Friday, September 11, 2020

Music and Religion

So to get started, I'll talk a little bit about my religious background. As a kid, my parents tried to find a good church for us to attend. I grew up in church, but we had a hard time finding an accepting one to go to. It seemed like the people in a few of the churches alienated us just because we were new to the congregation. We ended up stopping our search and started worshiping from home. Once I got into middle school, I strayed from God a little. My best friend suggested that I try to go to the youth service at his church. I finally went and the next year I got baptized. I have a lot of recent and vivid memories of some good old Southern Baptist church music. Music is a very important thing in Christianty. Christians find peace in using music to worship God and it is definitely a big part of the culture. It helps Christians express our love for God in a powerful way which is common in other religions. Not only does the music have a special meaning, but it also is used in different situations. The music played on the organ during prayer is different than the music played when the congregation is exiting the church. Different music sets the tone for each situation during the service. While more traditional hymns are used in church, I have always connected more with different Christian artists like NF, Zach Williams or Hillsong United. 

I remember going to a youth service and hearing one of the older girls singing "Oceans" by Hillsong United. It may not be the most traditional Christian worship music but it really resonates with me.  This song has always stuck with me because it serves as a reminder that God will never leave me. Below is a lyric video to the song. 


Below is one of my favorite gospel songs that we sing at my church. Of course, we don't sing it like a country song but it's played frequently. This is a very uplifting song as it talks about the power of Jesus. It always makes me think about how Jesus is in control so I never have to worry about a thing. 


Another good Christian song that is constantly on repeat for me is "Fear Is A Liar" by Zach Williams. Again, this is not your typical gospel song that is played in the middle of a Sunday service. I went to Hearts On Fire with my youth group to see this artist in concert and I fell in love with his music because it is so honest and real. He talks about his struggles and how God has brought him through them even when he was at his lowest. This song is about fighting the fear that the devil tries to put in our hearts. I find myself going back to this song a lot when I'm uncertain of the future.  



5 comments:

  1. I can really relate to trying different churches and not feeling comfortable in the environment right away. I love the song "Oceans"; it was one of the first Christian songs that calmed my soul and made me feel safe. I also enjoyed the lyrical content of "Fear is a liar".

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  2. I love that you are so open. You truly explained how I was. As a child, I used to go to a church consistently then I fell off because of sports and other things. Recently I joined a church and they made me feel so welcome and at home. " Fear is a Liar" is an amazing song. I have heard it a couple times and songs like those really help me through the day! Thank you so much for sharing your blog with me!

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  3. I really like the song Oceans it is so beautiful and I feel the same way about it as you do, this song really moves me. The song Fear is a Liar is so pretty and the finger picking is so perfect in the beginning of the song.

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  4. Although the song Oceans isn't "traditional" it still holds meaning, and it very moving. When I listened to the song, it really made me emotional. Sometimes I have a hard time in my faith, but listening to the music really helps me feel like God is with me wherever I go. I also love reading your blog, it makes me feel connected to you on a different level than we already are, and I can't wait to read your next blog!

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  5. I love the song "Oceans". Literally gives me chills every time I listen to it! Alan Jackson is one of my absolute favs :) He also just released a new versions to the song "Lord I Hope This Day Is Good" and its so cute and southern. It just makes you want to bob your head back and fourth and smile :)

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