Posted on 12/07/2004 12:06:09 PM PST by LouAvul
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 national audiences. Christian groups can be heard on secular radio and seen on "The Tonight Show." Earlier this year, the group Third Day even played at the Republican National Convention.
"The fact that there are Christian themes now emerging in rock and that Christians are in rock is just representative of a spiritual desire or a spiritual hunger in our culture," says Cameron Strang, publisher of Relevant Magazine, a religious publication.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
"Okay - but please don't miss the point of these bands, and don't think God can't use them because they don't fit your idea of what Christian music should be."
I never said God couldn't use them. I just don't want the devil using them, either.
Speaking of R&B, what do you think of Delbert McClinton?
Ashamed by Pillar
You are afraid to say it's true reality escapes you
Time after time you try to prove to yourself you're right
But your ways are not the way how long do you have to play
This game before you see I'm right it's not just a game it's a fight
You're afraid to hold out your hand don't be afraid to take a stand
Chorus
It's a shame to be ashamed
To be ashamed of the One that we should glorify
You are afraid of the price you'll pay will you be strong or walk away
You're reasons are runnin' thin all that's left to do is give in
Inside this generation of sin there's only one place to begin
And it's at the starting line or you will be left behind
You say it's hard to believe in something you can't see
A choice you make today will affect you eternally
Now I'm here to stay
And I've made a change
And I won't go away
From the One who gave live
I know a lot of people like this. I became a Christian in 1987, but I've sung professionally (R&B/Pop mostly) since 1975. There are a lot of us out there. Many of my friends are accomplished jazz musicians who do sessions and secular gigs to make a living, but strap it on to play in church on Sunday. The church is blessed when they use their craft in ministry.
Right on! BTW, have you heard the Rebecca St James version of "It Is Well?" It took me a long time to figure out that she is singing it basically "straight."
From what I can tell, Christian rock in the 1970's was kind of a lame imitation of secular rock. Now, Christian rock has emerged as a powerful creative force that is in many ways setting the agenda, not just parroting someone else's ideas in a "Christian" way . . .
Of course, Christian artists borrow some themes and ideas from other contemporary music genres, just like the Wesley brothers did when they were writing their hymns in the 1700's, but God (the one who invented creativity) is inspiring some really powerful stuff in the Christian music world . . .
It's cool with me if your church likes to do classical music, as long as you don't mind if my church likes to rock!
Amen.
My main two XM radio channels are "The Torch" (heavier Christian rock) and "The Fish" (lighter stuff). Christian music has made incredible strides over the past 10 years, both in terms of songwriting and production.
I have to admit that I cringed at that! lol But to the kid on the street, the term Savior may mean nothing, where the term "homeboy" means his protector,the one watching his back, the one he goes to when he's in trouble, the one who helps him fight his enemies. It might get THAT kid to thinking that maybe he should check out this Jesus.
Even Jesus himself spoke in parables and in such a way that the people of his day would undestand and continue to seek answers.
I just can't see where this is worse than listening to drugs,sex,abuse,murder...
And just how would the devil use them? By their failing to say what you think they should say? Honestly - how?
All in your taste. One of the reasons I quit going to the Southern Baptist Church was that I could not stand the music any more. John Wesley adapted English pub tunes to Christian lyrics. All in what you like.
Oh, there was some awesome stuff -- but it was rare. I have memories of Lawrence Welk sounding things...
If I recall, 2nd Chapter of Acts was a bro/sis team, Matthew Ward and Annie Herring. I don't listen to Christian radio exclusively anymore, but when I did Matthew's then latest album was getting play, in the same circles where you'd hear Steve Green (another awesome player). Moody Radio stuff.
You sound a little younger. Have you done your requisite Kieth Green/Larry Norman studies?
Well said.
The danger of watering down the Gospel, is it can lead people into 'shallow christianity' which makes them easy prey for cults claiming to be Christian. I know, I was there (if you would like my story of how I came out of a so-called Christian cult, Freepmail me). It's not about what I say, it's about what God says.
I get so bent out of shape with people who say "I don't go to church. I can't find one I like. I don't like the hypocrites. I don't like the boring music. I don't like the rock music".
I always say to them "It's not about YOU. It's not about how the church serves you. It's about how YOU serve the church".
Needless to say, I am up to my eyeballs in free dumb looks.
Memories of some cool old music.
Petra was and still is a favorite. Whiteheart too.
Keith Green was a bit of a nutjob, but an awesome pianist and evangelist. I went to the Keith Green Memorial video concert after he died.
2nd Chapter of Acts was actually Bro and 2 sisters. I recall that he cut a single with Donna Summer too. Good song but can't remember the title.
Steve Camp was pretty good and he had a real heart for ministry. DeGarmo and Key were also a great band. Remember MTV banned 666 cause it was too controversial.
Ok perhaps "homeboy" wasn't the best term to use. :) I agree that Christian music has a better message than secular. I'm all for Christian Rock and actually I prefer Christian Metal, rap I can leave (Christian or Secular, I just don't like it).
That is a good reply to those statements. I will use that one.
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