Rev Adam Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 I am wondering what music resources people have found that express a Progressive Christian theology? Many of the old standards use metaphores that no longer are life giving. The contemporary "Praise" music is just as problematic. In my community, Taize and some hymns by folks like Ruth Duck and Brian Wren work, but I am interested in broadening our range of options. Please share: Composers Hymn collections Songs for Congregational Singing or any other thoughts related to finding music that fits with the 8 points of Progressive Christianity. Who knows, maybe we need to commission some composers to write some new songs! Thank you 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShinyPebble Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 (edited) Hello. I haven't been around in a while, let alone answered a post. Yours intrigues me, so I thought I would help you get the ball rolling. Since progressive Christianity is all about getting out of the box, I submit to you this: The Distance to Here by the group Live (Rhymes with dive). It's not exactly for the formal service, more of a personal devotional selection, but it works well for me. If you don't want to shell out for the whole album, let me suggest a selection or two that you may be able to find on the net. Try "Run to the water" and "Dance with you". This music is filled with passionate, life-affirming energy and every time I listen to it my heart just breaks open wide with a torrent of joy and love. I hope it does for you too.] Edited September 11, 2006 by ShinyPebble 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystictrek Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 So-called secular rock'n'roll and reggae and pop and rap and hip hop and "World Music" are actually amazingly spiritual. It is easy to find songs to fit any theme of Christianity in this ordinarily ignored library of music and art. I still love GODSPELL and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. TOMMY and QUADRAPHENIA by The Who are rock operas dealing with deep spiritual issues. There are so many more. Favorite artists include: Beatles (of course), Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Argent (God Gave Rock'n'Roll to You), Todd Rundgren, the Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush, Neil Young, SuperTramp (The Logical Song), REM, U2, World Party (I need Your God on My Side). And, as I said, there are so many more. I believe one of our most direct connections with God is found in the latest hits (not all of them of course but there is gold in those hits, or God in those hits if a little discernment is used. I did my Doctor of Ministry research on the Church and Rock'n'Roll back in the early 80s. I focused on the themes of Play, Protest, Passage & Prayer. I haven't kept up with the latest hits as much in the last 10 years or so but others here have and I hope they add some names and songs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
October's Autumn Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 I've found more truth in secular music than in the current christian music that is available. From what I can tell Christian music hit a high point with telling the truth in the 90's then crashed and burned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cynthia Sheldon Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 I agree. I have sung "Hands" by Jewel in church occasionally. It's very pretty with guitar. Here are the lyrics: If I could tell the world just one thing, it would be we're all okay And not to worry cause worry is wasteful and useless in times like these I won't be made useless Won't be idle with despair I'll gather myself around my faith For light does the darkness most fear (Chorus) My hands are small I know, but they're Not yours, they are my own, but they're Not yours, they are my own and I am never broken Povery stole your golden shoes But it didn't steal your laughter And heartache came to visit me But I knew it wasn't ever after We'll fight, but not out of spite For someone must stand up for what's right Cause where there's a man who has no voice There ours shall go singing (Chorus) In the end, only kindness matters (3x) I will get down on my knees, and I will pray (3x) (Chorus) We are never broken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev Adam Posted February 9, 2007 Author Share Posted February 9, 2007 Thank you all for your posts...I too find a lot of secular music very spiritual. There is a role for that in Christian worship. Perhaps a list of progressive Christian secular songs should be posted here. HOWEVER, there is a big difference between a spiritual song that can be performed in worship and a worshipful song that a congregation can sing. This is the difference between an anthem (sung or performed by a solo or group) and congregational singing in tradtional terms. Many secular songs are just too difficult for a congregation to pick up and sing. Again, I think there is a role for secular music in today's churches that is yet unexplored. Some of you might remember what is sometimes called the "fish" book with its mix of 60s protest songs, motown, folk, spiritual and silly campfire songs...the newer versions have incorporated the "praise" music genre which is not progressive. Where is the NEW fish book? I hope more people will share there ideas on these thoughts and keep the discussion going. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I lead the worship at a progressive church in the Cincinnati, Ohio area - Nexus Church. I'm a big fan of a musician/composer named Ken Medema. Many of his songs are very singable and suited for congregations. His lyrics have a depth to them that is extremely rare. And musically his material is top notch. Specific songs we have used include: Bound Together I Could Dance For A Week Long, Long Journey Shall We Learn To Be Friends You can find out about him at his web site. My favorite of his recordings are "In The Dragon's Jaws" and "Little Pictures". We have also used some tunes from Bruce Cockburn. His latest album has a song called "Mystery" that our congregation really enjoys singing. I'm a big proponent of using "secular" music. We regularly use songs from U2, Van Morrison, Joseph Arthur, and others for our congregational singing. Our music style is definitely contemporary - rock/pop/jazz styles are our preferences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cynthia Sheldon Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 Here are the lyrics for "Light in Your Eyes" by Sheryl Crow Something is happening Everything's different but everything is fine yeah This is the good stuff Yesterday's only what you leave behind It's only in your mind You gotta talk to the One who made you Talk to the One who understands Talk to the One who gave you All the light in your eyes All the light in your eyes There's no use pretending You never existed until you saw the light yeah You're just beginning You haven't missed it-it's all ahead of you And you know what to do You gotta talk to the One who made you Talk to the One who understands Talk to the One who gave you All the light in your eyes All the light in your eyes Here comes the world and she is beautifully mysterious She's got it all and you say "Give it to me" When nobody's happy That's not the world I know outside Where everybody hides You gotta talk to the One who made you Talk to the One who understands Talk to the One who gave you All the light in your eyes You gotta talk to the One who loves you Talk to the One who understands Talk to the One who gave you All the light in your eyes All the light in your eyes Yeah, thank you thank you! Yeah, everything great and small Yeah, thank you thank you For the light in your eyes Yeah, thank you thank you! Yeah, everything great and small Yeah, thank you thank you For the light in your eyes For the light in your eyes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllInTheNameOfProgress Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I write songs occasionally for our worship services, and I don't know if there is an interest in this one.y I can send you an mp3 file of our band performing it live... DON'T HAVE TO CHECK YOUR MIND - Janet Krech Verse 1: G Dsus C2 They say their hearts are open. G Dsus C2 They say their minds are open. G D C2 G Testing other's tolerance a fundamental fear . G D C2 G Questioning beliefs I hope they don't hold dear. Bm Em Bm Em Will it be copacetic? Or seen as pathetic? Bm G D Will they write me off, or will they agree? CHORUS: G Dsus C2 You don't have to check your mind at the door. Em D C2 Don't have to hide your doubts anymore. G Dsus C2 Your questions might just end up teaching me Em D C2 And opening up new possibilities G Dsus C2 C Your mind 's a gift God has given you G Dsus C2 C Let's share our questions and uncover truth G D C2 G D C2 Take your mind and use it -- as a witness to our Lord . Verse 2: G Dsus C2 As we learn of Jesus G Dsus C2 He valued higher thinking. G D C2 G His questions and his parables planted new ideals. G D C2 G Showing us with thought we can harvest something real. Bm Em Bm Em God gave each of us a mind. If we seek then we will find. Bm G D Do you think I'm off, or do you agree? Verse 3: G Dsus C2 The Spirit's moving forward. G Dsus C2 A mighty wind comes blowin' G D C2 G Gathering in the people's minds so they can know The Way G D C2 G Bringing us together as disciples still today. Bm Em Bm Em I know it as I kneel. Is it something you can feel? Bm G D Will you write it off, or will you agree? TAG G Dsus C2 We say our hearts are open. G Dsus C2 We say our minds are open. I agree that musicians need to collaborate on worship music that is in synch with the messages we want to present. I have been trying to get the United Methodist church as a whole to do that, but not everyone in the denomination is progressive. I have waded through volumes of "Christian Contemporary" to find songs that have worked in worship for my church recently. "The Face of Love" and "Deeds" by Sanctus Real "Lifesong", "Voice of Truth", "If We are the Body","Stained Glass Masquerade" by Casting Crowns "Brave" and "Legacy" by Nichole Nordemann "Word of God, Speak" by Mercy Me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllInTheNameOfProgress Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 I sometimes write songs for our "contemporary" worship service at my Methodist Church. Much of the Christian Music published does not reflect a progressive viewpoint. Is there anyone else out there writing music that would be willing to share? Listen to the attached mp3. The quality is not great because it's a live recording at a worship service. But if anyone needs chords and lyrics I could share. 65535_Don__t_Have_To_Check_Your_Mind.mp3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKenna Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 I sometimes write songs for our "contemporary" worship service at my Methodist Church. Much of the Christian Music published does not reflect a progressive viewpoint. Is there anyone else out there writing music that would be willing to share? Listen to the attached mp3. The quality is not great because it's a live recording at a worship service. But if anyone needs chords and lyrics I could share. I like it, it's catchy I'd like to see the lyrics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllInTheNameOfProgress Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 DON'T HAVE TO CHECK YOUR MIND - Janet Krech October 2007 Verse 1: G Dsus C2 They say their hearts are open. G Dsus C2 They say their minds are open. G D C2 G Testing other's tolerance a fundamental fear . G D C2 G Questioning beliefs I hope they don't hold dear. Bm Em Bm Em Will it be copacetic? Or seen as pathetic? Bm G D Will they write me off, or will they agree? CHORUS: G Dsus C2 You don't have to check your mind at the door. Em D C2 Don't have to hide your doubts anymore. G Dsus C2 Your questions might just end up teaching me Em D C2 And opening up new possibilities G Dsus C2 C Your mind 's a gift God has given you G Dsus C2 C Let's share our questions and uncover truth G D C2 G D C2 Take your mind and use it -- as a witness to our Lord . Verse 2: G Dsus C2 As we learn of Jesus G Dsus C2 He valued higher thinking. G D C2 G His questions and his parables planted new ideals. G D C2 G Showing us with thought we can harvest something real. Bm Em Bm Em God gave each of us a mind. If we seek then we will find. Bm G D Do you think I'm off, or do you agree? Verse 3: G Dsus C2 The Spirit's moving forward. G Dsus C2 A mighty wind comes blowin' G D C2 G Gathering in the people's minds so they can know The Way G D C2 G Bringing us together as disciples still today. Bm Em Bm Em I know it as I kneel. Is it something you can feel? Bm G D Will you write it off, or will you agree? TAG G Dsus C2 We say our hearts are open. G Dsus C2 We say our minds are open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billmc Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 It started with a dream and I could see it all I had a vision and I heard you call me Now the dream is over but the voice remains I am part of something that is going To change things for the better To change things for the better And I hear you call And I see you dancing, dancing on the wall The writings on the paper, the names upon the page The past part of the present And this coming of age I see a revolution I never thought would dawn I am part of something that's going to go on And on for the better To go on and on for the better And I hear you call And I see you dancing, dancing on the wall It started with a dream and I still recall I see a bridge where there once was a wall of stone Now the dream is over and the picture will fade But I am part of something That is going to sway things for the better Going to sway things for the better And I hear you call And I see you dancing, dancing on the wall --Iona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glintofpewter Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Bill, Can I assume this is sung to a dancing beat? Dutch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billmc Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Bill, Can I assume this is sung to a dancing beat? Dutch Well, a nice groove...at least to me! Here's a sample: http://www.amazon.com/River-Flows-Anthology-Vol/dp/B00006JS5I/ref=tag_stp_st_edpp_url Progressive Christian Celtic Rock - I love the stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glintofpewter Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 (edited) all, Bill's recommendation The River Flows anthology is available on emusic for 1/2 the price - download only. You have to subscribe. About $15.00 month http://www.emusic.com/album/Iona-The-River-Flows-Anthology-Vol-1-MP3-Download/10893429.html Dutch Edited August 29, 2009 by glintofpewter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soma Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Thanks for the recommendation. The music is inspirational. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billmc Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I don't know why, but this music really stirs something in me. I am not usually a poetry kinda guy, I prefer prose with its concrete images and concepts. But at this point in my journey, I am finding something nourishing in songs like this: Quietly You arrived Never forcing me to choose Bringing Your perfect light Into this sunless room of mine So make Your home inside my heart Fill this empty house of stone Make Your home inside my heart Let me dance in the brightness of Your throne Of Your throne Looking through stained windows I see a rose on the wall Thorns that draw blood from Your face I hear the agony of Your call to me So make Your home inside my heart Fill this empty house of stone Make Your home inside my heart Let me dance in the brightness of Your throne In the stillness of moonlight I am awakened by Your grace And the love that glistens In the tears on Your face for me So make Your home inside my heart Fill this empty house of stone Make Your home inside my heart Let me dance in the brightness Let me dance in the brightness of Your throne Of Your throne... - Iona If anyone would like to listen to demos of their songs, you can find them here: http://www.mp3fiesta.com/iona_artist25904/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glintofpewter Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Bill, Do you use the fiesta site? Prices seem incredibly low. I see I have to put money in an account. Anything else I should know? It's not based in Russia so it seems to legal. Dutch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billmc Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Do you use the fiesta site? Prices seem incredibly low. I see I have to put money in an account. Anything else I should know? It's not based in Russia so it seems to legal. Yes, Dutch, it is the main music downloading service I use. Yep, you have to put money in the kitty to get the music but it goes through SSL to do it. I don't know if they still have the promotion, but I got unlimited music downloads for 1 year for $50. That was a deal for me because I wanted a lot of old '70s and '80s music. Plus, I've downloaded all the Iona stuff as well as Clannad. The music doesn't have the "copy protection" stuff that Itunes has (or used to have), so you can play it on any MP3 player. The only thing I don't like is that you can't select your bit rate, it's fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glintofpewter Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 (edited) I did some research. MP3fiesta is based in the Ukraine or in Russia and operates under the Russian Copyright Law. Dutch http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/05/16/allofmp3_shut_down/ Edited August 30, 2009 by glintofpewter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billmc Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I did some research. MP3fiesta is based in the Ukraine or in Russia and operates under the Russian Copyright Law. Does this mean that MP3Fiesta is illegal, Dutch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glintofpewter Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 (edited) I need to do more research dutch Edited August 30, 2009 by glintofpewter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billmc Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I need to do more research To be honest, I don't know much about all this stuff. But I was under the impression that if the music service was illegal to the US, it would not accept US-based credit cards. It has no trouble accepting mine. Anyway, there are other avenues for obtaining this music if one desires: Amazon, Itunes, Walmart, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glintofpewter Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Bill, mp3fiesta processes their payment thru www.kagi.com so payments are accepted. I won't download from fiesta. Illegal? It probably depends on what one thinks about Russia's Copyright Organization (ROMS) Way too much info ---- Genealogy of fiesta ------ allofmp3 The Web site said in August [year?] it would reopen after it had been shut by Russia a month earlier to ease entry into the World Trade Organization. The Bush administration, which called AllofMP3.com a ``poster child for Internet music piracy,'' said the Web site threatened Russia's entry into the trade group. allofmp3 has been turned into a blog http://blogs.allofmp3.ru/music_news/2008/05/26/music-industry-drops-copyright-suit-against-russian-music-site/ allofmp3 was replaced by mp3fiesta Oddly this next blog connects allofmp3 to mp3fiesta. I say oddly because mp3sparks was also said to be a replacement for allofmp3. There appears to more than one Russia music download site - ever morphing. http://mp3sparks.us/?p=22 This is who registered the domain name mp3fiesta: Registrar: ANO REGIONAL NETWORK INFORMATION CENTER DBA RU Whois Server: whois.nic.ru Referral URL: http://www.nic.ru IP Location: Kiev, Ukraine from a site recommending mp3fiesta The reason MP3Fiesta has such low prices is that Russia's Copyright Organization (ROMS) sets the rate for the royalties, and they set their rates low! So while the artists, producers, lables, and the likes are paid, they are paid much less than they would be paid if the album were sold in the Unite States. One additional note is that an artist can request that ROMS not allow their music to be sold online by submitting a request with proof that they own the music they do not want sold online. Dutch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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