Jesus
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not "perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)
Martin Buber
“In the relation to God, unconditional exclusiveness and unconditional inclusiveness are one. For those who enter into the absolute relationship, nothing particular retains any importance—neither things nor beings, neither earth nor heaven—but everything is included in the relationship. For entering into the pure relationship does not involve ignoring everything but seeing everything in the You, not renouncing the world but placing it upon its proper ground. Looking away from the world is no help toward God; staring at the world is no help either; but whoever beholds the world in him stands in his presences…” (from
I and Thou)
C.S. Lewis
“When I attempted a few minutes ago, to describe our spiritual longings, I was omitting one of their most curious characteristics. We usually notice it just as the moment of vision dies away, as the music ends, or as the landscape loses the celestial light… For a few minutes we have had the illusion of belonging to that world. Now we wake to find that it is no such thing. We have been mere spectators. Beauty has smiled, but not to welcome us; her face turned in our direction, but not to see us. We have not been accepted, welcomed, or taken into the dance. We may go when we please, we may stay if we can, no one cares. Now, a scientist may reply that since most of the things we call beautiful are inanimate it is not very surprising that they take no notice of us. That, of course, is true. It is not the physical objects that I am speaking of, but that indescribable Something of which they become for a moment the messengers. And part of the bitterness which mixes with the sweetness of that message is due to the fact that it so seldom seems to be a message intended for us, but rather something we have overheard. By bitterness I mean pain, not resentment. We should hardly dare to ask that any notice be taken of ourselves. But we pine. The sense that in the universe we are treated as strangers, the longing to be acknowledged, to meet with some response, the bridge some chasm that yawns between us and reality, is part of our inconsolable secret.” (from
The Weight of Glory)
Terrence Malick
Badlands (1972)
Days of Heaven (1978)
The Thin Red Line (1998)
The New World (2005)
Martin Heidegger
“Truth is the truth of Being. Beauty does not occur alongside and apart from this truth. When truth sets itself into the work, it appears. Appearance—as this being of truth in the work and as work—is beauty. Thus the beautiful belongs to the advent of truth, truth’s taking of its place. It does not exist merely relative to pleasure and purely as its object.” (from “The Origin of the Work of Art.”)
Saint Paul
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (I Corinthians 13:12)
Marshall McLuhan
“All media work us over completely. They are so pervasive in their personal, political, economic, aesthetic, psychological, moral, ethical, and social consequences that they leave no part of us untouched, unaffected, unaltered.” (from
The Medium is the Massage)
Sufjan Stevens
And in my best behavior
I am really just like him
Look beneath the floorboards
For the secrets I have hid
(from “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.”)
F. Scott Fitzgerald
“And as I sat there brooding on the old unknown world, I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s long dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it, He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night.” (from
The Great Gatsby)
Yasujiro Ozu
Tokyo Story (1953)
George Steiner
“All representations, even the most abstract, infer a rendezvous with intelligibility or, at the least, with a strangeness attenuated, qualified by observance and willed form. Apprehension (the meeting with the other) signifies both fear and perception. The continuum between both, the modulation from one to the other, lie at the source of poetry and the arts.” (from
Real Presences)
Paul Tillich
“What is the nature of a being that is able to produce art? Man is finite. He is, as one could say, mixed of being and nonbeing. Once he was not. Now he is and some time he will not be. He is not by himself, but thrown into existence and he will be thrown out of existence and cease to be for himself. He is delivered to the flux of time which runs from the past to the future through the ever-moving point which is called the present. He is aware of the infinite. He is aware that he belongs to it. But he is also aware that he is excluded from it… Out of the anxiety, and the double awareness that we are finite and that we belong to infinity from which we are excluded, the urge arises to express the essential unity of that which we are in symbols which are religious and artistic.” (from
On Art and Architecture)
Dorothy Sayers
“Poets have, indeed, often communicated in their own mode of expression truths identical with the theologians’ truths; but just because of the difference in the modes of expression, we often fail to see the identity of the statements.” (from
The Mind of the Maker)
Over the Rhine
What a beautiful piece of heartache this has all turned out to be.
Lord knows we've learned the hard way all about healthy apathy.
And I use these words pretty loosely.
There's so much more to life than words.
(from “Latter Days”)
Soren Kierkegaard
“He will grant thee a hiding place within Him, and once hidden in Him he will hide thy sins. For He is the friend of sinners... He does not merely stand still, open His arms and say, 'Come hither'; no, he stands there and waits, as the father of the lost son waited, rather He does not stand and wait, he goes forth to seek, as the shepherd sought the lost sheep, as the woman sought the lost coin. He goes--yet no, he has gone, but infinitely farther than any shepherd or any woman, He went, in sooth, the infinitely long way from being God to becoming man, and that way He went in search of sinners.” (from
Training in Christianity)
Richard Linklater
Before Sunrise (1995)
Waking Life (2001)
Before Sunset (2004)
George MacDonald
“In what belongs to the deeper meanings of nature and her mediation between us and God, the appearances of nature are the truths of nature, far deeper than any scientific discoveries in and concerning them. The show of things is that for which God cares most, for their show is the face of far deeper things than they; we see in them, in a distant way, as in a glass darkly, the face of the unseen. It is through their show, not through their analysis, that we enter into their deepest truths. What they say to the childlike soul is the truest thing to be gathered of them.” (from
The Voice of Job)
Emily Dickinson
The Bustle in a House
The Morning after Death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted opon Earth –
The Sweeping up the Heart
And putting Love away
We shall not want to use again
Until Eternity
John Steinbeck
“In uncertainty I am certain that underneath their topmost layers of frailty men want to be good and want to be loved. Indeed, most of their vices are attempted short cuts to love. When a man comes to die, no matter what his talents and influence and genius, if he dies unloved his life must be a failure to him and his dying a cold horror.” (from
East of Eden)
Bob Dylan
He woke up, the room was bare
He didn't see her anywhere.
He told himself he didn't care,
pushed the window open wide,
Felt an emptiness inside
to which he just could not relate
Brought on by a simple twist of fate.
(from “Simple Twist of Fate”)
Walker Percy
“What is the malaise? You ask. The malaise is the pain of loss. The world is lost to you, the world and the people in it, and there remains only you and the world and you no more able to be in the world than Banquo’s ghost.” (from
The Moviegoer)
Sofia Coppola
Virgin Suicides (2000)
Lost in Translation (2003)
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Kathleen Norris
“Church is to be participated in and not consumed. The point is not what one gets out of it, but the worship of God; the service takes place both because of and despite the needs, strengths, and frailties of the people present. How else could it be?” (from
Dakota)
Marilynne Robinson
“Whenever I think of Edward, I think of playing catch in a hot street and that wonderful weariness of the arms. I think of leaping after a high throw and that wonderful collaboration of the whole body with itself and that wonderful certainty and amazement when you know the glove is just where it should be. Oh, I will miss the world!” (from
Gilead)
N.T. Wright
“Preaching the gospel means announcing Jesus as Lord of the world; and, unless we are prepared to contradict ourselves with every breath we take, we cannot make that announcement without seeking to bring that lordship to bear over every aspect of the world.” (from
What Saint Paul Really Said).
David Bazan
It's weird to think of all the things
That have not been keeping up with the times
It's ten o' clock the sun is down
Just begun to set the western hills on fire
I hear that you don't change
How do you expect to keep up with the trends
You won't survive the information age
Unless you plan to change the truth to accommodate the brilliance of man
The brilliance of man
(from “Letter From a Concerned Follower”)
G.K. Chesterton
“Gazing at some detail like a bird or a cloud, we can all ignore its awful blue background; we can neglect the sky; and precisely because it bears down upon us with an annihilating force it is felt as nothing. A thing of this kind can only be an impression and a rather subtle impression; but to me it is a very strong impression made by pagan literature and religion. I repeat that in our special sacramental sense there is, of course, the absence of the presence of God. But there is in a very real sense the presence of the absence of God. We feel it in the unfathomable sadness of pagan poetry; for I doubt if there was ever in all the marvelous manhood of antiquity a man who was happy as St. Francis was happy.” (from
The Everlasting Man)
Gus Van Sant
Elephant (2003)
Paranoid Park (2008)
Solomon
"I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor--it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. That which is has been already and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by." (Ecclesiastes 3:10-15).
Jack Kerouac
“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing?—it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.” (from
On the Road)
St. Augustine
"Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee..."
Martin Luther
“Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne
The Son (2002)
The Child (2005)
The entire Messiah gets one entry? And it ISN’T #1?
Imagine by John Lennon is basically the furthest thing from a worship song, sorry.
Amen, Alyssa. I don’t think the Divine appreciates stretching something so fundamental to the Christian faith as “true and acceptable worship” to the point of blasphemy. I do recall entire nations of people were destroyed for such impetuosity.
I understand your desire to be open-minded and “tolerant”, but as a people set apart to “hate the world”, how do you justify this list, Biblically?
Depends on your place and style of worship. Imagine by John Lennon is played in Unitarian Universalist churches all the time and is revered as the ultimate challenge song questioning what has been said to be the truth for thousands of years.
No it isn’t… John Lennon wasn’t religious but who’s to say he wasn’t spiritual? Be open minded.
If God so loved the world then why are we a people set apart to hate the world. Confused. Maybe I got a different book
While I can appreciate the “togetherness” message of Imagine, I don’t know how this could be defined as worship. It is a well crafted song, one that sparks emotion; but I don’t think it has that “holiness punch” you were talking about is in there.. just emotion.
Worship needs to be about more than emotion. It’s a declaration of who God is, praising Him for being who He is or maybe even responding to our relationship with Him. Where does “No heaven above us, no hell below” fit into worshiping God?
John Lennon may have been spiritual, but that doesn’t mean he was a worship music writer. There is a huge gap between being spiritual and worshiping God.
I like the song, it was one of the first I learned to play; but I would never pick it out for a worship set.
I just stumbled upon this list and I can see how a true seeker would include the song Imagine on this list. I am in agreement that John Lennon was not a Christian but I challenge you to re-read the words to this song. Imagine was written not from the perspective of what is on earth but the true new heaven and earth that is to come. The words honestly and simply discribe Heaven. We all know that when the Lord returns “religion” will go away. What we ercieve as Heaven today will not be what it will be… and earth will be destroyed… therefore the lines Imagine theres no heaven… no earth… no hell below us… all makes sense if the song is viewed from the tense of us worshiping the Father together.., all singing the glory of God.
Heaven and Earth will pass away… and millions will sing “glory glory glory, Lord God Almighty”
John Lennon got the words right… unfortuanately… he did not realize how close he was to the truth.
Rog
I’ve always thought of “Imagine” as a song about what the world would’ve been like without the Fall. A place where religious difference, petty squabbles over material possessions, and geographical dividing lines don’t exist, and where we don’t need Heaven or Hell because earth is the Paradise God created it to be? In any case, I think it’s a song born of a seeker, and I love its inclusion on the list.
Okay firstly, worship is defined by a reverence and obedience to s/o or s/t. To say that a song is worship to God just because the lyrics imply a peace, harmony and togetherness is simply absurd.
The Bible says in Jn. 4:23-24 that worship is done in spirit and truth. A worship song flows out of a worshipper. A worshipper obeys God’s word, follows after Jesus and listens to the Holy Spirit.
I do believe John Lennon was searching for truth and peace but he was not a worshipper of God.
Yes, we are set apart from the world and are called to be different (Rom. 12:1-2; 1Jn. 2:15-17). And the Bible makes it clear: there are only TWO teams–God’s and Satan’s. It also makes it clear that we can only serve one master at a time (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16). John Lennon was not serving God, as was made evident by his actions.
You can’t say that this song, or any other song, is worship to God just because you want it to be. That IS blasphemy. Worship is all about God. Plain and simple. There are no gray areas.
I’m not saying to be a hateful person towards others who don’t serve God. We’re supposed to draw them in. But we also can’t lie or twist truth to our liking.
i’m disturbed to see not a single Jon Foreman song on this list. please listen to his solo’s and adjust.
YES!
Indeed! John Foreman’s solo project EP’s are amazing!!
A million awesome points for listing three songs by Over the Rhine.
I agree completely with “The Trumpet Child” – holy touching the face of God!
I would have also nominated “When I Go” and “Little Blue River” (for it’s segue into “In the Garden.”
great list. i look forward to listening to some new titles here. out of curiosity, what made you include “From the Inside Out” from Hillsong versus so many of their other titles?
I agree with Tim–if you’re gonna leave the Messiah hanging at #14, you have to choose a piece or two.
We’ve actually done a lot of these songs relatively recently on our church’s worship team and I’d have to concur that they ARE pretty great.
Also, sorry, I’m an editor, I can’t help it–#1 is “Be Thou my Vision” :)
The whole conceit of this entry is a little too much VH1 / Blender and a little too less McCracken if you ask this reader.
Concept aside, I’m still scratching my head at the inclusion of “Imagine.” It’s a fine tune, but to be counted as a worship song in any way shape or form? The disclaimer doesn’t help answer that puzzle. “Symphony 9” could be regarded in a similar light, although admittedly Beethoven is a more complicated case than Lennon.
One of the more unexpectedly worshipful moments in my own concertgoing life happened at Lollapalooza in, I think, the summer of 1995, when Sinead O’Connor sang ‘Thank You for Hearing Me.’ Listening to the song on the CD, I had assumed it was directed at someone here on Earth, but watching her look heavenward as she sang it from the stage, it took on a different connotation.
Sweet list!!
Largely in agreement, but I have to add my boy James Taylor, especially “Fire & Rain”…as his mom says, “My son writes hymns for agnostics.”
I knew Brett was cool, but including Over The Rhine makes him supercool. Good work.
Isn’t ‘Every Breath You Take’ about a stalker? Maybe I’m misunderstanding the point.
My addition would be Arvo Part’s ‘Speigel mit Speigel’
Every Breath You Take has nothing to do with God… it is a twisted song about stalking someone. It is a good song and the Police were fantastic, but the meaning of this particular song is very disturbing.
Lennon was spiritual, but not religious and he did not write gospels… his songs should not be here in this list. George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” should be here if there is a necessity to have the Beatles represented.
In 2004 I did a lot of research and had a book published regarding the challenge of attracting young people to the Church. it is a topic close to my heart as a firm believer. the no.1 idea coming from young people wasnt women priests or married priests or even paedophila related. it was to do with application of more humour. sadly, a lot of christians here seem to lack a sense of humour in the song choices. Didnt some of you read the preamble where the author went to great pains to point out the potential weaknesses of his choice? Be Thou My Vision is his number 1, but to read the Salem style reaction of some comments you would think it was Black Sabbath or Marilyn Manson. If young people are drawn to God by listening to beautiful music , whats the problem exactly?
I love the inclusion of Untitled 8 by Sigur Ros. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to see this band close one of its shows with the heart-stopping final track from ( ) knows how intense this song really is. All around interesting list…sure to rile up many readers I’m sure!
FYI: You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) is actually by Marc Imboden & Tammy Rhoton (although you wouldn’t know it by searching google…whew!)
Not a biggie, but I thought you’d like to know :)
There’s a few great songs on U2’s latest – “Yahweh” and “Miracle Drug” that are really interesting along these lines.
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Thanks so much for this list – I agree with the inclusion of all the ones on the list that I know, and am excited about listening to the ones I don’t.
I have to agree with “still scratching my head at ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon” I have to agree. In this song, JL blames religion as the cause of all evil in the world..and says we should imagine “no heaven..” I do like the part, “Imagine no possessions” I kind of like that idea…what would we fight over then?
Pretty good list: LOVE “AMAZING GRACE” IN THERE BUT WHERE’S RICH MULLINS< “AWESOME GOD” : )
BLESSINGS,
VEE
You socialist…
Sorry, but that’s a pretty awful list of “worship” songs. About a third of those songs are not “worship” songs at all… so how can they be some of the greatest? You can’t take secular songs and pretend like they are worship songs. And you can’t take a song that you would sing to your wife/husband and sing it to God, because God deserves more.
Honestly, that is the silliest list of worship songs I’ve ever seen. You have Unchained Melody, Let it Be, and Clocks by Coldplay all in the top 30, but Power of Your Love, Lamb of God, The Old Rugged Cross, He is Exalted, The Cares Chorus, and I See The Lord are nowhere on the entire list?! Please.
oh Charles…
First of all, this is an opinionated list. Why don’t you link us all to YOUR list of worship songs? Secondly, why do all the people here think that the word ‘worship’ applies only to God. Worship means “adoring reverence and regard”. I worship the mountains where I vacation because of the overwhelming sense if beauty and closeness to God that I get when Im there. I show an enormous amount of reverance when I am there because of its power over me. He left a disclaimer at the top explaining everything and all of you small-minded individuals are getting heated and criticizing when he clearly explained himself. Please try to be open minded and respectful.
Some of those songs aren’t bad choices, but Imagine by John Lennon is not a worship song, it’s actually an anti-religious song. He sings at the very beginning, “Imagine there’s no Heaven, it’s easy if you try, no Hell below us, above us only sky.” Lennon was the one that said The Beatles were more popular than Jesus, and that Christianity would eventually go out of style. He certainly was not a religious man.
I think in ‘Imagine’ Lennon was pointing out how religion and worship can part ways, and that in many ways religion has strayed from it’s purpose of pointing us toward the Lord.
No… He’s definitely positing a world without religion… No heaven, no hell, only sky… I don’t see any references to free spirituality there…
I think we’re “imagining” things :)
Okay, sorry, I didn’t read those notes you had before I read the list like you told me to. Although I find it hard to close my eyes to a song that tells me to imagine that there is no Heaven. Sorry if that makes me sound narrow minded, but I don’t want to be reminded of what my life was like before I came to Jesus.
Wow, those are great selections of songs. Some of which I never would’ve thought to have been classified as “Worship” or “Praise.”
This is a nice list, I’m still checking out the song selection and they are pretty good ^_^
There is a version of Holy Holy Holy that I love:
I’m not sure how close it is to the original but wow, it is such a powerful and uplifting song that glorifies God to the fullest and beyond.
Listen to the song and you’ll see ^_^
~God bless and thanks for the song selection, I’m still browsing and listening.
Be Thou My Vision is definitely a beautiful pure song. ^_^
a beautiful songs…………………… a presents of god is there in this song. god is still living
Thank you Christina, I don’t know where this was tapped but it was such a blessing to me. I was looking for Praise and Worship songs and I happened on this list. Holy. Holy, Holy song at this church was so beautiful. Thank You again
How did Mozart, Handel, Dvorak, and Debussy NOT make the top 5? How can these works even be compared to David Crowder, U2, etc????
ah, ‘of all time.’ Surely you know, all time isn’t up yet… Maybe the best so far, that you’ve heard over, or remember :-)
Such lists are always controversial, that’s part of their charm.
Carl
To bring to light a few areas that are missing from the list: Hank Williams, he wrote many powerful gospel songs, of course the most popular one is probably “I saw the light”, though some of his lesser known songs such as “When God comes to gather his jewels” are wonderful as well. The complete omission of African American gospel music from the list is something that should be changed (for the good of the people, get a little movement going) “Precious Lord take my hand” by Thomas A Dorsey is perhaps the most well known gospel song and Dorsey the 20th century’s most prolific writer of gospel music. others are Washington Phillips “Denomination Blues”, Staples Singers “More than a hammer and nail” and any song by Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers, as well as Curtis Mayfield’s “People get ready”. Just for fun a couple of hidden gems are Townes Van Zandt “Two Hands”, a song I have been playing with my band and works well in church as well as in Skid Row missions and Good Time Shacks…and Tom T Hall “Me and Jesus”. I am logging of the internet now, having partially paid me dept to society by bringing to light these wonderful tributes to the Lord Christ.
I’m not gonna lie: I actually just started crying, looking through this list. I think it was because of “If I Stand,” Mullins, which has haunted me for years (I still don’t have it on CD, myself).
My sister and I sang Jars’ “Hymn” at a HS talent show one year. :)
Just in case – judging by the hymns listed here, I think you’d probably love “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem,” sung right. It’s my favorite hymn. (And a few weeks ago, when I really really needed to be Fed at my new church in my new town, a sweet twenty-something played the piano and sang it during communion – astonishing.)
Well, I agree with “Hallelujah,” but not the Leonard Cohen version.
Here is a rousing song about the second coming in basic keyboard style
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=dd721baf4680761f3b5e
I will have to agree with this list for the most part. “Be thou my vision” is definitely the greatest worship song of all time it is ageless and I’m a 19 year old saying that. The only thing I would say is that “I can only imagine” by mercyme is the epitome of a worship song and belongs in the top 5 of this list
no phil wickham?
i want to be a great worshiper of the lord, the i worship the sprit of God should come down, and heal,miracle during the worship
nice list, some that i would not have put on, however, i would have put “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe and “Untitled Hymn” by Chris Rice as well as “None Like You” by Shane and Shane. these are my personal favorite worship songs that bring tears to my eyes.
I would consider revising the list.
I love this list. I think I may make this list my iPod for the next couple of weeks…whether or not I agree that a song is or is not a worship song is beside the point – – I love how much thought and time you have put into this. I’m not surprised at all that people are confused by your order (or selection) since we all know how subjective our tastes and perspectives are when it comes to music!
I just have to say that the 1985-1998 vineyard movement of worship songs and choruses changed my life :-) even if some of those songs are RIDICULOUSLY charismatic. Many of their song writers (Benton Brown, Kelly Carpenter, Kathryn Scott, Brian Doerksen, Andy Park) have written wonderful songs! I see several made the list! Good choice.
Kudos Brett for having the moxie to even put this list together. Of course no one is going to agree with every choice, but it gives an engaging portrait of your soul.
As far as worship songs in the corporately singable genre, mine would have to include “The Solid Rock” by Edward Mote and “None But Jesus” by Brooke Fraser.
We live in a day and time where anything goes.
All lines have been blured and there are no such things as boundaries anymore. This list is a testament to my statement. First “hymn” is biblical statement found in Col. 3:16 They are songs sung by Christians about the Almighty God. There is not another definition for this word. A “agnostic hymn” is an oxymoron. The song “Imagine” asks the listener to “imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try”. This is in direct conflict with God. Lennon, a known atheist, hated God and Christianity so to list his song “Imagine” as a top hymn is an error in itself.
Where is Arise, My Soul, Arise?!?! A beautiful traditional hymn…
the Beatles? yeah they make this list completely void. congratulations
ok its not 100% void. there are some good points. (ex. be thou my vision, come thou fount)
Nothing from Bob Dylan??!! What R U, Nutz?!
And what about the them “Dueling Banjos”? from Deliverance?! You’re way off, pal…wwaaaayyyy off. hehe.
Madonna’s “Like A Virgin”? guess just like “Jaws”…”you’re gonna need a bigger list!”
“Imagine” is the most secular atheist song you could put. It celebrates the idea of “no heaven” which to me is ridiculous. It is about humanism and humans’ striving for a godless utopia where everyone is happy. For several years they have played it in NYC when the ball drops at New Year’s. Top choice among secularists.
Wow, a lot of items on the list resonate with me, which makes me want to check out the unknowns. The only one that left me with a bad taste in my mouth is “Imagine,” but that’s clearly well-traveled ground by now.
I’m curious about what you’re thinking when you use the word “holy.” I get it intuitively I think, and have a working broad definition of holiness. Do you make a distinction between the way the Bible uses the term and a broader concept, or is it the same for you?
ya this is really some foolish list. where are the REAL christian songs. We’re talking about the true ones and not by some artist such as Coldplay or U2. cmon what is that…seriously. Get a real list, and idk how in the world those top 3 songs could actually be top 3. They werent even good.
I really appreciate your list, thank you.
Great songs, in any age. This is what i am teaching worship leaders and even have produced a free ebook we give away on how to arrange hymns in the modern church. Feel free to check out our praise and worship leader training website sometime and let me know what you think. I would love to partner with you sometime
Kind of afraid of what you’re teaching worship leaders if you approve of ALL of these songs/pieces…
Theology, anyone?
Beethoven’s 9th is really not Christian in any way. the original lyrics to the song are completely pagan. I agree that it is stunningly beautiful and spiritual, though. also, music for 18 musicians by Steve Reich. And I agree that there are many songs with prett questionable spiritual value on here. Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is about sexual release. I agree, though I doubt it was your intent in this list
I agree with most of these songs. As for being upset about songs such as “Imagine” and “Hallelujah”, I disagree. Just because a song is written by an artist for a certain topic, doesn’t mean it can’t be interpreted differently by the listener. If this wasn’t true, there would be a lot less album sales.
Lisa, holy means unique, if that helps. And that covers an extremely wide variety of songs.
For my addition, “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me. But, that is just a suggestion. Great list.
ho·ly
/ˈhoʊli/ Show Spelled [hoh-lee] Show IPA adjective, -li·er, -li·est, noun, plural -lies.
–adjective
1.
specially recognized as or declared sacred by religious use or authority; consecrated: holy ground.
2.
dedicated or devoted to the service of god, the church, or religion: a holy man.
3.
saintly; godly; pious; devout: a holy life.
4.
having a spiritually pure quality: a holy love.
5.
entitled to worship or veneration as or as if sacred: a holy relic.
6.
religious: holy rites.
7.
inspiring fear, awe, or grave distress: The director, when angry, is a holy terror.
–noun
8.
a place of worship; sacred place; sanctuary.
Use holy in a Sentence
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Origin:
before 900; Middle English holi, Old English hālig, variant of hāleg, equivalent to hāl whole + -eg -y1 ; cognate with Dutch, German heilig, Old Norse heilagr
—Can be confused: holey, holy, wholly.
—Synonyms
1. blessed. Holy, sacred, consecrated, hallowed imply possession of a sanctity that is the object of religious veneration. Holy refers to the divine, that which has its sanctity directly from God or is connected with Him: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Something that is sacred, while sometimes accepted as entitled to religious veneration, may have its sanctity from human authority: a sacred oath. Something that is consecrated is specially or formally dedicated to some religious use: a life consecrated to service. Something that is hallowed has been made holy by being worshiped: a hallowed shrine. 4. spiritual.
—Antonyms
3, 4. corrupt, impious.
holy does not mean unique-
You forgot “mighty to save asswipes”
Jimmy Buffett- “One Particular Harbor”
Bob Marley- “Redemption Song”
No Johnny Cash?
Willie Nelson/Ray Charles “Seven Spanish Angels”
Led Zeppelin “Stairway to Heaven”
Astrud Gilberto- “The Girl From Ipanema”
oh and Misty Edwards, “You Won’t Relent”
oops, I forgot anything Bob Dylan, and “Scarlet Begonias” by The Grateful Dead.
This list is great…and no arguments from my end because, well…all lists like this are subjective.
That said…
I think you would appreciate Needtobreathe…absolutely fantastic musicians
Also,
“Ain’t no Reason” by Brett Dennen
And if you can imagine, “Down to the River to Pray” by Alison Krauss being sung in a southern, old cathedral with amazing acoustics…that would make your list
I don’t quite agree with everything on this list, but I have to say, most of the songs are true worship songs and I love them. Very nice choices. :)
Useless, some of thoes songs arn’t even religious imagine by john lennon was written against religion telling us to forget it. Have you even listened to some of these songs?
I just attended Joyce Meyers Women’s Convention in St. Louis and as she said, “Jesus didn’t die for you to have a religion, he died for you to be saved.” I am very disappointed in those who want to criticize Imagine. It has been and always will be very spiritual for me. Like most artists, they like to shock the public to get attention (with the statements about Jesus, etc,) but the God inspired creations that come out of their souls speaks louder than anything they could say to incite debate amongst the masses. Kudos to your list.
It always has been spiritual for you. Hmm. From the great Atheist Himself
Imagine there’s no Heaven It’s easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today: No heaven = no God. No hell well liberal theology wants you to believe that. Jesus spoke more of hell than he did of heaven. Wow imagine that. living for today, kinda selfish.
All the rest of the lyrics, though sound good, it is all a fantasy, until Jesus comes back those things will NEVER happen. It’s just left over hippy wishing.
Please don’t think that I am bashing Lennon, the guy was a brilliant musician and WAY ahead of his time, but this is also the man who said, that the Beatles were bigger than God.
John Lennon? Joni Mitchell? the Police? Really are you serious? I mean you have some great Praise and worship songs in here, but you have a lot that are definitely NOT
amazing list..i learned a few new ones..man, i wish someone would take the time to post a YouTube video of each song..
Two words:
NO BACH?
All I can say ir thank you so much, you all are doing a wonderful work for His kingdom God bless.! Thank you.
In Him
Benjamin
95. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dipFMJckZOM
94. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyzkzDjbOIY
93. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td3SE3zEVP0
92. ?
91. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnLMFS5-i-o
this list is ridiculous in my opinion, but at least you cleatly stated that it wasnt going to be what i expected. just saying.
clearly
As an almost 70ish senior, much of this music is unfamiliar. When I saw the heading, I wondered if “And Can It Be That I Should Gain” would be included, and yes, there it was, #83. Another favorite, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” #24, got me through many difficult times. And yes, “Be Thou My Vision,” is in a good place at #1. It’s taken me a long time to replace fundamentalist/evangelical early teaching, but I have learned that God exists apart from the Bible and apart from the church (and church music!) and if we find God in what is termed “secular” music or literature or art it is to our spiritual benefit. Fred Clark of SLACKTIVIST had a great post about God meeting us on our path, wherever that path may be.
Song Title: “Hosanna”
Hear @ URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYk5dwG0y1Q
Why is Imagine in this list? Blasphemy and worship are two different things. The mind boggles.
You people are all assholes and jokes of Christians if you think that there is anything Christ-like about ripping someone apart for making a list of what he considers to be praise music. Choke on that irony, and then you can all “Imagine” yourself not going to heaven, because you won’t with that judgmental and unloving attitudes. Stupid fuckers.
My addition:
‘Everything’ by Lifehouse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjDojEOiMcEsa
Condemning the assholes and stupid fuckers for the irony of their judgmental and unloving attitudes…
I think that’s called meta-irony.
oh…how can you have forgotten
#27 ride or die B**** –tupac shakur
#22 worthy is the lord–heavenly saints
#12 Straight outta compton- NWA
#8 F*** the police – Ice T
#2 Hell’s Child – 666 mafia
those are all worship classics, why would you leave those out?
Just discovered your blog, I’ll be subscribing. I saw the top 100 list and wondered about #1. Then was seriously surprised that Be Thou My Vision was on top. We used that song in our wedding ceremony. Such a powerful song, lyrics and music together – always brings me to the place of worship.
This is not a list of great worship songs. To include magnificent hymns like A Mighty Fortess Is Our God and Amazing Grace, for example, with secular songs by John lennon, the Police, etc. is just astounding.
Worship songs must be about God and his awesomness, nothing else.
i hope you realize that Every Breathe you Take by the police, is about a stalker, not God watching over us.
This is a joke, right? The Beatles were directed by Satan himself. Anyone who has 2 minutes to read can just type Beatles and the occult and you will see countless of articles and things exposing them.
Came across this fascinating Top100 list and accompanying comments just now – wow, as an author of a book on The Church and young people that considers music’s influence, this is very interesting. This was a superb list of music for people like me that find most of so called Christian artists cringe-inducing musically. With a few exceptions (the Mormon group Low, who are here, with their superb ‘Amazing Grace’ being one), if you have good music taste and are Christian, you kind of have to do what this list does and take a few liberties. So what if you just take the good bits of ‘Imagine’ and blank out the rest? Other songs like ‘Into Your Arms, O Lord’ by Nick Cave and ‘Personal Jesus’ by Depache Mode are other examples of great songs that can make you think of Jesus/God despite being by non-Christian artists about non-Christian things.
The inclusion here of Sigur Ros’ #8 (Popplagio), Intervention by Arcade Fire and Radiohead’s Exit Music was uplifting to me – thank God there are Christians out there with good taste in music and can extract the immense beauty that lies amid the largely secular music scene.
As for all the negative comments posted here – seriously, I’m sure the author is well aware what ‘Imagine’ is about – hence the lengthy, apologetic intro…but Imagine is a beautiful song – and even spiritual for many. I don’t like it much myself, but I admire the author of the list for ‘thinking outside the box’ and having a sense of humour – which, by the way, came in as the No.1 most important contributory facor for getting young people interested in religion in my book’s lengthy research….well done to all who made this blog/conversation so interesting!
Yes, Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, especially the late recordings of the latter, even if most of them are covers (One, Personal Jesus, Mercy Seat).
And what about Wovenhand, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, 16 Horsepower??? They are the most intense bands ever with amazing and tough lyrics.
I miss Mumford & Sons, and their debut ‘Sigh No More’.
I’m also delighted to see Sigur Rós in the list. The whole ‘()’ album took my breath away and the final track is unbeliveable, indeed. ‘Takk’ is great, too, but everybody should check out ‘Heima’, their DVD.
umm…imagine by john lennon is anti-religious.
“Imagine there’s no Heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky”
so how is this a worship song?
I really liked this list, and I agree with the other comments – you have a lot of moxie to post this! It shows your personal taste and also exhibits very well how our connection to God is a personal thing. I personally dislike the song Imagine, but I understand why you put it there. I just don’t like the song as a song very much.
I really appreciate the addition of traditional hymns in your list. It’s important to remember our heritage when it comes to worship. The ‘modern’ worship songs you’ve added are also great choices and I found myself agreeing with the songs you listed. I had to take a second to think about the “technically non-Christian” music, but seeing Sufjan Stevens and Sigur Ros in the list made me happy. Beethoven, Handel, Puccini, and Schubert all deserved a place on your list, but I have to ask… where is Rachmaninoff? Since it’s your list, I won’t presume to say you’ve ‘forgotten’ something. If I were making this list, I would add some Death Cab for Cutie songs. Some of their songs have some beautiful melodies and lyrics that for whatever reason draw me closer to God. I love it!
Now I wish I had $100.00 so I could buy all of these songs and make an iTunes playlist!
Some of these songs are really beautiful & interesting while others at the same time are not the kind of songs I find to be worshipful. I don’t mean that in a bad way but some of these songs are not worthy of singing to the Lord.
I’m so embarrassed to be a young christian man when I see trippy, shallow stuff like this. You mention a “holiness punch”? Do you understand holiness? People are right to comment the way that they have. Most (as I’ve read) out of bemused shock.
Why don’t you include “Like A Prayer” by Madonna & “Up In Here” by DMX? Both of them have references to spirituality and I suppose, as one reader so “spiritually” put it “you can take parts of the song” (I believe in defence of Lennon’s “Imagine”) that speak spiritually and block out the rest.
Honestly, on a humorous/odder note, God planned for me not to see this list until after I was saved. If I had seen this before, I think my gag reflex wouldn’t have been the only thing in trouble.
I appreciate that you made a list and it was a big effort and I normally don’t comment on blogs ever, but if you are going to introduce it how you have, in the flippant “hipster” abandon (HA!), not only do you not have my support but you have the ridicule of my christian & non-christian friends by the embarrassing standards which are being met with the “christian hipster” garbage. WWJD, Douchebags?
Be Thou My Vision is brilliant, though.
While uplifting, Let It Be is certainly not a worship song. The line “Mother Mary comes to me” is literally referring to Paul’s mother, who was named Mary. I suppose it could be considered a spiritual song in some sense, considering the message of “letting things be” is a common tenet throughout several religions, including Buddhism.
No George Harrison on the list? He had a bunch of worshipful songs (Awaiting On You All, Try Some Buy Some, Here Me Lord), most of which were rather Unitarian. Also, Let it Be was written about Paul McCartney’s mother, not Mary Mother of Jesus.
drew, you may be correct as far as music history, but, the thing is, when we listen to “Let it Be” we are not writing it. We (some of us) listen, hear, and sing along as “mother Mary (mother of Jesus) comes to me…Not “When i find myself in times or trouble, Paul McCartney’s mother Mary comes to me…” So this is fitting it that sense. God bless.
Drew, you may be correct as far as music history, but, the thing is, when we listen to “Let it Be” we are not writing it. We (some of us) listen, hear, and sing along as “mother Mary (mother of Jesus) comes to me…Not, “When i find myself in times of trouble, Paul McCartney’s mother Mary comes to me…” (i don’t mean to be smart azz). So this is fitting in that sense. God bless.
bruce
I’m truly shocked; clearly, my brother, you’ve missed the plot with this list…. Worship is the acts of paying divine honors to the Supreme Being; religious reverence and homage; adoration, or acts of reverence, paid to God, or a being viewed as God
Sounds good. hope it is.
hey no offence, but a lot of these aren’t even by christain artists. and while i believe songs in themselves can be about pretty much anything depending on how you take in the lyrics, there are just some that do not work for worship… at all. For example John Lennon was an athiest, and his song Imagine is supporting that fact verry much. Don’t get me wrong tho i love John Lennon and that song, but i must diagree with a lot of your choices on this list…… :/
Amazing list!!!!! Thanks so much!
Why do ‘worship’ songs have to be about a specific denomination. How about Worshiping the root of divine joy inside all of us that connects all of us. Thats essentially what music awakens. This joy and energy goes beyond all lines. In meditation we learn to rise above all ‘teachings’ and find the true universal teaching that exists within.
Great, great list. I’ve got a lot of new songs in my playlist now. My personal favorite worship song is “Lightning Crashes” by Live. Though there’s nothing explicitly Christian about it, it never fails move me and make me think of God.
And I think that’s the whole point of a list like this. It’s deeply personal, a fact you stated at the very beginning. Despite that, people seem to feel a need, even years after you posted this, to scream at you about your definition of worship and holy.
Thank you for this, and thank you to all the commenters that pitched in with their own personal choices. I don’t care what Lennon was thinking when he wrote “Imagine”; when I belt it in the car, it is an act of adoration and worship, because God to me is hope and love, exactly what that song exalts.
This list has some great music. However, you are missing a number of artists that have songs whose lyrics really deserve a spot here. I would have also omitted a few songs because I don’t like the band or the style. Of course, this is your list, and not mine, so thanks for sitting down and taking the time to post here :). I appreciate that someone like you sat down to write the list. Here is one of my favourite songs that I would love to share with you. Be blessed as you listen to it. It’s talking about the return of the Lord Jesus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kLVI3J8UcU
by his criteria, if this guy has “Where the Streets have no name”, i’d think he’d have “I Still haven’t found what i’m looking for”-it’s on the same album and more spiritual…And truly missing is one that should be close to or at the top of “anyone’s” “greatest worship songs” list. That is “Oh Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins singers. This classic was inspiring to non believers as well (reached #4 on Billboards in 1967. Don’t know it youngsters, check out the link. God bless.
bruce
For such an “open list” I’m surprised not to see any Blind Willie Johnson (his music is in Space), Rolling Stones (“Shine A light”, “Let it loose”), BOB DYLAN!!!! or other legendary artists . Disappointed to see contemporary songs, but not the guys who matter!! Good conversation piece I guess…
Great list – some interesting inclusions, but to echo one of the posts above, Negro Spirituals should have at least 7-8 spots on this list. Check out anything arrange by Moses Hogan – especially like Elijah Rock or The Battle of Jericho, or ANYTHING by Take 6 – arranged or original. A whole genre totally blindly left off the list. Other than that, very good and interesting
Das Rheingold? You mean the four-hour-opera about Germanic gods/nymphs/dragons/etc.? The one commonly accused of being anti-semitic?
The whole cycle is a masterpiece, yes, but come on – it’s not exactly holy…
your 100 greastest worship song should be the i00 greastest pop song
How could be Imagine – John Lennon on the list??? all though we all know that he is an anti Christ, This is crap!!!
spiritual in real only with CHRIST OTHERS IS NOT THE TRUTH.
Jesus is the best thin that has EVER happend to me in my life..
I loved your list, although some of the songs I saw here I was not familiar with (but I will change that in due course). As a worship leader I am always grieved when “Christians” get all religious and say, “Well, an atheist wrote that so God gets no glory from it!” They are very quick to jump onto their soap box and show their Blessed Assurance to the world. God used a whore to save the Israelites. His son was born to a teenage girl who wasn’t married. The most successful King of Israel was born from a marriage that occurred because of an extramarital affair. His primary Apostle (Paul) was an avowed murderer and torturer of Christians. So…what makes all you RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS think a song written by an atheist cannot possibly ever bring God glory? Spare me all your “theological” ranting. If a person is drawn to Him because of song sung in the right spirit, with the aim of the song being to LIFT HIM UP (not and ideology or a philosophy or a personal agenda…HIM…he is none of those things) then I think God would expect us as His ambassadors to SING THE DANG SONG! He is a Savior. He is THE SAVIOR and HE IS LORD, which means all the music is His anyway. So, as a songwriter if I mistakenly say “these are my songs and I intend for them to mean this/that/the other” then I am fooling myself. God will most definitely take what was meant for evil and use it for good…just ask Joseph. Religious people really need to get a grip. Thank God He is NOT RELIGIOUS!
Hear hear! Controversial…but hey, wasnt a certain Jesus of Nazareth also…??
I think I’ve been following these comments, just waiting for this response. Thank you.
I define worship songs as songs that, whether I’m listening or singing, make me feel like I’m praying. And I’m sorry, but Imagine is one of those for me. I don’t care what his intentions were; when I sing it, I’m praising God, and I’m singing about an ideal (that I, personally, believe can only be reached through Him).
You need to watch this….http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2494291415376995856
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2494291415376995856
I would be interested to understand what your definition of religion is? And how on a self-proclaimed Christian blog, you can say ‘spare me your “theological” ranting”, before carrying out preaching some of your own?
Much of your own ranting seems to be confirming that Christ saves sinful men and women. However, I am not quite sure you seem to be able to make your point? You seem to be throwing out a fair amount of unsupported, borderline incorrect theology of your own (eg. “All the music is his anyway”, “..I think God expects us..”)
I can see you are frustrated with legalism in Western Christianity, but if you are going to post against ‘religious zealots’, you may want to afford yourself some sound biblical knowledge. I would encourage you in this, so in turn you don’t mislead people on public internet forums with wafer-thin Christian logic & truth.
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I think beatles songs must not in the list. They don’t believe in God. Right?
After reading your list and all the comments posted about it, I’m not interested in “your definition” of holiness, worship, good music or anything else. The real question here is, “what is your definition of God?”
Obviously, we are not talking about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Great I Am. The Lord of Hosts. Clearly you have a different definition of “god”.
John Lennon, U2 and Simon and Garfunkel listed here? Don’t you know all of the Beatles were devil worshipers? They Sold Their Souls for Rock and Roll….<—-watch that documentary and you'll revise this list real quick. That documentary can be found on Youtube.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2494291415376995856
Here’s the TRUTH.
To me, possibly the best song that stirs the longing that is visceral and points to “the holy other and the heavens” is “The Breaking of the Dawn” by Fernando Ortega and Elaine Rubenstein. I had actually been thinking about why I liked that song so much, and Brett’s description of the thread that binds many of his 100 songs together captured it really well for me. The best songs are like the best art: beautiful and accessible, mysterious and wonder evoking.
Seriously! Not a single Switchfoot or Skillet song! Theyre like the best christian bands out there, with like the best songs that pack a punch. Every time I listen to a Skillet song, I just get adrenaline and feel like nothing can stop me because I got God. Seriously, listen to Skillet and Switchfoot.
we are not religous we have a relationship
Stronger By Hillsong Is theeeee ALL TIME BEST worship song…. Hands down
strangely enough, I was at first surprised by the list as i read it before I read the intro. And yet, On what is a hugely diverse list, i found so many songs, that despite my very conservative background, i find myself often singing.
Indeed John Lennon was lost and very much against the Lord Jesus, But his heart was for something that Jesus did want- a world where we live as one. Sadly For John, he did not realize that that world was only obtainable Through the Savior, but the song moves you because it does transcend our thoughts to what will be – Peace through the Prince of peace.
I think part of us longs for the day when the singing and music are going to reach that plane where these songs only start to take us, Where the excellence of music is matched with the accuracy of devotion, where we will be “at Home’- Never alone. When the longings that earthly songs evoke will be completely satisfied by Jesus and we will be thankful that we ” have no less days to Sing HIS praise, than when we first begun.”.
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4 me is good to have a list of worship song so help me send some.thank u
Sort of random.. overall good though. Amazing grace should be number one.
Come on… I can’t imagine Imagine as a Worship song to God… This is a list of solemn songs Worshiping either God or something else.
“Imagine” is worship to me…makes me somberly reflect that some of the lyrics are a lie. It’s like a beautiful worship song that almost was. Problem with us Christians is that we’re so hypocritical we feel the need to focus on the bad without seeing the good. The world doesn’t hear us talk enough about what is good.
WHAT, no traditional songs?
In Hebrew accompanied with the lyre.
Gees folks, these are songs that somehow touch the author.
Interesting list, and a lot of good songs there. Was actually hoping to spot a couple I cannot locate! One is called, I think, “The Apple of His eye”. Chorus is – “for you still carry inside you His love that never will die, and you will always be for Him the apple of His eye”. Female vocalist, heard it on the radio decades back, and can’t find it ANYWHERE. Other one, MAYBE called “Because I Am.” Maybe. He’s talking to Mary, one line He says, “Mary, if you’d only trusted, you’d know he isn’t really dead”, I think about Lazarus, though not 100% sure. Chorus repeats, “I am the resurrection I am the life, and he who believes in me though dead, shall not die”, then closes with “Because I Am”, repeated. Any help anyone can give is GREATLY appreciated. Both amazing songs, and I don’t know who did them or the exact titles. Will check back, and pray someone knows these!
Let it Be is not a Christian song at all……..it has nothing to do with Jesus.
How we live has everything to do with Jesus. The song is about living well and loving well. Who else would that message be about?
This is si dang stupid!!!!!! Most of theas band are not even about god
am I looking at the right list…?
Imagine… nothing to do with God; Lennon said himself he did not believe in God
Let it Be… Paul was not religious either; the “Mother Mary” is referring to his MOTHER, whose name just happened to be MARY
Yesterday??? You know that’s about a relationship with a girl, right?
If there are any other Beatles songs on there that I missed… just assume NONE of them are worship songs!!
And Clocks? What????
God bless you for the great work done.
Running on Faith by Eric Clapton, Slow Train Coming by Bob Dylan, Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd, Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1 by Yo-Yo Ma…I could go on and on…keep up the great work.
guys we must choose the songs wisely.. i think almost all of the songs that are listed here is not really a christian song..
tanks
be careful, it all depend on who we worship
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May the almighty God see u pple through & strnght u al in Js nm amn.
entertained by this list but mostly struck by the appearance of Jesus Was A Crossmaker– are you familiar with Judee Sill, the composer of said song? Lovely, talented, manipulative, and dead these 33 years… if you don’t know her albums, do check her out. Here’s her recording of Jesus Was A Crossmaker from 1971 (actually got a little airplay): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqGjEGz8kwk
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I didnt see “Shout to the Lord” near the top or even arguably White Xmas, and so I completely disagree with this list. Too many songs that just dot fall under the title “Worship.”
The “broad” definition of worship is the very source of the incredibly great problem this list faces. If you are including songs that don’t make you think of God or Jesus, then who or what exactly are you worshipping. Are you worshipping the “true transcendent power of art” or perhaps your emotions. Praise and worship is all about God, not the magnification of the things that you believe sound pleasing. While there isn’t really much harm in the appreciation of music that suits your aesthetic desires, it is rather problematic if one cannot distinguish between the truth and desire. We are called to worship God in spirit and in truth, not art.
Man, I think if I knew you in real life we would be friends. Songs like Clair de Lune are sometimes so much more worshipful than the repetitions of a million “I could sing of you love” forever.
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i am 65yr of age and loved jesus since a very little sunday schooler.i love the very latest praise and worship today church use.but lately i seem to want to hear and be able to read the words of to my much loved worship songs from sunday school days.like onward christian soldiers ,praise Him,Yes Jesus loves md,when He cometh
Found your list very intriguing… I was holding my breath for Ode to Joy, and was so relieved to see the whole glorious Ninth Symphony which is a celebration of Life…but no Bach.. St Mathew Passion… The Great Work” as Bach’s wife called it????
Fascinated to see so many people getting het up about what is holy, or Christian or worshipful… I think one of the problems of spiritual life in the west has been to divide everything into sacred and profane, whereas I feel that all creativity comes from the Divine Source… and however it is expressed, it is still part of the sacred creativity of Life… I’m sure the Divine Source doesn’t sit in some huge recording studio sifting the sacred from the not so sacred… and that that Energy rejoices when some spirit stumbles on spiritual truth as in ‘ Imagine’…Living in the present moment being one of the great spiritual truths, like the lilies of the field taking no heed of the past or the future…
You forgot the song gods will by Martina mccbride
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i find your list very informative but you missed the worship part maybe you should listen to songs like to the river/days of elijah/ jesus messaih and 1000 more real worship songs that make your spirit reach out to god if you are interested i will send you a list that will open the eyes of your heart
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I don’t see “Imagine” anywhere on this list. What are people referring to? Plus: “hate the world”? WTF people?
“Since art is a virtue of the intellect, it demands to communicate with the entire universe of the intellect. Hence it is that the normal climate of art is intelligence and knowledge: its normal soil, the civilized heritage of a consistent and integrated system of beliefs and values; its normal horizon , the infinity of human experience enlighted by the passionate insight of anguish or the intellectual virtues of a contemplative mind.”
― Jacques Maritain, Creative Intuition In Art And Poetry
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salt to taste. The final decision to use a roasting method to cook the chicken is
a good one because this type of cooking will allow us
to compose the item in one large single batch and place them on sheet pans for the oven.
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The source of the disagreements seems to come from some people out there using the word “spiritual” extremely broadly, and others use it more traditionally. The “broad-minded” folks use it to mean any feeling, thought, or belief that isn’t about strictly concrete, mundane stuff. They reject any kind of true spirituality, which “frees” them to include define it however they want. For them, “worship” also has no borders or any kind of agreed-upon definition. They try so hard to be all-inclusive, that both words end up meaning whatever they want them to mean, rendering them meaningless.
That’s how a nice song, or an interesting song, can be on the list, or even a song by an atheist asking us to essentially strive for a world without that pesky Christianity getting in the way (like Imagine). I suppose it’s a tribute to Lennon’s songwriting genius that people are talking about his song more than any other on the list, but a worship song? Come on! It comes closer to being an anti-worship song. We’re asked to forget religion and “live for today” and share with the world. Shades of Lenin. I’m just glad that Lenin wasn’t a musician. I’m just glad that people like Madelyn Murray O’Hare, Bill Maher or Robin Williams aren’t singers or they’d probably be on there, too.
A gift Brett. For real. It’s just an MP3 file. My favorite version of Be Thou My Vision ever., if you’ve never heard it. I can’t disagree with that as #1 Rather fitting for an Irish lad I’d say.
Does anyone know songs for black history month gotta learn some thank
What I really like about your list is that it transcends boundaries that have for years created gods that serve our purposes. I can identify with your list in spite the fact that I have never heard most of the songs. I am Kenyan and a Christian. Our taste in music might be a little different. However, I choose to celebrate the beauty of this God we serve through different forms of music. After all, the earth and everything therein belong to him.
It’s a shame that the consolidator didn’t include “The Rivers of Babylon”. I really like this one by Boney M.
Thanks for this list of songs… and it is great,,, I found some songs site and it has reflection in every song… and it is so nice to read while listening the songs… it is the site… http://www.praisenworshipsongs.com/
While I respect the attempt, the list is WAAAAYYY too broad.
I myself am currently doing a 100 best worship songs of all time blog, and I focus on just modern contemporary worship music.
http://bestmodernworship.blogspot.com/p/hello.html