CCM is growing and reaching more people than ever but musically I think that it is definately progressing at a snails pace.

Who are the trend buckers in CCM? DecembeRadio? , Toby Mac, Tekoa?

You are right about CCM artists, irregardless of the look, the tattoos, the piercings, the artists are awesome people - so are most SS artists.

You are correct, sir. Far too often, it would seem we assess things by our own parameters and standards, and not, as you so succinctly say, by “God’s book”. In most cases, maybe close to all…He is clear. If it is not spelled out, the Scriptural principle is readily available. He most definitely is NOT “wishy-washy”, as you state. How much better off would be, if we were not so much so??!! Thanks.

The black and white issue can get complicated. How would yu classify songs such as “America the Beautiful” , “Cats in the Cradle”,”Hey Jude” or Dylan’s “Masters of War”?

[Bob Dylan - here is an example of lyrics that require an individual to invest of themselves and as a result these fans are quite loyal and diverse.]

Youngbass: Do you feel the same way about 1/2 the people sitting in the pews on Sunday?

It’s sad to think that these country singers and their actions are probably representative of 1/2 the people sitting in the pews on Sunday. Their lives are “singing” 6 different tunes of sin throughout the week, but one day a week, they raise their hands and sing praises to the Lord.

Your indictment against these singers is really an indictment against the sad state of the American church body at large.

I guess drinking alcohol to some would be considered GOOD. To some, EVIL. To others, it’s “middle ground.”

Obviously it is one or the other in God’s book, right? I mean, he’s not wishy-washy.

So, I see your point … and I agree the middle ground is probably of our making.

“I’ve often wondered who should claim this “middle ground” where the message is not overtly Christian. Should we concede this to the secular world? Is this part of the domain of darkness or do we claim it as the edge of Christian music?”

This is really a brilliantly posed question, and worthy of all of our consideration.

I am reminded what John teaches in 1 John 4:1-6… there are only 2 forces at work in the world today. The spirit of truth (Christ), and the spirit of error (antichrist). This would make us seriously consider ALL music, in the light of only these 2 spirits..we need take it no further. If the spirit of Christ was not behind it, then the other is. It may actually be far, far more of an absolute “black-and-white” issue than we’ve ever allowed ourselves to think. These gray areas may be mostly of our own making.

Randy conceded he was probably right.

So they’re answer was: Gospel is defined by “old music.” And Contemporary is defined by new, what’s-hip music.

I don’t agree - but the perception of the average listener might.

On that same note, Alan Jackson’s gospel CD (which received NO radio airplay) went at least Gold, if not Platinum by now, and all it is is a piano, guitar, and some vocals from a hymnbook. Randy Travis completely re-invented himself with his hymns projects. And now it seems, Alabama is on that bandwangon with two “Songs of Inspiration” discs.

Food for thought….

SG is assumed to be presented with 3 to 4 part harmony, - the variations of flavors within SG have more to do with the instrumentation; piano, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, steel guitars, drums, orchestrations, banjo (cringe), etc., and the look / dress of the artist.

But, most importantly - It is the lyric that unashamedly tells of the cross and all it paid for, the blood of Jesus and all it provides, the empty tomb, and the soon returning King of Kings and Lord of Lords is what MAKES it Southern “Gospel” music.

Tee Rawls

We were talking about the song, “If It Takes A Valley”. He said, “usually in an up tempo song, there is not a deep seated message. It’s just a good ‘feel good’ song.”

I think that he is describing something that is unique, or at least, much more common in sg music. I can’t think of any real “feel good” songs in CCM. (of course it’s monday and I’m still imagining Peg pining love songs to Rueben…)

Also the lyrical content between these up tempo quartet feel good songs and sg music that “ministers” is quite different.

I program both SG and CCM music and I would have to say that I have never had problems understanding Who sg groups were singing about. However, I have refused to add some AC songs that you desribe as “Jesus is my boyfriend”. Some by big name groups.

I’ve often wondered who should claim this “middle ground” where the message is not overtly Christian. Should we concede this to the secular world? Is this part of the domain of darkness or do we claim it as the edge of Christian music?

The choice seems to be “all Christian” or “not anti-Christian”. One answer allows for a wider variety of music.

Some can. Last year country artist George Strait recorded a song called “You’ll Be There”, which would be a candidate. But save me from those “Jesus is my boyfriend” songs.

What is interesting is that there are CCM stations that play “Baby, Baby” — even though they fully realize it’s not “Christian” …

which brings us around again to the discussion of secular vs. sacred:

Should “family songs,” or “love songs” be included or excluded from the “Christian” label? If you answer yes, these songs should be used… then when do these family or love songs cease to be Christian? Obviously if they promote rape, cheating, fornication, etc… then the answer is clear.

But what about Celine Deon? Rascall Flatts? What about Norah Jones? or Tony Bennett?

They may not sing about God, Jesus, the Cross or the Resurrection … but Biblical truths and human-created-in-the-image-of-God stuff really comes out in some of these “secular” tunes that you really cannot avoid.