Music for the Christian!

Posted By: Darlin

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 04:14 PM

My recent faves have been: Kutless, Jonah33, Benjamin Gate, Todd Agnew, Third Day.

Posted By: Bengals Fan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 04:40 PM

Quote:

My recent faves have been: Kutless, Jonah33, Benjamin Gate, Todd Agnew, Third Day.

I love the first song on Todd Agnew's album! Having been in the depths of depression after being abducted and robbed at gunpoint and feeling totally lost until turning to God, that song sings just to me every time I hear it.

What's the Kutless album like?

Posted By: Queen Mum

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 05:23 PM

I really like Natalie Grant. She will be touring with Women of Faith this fall.

Posted By: Busy Bee, CRCM

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 06:11 PM

Oooh! I like Kutless also. They sing the song on Christian radio called "Sea of Faces". It's a good one!

Posted By: RVFlyboy

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 06:27 PM

Quote:

Anyone out there listen to A Capella? Those guys are awesome! Their style ranges from a pop/rock sound, to traditional hymns, to southern gospel - all with no instruments except their voices.

I really enjoy A Cappella, Lestie. I have a couple of their albums. Good stuff - you'd swear there were instruments sometimes.

Posted By: Bengals Fan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 06:33 PM

Ok... has anyone noticed that there are TOO MANY GOOD CHOICES NOW?

LOL I didn't expect this much response

Posted By: chocolate

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 06:34 PM

I love to hear my kids (four ranging from 4-16) singing along to Christian songs in the back seat of the minivan!

Oh, and my 13 year old daughter requested that we stencil the "whatever" Bible verse across the top of her bedroom...bright orange background with white letters. It looks great!

Posted By: zaibatsu

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 06:35 PM

Has anyone heard the late Mark Heard. I have never heard him and wondering if anyone had an opinion or a description of his style.

Posted By: Darlin

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 06:55 PM

What's the Kutless album like?

It's a great introductory album for non-christian friends. For fans of alternative rock, something like incubus or 12 stones.

Posted By: JacF

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 07:17 PM

Quote:

Has anyone heard the late Mark Heard. I have never heard him and wondering if anyone had an opinion or a description of his style.

I knwo the name, but I can't recall any of his music.

Posted By: tiner

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 07:20 PM

I like Casting Crown's newest song "who am I?".

Posted By: David Dickinson

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 07:21 PM

I listen to Christian radio all day, every day. I primarily listen to Contemporary Christian music like 3rd Day, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, etc.

I don't know if you can beat the Michael W. Smith combo of "Worship" and "Worship Again". If you don't have these 2 CD's, purchase them, find some time alone and you'll find yourself worshiping through song. For Mother's Day 2 years ago, I bought my wife a battery operated CD player with headphones. I gave her the "Worship" CD, drew a hot bath and took the kids away all day. She thanked me over and over.

Posted By: deppfan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 07:24 PM

Z, go to this link and scroll down to the clips of Mark Heard music. They sounded good to me, really upbeat stuff!

http://community.middlebury.edu/~dickerso/faq/

Posted By: DawgFan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 08:42 PM

Quote:

I don't know if you can beat the Michael W. Smith combo of "Worship" and "Worship Again".

I can't say, since I haven't heard them, but "Offerings 2" by Third Day is also a great worship album. So is the first "Offerings" album, from what I understand.

Posted By: Creditcop

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 08:52 PM

I would have to say that the first Offering CD is better than #2

Posted By: CBS

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 09:09 PM

I'm in total agreement with you on Southern Gospel. Kingdom Heirs, Gold City,and Calvary Construction Company are my picks.

Posted By: Jay Bruce

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 09:22 PM

I really like Caedmon's Call, especially their latest CD -- "Back Home". Any other fans of Caedmon's Call out there?

Posted By: homestar

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/02/04 10:30 PM

I'm getting in a little late here, but I'd say: Switchfoot's "The Beautiful Letdown." Provided, of course, you want to call Switchfoot "Christian" music.

That's not a slam against Switchfoot, I'm just not sure what "Christian" music is. Some Christians would say that Switchfoot is definitely Christian music and others would say it is definitely not Christian music.

I'm saying, I'm not sure what "Christian music" means or if it really matters all that much.

Posted By: DawgFan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/05/04 04:06 AM

I like the Switchfoot album. Lots of people are going nuts over the new Third Day album as well.

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/05/04 08:19 PM

"Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk" by Ja Rule is very stimulating spiritually.

Posted By: homestar

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/05/04 09:09 PM

If you were a young Christian in the '70s (like me), you might be interested in the following web site.

A Decade of Jesus Music 1969-79

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/06/04 03:44 PM

I totally agree on Third Day

Posted By: tiner

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/06/04 06:02 PM

Quote:

I'm just not sure what "Christian" music is.

In my opinion, music is music. It's the lyrics that makes the difference.

Posted By: DawgFan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/06/04 07:07 PM

Quote:

I totally agree on Third Day

Anon, do you have a problem with Third Day's new album? Just interested in your opinion. Critics and fans alike seem to be divided.

Posted By: David Dickinson

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/06/04 11:13 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I'm just not sure what "Christian" music is.

In my opinion, music is music. It's the lyrics that makes the difference.

I agree. I believe that God loves ALL types of music. That's why He invented them. Heaven is going to be full of different types of music - ALL praising God!

Posted By: homestar

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/07/04 09:58 PM

Quote:

I believe that God loves ALL types of music. That's why He invented them. Heaven is going to be full of different types of music - ALL praising God!

Good observation, David. I pretty much agree. I was told in my secular music history and theory classes that J.S. Bach, probably the most famous and accomplished church musician of all time, was known to dedicate exercise books for his students "In Nomine Jesu" or "In the name of Jesus."

I would even go so far as to say that there are many secular songs that are also sacred. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think context also plays a part in classifying music as "Christian."

However, I would suggest Christians make a conscious effort to avoid the legalism of labels. Don't avoid something just because it doesn't have the Christian establishment's seal of approval. Be smart and if you are mature, think for yourself. If you need advice, then get it, but remember, ultimately you are responsible for your own walk. Be wise as serpents, and gentle as lambs -- make that "Roaring Lambs."

OK. Enough preaching. Sorry.

Posted By: Nanwa

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 05:44 PM

I like listening to Christian music for the great, positive lyrics as well as the great instrumentals. The pop stuff they are playing now is really lame. Lots of whiny, nasally kids or so much sex talk that it becomes vulgar, not sexy.

Hey, Lifest in Oshkosh starts tonight. Big outdoor Christian music festival. It goes on for a couple of days. Hope the rain holds off.

Posted By: Chi

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 06:05 PM

I'm no longer Christian, but I enjoy some of the "crossover" bands that hit the airwaves from time to time. I was into Jars of Clay and Sixpence None The Richer for a while. One of my favorites was a somewhat known band called Burlap to Cashmere. I worked at a club for a number of years doing sound and they came numerous times. Great group of guys and very talented. Worth checking out if you have KaZaA or another P2P filesharing system. I don't think they have CDs out anymore...

Posted By: David Dickinson

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 07:59 PM

Quote:

I'm no longer Christian,

What do you mean?

Posted By: Creditcop

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 08:34 PM

Ohh, I am glad someone else asked before I did. Why are you "no longer Christian"?

Posted By: Queen Mum

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 09:07 PM

Quote:

I'm no longer Christian

I'm sorry!

Posted By: Bengals Fan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 09:13 PM

Quote:

I'm no longer Christian, but I enjoy some of the "crossover" bands that hit the airwaves from time to time.

I understand you may feel you are no longer Christian, however, if the message of the music still tugs at your soul, in time, God willing, you will find the love of the Lord waiting for you to return.

Posted By: Chi

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 09:18 PM

I was baptized and confirmed Catholic; however, faith in God is something that I simply do not have. That is not to say I do not believe in God. I suppose I believe in some higher power. I just don't believe in a Christian God, for many complicated reasons.

That being said, I express my spirituality a different way, through Aikido, a Japanese martial art.

Posted By: Bengals Fan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 09:41 PM

Quote:

I was baptized and confirmed Catholic; however, faith in God is something that I simply do not have. That is not to say I do not believe in God. I suppose I believe in some higher power. I just don't believe in a Christian God, for many complicated reasons.

That being said, I express my spirituality a different way, through Aikido, a Japanese martial art.

There are plenty of lapsed Catholics who find that other Christian denominations call to them. As long as your heart if open, God will be there for you, no matter how you express yourself.

Posted By: Creditcop

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 09:49 PM

You can tell me to mind my own business if you want to and I will respect that, but I am interested in the complicated reasons you don't believe in the Christian God.

I did a lot of searching and researching in my quest to find Jesus and understand His Grace and Salvation (it always seemed too easy for me, there had to be a catch [but there isn't]). I am always curious why someone comes to a different conclusion.

I recently finished a very good book that details the evidence for God, Jesus, and His redemption plan. It is called: I Don't Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist.

Posted By: homestar

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/08/04 10:55 PM

Quote:

I'm no longer Christian, but I enjoy some of the "crossover" bands that hit the airwaves from time to time. I was into Jars of Clay and Sixpence None The Richer for a while. One of my favorites was a somewhat known band called Burlap to Cashmere. I worked at a club for a number of years doing sound and they came numerous times. Great group of guys and very talented. Worth checking out if you have KaZaA or another P2P filesharing system. I don't think they have CDs out anymore...

Burlap to Cashmere was a great band. I got to see them a few years ago at the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. Some very amazing musicianship was going on that night. I heard the leader of the group, Steven Delopoulos, is out on his own now. I've not heard any of his stuff. You may be able to get some BTC songs on iTunes. Their best album was "Anybody Out There?"

I'm curious, what do you mean by "I'm no longer Christian?"

Posted By: Chi

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/09/04 07:32 PM

Quote:

You can tell me to mind my own business if you want to and I will respect that, but I am interested in the complicated reasons you don't believe in the Christian God.

It is not an issue of “mind your own business”; however, I do not think I can appropriately express myself on this forum. There is a lot that needs to be said (feelings, background, etc.) and I simply do not feel comfortable discussing it on the forum. Religion and politics seem to be very sensitive subjects around here and I have opted to err the way of caution in relation to those two topics.

Moreover, I do not think my spiritual path is an appropriate subject in a public thread (though I am certainly not offended by your queries). That being said, if anyone wants to discuss the issue privately, they are more than welcome to send me a message. I consider myself very friendly, though I can get rather cantankerous on certain days, depending on how many times my end users call me.

Posted By: Chi

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/09/04 07:38 PM

Quote:

Burlap to Cashmere was a great band. I got to see them a few years ago at the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. Some very amazing musicianship was going on that night.

Working with that group was an absolute privilege. I remember helping them out with sound check and each member had three acoustic guitars they brought onstage with them, each with a different sound / flavor.

They had a live album ("Live At The Bitter End") that features live versions of their songs from "Anybody Out There". If you would like them in Mp3 format, I could upload them to my webspace.

I was really hoping they would make it. I was sorry to hear the band pretty much came apart.

Posted By: Nanwa

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/09/04 07:54 PM

You are right Chi, and we respect your choice.

Posted By: BankerBobby

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/09/04 08:11 PM

Christian music - You can't go wrong with the Primitive Quartet.. by far my favorite Gospel group!

Posted By: IUalum

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 02:45 PM

I heard an interview on NPR a few months ago where the interviewee was arguing that churches should only use the old hymns in their services. He was basically saying that contemporary Christian music is flat on spirituality and emotion. I couldn't disagree more! Think of the raw emotion in MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine," or Jars of Clay's "Liquid," or Third Day's "Love Song." Or what about Michael W. Smith's "This Is Your Time" about the Columbine shootings? I'm convinced God is immensely pleased when we "make joyful noise," no matter what it is.

Posted By: Creditcop

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 02:59 PM

I agree, Christian music isn't flat. That person probably has never been to a Christian concert of Michael W. Smith, Mercy Me, Third Day, etc.

I know some "traditional" churches that could use a good dose of the worship that comes out of those concerts, instead of the stain glass social clubs many have become.

Posted By: Bengals Fan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 03:12 PM

Flat on spirituality and emotion? Wow. You left out just about every song by Chris Rice in your list. Go Light your World, Clumsy, and Untitled Hymn, just off Short Term Memories are immensely spiritual and emotional.

NPR must have just listened to one song from someone and made their analysis.

Posted By: waldensouth

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 06:04 PM

They probably listened to some praise choruses which ARE boring - they say the same thing over and over and over and over...... As a call to worship, they are fine but as music for an entire worship service - not deep enough. Give me a hymn any day over that. The church I grew up in turned into one of these mega churches that have the "follow the bouncing ball" screens for ALL songs. Hymns aren't sung much if all at during the service - it's mostly praise choruses. Not a good mix. IMHO a meaningful worship service should contain a variety of musical styles with varying depths and emotions. Have you ever read any of Marva Dawn's books on worship or heard her speak? That is an enlightening experience.

Posted By: DawgFan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 06:46 PM

Quote:

I heard an interview on NPR a few months ago where the interviewee was arguing that churches should only use the old hymns in their services. He was basically saying that contemporary Christian music is flat on spirituality and emotion.

Attention all posters to this thread: It came from NPR, which specializes in bringing you the finest in insomnia-curing classical music. Don't be surprised!

Posted By: Bengals Fan

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 07:09 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I heard an interview on NPR a few months ago where the interviewee was arguing that churches should only use the old hymns in their services. He was basically saying that contemporary Christian music is flat on spirituality and emotion.

Attention all posters to this thread: It came from NPR, which specializes in bringing you the finest in insomnia-curing classical music. Don't be surprised!

Good point Dawg!

Posted By: Compliance Mom

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 09:36 PM

Quote:

IMHO a meaningful worship service should contain a variety of musical styles with varying depths and emotions.

You are exactly right. As worship leader at my church, I usually pray for guidance before each service. HE knows exactly what needs to be sung, sometimes old fashioned hymns or stirring new choruses. I also agree with the previous comment about repetition. It can grow monotonous to the point you're just listening to yourself sing instead of focusing on HIM.....

Posted By: Queen Mum

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/12/04 10:00 PM

We have 2 services every Sunday. One is tagged as a "Contemporary" service and the other a "Traditional" service. The only thing is that the ones picking out the music like all the new comtemporary songs and keep putting them in the second service. Many times, they have to print words in the bulletin since they are not in our hymnal. I personally would like to keep them either contemporary or traditional. Let the congregation decide which service they want to attend. The contemporary uses a praise type band with drums, trumpet, clarinet, etc. The traditional has piano and organ.

I personally like the traditional. But that's the way I was raised. It's keeping the foundation our church was based upon intact and our forefathers of the church had some great things to say and put it to music.

Don't get me wrong. I love contemporary music. Just not a steady dose of it during the service. In my car and at home it's great! But it reminds me more of camp and revivals. And a lot of it any more is not written for congregational singing. They have a worship leader that sings and then everyone joins in on the chorus.

Of course, since I am a musician, I like to see music not just a bunch of words on a screen trying to sing along to a song I have never heard. Give me music and I can sing it.

Posted By: GreatBlue

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/13/04 03:06 AM

Quote:

They probably listened to some praise choruses which ARE boring - they say the same thing over and over and over and over...... As a call to worship, they are fine but as music for an entire worship service - not deep enough. Give me a hymn any day over that.

I grew up with hymns too, and I love them, but more and more I've grown to love the worship songs even better.

My church has a traditional service and 2 contemporary services. They sing pretty much all hymns at the traditional and a mix (though mostly worship songs) at the contemporary.

It could just be my church or our worship leader, but I think modern day worship songs have come a long way since the days of endlessly repeating the same 4 or 5 lines. There's just nothing better to enter into true worship then songs like:
- Agnus Dei
- Breathe
- The Wonderful Cross
- You are My King (Amazing Love)
- King of Glory

Posted By: GreatBlue

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/13/04 03:18 AM

Quote:

Flat on spirituality and emotion? Wow. You left out just about every song by Chris Rice in your list. Go Light your World, Clumsy, and Untitled Hymn, just off Short Term Memories are immensely spiritual and emotional.

I love Chris Rice (although I could live the rest of my life just fine without hearing the cartoon song again!)! I think he has been highly gifted.

In fact, Untitled Hymn is so beautiful, I think it deserves to have the lyrics posted:

Chris Rice - Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)
From the album Run The Earth...Watch the Sky

Weak and wounded sinner,
Lost and left to die,
O, raise your head for Love is passing by

Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus and live

Now your burden's lifted,
And carried far away,
And precious blood has washed away the stain... so

Sing to Jesus ,
Sing to Jesus ,
Sing to Jesus and live

And like a newborn baby,
Don't be afraid to crawl,
And remember when you walk sometimes we fall... so

Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus and live

Sometimes the way is lonely,
And steep and filled with pain,
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain... then

Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus and live

O, and when the love splills over,
And music fills the night,
And when you can't contain you joy inside... then

Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus and live

And with your final heartbeat,
Kiss the world goodbye,
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side... and

Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live

Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live

Posted By: waldensouth

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/13/04 01:02 PM

Quote:

It could just be my church or our worship leader,

Sadly, that is too true. Some of us are truely blessed with capable musicians with a wide range of musical taste who can lead us down paths we didn't even know existed and some have music leaders who know only one thing and get stuck in a rut. God didn't stop inspiring musicians in the 18th Century. The main thing that Marva Dawn points out in her books/talks and that is pointed out in "The Purpose Driven Life" is that worship is not designed for people. Worship is something we do for God - to give Him glory. It has nothing to do with taste or preferences. Every element of worship should fit together with the pastor's message being re-emphasized in the music. We should not limit ourself to 1 type in order to accomplish this.

For you misguided souls who were bashing classical music - be aware that Bach was a church organist who wrote the majority of his music for the honor and glory of God. How can you hear Handel's Messiah without being moved or the original version of Bethoven's Ode to Joy without soaring?

We have done both Classical and Chris Rice pieces in our worship services - in the same one. As long as it fits and supports the message it has a place in the service.

John Calvin thought that the words were more important than the actual music and he thought the only fit words to sing came from the book of Psalms. The original "presbyterian hymnal" was a Psalter written by John Calvin. When "that old-fashioned organ" was first introduced to protestant churches in the US, it caused outrage - had no place in worship. Now it is common. The psalmist tells us to worship God with instrument and voice - we need to get self out and let God in our Worship experiences.

Posted By: Dave M_TCA

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/14/04 06:24 PM

Anything by Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W Smith, Avalon & Point of Grace. I like "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns as well.

Posted By: P*Q

Re: Music for the Christian! - 07/14/04 06:50 PM

Isn't Vertical Horizon christian music? I thought I had heard somewhere that the lyrics of their songs are related to god but they made it main stream. Am I clueless??

Music for the Christian!