contemporary Christian music Archives

Posted on June 14, 2023 by TonyJune 30, 2023

Benefits of Christian music and hope for my forever land

Love, peace, and music. I wish those for you. And now, let’s get down to business. No, I’m not smokin’ any halo tobacco. It doesn’t take a dope-smokin’, long-haired, hippy freak to talk about the finer parts of life. And, while we’re on the subject, that leads me into some of the benefits of Christian music.

First, there’s no cursing.

Second, there’s no sex.

Third, there’s no cursing.

And did I mention there’s no sex?

Oh yeah, those are the big 4 benefits of Christian music.

But then, another HUGE benefit of Christian music is that it’s an indicator of your NEW character. What’s that you say? You’re curious about the NEW character stuff? Good. Because I was just getting to that.

Paul (that guy who claimed his own Gospel) wrote a letter to the Colossians. And he described what you can see when a man (or woman) has a new character. No, not a part in a movie. An actual compilation of who they/you/he/she are/is. (Sorry, I got too inclusive for a second there.)

Anyway…

Paul said the “new man” should and would follow this outline:

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

See? Love and peace. Yes, thankfulness is in there, too. But then Paul went and spinned the tables when it came to music. Because he had the audacity to say you should use music to instruct others and even get on to them. What? With music? Uh-huh.

He actually said it more like this:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

That’s not exactly what you’ll find in churches these days. So, I don’t think churches truly receive the true benefits of true Christian music. And, yes, that’s a lotta true-based stuff. But for a reason. Because what’s trying to pass for praise and worship music these days are actually repetitious, cotton candy choruses.

But when you try to give churches, and the “pewple” inside, more meaty music, they turn a deaf ear. Mostly.

I speak from experience.

I’m not bitter about it. I AM sad about it. But I also won’t be spinning any cotton candy. So, I pray the music I’ve composed and compiled over the years will be an indication of the treasures I’ve stored up in Heaven. And if that IS how it turns out, then I’ll rejoice at the eternal benefits of my Christian music. And I’ll do my best not to admonish anyone who turned a deaf ear.

And then I can behold the inner man
Through God’s condescending attitude.
Because He chose me as His dwelling place
I choose this consequential servitude.

(from my song Consequential Servitude)

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Posted on June 13, 2023 by TonyJune 30, 2023

Why is Christian music so bad? This doesn't make me glad.

Neil Patel, a marketing guy who shares a lot of how-to videos, has a website to help you with keywords and keyphrases for your content. Those are important if you want your website to be found and pull in traffic. So, with his keyword tool, you can type in a couple of words and get a bunch of questions being asked online. I typed in “Christian music,” and many of the questions asked “Why is Christian music so bad?”

Have you typed why is Christian music so bad into your browser?

If you do, let me know what you come up with.

This Christian music rabbit hole led me to a song I think is called Why. Or maybe it’s Why Why Why. Not sure. But I DO have to wonder why it’s considered a Christian song. And I wonder why so many songs can only find approximate rhymes and almost no phrasing rhythm. But that’s probably just me being out of touch with the times. So be it.

Anyway…

I found the lyrics to Why. And the songwriting credits are listed as Amy Moody Corbett and Christopher Joel Brown and Steven Furtick. It doesn’t say who wrote what. So, I don’t know if one wrote the music and the other two wrote the lyrics. Or if it’s vice versa. Or if they just all contributed words AND music.

But the sad point is, this could be a “love song” (full of confusion) to anyone. And about anyone. I realize they capitalized the word “You.” But when you listen, your brain doesn’t pick up on spelling and capitalizations.

Then, they pass off the words “said” and “breath” as rhyming words. Approximate. And the words sung, enough, and one as rhyming words. Barely approximate. Then, the chorus drifts into neverland as it says “I’ll never know why You love me like you love me.”

A Christian should know why.

Because a Christian should know that the answer to that question is found in the Bible. From more than one perspective. And from more than one of the contributors to its content.

I’m not gonna pick apart every jot and tittle. But there’s one section I particularly don’t like. Where the words drone into how no matter what you do, God loves you. Certainly there’s no sin that is not covered by the death and resurrection of Jesus. But that doesn’t mean you can “make my bed in hell” and it’s all good. Or that when you “don’t even love myself” it’s all good. Or that you can curse God and it’s all good.

Especially when you read how Jesus condensed all the commandments down into just two. Love the Lord your God. And love your neighbor as yourself. So, you’re commanded to love God and love yourself.

God won’t force you to obey those commandments. Because that would take away your freedom to choose. And He wants love to be freely given. But if you don’t follow those commandments, freely, your freedom to choose will come to an end. And that end will torment you forever.

I’ll leave you with the words to “Why.” And see if you’re left asking why is Christian music so bad?

Why

What can I say of Your loveThat has not already been said?Were I to tell all the things You have doneI would run out of breathSo many songs have been sungBut how can I praise You enough?So here’s another one

WhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never know
(repeat)Your love isBetter than silverAnd better than goldBetter than anything I’ve ever knownI’ll never knowWhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never know

Real joy doesn’t always feel like laughter, noBlessings don’t always come from the places I thought they wouldYour love doesn’t look anything like it does in HollywoodYou don’t walk out when it’s overThat’s when I need You the most

I’ll never know

WhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never know
(repeat)Your love isBetter than silverAnd better than goldBetter than anything I’ve ever knownI’ll never knowWhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never knowWhy, Why, WhyYou love me like You love me (repeat)I’ll never know

Even when I turn my backYou love meEven when I curse Your nameYou love meAnd even when I broke Your heartYou love me (repeat twice)And when I make my bed in hellYou love meWhen I don’t even love myselfYou love meYou’re not the kind to cut and runYou love meYou love meYeah You love me

WhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never knowWhyYou love me like You love meYour love isBetter than silverAnd better than goldBetter than anything I’ve ever knownI’ll never knowWhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never know

Songwriters: Amy Moody Corbett / Christopher Joel Brown / Steven Furtick

Posted on April 17, 2023 by TonyMay 7, 2023

I’m gonna rant and rave. And, although I can’t speak for him (especially since he’s got other things on his mind besides music, these days) I think Buddy Holly would back me up on this. If you’ve never heard of Buddy Holly, or don’t know any of his music, that reference is gonna be way over your ears.

Anyway…

My rant and rave is about your rants and raves.

Well, you’re included if you’ve posted anything, on social media (or elsewhere) about the sad state of “contemporary Christian music. And praise and worship music. I’ve read lots of comments about how the music offered up in churches, and on the radio, is “repetitive” and “empty” and “repetitive.”

But, in spite of all those commentaries from the bleachers, I still see most church goers still going to those churches. And still enduring those syrupy, up and down, namby-pamby, limp-wristed “love songs” week after week. And then going back home to post a rant about it on Spacebook.

Plus, most of those church goers still buy (on those rare times when they actually buy) music from those celebrity christians. Instead of seeking out singer-songwriters who add meat to the musical message.

And I think it’s because it’s easier to listen to (and buy from) the status quo, that doesn’t judge you and make you feel guilty. And it’s uncomfortable, sometimes, to listen to (and buy from) singer-songwriters who deliver up God’s word in a way similar to the Apostle Paul.

Of course it’s self-serving of me to rant and rave this way.

Because, yes, I consider myself to be a singer-songwriter from the meat market side of Christian music. But I absolutely don’t want you to buy my music or books or anything if you prefer today’s sugar-coated christianity. Because you might hurt your “teeth.”

And I absolutely don’t want you buy anything from me until you see if what I say lines up with the Bible. Because, despite what stupid people, like Andy Stanley, say, it’s still God’s word. So, if what I say or sing doesn’t sync with the Bible, then what I say or sing is wrong. Period.

OK. As you can see, I do have a rather hot-blooded opinion about this. But I wrote a rhyme five years ago that kind of expounds on why. Hope I didn’t write it about YOU.

Invisible Song Machines

The times will come in everyone’s life
When changes have to occur.
The reasons could be obvious, or
They might even be a blur.
One of those times is happening now
It’s somewhere behind the scenes,
Where the melodies quickly become
Invisible song machines.
Value is lost down deep in a world
Increasingly wanting “free.”
So, I’m moving my music around
To places listeners can see.
Places where I think they’ll connect
With those who connect with me.
If you believe I’ve got it all wrong
Then certainly, by all means,
Continue to get your free songs from
Invisible song machines.

Stay tuned,

Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The TRUTH
(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted on July 20, 2022 by TonyJuly 20, 2022

The one Who remains is in these refrains

There are lots of gods in this world. There’s the one who currently rules our planet (hint: it’s not Jesus). And then there are all the even smaller ones that most of the world worship. One day they’ll all be swept away by the one Who remains. The One and only One.

Have you noticed how America isn’t quite the place it used to be for Christians? Do you see how many more people want to make fun of us and mock our faith?

And have you picked up on the trend where people thank the universe rather than the Creator of the universe? It’s sad, but we can still be glad because we know our God is the one, true, living, loving God. And He’ll have a loving relationship with anyone who chooses to trust Him.

The One God who remains forever is the only God of hope.

And I’d like to share this song to encourage you to remember where your hope is…

Our God Is LPRGL

The world is…obsessed with death and dying.
They’re drowning…in bitterness and crying.
It’s such an awful shame.
They could call upon the name of Jesus.
As followers we say
We know He’s the only Way that frees us
From the sins we hide deep inside. They…can’t please us.

Our bodies…become the dust that scatters.
If that’s it…then nothing really matters.
We may as well give in
When we feel the world begin to seize us.
Who needs all that guilt and blame
You get calling on the name of Jesus?
But it’s not like that. It’s a fact…Jesus sees us.

He’s living and He’s life…He’s personal to talk to…
Relational with every son and daughter.
He’s good and so much more….He’s loving to the core…
Jesus is the Living Water.
And each time a soul is saved all the angels above sing…
Our God is living, personal, relational, good…and loving.

Our souls know…infinity is calling.
But temptation…can keep our spirits falling.
So we need to fix our eyes
On the true eternal prize of Jesus.
When we stand before the throne,
He knows our lives, alone, won’t appease us.
No, we need the blood of the lamb…we need Jesus.

I hope you trust the One Who remains your friend forever.

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Posted on February 1, 2022 by TonyApril 3, 2025

To the moon you go when you just don't know

“One of these days, pow! To the moon, Alice!” That’s a famous line from Jackie Gleason’s character, Ralph Cramden, in the old TV show, The Honeymooners. And thank goodness that show only lasted one season. But I didn’t bring it up to talk about Ralph or old TV shows.

I found some lyrics about goin’ to the moon.

And you won’t believe (or maybe you will) where I found ’em.

I did an online search and found some curious words to a “song” under the heading of contemporary Christian music lyrics. Of course, my idea of lyrics is much different than most pop stars these days. But I’ll set that aside, for now, and share just a couple of lines from the chorus of that “song.”

“I wanna go to the moon
Don’t leave so soon (don’t leave so soon)
How could I get through? (How could I get through?)”

I don’t have to share the next six lines to the chorus. Because they’re just a repeat of those three I just shared. But if you’re familiar with rapper, Kanye West, maybe you’ve heard him sing/say those words. I never have.

And here’s the thing.

What is it about those lyrics that would make anyone think they should go under the heading of contemporary Christian music? Because Christians don’t aspire to go to the moon. That’s incredibly short-sighted when compared to going to Heaven.

But maybe you think I’m being harsh and judgmental. Maybe you think, “Gosh, Tony. That’s just the chorus. The verses probably explain why the chorus says that.”

Yeah, you’d think so. Or hope so. But check out this verse. And see if it helps you understand why Kanye wants to make a lunar landing.

“Hmm, hmm, here we go strappin’, we up
Never forget all the memories
Sittin’, I sip out my cup
Thinkin’ I should be a better me
Truly I’m blessed from the start
So much to say in these melodies, oh
Stare at the sky, the moon singin’ sweet
Oh my God, such a sweet moment
Angels, they say I’m not ever weak, such a lonely moment
Heaven knows I might never sleep, trouble in my soul
Hey, I’ve been prayin’, life can be drainin’, oh
Hey, we were late, tryna keep haulin’ on
I’m ashamed, hated what I will see
And nobody knows, so I go”

OK, I know rappers aren’t bound by meter and diction. And they prefer unrhymed iambic pentameter. But isn’t the point of lyrics to convey a message that somebody besides the singer/sayer can understand?

But let’s say that’s not the point.

If Mr. West is “tryna” make a Christian point, shouldn’t there be actual Christian truth in there somewhere?

But there’s basically NO Christian truth in those words. “Thinkin’ I should be a better me.” But Jesus said no one is good but God. “Truly, I’m blessed from the start.” Well, yeah. Each person is blessed at birth. But every person sins and blots out that blessing. So, each person should find the humility to ask for God’s forgiveness.

“Angels, they say I’m not ever weak” is a weird one. Because, first, angels don’t converse with you. And, second, you ARE weak. You ARE dying. And there’s nothing you can do to keep that from happening. So, you need answers. You can’t just “Stare at the sky” or a sweet singin’ moon. You need the maker of the moon.

And that’s why it’s harmful to call lyrics, like Kanye wrote, Christian. They’re not.

And I pray that he’s not one of those to whom God will say, “I never knew you. Depart from me…”

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Posted on January 31, 2022 by TonyNovember 2, 2024

Contemporary Christian music flies past lost hearts and open eyes

I don’t listen to a lot of “contemporary Christian music.” And that might sound strange, coming from a guy who made a living playing music. Yes, I’ve listened to (and I sang) a lot of songs over the years. Just not so much now. Because there’s something I look for in music that I just don’t often find.

So much contemporary Christian music is feelings. Not facts.

I’ll share one example. And I don’t mean to pick on him, because he’s probably a real nice guy. But I just discovered a song, by Matthew Sweet, called “Unplanned.” I couldn’t tell you another song by Mr. Sweet. But I’ve heard his breathy style before, and…oops…I’ll stay away from that rabbit hole.

Anyway…

Matthew’s song says…

“I’m looking at a masterpiece.
And I’m staring at a work of art.
I’m listening to a symphony
In every beat of your tiny heart.
You used to be a choice to make.
But now I think you’ve chosen me
‘Cause I see ten fingers, ten toes,
Two eyes and I know this is meant to be.”

And it’s fairly apparent he’s singin’ about his baby.

Matter of fact, in the video for the song, there’s a clip of a pregnant woman’s ultrasound. So, Matthew’s showing how obvious it is that pregnancy means there’s a human baby inside that woman. And that’s a great thing. Because that tiny baby, forming in the womb, IS a masterpiece. A work of art.

But then he sings, “…I know this is meant to be.”

And that’s a feeling. Not a fact.

Because it implies that what’s happening was planned. And you might think I’m being too picky. Maybe it’s just a figure of speech he’s using to illustrate how his mind has been changed.

OK. But then Matthew continues that idea in the chorus…

“Oh I don’t believe in accidents.
Miracles, they don’t just happen by chance.
As long as my God holds the world in His hands
I know that there’s no such thing as unplanned.”

I’d like to address those lyrics line by line.

If you’re a Christian, how could you not believe in accidents? Especially when Jesus, Himself, says they happen. And, by definition, miracles are rare. So, a baby isn’t a miracle. And things DO happen by chance. Again, Jesus, Himself, said they do.

Here’s a tough one, even for Christians. God does NOT hold this world in His hands. Not currently. And again, Jesus tells us that. Three times! He WILL rule this world one day. But He currently does NOT rule. And the evidence should be as clear as the daily news.

And the last line, in the chorus of Mr. Sweet’s song, once again implies that everything is/was planned. But that’s absolutely not true.

Your righteous, loving Creator did NOT plan the course of history.

Yes, he does have A PLAN. But not infinite plans for the infinite potential directions billions of lives could go each and every day. God is infinitely more brilliant than that. He’d never design men and women, in His image and likeness, only to have to plot out their every move. That would be what marketers call “make work.”

No, God designed us to be able to think. And work. And build things…on our own. Because He’s like the ultimate, dazzling, loving father. It brings Him joy to see what you come up with. At least until you come up with ways to ignore and even remove Him from your life.

If you currently find yourself with that attitude, my suggestion is to change your mind. Because you CAN change your mind. And you CAN change the course you’ll take for eternity. Where you’ll end up, forever, hasn’t already been planned.

Yes, there IS such a thing as unplanned. Heaven or hell, for you, is unplanned. Until you choose. And don’t just make a plan to choose. Choose now.

Because, as Elvis sang all those years ago, “Tomorrow may be too late. It’s now or never…”

Stay tuned,

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Posted on November 13, 2016 by TonyJuly 20, 2022

Our God is LPRGL - living, personal, relational, good, and loving.

Hey Christians…Look up!
Our God is THE God.

Have you chosen to follow Jesus? If so, have you noticed how America isn’t quite the place it used to be for Christians? Do you see how many more people want to make fun of us and ridicule our faith? And have you picked up on the trend where people thank the universe rather than the Creator of the universe? It’s sad, but we can still be glad because we know our God is the one, true, living, loving God. And I’d like to share this song to encourage you to remember where your hope is…

Our God Is LPRGL

The world is…obsessed with death and dying.
They’re drowning…in bitterness and crying.
It’s such an awful shame.
They could call upon the name of Jesus.
As followers we say
We know He’s the only Way that frees us
From the sins we hide deep inside. They…can’t please us.

Our bodies…become the dust that scatters.
If that’s it…then nothing really matters.
We may as well give in
When we feel the world begin to seize us.
Who needs all that guilt and blame
You get calling on the name of Jesus?
But it’s not like that. It’s a fact…Jesus sees us.

He’s living and He’s life…He’s personal to talk to…
Relational with every son and daughter.
He’s good and so much more….He’s loving to the core…
Jesus is the Living Water.
And each time a soul is saved all the angels above sing…
Our God is living, personal, relational, good…and loving.

Our souls know…infinity is calling.
But temptation…can keep our spirits falling.
So we need to fix our eyes
On the true eternal prize of Jesus.
When we stand before the throne,
He knows our lives, alone, won’t appease us.
No, we need the blood of the lamb…we need Jesus.

Stay tuned,

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

Tony Funderburk

Your Life Has Rhyme And Reason Because God Made You