Christian Music

From LoveToKnow Music

Christian music is a broad term that covers many genres, from old-world hymns to modern-day Christian rock music. The one thing these genres have in common is the theme of Christianity in the lyrics and the intent of worship through the expression of the music.


Earliest Christian Music

The purpose of Christian music has always been to praise Jesus Christ and worship God, his father. Whether it is overtly through its lyrics (church hymns) or through its message (positive, enlightened, humbled), this form of expression is one that was recorded in biblical times, during the birth of Christianity. Music is of great importance in The Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament:

  • I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing PRAISE to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:2
  • Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we SING and PRAISE thy power. Psalm 21:13
  • The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my SONG will I PRAISE him. Psalm 28:7
  • PRAISE the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:2-3


Christian Music In Church

Christian historians often credit Jewish synagogues for influencing early Christian music. Although hymns were quite common and widely reported of in The New Testament, it wasn’t until the 6th century that they began to be written down. Until that time, hymns were passed down orally, much like history itself. Musical influences were drawn from Judaism, as it was an earlier faith than Christianity and it was what early Christians were familiar with.

More involved compositions came about during The Restoration. In fact, Martin Luther was himself a very accomplished musician. During The Restoration, chorales were used and are considered to be one of the main reasons the movement spread so quickly. It was unlike anything Christians had heard before in their house of worship. Already, different genres of Christian music were forming.


Modern-Day Style

Times have certainly changed for the Christian faith and the music used to celebrate it. Today, one can find Christian musical artists that perform rock, R&B, rap, heavy metal, and electronica, all in worship of God. It has become a big business with singers such as Amy Grant crossing over onto pop charts in the 1990’s. Other best-selling Christian acts include Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, The Newsboys and DC Talk. Pop superstar Jessica Simpson began her career as a Christian singer, but has since moved far away from the genre and lifestyle.


Controversy Within the Genre

Much like most religious topics, there has always been controversy involving Christian music. While it was once a genre of music that was passed down orally and sung in unison, instruments were added in areas of the church. Some believed it was improper to use musical instruments during church. While that has certainly changed for most Christians, even today there are various opinions on what constitutes true Christian music. Some modern-day artists and theologians argue that many popular Christian singers rarely make any mention of God or Jesus in their lyrics. However, the accused artists maintain that the message of their music is as inherently Christian as any hymn.



 


Comments

Ah, right you are, Jonathan! Thanks for pointing out that mistake. I will make sure it gets corrected.

-- Contributed by: Hlmcdona

This is great (albeit a little brief), but I think you'll find that Psalms are Old Testament not you. There are NT references to music, however (Jesus sang a hymn with the 12 before going to the Mount of Olives).

-- Contributed by: Jonathan

i am trying so hard to get the "wedding song" which was sung by jody wayne. i have a problem searching & downloading it. can anybody help me. i think your add 'Limewire' is fantastic, but a bit complicated, regarding search & downloads. at times the songs is'nt placed in the right/correct category.

-- Contributed by: a. coetzer
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