Teenagers and Church Music

[Psalm45_9]

the adults in charge didn’t think they’d like that kind of music…

Isn’t that frustrating? It’s been very for me, finally the adults in Lifeteen realize that yes, I do have a personal relationship with Jesus and no, I don’t feel I have missed out on anything by not ever having contemporary music at Mass.

 

[PAX777]

PAX

I must be the odd Catholic out… I like the contemporary Christian music (and G-chants, the old hymes also)…
I listen to Christian Music all day, in the car, at home & at Work, I go to a Life Teen Mass that has upbeat Liturgical Music. It has been a blessing to see all 4 of my children praising God with their voices. This is our family’s, faith, values and reflection to others…

“The study pointed out the influence of things we do and hear regularly. I would encourage parents to keep worship at the heart of their family’s life together–to attend church as a family, to have positive conversations about what happens at that time and place, to savor and enjoy this inter-generational gathering of God’s people.”

As a Parent & Catholic Christian we have shown our children many varieties of Liturgical Music & an appreciation for them all. All Praise belongs to God in all forms…

 

[Hastrman]

Personally, I don’t have any religious music I like, other than traditional Mexican hymns.

That said, I hate hate hate hate and curse to the eighteenth hell (Taoists get eighteen, so I’m arranging for an extradition from our seven-level hell) the sort of “Christian Pop” that is usually played at Mass.

I’m 21 and dropped out of college, but at the Newman Center, and before that at our Teen Masses, they play this godawful garbage. I don’t know why they do it; everyone I ever talked to says they would prefer something more traditional.

Has anyone noticed that none of that stuff, much of it plucked from the Christian Top 40, is worth a tinker’s d–n? It’s far worse than most secular music. I’m a hair-band fan, and I can name three or four Bon Jovi songs off the top of my head that are infinitely more worshipful than this garbage, and even more than that, better music. But then, Christian Rock is the lowest genre of music, far, far below hiphop (whole layers of hell beneath actual rap).

Even then, though, they shouldn’t play such stuff at Mass. They should play, um, hymns? Right? That’s what they’re for, isn’t it? And not being Protestants, born yesterday and, please God, dying day after tomorrow, we should actually use our two millennia of stuff, right? How about the Pange Lingua Gloriosi? I have a theory you can sing it to the tune of Ode to Joy, but I’d need lyrics to test it, and to get them, I’d need an actual hymnal, not a thrice-accursed little song sheet.

 

[Cadence]

PAX777

But the question of the post was what do teenagers like. I am not a teenager and I admited that but gave my opinion as it was when I was a teenager - only 6 years ago anyway.
If you are a parent I doubt it was that recent for you. Many parents are in charge of LifeTeen and other such liturgies and enjoy Contemporary Christian Rock etc. That is not in question - obviously people like it. But do TEENAGERS like it is the question. I know many of the older generation do but that is not the question.

No offence by the way - just pointing out that often what teenagers actually want is often forgotten as opposed to what their parents and other adults THINK they want.

Cadence

 

[Psalm45_9]

(whole layers of hell beneath actual rap).

 

[THutch04]

I do know many teenagers who would prefer contemporary to traditional music. But at the same time, I think a lot of teenagers also like hearing the older hymns and chants as well. I think a lot of teenagers like the variety, and many wouldn’t want just one style.

 

[Servus_Pio_XII]

As I said in an other thread:

“It is not about the me, nor the we, but the He”.
(Note that I would not use such sentence construction, but it was an extension of a quote a modernist gave me, turned to the traditionalist cause)

 

[sisoyflaco]

While I definitely prefer traditional music, I do not think contemporary music ought to condemned. It’s true, there are actually many who prefer contemporary Christian music. I - and many others from the looks of this post - disagree with them, but we should not make judgments based on a matter of taste.

My biggest concern when it comes to liturgical music is whether or not reverence is a part of the equation, so to speak. I think that it is entirely possible to have a good, reverential mass accompanied by only contemporary music, but this is a rare occurance. Most often, I feel that contemporary music is focused on making sure the congregation has fun while they are at mass. Needless to say, I think that this focus is terribly misplaced; God should be the focus of the mass, “having fun” should not.

Still, I think we also misplace this focus if we are caught up in what specific type of music ought to be used. Let’s look at the bigger picture. If contemporary music is indeed bringing those to mass (and God) who otherwise would not have come, then I say that contemporary music should be used. The style of music used at mass should not alienate people from approaching the Lord.

Life teen is an example of an attempt to bring back to God those who do not feel like they can worship God in a more traditional setting. In the same way that we ought not judge others’ piety against our own, we ought not judge others’ style of worship either. As long as the focus is on God, the keystone is in place. St. Paul himself advised us in this matter when he said: “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

If contemporary music allows for the salvation of souls than I am all for it. Just make sure that the focus is on God. And I, personally, will continue to worship in a more traditional setting.

[for good contemporary music, try Rich Mullins and Third Day]

 

[AquinaSavio]

Most often, I feel that contemporary music is focused on making sure the congregation has fun while they are at mass. Needless to say, I think that this focus is terribly misplaced; God should be the focus of the mass, “having fun” should not.

Still, I think we also misplace this focus if we are caught up in what specific type of music ought to be used. Let’s look at the bigger picture. If contemporary music is indeed bringing those to mass (and God) who otherwise would not have come, then I say that contemporary music should be used. The style of music used at mass should not alienate people from approaching the Lord.

If contemporary music allows for the salvation of souls than I am all for it. Just make sure that the focus is on God. And I, personally, will continue to worship in a more traditional setting.

If contemporary music is the only thing that draws people to the Mass, then it seems that the person is missing the whole point of Catholicism. The Truth that the Catholic Church provides should be what draws people to Mass. Catholic beliefs are expressed so much better and more beautifully than any of the songs used in the contemporary music.

Besides, people can find such music at basically any Protestant Church…why would it draw them exclusively to the Catholic Church? Each of our senses should be appealed to at Mass (music, incense, etc…). From my experience, the impact provided by the beautiful Latin hymns is much greater than any contemporary song of the present.

 

[sandraladeda]

I mostly listen to modern Christian music in my home and car. I find it gives me opportunities to talk with my children as I drive them to school, and I point out certain song lyrics.

As an example, I love a song called “Thank You Lord”, sung by Don Moen. One line that stood out for me was “For all You’ve given to me, For all the blessings that I cannot see, Thank You Lord…” and I was able to talk with my kids about thanking God for the blessings we cannot see, but may become clear to us later. I was able to tell them a personal story of going through a rough patch, but later finding that God was leading me to a place of understanding, and that ultimately, I was grateful for the “blessing” that I could not see, at the time.

I have had many talks like this with my children, and I have been amazed to overhear them in the backseat of our car, talking to their friends, and sharing a story based on the Christian music playing. It’s an evangelical tool for me and for my children!

I also recall the day we drove home from soccer, with some rowdy boys in the back seat, singing “Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes yes Lord, Amen!” and thinking, I’m doing something right!

 

[mercygate]

I mostly listen to modern Christian music in my home and car. I find it gives me opportunities to talk with my children as I drive them to school, and I point out certain song lyrics.

As an example, I love a song called “Thank You Lord”, sung by Don Moen. One line that stood out for me was “For all You’ve given to me, For all the blessings that I cannot see, Thank You Lord…” and I was able to talk with my kids about thanking God for the blessings we cannot see, but may become clear to us later. I was able to tell them a personal story of going through a rough patch, but later finding that God was leading me to a place of understanding, and that ultimately, I was grateful for the “blessing” that I could not see, at the time.

I have had many talks like this with my children, and I have been amazed to overhear them in the backseat of our car, talking to their friends, and sharing a story based on the Christian music playing. It’s an evangelical tool for me and for my children!

I also recall the day we drove home from soccer, with some rowdy boys in the back seat, singing “Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord, Yes yes Lord, Amen!” and thinking, I’m doing something right!

That’s great. And that’s where that kind of music belongs. It is not suitable for liturgy. Kids are capable of appreciating the difference.

This discussion reminds me of the preface to Hymns Ancient and Modern (1921) in which Ralph Vaughn Williams explains why many familiar, “traditional” hymns were omitted: They were mostly 19th Century parlor music unsuited to liturgical worship. He was referring to stuff like “The Old Rugged Cross.” A lot of contemporary church music is just today’s version of that. In fact, in Gather Comprehensive a lot of the ‘traditional’ hymns are exactly that.

 

[Rawb]

I’m 18, and I love the upbeat, contemporary, almost punk-like Christian bands!

…when I’m in my car, driving home on the weekend and have a lot of energy (unless EWTN is coming in clear )

The music at the old Protestant church I went to was what drove me away; how many dancers/singers/solists/light and guitars can you fit on one stage? Especially with all those plants up there? Sheesh. We’re supposed to be focusing on who here?

Walked into a Catholic church for the first time: Silent. Complete, utter, obviously-sacred silence. The music, later, didn’t even clash with that silence. It was respectful. I love it when we sing in Latin, and though I haven’t heard it at a mass, I’m sure I’d love Gregorain Chant.

 

[jimmy]

however when anyone says that Gregorian Chant is more “holy” than others forms of music, I can not help but laugh. Again, while I think Gregorian Chant is beautiful,

I think the op quoted someone that specifically gave the reason why Gragorian chant was prefered, It is preffered because it is more suitable for the Mass. Rock or jazz or any other music is not suitable for the Mass. The Mass is a time of reverent worship. Rock causes a noisy type of spirituality and atmosphere. Gregorian chant and other types of chant cause a silent type of spirituality and atmosphere. It fits the Catholic spirituality. Other forms of music do not fit the Catholic spirituality. So, yes, in a way Gregorian chant is more holy than other forms of music. Not because it is chosen and prefered by God but because it is more conducive to the spiritual life.

Also I would say that it gives greater knowledge of Gods nature. Just like God is simple, so is chant. Just like God is timeless, so is chant. There is no restraint of instruments that holds it to a certain time.

 

[elmatt]

I don’t agree with the idea of only one Catholic “Spirituality.” There is a defined Catholic Theology but our spirituality can be expressed in many different forms; just ask anyone who has discerned the Priesthood and visited different orders. There is a HUGE difference between some of the orders spirituality. That is one of things that makes our church so wonderful and Catholic (Universal). Now of course I am not speaking in terms of Doctrine only in the expression of our spirituality. The quiet contemplative spirituality is wonderful and very important to the church; but so is a more Charismatic spirituality. It always bothers me when Catholics see other Catholics outwardly praising God and saying they are trying to be Protestant; they are not. They got that from us! …some of us have just forgotten. All one needs to do is take a look at our biblical roots. David danced before the Arc of the Covenant! Psalm 150 speaks of praising the Lord with tambourines, guitars and harps. I know for a fact that the Apostles traveling with Jesus didn’t have a truck with a pipe organ and they didn’t sing Gregorian Chant. They most likely sang music that was similar to the common folk music of that time; and played instruments that more resembled guitars and drums than the pipe organ. By the way, the definition of Liturgy is “A public work for the service of others.” We can have our private devotional time, and we should, but that is not the Liturgy. The Liturgy is when we come together as a community to celebrate the Paschal Mystery and have the opportunity to be strengthened by Christ in Word and Sacrament; so we can better live what we profess to believe. Now I do not want to sound like I am anti-Gregorian Chant. I am not. I really do enjoy listening to it. All I’m saying is that to say that Gregorian Chant is the ONLY suitable music for mass sounds a little ridiculous.

 

[mercygate]

. . . when anyone says that Gregorian Chant is more “holy” than others forms of music, I can not help but laugh. Again, while I think Gregorian Chant is beautiful, I can not say that it is more holy than other forms of music.

The point with Gregorian Chant (or Russian or Greek church chant) is that these forms of music are used for nothing except worship. In that, chant can be considered “holier.”

Much of the music we are singing today (or for the past 200 years, actually) parallels secular models, often of the commonest kind. I ask you, if you heard the melody to “Mother of Christ” or “Our Lady of Knock” without the words, could you honestly distinguish it musically from “Danny Boy” or “Mother Machree?” Without the words, does anything John Michael Talbot writes indicate that his music is anything other than a folk ballad?

My experience with 6th grade last year was that they were eager and proud to learn the Lord’s Prayer in Latin. Six more weeks and they would have been praying it to Gregorian chant.

Point of personal privilege: Syncopation is profoundly anti-liturgical. Yes: that is a judgement call. A good judgment call. Talkin’ liturgy here, not ragtime – where I love it.

And, boy! Are you right about having to accommodate the skills of the music director, choir and even (to a lesser extent) the congregation.

 

[Pius_X]

I’m 14 and I love Gregorian Chant.

 

[3boyzmom]

My 16-year-old loves Lifeteen- and as it’s usually a 2-hour mass, that’s saying something. That mass is in a church across town, and we go when we can.

At our church, there is a contemporary praise and worship band, but they only play once a month. Other people in the music ministry lead on the other weekends. That way there can hopefully be something for everyone.

One poster said that if you’re only going for the music, you’re missing the point of mass. But I have to say that I think music is praise and worship. And if it draws kids in who might otherwise want to sleep in, great. I love to worship through singing, and I love the contemporary (I’m 47), and so do my kids and husband.
That doesn’t mean we don’t love and cherish the old hymns- of course we do. But contemporary seems like “everyday” praise and worship- in fact our car radio is tuned only to a contemporary music channel. The kids and myself know the words to most of the songs and we sing loudly in the car too. It’s wonderful to incorporate this music into the “everyday” and we find it keeps our hearts and minds focused on God during all our routine activities.

 

[batteddy]

The point with Gregorian Chant (or Russian or Greek church chant) is that these forms of music are used for nothing except worship. In that, chant can be considered “holier.”

Well…not “holier” (which is a term for rational beings). But more SACRED.

The difference between sacred and profane, between that consecrated and reserved for God and that not set aside in such a way…is something that has been very sadly lost in our modern cultures.

 

[TimOliv]

I’m 19 and like Gregorian chant and traditional music. Pipe organ too.

Oh, and in my humble opinion Gregorian chant s specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.

Who can blame you? I’m 21 and I also like Gregorian chant.

 

[Hello_Operator]

I go to a Lutheran university, and it’s split right down the middle. Almost everyone grew up in traditional churches with organ music, etc…But several of the kids have developed a passion for “contemporary praise” music. Of which I’m not a fan. Anyway, the chapels we hold daily are usually very traditional, with at least one hymn being sung every day. And we have an incredible organist. And pretty much everyone that attends can sing really well. And SOMETIMES the organist will let us sing acapella for a verse and you can hear the four part harmony being sung. It’s pretty much like a huge choir, but it’s just a congregation of college kids and profs. I think it’s my favorite thing about going here. My school is producing a lot of church musicians, and Lutherans can generally sing. Our school is pretty big on music, in general.

Personally, I’m all for traditional services and music. I like my synod’s divine services with chanting and hymnody. Luckily our Wednesday night Eucharist is a traditional service, as well. So I’m pretty happy with my school.

EDIT: I just realized that research was done by an LCMS member.