Sunny Day
Sinning my life away....
Music style to avoid if you were saved in Kindergarten.
Posted on 06/30/2004 3:27:30 AM PDT by RaceBannon
CCM MUSICIANS LOVE SECULAR ROCK
Updated June 30, 2004 (first published June 27, 2001) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -
One of the problems with Contemporary Christian Music is its refusal to separate from the world. God's Word is very plain about this matter. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4). Separation from the world is not an option; it is a solemn obligation. Most CCM musicians ignore this warning and remain intimately connected to the world by their love for ungodly secular music.
Some parents and church leaders are of the opinion that Christian rock is safe for kids because at least they are not listening to secular rock or rap or whatever. This argument makes no sense in light of the fact that most CCM musicians are themselves not separated from secular rock. Not only do most CCM musicians listen to secular rock, but they perform secular rock on their albums and in their concerts. Thus young people who are hooked into CCM remain associated with the secular music scene.
While some defenders of Contemporary Christian Music warn about the evil in secular rock, they turn right around and say that it is fine to listen to Christian rock. Steve Peters does this in his 1998 book Truth about Rock. This is a strange position because the Christian rock musicians themselves are certainly listening to every form of secular rock.
Consider some examples of this:
I thought scripture says we're supposed to be IN the world, but not OF the world. If these musicians expect to be listened to by those in the world who need salvation, they need to play in the style to which those who need saving are accustomed. From what I've heard, their lyrics are full of praise for the Lord. If some atheist youngster picks up the tune and starts humming, who knows, maybe the Word has seeped into that unconscious mind and can start HIS work!
Just cause the music is loud and raucous doesn't make it sinful. As the Psalmist said, "Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord".
You know, folks like the Beatles, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, and others may not live Christian lives, but there is NO denying that they all have a God given talent for making wonderful music. What's wrong with admiring and emulating that talent, but NOT approving or living their lifestyles?
***So what does that make CCM before 1989 - a minor factor?***
In the life of the average Church CCM wan't even on the radar in the mid eighties. A sizable bulk of Christian youth were either not aware or only obliquely aware of its existence.
CCM sections in Christian bookstores were fairly small.
CCM was not on the radar of secular labels.
It was, in fact, a minor factor.
Today it has mushroomed into a major market segment.
***Here is my perspective on the topic.***
That is a perspective that is fairly ambiguous.
The Beatles? Their Abbey Road album rocks, but I wouldn't hear it in church!
Great tune, Ain't it?
Sound like a cross between Jerry Lee Lewis and Meatloaf
***Sound like a cross between Jerry Lee Lewis and Meatloaf***
Interesting analysis... Jerry's "pumping" piano and Meatloaf's vocals and cynical lyrics. Works for me.
Amazing Grace was an old English pub song before the lyrics were re-written. I myself have changed the words to popular tunes to uphold Jesus. I was a youth when I started playing what became known as CCM. I can tell you the youth are much more aware of what's happening than most adults give them credit for. They were then as well. On this subject, I've been there, done that, seen a lot, and have avoided the pitfalls that can befall any musician, Christian or not. If you're going to decry the lifestyles of some CCM artists, keep in mind that they are under attack from the enemy precisely because they do make a difference to a lot of people. I wonder if you could hold up under the kinds of attack they endure?
***I myself have changed the words to popular tunes ***
Mine usually get yanked by the mods...
If you know this, than how can you say this??
If these musicians expect to be listened to by those in the world who need salvation, they need to play in the style to which those who need saving are accustomed.
Playing the same music style that we sinned to before a person received Christ and calling it Christian, that is absurd.
Looks like you got him.
I was thinking that and wondering how to type it out way to go.
RB
The Ins And Outs Of It
"In it, not of it," the statement was made
As Christian One faced the world, much afraid.
"In it, not of it," the call was made clear,
But Christian One got something stuck in his ear.
"Not in it, or of it" was the thing that he heard.
And knowing the world was painfully absurd,
He welcomed the safety of pious retreat,
And went to the potluck for something to eat.
Now Christian Two, he knew what to do,
He'd show those fundies a thing or two!
How will the world ever give Christ a try
If we don't get in there and identify?
So "In it, and of it," he said in his car,
As he pulled in and stopped at a popular bar.
"I'll tell them the truth as soon as I'm able
To get myself out from under this table."
Now along comes Christian Three jogging for Jesus,
In witnessing sweats made of four matching pieces.
His earphones are playing a hot Christian tune
About how the Lord is coming back soon.
"Not in it, but of it," he turns down the hill
And stops in for a bite at the Agape Grill.
Like the gold on the chain of his "God Loves You" bracelet,
He can have the world without having to face it.
While way up in heaven they lament these conditions
That come from changing a few propositions.
"Not in it, or of it," Christian One thought.
But who is the world will know that he's not?
"In it, and of it," thought Christian Two.
But who in the world will know that he knew?
"Not in it, but of it," thought Christian Three.
But who in the world watches Christian TV?
And Jesus turns to Gabriel, shaking His head.
" 'In it, not of it,' wasn't that what I said?"
Sunny Day
Sinning my life away....
Music style to avoid if you were saved in Kindergarten.
Great is the Lord He is holy and just By His power we trust in His love Great is the Lord He is faithful and true By his mercy He proves He is love
Great is the Lord and worthy of glory Great is the Lord and worthy of praise Great is the Lord now lift up your voice Now lift up your voice Great is the Lord Great is the Lord
Great are You, Lord, and worthy of glory Great are You, Lord, and worthy of praise Great are You, Lord, I lift up my voice I lift up my voice Great are You, Lord Great are You, Lord
Words and music by Michael W. Smith. ©1991 Meadowgreen Music Co. Used by permission.
HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME
O Lord, our Lord How majestic is Your name in all the earth O Lord, our Lord How majestic is Your name in all the earth O Lord we praise Your name O Lord we magnify Your name Prince of peace, Mighty God O Lord God Almighty
Words and music by Michael W. Smith. ©1991 Meadowgreen Music Co. Used by permission.
Thats just two I can go on and on.
Have you ever had anything of the world influence your life?
Or shape who you are?
I can emphatically say YES I have and I say that unashamedly.
I can look with faith with my Spiritual Eyes and see as Elisha's servant did the Chariots of fire on the hills around me and know that God is with me and can use what ever he wants to Glorify Him self (even the rocks will cry out..The Trees of the field will clap thier hands).
I also think of Rahab in the Book of Joshua (thats in the old testament even in the king james version) she was a Harlot (thats a whore to you and me RB)Not a holy or righteous person but God used her to save His People.(rutrow)
We as people long to thank those that God let use music in a great way and the best way to do that is with secular praise or awards.
Did you ever get a ribbon at a track meet or field day at school? (even the green one for participation)if you accepted it you had better go burn it cause it sure isn't God honoring because you got it and you ain't God
I am sure that you will do as you always do when cornered and not answer.
Regards and man are you in for a wake up call
RB
Let me guess, Petro - you're under thirty, aren't you? You just don't have a clue what was happening in churches and on radio stations in the mid-eighties, do you?
Dooesn't have a clue who that is, does he?
You’ll never find your gold on a sandy beach
You’ll never drill for oil on a city street
I know you’re looking for a ruby in a mountain of rocks
But there ain’t no coupe de ville hiding at the bottom of a cracker jack box
How would you fill-in the following: "It’s entirely arguable that Christian music would not exist if it were not for ______________________." CCM magazine, (July, 1999 p. 12) in an article titled, "Say ‘Amen,’ Somebody, Thomas Dorsey remembered on 10th birthday" by Thom Granger, begins with this "incredible-laughable-ignorant" statement: "It’s entirely arguable that Christian music would not exist if it were not for the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey." That’s the most ridiculous statement I’ve ever heard about "Christian music" (And believe me — I've read some ridiculous stuff). Even for the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) crowd, this one goes into "looney-toon-land". One has to wonder, isn't someone at CCM mag, with ANY musical knowledge, editing this stuff. "It’s entirely arguable that Christian music would NOT EXIST if it were not for the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey." So "Christian Music" did NOT EXIST before Thomas Dorsey (1899 – 1993)? So "rip-out" Fanny Crosby’s 9,000+ hymns! Sorry, "All The Ways My Saviour Leads Me", "Blessed Assurance", "Draw Me Nearer", "He Hideth My Soul", "Jesus Is Tenderly Calling Today", "My Saviour First of All", "Pass Me Not", "Praise Him", "Redeemed", "Rescue The Perishing", "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus", "Saved By Grace", "Tell Me The Story Of Jesus", "To God Be The Glory" and 8000+ more – R.I.P.! Christian music did NOT EXIST without Thomas Dorsey. . . "Rip-Out" Johann Sebastian Bach’s scores of Christian music such as "Jesu Joy of Man’s Desire"! "Rip-Out" Handels Messiah! "Rip-out" Charles Wesley’s hymns! "Rip-out" Martin Luther’s hymns! "Rip-out" Isaac Watts, Philip P. Bliss, Ira Sankey and thousands of others . . . And while we’re here….."Rip-out" the book of Psalms, David’s songs to the Lord — "Christian Music" did NOT EXIST before Thomas Dorsey. And the "ignorance" of the Apostle Paul writing Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16: – 1800 years before Dorsey was born! And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Paul don’t you know "that Christian music would not exist if it were not for the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey". Paul according to CCM "before Dorsey" there was no Christian music – no "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" before Dorsey. "It’s entirely arguable that Christian music would not exist if it were not for the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey". From a "Christian-historical-musical" viewpoint — somebody’s not "playing with a full deck". But here’s the REAL "problem" with that statement – and it’s "the foundation" of Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) – CCM uplifts and praises man – rather than the Lord Jesus Christ! The "creator" of "Christian music" is NOT Thomas Dorsey! And as great as J.S. Bach’s musical ability is — The "creator" of "Christian music" is NOT J.S. Bach! And as great as Fanny Crosby is — the "creator" of "Christian music" is NOT Fanny Crosby! The "creator" of "Christian music" is NOT Martin Luther, George Beverly Shea, Ira Sankey, Charles Wesley,…. The "creator" of CHRISTian music is the Lord Jesus Christ! It’s not MAN – ANY MAN! |
Without the Lord Jesus Christ there would be no REAL CHRISTian music!
"Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; . . ." Hebrews 12;2
It’s entirely UNarguable that Christian music would not exist if it were not for THE LORD JESUS CHRIST."
This is one of the "foundations" and main errors of Contemporary Christian Music – they put more emphasis on the artists and the music (especially the rock-style) than on the Lord Jesus Christ.
CCM music "glorifies" and "praises" MAN!
"It’s entirely arguable that Christian music would not exist if it were not for the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey".
What does the Lord Jesus Christ say about the "uplifting-glorification of man"? According to the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 16 – this is the work of Satan! Satan glorifies and uplifts man!
"But he [Jesus] turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, SATAN: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of MEN." Matthew 16:23According to the Lord Jesus Christ — the praising and glorification of man — is from Satan!
You don’t believe me? Get your Bible out and read Matthew 16:23.
READ IT FOR YOURSELF!
"It’s entirely arguable that Christian music would not exist if it were not for the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey".
That "man-worshipping-satanic" statement ought to make any serious Christ-minded, Bible-believing, blood-washed, Christian shudder. And yet, CCMers proudly make such anti-Christian, unbiblical statements without hesitation.
And many of you defend them! Shame on you!
Stephen Curtis Chapman says in the same CCM magazine issue:
"It’s an ugly, weird thing [mixing] celebrity with the gospel. . . I’ve wondered many times if God really wired us to do that we’re doing, the whole Christian celebrity thing. It’s supposed to be about being a servant." (CCM, July 1999, p. 28)
An article in The Dallas Morning News compares the "adoration" of CCMer’s dcTalk to the "worship" of the Beatles:
"As teenagers' shrieks filled the Dallas Convention Center moments before dc Talk took the stage Friday night, one of the relatively few grown-ups in the sold-out crowd observed, 'This is just like the BEATLES.'" Dallas Morning News, (April 27, 1996)
Just the mention of Carman’s name!
Shout! magazine (December 1995, p.35) says of Carman," ...just the mention of his name brings excitement to throngs of fans, many of whom are women. "
Just the mention of Carman’s name!!!!!!
"His concerts [Michael W. Smith] draw hundreds of thousands of fans each year, mostly teenage girls who scream out their AFFECTION FOR HIM non-stop throughout. And that's where the problems start. To his fans, Smith is the absolute greatest there is, bar none." (IM Jan/Feb 91 p 22)
Annette May Thomas, the daughter of gospel great Brother Joe May and chief executive and trustee of the James Cleveland Charitable Foundation/Trust says of Kirk Franklin:
"Nowadays, we have what we call the Brat Pack—Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker. [The young people] all want to jump up and come down in front. Last year when Kirk came out they went crazy. They had bodyguards because everyone was trying to mob him. And I said: 'Uh-uh.' . . . That's a lot of hero-worship-type stuff. And that way you're not putting God first."
(Los Angeles Times, October 4, 1998, p.4)
Here's how CCM magazine introduces it's review of Sandi Patty's, "after-adultery", album, "Artist of My Soul". What is now called Christian Music is nothing but Satanic MAN-worship:
"The press kit arrived today packed full of superlatives and more than 1200 square inches of plush photography. The singer looks to her right and smiles pleasantly as the breeze teases nicely coiffed blond hair. Her arms are thrown wide as she gladly embraces the moment. This is, after all, something of a comeback.Open the lavish 9-inch by 12-inch publicity folio. Inside, the singer smiles up at you from a photograph a foot-and-a-half wide. Open the folder again and a photographic panorama spreads three-feet wide across the desk. On the left 18 inches, she's outside, same setting, still smiling, gazing skyward. To the right, indoors, under amber light, hands lightly clasped, eyes downcast, she strikes a contemplative pose.
Nestled inside the press kit, enfolded by all those smiling photos, are the words — the P.R.— and the PRAISE [DTTM; Praise of Sandi Patty - NOT the Lord Jesus Christ - according to Matthew 16:23 - this is Satan - read Matthew 16:23 if you do not believe it!] is effusive. [DTTM effusive means: pouring freely, excessively, gushy, that is the PRAISE of Sandi Patty] The singer has created "a distinguished work of art." Her voice is "distinctive," her songs "eloquent and articulate," the CD "masterfully crafted" and "breathtakingly performed." She's a "preeminent talent," who is "critically acclaimed" and "highly successful" -"stirring" with "remarkable musical diversity" and an "expansive vocal range." "Dynamic... quintessential... timeless... heartwarming." She is the recipient of five Grammy Awards, nine Grammy nominations, 35 Dove Awards ("more than any other artist"), three platinum records, five gold records. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera." (CCM Magazine, January, 1998)
CCM artist, Michael Card, admits this glorifying of man in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM):
"Now, the industry is celebrity-driven. The song is almost irrelevant. The focus is on the PERSON, and songs have become disposable." (Can't Buy Me Ministry, Christianity Today, May 20, 1996 (p. 22)
And according to the word of God – that is "ABOMINATION in the sight of God."
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is ABOMINATION in the sight of God. Luke 16:15
 Why did CCM make such a ridiculous and outrageous claim for Thomas Dorsey? "It’s entirely arguable that Christian music would not exist if it were not for the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey." (CCM magazine, July, 1999 p. 12) Because Dorsey was one of the pioneers of CCM music – music that took the sensual, fleshly, secular style and combined it with the sacred. CCM magazine decribes Dorsey’s "gosepl songs":
". . .setting them to the rhythmic jazz and blues-influenced style he had developed. The conservatives of his day branded it ‘the devil’s music’ (not unlike controversies surrounding Christian music in the last 20 years) and found it unworthy to be played in churches." (CCM magazine, July, 1999 p. 12) On some occasions, Dorsey "was thrown out of some of the best churches" when he performed his sacred blues. (We’ll Understand it Better By and By-Pioneering African American Gospel Composers, edited by Bernice Johnson Reagon, p.179) Dorsey was a well-known blues player of his day. Dorsey (aka Georgia Tom) teaming with Tampa Red was especially known for his openly sexual and vulgar lyrics. One of Dorsey’s famous songs was "It’s Tight Like That". "The two became so notorious for their cunningly erotic blues they coined a word for the style (hokum) and went on to name their duo after it, the Famous Hokum Boys. By 1932, they would make over sixty recordings of Dorsey’s songs, .." (We’ll Understand it Better By and By-Pioneering African American Gospel Composers, edited by Bernice Johnson Reagon, p.180)After the late 1920's, Dorsey did not record any secular-sexual-blues, utilizing his time for his "sacred blues". It's worth noting, according to sources, Dorsey never "repented" nor rejected his earlier sexually-explicit blues: (much as the modern day CCM crowd)
". . .Dorsey is thoroughly unrepentant of his early career. . ." (Black Gospel, An Illustrated History of the Gospel Sound, Vic Broughton, p.39) |
Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
Ezekiel 22:26
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