Music: Commentaries

No Egos Required
11 of today's top Christian artists and songwriters put aside their egos—and royalties—at the Compassionart songwriting retreat, united in their effort to make a tangible difference in poverty-ravaged countries around the world.
Idol Worship?
Christians continue to shine on American Idol even as Christian alternatives to the popular show crop up. Can they co-exist? Can both bring glory to God?
Defining? Or Discerning?
When trying to define "Christian music," perhaps it's best to look beyond simple labels and look instead to individual discernment.
Remastering: Revisiting or Redundant
Amy Grant's extensive 30-year catalog gets a re-release, prompting discussion over the perks and problems of remastered albums and whether fans should take interest.
Lennon's 'Last Temptation'
The symbol of the sixties is desecrated, and a generation falls headlong into its midlife crisis.
Curses! The Readers React
We've recently reviewed some CDs by Christian artists who happened to include profanity in their lyrics. We asked readers what they think ... and here's what they said.
He Gives, and Takes Away
You're probably familiar with the Casting Crowns hit single "Praise You in This Storm." In this excerpt from his new book Lifestories, frontman Mark Hall tells the story behind the song.
How to Fix CCM
Mute Math sued its record company for marketing them as a "Christian band." Producer/author Mark Joseph says that's just one symptom of a broken industry... and he's got some ideas how to fix it.
Another Re-Release? Enough Already!
With CD sales on the decline, record labels are always looking for new ways to sell albums. But is the constant flood of re-releases really doing anyone any favors?
Ready to Exhale
Life's pace rarely gives us pause to look deep inside ourselves. Forget finding the answers … for now. I'm just giving myself permission to stop and ask the questions.
The Kingdom of Rock Is at Hand
A tour of the confused but worshipful world of Christian rock.
Those Bleeping Lyrics
Christian artists have occasionally used strong language, and even the rare profanity, in their songwriting. Can that form of self-expression be reconciled with our faith?
Worship Music Overkill?
The praise-and-worship music craze has apparently worn out its welcome with many of our readers, who definitely agree that record labels shouldn't require their artists to do it.
Raising Ebenezer
We are misguided when we modernize hymn texts.
My Rant Against CCM
I was so busy bashing the state of contemporary Christian music that I almost forgot to point the accusatory finger at myself. Then God stepped in ... with conviction
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J.S. Bach: For the Glory of God
Such humility is exceedingly rare among those who have gained worldwide fame.
Taking Back the Music
Black women are questioning mainstream hip-hop portrayals of them in new ways. But the discussion isn't limited to African-Americans, women or even to hip-hop lovers. So how can we redeem the genre?
Have Crossover Artists Sold Out?
"They're more carnal than spiritual," one writer claims in a response to our recent commentary about the crumbling divide between secular and sacred music.
Sticking Up for Crossover Artists
In an ongoing discussion/debate regarding Christian artists who "cross over" to the mainstream, many readers added their two cents worth—and more—to the conversation.

Top Story April 30, 2024

World Vision Brought Clean Water to More Than 1 Million Rwandans
World Vision Brought Clean Water to More Than 1 Million Rwandans
How the world’s largest nongovernmental provider of the resource is delivering on its promise.

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