As I continue to reflect on the visual statement we make in our churches I thought I'd post a quick shot of Hillsong Church in Sydney.
I don't think that you can deny the impact that Hillsong Church has on the wider Christian community. Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a mighty force in the way Gen X and Y express their faith. Your thoughts?
Yes--while Hillsong continue in a feild of excellance they sadly lack one thing....after their albums go platnum they continue to charge $5.00 per song off the net and then some for the rights to play the album in churches thanks to CCLI....DON'T YOU THINK IT TIME THAT THEY MAKE AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC DOMAINE ALL THERE OLDER SONGS SO ANY CHRISTIAN CAN SING WITHOUT FEAR OF LEGAL REPRISE!....After all it was the Holy Spirit who inspired and imparted the talent/ gifts to the song writers, and I don't see Him asking for royalty...hmmmm? Secondly if they don't donte these songs and remember we live in the end times (any day syndrome) for Christ's return wont they have egg on their face when He asks them what did they do with the talents He gave them? My oppinion is Hillsong has become a beast unto them selves, depraved lacking genorosity and un relenting in their quest for Health, wealth and prosperity...though that last thought warrants a closer look later.
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Joseph Riley
I think Hillsongs have produced some really good worship songs in the past, however, being under the banner of a large church infrustructure has enabled them to promote, sell and push their songs and worship to the point that other worship and song writers are unable to compete in the same way. Interestingly, many songs written and sung by Integrity, Maranatha and others are often accredited to Hillsongs..... but not to God ....mmm
ReplyDeleteAndrew, a good picture of Hillsong - sensory overload! let me ask the same question I ask of Trevor in his comments re his "Issues " question - what makes this Christian? Please do not misunderstand me - I am not saying it is not - I am seeking to engage the question - what makes this Christian worship as opposed to a good Christian concert or entertainment - or can it be both? What are our criteria for determining this?
ReplyDeleteAnother comment: Dorothy and Andrew - you may want to check out "Worship Old & New" by Robert Webber. he gives a good overview of both of your issues and may spark further thoughts for a research angle.
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