http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,72057,00.html

In today's music, are we about to see a transition in both Christain & Pop/Rock music?

Thanks for sharing that article! It's awesome how many people can be reached through music. To someone who finds church services and reading the Bible boring, this may be the only way that they will hear and become interested in God's word. It's an appealing form of worship and praise.

I wouldn’t say Christian music is any more “hip” than it used to be (no music is truly hip.) Sure P.O.D. and Creed are very popular but making Christian-esque music has nothing really to do with it. Has it changed its style? Yes. But Christian pop/rock as we know it today has been around since the early 90s.

And how about those Christian hair-metal bands?

I think Christian music has become a much more broader category that appeals to more people. Within that "Christian" category are many, many different types of music--from cute boy bands (like PlusOne) to more "metal" such as Kutless (I'm seeing them on 12/31). Then there are the bands like P.O.D., Creed, and Lifehouse which have roots in Christian music but also branch out to secular, too.

That’s true, Kirby. It has expanded its boundaries a lot. There are even hardcore Christian metal bands like this (these aren't novelty bands): www.roweproductions.com/?mp3=1. This band's one of the more famous ones. I wonder what Loone would think.

If we consider that groups like Stryper and Whiteheart had considerable followings, it is a good thing that Christian music has expanded into all the music catagories.

P.O.D., Pilar, Pax2117, RelientK are all Hard Rock bands; Apologetix, Delirious, which sings both rock and worship music, By the Tree won the Dove for the best Modern Rock/Aternative album in 2002, and Third Day are Christian Rock. Third Day's "Offerings", which is worship album recorded live, was recognized as the worship album of the year in 2001.

Performers like Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith have been performing for secular audiences for years with the purpose of outreach introducing those who shy away from "Christian" music to clean lyrics and point them towards God.

Found a website just this week @ www.Christianmusic.about.com which I haven't fully explored yet. At first glence, it appears to be an informative source on Christian artists and music of all types.

Jusork asked what Loone, who is greatly missed, would think. Somehow, I cannot imagine that he would look favorably on Heavy Metal or Hard Rock. On the other hand, Loone might say that music is another method of spreading the gospel.

Someone else who has actually heard of By The Tree?! I love BTT, but I hadn't heard of them before seeing them on the Thrive tour with the Newsboys. Also, while at a concert at the beginning of the month, I was exposed to Christian rap--I'm not a fan of rap/hip-hop, but just further proof that Christian music is branching out more and more. And by branching out to appeal to different listeners, more people will hear the word.