Please don't patronize me. I'm a born-again Christian, and I know that. I simply don't think that clinging to one style of worship that seems bent on convincing young people Christ ISN'T cool is a good thing either.
It is important that we keep the Gospel message in the music and not water it down.
I don't know what you mean by "water it down". Are you saying all the lyrics should be straight out of scripture? That they should sound like hymns?
Salvation only comes through belief in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and THAT message doesn't come through enough in Christian and Cross-Over music.
The point of this music is to draw people into curiosity about Christianity. It is for the musicians to witness with their lives. That's not a bad thing. People - particularly older people whose musical traditions are rooted in old-style church music - have to understand that their music turns young people off.
In fact, I'm a 45 year-old professional musician, and much of it turns me off.
I believe God uses music of all kinds to speak to hearts, and He is not limited to using "How Great Thou Art".
Preach it girl!! I agree.....1000%
You are assuming I am only for traditional worship, when that is nowhere near the case. My husband used to sing on the worship team at church. I am not saying that all lyrics should be direct scripture quotes. I LOVE Christian Rock, a good part of my collection is of Christian bands. Don't assume I am speaking out against Christian Rock, just wanting the bands to keep on message.
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."
Thanks, I will take another chorus of "How Great Thou Art!"
Do you think there is any music God would not use to speak to hearts?
Do you think that music can have a spirit that is contradictory to the message of Christ?
What about loud aggressive hard rock or heavy metal? Obviously fleshy sexual rhythms?
Do you find these to be consistant with the spirit and message of Christianity?
I don't.
I play on my church's praise team. Former bar circuit player. Got back in chuch and realized who the Author of music really is, and work for Him now.
A friend of mine from another chuch observed that w/ the traditional hymn book approach, the congregation is not worshipping, but hiding behind the hymnals.
BTW, our old-timers enjoy our stuff.
Very few people in our services are in their seats during praise and worship; most are down front at the altar.
Tell me this is not better.