Christian Music (Part 2): Contemporary

Last week I shared three of my favourite traditional Christian hymns. Today I have compiled a selection of contemporary songs: still capturing what I like about Christian songs, these songs are perhaps more readily accessible to modern listeners. Forget whatever you think you know about “cheesy love songs to Jesus” and enjoy this truly Christian version of contemporary human musical expression.

“Reason to Sing” by All Sons & Daughters

This band has so many songs that I could have included on this list (honourable mentions: “I am Set Free” and “Wake Up”). But I kept coming back to this one. Hopefully you can see why.

“The Same Love” by Paul Baloche

The juxtaposition in the lyrics represents a powerful feature of the Christian gospel: the infinite meets the finite, the holy and indefinable meets the personal. “The same God that spread the heavens wide, the same God that was crucified, is calling us all by name.”

“After All (Holy)” by David Crowder

This simple video illustrates the feel of this song: a guy alone in a room just pouring his heart out to God, overcome by God’s majesty.

Concluding words

I hope you enjoyed listening to these songs! As these songs express, Christianity calls for a personal connection with the creator of the universe; it’s not about sitting in a stuffy church building, following rules, passing “pro-family” laws, and wearing a tie/dress. It’s about a relationship with an all-powerful loving God: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) If you want that connection, read about Jesus in his Word (the Bible), and go to him in prayer. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Start with the Gospel of John, chapter 1, for a simple introduction to who Jesus is and what he can mean to you.