Saturday, April 30, 2011

Healthy Every Week....Lighter Mac -N- Cheese

Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine
Prep Time:
15 min
Inactive Prep Time:
--
Cook Time:
17 min
Level:
Easy
Serves:
6 servings

Ingredients:

1 large egg
1 12-ounce can evaporated whole milk Pinch of cayenne pepper
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/3 cups grated muenster cheese (4 ounces), plus 4 deli-thin slices (1 ounce)
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (1 ounce)
1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets (4 cups)
4 cups medium pasta shells (9 ounces)

Directions:



Whisk the egg, evaporated milk, cayenne, nutmeg, and salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Toss the grated cheeses in a separate bowl.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until almost falling apart, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add the pasta to the same water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Preheat the broiler.

Combine the egg mixture and the grated cheeses in the empty pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheeses melt and the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and add the cauliflower. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth and light (you can also use a regular blender). Stir in some of the reserved pasta water until creamy.
Toss the pasta in the sauce; season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish and top with muenster slices. Broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

***Per serving (about 1 1/3 cups): Calories 403; Fat 17 g (Saturated 10 g); Cholesterol 85 mg; Sodium 517 mg; Carbohydrate 41 g; Fiber 2 g; Protein 20 g


Try it out see what you think.....post your comments!

Underground Christians fear China crackdown

Beijing, China (CNN) -- This calm denim-clad 28-year-old identifies herself only as Water, based on the Chinese characters that make up her first name. She has been deemed an enemy of the state, an unlikely label for a petite and well-educated woman who eschews violence and confrontation.
Here in China, Water is living her life in fear, under the close watch of the Chinese government for practicing Christianity at Beijing's underground Shouwang Church. She requested her Chinese name not be published for safety reasons.
Shouwang Church has came under fire by Chinese authorities three weeks ago, when the government ordered the church to cease all activity until further notice. The Chinese government has stated that Shouwang operates unlawfully. To be recognized, the church must register to be a state-sanctioned operation, which includes censoring of certain religious materials.
The government mandate fell in the midst of a recent crackdown on dissidents, activists and lawyers across China, as the government fears a revolt that mirrors the unrest across the Arab world.
On Easter Sunday, police officers stood outside Water's home and that of hundreds of other Shouwang members, forbidding them from attending an outdoor service church members had spent months preparing. The senior pastor, Jin Tianming, remains under house arrest. Those who did make it to the site in northwest Beijing were rounded up in unmarked public buses and detained inside police stations.
Shouwang is one of China's largest Protestant Christian groups not sanctioned by the Chinese government. From 2005 to 2007, Shouwang actively applied for registration with the government but was unsuccessful.

"In church, we would call this a spiritual war," Water quietly said in a CNN interview. "Every day, this spiritual war is not what I prepared for but now I find I am in it."
Water says she merely wants a margin of religious freedom, but her pursuit has been rocky. Over the past three weeks, Water is followed by the police at home and near the church site. She was detained two weeks ago at the police station overnight. Her mother, who is also a Christian, and her father, who is not, have been harassed, she said.
"My father, who is not a believer, even came to visit me at the police station where I was held," Water recalled.
"Every day I face a new situation with new difficulties. I try to ignore them but their approach every day is different," she explained. "They make my daily life pretty challenging."
Water, who started practicing Christianity because she felt the Communist Party "left [her] empty," says that she prays for her country to find "strength" on a daily basis. At the same time, she is realistic about the risks she has taken.
"Personally I don't know how long I can last because the pressure is pretty intense, because they try to harass your family, your workplace and your landlord. They want to evict you," she told CNN. "They want to control you."
Water has been accepted to a graduate school program in North America that will commence this fall but unlike most Chinese, she worries less about obtaining the necessary foreign visa than her ability to merely exit the country.
"I've seen what is happening around me and to be honest, I'm not sure how I'll end up," she told CNN, referring to a recent series of detainments by customs police at the Beijing airport, most notably Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei on April 3.
They try to harass your family, your workplace and your landlord--"Water," a church member.

China
According to Shouwang Church, more than 200 worshippers have been arrested or detained in recent months and more than 36 were detained at police stations, including lawyers, students and artists. China Human Rights Dialogue, a non-governmental organization based in Hong Kong, report that 17 human rights lawyers and activists are currently reported missing.
Usually hundreds of worshippers gather at this illegal "house" -- or unofficial -- church, which is one of the largest Christian gathering places in the country. Shouwang -- which means "to keep watch" in Mandarin -- is an unregistered Christian group that was forced outdoors after authorities blocked the rental of its previous office space in November, the church said. It has not been able to obtain a new location since.
In China, the church debate is now being waged on the public stage. In a Tuesday editorial, the state-run Global Times newspaper published the first Chinese language coverage of the controversy. The editorial conceded the Chinese government "lacks 'house church' management experience." But the editorial also claims China does have religious freedom while also attempting to prevent "religion's shock on the rest of society."
The editorial later scolded Shouwang Church for "not engaging in religion but politics and that's taboo for the church."
"Now is a particularly sensitive time," the editorial read. "Shouwang Church is not acting appropriately, according to the state's management."
On Wednesday, Shouwang published a statement saying its actions were not political. In a blog post on its website, Shouwang accused the authorities for politicizing the church's existence while acknowledging that the 'house church' issue is difficult for the Chinese government government. "It will not be easy for relevant departments to 'completely resolve' this," the blog said in Mandarin.
"Shouwang wants nothing more than to be guaranteed to be able to gather inside to worship in stability," the church's post said.
As for Shouwang's church members, Water is not sure how long she can keep fighting for her faith. She is keenly aware of the fate of many Chinese dissidents, religious and otherwise.
"I'm really afraid of torture," Water said, with hands calmly folded. "Being tortured ... I heard many stories of that." Watch video and post your comments.



Daily Bread.....Abusing Grace?

Paul said in Romans 5:20, “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” But that radical concept opens a theological floodgate. The biblical writer Jude warned that it is possible to “change the grace of our God into a license for immorality” (Jude 4 NIV). Why be good if you know you will be forgiven? Not even an emphasis on repentance erases this danger completely.
In Romans 6, Paul spoke directly to the point. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” He gave a short, explosive answer: “Certainly not!” (vv.1-2) and used an analogy that starkly contrasts death and life. “How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (v.2). No Christian resurrected to new life should be pining for sin.
Yet wickedness does not always seem to have the stench of death about it. Sin can be downright appealing.
Paul recognized this, so he advised: “Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord,” and “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body” (vv.11-12).
If we truly grasped the wonder of God’s love for us, we would spend our days trying to fathom and share, not exploit, His grace.

I am unworthy to take of His grace,Wonderful grace so free;Yet Jesus suffered and died in my placeEven for a soul like me. —Roth


God does not save us by grace so that we may live in disgrace. —Faber

Friday, April 29, 2011

Laugh Out Loud....Ghetto Church Sermon

From the Movie "Don't Be A Menace In South Central While Drinking Juice In The Hood"

Homeless Mom Pleads Not Guilty in Residency Case

Tanya McDowell, left, stands with Connecticut NAACP Conference President Scott X. Exdaile, right, and other supporters outside state superior court in Norwalk, Conn., Wednesday, April 27, 2011. McDowell, a homeless and single mother, was to be arraigned on a larceny charge after being arrested for allegedly using her babysitter's Norwalk address to enroll her 6-year-old in school there.(Credit: AP Photo/Stephanie Reitz)



A homeless single mother has been arraigned for allegedly stealing educational services by sending her son to the wrong Connecticut school district.
Tanya McDowell pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony larceny.
Special section: Eye on Parenting
She is accused of using her babysitter's address to enroll her son in Norwalk schools last fall. Prosecutors say the 5-year-old belonged in Bridgeport, where McDowell had her last permanent address.
She is charged with stealing $15,686 worth of education.
McDowell told police she lives in her van and sleeps at a Norwalk shelter or a friend's Bridgeport apartment. Her son now lives with relatives in Bridgeport and attends kindergarten there.
Her attorney is asking to move the case to another courthouse because the top prosecutor's father is Norwalk's mayor, who has been outspoken about the case.






Post your comments. Do you think this single mother should be charged for wanting better for her son?

Daily Bread - Haters Of God

Recently, I listened to an audiobook by a militant advocate for atheism. As the author himself read his own work with spiteful sarcasm and contempt, it made me wonder why he was so angry.
The Bible tells us that a rejection of God can actually
lead to a more hateful attitude toward Him: “Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind . . . [to become] haters of God” (Rom. 1:28-30).
Turning one’s back on God does not lead to secular neutrality. Indeed, recent militant atheists have shown their desire to remove any reference to a Creator from culture.
When we hear about atheists trying to remove crosses or the Ten Commandments from society, it’s easy to respond to their hatred of God with our own hatred. But we’re exhorted to defend the truth with an attitude of love, “in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (
2 Tim. 2:25).
The next time you see the works or hear the words of a hater of God, do an attitude check. Then ask God for a spirit of humility and pray that the offender might come to the knowledge of the truth.

Lord, help us not respond in kindTo those who hate and turn from You;Instead, help us to love and prayThat someday they’ll accept what’s true. —Sper


Defend the truth with love
.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Get Fit Tip: Get On The Good Foot!

Be kind to your feet. Years of wear and tear can be hard on them. So can disease, bad circulation, poorly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit. Foot problems are sometimes the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve or circulatory disorders.

Step in the Right Direction

Practice good foot care. Take a look at your feet often; use a mirror to look at the bottoms of you feet. Look for cuts, blisters, and ingrown toenails. Ask a member of your family for help if you need it. If you have diabetes, be sure to check your feet every day.

Remember to put your feet up when you are sitting down. This helps the circulation in your feet. So can stretching, walking, or having a gentle foot massage. A warm foot bath is also helpful. Make sure your feet are dry before you put on your shoes. Wear shoes when you’re outside. If you are sitting for a long time, stand up and move around every now and then. If you cross your legs, reverse or uncross them often. Don't smoke.

If you have a problem with your feet, your family doctor can help, or you can see a doctor who treats feet, called a podiatrist.

Make Sure The Shoes Fit

Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot problems. Here are some tips for making sure your shoes fit:

  • Shoe size may change as you age, so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
  • Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other. Make sure your shoes fit your larger foot.
  • Don't buy shoes without trying them on first. Shoe sizes can vary depending on the kind, make, and style. For example, the size you wear for sneakers may not be the same size you need for dress shoes.
  • Walk in the shoes to make sure they feel right. The heel of the shoe should not slide up and down when you walk.
  • Choose a shoe that is shaped like your foot. Styles with high heels or pointed toes can hurt your feet.
  • Stand up when trying on shoes to make sure there is about ½ inch between your toe and the end of the shoe.
  • Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
  • Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and hope they will stretch.
  • The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material.
  • Soles should give solid footing and not slip. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces.
  • Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.

Something’s Afoot: Common Problems

Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, happen because our feet are in shoes most of the time. Shoes are warm, dark, and moist—the perfect place for fungus to grow. A fungus can cause dry skin, redness, blisters, itching, and peeling. It can be hard to cure. Over-the-counter anti-fungal powders or creams can help. If your foot does not get better within 2–4 weeks, talk to your doctor.

To prevent infections:

  • Keep your feet clean and dry. Be sure to dry the area between your toes.
  • Change your shoes and socks or stockings often to help keep your feet dry.
  • Don’t buy tight shoes.
  • Try dusting your feet every day with talc-free foot powder.

Dry skin can cause itching and burning feet. Use mild soap in small amounts and a cream or lotion on your legs and feet every day. Be careful about adding oils to bath water since they can make your feet and bathtub very slippery.

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure when the bony parts of your feet rub against your shoes. Corns usually appear on the tops or sides of toes while calluses form on the soles of feet. Wearing shoes that fit better or using non-medicated pads may help. While bathing, gently rub the corn or callus with a washcloth or pumice stone to help reduce the size. To avoid infection, do not try to shave off the corn or callus. See your doctor, especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems.

Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. They may be painful and can spread if not treated. Some over-the-counter products may help to get rid of warts. See your doctor for treatment.

Bunions are swollen and tender joints that can develop at the base of your big toes. They tend to run in families. Bunions can also be caused by shoes that are too small or have pointed toes. If a bunion is not too painful, wearing shoes cut wide at the toes and middle part of the foot (instep) or shoe inserts may help. Taping or padding the bunion may bring relief. Some over-the-counter pain medicine may lessen pain and reduce swelling. Talk to your doctor if you are in pain. Sometimes surgery is needed to relieve the pressure and repair the toe joint.

Ingrown toenails are caused by a piece of the nail piercing the skin. This can happen if you don't cut your toenails straight across so the corner of the nail can be seen above the skin. Use clippers made to cut toenails. Ingrown toenails are very common in the large toes. A doctor can remove the part of the nail that is cutting into the skin.

Neuromas are the result of a build-up of tissue around an inflamed nerve in the foot. They may cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the ball of your foot and toes. This may cause you to lose your balance. Shoes that are too narrow or have high heels can make the problem worse. See your doctor. Sometimes, inserts put in your shoes can help.

Hammertoe is caused by a shortening of the tendons that control toe movements. The toe joint grows and pulls the toe back. Over time, the joint gets bigger and stiffens as it rubs against shoes. This can affect your balance. More space in the shoe or stocking can help. In very serious cases, surgery may be needed.

Spurs are bony bumps that grow on bones of your feet. They are caused by stress on the feet. Standing for long periods of time, wearing badly fitting shoes, or being overweight can make spurs worse. Sometimes spurs are painless. At other times, they can hurt. Treatments for spurs include foot supports, heel pads, and heel cups. Sometimes surgery is needed.

Swollen feet may happen when you have been standing for a long time. If your feet and ankles stay swollen, it may be a sign of more serious health problems. See your doctor for a check-up.

Be Alert

Both diabetes and peripheral artery disease can cause poor blood flow to the feet, which can cause scrapes or bruises to become infected more easily.This makes good foot care very important. Make sure to check with your doctor if you develop a sore on your foot that does not heal.

Don’t Get Off on the Wrong Foot

Good foot care and regular foot checks are an important part of your health care. Your doctor should look at your feet often. If you have foot problems, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor.

For more information and to read more of the article, visit the website below:


Should People be Allowed to view Pornography in Public Libraries?


Recently the news stations have been reported that a public library in New York City is allowing its patrons to visit pornography websites on their computers. The issue has sparked much debate over the legal and moral aspects. Of course religious leaders, more vocally the Catholic Church, has denounced such practice. However, the spokeswoman for the public library said it is legal as long as it is not child pornography, which their computers have filters to prevent. Apparently viewing these types of sites in a government funded building is what has many people questioning the policy. Please check out the news clip below and tell us your thoughts. Should people be able to view porn on public libraries? Is it protected under the 1st amendment right? Tell us your thoughts.





Easy Spring Recipe: Roast Chicken With Spring Vegetables


Yield:

4 servings



Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken quarters
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound fingerling or other small potatoes
  • 2 bunches radishes
  • 1 bunch scallions
  • 1 bunch baby carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Directions

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper, then place skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the chicken and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the potatoes and radishes in half and cut the scallions into thirds. Toss the potatoes, radishes, carrots and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Remove the chicken from the oven and scatter the vegetables around it. Continue to roast until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 20 more minutes. Squeeze the remaining 1/2 lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Top with the dill and season with salt.

Per serving: Calories 569; Fat 31 g (Saturated 7 g); Cholesterol 132 mg; Sodium 655 mg; Carbohydrate 27 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 44 g



For more on this recipe and to view others, please visit the food network website below. Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Helpful Hint: Spring Cleaning- A Complete Checklist

Spring-Cleaning Checklist
The flowers are blooming, the birds are serenading, and our house still feels like it's stuck with winter blues. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. What do you need help spring cleaning?

In the Kitchen

  • Empty out the refrigerator and the freezer.
  • Vacuum under the fridge around the coils behind the grill.
  • Wipe the top of the fridge off.
  • Wipe down all of the seals around the doors.
  • Clean the inside of the microwave. Hint ~ Heat up a cup of water for a couple of minutes to build up some steam first…it makes cleaning much easier.

In the Bedroom

  • Clean out those closets. Don’t hold back…if you haven’t worn it in a few years, you probably aren’t going to start now. Get everything out of the closet and thoroughly vacuum the far corners.
  • Flip over and turn your mattress. While you’re at it, move the bed frame out of the way and vacuum or dust under it. You might even find that old, missing sock you lost last year.
  • Take the comforter or bedspread to the cleaners.
  • Throw out all those old toys your kids haven’t played with in years.
  • Get blocks of cedar to help keep the moths away and things smelling fresh.

Elsewhere

  • Dust and wipe down all of the ceiling fans in house.
  • Take your screens down, hose them off outside and wipe them down with warm soap and water.
  • Dust your lampshades.
  • Remove all of the cushions and pillows from your couch and chairs and vacuum this out. You might even find some money here!
  • Clean your windows inside and out.
  • Wipe down the tops of all door frames.
  • Test all of your fire alarms and change the batteries if needed.
  • Change the filters on your air conditioner.
  • Get new entry mats at every entrance.
  • Use a magic eraser to get those pesky scuff marks off of walls.

For the Hardcore

  • Remove and clean all the faucet aerators.
  • Change the pollen filter in your car.
  • Change the shelf liners in your drawers

Remember

  • Donate anything you don’t want or can’t use.
  • If you find something you haven’t seen in years or forgot you had…chances are you don’t need it.
  • Start from the top and work your way down. Vacuum the dust that has settled from your marathon dusting session.
  • Remember that a clean home makes for a healthy one. You can literally breath easier once your house is clean.


Are American Youth Desensatized to Violence?

An average child between ages 8 to 18 spends more time in front of the computer, television and game screens than any other activity except sleeping (Huston, 1992). Our children are enormously influenced by the media, not only in their decisions and actions, but also in their behaviors. Unfortunately, the large amount of exposure to media has negative effects towards our society, especially towards children and teenagers, one of the most serious effects is desensitization to violence. Children not only learn by observing and imitating what is in the media, but they also come to terms with violence as an acceptable way to settle conflicts and desire to watch even more violent movie and play even more dreadful video game, where players are rewarded for the amount of people killed. Our media needs to be changed; media violence needs to be limited not only in violent video games but also in movies and television. According to the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, American Academy of Family Physicians andAmerican Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry the media violence do affect children’s behavior, attitudes and values. As we all know today, children’s desensitization to violence has increased numerously, especially in the past few years. Just because, by the time a child is eighteen years old, he or she will witness on television 200,000 acts of violence including 40,000 of murders (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005). Below is a link to a news clip of two young girls attacking another person in a McDonald's. The altercation was recorded by phone and posted to the Internet by one of the employees. The two alleged attackers were only 14 and 18 years old. Also, at least 6 employees stood by, watched, and encouraged the attack. They had no regard for the victim, who even had a seizer during the attack. An older woman tried to stop the attack and was hit in her jaw by the younger teen. Is this how teenagers have learned to resolve conflict? Are American Youth Desensitized to Violence?

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/27665011/detail.html

Daily Bible Verse

6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. - James 1:6

Today's passage is from the King James Version.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Gospel Song of the Day

Today I heard a song from GI (God’s Image) that inspired me to buy it from Itunes. Many of us remember these young men from their online journey on YouTube. The new single “Forever We Will Worship” is creating quite a buzz online and on gospel music radio. They have been together for a decade, but only recently recorded their debut release, God’s Image.


The members of  GI are  brothers  Branden and  Marlon Anderson, Lamonte Harris, and Curtis Langley.
The song is available on Itunes Take a moment and listen.

Here is the single that I am positive you will add to your playlist. GI Forever We Worship by giforever
GI Forever We Worship by giforever

Tell us what you think?

Daily Bible Verse

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” - Hebrews 7:25
Today's passage is from the New International Version, ©20110-Biblegateway.com

Gospel Identity Crisis

By Jelani Greenidge from Urbanfaith.com

CHANGING PERSONAS: Tonéx in his earlier, more conservative look; Tonéx more recently as "B. Slade."

When the urban gospel artist formerly known as Tonéx came out as a homosexual, his saga erased the already blurry line between sacred and secular pop music. Here's part one of a special series on the curious evolution of modern Christian music.
 
Fans of the artist born as Anthony C. Williams have, for most of his career, called him by his stage name of Tonéx (or a host of derivative alternates: TON3X, T. Boy, T-Bizzy, et cetera). With this stage name, he took the world of gospel music by storm, unleashing a hybrid genre of eclectic contemporary music -- gospel mixed with R&B, hip-hop, funk, pop, and a slew of other influences. The blend is so unique, he made up his own word to describe it: "nureau."



But since fall of 2010, he's been performing under the alias of B. Slade, an artistic persona drawn from '70s glam rock lore. This new name coincides with his new public identity ... self-assured, uninhibited, and gay.



The fact that Williams' decision to reveal his homosexual identity led to a firestorm of controversy on both sides of the issue is, while newsworthy in the most basic sense, not particularly surprising. Homosexuality has been, and continues to be, a hot-button issue in politics as well as entertainment, so any time a Christian of moderate-to-high profile comes out, it causes a stir (see: Knapp, Jennifer or Boltz, Ray).
Neither is it all that surprising that most of the people who've chosen to affirm his public stance are gospel music industry insiders, people who promote the gospel music genre for a living.



What is surprising is that the underlying truth that episodes like these illustrate is rather obvious, yet rarely stated. If we can learn anything from the saga of the artist formerly known as Tonéx, it's this:
There really is no such thing as Christian music, at least not anymore.
* * *
In order to understand why this is true, we must look back.
At risk of oversimplification, here's an overview...

A Brief History of Christian Music
The history of the musical and cultural tradition associated with contemporary Christian and/or gospel music has been thoroughly documented in venues far more extensive than this article, although most of them tend to focus more on the CCM (common shorthand for White) side, rather than the gospel (shorthand for Black) side.

Nevertheless, it's safe to say that what we know today as the Christian music industry didn't really exist as recently as forty years ago. As evidenced by the advent of CCM Magazine in 1978, contemporary Christian music as a format arose from the Jesus music movement of the early 70s. Eventually it evolved through the '80s and '90s into the economic juggernaut that it is today.

Initially known primarily for its evangelistic message of hope in the salvation of Christ, its practitioners followed the tradition of hymnists like Martin Luther, who authored many of the great hymns of the church by setting new lyrics to the existing bar melodies. Young pioneers like Larry Norman and Andraé Crouch sung their faith to the popular rock, soul, folk and funk styles of their day.

Eventually a whole industry sprung up around the idea of Christians playing popular music aimed not only to non-believers, but to other believers. As Christian musicians continued to develop relationships and build credibility with their secular counterparts, a subculture of Christian music morphed into a set of subcultures, each one becoming a form of stylistic mimicry of a popular music genre.

By the time of the late '80s and early '90s, Christian music had become a full-blown parallel industry, whereby the most popular secular bands and acts of the day had Christian counterparts, marketed by the cultural gatekeepers as safe alternatives. The Christian bookstores even kept handy charts in their music sections to tell you, if a local youth liked a particular chart-topping secular artist, which Christian artist sounded similar enough to warrant purchasing their CD.

Many of the Christian artists themselves found this idea to be condescending and repugnant, yet they had little choice but to allow it, because they had little control over the marketing decisions made on their behalf by the Christian record labels that paid them and controlled their commercial output.

In time, each of these labels became owned by major media conglomerates, and their decisions became more and more controlled by business interests and less guided by Christian ministry principles. At the same time, more and more Christian acts were achieving greater commercial success and critical acclaim than ever by "crossing over" and finding success with non-Christian listeners, often by collaborating with artists in the general market, or releasing songs with non-religious themes.

With few exceptions, these crossover attempts did little to change the overall reputation of Christian music as being dated, derivative and generally inferior. So Christian music went from being defined by the message of Christ, to being defined by therapeutic moralistic deism, a shadowy cultural echo of Christianity, shaped primarily by broader American culture.

Thus, the contemporary Christian music scene devolved over time into what it is today, something not unlike the Holy Roman Empire: neither Christian, nor contemporary, nor all that musical.

Lingering Questions

So if Christian music isn't really as Christian as we like to think, then what is it? How should we respond to it? And is gospel just another label for Christian music? How is it different? How is it the same? And what does any of this have to do with Tonéx, or B. Slade, or whatever his name is?