I have not heard anything in the Church as creative, unique, and good as this music from Church of the Beloved. These guys are culture creators. I am tremendously encouraged to hear good, godly music like this (and the Advent Songs from Sojourn) in the Church. I hope to see and hear more and more quality musicians who are Christians using their gifts for the Church, instead of feeling like they have to use their gifts outside of the church in order to be faithful and uncompromising. Why is it that most Christian Music (CCM and Praise and Worship) is second rate, sentimental pop?
2 comments
Comment by Matt on December 11, 2008 at 3:20 PM
why is so much Christian music sentimental and second rate? a few reasons come to mind:
perhaps the music is second rate, sentimental because the artists are?
Or
because "art" until recently has been devalued and largely ignored as a legitimate expression of beauty and creation in evangelical churches (but not in the historically sacramental churches...it should not be surprising that the cd you mention above was created by a bunch of Anglicans - additionally - your buddy Sufjan worships in an Episcopal church, i hear)
or
because we've been too enamored with pithy theological slogans that flatten and explain theological realities ...rather than other expressions of truth (i.e. artistic expression) that thicken and allow us to simply gaze at truth and worship...
or
sentimental and second rate sells. (ironic - and telling - that the cd you reference above is offered free)
or
We find ourselves believing in a christian pop culture that has the kernal of truth but eviscerates the substance of the cross, of Creation, of the Lordship of Christ...so all that's left is sentimental greeting card worship songs and catchy hooks.
or -
perhaps none of these reasons are right...
what do you think, Ryan? Or was your question rhetorical?
Comment by Ryan on December 11, 2008 at 3:34 PM
All of the above
Thanks for joining us and sharing your thoughts.