The Music Has Changed

RebuildJesussChurch · Nov 29, 2019

I was raised in church beginning in the late 70's. My family attended mainly Methodist, Church of God and non-denominational churches, though at times there would be occasion to visit others. There was more of a humility in the singing in those days, if I could say it that way. The songs were not so heavily about what He's done for me but about how great and good He is. A selfish tone has set in across a lot of the modern church reflected in the music. I meet with a local overseer for study and he apologetically stated that a lot of Christians are treating Jesus like a "booty call" - that thinking creeps in to the music, I think. Obviously, false doctrines affect the music as does the music of the world. Relating to the false doctrines, Jesus isn't taught as though He's been sent "to bless us by turning each of us from our wicked ways" nor that "Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among His people," with a void left where the Fear of the Lord had been, He becomes more of "a buddy of mine who was good enough to forgive me of the sins I'm going to keep on committing so I can go to Heaven." That philosophy has crept in to a lot of the music in the contemporary church. My son and I visited a fellowship this summer, and during the singing my spirit was so troubled that I had to open my Bible to Revelation and start glorifying God using some of the incredible songs found there. It was like the music was all pointing down at us and for my part I had to turn the arrow back up at the Lord. The words "I" and "me" were all through the songs but my spirit wasn't troubled when I could glorify the Lamb because He is worthy and not for anything I would get out of it. When we seek the Lord as a family we sing some of the old hymns and some of the songs we sang as I was coming up. The most contemporary is probably "Awesome God" by Rick Mullins, lol. We have 80 or so that we do. Some Maranatha songs, a couple by Andrea Crouch, "How Majestic is Thy Name" by Sandi Patty, "Thy Word" the simple "Hallelujah" - things like that. I know it's not bad these days straight across the board and many of the Psalms deal with what God is doing for the Psalmist but, generally, I feel things have moved in kind of a gross direction. God's Word is pretty clear that He doesn't accept everything offered Him but most humans don't think that's so. Are any of you having these feelings and noticing this?

Subhumanoidal · Nov 29, 2019

Paragraphs are your friend.
Slamming modern Christian music is old hat on this site. Nothing I've not heard 1000 times before.

RebuildJesussChurch · Nov 29, 2019

Subhumanoidal said:

I'm not that smart so thank you for the kind literary advice. What you refer to as slamming is genuine. I've enjoyed dialoguing with the many Christlike folks on this site. We can discuss the problem some other time then...

Magenta · Nov 29, 2019

RebuildJesussChurch said:

I meet with a local overseer for study and he apologetically stated that a lot of Christians are treating Jesus like a "booty call" - that thinking creeps in to the music, I think. Obviously, false doctrines affect the music as does the music of the world. Relating to the false doctrines, Jesus isn't taught as though He's been sent "to bless us by turning each of us from our wicked ways" nor that "Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among His people," with a void left where the Fear of the Lord had been, He becomes more of "a buddy of mine who was good enough to forgive me of the sins I'm going to keep on committing so I can go to Heaven." That philosophy has crept in to a lot of the music in the contemporary church.

Do you have any examples of this? I have never heard it... modern praise and worship is my preference.

oldethennew · Nov 29, 2019

we, hub and I will just say this;
it depends on 'who you are singing for and why' -
also, our 'roots' should always count for something...
JER. 6:16.
Thus saith The LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way,
and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls.

Ghoti2 · Nov 29, 2019

The "New" Christian songs of every 50 years, or so, has been heresy to the generation that came before it.... all the way back to the time Paul and Silas were singing in their prison cell. That's about forty "changes" in music that probably horrified each successive set of grandparents.

StrugglingTilMyReward · Nov 29, 2019

RebuildJesussChurch said:

We moved to a new town in 2015 and started attending what I'll call an "old line" protestant church....the building itself pre-dates Canada's Confederation in 1867, and they still use the old pipe organ. They hymns were 90% out of the old hymnal, they have another music book that's more modern with mostly children's simple songs. Most of the hymns, I don't wish to be unkind but....ugh. Too often I found them exercises in vocal gymnastics...

I'd been feeling God calling me into a closer relationship for a while, and then a door opened when I was introduced to the pastor at another local church during the summer of 2018. One of the first things I noticed at this new church was the music, I often prefer what I refer to as simple gospel music to traditional hymns. The first song I remember them doing was "Jesus Messiah", and the simplicity and power of the words reached right down to my soul....I had tears coming out of my eyes.

At this new church I was encouraged to listen to a Christian radio station that broadcasts locally, UCB Canada. I found that many of the songs from the radio were included in worship, 'My Lighthouse', 'What a Beautiful Name' 'Living Hope'....it made singing so much more enjoyable to be familiar with the songs.

I still like many of the old standards, 'How Great Thou Art' still chokes me up when we sing it the traditional way, Amazing Grace of course....there's one that my new church hasn't done in the 1.5 years I've been attending, 'Here I am Lord'....but overall I get so much more out of the more modern songs.

Just some of my thoughts....I will echo the remark someone made about using paragraphs. I used to write in one big block as well until it was pointed out to me how much easier it is to read something that's broken up into paragraphs....the breaks make it much easier on the eyes.

Be Blessed

calibob · Nov 29, 2019

Christian music has many roots from Gregorian,> R & B,> POP and so on. I guess motive has a lot to do with it whether it is for worship, evangelism or simply making a joy full noise, some tell a story like "He's alive" some acknowledge his transforming power like Amazing Grace. Then there's Dylan's "You gotta serve somebody." we Christians are not one dimensional. Why should our music be? My favorite is a doo-wop by Sam Cook, "Jesus is so wonderful" but I'm showing my age and my favorite late night D.J., Wolfman Jack.
'

mar09 · Nov 29, 2019

Hi RJC,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings abt how music has changed as used in church. The impt verse that speaks on this is this, right:

Ephesians 5:19 (CJB) sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to each other; sing to the Lord and make music in your heart to him;

Just as fashion, i believe there are 'decent' songs to sing and offer to the Lord. I grew up in an RC church in a predominantly RC country, where Ive heard a few hymns and spiritual songs... and by high school and college, have started to use a small hymnal i personally bought (when i also started to go to local Christian churches). Just learning the beautiful lyrics w/o necessarily knowing the tune of songs. In time, as i heard some on radio or in churches, it was easier to learn and appreciate. Psalms in song i got to listen to much later, but if there was more opportunity if used or played in church or radio, i'd be happy abt them.

I do like to listen to varied songs to the Lord, but cannot in honesty, much the rap or rock stuff, even if people claim they are for the Lord. Some contemporary music are fine, but some tend to be played so often, again and again here and there, that my ears long for other, and in fact older, more Biblically, meaty lyrics. Esp as many musical directors or song leaders are often younger, they tend to sing and introduce only the new songs they themselves know, and not strive to learn treasures from older generations. Thats how it is where i live, at least. I hope they'd listen to others when we say some songs seem worn out, while there are lots and lots 'new songs' we can sing with the Holy Spirit which we do not sing.

But again i think the thing is that we sing and make music in our heart to God, and not to or for ourselves. God would be pleased and honored when we worship in spirit and truth. Perhaps we can do our small part by introducing others (esp if u can sing or teach others at home, thru sunday school or other)

VineyardsOfEngedi · Nov 29, 2019

RebuildJesussChurch said:

What do you mean by songs found in Revelation? Can you point them out to me?

Subhumanoidal · Nov 29, 2019

RebuildJesussChurch said:

Fussing over the terminology doesn't change the meaning.
That's fine. I simply pointed out that the things you're saying are nothing new. You wanted a discussion on the topic, I gave my input. Now you're defensive about my input. I suppose you didn't want discussion but people to agree. I'll move on.

RebuildJesussChurch · Nov 29, 2019

VineyardsOfEngedi said:

Like the 3 songs in chapter 5 beginning at verses 9, 12, and 13. The song of Moses is in chapter 15. There is a song at 11:15. I used various of the acclamations too. They're indented in my Bible so you can find them quick.

VineyardsOfEngedi · Nov 29, 2019

RebuildJesussChurch said:

Oh ok, thanks.

morefaithrequired · Nov 29, 2019

The beautifully played organ chords of my childhood Mass attendances linger still. The lyrics too have a sacred tone. Its hard to change.

RebuildJesussChurch · Nov 29, 2019

morefaithrequired said:

I can understand.

NotmebutHim · Nov 29, 2019

I tend to agree that many contemporary "Christian" songs worship the god of self as opposed to the one true God. Emphasizing what He can do for us instead of what we should do for Him.

morefaithrequired · Nov 29, 2019

"Jesus in your heart we find
love of the Father and mankind
these two loves to us impart
Divine love
in a human heart"

just an example of lyrics from old hymns

Magenta · Nov 30, 2019

NotmebutHim said:

I wonder what you are listening to, to come to that conclusion

I do also wonder what you think you can do for God. He does the calling, and it is Him Who works in us, to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose, which God prepared in advance for us to do. All glory goes to God, always... at least in the modern praise and worship music I have heard. I was not answered earlier when I asked for an example of what the OP explicitly stated. Perhaps you can give one? Here are some examples from me of Christian music that has endeared itself to me from my early days as a Christian:

Magenta · Nov 30, 2019

This is the song that was on my mind much of yesterday:

I include these two videos in my welcome message to newcomers:

RebuildJesussChurch · Nov 30, 2019

Magenta said:

I don't know how to answer this as I know none of the song titles.

The Music Has Changed

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