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The gospel according to U2 and Bono http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=509842006 STEPHEN MCGINTY * US church uses U2's songs to attract young worshippers * U2 lyrics are being used by Episcopal Churches from California to Maine * The U2 Eucharist was devised by the Rev Paige Blair "I waited patiently for the Lord. He inclined and heard my cry." - Bono, U2 Lyric BONO has declared that he is not a man of the cloth, "unless that cloth is leather". But the words of the charismatic U2 front man are nevertheless ringing out from pulpits across the United States. The Irish rock band's...

Churches in the United States are weaving music from the Irish rock band U2 with their more formal traditional liturgy. Episcopal parishes from California to Maine are holding “U2 Eucharists” in an effort to make their services more attractive to young people interested in rock music and social activism. At the Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, Rhode Island, the Reverend Robert Brooks welcomed worshippers and then added some unusual advice – he warned them to protect their hearing. “If the sound’s an issue, we do have earplugs available,” he said. Ushers handed out complementary ear plugs and fluorescent glow sticks...

Last year's American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, has a record out that has been dominating the country music charts for weeks: "Jesus, Take the Wheel." It tells the story of a young woman's desperate prayer during a car crash, leading to a reflection on her own life. The song ends with a prayer for Jesus to "save me from this road I'm on." Finally knocking off "Jesus, Take the Wheel" as the No. 1 record was Brad Paisley's "When I Get Where I'm Going." Where he is going is heaven, where he yearns to see his loved ones. At the...

AQUINAS "Our church does not use musical instruments, as harps and psalteries, to praise God withal, that she may not seem to Judaize." (Thomas Aquinas, Bingham's Antiquities, Vol. 3, page 137) AUGUSTINE "musical instruments were not used. The pipe, tabret, and harp here associate so intimately with the sensual heathen cults, as well as with the wild revelries and shameless performances of the degenerate theater and circus, it is easy to understand the prejudices against their use in the worship." (Augustine 354 A.D., describing the singing at Alexandria under Athanasius) CHRYSOSTOM "David formerly sang songs, also today we sing hymns....

Lake Pointe is a megachurch with contemporary-style worship. Years back, it dissolved its choir and got rid of its hymnals in favor of Christian "praise" music, played by a rock band,with lyrics flashed on big screens. That style still dominates at Lake Pointe. But in August, sensing demand, the church debuted its "Classic Service," an early Sunday morning alternative service with choir, piano, organ and lots of congregational singing – out of those shiny new hymnals. Call it a counter-reformation, or a rear guard action in the worship wars. But more and more churches that cast their lot with contemporary...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Gospel music pianist Anthony Burger, who played for the popular Gaither Homecoming shows and earned Dove Award nominations for his albums of instrumental music, collapsed and died during a performance. He was 44.

<p>Even when a traditional hymn is included in the modern Catholic hymnals, one cannot settle in to praise God with words written by greater men than we are. Almost always, the lyrics have been so flattened, botched, castrated, and lobotomized that I’d almost prefer to sing “On Turkey’s Wings” (you know, “I will raise you up on turkey’s wings, la de da and la de da, la de da da da da daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah”).</p>

When church music directors lead the congregation in singing some praise music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We had been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called, “Draw Me Close to You.” The song has zero theological content and could be sung in a nightclub, for that matter. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed at us and said in a cheerful voice, “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” “No!” I shouted loudly. Heads all around me spun while my wife cringed. I admit...

Traditional hymns to today's praise music: Churches are changing their tune to suit different tastes. snip Around the region, around the country, more churches are offering a menu of services to accommodate the tastes and styles of worshippers. From traditional to modern, churchgoers can pick the service they want to attend based on the type of music and atmosphere they prefer. It is in part a response to the so-called "worship wars" - disagreements over music that have grown in the past few years - and partly an effort to reach new churchgoers. "Music has become a very divisive issue...

George Beverly Shea Profile "I've been listening to Bev Shea sing for more than 50 years, and I would still rather hear him sing than anyone else I know." -- Billy Graham Since George Beverly Shea first sang for Billy Graham on the Chicago radio hymn program, "Songs in the Night," in 1943, he has carried the Gospel in song to every continent and every state in the Union. He is the recipient of ten Grammy nominations, one Grammy Award (1965) and is a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame (1978). As the musical mainstay in Mr....

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- "On Eagle's Wings," the musical reworking of the 91st Psalm by Father Michael Joncas, topped all other songs in an online poll asking which liturgical song most fostered and nourished the respondent's life. Two songs made popular by the St. Louis Jesuits -- "Here I Am, Lord" and "Be Not Afraid" -- came in second and third, followed by "You Are Mine," by David Haas. The online poll was sponsored by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. The poll was featured last year in an issue of its membership magazine, Pastoral Music, and announcements about the poll...

Here are some of the selections that we have received from respondents to the survey of liturgical songs that have made a difference in the faith life of American Catholics. All Are WelcomeText and music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950.I believe that the words really are words for our time, both for our Church and our world. They tell us who we ought to be and what we are to be about as Catholic Christians. It calls us to be who we say we are. When we sing it at our parish I feel a real sense of community, even though...

OMAHA, Neb. (CNS) -- The St. Louis Jesuits, liturgical music icons from the 1970s, are back together and have released their first album in more than 20 years. "Morning Light" is the seventh recording for the St. Louis Jesuits -- Dan Schutte and Jesuit Fathers Bob Dufford, John Foley and Roc O'Connor -- who were known for such songs as "Blest Be the Lord," "Lift Up Your Hearts" and "Sing a New Song." In the mid 1980s, various assignments moved the men to different parts of the country, and Schutte left the Society of Jesus. These changes made it difficult...

A look at John Michael Talbot's new album, Monk RockFolks, I should've been better informed about John Michael Talbot's release of his new album, Monk Rock, last August, considering that I own an ample collection of JMT's music. Thanks to my colleagues at Roman Catholic Blog I am now better informed about this latest release, and at about some objections--I just count one--leveled against it. So, it doesn't even rise to the level of a controversy yet. I've sampled the album and read JMT's explanation. Those of us familiar with JMT's musical trajectory recognize "vintage" JMT, a music sound that...

Were Jesus to pack an iPod, then he would most likely be moshing to Christian Rock, claims a Beliefnet survey. That's according to 13 per cent of respondents to an online poll carried out by the "leading multi-faith spirituality media company and online community". A further 11 per cent reckoned the Son of God would be punishing his ears with Classic Rock - a figure matched by those who voted in favour of Songs of King David. Perhaps surprisingly, Traditional Gospel scored just seven per cent while entirely unsurprisingly, Hip-Hop/Rap and Soul/Funk scored just three and four per cent, respectively....

WHO ARE WE? MUSIC FOR LIFE, the home organization of the AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to the innocent and abandoned children of Africa – their survival, education and well being. VISION * To support relief and development projects directed at children and youth (including the building and staffing of schools) in Africa , as well as sponsorship of children and schools, in order to improve access to education and quality of education for the poorest of Africa’s children. * To bring joy and healing to communities of all cultures and faiths around the world...

A recent Vatican statement calls for parishes to revive traditional music at Mass?what Rome has been saying all along. By Arlene Oost-Zinner and Jeffrey Tucker A moving moment occurred at Pope Benedict XVI's outdoor inaugural Mass last April. During the recessional, the Marian antiphon for the Easter season, the ?Regina Caeli,? was sung by worshipers from around the world, including the pope himself. It was beautiful and inspiring but for one problem. Most American Catholics under the age of 60 can't conjure even the first notes or words of this once-popular hymn. Even the most basic of Catholic chants?"Ubi...

Michelle Boorstein | The Washington Post Posted January 7, 2006 Looking at row after row of Christian-music CDs in a suburban Virginia Wal-Mart, Clint Clifton glimpses the seeds of something grand -- a golden period for Christian artists that could rival 12th-century France or 15th-century England. The Christian selections fill about one-eighth of the mega-store's music department. Having spent three years promoting and training young Christian musicians, Clifton smiles; he is living in a boom time. But Clifton, 26, sees other things on the wire shelves, too. He picks up a CD by the teenage band Jump 5 and tsks....

Interview With President of Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music VATICAN CITY, DEC. 24, 2005 (ZENIT.org).- Gregorian chant has been unjustly abandoned and its place in the life of the Church should be recovered, says a Vatican aide. Monsignor Valenti Miserachs Grau made this declaration at a recent encounter organized by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments at the Vatican. Monsignor Miserachs has been president of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music since 1995. This Spanish musician, who has composed more than 2,000 pieces, is also the canonical chapel director of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome....

The surprising origins of "We Gather Together," a Thanksgiving standard. Its mention of God makes it verboten in schools today. But not too many years ago this was the season when teachers would lead their students in the great ecumenical Thanksgiving hymn, "We Gather Together to Ask the Lord's Blessing." It's a singable melody, and the stirring lyrics speak directly of the Pilgrims' experience in overcoming religious persecution.

ROME, NOV. 10, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Audiences were thrilled once again by the Vatican's most popular musical artist and his most recent composition, based on the Divine Mercy devotion. Monsignor Marco Frisina is a widely acclaimed specialist in the sacred. World Youth Day fans or those who partook in the days of prayer for Pope John Paul II will recognize some of the monsignor's works, such as "Jesus Christ, You Are My Life" and "Emmanuel." Director of the Liturgical Office for the Vicariate of Rome since 1991, Monsignor Frisina has now added another gem to his enormous repertoire, "I Trust in...

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - What do Pat Boone and Bono have in common? It turns out they are both fans of the Rev. Billy Graham. They are joined by such acts as Michael McDonald, LeAnn Rimes, Marty Stuart, DC Talk and others on "Thank You Billy Graham," a track organized by Boone that celebrates the evangelist's 87th birthday. Net proceeds from the song and video, out November 7, benefit Mercy Corps and Samaritan's Purse for Hurricane Katrina and Global Poverty Relief. The song, written by Boone, David Pack and Billy Dean, appears on Boone's new album, "Glory Train," which was...

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 2005 (VIS) - Following a concert given in his honor, which was held yesterday evening in the Vatican, Benedict XVI thanked the conductor of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and members of the choir of Ratisbone Cathedral and of the Athestis Chorus. The Holy Father said he felt proud that for thirty years the choir of Ratisbone Cathedral "was led with passion by my brother Georg," adding that "now, under Roland Buchner, it is still in excellent hands." With reference to the music he had heard and to its composers - from Palestrina to Richard Wagner, from...

A California high school says it will no longer prohibit a student from using religious music to accompany her dance performance audition for a January dance team concert. Officials with West High School in Torrance initially told student Lauren Stoudt she could not choreograph her dance to the song "In Your Presence" because of the song's religious content. The teenager's father contacted the legal defense organization Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), which sent a letter to Torrance Unified School District Superintendent Dr. George Mannon, West High School Principal Tim Stowe, and other district officials. The letter warned them that legal action...

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Oct. 4, 2005) -- Clapping, singing, and even dancing sounds like something that would be taking place in the halls of a huge musical auditorium, but for service members here, it is inside of a plywood building where their celebration occurs. The Camp Taqaddum gospel band, made up of 15 service members from the Marine Corps, Army, and Navy, performs in front of a respectively large crowd of worshippers every week at the Taqaddum chapel. Members of the band believe their role plays a huge part in laying the foundation of an enthusiastic worship environment for attendees,...

KENNESAW, Ga., Sept. 12 - The cash register at Goody's clothing store here flashed $106.01 - for a dress shirt and three pairs of Levi's - but as Lori Smith reached for her credit card, a nearby voice brought the transaction to a halt. "Tell you what, why don't you let me take care of it?" said Scott Evans, his delivery as smooth as a car salesman's as he directed Ms. Smith to a partner brandishing stacks of $1 bills. Mr. Evans explained that they were there on behalf of NBC, promoting an unscripted show, "Three Wishes," which will have...

Gregorian Chant In the three centuries following the death of Saint Benedict, there emerged in the Western Church a marvelously unified tradition of liturgical music known as Gregorian Chant, taking its name from the sixth century Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who did much to promote the use of the chant.Characterized chiefly by its purely melodic form, without even the simplest harmonies, Gregorian Chant is sometimes known as "plainsong"; the word "plain" being used to distinguish it from the later harmonic music rather than to denote any lack of charm or interest.Noteworthy also is the unmeasured or "free" rhythm:...

For about $20.00, (shipping included,) I purchased Bill Tortolano's little book on Gregorian Chant. The publisher, GIA, suggested that it contained "everything you need to know" about the topic, in the utilitarian sense--that is, one could, after reading the book and with some preparation, actually sing and/or train and conduct singers in the use of Chant. That's true. It's an easy, short read, and contains all the technical gobbledygook one needs; for that purpose, it's worth the money. Tortolano also includes a number of common Chants for the Mass, a few hymns, a Latin pronunciation guide, the Psalm-tones, etc.--enough to...

Less than two years after her 2003 wedding made the news, Christian/Latin music superstar Jaci Velasquez's marriage has ended in divorce. Velasquez and Indiana native Darren Potuck were married on August 16, 2003, in Franklin, Tennessee. But their marriage later "took a turn," Velasquez told Christian Music Today in an exclusive statement. "When my husband and I started out as newlyweds, we were like all newlyweds, wanting that dream marriage," Velasquez said. "Somehow, things took a turn and we have ended up in divorce." Velasquez did not elaborate on the reasons for the divorce.

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Long before there was Switchfoot, Relient K or P.O.D., there was Stryper. In the '80s, its blend of potent metal music and shocking antics changed the way audiences perceived Christian rock. With the Aug. 16 release of "Reborn" (Big3 Records), the band's first new studio album since 1991, Stryper hopes to stage a comeback -- and it may stir things up again in the process. Lead vocalist Michael Sweet says the seeds for Stryper's new album were planted during the band's 2004 performance at Walt Disney World's Night of Joy event. "It felt great on the 2003...

If you are in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area and would like to audition for a public reading of a new musical - CLASH OF THE AGES - please contact me by freepmail CLASH OF THE AGES tells the death and resurrection of Jesus from the Epistle side... Cast Requirements: Two lead adult males (tenors) One lead adult female (soprano) Eight to twelve strong singers for Greek Chorus, which doubles as supporting characters with individual solos, duets, and ensemble work. Equal mix of male/female singers, full range of voices, will be cast. Greek Chorus drives the musical forward so there...

I noticed that the hymn proposals for the "new primary resource" are available online at the Renewing Worship web site. Just in time for them to say that they have been made widely available before the Churchwide Assembly. www.renewingworship.org/about/proposal/pdf/Hymns.pdf In a quick look at the proposal, there are some suggested changes in tune and text that I like. For the most part it preserves what has been known in LBW and WOV. The changes are predictable: -- Those nasty words like "Lord" have been purged when possible (For example, see "For the Beauty of the Earth.") -- That nasty "F"...

I'm trying to get into the Christian rock scene, but I'm totally new to it and really don't have any idea which are the major bands. Can someone give me a primer? I'm also curious which major country singers are especially Christian. Thanks.

MILWAUKEE — It can cause noses to wrinkle in disgust or it can create an environment more conducive to worship. Some pieces remind happy couples of their wedding day, others bring tears to one’s eye at the recollection of a funeral Mass. It is a vital, necessary, and integral part of the Mass. It is the music. While music can enhance or detract from a prayerful experience for one person, musicians are finding it impossible to make everyone happy, for a full-fledged style war is occurring in the Catholic Church. “I believe any style of music may potentially bear the...

ROME, JULY 4, 2005 (Zenit.org).- The composer of the soundtrack for film "The Passion of the Christ" has extended his original work into a symphony. John Debney will conduct a world premiere of the symphony in Rome this Wednesday. He arrived here Friday for rehearsals. Beforehand, he gave ZENIT more insight into his work. Q: Could you please give us a glimpse of what we're expecting here in Rome? Is there a difference between the symphony and the soundtrack? Debney: Yes. Certainly, this whole idea started when I was composing music for the film with Mel Gibson and I thought...

BRING BACK THE BELLS: MASS SEEN AS IN REAL NEED OF RETURN TO SENSE OF SACREDWe all remember that during the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican initiated a new backup system in announcing the decision. Instead of just using smoke, the Church instituted the ringing of bells as a confirmation.We suggest that the Church take it another step and institute (or should we say, "re-institute") the bells during Mass. Bring those bells back into the liturgy!Many of us remember how, before the reforms of Vatican II, bells were jingled during Consecration. There were three long rings as the...

Classical pianist Jacqueline Chew rebelled against her Christian upbringing and became an atheist while attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the 1970s. But her love of music eventually led her back to a spiritual life. Chew was so taken with the work of Olivier Messiaen, a pioneering French composer known for his sacred Catholic music, that after hearing his composition "Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jesus" ("Twenty Contemplations of the Infant Jesus"), she began questioning her belief that God does not exist. The more she learned about the music, the more religious she became. Next month, Chew, who released a...

Contemporary gospel artists Smokie Norful, Donnie McClurkin and Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary were special guests at the East Room of the White House this Monday as President Bush celebrated Black Music Month. Each artist performed two songs while the president and the first lady clapped and nodded along. “Let history record you had me jumpin’ in my seat,” said President Bush to Donnie McClurkin after the artist’s performance of “Our God Is An Awesome God.” “It was an honor singing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the White House before the President, his wife and staff. Proverbs...

A public school prohibited a second grader from singing a religious song at a talent show, prompting a lawsuit Friday alleging violation of the girl's constitutional rights. A federal judge declined an emergency request to compel Frenchtown Elementary School to allow 8-year-old Olivia Turton to sing "Awesome God" at the Friday night show, but allowed the lawsuit to go forward. School officials in the western New Jersey community had said the performance would be inappropriate at a school event. A message seeking comment from a school board attorney about the judge's ruling was not immediately returned. The decision by U.S....

The average Christian will learn more from hymns than from any systematic theology. Hymns chart progression from classic hymns of the 17th and 18th centuries (especially those of Charles Wesley, Augustus Toplady, John Newton and William Cowper) to the Romantic "songs and choruses" of the 19th and 20th centuries. They reflect the shift from Reformation categories (God, sin and grace, Christ's saving work, the Word, church, sacraments, etc.) to Romantic individualism. We sing, "I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear, singing in my ear, the voice of God...

For all you Knapp's fan this is truely an awesome collection. You need Real player and broadband for this. Amazing concert! What a voice. http://www.livefromstudiob.com/index.cfm/fa/artist/id/43

Freeper Kjam22 has released a CD. The CD title is "Country Gospel Favorites". Kjam22 is currently recording in a group called "Grafted In". The CD was released 3 weeks ago. CD's are available at Amazon.com. Simply do a music search for "Grafted In". No country gospel collection is complete without this one! :) Thanks for this vanity announcement. Now we return you to your regular programing.....

Does the Holy Spirit rock? Rock around the clock? If it is a Christian concert with thousands of Christians present I guess He does. But, let the ticket buyer beware. The first, last and only concert I ever attended was a two day Grateful Dead concert about seventeen years ago. I didn't go to hear the music or whiff the sickly sweet air but to talk to the concert goers about the Lord Jesus Christ. I found the concert goers to be decent people who didn't brush me off. We were all looking for something. I was looking for converts...

In early 2004, a few visionary people in a small Underground Church in Mexico City began to plan a huge Christian music event called "The Revolution Metal Festival." Their vision was that this event would provide a powerful platform for a number of well established Christian artists to perform, to proclaim The Gospel of Jesus Christ and ultimately, to minister to thousands of people in Mexico City. These visionary people soon found themselves in the unfamiliar position of concert promoters. To solidify and confirm the event, the promoters soon issued generous invitations to U.S. bands Stryper and Saviour Machine, Narnia...

Rossford cancels Christian rock band; local group was to play at anti-drug school assembly next week Rossford High School officials were considering letting a Christian rock band play during an anti-drug assembly next week, but decided yesterday to cancel the performance because of concerns over having religious music played in a public school. "We are just shutting the whole thing down," Rossford Superintendent Luci Gernot said. "There is some controversy, and I'd rather err on this side."The school district's law firm, Whalen & Compton of Akron told school officials yesterday that it "wasn't appropriate" to let the band Pawn perform...

Rossford High School officials were considering letting a Christian rock band play during an anti-drug assembly next week, but decided yesterday to cancel the performance because of concerns over having religious music played in a public school. "We are just shutting the whole thing down," Rossford Superintendent Luci Gernot said. "There is some controversy, and I'd rather err on this side." The school district's law firm, Whalen & Compton of Akron told school officials yesterday that it "wasn't appropriate" to let the band Pawn perform at the school, Ms. Gernot said. A representative of the law firm could not be...

[Diocese of Washington, D.C.] Rock and roll may once have been regarded as the devil's music, but the Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, has found a way to make it do the Lord's work. Chane, a former rock and blues drummer, has just released a compact disc featuring the foot-stomping, sweat-raising reunion concert that he and five band mates played at a Washington-area hotel in April. Proceeds from the sale of The Chane Gang: A Bishop, His Band and the Blues will enable diocesan youth to do mission work this summer among native people on the Arctic...

The growing clout of America's 100-million evangelical Christians is being heard loud and clear. Just turn on your radio, and you'll notice that a seismic shift in American culture is taking place. Before, you could tune into different stations, which offered different music and different messages. But now, as Correspondent Bob Simon reports on 60 Minutes Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT,, evangelical Christian music is flowing into mainstream media -- and changing it. In fact, Christian entertainment now brings in $4 billion a year. Rappers and rockers are making hits and making money while spreading the gospel to...

This one takes a good while to load, it is a free MP3 but well worth the wait, IMHO.

Redeem the Vote is the evangelical answer to MTV’s Rock the Vote MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio - This is the evangelicals' answer to Bruce Springsteen: an anguished rocker prowling the stage in a black shirt and tight faded jeans, hair matted with sweat, licking his lips and turning his bright, beckoning eyes to the teenage mob in the front row: Get out to the polls and affect this country," says Jason Roy, lead singer of the band Building 429. "Can you do that?" "Yes!" they roar back. The kids are jumping. The room is hazy with fake smoke. A boy in...