nationalchristianmusic.com

nationalchristianmusic.com

Technically, Christian music is melody crafted or adapted for the Christian church. However, the genre has evolved so much that it can no longer be solely associated with hymns, psalms, and gospels. Today, Christian music is often a blend of mainstream sound and faithful lyrics.

Sure, the earliest recorded Christian musical works were hymns from the New Testament. As expected, some of these pieces are still sung in churches today. Speculation is that Jesus and his disciples would have sung psalms purely from memory, in an age when no music industry offered them millions of dollars or international fame. Well, the latter came with time (centuries, in fact).

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Technically, Christian music is melody crafted or adapted for the Christian church. However, the genre has evolved so much that it can no longer be solely associated with hymns, psalms, and gospels. Today, Christian music is often a blend of mainstream sound and faithful lyrics.

Sure, the earliest recorded Christian musical works were hymns from the New Testament. As expected, some of these pieces are still sung in churches today. Speculation is that Jesus and his disciples would have sung psalms purely from memory, in an age when no music industry offered them millions of dollars or international fame. Well, the latter came with time (centuries, in fact).

Today, Christian music in North America comes from Contemporary Christian Music, or CCM. Unlike the hymns of past generations, CCM derives most of its style from secular, or non-religious mainstream music. As the genre has become more popular, specialized Christian radio stations have popped up with the exclusive purpose of playing a whole variety of styles, including Contemporary Christian, Black Gospel, Southern Gospel, Christian Country, and typical variations of rock, rap, and pop.

Perhaps the most popular kind of modern Christian music is Christian rock. First growing popular in the 1960s, Christian rock was a direct response to faith-based gospels sung by African-American singers. Unfortunately, many scholars believe Christian rock arose out of a racist defense of music, as devised by still ignorant white parents fearing for their suburban children.

In addition, Christian rock was devised as a counterweight for the popular culture cut out by 1960s bands like the Beatles and Rolling Stones. When John Lennon was quoted as saying, “we’re bigger than Jesus”, the conservative American public revolted strongly against him and his Liverpool quartet.

Although Christian rock was first created as an answer to massive changes in American culture, today it more closely reflects the Bible and faith-based living. Some bands have reached mainstream success, such as Jars of Clay, while music critics accord Christian-like influence to popular musicians like U2, Lifehouse, and Creed.

Some of the most popular Christian rock festivals include the Cornerstone Festival, Newsong, Sonshine Festival, and Rock the Desert.

Finally, Christian Seinfeld fans will appreciate David Putty’s enjoyment of Christian rock radio stations.


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