As for the article, I agree in part and disagree in part. Certainly I think the modern-pop "praise music" or contemporary Christian music is by and large just trash. From a musical point of view, the melodies are trite, repetitive, unimaginative, and banal. The words even more so - just advertising jingles with Our Lord as the product.
I think the author gives too much credit to the music as having an actual theme or goal, or an effect rather than simply that of being forced to listen to bad music. Perhaps the words have some sort of osmosis effect of leading the listener/singer to dwell on narcissism, but most of the self indulgence that's going on is that of the composer and writer. The analogy that comes to my mind is not a warm bubble bath but stagnant ditch water.
But then I REALLY hate bad music. It's an insult to the Lord to offer Him any less than the very best we have.
I guess there's nothing left for me to say about that....
There's nothing intrinsically wrong with newer music, of course -- so long as it's good music. Our choirs frequently sing newer stuff (as anthems), and it can be excellent.
Perhaps the difference is that "praise stuff" is typically written for a small group/lead singer, which can easily lead to the narcissism mentioned in the article. The small group ends up performing for the congregation, and there's always that tendency to "make the song mine," even if the congregation gets to sing the refrain. It turns into show biz.
Music written for choirs, or for the congregation is obviously different -- it would be ridiculous if everybody in the large group tried to "make the song mine." The motivation is rather to "be a helpful part of the group," which is the point of music in public worship.
Not to mention lame, wimpy and geared toward freeze-dried hippies.
How's everything going with the family, BTW?
"...modern-pop "praise music"...is by and large just trash."
No kidding. How many times have I had my ears assailed by "My God, He's a great God, He's great, He's God, yada, yada, yada... Repeat, re-repeat, ad nauseum.
And what is this "He's a great god" stuff? Either He's God or he isn't. If you really are a Christian, there's only one.
I hate praise music too. All the churches are "doing it" where I live. It's so irreverent and "casual". Unfortunately, that whole attitude is keeping me home on Sundays.
I enjoyed some of the artists on Billy Graham's shows - especially the Man in Black.....Johnny Cash
Praise and worship music is all the same.....dull, trite, lacking any depth whatsoever.
Unfortunately, we have to sing that crap at college chapel.
I would rather watch a stupid heretical Christian drama than sing this sappy crap.