Fishbowl On: Christian Music

Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2012 in In America

Christian Music in America

Carol asks…

Christian music?

I have recently become a Christian. I love to feast on the Word when I'm in church but I just cannot get into the praise and worship. I usually turn up late just to avoid it! The Christian rock group 'Electralyte' will be performing at my church soon. Everyone is so looking forward to seeing them. Does Christian music grow on you as you develop as Christian. (I can already see the responses of the witty non-Christians!)
OMAR - Gregorian chant! Yes I like that, I have a cd by the Hilliard Ensemble with Jan Garbarek, I bought it years ago! It's beautiful.

Fishbowl answers:

Hi. Congrats hun on finding Christ in your heart. God Bless you.

Perhaps one's appreciation for music changes as he develops spiritually. And not just for music, for all sort of things that remind you of the presence of the Lord in our everyday life.
And sometimes, yes you might get used to a certain type of music, but I feel that if you feel uncomfortable it may be because you’re not too attached to that particular way of worship. For example before becoming Catholic, I used to find Gregorian chant 'not-so-pleasant'. Now, I find it the most beautiful sound of praise to god on earth.

You should worship God in the way that makes you comfortable.

God bless you.
Omar

Linda asks…

Christian Music?

Is branding music as Christian a good thing (giving people a way to identify music they want to hear) or does it further segregate Christians from the rest of the world as those who really would benefit from Christian lyrics are not going to buy a Christian CD or listen to Christian radio? Also has Christian music caused Christians to alienate the secular world where the voice of Christians would be most effective? At times it seems to me that more and more Christians are closing themselves off to the world and not interacting and sharing with those who don't believe (ie private schools, Christian youth groups, Christian book stores, coffee shops, restaurants ect.)

Fishbowl answers:

Its a very thoughtful question and not just about music. I practice my faith and am very comfortable with it but I get turned off by an exclusive Christian focus. The answer is in your question: if you are using the media - the CD, Radio station itself - to produce conversion - you have forgotten that it is the Spirit that calls the heart.
I think the best way to open peoples hearts to the Spirit is to live a joyful life. Let people wonder why you are so happy and peaceful. With all the sad and lost souls in the world, you will stand out. If somebody around you is looking for light, they will ask you the reason for your joy.
I don't think Jesus did the hard sell on converting. He talked to people about farming and treasure - and those who could hear the underlying message, asked more questions.
Who would buy a product simply because of a pushy salesmen, you look around and ask somebody who uses the product.
So I say forget about overtly converting souls just live what you believe, nurture it in your heart and wait for people to ask the reason for your faith. Offer it, don't push it.

Mary asks…

christian music?

Does anyone know where I can listen to christmas music that is contemporary christian music all year round on the net besides live 365.com?

Fishbowl answers:

No, sorry.

Maria asks…

Any suggestions for Christian music to be played during a wedding ceremony?

I am agnostic. Next year I am marrying a man who is Christian and comes from a very Christian family. This situation has been discussed openly with both my fiance and his family, and their attitude is one of acceptance of my viewpoint, even though I know they would like me to one day convert to Christianity. Anyway, I am completely unfamiliar with Christian music, but as a nod to my fiance's family, I would like some non-secular music to be playing during the wedding ceremony. Can anyone help me out with suggestions? The rest of the ceremony will be interspersed with secular classical music.

Fishbowl answers:

You could use the music from different hymns, the music is recognizable, but you wouldn't need to use the words if you are looking for a strictly musical aspect.

Daniel asks…

What Christian music rivals nine inch nails and Tool?

These are my favorite bands, but it's been suggested that I should start changing the music I listen too. It's for my own sake haha. I like a unique sounds and I've never came across any unique and really talented Christian band (in my definition). Any list or names of any good Christian band would be great! It doesn't have to be like nin or Tool, but I would most likely listen to more music like that. Thanks!