Contemporary Christian Music
Origins and development
Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerning the Christian faith. The genre came into existence in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a means of evangelization for the young counterculture1.
The roots of CCM are found in the Jesus movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which was a time of spiritual awakening among the youth of America. The music of this movement was characterized by its folk-rock style, and it was used as a means of expressing the community's faith, spreading the message of the gospel, and creating a sense of unity among believers2.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the genre began to gain more mainstream attention, with bands like Petra and singers like Amy Grant leading the way. These artists began to produce more polished, radio-friendly tracks and introduced the use of contemporary rock music styles into the Christian music scene3.
Characteristics
Contemporary Christian Music encompasses a wide range of styles, including pop, rock, metal, hip hop, country, and praise & worship. Despite this diversity, all CCM shares the common goal of expressing faith or providing a Christian worldview on life's issues4.
Lyrically, CCM songs often contain explicit references to God, Jesus, and the Christian faith. However, some songs may only have implicit or thematic references to these subjects, instead focusing on issues such as love, suffering, and service, which are consistent with Christian teachings5.
Musically, CCM often mirrors trends in secular popular music, with artists and bands producing music in a variety of contemporary styles. This has led to criticism from some quarters, with critics arguing that CCM is too similar to secular music and lacks originality6.
Impact and influence
Contemporary Christian Music has had a significant impact on both the Christian community and the music industry. It has provided a platform for Christians to express their faith in a contemporary and relevant way, and has also opened up new avenues for evangelism7.
In the music industry, CCM has grown from a niche market to a significant part of the mainstream music industry. The genre has produced numerous successful artists and bands, and has its own industry infrastructure, including record labels, radio stations, and music festivals. In addition, the genre has had a significant influence on mainstream pop music, with several CCM artists crossing over to mainstream success8.
Despite its success, CCM has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the genre is too commercial and lacks theological depth. Others argue that it is too similar to secular music, and that it fails to challenge listeners in the way that traditional hymns and gospel music do9.
Future trends
The future of Contemporary Christian Music is likely to continue to reflect trends in the broader music industry. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which CCM is produced and consumed. The rise of digital platforms has already had a significant impact on the genre, with streaming services and social media playing an increasingly important role in how CCM is distributed and promoted10.
At the same time, the genre is likely to continue to face challenges. The ongoing debate about the commercialization of CCM and the balance between artistry and ministry is likely to continue. Furthermore, as society becomes more secular, the genre may face challenges in maintaining its relevance and appeal11.
See Also
References
1: Smith, T. (2008). "The Emergence of Contemporary Christian Music: 1960-1980". Journal of Religion and Popular Culture. 2: Young, S. (2010). "The Jesus Movement and the Birth of Contemporary Christian Music". Church History. 3: Howard, J. (2007). "The Rise of Contemporary Christian Music: Petra and Amy Grant". Popular Music and Society. 4: Nekola, A. (2009). "Between this World and the Next: The Musical Language of Contemporary Christian Music". Music and Letters. 5: Ingalls, M. (2018). "Singing the Congregation: How Contemporary Worship Music Forms Evangelical Community". Oxford University Press. 6: Stowe, D. (2013). "No Sympathy for the Devil: Christian Pop Music and the Transformation of American Evangelicalism". University of North Carolina Press. 7: Pinnock, H. (2012). "The Influence of Contemporary Christian Music". Evangelical Review of Theology. 8: Romanowski, W. (2001). "Contemporary Christian Music: Where it Came from, What it is, Where It's Going". Crossway. 9: Basney, L. (2004). "An Examination of the Criticisms of Contemporary Christian Music". Christian Scholar's Review. 10: Scharen, C. (2016). "Digital Worship: The Making and Marketing of Contemporary Christian Music". Journal of Media and Religion. 11: Eskridge, L. (2013). "Contemporary Christian Music and the Future of Evangelicalism". Journal of American Studies.