Jesus, Take the Wheel … And Get Out of Country Music?
If you do a Google search for Jesus and country music, you'll get about 3 million results. Most of them are positive. But this one, a little story called "Let's Get Jesus Out of Country Music," didn't sit well with me. The title alone suggests that He has no place in this music. When I actually read what this author had to say, well, let's just say I wasn't thinking very Christian thoughts. His gripe is that "pop country is wearing its religion on its sleeve," citing songs like "Jesus, Take the Wheel," "Jesus and Gravity," "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" and "Three Wooden Crosses" as examples of music that puts religion right in your face. Funny, but those are some of my favorites. In fact, everything this writer hates, I love. I love feel-good faith. I love the blurring of the lines between Christian music and country music. And I love hearing artists singing about their spirituality. What I don't love, as a God-fearin' woman, is someone bashing country because it leans a little Jesus.
Photo credit: Digital Vision
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Whooo says:
Amen sista!
Hum…. says:
I totally agree with you!
dan says:
liberals cant stand them
Joyce says:
We finally agree on something!!
sally says:
I agree with you 100%!
luvncountry says:
Hooray for Alison, AND Jesus. lol Jesus (not religion) needs to be everywhere, esp in country music. Besides,
many artists will tell you they grew up singing in church and their faith is every bit a part of them as anything else. I love the song by Jeff Bates, “Mama was alot like Jesus.” Can anyone else come up with some songs that are NOT listed here?
Jim C says:
Alison…..what you read on the internet was just one man’s opinion and is never going to have any impact on Country Music. Don’t let everything you read on the internet get you upset….
Kay says:
Jesus should stay out of Country Music and Politics.
Allie says:
I think Alison should stay out of Country blogging.
Leeann says:
Give me a break, Dan. Seriously?
Katie says:
Alison, I agree with you too!!
Well I think who ever wrote that article needs JESUS!!!
Kay, this country was founded on GOD (JESUS) we need to get back to putting GOD first!!!
Sarah says:
I agree! Some of the most amazing country songs mention Jesus!
CJ says:
Alison I totally agree with you. I think more people should be looking up before it is to late. Whatever happened to our rights as Christian’s?
luvncountry says:
Out of all the blogs I’ve read of yours thus far Alison, THIS one is my fave- thanks!
AW says:
I agree..I love the songs mentioned and country music has every right to mention Jesus!
Discussion: Losing My Religion? » Country Universe says:
[...] Please keep the dialogue respectful, but feel free to discuss “Let’s Get Jesus Out of Country Music” by Bob Wire (a regular Joe, judging from the website) and the response by CMT’s Alison Bonaguru. [...]
Ken says:
Here are 2 more songs Me & God and new artist Randy Houser called Back To God. Great Blog Alison.
RedMaZ says:
“She Left Me For Jesus” - Song of The Year, from the 2008 #1 Album of the Year. But that’s a different story. Not quite what you Pop fans had in mind is it?
Andrea says:
I have to say that I’d rather see Jesus and religion stay out of country and pop music. I’m a christian. I don’t like that the name of Jesus is used in this commercial way, just to sell records. It’s not a use in good faith. It’s a use for commercial reasons. I don’t like that.
hotelmotel says:
Andrea has a good point — many of these songs use religion in a cynical way - to sell records. In a sense, these songs aren’t so much about religion as about the singer mentioning something religious in an attempt to sell something. In a way, its like the car dealers who fly those gigantic, oversized American flags, in hopes that people will buy a car their because they see a huge flag.
The car dealers aren’t about patriotism - they’re about selling cars. And some of these religious songs are just the same. In a way, these songs (like the car dealers) are showing contempt to their listeners (and customers).
luvncountry says:
I prefer not to be too cynical and I don’t care much for “religion,” just Jesus. I don’t have to answer for THEIR motives for writing/selling songs, I just listen to what I enjoy and let the rest do the same. Jesus could use some good PR and I’d rather hear His name in a country song than an expletive.
Jan says:
Andrea and hotelmotel, how can you not remember the inspiration of Jesus, Take the Wheel and have you not heard Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe”?
hotelmote says:
Jan - no doubt some of the songs are genuinely inspired by religion. But since so many of the songs present a dumb-down, oversimplified view of religion, I am generally skeptical of these sorts of songs.
Top 40 Country is pop music, and pop music can deal with certain subjects well. When Brooks & Dunn extoll the merits of the “Boot Scootin Boogie,” they do just fine. But when they try to deal with religion, they produce theological nonsense such as “God Must Be Busy.” They are in way above their heads.
Religion is too important to let pop musicians debase it. The problem isn’t their commercial motives, the problem is their general lack of sophistication in dealing with these songs.
Some pop music is fine with me. Pop-religion is not. The religion in these songs is faux-religion.
Tenn says:
I agree Alison! Gosh darn- I love my country music with some Jesus and I don’t think you’ll find country music without it ever, just my take
Ham says:
I’m with Kay. How would you folks feel if the religion cited in songs was the faith of American Indians instead of Christianity? That is the TRUE american religion. The whole nonsense about Christians shoving their religion down other people’s throat is the bigger issue. There are a lot of non-christian country music fans and to some people the assumption that country music and that particular faith are tied together is stupid.
luvncountry says:
Hotel, I agree with your assessment of B&D’s “God must be busy” (because I don’t believe that message)I didn’t care for it. However I DO love Ronnie’s rendition of “Believe.”
Christoph says:
The problem is the suggestion that unless you are a devout Christian you can’t be “country”.
Is that your opinion? Such a Litmus test is not very American.
Christoph says:
Oh, and using Jesus to sell records (and Carrie Underwood is there to sell records) is a shame.
luvncountry says:
Christoph, I for one do not care what or whom someone chooses to believe in, nor do I consider anyone needing
to adhere to Christianity (or any religion) to listen to country or any genre of music. I’ll leave it to Jesus to judge the intent/motive for singing/selling Him to the masses.
Ham says:
eerrrr.. I didn’t think Jesus was in the business of judging people. Funny how that message always gets confused too.
Brittany says:
a) Country music is and has always been about roots and rural living. This means Jesus will be reflected in country music if the artist relates to roots and rural living.
b) If someone doesn’t like it when an artist mentions Jesus, DON’T LISTEN. It’s a free country. Should I have to listen to the crap that’s on top 40 radio? No, so I change the channel. It’s like someone listening to a contemporary Christian station and saying they don’t want religion shoved down their throats. Jesus comes with the territory in country music and has for a long time so some need to get over it.
c) Artists aren’t necessarily using Jesus to sell records just because they mention Him in a song. See: contemporary Christian music. They do it to share their faith and provide inspiration. Country artists do it for the same reasons (there are always exceptions where they are just doing it to sell records, but no one but the artist would know if this were true).
luvncountry says:
Ham, just making a point. Better Jesus to judge than me, wouldn’t you say? I also agree with what Brittany wrote.
Gladys says:
I agree with Allison too. I am a Christian and with my busy life I try to pray through the day and it is really hard. There is nothing like turning on the radio and hearing Jesus’ to get me back on track.
I think we need to keep Jesus in Country music because that might be the only time some people hear the name Jesus.
Jesus Take The Pen says:
Sounds like one of the Aethiest complainers, that they feel left out of CHRISTmas. Thank GOD I don’t know how to correctly spell Aethiest - nor do I care to exert the energy to find out. I’ll stick with Jesus - thanks!
CJ says:
Brittany- I agree totally. Very well said. Country has always had singers that have God or Jesus in there song. You never know when one song can help a person or make them think about the Lord…..I say do not take it out of Country music.
luvncountry says:
Yeah, I think Jesus is in the majority on this blog so far!
I’ll take Him where I can get Him, and apart from a few contemporary Christian artists, country is the only stuff I listen to. That’s country POP to you people bent on division.
country’s awesome says:
Three cheers for Jesus! I totally agree with luvncountry. I listen to a lot of country(especially Kenny Chesney)and I love anything that has to do with Jesus.
Big AJ fan says:
I don’t care for the picture you chose for your blog. Contrary to popular American ideas, Jesus was not a blue eyed blond Anglo Saxon.
Gary says:
I’m an atheist, but I do enjoy some music by so-called Christian artists. I think we can appreciate music as an art form even if the lyrics are not an affirmation of our own personal beliefs. For example, I like the song Three Wooden Crosses. It’s a really good song with a positive message. Even if I can’t accept its implications as literal truth, I still think it’s a good song and I enjoy hearing it.
It really doesn’t matter to me whether a song references Jesus or faith, or if the song is about a killing spree. It can still be a good song either way. Bluegrass has a lot of great killing songs. Somehow, the music is still happy even if the lyrics are dark. I would never advocate killing anybody, but a good bluegrass killing song can get me tapping my feet anyway.
What brings out the cynic in me is seeing these artists show up at awards shows with these jewel-encrusted designer crosses around their necks. When I see them advertising their “faith” in such an ostentatious manner it makes me wonder whether it is sincere or if they are just trying to appeal to a certain demographic. I’m sure in most cases it is sincere, but still, when I see that I can’t help but wonder.
RedMaZ says:
So…what is your opinion of the song? Do you find it funny? Does it offend anyone?
luvncountry says:
Never heard of it Red, if you are talking about the song in your previous post. I have the feeling I probably wouldn’t.
RedMaZ says:
So you are prejudging? Do you ever listen to any other types of music? Why the narrowmindness? Hard to believe you haven’t heard the song of the year. You don’t listen to much of a variety of music do you? Besides that, my question was for everyone who replied to this blog.
luvncountry says:
That’s fine, I’m still waiting to hear everyone else’s review too. And yes, I’m prejudging because I already know what you like (Americana/Roots country) and I like Pop country, so I can only imagine if YOU like it, I won’t. I’m okay with that.
RedMaZ says:
Prejudice is an ugly thing.
hotelmotel says:
I agree with everything in the third paragraph of Gary’s post at 3:43 pm
As for “She Left Me For Jesus,” I found it funny the first four or five times I heard it. In fact, I thought it was hilarious. I bought it and the album, too.
However, now that the novelty has worn off, I think it is a good song, but not a great song. The song is quite good until the third verse, which adds nothing of significance and seems to exist only to set up the line about the lover calling out “jesus” during sex.A funny line, to be sure, but too much effort is spent setting it up, and so the third verse (and final chorus) really takes some steam out of the song.
In short, the song is built around a very funny joke, but by the third verse, Carll has told the joke one too many times. Still, overall, I think its a good song.
Amy says:
Alison - great blog… I agree 100% which is unusual as I’ve been critical in the past… I have new found respect for you!
luvncountry says:
Nothing prejudiced about liking what I like and allowing someone else the same for theirs. Your disdain for anything pop country/mainstream shows YOUR prejudice too, so I wouldn’t point fingers.
Jim C. says:
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!!
alisha says:
i completely christ should be played in all music it just so happens the only people who do is country artists i love u guys because of it! merrry christmas.
Samantha says:
Alison you rock!!!
Samantha says:
and I totally agree with Brittany.
RedMaZ says:
Calling me prejudice is absurd. I have never commented on any music before I’ve listened to it. Never. So we have prejudice people here AND people who see nothing wrong with greed. Are you prejudice in everyday life, or is it just about music? I’d mention your character, but you have none. Obviously we were raised different. You are one sick induviual.
Ginny says:
I could not agree more. When someone is so ignorant as to think we should stop singing about the author and creator of our faith, I have to feel sorry for them. I call myself a Country & Western Catholic…… and more is always better in my opinion. I love Jesus more than anyone I know, and my art is about faith, and we need faith in our lives, every aspect. Being a Christian is not just going to Church on Sunday, but our entire life must be converted to pleasing God.
sheila says:
I think God should stay in country and jesus should stay in country music and jesus and god should stay in school`s also you know what if a person ain`t saved he or she better get saved because jesus is coming back for his people and if you dont have jesus and god in your heart then u feel empty
Elly Mae says:
Country music is the soul of America, and country artists write songs from their soul and their experiences. No one in America can deny their right to sing about Jesus. If you don’t want to listen, turn the station to some other music that suits your lifestyle.
Bubbles says:
Listening to country music sung by Glen Campbell who sang Christian songs helped me to write Gospel Lyrics… I didn’t write the Lyrics for myself or to get an award… I wrote them for Jesus, Himself, first, then the lyrics was and still is, for everyone on this Earth… Jesus, came down from Heaven to die for our sins… He rose from the dead 3 days after being crucified …… He, then ascended into Heaven and sits at the Right Hand of God, the Father… Jesus is interceding for us up there for us and come Judgment Day… He will judge both the living and the dead… I pray for everyone on Earth to not turn away from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Little Quail says:
YOU KNOW WHAT SOMEONE NEEDS TO REMIND THAT PERSON THAT IN THE UNITED STATES WE HAVE THE constitution of the united states…. Here is the definition in the dictionary for that person in case he/she doesn’t understand what the constitution of the united states means!!!!
noun
the constitution written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states [syn: United States Constitution]
YOU KNOW IN THAT CONSTITUTION WAS WRITTEN TO GIVE US FREEDOM OF SPEECH… SO WE ARE SO SORRY YOU DON’T LIKE THESE SONGS THAT HAVE JESUS IN THEM… BUT YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE THE CHANNEL NO ONE SAYS YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO IT… BUT WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO LISTEN TO IT… THANK YOU VERY MUCH… WHAT IS IT YOU THINK…. EXACTLY? JUST BECAUSE YOU DON’T LIKE THESE SONGS WELL THEY SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE RADIO? AND NOT WRITTEN AT ALL? PLEASE GET OVER YOURSELF…
This makes me pretty upset too… Because this country was founded on IN GOD WE TRUST…. Our founding fathers believed in God… And back in those days… alot of ways were so much better… simply because they had the brilliance to turn to God and they raised their kids back then to know God… So I wonder if this person is one of those people that have a problem with the IN GOD WE TRUST that is printed on your money in your wallet?
You know what this country needs GOD in it more than what he is !!!
You have a right to speak what is on your mind… But as a citizen of the United States of America SO DO WE!!!!
Lydia Adkins Simpson says:
In my world?? There would be NO COUNTRY MUSIC of any kind without JESUS, and it is my right as an American of mostly Caucasian, and 1/8th Native American descent, to believe it that way——–if an artist gets up behind a microphone and blasphemes Jesus, i do NOT ever again listen to their work—-if , in some way, they praise GOD or JESUS for their talent and music, then I do my utmost to support them.
Vickie says:
Oh my goodness…these great songs have touched so many lives. We need more songs out there that give Jesus all the glory. If our government is going to take GOD out of everything else - well, we need some way to put HIM back in and music is a great way to do just that! Looks like the “lost soul” that wrote this letter, needs help.
artie fowler says:
i say, “if you do not like our god, get out of our country!” god bless america!! artie fowler, quality motors hanna city il.
Boyd says:
Our Lord is in everything that is good, we should celebrate this, not fight it. We’re only here by His Grace! God Bless America!
micki says:
I believe that Jesus should be sung about in music .I love Carrie Underwoods Jesus take the wheel,Kenny Chenesy,Everybody want to go to heaven,I also love God lover,so whoever is against the music and Jesus is just a stupid person.The country music singers love Jesus and wants ti share that so let them.
jen says:
I think it is awful that someone would even suggest to country singers. They are allowed to sing whatever they believe in and I appluad all that do without fear or consquences. It seems that those of us who believe in God are becoming the minority and GOD BLESS those who sing about their faith on todays airwaves. THIS IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH for gosh sakes, is there nothing left to believe in. You can’t wish people Merry Christmas anymore because it is politically incorrect yet those who don’t believe don’t seem to mind the days off….ok could go on and on…will get off sopa box here before I open yet another can of worms, all I know is I never mind letting my young children listen to country music that is about all they know because I know that the will hear pure messages as opposed to killing death sex etc…..
joy says:
I agree with Allison a 100% we played the song by Vince Gill at my Mama funeral Go Rest High On That Mountain a really true song. Also we love the new song by Kenny Chesney keep the faith in country music.
terri says:
One of the most beautiful songs of late, sung by a man who has more country hits than he knows what to do with, “I saw God Today”. No it wasn’t exactly about Jesus but about faith. I seriously don’t believe his motive was tring to get a song played on the radio. Anything he sings goes to number 1. Bless you George Straight, and all the other Artists who aren’t afraid to include Jesus in their songs for fear of rejection by radio or people who knock religion.
WAKsr says:
The devil’s out there trying to turn things around. Country music and God go hand in hand. The right to worship our own way is where this country started from.
Take Jesus and God, one and the same, from this country and it will fail. Trusting in the lord Jesus Christ as our saviour is our salvation. I fully believe this, but don’t go to church, ever. My job see’s to that.
Don’t be taken in on a reglion that teaches, it will kill those who doesn’t believe the same as they do. An old saying goes<>If it looks and sounds to good to be true, it usualy is.
Lisa says:
For me country music is a “comfort zone” of life. It exemplifies faith, family, country and life; the good and the bad parts. There are some songs that I don’t really enjoy, that’s when I flip the station. If someone is offended by lyrics that mention Jesus or God I suggest they just flip the station. It’s called tolerance. Taking Jesus out of country music would be like taking salt out of the ocean. They are just a part of what makes it “what it is”…. and I for one love it!!
Leeann says:
Ha, Jim C., I caught that reference in this madness!:)
terri says:
As Keith Urban says, “But For The Grace Of God Go I”. That is probably my most favorite lines in any song.
Tammy says:
I think it is WONDERFUL that God is in country music in such a positive way. I love hearing songs so touching and meaningful. Also to know how God is so important to the artist in their lives. I hope they continue to make such good songs. I love them and am very touched. These songs have helped me in my life deal with some stituation that brought comfort to me. I’m blessed by them for sure and know others are too.
Kate says:
When I hear a song on the radio that I don’t like I just change the station. Sounds like the author of the article “Let’s Get Jesus Out Of Country Music” needs to do the same. People write about what they love, and I think a love for Jesus and what he sacrificed for all of us is something definately worth writing about!
hotelmotel says:
Artie Fowler says “if you do not like our god, get out of our country!” god bless america!! in a post above.
I think its ideas like these which offended the writer of the “Get Jesus Out of Country…” article. To some, Fowler’s post will sound more like an attempt to demonize those who disagree with “our god,” an attempt to assert power, (in a way that is most un-Christian, too), than anything else. Some people will say, “if this is what is meant by religion in music, we want nothing to do with it.”
I personally think religious themes in music are fine (though they are done in a very trite way, all too often, and thus they do religion a disservice). But after reading Fowler’s post, I can understand why some might think that religion in songs is not about faith, but its about demonizing others, asserting that some are insiders and some are outsiders.
Steve says:
Taking Jesus out of things is what is wrong with out nation today. Too many people want Jesus taken out of not only our country music but even out of Christmas. How many places do you go to this time of year and they wish you a Happy Holidays. Christmas is never mentioned like it is a sin to say the word. Jesus is the reason for the season. We should continue to keep Jesus in all that we do including country music. If someone doesn’t like the music, then change the station.
Merry Christmas
norm says:
I thank this preson needs help,I would like to have him or
her in fox hole or in the hole of ship why its under fire.
I would like to know where this person was on 9/11,I think
that Jesus our God is offered in the lyrics of country music for a reason,because God give it to them
Pat says:
We were founded on freedom of religion. But everyone is trying to take it out of everything. Country songs are to give us hope ,let us cry, and make us think!
terri says:
Early Country Music and Gospel Music were combined. They were begot out of one through people like the Carter Family and Bluegrass families. This was America’s Music, the same as, “IN GOD WE TRUST”. Through the years Country Music has has branched off from Gospel Music, but it has kept God and Jesus and spirituality in it’s forefront always. It’s true it may have been watered down at times, but it has always been there. A couple years ago Radio refused to play a very beautiful song about God and how America was trying to take him out of everything this Country stands for and was founded on. I’ll check and see if I can find the exact name and post it here soon.
Anyway, I think Country Music is mad and fighting back and that is why you hear so much (thankfully) about God and Jesus in it’s Music today (and by big named Artists too who are not just trying to sell songs). It sees the Government and people who have nothing better to do than to try to take God and Christmas out of everything this Country holds dear to 86% of Americans still today (believe in God). Why can’t the Gov. and those people try to help with the mess this Country is in today and do something constructive to get the economy going again instead of wasting time trying to get God out of everything. I say be careful what you wish for. Those of you who felt we needed no God in our Country just might get it! But I think God and Jesus will see us through. I’m certain there are enough of us believers, and the teachings of Christianity through Country Music and other sources that our prayers will be heard. I am not a Church going person but I dearly love and believe in my Lord and live by his teachings. And as Alan Jackson said in, “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning”…”And The Greatest Was Love”. The Lord is about loving each other.
Why in the world would you want to do away with that?
lynn09 says:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but like others have said if you don’t like the song turn the station. I agree with Sheila, Jesus is coming back soon and everyone needs to get ready for his coming. We live in a sad world today where they are taking God out of everything. People are saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas for afraid it might offend someone. Well to bad get over it. No one seems to care that I am being offended by them not saying Merry CHRISTmas!!!!!!!!!! Wake up America, God is coming soon!!!!!
Ken says:
The problem in the world today is that we don’t have enough Jesus and what he wants for us. Keep Jesus in country music!!!
james l says:
let’s get back to what our fore fathers build this country on get back to JESUS keep JESUS in CHRIST MAS AND OUR LIVES AND OUR HOMES JAMES L
james l says:
TERRI YOU GOT IT RIGHT GOD BLESS JAMES L
Gayle says:
Send this to the country music stars and writers - people like this need to be squashed quickly (Toby might be the man to do it!!)- unfortunately their views get more press than the views of those of us that do want Jeuss to stay in our music and our lives. Jesus is one reason I have “Gone Country” I love the fact that no one on country muisc is afraid or embarrassed to admit they believe.
JohnBoy says:
That is one of two thing I don’t normally like getting into disscusions about. Religion and Politic.Ruin a lot of friendships. However I will say that JUSUS should always be left in country Music.It has been there from way back when country Music first started.Thank God everyone isn’t alike.What a boring world this would be.
Everyone has thier own opinion.
God Bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!! Weather you believe or not Jesus still LOVES YOU:
Michelle says:
Written by GARY - “It really doesn’t matter to me whether a song references Jesus or faith, or if the song is about a killing spree. It can still be a good song either way. Bluegrass has a lot of great killing songs. Somehow, the music is still happy even if the lyrics are dark. I would never advocate killing anybody, but a good bluegrass killing song can get me tapping my feet anyway.”
Thank you, Gary. Beautifully written. Forcing people to take Jesus out of their songs would be like forcing someone else to take killing out of their songs. It’s about freedom of speech. End of story. If people don’t like it, they can change the station.
Louie B says:
god is country, and chris mas is about god
Dean Glasscock says:
I’ve never so-called blogged before but this comment deserves an answer. Whoever came up with this question should remember if you don’t like a song or what it is about, there is a dial for you to change the channel,this ia a land of freedom and CHOICES, so leave country music alone and change the damn dial.
Dawn says:
Amen Jesus needs to stay right where he is in country music
Country music reflects our roots and if you go back especially in the southern part of the country Church and Jesus are always central. I don’t think a lot of these artist are trying to simplify Jesus I think they are trying to make him real to more people. As in Brooks and Dunns God must be busy, how many times have we questioned why to something or how could God let this happen, How often have we been at the end of our rope and needed Jesus to take the wheel? or our lives have gotten off track and we need to go home and back to our own roots as in Trace Adkins Muddy waters. Country music relates to life and for most us that means relating to faith.
Abogie says:
Those who dont like Jesus in Country music dont have to listen to it. I am so tired of Jesus being taken out of everything in our lives just because it might ‘offend’ someone. That’s whats wrong with our country today, Jesus has been thrown out of too much of it already. God help us all if he is banned from much more.
Deborah says:
If you want Christian songs, find them in Church not in country songs. Enough is enough.
LOVECOUNTRY says:
As others have said, I love the fact there is religion in country music. I aslo love the fact that my 4 year old daughter can listen to country music and I don’t have to worry about what she will hear, unlike on the pop and hard rock music stations.
Carol Ostrowski says:
Country music is one of the best ways of humanity expressing itself. If someone can’t deal with the name of Jesus they need to do a life check. We need more of Jesus in our life and less criticism from people of a minority who think the world revolves around them. Thank God for Country Music!!!!
fannie davis says:
i say if someone wants to sing a great song about jesus more power to them i enjoy a lot of those songs , songs like jesus take the wheel and i can only imagine really pick up my day and a lot of times makes me feel better please don’t take jesus out of music without jesus sacrifice all those years ago where would we be now.
so if hearing a song that has jesus in the lyrics’ affends
use the right’s that everyone in this country has thanks to the soldiers who frought for them and jesus
kim says:
Is religion part of Life? It is for a lot of us, so yes of course it should be part of Country music. Actually it should be part of all music, it’s part of living. Country music just reflects our every day reality better (at least for me) than most other music. You don’t have to listen to any particular song, turn the radio over or off. I often do. I got so sick of any Garth Brooks song for a while, due to over play back in the late 90’s that I would only listen to CD’s. Country music and a lot of it’s listeners are surprisingly open folks and don’t truely fit the stereo type. I think if the song writer is Jewish/Shinto/Muslim/Budist what ever and they write a good song including their religious thought that’s fine. It’s music people, expression of fealings and life.
If any thing does bother me it’s hearing songs about how much some one loves their wife and is always true when it was just in the news they where having an ongoing affair with an 18 year. So so interested in listening to that, so I turn those singers over. Got go do that right now!
Thanks for the story very interesting topic.
Gleejr says:
Dan, I really hate stooping to your level, but why is it you Neocons think you’re the only ones who BELIEVE, you’d be amazed at all the liberals that go to church every week, & say “Merry CHRISTmas” instead of “Have A Nice Holiday………A Liberal Believer
David Holden says:
Let’s have a big AMEN for this lady, Praise Jesus.
I find nothing wrong with the songs you sited in your article, I love alll of them. In fact I feel that Jesus needs to be in all genre of music. Put Jesus back in your life people. This world is going to hell in a hand basket.Smile at people and say Hi, Howdy, Good Morning, whatever. If you see or know somebody down on their luck give them a hand, buy them a cup of coffe or bowl of soup, or whatever you can do. Christen,Jewish,Muslum whatever. Physically we are all the same. Show you care about your fellow man.
David Holden says:
This article and this blog proves one thing! Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and in this country they can speak it, write it or sing it. Let freeedom ring, loud and clear.
Enjoy your freedoms people, many people can’t.
David H. Holden
MSgt USAF Retired
Teresa says:
I have cars pull up beside me as I am stopped at traffic lights. The music is so loud that I cannot drown it out. The horrid language and suggestions in this music makes my mouth drop, and I AM A liberal.
Did you ever sing Peter Cotton Tail song? Some of you think Jesus is a fiction, well so was Peter CottonTail but we sing Here comes Santa anyway. If having Jesus in your ear bothers you, then that alone should tell you something.
For those of you who think Jesus should not be used in a song, shame on you. You pay your preacher to preach, you pay for the bible, you pay for hymn books, Jesus on keychains,shirts, medallions. Everything at the Christian Bookstore is commercial. ANY way to get the word out and keep him on our minds is good. Those songs got me through the death of my son and dad. Those songs made my divorce a little more bearable. When I am feeling down I sing a song about Jesus. If I am in a traffic nightmare, I sing Jesus take the wheel and he also takes away my road rage.
The benefits of a Heavenly song far outweigh the commercial cost.
Elaine McFadden says:
What in the world is wrong with people,if it was’nt for God and the people praying for me I would not be here today.I owe it all to the Lord.The world would be a better place if it would get back into knowing who the Lord is and their lives would be so much better for it.I want to see them get it back into the schools also,I grew up with it and it did’nt hurt me at all.I feel that most of the kid’s really need to know who God is and how much he can help them.Because he is always there when you need him and even when you do’nt.
Kris says:
Amen! I totally agree with this!
Amy says:
Those of you who think country is exploiting Jesus for the sale of records, must have never heard the story behind the songs when they were created by the songwriters… or the way it touched the artist when it was pitched. Many of the artists who recorded these songs knew they were taking a chance at criticism when they chose to include it on an album, but chose not to care because of the passion for the song. While we sit here and bicker as to whether or not Jesus should be included in Country Music… what about Rock? or Pop? There are plenty of songs out there in other genres that use HIS name as well. Music has and always will be one’s form of expression. For the writer, the artist, the musicians and the listener. And just like you have the freedom of religion in this country to worship whomever you will… you also have the freedom to change the station if one of these songs come on the radio. Country music has and always will have a Christian background. Its the roots that bind it and no matter what your argument, it wont be leaving this genre anytime soon. Personally, I’m glad. Because there are a lot of people out there that believe in God and Jesus but don’t put their life into Christianity… yet on many occasions I have seen eyes well up and faith return after hearing one of these songs. I will never forget the moment I heard Craig Weisman & Ronnie Dunn sing “Believe” for the first time just a few days after it was written and there was not a dry eye in the house. If keeping Jesus in MUSIC helps a person become humble for just a moment… even the non believers, then its all worth it. If your still not happy with it… turn it off. Its your right. But its not going to change… and heaven forbid it does… because that will be the day we lose our freedom’s of expression and everything else this country was based on according to the Constitution.
Mary Royalty says:
Jesus needs to be everywhere. Without him we wouldn’t be where we are today. Jesus needs to be in country music. We need to pray for the ones who disagree.
Mary
Jeanne says:
Ignore such ridiculous comments. If this person doesn’t like the music, don’t listen.
thelma horne says:
i think that jesus should stay right where he is and any body that does not think so should keep their mouth shut thelma horne
Sharon says:
i don’t know if anyone thinks of it this way but that is a form of witness and anyone who isn’t a Christian or doesn’t believe in GOD those songs might help them start to believe in JESUS CHRIST no i do not think that JESUS should leave country music
luvncountry says:
I say put CHRIST back into CHRISTmas! Jesus IS the Reason for the Season, and EVERYone is entitled to celebrate in their own way. This season is way too commercial with buying, Santa, etc. Celebrate Jesus (God’s gift to us), our families and friends, and remembering those less fortunate.
Fot those (un)believers and/or scoffers, Jesus is YOUR gift too, whether or not you CHOOSE to acknowledge Him. Feel free to just enjoy any festivities & be thankful.
Jesus belongs in country music, but is needed in ANY genre.
Really, Alison? says:
Using Jesus to make money?
So country music’s kind of like a church then.
JANET says:
You go Thelma….Jesus should and needs to be in all things. The person who wrote this article needs to do some soul searching.
Gayle says:
Isn’t this America where you have the freedom of speech? If you don’t like what someone is singing about, don’t buy it, change the channel, or just sit there & whine about…oh wait, she did that!
countryiscool says:
Yeah right Red, and I’m sure Jesus is quaking in His sandals.
Stopcheck says:
I am so tired of people trying to take God and Jesus out of everything. We the many who love God will not be silenced.
countryiscool says:
Yes Stopcheck. He says those who acknowledge Him before men, He will acknowledge before the Father, and those who don’t, won’t be, by the same token. Keep letting your light shine!
Deanna Wheeler says:
As true down home country folk, our beliefs run deeply embeded and I for one enjoy that our Country songwriters have not forgotten that. Jesus has a place in all that we do including our music, it is just another way of enriching our lives. God Bless them!
Mary says:
Allison, I couldn’t agree more. I actually listen to all genres of music from Christian bands, but I listen to country music regardless of the artist.
Brittany your post dated “December 17th, 2008 at 11:50 am” said well.
Thank you.
Erin says:
That is one of the things that I love most about Country music… when everything in the rest of the world is kicking him out, Country continues to embrace him. Go country music!
RedMaZ says:
There’s no freedom of speech here.
countryiscool says:
Sure there is Red, you’re posting aren’t you?
RedMaZ says:
…and they’re deleting
countryiscool says:
Yeah, if I say ANYthing negative about ANYone artist, I’m booted off in a hurry, so I guess they REALLY take offense over negativity about Jesus. I’m good with that.
June says:
Those of us who belive (Christians) like references to our faith in our music or any other aspect of life. For those of you who find this ignorant or disagreable, consider this: A person going through life as a Christian and then dies goes to Heaven if Christianity is real. If this is ignorance as nonbelivers say, then nothing gained nor nothing lost. BUT if Christians have it right, then the nonbeliver who dies will spend eternity in hell! Think about it.
RedMaZ says:
Does Jesus forgive the deleters AND the deleted?
June says:
Jesus forgives All who truly repent and asks for forgiveness. Cool, right!
Dawn says:
I just read an article on a poll NBC took it was asking if people thought that In God we trust and under God should be taken off our money and out of the pledge of allegience. 87% of respondents said to LEAVE IT THERE!!!funny why do we always wind up listening to and doing what the 14% minority want.Enough already If you don’t like Jesus in country or God in America don’t listen but don’t force your unbelief on the rest of us.
Lauralynne says:
I feel that Jesus belongs in any genre of music. This country was founded by people who wanted the right to practice the religion of their choice. Too many Christians forget that and they have become hypocrites in that they feel if people don’t practice religion the way they do they are not TRUE Christians. I do not attend church any more because I have not found one (I am baptist) where I can live my life the way I want. I have been criticized for things family members do or don’t do, have been told that the church family is praying for me to change my family members so that they will “conform” and go to heaven. Who are they to judge me or my family members? That is for God to judge me, not my peers. As to the comment one poster made along the lines of “if you don’t believe in God get out of our country”; sorry but that attitude is just what this country was founded for to prevent the minority forcing their views on the majority. USA Citizens have the RIGHT to practice the religion or NON religion of THEIR choice. If you hear a song on the radio and you don’t like the message, change the channel and don’t buy that music. Kenny Chesney has a song on his Road & The Radio cd called Freedom. That song’s message fits here on this topic. “Some say that freedom’s the power to do what one pleases, you can live like the devil or hold onto Jesus” is a small portion of that song that I am so very glad is allowed in music because that sums it all up for me. As well as “Through the joy and pain that living brings, don’t we all want the same thing….FREEDOM. So let there be God and Jesus in our music, whatever genre that may be.
Lauralynne says:
I forgot to mention in my previous post, Kenny Chesney’s song Everybody Wants to Go To Heaven came on while I was posting and I don’t like the notion that you have to “pay” to get into Heaven. I believe that it is more how you live your life that will get you into Heaven, but hey I still love that song.
Also the first time I heard Brooks and Dunn’s song “Believe” I had goose bumps pop out all over my body and I felt Gods spirit enter my soul. That is powerful stuff and if a song can produce that effect on me I say that is a positive thing about music. It is the backbone of country music and needs to stay. Too many people want to change things to fit their notion of perfect. But there are too many different people in this world to make music conform to just one way. We need to let music be what it is….the artist expressing his or her views for the enjoyment of like minded people. And if you don’t share that view, don’t listen. Find some other artist that sings about what you do like and leave my kind of music alone so that I can enjoy it.
countryiscool says:
Lauren, I was brought up in a small town in the NW and MY faith is important to me too- faith plays no favorites, as to region, gender, church affiliation, genre of music, etc. You either have it or you don’t, and for those of us who DO, I appreciate it wherever I find it-in like-minded people OR songs. I don’t care for the KC song because not only does it imply getting into heaven by “works,” but it leaves the impression heaven is the LAST resort, as in “when I’ve had my fun HERE, then ok.” We don’t get to pick & choose our time to go normally. Anyway, I am with most of you in your positive FAITH sentiments. Keep letting your light shine!
Merry CHRISTmas all!
Mark Aho says:
The irony here is that the person who could really use a little Jesus is the one who wants none of it. I used to get really perturbed with the whole separation of church and anything, but after a little examination it’s easier to wish more for these people than hold a grudge. More irony - look back to Sawyer Brown’s “They Don’t Understand” (a great song that was underplayed) and the whole inclusion of Jesus in music and accepting other’s views and issues hits home. So I say “good for you and thanks for your opinion” to the gentleman who wants Jesus out - but we will surely keep ours and the artists there - and if we don’t bend just because we are asked - Jesus and his tunes can inspire and entertain us for a long time.
Karen Hinman says:
I’m so glad I clicked on this article. The person writing that article undoubted has not clue how much Jesue is the reason for the songs being written, the talent of the artists singing the songs & the love of the public to listen to & purchase the songs. They need to get a life!
Praise the Lord for Christianity coming to the forefront in Country music. I love Alan Jackson & his love for Jesus & how God healed his marriage & career.
countryiscool says:
Speaking of Christmas and gifts, I want to share (in part) what I found in an article about what God Himself wants for Christmas, it is priceless!
“You know and I know what it is God wants as a Christmas present, what He dreams about at 11:30 p.m. on the twenty-fourth of December. Obviously the Ruler of the universe, who owns the universe and all the cattle on a thousand hills, doesn’t want packages and bows and tinsel and toys. The one gift He wants is us. He wants our love and our loyalty and our friendship.
All He wants is you. No one else will do. Not just a part, He wants all of your heart. All He wants is all of you. All He wants is you.”
Your love is a “gift” to be given AND received–ALL YEAR LONG!
Barbara Billings says:
Jesus can be wherever he wants to be. No mere mortal can say where he should or should not be. If music about Jesus (Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord) reaches even one person, then that’s tatamount to Millions listening to Jesus. I would like to also remind the writer, we are never promised one more day or night. And maybe he/she can do something positive. Instead of getting on the Jesus bashing wagon.
Jeesh
Gloria says:
I love listening to music about Jesus and God.I listen too
all kinds of music.I say leave Jesus and God along we all
need them in our lives.
RedMaZ says:
“They ain’t making Jews like Jesus anymore” - KF
Katie Suttle says:
Jesus should be in everything including country music !!!!
kim says:
I’m with you sister. Also proud of all the artists who stand up and thank god for all he has done for them. And for the gentleman who said not to get worked up over something you read on the internet …….. We didnt get worked up when they took him out of schools. And we’ve been fighting ever since to put him back. It’s time Christians stood up and did the right thing instead of sitting back and accepting everything thrown at us. God bless you all and Merry Christmas.
Countryiscool says:
Yes Kim, that’s the only thing I like about award shows- to see whom the artists give credit to- plus reading the CD jackets for the same thing. I love it when they recognize and acknowledge Who has given them their gift or talent.
craig says:
lets keep jesus in country music. The more the better!
Debjo says:
I totally agree with you Alison. Jesus belongs everywhere, especially in music. So many people listen to music and it touches their heart. I absolutely adore hearing people sing about their spirituality. Jesus would be proud.
Daryl says:
lets keep Jesus in country music, I can live without non-believers.
WWJD says:
Jesus belongs everywhere!!!!!!
Luvncountry says:
I see my response to Red’s “Jew” comment was deleted. Don’t know what was wrong with it. Now I know what he/she meant about “no free speech here” and being deleted.
Rick Tittle says:
Give me a break! You can’t say Merry Christmas and now this. Where’s it gonna end.
Jennifer says:
This just shows that country music singers show their love for GOD, and if someone dosen’t like it to bad. I think if they want to sing about God let’em Most of my favorite songs have something about God. “In God We Still Trust”. Also if you don’t like it don’t listen to it and shut-up. This country was based on Christianity. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with other religions but come on this is ONE NATION UNDER GOD, and I don’t think it should change.
Audrey says:
My first thought when I seen.This blog page is are you crazy.I sugest if don’t like song that have Jesus and god in them.Then don’t listen to them I don’t like song that talk about getting drunk.I listen to a differnt song.Song that god and jesus in them can make me happy.But there are other songs that make me happy that do not have jesus.I listen to a lot of differnt music.I really do not under stand what is the big deal.If those of us that dont like drinking (getting drunk) music.Suggest to take those kinda songs away.There would being war.I listen to pandora radio station there are a lot more country songs that talking about drinking.I know you have right to listen to the music you like or dont like.You are for getting that there are people that like songs that have god in them.
Kenny McCarty says:
I am a sixty year old picker. I started in country and am still known as a country picker. I have complained about Nashville taking the “country” out of music for the past few years. I had became totally disgusted with Nashville about that, but when I started noticing that Nashville was including Jesus in what they released, I changed my attitude. I have to believe that real, country minded, musicians were raised in a Christian atmosphere. With all of the politically correct stuff going on today, Nashville’s country music is about the only thing happening in America that has to do with “God”. God is the only way for humanity. “Jesus” is the only way to “God”. Thank you Nashville for standing up for our saviour…….Kenny
Bonnie says:
you know ,I belive in God and his son Jesus.I also love these songs there are not enough of them .We christans have rights to ,Maybe we need to start downing some of there hateful nasty sons .
Phyllis says:
Alison, You go girl! If God/Jesus hadn’t been taken out of government, music, peoples lives,etc…our nation wouldn’t be in the mess it’s in right now. If they don’t like hearing Jesus in country music (or any other music)….change the station!!
dylan says:
onley a retard would take or even think about taking religon out of music espetialy country music
Cathy says:
We need Jesus that is what is wrong with the world now everyone wants to take Jesus out of everything. I enjoy country music and I am very proud that county music still sing about Jesus.
(Susan) says:
They took JESUS out of school & why do you think theres shootings & killings going on. If they would let “JESUS TAKE THEIR WHEEL”,their would be # 1 on their charts.Why do you think our Goverment is so messed up they need JESUS!!! & UNTILL our people figerds that out, You people need as I said JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL.? What about you`re Kids, what would you say to them. WOULD YOU WANT GOOD OR EVIL FOR THEM it`s up to YOU….I LOVE JESUS & want whats best for our Kid`s & Goverment & Us..
Ron says:
What was the name of the one album that a certain fellow that wasn’t to be mentioned awhile back.
Linda says:
Guys I seldom blog but this one really got to me! If you have listented to country music from the beging you would understand it has it’s roots in gospel music! One of my all time favorites is I Saw the Light by Hank Williams Sr.
,and all the way up to Trace Adkins, Muddy Water. Many Many country stars began singing in Church.
Like so many have said onn this blog, simply CHANGE THE CHANNEL!