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2012-03-16T15:12:05Z

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Contemporary Christian Music - The Real Deal in Quality & Passion

2011-03-02T18:05:00Z

Christian music has come a long way from the church-sanctioned melancholy chants of centuries gone by. It has rich history going back several hundred years. In fact, the earliest music manuscripts were of church origin.

When the separation of church and state began, secular music emerged in full force. Some people mistakenly believe that so-called "Christian" music died with this new era. In truth, the church's loosened grip on music actually led to more diversified styles in Christian music.

Musician Larry Norman was considered a pioneer of Christian rock music. In fact, many still refer to him as "the father of Christian rock." (Later in his life, the aging musician was tagged with the new tongue-in-cheek title: "Grandfather of Christian rock.") Norman's music may have been the anti-Gregorian chant, a fact that made him a criticized figure among his fellow Christians.

Still, Norman managed to gain an astounding following that hasn't waned despite his recent death of heart failure. His musical talent is undeniable. Those stolid church leaders who would condemn his style needed only to listen to Norman's songs. His faith in God was unquestionable.

Norman's artistry flung open the door to Christian rock, as well as other popular music styles. Hip hop, dance, punk, metal, blues and pop-style music has been put to sacred words and ideas since.

Some on the outside of the Christian music scene criticize it all as un-original, carbon copies of secular music. However, a true study of Christian music and its history reveals that Christian musicians have been trend setters. Christian musician Phil Keaggy is regarded as possibly the world's best guitarist. Even the legendary Jimi Hendrix was known to acknowledge Keaggy as a more worthy musician than himself.

Other artists have managed to make successful from crossovers from Christian to secular music. This seems to demonstrate that their talent transcends religion. Artists like Amy Grant generated fans in both the religious and the secular music industry. Gospel singer Kirk Franklin is another artist who made an impression in both the Christian and the secular market. His first album in 1993 went platinum. It stayed on the gospel chart for an astounding two years. What is perhaps more astounding is the fact that it charted on the R&B charts.

Today Franklin is a respected artist in many genres and circles. The band DC Talk broke new ground in the Christian music world in the 1980s and 90s. It began as a hip hop group, later evolving into a more pop-style group with rap influences. DC Talk managed to win respect in both worlds.

Today's Christian music scene still burgeons with successful artists making names for themselves of their own rights. Michael W. Smith is a renowned singer, songwriter and three-time Grammy award winner. He has reinvented his career over the decades and is a noteworthy praise and worship leader and recording artist today. Bands like POD, Switchfoot, Relient K, Sixpence None the Richer and Lifehouse have proved that Christian artists can hold their own on the secular stage. Christian music and secular labels alike will undoubtedly continue to turn out high quality recordings from talented artists for many years.

A free email newsletter on exciting piano chords and chord progressions from Duane Shinn is available free at "Exciting Piano Chords & Chord Progressions!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duane_Shinn

A Great Presentation of the National Anthem

2011-01-24T14:31:00Z

Although our true love is Christian Music , we can't help but like this rendition of our National Anthem! There is nothing like seeing/hearing it live, but this gives a pretty good idea of the intensity!!

Help Us Find Good Articles!

2011-01-06T15:37:13Z

To All

Please help us find articles on Christian Music and Christian Books! Send
suggestions to _Administrator@Christianmusicandbooksonline.com_
(mailto:Administrator@Christianmusicandbooksonline.com)

Christmas Poll: The effect of Christmas Music

2010-12-21T15:56:08Z

We are taking a Christmas Poll and need your input! What effect does
listening to Christmas Music have on your attitude toward Christmas and what
are some of your favorite songs? Please use the Comment section to chime in
and Merry Christmas to all!!

Laugh Anyway Mom

2010-12-08T20:38:00Z

A friend of ours has written a new book. She is the mother of 5 children and is a comedian! Check it out...

The Christmas Season has Officially Begun!!

2010-12-07T19:16:00Z

Now that Christmas Season has officially begun, we thought we would offer some Christmas and Christian Music for you to purchase for others or just get some for yourself!

Amazon.com Widgets

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T13:12:00Z

We hope everyone can find at least one thing to be really thankful for and has a great Thanksgiving!!

A Great Song for Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T17:42:00Z

A user on www.ChristianChirp.com posted this great worship song that is always appropriate, but even more so around the Thanksgiving and Christmas season

Christian Music Group "The Afters"

2010-11-23T17:32:00Z

We were asked by a visitor to our website Christian Music and Books to review "The Wonders". Their first effort was offered in 2005. They released another project in 2008 and now have their latest in 2010. We sampled music from all three of their projects. Our conclusion is that we still like "Never Going Back To Ok" . It iks the title of their 2005 CD and the title song has a great message. The first and third projects have their highlights as well. Therefore, we would say this band is a thumbs up and deserves to be added to our Featured Artists Category. Here's are their three CD's:

Christian Music and Your Mood

2010-11-15T14:56:00Z

We recently did an unscientific study regarding the effects music can have on your mood and reactions. This effort was a follow up to a study we did on a group of seventh graders several years ago. The results of that study concluded that music definitely affects the mood and reactions of young people. We observed the difference between hard rock music and soft Christian Music had on the group. In over 90% of cases, the softer music led to a better mood and a more positive reaction to problems, conflicts, and stress.

We decided to do a similar study on a group of middle aged folks. In this study, we used 80's upbeat music and contemporary Christian Music that would be considered the softer side of the spectrum. Our results were not as convincing as with the group of young people; however, a majority of those observed seemed to calm down faster and react more positively after listening to the Christian Music than the upbeat 80"s music (not that 80's upbeat music is bad, there were some real classics released during that era!).

Our conclusion is that Christian Music can definitely affect your mood; however, maturity also plays a part in how we react to situations and how we control our emotions. Overall, we still recommend Christian Music as a great means to relax you and to help you focus on what's really important!

Bring on the Hyms!

2010-11-08T19:09:00Z

Based on input from several visitors to our website Christian Music and Books we have added a category dedicated to Hyms. We already had a category for Praise and Worship; however, some folks felt that Hyms deserves its own category. That sounded good to our team, so we added it... Check it out directly at Christian Music Galore Store: Hyms

Have a great day!

Added Third Day as a Featured Artist

2010-11-04T16:30:00Z

Although we really like a lot of their old stuff, their latest effort is good as well. Therefore, we have added Third Day as a Featured Artist at Christian Music and Christian Books Here's one of their older songs that we really like!

How to Choose the Best Bible Study Tools

2010-11-03T19:12:00Z

There are literally thousands of Bible study tools you can use to completely understand the true meaning of the word of God. The sheer number of these tools and resources can baffle you. That is why you have to choose wisely which Bible study tools to use in order to quickly understand the meaning of the text of the Bible.

Here are some important guidelines that could help you in choosing the right Bible study tools.

Determine Your Objectives in Studying the Bible

Before selecting different study tools, you need to determine your objectives in studying the Bible. This answers the question of why you are studying the Bible.

There are various reasons why people want to study the Bible. Some want to know the meaning of their existence and will find suitable explanations in the passages and chapters of the Bible.

Some people however are interested in finding answers and clarifications to their religious questions. While scholars study the bible to get the deeper historical meaning of Biblical events.

Whatever your purpose in studying the Bible, it is important that you recognize it. This way, you can systematically program your methods of study and select the most appropriate tools for your purpose.

General Bible Study Tools

If you want to know everything about the Bible and its religious significance on your life, then the best Bible study tools you can use are general references and general study guides.

There are many books that can explain the Bible comprehensively. All you have to do is to select a book reference that is comfortable to read. Such books will be easy to understand so learning the Bible would be easier also.

You can also use Bible study guides issued by your church. These general guides consist of several topical questions. You can find the answers to the questions on the specific chapters of the Bible which are supplied also by the guides.

Some topical study guides are also available in bookstores or in Christian book shops and church libraries.

Finding Meaning about Bible Stories

The Bible has numerous stories and parables which can be very enjoyable to read. These stories have deeper meaning to them. If you want to know and understand the messages of each Bible story, then you can read Bible story summaries with annotations.

These Bible study tools come in pamphlet or book forms. You can choose a comprehensive Bible story summary book or you can buy a per-story summary pamphlet. By studying the summaries of Bible stories, you can effectively teach it to your children and explain their meaning. You can find numerous summaries of Bible stories on Christian websites.

Using the right Bible study tools can help you to quickly understanding the meaning of the Bible. It is normal to find some texts and passages in the Bible that are very difficult to understand. In order to apply the messages of the Bible to your life, you have to understand them thoroughly. You can only achieve this by using these tools.

George Edmondson is an expert writer specializing on Bible study tools. To learn more about Bible study tools, simply visit http://www.Bible-Study-Tools.org and use the resources you can find to help you select the best Bible study tools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Edmondson

Southern Gospel Musics Comeback

2010-10-29T14:27:00Z

Southern Gospel Music is making a comeback into the mainstream of Christian music. Groups such as Gold City, Brian Free and Assurance, Palmetto State Quartet and Ernie Haase and Signature Sound continue are continuing the in the tradion of Southern Gospel quartets and are reaching a larger audience than ever before. Indeed, Ernie Haase and Signature sound have had several top selling CD's and DVD's. Their DVD entitled, "Get Away Jordan" entered the Billboard chart at #3 and remains a fan favorite. The Kingdom Heirs sing to over two million people annually as the resident Southern Gospel group at Dollywood.

Modern Southern Gospel Music

Southern Gospel music, like any form of art, has evolved. In the past ten years a new sound has emerged that combines the best of traditional Southern Gospel with other musical forms such as Bluegrass, modern country, and adult contemporary Christian music. The sound is slightly edgier but still very much Southern Gospel.

Groups such as the Crabb Family, the Mike and Kelly Bowling group, and Three Bridges are examples of this new style. These groups regularly perform to sell out crowds. The Crabb family has recorded with many artists and groups including Donnie McClurkin and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

This modern Southern Gospel music is attracting a new and broader audience and has given rise to a new generation of Southern Gospel fans. Southern Gospel record promoter, Rick Hendrix of the Rick Hendrix company chuckles and says, "It is really interesting to see these teenagers getting together on MySpace and forming fan clubs around groups such as Ernie Haase and Signature Sound and the Hoppers. They get excited about new CD's and about the style of clothes the group wears and everything".

The re-emergence of Southern Gospel music has lead to an increase in the number of radio stations that broadcast this style of music. Major Southern Gospel music promoters regularly service over a thousand radio stations. There has also been an increase in the number of online Southern Gospel radio stations.

Southern Gospel music has changed since its humble birth almost 100 years ago. One thing that hasn't changed is Southern Gospel music's ability to convey the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those that would stop and listen.

You can find out more about Southern Gospel Music and top Southern Gospel Artists and groups by visiting: http://www.southern-gospel-music-lyrics.com

Tim Eutin is the Program and Music director of the He's Alive radio network. He has been hosting the Morning Show on the He's Alive Radio Network for almost a decade and is a long time fan of Southern Gospel Music. Tune in online at http://www.hesalive.net from 5am - 9:30am to hear the best in Southern Gospel Music

Source: www.a1articles.com

Partnering: A Success Story

2010-10-13T16:49:00Z

One of our goals when we started the website Christian Music and Books Online was to build partnerships in the Christian community. Thankfully, we have had several successful ventures and decided it would be a good idea to share a success story once in a while now that we have a blog!

This story began a few months ago when an author contacted us via our site. Over the course of time, we had great dialog and agreed to help each other. While we will not violate our privacy policy by sharing any of their personal information; however, we will share what has been authorized. So, here is a link to the book and to their website. We have also featured their book on the "Christian Books" page of our website. Have a great day!

Journey of Spirit Walk of Faith: Our Relationship with God and the website is www.campbelljones.org

Tour of Hope: Steven Curtis Chapman

2010-10-13T15:39:00Z

We have been a fan of Mr. Chapman for many years. While we don't know him personally, as far as we can tell his message has remained constantly right in line with the Word. He will be here in Chicago on October 12 and will finish in Disney World in December. Here's a link to website and a sample video of one of his many songs! http://stevencurtischapman.com/

Christian Heavy Metal - The Rise of White Metal

2010-10-04T20:09:00Z

Christian Heavy Metal, also called "white metal", is a cross-genre term. While most people think that Christian metal has a milder or softer style, it actually covers all extremes in the industry, from pop metal to doom/death metal and everything in between. The one common factor to all styles is the lyrics.

Christian metal began in the late 1970's in the US and Sweden during the "Jesus Movement". The instruments used are similar to all metal bands and include electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and occasionally keyboards. It gained worldwide popularity during the "golden era" in the 1980's, with popular "glam bands" including Stryper and Leviticus. Saint, which also gained widespread acceptance during this time was often compared to Judas Priest in style and sound.

It took about a year for metal fans to realize that some of the groups were Christian and they were playing Christian lyrics. Stryper, who had gained commercial success in 1985, received a hostile reception when they went to play at a Dutch music festival. Despite some opposition, Stryper went on to greater popularity and were the first band to reach platinum status on an album and have three music videos that spent weeks on the top 10 list for MTV.

Christian Metal was first criticized by secular music fans and, then, as it gained more popularity, it was also criticized by Christian fundamentalists. One of the biggest opponents to this genre was the televangelist Jimmy Swaggart. Unfortunately, his opposition back fired. He drew the attention of the secular media to his cause, which in turn, gave the genre worldwide recognition. In the aftermath, many new bands from around the world began to rise up and gained the attention of major record labels.

Unfortunately, many churches were still opposed to the Christian heavy metal genre and rejected the groups participation in their church services. A group, called Sanctuary, was started in 1984 as a "rock and roll refuge" for metal fans and musicians. It brought people together, nationwide, in the first Christian Metal Festival in 1987. Sanctuary metal festivals spread to dozens of locations and had a significant impact on new groups to the genre. For example, P.O.D. performed their first concerts in Sanctuary. Sanctuary finally closed its doors in the late 1990's when it believed that the Christian metal genre had finally gained enough widespread acceptance.

Christian Metal groups, just like secular metal, went underground during the 1990's. The scene was fairly quiet until the 2000's. As the heavy metal movement revival began, new Christian groups emerged such as P.O.D. and Underoath. P.O.D. became the most successful band when their 2001 album went multi-platinum, gaining mainstream secular acceptance. Christian metal, although no longer called "white metal", continues to grow in popularity and acceptance, in both the secular and Christian sectors.

Walking by your guitar wishing you could play? Play Heavy Metal Guitar with your favorite groups in days, not weeks. Video and book show you how without learning theory or reading music. Check out http://www.playheavymetalguitar.com.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Jakes

My Hero Walks on Water

2010-09-22T14:44:00Z

A recent visitor to our website Christian Music and Books Online was interested in obtaining this song. Here is the results of our research:

You Wouldn't Cry - Mandisa

2010-09-21T16:31:00Z

A requested was submitted to our website Christian Music and Books Online asking for help to locate the sheet music for the song "You Wouldn't Cry" by Mandisa. We researched with our sources and were told the sheet music is not available at this time. However, it did cause us to listen to the song. We found it very moving so we thought we would share it here...