Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 11:59:12 AM |
Age 37, NE |
When the writer says "contemporary music is void of the reason why we should not worry" he paints with an extremely large brush. Too large. I can think of numerous examples of contemporary songs that accurately portray the 'why' of our hope in Christ (e.g. In Christ Alone and Sing to the King being two that come immediately to mind). The author also seems to portray the expression of ones need of God as somehow unmanly (see, "man up"). A longing and need for God is placed in every one of us regardless of gender. How else are we drawn to Him? To express our need is to be honest.
I can't disagree more that love songs should be kept out of the Church. Whether they are 'silly' or not, God IS love, and songs about Him will naturally go there.
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 11:50:08 AM |
Age 42, FL |
Todd, you didn't just go criticizing popular Christian music, did you?
Say it isn't so!
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 11:24:24 AM |
Age 59, IL |
In many ways I understand the writer's point. However, I have worked with teens for years, and we definitely do not live in a warm, fuzzy world. It is vicious to say the least. I point them to a Saviour who loves them with an agape love and Who wants a personal an intimate relationship with them. This does not in any way detract from His Holiness. I am thoroughly convinced that He definitely would give these precious teens a hug! To hear them sing of their love for Him and His love for them is truly a blessing. They long for the kind of unconditional love only He can perfectly give.
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 10:27:10 AM |
Age 26, CO |
Thank you Sir!
What a great article! It's gratifying to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that emotion is extremely over-emphasized in the church to the point where one doesn't believe they've woshiped God if they don't feel something. How far from the truth!
I really liked how you compared the Big Daddy Weave and Air Supply lyrics. When that comparison is made, the Big Daddy lyrics look pretty ridiculous, especially when realizing that they're communicating with the Lord God Almighty. It's time for musicians to become leaders and quit being infatuated with the God who showed us that love means great sacrifice.
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 10:27:07 AM |
Age 46, NE |
Todd,
Thanks for addressing this aspect of today’s music scene among Christians. The slant toward ‘syrupy’ music has become so prevalent that it has swept over the church community (at least in the U.S.A.) like a tidal wave over a beachfront town. It makes me wonder how much of it is driven by the concept of marketing a product to the masses.
You’re accurate in pointing out that the words & style of many singers makes a listener wonder who they’re singing to or about – it’s not clear at all whether it is the Lord God. Your point about the consequences of this musical style is also a good insight – how have these types of ‘Christian songs’ (whatever the definition of that is) made many people wonder if they’ve missed something in their spiritual life as a follower of Christ? And if it is negatively affecting men more than women, then it is alienating the very ones needed to be future leaders in the home & the church. We need a definite move toward theology-based music, as you stated.
I liked your approach that highlighted current & historical facts as well as some theology related to this subject. Some people address this topic simply by condemning others who don’t listen to the music they believe is appropriate for Christ’s followers. I appreciate your challenge to think more clearly & deeply on an issue like this & to take action to move more towards a Biblical mindset & lifestyle!
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 09:54:29 AM |
Age 59, MA |
I can only pray that this article will penetrate the sappy sentimentality that fills the brains of so many in the western media-cated Church who have been fed at the trough of such marginally musical pablum for generations. The Bible testifies to the truth of this article from cover to cover. Just one instance: the apostle Paul's emotional longing for Jesus was expressed as an intense spiritual passion to know Him in just two ways--the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, and he determined that the theme at the core of all his ministry would be Jesus Christ crucified. Yes, what a friend we have in Jesus, but do we stedfastly remain at His side when we, as He was, are being refined and perfected through godly suffering?
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 09:39:41 AM |
Age 40, CA |
I totally agree! Sometimes when I'm listening to a song on a Christian radio station, I double check the dial because it doesn't sound like a song to our Savior!
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 09:33:14 AM |
Age 20, TX |
I agree that most of the "Christian" music, especially "praise and worship" tend to be redundant and not really saying anything. I agree that many of the "Christian" singers are hard to tell apart from the secular singers. I agree that songs should be based on Biblical sound doctrine because their purpose is to edify. But I can also see something that they may be basing their "feelings" onto. The Bible does say that we are the "bride of Christ". They may have interpreted that by the modern definantion of marriage instead of what it is - a non-conditional commitment with no end until death.
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Re: Jesus Just Wants to Give You a Hug?
| Posted On: 11/27/07 08:57:50 AM |
Age 47, AZ |
Good job Todd, i love how you tell it like it is. For too long we as Christians of today have forsaken true worship to our God. Statistics prove it and it's high time we started putting the blame where the blame belongs. Your article here is one of many reasons why we as a Christian nation are in the shape we are in. Thank you for your candor, keep up the Holy Spirit work through you. Be that available vessel God needs to witness to the masses. My prayers are with and for you.
Michael Layne
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