September 02, 2003
I Hate Contemporary Christian Music
Yep. "Christian." That's the first word I think of when I see her.
A weekend trip to Charleston confirmed my suspicions. After driving several hundred miles to and from my dream town, I heard more than my fair share of "Contemporary Christian Music" on the radio. Usually, I would just change the channel. But this time, I decided to listen close, and give it a chance. I didn't think it would work, though. I mean, this music is played at my workplace incessantly, and I can't stand it there. What made me think that being stuck behind the wheel would make me more receptive to the yelping of Rebecca St. James?
Why does it seem that this flaccid, monotonous "Contemporary Christian Music" is the prevailing norm for God-praising these days?
Not only is this music just plain dull, it is a prime example of the over-commercialization of God. In this "art form," more than any other I've seen, these "artists" are imitating the world in an attempt to win souls. Never a good proposition.
One blaring example of this was a sign I saw at the Christian bookstore advertising Christian music.
It read:
"If you like Nirvana, you'll love (insert Christian knock-off band here)...."
"If you like R.E.M., you'll love (insert Christian knock-off band here)...."
I can't remember the names of the Christian alternatives, but I'll never forget the sign. It stunk of all the things I despise about modern Christianity and its evil marketing cog.
This type of music has also infected tens of thousands of worship services, where bad, acoustic renditions of this already bad music are used to lead praise and worship sessions.
While filming a promotional video for a Christian summer camp, I noticed that the kids were VERY excited about the worship sessions, saying the proverbial: "It brought me closer to God," or "You could just sense God's love in the room," or "It really put me in touch with God." I noticed, that in filming three praise and worship sessions, the name "Jesus" did not appear in a single lyric.
The camp was also designed to teach kids (high school/college-age) "to defend what they believe," yet when I asked them about what they believed, and what they'd learned at the camp, their answers had more holes than a sponge. They could sure tell me about the emotional experience of the praise and worship sessions, though. Emotions are fleeting. A saving knowledge of Jesus Christ will last, and you don't need a funky house groove to be saved.
I know this is a minor issue, but it's also one that could be debated ad nauseum.
I just can't listen to this music. Contrary to what you read or hear, it's purpose is to make money, and I'd rather listen to music that wasn't trying to trick me into thinking otherwise.
Right on! I despise CCM.
Posted by: ron at September 2, 2003 12:32 PMSome is boring & dull; some is fairly innovative. I figure it's better for kids to listen to CCM than whatever else may be out there, as long as musical integrity isn't important to them.
I believe that ALL THINGS were created by God to be used by people to furhter His kingdom. That includes rock & roll. CCM is man finally doing what they're supposed to be doing with rock & roll. Or something like rock & roll.
Personally, I couldn't take the local CCM scene (J103) any more. The WAY out of Nashville (104.7) is somewhat better.
I often explain to my wife that if more CCM matched the type of music I like, I'd listen to it. But so very little of it does.
Posted by: podge at September 2, 2003 02:52 PMI could not agree more with the earlier comments to CCM. It is nothing but watered down mush completely devoid of meaning!
Posted by: Hillary at November 25, 2003 11:00 PMchristian music is the best. shut up.
Posted by: cheryl at March 3, 2004 09:24 PMchristian music is the best. shut up.
Posted by: cheryl at March 3, 2004 09:24 PMchristian music is the best. shut up.
Posted by: cheryl at March 3, 2004 09:24 PMchristian music is the best. shut up.
Posted by: cheryl at March 3, 2004 09:25 PMWow cheryl, that's the usual empty, mindless defense we all expect when something supposedly "Christian" is placed into question. And then you repeated it too. Shows skill...?
CCM is not all bad, but most of it pretty much goes with the Rick Warren-esque seeker sensitive strategy. Positive messages, no offense, no controversy. No conviction, no challenge. Heck, let's just leave Jesus' name out of it and replace it with "You" so that everyone can think about who "You" is however they want to.
Not good.
Jesus cannot be marketed or bought. We cannot compromise, water down, dumb-down, or sanitize the gospel so that unbelievers don't get offended or so that our music can get played on secular radio stations. When we do that, we lose to the world.
I don't know about that, blur. I've heard a lot of CCM and while I don't like ALL of it, I wouldn't say the CCM artists try to go out of their way to not offend unbelievers.
True, not every song offers the gospel message in its purest form -- but neither do all of the hymns from the 1975 Baptist Hymnal.
Many CCM songs do, in fact, invoke the name of Christ. I know of at least one artist who specifically emphasises Jesus Christ in every one of his songs just to make sure his music stays connected to the source.
God invented everything to be used my man to glorify Him. That includes Rock and Roll. When any of God's creations is used in a non-glorifying manner, it is because of man's sinful nature.
CCM is a better alternative than Kid Rock, Nelly, and all the other stuff. If my son is going to listen to speed metal, at least let it be Christian speed metal. Then again, if the method overshadows the message...
Posted by: podge at March 3, 2004 10:38 PMDon't get me wrong, podge. I commend the efforts, but we have to be extremely careful handling what God has given us. I agree that it is a better alternative, but like you said, if the method overshadows the message, then isn't it defeating the purpose?
I like Todd Agnew and Jeremy Camp, Big Daddy Weave and MercyMe, to name a few. I just have to listen closely and discern the message.
Hey, I grew up on those hymns!!! :)
Posted by: blur at March 4, 2004 06:34 AMHelp me out here. Is anyone doing contemporary arrangements of music that has theological depth? Have there been no new hymns in the past 20 years, and could they not be arranged with tempos to inspire movement or at least toe-tapping?
I ask because I am pastor of church mired in tradition, and I wish to help my congregation move toward a more inclusive style of worship.
Thanks.
Posted by: Paul B. at May 27, 2004 02:04 AMi also work in an office where my officemate plays the same 4 christain songs over and over all day every day and feels he has to sing along. i hate this music. its all about making money, if not then michael w. smith wouldn't charge $50 to see his b.s. concert.
Posted by: DAVE at November 12, 2004 03:00 PMPodge:
God invented rock & roll? What? You can't be serious. Since when is everything man invented sanctioned by God. There is photography and there is pornography. Same medium, different uses.
Paul B: Maybe what's coming from the pulpit is the problem. Pastors love to use music as the scapegoat for dry, boring services. I think they must have this burned into their brains in seminary. I don't know. Check your material and delivery. Look in the mirror first.
Posted by: Ted at July 17, 2005 01:45 AM