Christian music

Christian music is a broad category of music created to express personal or communal belief regarding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It encompasses an immense variety of styles, from ancient Gregorian chant to contemporary rock and hip hop, all unified by lyrical content centered on Christian theology and practice. The tradition spans nearly two millennia, evolving alongside the church's history and cultural shifts, and serves functions ranging from liturgical worship to evangelism and personal devotion.

Origins and history

The earliest forms emerged from Jewish psalmody and hymnody, with the New Testament itself containing fragments of early hymns, such as those in the Epistle to the Philippians. Following the Edict of Milan, Ambrosian chant developed in Milan under Ambrose, while Gregorian chant became the standardized liturgical music of the Western Church, codified under Pope Gregory I. The Protestant Reformation marked a seismic shift, with Martin Luther championing congregational singing through chorales like "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", and the Geneva Psalter providing metrical psalms for followers of John Calvin. The Great Awakening in the American colonies spurred the creation of shape-note singing and the popular hymns of Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley, whose works like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" remain staples. The 20th century saw the rise of gospel music, pioneered by figures like Thomas A. Dorsey, and the commercialization of the genre through recordings on labels like RCA Victor.

Genres and styles

The category is defined by its lyrical focus rather than a single sound, resulting in a vast spectrum of genres that parallel mainstream music. Traditional forms include Gregorian chant, oratorios like those by George Frideric Handel, and Southern Gospel. The mid-20th century gave rise to contemporary Christian music (CCM), a pop-driven industry with pioneers like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Parallel developments include Christian rock, exemplified by bands like Petra and Switchfoot, Christian metal with groups such as Stryper, and Christian hip hop, advanced by artists like Lecrae and the 116 Clique. Other significant styles are black gospel, worship music popularized by Hillsong Church and Bethel Music, and Christian country music.

Theological and lyrical themes

Lyrics are fundamentally shaped by core doctrines, most centrally the concepts of grace, redemption, atonement, and the resurrection of Jesus. Common themes include personal testimony and conversion, expressions of praise and thanksgiving, confession of sin, and supplication for guidance. The Psalms provide a profound template, inspiring songs of lament, trust, and exultation. Hymns often expound on theological concepts like the Trinity or the nature of Christ, while modern worship music frequently emphasizes intimate, relational language directed toward God. The Great Commission also drives evangelistic lyrics intended for a broader audience.

Influence and cultural impact

It has profoundly shaped the development of Western music, with the medieval modes and polyphony of Léonin and Pérotin at Notre-Dame de Paris laying groundwork for later classical music. The Negro spiritual was a crucial precursor to the blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Artists from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan have drawn deeply from its traditions, while its themes and aesthetics permeate works by composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Arvo Pärt. The modern CCM industry, with awards like the GMA Dove Awards, represents a significant commercial force, though it often navigates tensions between artistic integrity, evangelism, and marketability within the broader American culture.

Notable artists and recordings

Historically significant composers include Hildegard of Bingen, Johann Sebastian Bach with his St Matthew Passion, and Handel's Messiah. Pioneering gospel artists range from Mahalia Jackson to Andraé Crouch. The CCM era was shaped by albums like Amy Grant's *Age to Age* and Michael W. Smith's *The Michael W. Smith Project*. Influential bands include the rock group Casting Crowns, the metal act August Burns Red, and the worship collective Hillsong United. Crossover successes include Switchfoot's *The Beautiful Letdown*, Jars of Clay's debut, and the OC Supertones in ska. The Gaither Vocal Band remains a powerhouse in Southern Gospel.

Worship and liturgical use

Its primary function within denominations is to facilitate worship and adorn the liturgy. In liturgical traditions like Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and some Anglican churches, music follows a set lectionary and includes elements like the Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. Hymnody is central in many Protestant services, drawing from hymnals like *The Lutheran Service Book*. The late 20th-century Jesus movement and charismatic movement popularized informal, band-led worship, leading to the global influence of modern worship music from movements like Hillsong Church, Bethel Music, and Passion Conferences. This style often centers on the "worship set," aiming to foster congregational participation and an atmosphere of reverence.