Comments on: Is Christian Music Still Christian?

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:11:40 +0000

Before I became a Christian I didn’t want to hear Christian music. But I was drawn to guitar music and I was unbaised about who was playing (still am this way). So I was quite impressed when I first heard Phil Keaggy. Now, Phil does have some great, “meaty” lyrics too – but his guitar is what first got my attention. Along those lines is another artist with an intriguing album called “Get What You Expect” (Daniel Minteer). You would probably argue that his lyrics aren’t “meaty” enough. But he definately brings some truth “in your face” in a way that a lot of Christian music seems afraid to do. Yet it can appeal to the non-believer as well. What do you think?

By: dgrizzo

dgrizzo — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:22:58 +0000

Rich -
True, I agree with you about Derek’s recent projects. It’s been disappointing to see him go in that direction. However, his first album is still quality music, and of course, same with his work with Caedmon’s. (I think I remember you playing their music at the cabin in Flagstaff a few years back. So thanks for commenting; you reminded me of that good time of fellowship!)

By: Rich B.

Rich B. — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:53:06 +0000

Sadly, Derek Webb has gone in some disturbing directions of late.

By: dgrizzo

dgrizzo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:29:36 +0000

Chad, great points! Caedmon’s Call is one of my only long-time favorite Christian groups. A former band member, Derek Webb, released his first solo album in 2003 that really helped enhance my view of the covenant relationship between Christ and His Church. Indelible Grace (with whom Webb has also been involved) is another great group that I think you know of, but they aren’t mainstream by any means. Their music, which mostly consists of hymns set to newer tunes, isn’t the kind of music that you would hear on most Christian radio, probably because it’s not watered down enough. (Sad!) The words of the hymns–old and contemporary–are rich with theological meat. And praise the Lord that there ARE contemporary musicians in our day, like Caedmon’s Call, Indelible Grace, and Stuart Townsend & Keith Getty (the “In Christ Alone” writing duo) who are glorifying God with powerful words set to beautiful music that we can listen to, sing along with, and be edified by.

Again, thanks for the good post on an important topic.

By: Kim Jones

Kim Jones — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:25:57 +0000

I agree. As someone who listens to Christian music daily, I am frequently disappointed by a lack of “meat” in the lyrics that is supposed to make the songs sound more appealing to the masses. Scriptural truths are often discarded in favor of generic sentiment that won’t offend anyone because they could be talking about a Savior, a girl or even a drug.

One of my favorite artists who absolutely does not suffer from this problem is Ricardo Sanchez. His lyrics are never lacking and his talent is top notch.