eg Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, or songs to encourage saints to cast all their cares on the Lord. All good but they're teaching or testimonials to encourage oneself or others. You need exhortation type music in churches, BUT you also need and this is where I think there's the greatest need is more music with a focus on worshiping God himself. That truly would be called Worship Music.

Worship Music : Imagine sitting in a service and Jesus actually appeared. People singing would switch automatically you wouldn't even have to request it to songs not about God but to him. You would switich it from, "I Enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart" to "I enter YOUR gates Lord with thanksgiving in my heart!" To sing "His Gates" is fine but what are you trying to accomplish. Teaching or exhortation of what you do to encourage others OR are you really wanting to worship God himself.

There's one thing that's telling to me as I've been in many churches. They don't think in REAL terms that God is with them better still IN them. The way their minds really works is believing God is millions of miles away in Heaven but here we are down on the Earth. I say this because they largely don't sing to God which they would do if they believed he was right there with them in the room.....no, they sing about God. I've envisioned Jesus, in my imagination walking to the front and asking why is it you're always singing about me....and not to me. God gives exhortation music but also gives Worship music. I'd encourage people to seek out worship music that sings to God directly.

Instead of always singing, "God is so Good, God is so Good" I switch it to "God You're so Good" or instead of "His lovingkindness is better than life" "Your lovingkindness is better than life" or from "This is the day that the Lord has made" "This is the day that YOU have made Lord" I can give you whole lists of songs I do this with and they're good to sing both ways for different reasons but when I worship I insist it has to be that....worship or singing to him like he's right there in the room. Fact is....he is.

 

[bèlla]

I stopped listening to modern Christian music last year and returned to my roots. When I want to worship or sing a tune that feels anointed and touches my spirit I turn to gospel. Not the new stuff. The songs they played in the seventies and eighties.

I used to wake up on Sunday morning to a song by The Winans. It was the opening tune for the broadcast. There was something powerful in his words. The Question Is poses a question every believer confronts. Will I stay or go?

I’m uncertain how I knew it was important. But it planted a seed that never left. When I was reconciled to the Lord the words returned and I understood the reason. And I knew my response. Yes, I’d stay the course.

It’s unlikely I would have reached this point without Kanye. His foray into the industry was the catalyst. I knew the music. Old songs bellowed by the saints long ago. He reached back to a time when God was central in the lives of His people.

As we listened and sang our spirits were ablaze and we couldn’t stop. We spent hours praising Him and ran into the night and awoke doing the same. Through those experiences He taught me a formula and the power of worship in a Christian’s life. It’s a secret weapon.

We were so high we couldn’t come down. We couldn’t come down. I apply the remedy to this day. When I’m low I know where to go and what to do. And it never fails.

~bella