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Christian music?

#21
I think if you listen to modern Christian music, you will be very impressed by the quality of many current bands compared to the 80s. I have been getting into this genre for a couple of years now, and I believe that some of the CCM is far better than what is available from secular artists. Listen to some bands like Building 429, David Crowder, Third Day, Jars of Clay, Tom Conlon, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, and many others that are top notch performers and songwriters, no matter what the genre. There is any style you want. Some of the songs are praise and worship, and some deal with life's choices and situations from a Christian perspective. But they all seem to have a very positive and welcoming message.

I will admit that I am not the perfect Christian, but I am a firm believer, and am active in my church. While I love to play all types of music, and still listen to all types, I have grown very fond of CCM. We have just started a Praise band at my church, and we have been doing a song each Sunday, and have begun conducting monthly contemporary services. The songs we are playing are very touching, and I like them far better than most of the traditional hymns that I have sung all of my life.

Now I will say that some bands are very forward about evangelizing and spreading their message, and usually use their shows to evangelize and witness. That may get a little uncomfortable for you, so you should discuss that aspect with the girl. As a youth leader at church, I have witnessed and talked openly about my life and faith, and carry our youth to CCM concerts specifically for that part of the message, but that is not for everyone.

I say, since you are a Christian, give it a try. Especially since you like the songs and singer. It's not like you can't ever leave.
 
#22
Relic said:
It's man's interpretation and twisting of religion that has me jaded, I never stopped believing in Jesus to be honest - hence me posting about this here. It's not an automatic turn-off for me as I'm a believer, but neither is it a selling point.
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Well, instead of man's interpretation of religion, you'll be getting a woman's interpretation. And you'll have to hear these words and then you'll have to sell them, every practice, every show. Will you feel comfortable selling her interpretation of religion to groups of strangers on a regular basis?

I can certainly appreciate the nuance of the situation, and by all means make the decision that works for you.

Best of luck!
 
#24
Most of us would have no problem playing secular love songs. "Christian" music can be boiled down to another genre of love songs. You can play the notes on the chart or you can play them from your heart - bottom line - they are still love songs.

Bit of randomness: I still can't believe it when we play Kutless or Audio Adrenaline at Mass and we don't get run off! :D Good times!!!
 
#25
GaryM said:
I thought the Devil had all the best tunes?
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TheDarkReaver said:
he does! :bassist: \m/-_-\m/
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Price is too high for me... and don't like gnashing of teeth.

Seriously again, GO FOR IT(the band) and make sure you've got a 5'er.
I'm in a "secular" band but listen to both types(TVU, WAY-FM, etc.). It would be very nice to play some of today's "Christian" music.
 
#26
The christian faith is all about who Jesus was / is, from what i can see you have no problem with Jesus at all, rather, some of the people in the church. Just be honest with were your at spiritaully and do your best to get the gig - You don't seem to have any problems with the singer at all.
Is she a christian/songwriter or a songwriter who happens to be a christian?
 
#27
Relic,

I dont want to preach to anyone, and this is not the point of my reply, but i do want to put my 2 cents in here.

For many years the church has taught RELIGION, go to church and repent week after week, when you accept JESUS in your life, there is NO MORE REPENT, its all done, you cannot put GOD in a box and GOD will not put you in box as well, be yourself. You are either for JESUS or not, you believe the truth or not the choice is yours.

I know GOD is going to use all kinds of folks to bring new light to a dark world, your talent is being called on, not to bring RELIGION, but truth to people thru music. There is something only you can do for the kingdom, and if you dont do it, no one will. Only you have the talent and skills for what GOD wants done. This holds true for ALL of us.

Dont hold yourself back because of RELIGION, play the music brother, its all about the music. :bassist:
 
#28
i'm in a christian band. we do some worship stuff, but we also have our own material. usually, we play at churches. now, i love God and consider playing music what he created me for. that's what keeps me going. if you do end up playing for this girl and you don't have a problem with her views on anything, just make sure you know what kind of gigs you're playing. there are a lot of churches i've been to where it's the christians that make me want to quit. ironically, it's the few bar gigs my band has done that were the most fun with the friendliest people who wanted it to sound as good (loud) as we did. bottom line, i think you should take this gig cause it sounds like you would have a good time with good tunes. but if you guys are doing mostly church gigs, your previous jaded-ness might come into play when you talk to some of the churchgoers.
 
#32
Pbassred said:
For all the christians out there;
I just don't believe in god. Lets not fight about it. I just don't. (I can't be convinced and threats of damnation are hardly a threat to someone who does not believe in the threat.).

What If I just dug the music?
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Thats great if you dig christian music! There are some really sick basslines out there in chrisitian music, and some of the best bass players in nashville are christians too. This thing is, most likely if you want to be in a christian band, they would want a christian, that's just the way it is. Its about the music and the faith, but more importantly the faith. It would be like if you were in a death metal band and wore khaki pants and a cadigan, and between every song you said "Isn't God great?! Thank you lord for everything we have and pour your mercy on us." The crowd probably wouldn't respond to nicely to that.
 
#33
I think even if you aren't religious then you can still enjoy the music, most Christian music I've heard has a really positive vibe, and is genuinly good to listen to.

And it's not all namby-pamby stuff either, check out Link Removed

Christian Hair Metalcore anyone?
 
#37
billjr said:
I think if you listen to modern Christian music, you will be very impressed by the quality of many current bands compared to the 80s. I have been getting into this genre for a couple of years now, and I believe that some of the CCM is far better than what is available from secular artists. Listen to some bands like Building 429, David Crowder, Third Day, Jars of Clay, Tom Conlon, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, and many others that are top notch performers and songwriters, no matter what the genre. There is any style you want. Some of the songs are praise and worship, and some deal with life's choices and situations from a Christian perspective. But they all seem to have a very positive and welcoming message.

I say, since you are a Christian, give it a try. Especially since you like the songs and singer. It's not like you can't ever leave.
Click to expand...

Relic,

I agree with the above....

please let us know what happened - I stumbled upon this thread for the first time today.....there are many "Christian" groups that are making it on mainstream radio (like MercyMe etc) and other "Christian light" bands such as Lifehouse who use positive messages to influence their listeners....Christian acts are really getting top billing and are selling out all over the country (and the world)....who knows what will happen? maybe it is a calling for you...maybe God isspeaking to you, maybe he is not, but you will never know until you answer....

peace and let us know what happened!
 
#39
What's the difference between Christian and secular music? Isn't it all about connecting to people through your own personal experiences, whatever they may be? Nobody really thinks of U2, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan as Christian artists, but many of their songs are about Christ. Nor do they say Smashing Pumpkins or Megadeth are Christian bands, but they are both led by Christians (Billy Corgan & Dave Mustaine). Nobody calls the Beastie Boys a "Buddhist rap group" or calls Cat Stevens a "Muslim folk musician." So what makes a "Christian" band?

I've been blessed to know the guys in P.O.D. for over a decade. They got cursed by Christians for making rock music and having tattoos and they got downplayed as a "Christian band" by many others, but they were the #1 selling artist on Atlantic Records for many years and played huge radio gigs, festivals, and more. They never denied their faith, but they never marketed solely to Christians either. They were just there to play their music.

Relic,
Go play and see if you enjoy playing with the group. Ask what gigs she plans on playing. Make your decision if you're comfortable with the plans. Don't focus on the girl, though...that whole "lust" thing, you know? ;)
 
#40
"music is music", huh?

Well, I'd tend to agree, but have some bad experience telling me that it might not be. Like Michale Jackson's Thriller album, which litterly makes my stereo puke out streams of evilness into the room. I had to throw myself on the off-button, before I was overtaken! Yuck!
But was it the music or the intention of the music? I have experiences of the opposite, too, when music written to uphold bad things actually gave me good thoughts.

I conclude that the music itself is neutral, it's something else that does the difference.
Lyrics make some difference, of course. But when two performances of an instrumental piece (recorded, even!) sound so similar but has so different effect - what is it then that makes the difference?

Probably the intent.
So, if you feel that it is OK, or even good, to perform love songs for God/Christ, then why not play it?
If you think that is wrong, then stay way away from it.

Anyway, if you go for an audition for a band that is really devoted to playing before Christ, and you're not properly tuned for playing "Christian music", than you won't be accepted anyway. God moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. But don't ever be scared of Him! (even though his followers may be 'scary' at times....:o ;)
 

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