Related articles and links |  1 of 4

JARS OF CLAY
I hope this article dispels the
false notion Christians have
about the 'Jar boys' and that
they will embrace them as
fellow missionaries.
RACHEL HOWARD, Bristol, Tennessee

Shine, Praise Songs, Shine
RANDALL BALMER'S ARTICLE is a brilliant survey of the "Jars Boys" ["Hymns on MTV," Nov. 15]. However, when Balmer takes on the ever-popular choruses "Father, I Adore You" and "Shine, Jesus, Shine" for evoking reverential mood by carrying little theological freight, he forgets that worship leaders find great use for songs with themes of offering our lives and expressing our love to God the Father, Son, and Spirit.

There are times of commitment in a church service when we need short, memorable tunes, and where enriched Jars lyrics that probe and ask questions would be inappropriate. Balmer forgets to check the latest hymnals, which capture a new generation of North American and British writers who use lyrics to touch the human need and portray an awesome Christ and his finished work at the Cross.

Balmer is not the first to make improper comparisons. It comes from an ill-founded presumption that CCM groups like Jars should both address a non-Christian audience and a Christian audience alike. Instead, we need to celebrate groups like Jars who can powerfully speak to our generation of seekers and also celebrate a different generation of worship musicians and writers capturing powerful music for the church.
FRANK FORTUNATO
Atlanta, Georgia

BALMER SEEMS TO RELISH taking potshots at many traditional hymns and contemporary Christian songs primarily because of their lack of theological sophistication. While this may be a valid concern, his examples aren't compelling. Some songs make theological statements, some offer praise to God, some are prayers, and some bear witness of God's grace and blessing. This sounds a lot like the Book of Psalms to me!

Incidentally, Ralph Carmichael didn't compose "Pass It On." Kurt Kaiser wrote both the words and music.
DONALD L. HAMILTON
Columbia, South Carolina

I WAS BOTH SURPRISED and delighted to see the article on Jars of Clay. It was during my tenure as president of Greenville College that the Contemporary Christian Music major was conceived and implemented.

CCM is not the kind of music that I grew up on in the church. But it is not proper for leadership to impose their own tastes on an institution of higher learning. As a result of CCM I have seen hundreds of people lifted in their faith and inspired to greater service to God.

While I am not a music historian, I believe that CCM's future is not a passing fad. CCM has already left its mark on the music of the church, and I would not be surprised to see even more Christian colleges include it in their curriculum.
W. RICHARD STEPHENS
President Emeritus
Greenville, Illinois

I AM A 43-YEAR-OLD mother of three sons who listen primarily to Christian alternative rock, pop, and ska music. I've listened to many of the alternative groups my sons listen to. Some I like, some I tolerate, most I can't stand. My son was listening to Jars of Clay one day and I was riveted to it. The instrumentals and words lift me up to a level of worship that I rarely attain through other songs. This is a truly unique group whose following is cross-generational.
LORIE NEIGHBORS
Salem, Oregon

THE FACT THAT one member of Jars of Clay came out of the General Association of Regular Baptists, cited by Balmer as a "denomination usually associated with a fairly starchy brand of fundamentalism," says a lot more about a youth pastor who did a great job ministering than it does about the "starchy fundamentalism" of our fellowship. I'm sure our history and current fellowship has some. However, I know many intelligent engaging ministers within our ranks, none of whom is a "starchy fundamentalist."
MATT FREY
Westerville, Ohio

next page... |  1 of 4

share this page

January 10 2000, Vol. 44, No. 1