Posted on 08/04/2014 8:38:22 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Admitting the problem is the first step towards recovery. So let's admit it: if we swop the lyrics of a Taylor Swift ballad with some of today's contemporary Christian worship songs, no one would know the difference.
Others have noted the "Jesus-is-your-boyfriend" style worship songs clogging the airwaves of contemporary Christian radio and Sunday morning worship sets lack depth and reverence to the Almighty. They're right. But there's an even bigger problem when contemporary Christian songs downplay, even scold Christian's public witness for the sake of couch-potato Christianity.
Last week a fellow pro-life, pro-family activist turned on his local "family-friendly" contemporary Christian radio station while driving his kids to camp. As his kids were belting the words to a new hit, my friend was shocked by the lyrics.
The song was Family Force 5's "Let It Be Love," number #14 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs list. Of course this means it is one of 20 songs that local contemporary Christian radio programs play over and over ad nauseam. The song's lyrics go:
I've never seen a soul set free Through an argument I've never seen a hurt get healed In a protest… It's not about the stand we take But the grace we give
For my friend, the first line "I've never seen a soul set free through an argument" couldn't be further from reality with the conservative Christian movement. In addition remembering that the Apostle Peter urged Believers, "[A]lways being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)
My friend witnessed a life changed from a same-sex lifestyle to a redeemed follower of Christ thanks to a bold, counter-cultural argument presented at a Parents and Family of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) event. A young gay man made the decision to offer over his life to Christ after listening to Robert Knight, Senior Fellow for the American Civil Rights Union, described God's love for humanity and purpose for sexuality and marriage.
Most devastating is the lyric's second line, which reads, "I've never seen a hurt get healed in a protest." I'm not sure what kind of protests these band members have attended, but they must not have been pro-life oriented.
A beautiful example of lives transformed at a protest is told by Wendy Wright, former President of Concerned Women for America and Vice President for Government Relations and Communications. Wendy spent many days peacefully protesting outside of abortion clinics. She and her fellow protestors not only offered hurt women prayer and side-walk counseling, but worked to save the lives of their unborn babies.
Wendy was blessed to come face to face with a young woman whose mother protected her from abortion because of Wendy's abortion protest. "After speaking to Generation Joshua home school students, telling stories of rescuing babies from abortion," explained Wendy. "A young woman asked, "Have you ever met one of those babies that you rescued?"
Shaking her head no, Wendy explained that while she hadn't she would love the opportunity. "I was rescued from abortion and adopted because of you," the young woman told Wendy.
Lives are changed, in part, through vessels willing to "contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people" (Jude 3) Sadly you wouldn't know that based on the premise of this "Christian worship" song.
To be fair, Family Force 5 is correct that grace is a necessary component to lead others to salvation in Christ. But it alone it is not enough. Grace without substance is pity and nothing more. Behind our compassion must be a willingness to share the totality of Christ's character and His command to turn from sin.
Contemporary Christian music has a tremendous ministry opportunity that expands beyond the borders of the local church. Christians cannot present half-truths for the sake easy listening and broader audiences. As followers of Christ, we can do better. Or at least turn off the radio.
-- Chelsen Vicari serves as the Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. She earned her Masters of Arts in Government from Regent University and frequently contributes to conservative outlets
We have a contemporary band at our church with some good singers but after years of listening to it I just can’t get into it. Sometimes I drive to church late just so I can miss the opening songs.
Okay, I see - you place your Catholicism above your faith. Your choice. Your burden. Not mine.
Matt Redman is anointed.
I personally think that artists like Keith and Kristyn Getty, Northern Irish composer and singer, best known for pioneering “modern hymns”, are bringing back the beauty of old hymns to modern Christians.
“In Christ Alone”, now being sang in many worship services worldwide is but one example.
Their hymns cover many biblical and liturgical themes, including the Incarnation (”Joy Has Dawned”), the Crucifixion (”The Power of the Cross”) the Resurrection (”See, What a Morning”), the Holy Spirit (”Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God”), Communion (”Behold the Lamb”), Benediction (”May the Peace of God”), and Missions (”Hear the Call of the Kingdom”).
You can hear these songs on YOUTUBE.
In general traditional hymns are more doctrine based whereas contemporary Christian is more geared to witnessing Jesus’ effect on the individual singing and telling others what joy and happiness can be received if you believe in His Salvation.
Each type of music is an extremely sharp tool and is effective.
**Amazing Grace was written the 1770s and was tied to the current melody in 1853.**
Written by a Calvinist about himself.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3188799/posts?page=60#60
But the word SIN is very common in many churches that have contemporary music…MUCH MORE SO than old line churches.
IMHO, CCM is just as vacuous as the mainstream musc industry. The best Christian recording artists won’t be found on the CCM charts. Just my opinion.
Are YOU saved ?
RE: Written by a Protestant for Protestants. It is not a Catholic song.
Interesting. I saw the song in the Catholic hymn book in the pews at St. Patrick’s Church in NYC.
The song has been there for decades. I wonder why the Cardinals and bishops did not object to it...
Bloodless, coexistent, non-evangelistic Christian clubbers.
IMHO, CCM is just as vacuous as the mainstream musc industry. The best Christian recording artists won’t be found on the CCM charts. Just my opinion.
much organized religion can only exist with the need for various professional vicars - don’t you know…...
Sorry for the duplicate post.
There’s some good contemporary Christian music...no doubt. My problem are the praise bands that are now infecting many churches with guitars, bass and drums that are obnoxiously loud, with praise team members dressed like their going to a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert rather than reverently serving God. Sorry, but I find many praise bands/teams a distraction from my worship of God. Sadly, many of these over the top bands can be found in Seeker-Friendly Congregations. If you don’t know what Seeker-Friendly is...look it up. We just left a Seeker-Friendly Church. These types of congregations are doing NO favors to the lost. They offer a watered down Gospel and a non-offensive message, both in word and song.
Jim Baker really went off the rails when his PTL Club changed the meaning of PTL. (now I’m not so sure he was ever firmly on the rails to start with). Originally ‘PTL’ meant “praise the Lord”. The they changed it to “people that love”. When they did that, they got their focus off of the Lord and on to themselves and slid the rest of the way down hill fast.
I thought they changed it to Pass The Loot……oh, wait….that was only for internal consumption…..
Means nothing to me. Paul talked about his shortcomings and salvation. Why would that be wrong for someone writing a hymn?
His Meditation #3 Shema is so beautiful!
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Agreed!
I love how he uses Hebrew lyrics in parts of some of his songs. I know Michael isn’t for everyone, but for me, I love the guys music!
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