Catholic Praise Music Vs Other denominations

[Peeps]

Ok so after explaining this my dislike also for so called Christian Rock or Pop is that it’s trying too hard to imitate a style not meant for it’s lyrics. The lyrics and musical style don’t match up. I’m sure all of you have heard those cheesy Christian pop songs about Jesus being our friend etc because when such tonality is used with such simplicity it’s lyrics are forced to match.

Could you please list some titles of a few of the “cheesy Christian pop songs about Jesus being our friend, etc.”?

I’m really confused about your reference to “Christian rock music.”

I have never found Christian rock “child-like,” especially some of the recent songs coming out.

But even back in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Christian rock was usually quite 'word heavy" with some very deep theology and stern admonitions to Christians to get serious about their faith. Many of these pieces were never written to be performed by a congregation, but by a soloist backed up by a band, although many of the 1960s Christian rock pieces were written to be sung by amateurs in the pews (e.g., “He’s Everything To Me” by the great Ralph Carmichael, who is now in his 90s!).

I grew up Evangelical Protestant and I know plenty of Praise and Worship songs that are very simplistic, meant to help people shake off secular concerns and worries and focus on Jesus Christ. These songs are not “Christian Rock,” they are P and W. An example would be “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High”, which is actually pretty ancient, but it’s similar to P and W music done today in Protestant worship services and in some Catholic Masses, mainly the Masses labelled as “Youth” Masses, which seem to attract lots of people who are not Youth!

I also know a lot of pieces from the Singspiration books, which were written to be sung as “warmup” for a youth group or children’s fellowship. Examples of these songs include “Do Lord,” and “Praise Him, Praise Him All Ye Little Children.”

A lot of these songs include hand motions. I have learned that many people on CAF seem to consider these songs absolutely drivel, banal, inappropriate, irreverent, etc. I disagree with this. In the same breath that they criticize motions to songs, they will also extol the value of the postures of the body during Mass or adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (kneeling, folding hands, prostrating oneself, etc.). We are physical people, and for some, motions are helpful. For others, they are distracting. But they’re not unworthy of the Mass.

I think it’s good to remember that Jesus told us that we need to become like little children!

Anyway, I would really appreciate some examples of songs you call “Christian rock” and find troubling. It’s difficult to make comments when I am not sure what we are referring to. Thanks.