What do we call "our" music?

_dulcimerpete · Post by **_dulcimerpete** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:44 am

Some time ago I noticed that there are separate sections for "Gospel" and "Christian" music at Borders. What?!?!?

They're not the only ones. This seems to be the music industry marketing standard (forgive me while I catch up to those who already knew this ...). In my naive thinking, "Christian" music would include all forms of Gospel, hymns, folk, contemporary, instrumental, worship, etc. But if I say "Christian music" I'm apparently saying "contemporary Christian music". I heard one musician say that he was a Christian, but he wasn't a "Christian musician" and I understand what he meant.

So, any suggestions on what to call this music - the music that comes from a Christian's (musician) heart and is meant as an expression of their journey?

Jesus-friendly doesn't seem right, somehow. Jesus-honoring seems pretentious. Why do I need a label, you ask? Well, I organize a coffee house, and I want to be able to discribe (to the musicians and audience) the spirit of the music I want to be a part of it ...

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Peace,

pete b

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:46 pm

Hi, how about "Worship and Praise" music?

_dulcimerpete · Post by **_dulcimerpete** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:44 pm

Thanks for you suggestion, Steve7150.

I'm not sure that "Worship and Praise" as a category provides a solution, since it's being used as a music marketing category, too. Some might understand it to be similar to "Contemporary Christian".

Leaving the market-label aside, is "worship and praise music" broad enough to include all the various styles?

And, given the current spiritual landscape, does one need to be specific about Who we're worshiping and praising?

Am I thinking too much? It happens ...

Thanks again, Steve.

pete

Post by **_Suzana** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:42 pm

"SPIRIT" Music?

_dulcimerpete · Post by **_dulcimerpete** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:24 pm

Hello Suzana. Thanks for your suggestion.

"Spirit" music is a possibility. My only concern is that, given today's varied spiritual landscape, is greater specificity needed? Then again, having a New Age musician come to our gathering might lead to something good in God's eyes ...

Peace,

pete b

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 8:38 am

Hi, Maybe "music from the heart" or "heartfelt' music or "Spirit/Praise/Worship" music or "Heart and Spirit" music or "Heart and Soul" music or "Spirit Heart and Soul" or anyother combination of the above.

Post by **_Christopher** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:17 pm

jTunes

_dulcimerpete · Post by **_dulcimerpete** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:27 pm

Nice, Christopher!

It makes a nice contrast to iTunes, which now that I think about it is perfect for secular music. i, me, mine. I sometimes think that the motto of our time is "Where's mine?"

Peace,

pete b

Post by **_MLH** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:04 pm

Spirit music has a new age twang ( is that a word)

Post by **_Suzana** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:58 am

Hi MLH

I agree, but 'why should the devil have all the good words'?
I was of course thinking more in line of 'music of THE Spirit', as in being led by The Spirit, and not being carnal or having soul in dominion.

and...twang is a word.