Why is Worldly music(not lyrics) so much better than Christian music?

Hi ALL
I am going to be blunt here and wonder why worldly music on the whole is so much better than Christian music.Music written for worldly songs is much better than music for Christian songs.God obviously likes the music that honours him,that's not in question or his opinion on worldly music.
I have been thinking about it and wonder is it that we have such a narrow subject matter or is it that the world has such a higher amount of musicians.Is it that the world has more full time musicians?
Yours Staff

I think it depends on the Gospel Artists you are listening to... I listen to a Gospel Artist name: Sinach ...she has many anointed beautiful songs that are far better than any worldly music...http://youtu.be/yZeO_8n1lpM... her name is Sinach.

Glory!

pq*

Thanks for that i will check that out,
I guess I mean as whole the worldly music is catchier,varied etc
staff

Hi,
I had a listen to Sinach and the songs are beautiful and I will listen some more thanks.
But what I mean I guess if I compare the music of lets say Abba it is better than that music,if you see what I mean,
Staff

Hey Staff--

I love this question and hopefully it will bring some good discussion.

I can't tell you how many times I have remarked: "Can you imagine if ________________________ (insert band here) wrote and performed worship music?"

I think there are some decent Christian artists but you are correct- what they play on mainstream Christian radio sounds pretty similar and also sounds a lot like mainstream light country or pop music. Not much cutting edge stuff there-- all is very derivative.

U2 has come close to writing worship music (Gloria, Where the Streets have no name")

This may be a tad controversial but oh well- I think Christian bands want to make money and the christian music record companies want music that will be listened to on christian radio stations. so artists conform to a certain style which results in everyone sounding similar. think top 40 pop radio (gag).

I am not sure if there is an "indie" christian music scene; there may be but I really don't know anything about it if there is.

there is an indie gospel channel on itunes.
I am not sure that secular music is that much better. There are many talented artists in both arenas. Greg Volz and Petra, Darrell Mansfield, Glenn Keiser, Phil Keaggy, etc. are all very talented and have done some great music. Delerious was, in my opinion, very good if you like that U2 flavor. Talent is not limited to believers or vice versa. There are many very talented secular artists. I just don't like feeding myself on the message behind their music.

Let me post another question that has the same answer as this one.
There are politicians like Presidential candidates who speak very powerfully that by the end of their speech the people listening get stirred up shouting slogans. For example when Obama was doing his initial electoral speech, the listeners shout the slogans something like 'we can do it'. Why is such result not found when a pastor speaks in church? May be we should ask politicians to deliver Church sermons as well so that people will get stirred up.

The answer is simple. The Politicians do this to emotionally stir up people for self glory. All they want is your vote. It is like casting an emotional spell. But in a Church service we need a spiritual worship and not an emotional one. There are pastors who try to kindle emotional fire in hearers. But such fires rarely produce fruits. Jesus said there comes a time when True believers will worship in Spirit and truth. The problem is more than 90% of today's so called believers do not experience true Spirit and hence they cannot differentiate emotion from Spirit.

Same is the case with worldly music. The purpose of such music is to emotionally touch you. For example a romantic music might encourage your romantic feel and make you show love to a women or man (Who might even be your spouse). But it cannot produce a devine love that will love your spouse even when he/she is angry at you or when they are sick etc. You need a devine love in this case. So worldly music has its place where emotions are valued. In Christian music the importance should be to lyrics because a lyric can only bring reverence to God. Music is to glorify the lyric and not viceversa.

Let worldly music take its emotional route and Christian music take the spiritual way. Let there be no mix. Sadly it will not be a case at all places.

Hi Twayneb,
Can their be a message without words?Is it that we are limited to reverential music? and the world does not have to be?
Staff

Hi Sree,
I think your right that the soul purpose of the world is to effect our emotions.However if you take the music of the song "their is a redeemer" by Keith Green has an emotional content as well.Is it also true if we are limited to spiritual music that we are just limited to reverential music and their is just so much reverential music their can be,so we seem to be replaying the same thing over n over with a limited variety,
Yours Staff

Hey Sree--

Popular Christian music today is designed to stir the emotions. This is absolutely the case.

Now, at its best, this is emotion toward God- worship, reverence etc. But music is designed to bring an emotional response- doesn't matter if it is classical, rock and roll or gospel music. That is what music does. There is a danger in stirring up emotions only-- which is why men like Art Katz warn about the "hyping up" or "amping up" a church service.

I started a discussion on another forum quite a long time ago called "secular songs that seem devotional."

I listen to a lot of music w/o lyrics that to me, stirs feelings of worship and adoration. I don't think that a musician has to be a Christian for this to be the case because all good things come from above.

Listen to "An Ending (Ascent)" by Brian Eno on youtube and you will get a sense of what I mean.

I guess it depends on whether by the term reverential you are referring to a particular stylistic genre of music. There was a time when the church rejected Watts hymns as too great a departure from the great hymns of the faith. It is possible, I guess, for there too be a sort of anointing of one type or another on a particular artist's music. But it is impossible to determine that a particular music style is either Godly or worldly. By analogy, suppose we took that stance where painting is concerned. suppose we deemed pointalism worldly because our is really just a lot of dots on the page and by viewing it very closely one could not make head or tails of the picture. Yet we viewers photo realism as Godly because the details of the picture are maintained regardless of vantage point. We don't view current visual art styles as good or evil, but we do judge the content of the artists work and the motive behind his work as good or evil.

If by reverential we mean that which glorifies God, independent of style, then why should Christian music be any worse. I contend that the reason why the world doors not like Christian music is the object of the music, bringing glory to God.

music by its very nature is emotional, no matter the style.

music by its very nature is emotional, no matter the style.

Agreed. The point that I was trying to make is to keep music in check so that we do not take the total emotional route that the worldy music has taken. To me in a Christian song music is only to glorify the lyric, to add some effect to the lyric but not to dominate the lyric or add a different emotion to it.

My conclusion is wordly music has its own purpose and Christian music has its own. There is no need to compare one another. There is no need for Christian music to be influenced by world. But unforturnately it cannot be prevented.

I think the very nature and intent of worldy music is to put a spell on its hearers ,it comes from the flesh and is designed by satan ,the prince and power of the air to deceive and manipulate and provoke the flesh ,and cause addiction,

a douctumentry worth watching called they sold there souls for rock and role is worth the watching ,I think it took 20 years to compile and speaks of the satanic nature of music iv only seen part 1 and part 4 ,,has a good gospel message woven in to the movie

much bible is quoted in this film and constant references as seen through the film ,and many testamonys from stanists and musician's reveal the power behind sound of music

blessings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoBfpP4pMRk

staff wrote:
I am going to be blunt here and wonder why worldly music on the whole is so much better than Christian music.Music written for worldly songs is much better than music for Christian songs.God obviously likes the music that honours him,that's not in question or his opinion on worldly music.
I have been thinking about it and wonder is it that we have such a narrow subject matter or is it that the world has such a higher amount of musicians.Is it that the world has more full time musicians?

I don't have a clue and do not know if I can answer your questions but I've wondered this as well b/c my oldest son is a musician and if the Christian music might actually have challenged him, he might have been interested in playing it when he was younger and played in a church band.

I know, I know that the christian songs are NOT about the music but about Christ but to musicians before they are converted... IT IS about the music!!!

My son (23) plays upright bass / bass guitar and has for 10 years and musically he has no respect for christian music whatsoever; he says he can walk into any church, listen for a minute and play any song because they only have 3 or 4 chords (for bass).

I know Christ can reach down and convert anyone, it doesn't take music but that wasn't the question that staff asked and I was trying to give a perspective from my experience.

God bless you brother!
Lisa

I removed this song lyrics because as Staff said this thread wasn't about lyrics but about music.

God bless,
Lisa

Okay, let's pause and think about this BIBLICALLY.

When someone says that WORLDLY music is better than CHRISTIAN music, that raises serious concerns. What is that person looking for exactly?

If you are looking for something that will simply stir up the emotions, then go to a U2 concern, or an Opera performance, or a concert under the direction of André Rieu.

On the other hand, the Bible tells us what should be the purpose of CHRISTIAN music, that is, in a WORSHIP context: Colossians 3:16 - LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY... Do you see? The purpose of singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs in worship is to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, the same purpose than teaching and admonishing one another. But, notice how it should not remain at the superficial level; it should go to the heart.

So, if your concern is to let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, then your primary concern will be about the words being used, and the focus (mind, heart, and emotions) of the entire experience.

You can have really good words, but a "worship leader" that takes the attention away from Christ to himself.

So, who cares what is the style of the song, or the level of performance, or the flashy gadgets... You REALLY SHOULDN'T CARE about that.
RATHER, you should care more about LETTING THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY. That should be the standard whereby you JUDGE whether the song was good or not (at least, in the context of WORSHIP).

I pray that God would glorify His Name by bringing the focus of worship back to His Son, Jesus Christ.

In Christ,
Renoncer

twayneb wrote:

"I contend that the reason why the world doors not like Christian music is the object of the music, bringing glory to God."

the world does like some christian music-- "hanging by a moment" by Lifehouse and "I can only imagine" by mercyme were cross-over hits between christian and secular radio. I also think that part of the reason is that these songs were both pretty good.

But it is also true that both songs could be construed as "love songs" and not only as worship songs.

So, who cares what is the style of the song, or the level of performance…

I am posting some lyrics written by a highschool student as part of her music course requirement. On my request she performed her song for me.

As you read these lyrics are you more concerned about the song's acceptability than the girl's heart cry? Do you find yourself weeping for her and the multitude of youth she represents, or are you standing back like the older brother in Rembrandt's painting of the Prodigal son - tall and rigid, unfeeling, condemning, and emotionally distant. Music is not just about moral correctness but about what its creator is trying to express through the medium of music.

By the way, this is a top student, the kind of teen any parent would crave to have. But look what's under the smiling exterior. How would we have known?

I'm just a package of things
Tied up with intentions
Excuses and dreams
Filling up my dimensions

Hard work and defeat
Width by length by height
I've been squaring my seams
Trying to get it right

Ship me off
Send me somewhere
Send me home
Send me anywhere
'Cause I've been
Searching
For Somewhere
For Anywhere

I'm just a package of things
put me on a plane
It's the only way
to keep me sane

Ship me off
Send me somewhere
Send me home
Send me anywhere
'Cause I've been
Searching
For Somewhere
For Anywhere

Ship me off
Send me somewhere
Send me home
Send me anywhere
Send me home
Send me anywhere

Hi Renouncer,
I have been thinking that perhaps for that maybe most Christina artist come up with the words first and then add the music and maybe that's why the music is so limited(although this may not be the right term)
The truth of the matter is that most of Andre Rieu plays is better music than Christian music.Perhaps we should just add words to his music.Then we can have godly words and good music,
Yours Staff

Perhaps we should just add words to his music.

Have you ever been truly moved and edified by something that was not expressed in literary words? The psalmist was. Consider Ps. 19:1-2

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech,
night after night they display knowledge.

Diane

About a week ago, I was in a church service during which we sang "Bless the Lord, oh my soul" with only simple piano accompaniment. I had a very strong emotional response to the song. About a year ago Greg Volz was in town and sang a very popular song from their older days. Again, I had a very strong emotional response. My heart was filed with praise to God on both instances and I was brought to tears. I am not so sure we need to tailor our music so as to keep emotions in check. Rather, I think our emotions need to be submitted u to the holy spirit so they are governed by him. I do think there are worldly musicians who have their music "blessed" so to speak by Satan and that their music can effect a person emotionally in a very evil way. I don't think that it had to do with genre, but with origin and influence.

I am not sure a musician as a human being can live in this world and not be influenced to one degree or another by the musical flavors of their society. In that sense, music is simply cultural. But three is a big difference between a cultural fashion musically and a musician who had given himself over to genomic influence. so, I personally choose to listen almost totally to blatantly Christian music with exceptions in the realm of classical music, etc.

Staff,

Once again, I have to say that it is dangerous to say that worldly music is better than Christian music, because it shows that you are using the wrong standard to judge it.

If your standard is entertainment or something that moves the flesh, then yeah, many worldly singers are much better at it than a lot of Christian artists.
But, if your standard is letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, and worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth, then godly Christian songs are MUCH better than any secular or worldly music.

Along the same lines, when people leave churches because they are not entertained enough by the music, it shows that their hearts aren't right. They are not looking for Christ; they are looking for entertainment that will stir up the flesh through the emotions.

May God turn our hearts to the true worship of His Son, Jesus Christ, and may we be willing to forego the lusts of the flesh, for His sake.

In Christ,
Renoncer

The title of this thread has concerned me from the beginning, but I had trouble putting this "trouble" into words. It all sounds so "logical." But there is so much that lies hidden beneath comparing anything that is worldly with anything that is of God.

The comparison itself is wrong. How can I compare that which I or my brethren do for Christ with what the world does for themselves, for the flesh, for the world and for the enemy? The comparison is offensive. It is also dangerous. Why? Because it gives the subtle-or not so subtle-message that the world is better than what Christ has to offer. It entices those who are weaker into the world, because they cannot discern the subtle lie of the enemy in what is said.

But does not the Spirit teach us:
"Do not love the world or ANYTHING in the world." Does this also apply to worldly music?

"If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." Would we do anything to taint the love that we are to have for the Father?

"friendship with the world is enmity with God." -Adulterers and adulteresses He calls us. This is a serious accusation, and well fitting to one who leaves the embraces of our Pure and Wonderful Savior to enjoy pleasures outside of Him.

It is just music, so what does it matter? We have to understand that EVERYTHING matters. You state that the world's music sounds "better," whose standards are you using to compare it to? How are you deciding was is excellent music, what measures are you looking to?

I agree with renoncer that the standard is "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." If we fill ourselves with Him, He is all we need. We do NOT need music.

Which brings up the second concern that I have with this thread. Since when is Christian music about US and how WE enjoy it? Worship is NOT FOR US. It is something that God is worthy of, that is required of us toward Him. While worship is not music or singing, singing and music are one vehicle of worship TOWARD HIM. This whole topic makes it sound as if the singing and the music is FOR US. A total distraction from the truth, a distraction into worldliness and away from holiness and separation for our Father. The question should not be do WE enjoy the music but does OUR FATHER ENJOY our attempts to worship Him in song.

Music is also not about attracting people into the Gospel. That is mere entertainment. No matter how much our music would be loved by the world it would not change their hearts or their eternal condition one bit. If they are not attracted to Christ, what is the point of the music.

We are supposed to be the salt and light that attract unbelievers to a merciful and gracious God. That is harder, so we are trying to get them in through entertainment. But we are no match for the enemy, who is the master entertainer and so their hearts remain untouched.

Said in love,
Natalie

Here is a wonderful hymn that we use at our church (taken from the Trinity Hymnal, Baptist Edition):

Hymn 179a (First Tune)

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended,
That man to judge thee hath in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.

Who was the guilty? who brought this upon thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone thee.
'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee:
I crucified thee.

Lo, the good Shepherd for the sheep is offered:
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered:
For man's atonement, while he nothing heedeth,
God intercedeth.

For me, kind Jesus, was thine incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and thy life's oblation:
Thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion,
For my salvation.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee,
I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee
Think on thy pity and thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.

Do sing it with the music accompaniment from http://www.sg-audiotreasures.org/hymns/midis.html (179a - 1st tune)

It doesn't get much better than that! I'll sing that over any worldly music jive...

In Christ,
Renoncer

Natalie - so well said.

One other point, Lucifer was a skilled musician: Isa 14:11,12: Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" So it should not surprise us that he uses music to deceive, beguile. Done a fantastic job, I say!

Sandra

Luke 16:15 KJV
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.

John 15:19 KJV
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

James 2:5 KJV
Hearken , my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

1 John 2:15 KJV
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 3:1 KJV
Behold , what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

The bible states what it is highly esteemed among men is an abomination before God and that we should love not the world. I as a christian only tend to listen to christian music. Not all christian music is good but that does not justify listening to secular music which is worse.

Before my phone broke I would play christian music all day at work because I hated the radio. It also gives you a chance to evangelise and witness in one factory I had christian music playing through the stereo system.

If you want a godless story Simon cowell recently committed adultery with someone elses wife,

The wordly music is infested with promiscuity, drugs and other things and we want to emulate that. Some christian openly hate jesus or mock Jesus such as Kanya Wests new album.

Why would you want to listen to something that degrades the saviour. I wish my phone would work so I could listen to christian music at work

The greatest music in the history of the world was written by an 18th century cantor in Lutheran Germany named Johann Sebastian Bach. All his compositions were either signed "SDG" (Soli Deo Gloria - To the glory of God alone) or "JJ" (Jesus Juvi - Jesus, help me). J.S. Bach today is widely regarded by musicologists as being the greatest musical mind to ever walk the face of the earth - the equivalent in music to what Isaac Newton is in physics and William Shakespeare is in literature. Satan has nothing to even shake a candle at Bach's musical achievements. All his music is cheap soul trash in comparison.

But even Bach's music has no redemptive merit of its own. Meaning, it is Christian only in theme - and limited to the refreshment of the soul. Athesists worship Bach's music, staggered by the music's majesty and yet continue to repudiate the very God who inspired the music's creation. We need to remember that God's Spirit does not dwell in emotional music, though the Holy Spirit can certainly "use" music. Music is no more Christian than Michalangelo's "King David" statue is Christian or a painting by Rembrandt is Christian. They are merely the products of Christian-themed inspiration. The artists may have been living in sin when they created them. Handel, I've read, was supposedly inebriated when he composed portions of his famous "Messiah" oratorio. And I've heard a "Christian" hymn written by a self-confessed athesist who deliberately sought out to create one just to make a point that there's nothing "spiritual" about it. The hymn is, in fact, very convincing and powerful. So powerful that he got gloriously saved after hearing it sung in a church! Such is our God.

I've heard accounts of Japanese musicians converting from Buddhism to Christianity after performing J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew's Passion". My point is that Satan does not have the cornerstone on great music in this world (it is the opposite: his is actually the worst). What Satan is only able to do is manipulate human emotion with great fleshly effect. His music's inherent power comes from its bald catering to the lusts of the Adamic nature. The difference between secular and "spiritual" music (a misnomer indeed, for all music - even the greatest in the world - is soulish in creation), is that the former elevates one's thoughts via emotion to the world: to wine, women, self pleasure, money and general hedonism whereas the latter emotionally directs one's muse to the loftiness of heavenly, eternal, spiritual themes. If the Holy Spirit chooses to anoint it, only then does it become truly "spiritual", and hence, Christian (if you want to get technical, spiritually). But, even then, we must be careful not to relegate God to only being able to use "Christian theme-inspired" art and music. He is absolutely sovereign.

Paul West,

Amen.
Well said.

Hi Renouncer,
No I am not talking about entertainment,I am talking about the quality of the music.It is you that is talking about the words of the songs,I am just talking about the music with no lyrics.Lets be clear here we are not talking about the Songs.
If I take a music from a Christian and Music from the world(that is not obviously worldly)can I tell the differnce anyway?
The other question is what makes music Spiritual?can it glorify God on its own?
Maybe the words of a Christian Song need to be inspired but the music can be just be.............not.
Yours Staff

staff wrote:
...The truth of the matter is that most of Andre Rieu plays is better music than Christian music. Perhaps we should just add words to his music.Then we can have godly words and good music

God bless,
Lisa

I understand what staff is saying; he is suggesting that there seems to be more musical talent among worldly musicians than there is among christian musicians.

The same can be said for christian movies (which may try hard but are generally not very good) compared to a good secular movie.

I am not talking about the subject matter of the secular movie; of course it might be worldly. But the acting, cinematography,etc of a good secular movie is far and above better than a Christian movie.

WHy should this be? If Christian movie makers are inspired by the Holy Spirit, why is it not tons better than a worldly movie? It is true that money may have something to do with it, but certainly not everything.

Where are the Christian "Bachs" of today?

QUOTE:
______________________________________________________________

Where are the Christian "Bachs" of today?
______________________________________________________________

For your information there is one posting posting here on SI, in fact he posted on this thread! You know him as Paul West. You can hear his works on Facebook.

ginnyrose

If Christian movie makers are inspired by the Holy Spirit, why is it not tons better than a worldly movie?

The Holy Spirit transcends all of this. He runs deeper than artistic emotion, for emotion is from the soul. He was given to point us to Jesus Christ, to transform us into His image, and not to make us better guitar players or football quarterbacks. In fact, our spirits are emotionless. They have been made alive, created in righteousness and true holiness after the image of God. The seat of emotion, the psyche of man, which governs his intellect, artistic capabilities, etc. is found in the soul. This is why the brightest, most talented in sports, film producing, music production, entreprenuership, etc. is among just "regular" unregenerate people. Many of the greatest inventors and engineers today are atheists. The best actors are usually atheists or Christian Science adherents or Buddhists. All these categories have self-professing Christians working in them who believe God "helps" them in their craft. But they are far from the best in their genre. Why is that?

Adam was a living soul, but Jesus is Spirit (I Cor. 15:45). This is a very important verse! All men and women born in Adam have amazing soul potential, even though their spirits are dead in sin. When God regenerates a person, He regenerates the spirit. The soul is already alive and well. To excel in art and music the soul must be exercised and trained just like a physical body in weightlifting. Some people have natural talent in areas like music and writing, and others, like Bach and Shakespeare, have genius. These artistic capabilities usually have to be cultivated and perfected. A concert pianist will practice his piano 8 hours a day. He is cultivating the power of his soul in piano to be the competitive best in his class. When the soul is cultivated, the result is great music that touches your emotion; a great movie that stirs your pathos; incredible atheletic feats; wonderful poetry, etc.

The reason secular movies and music seem so superior in quality over the "Christian-themed" efforts has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit being involved or not being involved. Jesus didn't come to make us better actors and actresses (actually, He came for the opposite reason!). People who produce secular music and movies know how to cater to the soul with great skill. They've discovered how to "tap" into it and push a button that brings natural tears, laughter, lust, horror, anger. Musicians know how to make a beat that awakens a certain connection we can all identify with. When Christians try to use the playing field of the soul for religious-themed creativity, the results are almost always inferior to the effort of the sons of Adam. We try to blend spirit with soul and the result is almost always a dilution, a weakness. The only ones who like this "mix" is usually other Christians.

Philippians 4:8 KJV
King James Version
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What is crazy is people view of what is best is completly, who's opinion is correct if we are living in a relativistic society where nothing is wrong.
This whole presupposition that what is worldly is best and what is christian is not . When we look back from a heavenly perspective will are views be changed
When we talk about these subjects it is no doubt that he world has the power of money and other things

Is 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

We are so used to call good things evil and evil things good we need a wake up call

Why is it when we have the creator of the universe influencing our music
When we are in heaven are we going to say worldly music is good

Hi Lysa,
This link of Andre Rieu will make you want to be Irish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2jHOKm9MyA
It has an unknown author but he/she must have been Christian as when I listen to it I feel God's Joy
Yours Staff

I have been thinking more on the question TMK asked: "Where are the Christian "Bachs" of today?" I sensed this is not only TMK's question but is shared by others as well.

Obviously, my desire for more classical music is not like others who posted here since we do have recordings of classical music plus you can listen to it on YouTube. And I also enjoy Andre Rieu's music although I do not care for his interpretation of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus". Just thought I would let you know where I am coming from as far as instrumental music is concerned: I love it but prefer acappella music as I have grown older.

My challenge to you is if you find a serious lack, maybe you need to learn to make your own music! Seriously! Can't sing? Bet you can sing "Happy Birthday"... Then learn to sing. There are many tutorials on the web that will teach you to do about anything you want to learn. This is what I do when I want something but cannot afford it, or do not know how, I will study tutorials on the web, get inspired and proceed. What I do is not for public performance or public consumption but for my own personal use. The principles acquired in learning new skills will give you insights to other things that you never was aware of before. Think outside the box! Might be surprised what you will find there.

I love acappella music. When I go to an thrift store or an antique store I may look for hymnals and buy one if it appeals to me. Presently I have in my collection over two dozen different song books including choir song books, a collection of songs composed by Stephen Foster. So what do I want with them all? Some day I am going to sit down and sing through them. (I can sight read music.) It does wonders to a person's spirit. The LORD had me do this after Regina died. It is amazing how singing like this will lift one's spirits, change your attitude. It is as though God is extremely well pleased and you feel his joy.

Try it! You will be in for an awesome surprise!

ginnyrose

Hey Paul--

I really appreciate what you said very much and it provides much food for thought.

Let me ask you this question:

God **seems** to be interested in art. He seems to have created us with an urge to create.

Now, you **seem** to be saying that the HS is not interested in making us (Christians) better artists. Can this be true?

For example, I think that an excellently made Christian film might be an excellent tool for evangelism. "The Passion" may fall into this category but the creator of this movie is questionably Christian although his heart may have been in the right place. Why has no true Christian been inspired to create a film that is of the utmost quality etc etc that would serve to bring many to Christ?

I understand that an answer might be that God doesn't work that way, but I am not 100% sure about that. Like I said, I believe that he created us as artistic beings, so I am not sure why Christian art should not be excellent as opposed to mediocre at best.