Assignment: Listening To Contemporary Christian Music

Due to the Harlem Renaissance, the United States now sees the African American community as a serious source of literature, art, and especially music. It was an opportunity for African Americans to resist the inequality and prove that if race was not a factor, that there may be aspects of African Americans that are appealing to whites The main idea of being free and open about everything regarding life has been passed down through the ages of African American culture to the music and poetry that we see and hear

And while that is true, the artist’s intent was not to glorify drugs, sex, and violence, but to just write songs about those topics to express what they see and give insight into what a day to day life is like growing up in their communities ("Hip-Hop and Rap Music" para 10). And although many songs were filled with negative sayings, there are many songs that contradict that statement. As previously stated, many rap artists that have written songs with positive messages. For example artists such as Public Enemy seen that they could use their platform to uplift the black community and talk about other important topics. In Public Enemy’s song “Give It Up,” the group stated “I never did represent doing dumb shit, some gangsta lying - I’d rather diss Presidents” (Public Enemy).

We are here on this earth to be a light in the darkness and show the world God. The best way to be that light is to pray the God through us is glorified. All too often we pray as a selfish child, God give me this or give me that. I have my pastor say that God is not our genie in the sky, but He is our loving and faithful Heavenly Father.

On page 114 a patient stated “sometimes when I am having a bad day, you know, why is this happening to me? I say to God”. As nurse, it is important to help a patient understand their struggles and offer to pray with them. This chapter emphasize on the power of praying with a patient when possible. A family member states on page 115 “I was particularly touched when she prayed for Jonathan in the Hospital”.

In the beginning he would always pray and believe God was good. As the story goes on and he faces many hardships his beliefs get shaken up, but in the end he emerges with his faith

Therefore like Campbell states, “when persuasion is the end, passion also must be engaged.” (926), the preacher or a church member has to make his or her subject feel passionate about God. The speaker will appeal to the audience in a way they understand, which is how their life will improve after they decide to believe in God, because human beings seek happiness. The speaker will then explain how God changed their lives and how it will change the audience lives. The orator also understands the fear of death, and assures the audience that they will have eternal life after death if they decide to believe in God.

In various works of literature, numerous characters have found solace in believing divine figures. Commonly because said characters have experienced hardships within their personal lives. All of which, could be harmful to one 's mental health. Especially, when one lacks emotional support from her/him peers. Nevertheless, one’s faith in God, tends to give individuals strength to carry on because in countless cultures, God is considered being a symbol of guidance, which serves to people in need.

He says, “I was not denying His existence, but I doubted His absolute justice” (45). Eliezer recognizes that this is not the God he is used to worshipping. He begins to distrust God’s judgement and questions God. Yet, this is what strengthens his faith and brings him closer to a God. When Eliezer first voices his skepticism at Birkenau, he still finds himself praying to God by whispering, “Yisgadal, veyiskadash, shmey raba …

The poem is about the joy and what we have to look forward to when believing in God. John Newton expresses how God provides for his followers even in our weakest days and how he will praise and thank him for everything. John Newton starts off the poem by saying “sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he signs” In my mind I could imagine being in a filled church singing my heart out and just feeling like it was just me and God in the church. When a song really hits me, I feel like this is the light that John Newton is talking about.

I am not trying to say that every song that is on the radio is automatically bad and does not have any meaning, but I only listened to the Top 40 on the radio without noticing anything besides the drum beat and maybe a guitar. I was just not interested in whatever the singer

Aniol begins the chapter by reemphasizing what he has stated in previous chapters and then discussing how that foundation will be built upon in this chapter. He believes, and I agree, that congregational music should express truth about God, be directed toward God, and have God glorifying, secondary horizontal effects. These three points truly put to rest many “Christian” rock artist’s claims that man-centered lyrics put to man-centered music can be profitable worship to God! Overall this chapter really challenged me to think constantly about my motivations when I am singing in the congregation, playing as part of the worship team, or even composing the music to be performed. All three aspects must be wholly devoted to God.

There are all kinds of different genres of music, whether it be Christian, Rock, Rap, or Opera. All cultures around the world have traces of music because it is a part of the human instinct. For me, Christian rap is my favorite genre of music to listen to for many different reasons. Lecrae is by far my favorite rapper because of his outlook and purpose of his songs. Christian rap is starting to become a trend nowadays to most Christians.

Jazz music has spread around the world. It has drawn on national and regional musical cultures. Jazz has been the most important social factor that black musicians were able to record the blues, gospel and more. These musicians lived through inequality and many discovered their freedom in jazz. It became African Americans freedom because jazz

Many people think of Prince and Michael Jackson as two of the world’s greatest music entertainers. They were both African American singers, songwriters and philanthropists. Everyone considered them musical icons. They have entertained music fans all around the world. Their musical styles has influenced other famous entertainers and artist such as Beyoncé, Usher, Chris Brown and others.

Another very unique form of music is displayed by the Mardi Gras Indians. The main time to see and hear the music of the Mardi Gras Indians is on Mardi Gras day. Chanting with tambourines and other hand held instruments are their style, which is part of New Orleans’ funk, soul, and rhythm and blues. A trip to New Orleans would not be complete without experiencing this unique funky beat. Considering a trip to New Orleans, the French Quarter, food, music, and the Southern hospitality are all just a small part of why tourist should venture beyond Bourbon Street.