If you read this blog regularly, you probably have noticed that I frequently spout off about the Christian music industry, questioning how we define Christian music and occasionally being snarky about … well, just about everything.
But as I was finishing up a feature I was working on about Christian music, I realized that I don’t talk enough about all there is to love about Christian music.
Yes, you read that right! There really are reasons to love Christian music!

1) There really is something to be said for music that shares a message about God’s love. Whether you share the music with non Christian friends or you just need to be reminded yourself, Christian music inspires. You can give a friend a Christian CD and know they’ll hear a message about God, and you can turn on the Christian radio station and know you’re not going to have to cover your kids’ ears every few minutes.
2) It doesn’t suck that much anymore. Let’s face it: Christian music has had a bad rap, and a lot of it deservedly. For a long time it was trite, boring, and served only to offer a clean alternative to mainstream music. But in recent years, the quality and artistry of Christian music has really come a long way; now, no matter what style of music you listen to, you can find great music in the Christian genre that combines creativity with spirituality.
3) You vote with your dollars. When you buy an album, whether it’s a mainstream or Christian album, you’re basically endorsing the lifestyle of the artist with your money. It’s like that in any entertainment field, from music to movies to books. Buying Christian music is a way to give a “thumbs up” to an industry that, despite its problems, probably reflects your Christian values better than mainstream music.
4) Christian music can be a calm port in a storm. When Horatio Spafford wrote the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” in 1873 he was still grieving the loss of his four daughters in a shipwreck. Christian music may sound different today, but it still has the power to bring healing and comfort in times of distress.
5) Christian music artists are genuinely spiritual people. Sure, the Christian music industry has had its share of scandals, and anyone who wants to deify Christian musicians needs their head examined. But for the most part, the folks involved in Christian music – from artists to publicists to producers – have a genuine desire to serve God. Sure, the commerce can get in the way sometimes, but this is definitely an industry populated with Christians who want to serve their Lord and share His love.
So there you go! If you’re new to Christian music, the best place to learn more is to grab a WOW Hits compilation CD. You’ll find artists from different genres, from worship to rock, and get a taste for all that Christian music has to offer.
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