music
In lyrics, Prince philosophized, theologized and just plain preached
By Kimberly Winston — April 20, 2017
(RNS) A sampling of Prince's more religious songs.
Organists declining but still in demand for Easter
By Adelle M. Banks — April 13, 2017
(RNS) One organist had to decline three out of four invitations to play the instrument on Easter Sunday: 'I simply can only sit on one organ bench at a time.'
Jewish-Hindu musician sings about Allah in new album for kids
By Kimberly Winston — March 8, 2017
(RNS) The album was initially part of a larger project to explore world religions on several albums. But President Trump's travel ban and the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment prompted Ben Lee to bring out a solo album about Islam first.
Beyonce, Chance the Rapper, A Tribe Called Quest bring religion to Grammys
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 13, 2017
(RNS) Perhaps the performance richest in religious imagery was Beyonce's, which evoked iconography of the divine mother from several faith traditions.
Songs of worship: Why we sing to the Lord
By The Conversation — February 12, 2017
(The Conversation) Sacred music has a unique ability to engage both body and mind. It brings people together in expressing gratitude, praise, sorrow and even protest against injustice.
Chris Tomlin: This election will come and go, but music is eternal
By Kirkland An — November 8, 2016
(RNS) 'Give people a song to sing, something to say, in the midst of deep hurt and darkness and not knowing which way to turn,' he says.
Journey keyboardist embraces Christian music with open arms
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 26, 2016
(RNS) Jonathan Cain will release his solo Christian album, 'What God Wants to Hear,' Oct. 21 on Identity Records.
Justin Bieber performs Christian worship song before thousands
By Jonathan Merritt — September 22, 2016
This public display of faith in conjunction with his other shenanigans raises questions about whether it's helpful for celebrities to broadcast their faith.
Christian rock star comes out as gay. Here’s the letter he wrote to the world
By Jonathan Merritt — May 31, 2016
(RNS) 'I never wanted to be gay,' Trey Pearson said. 'I was scared of what God would think and what all of these people I loved would think about me.'
Pastor pens verses on gun violence sung to the tune of church hymns
By Adelle M. Banks — December 3, 2015
(RNS) The new verses that the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette pens are tools for moving people beyond the paralysis they may feel when they hear the latest bad news.
When it comes to worship music, Hispanic churches look within
By Jesse James DeConto — August 26, 2015
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) Hispanic congregations are following in the footsteps of Pentecostal churches by raising up music and worship ministers from within, even if they can’t fret a guitar string.
African-American opera singer revives the songs of the shtetl
By Kimberly Winston — July 31, 2015
BERKELEY, Calif. (RNS) A 6-foot-tall African-American, Russell performs Yiddish songs from New York to Florida, from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, to full houses and wide acclaim.
Jeremy Messersmith wears his atheist heart on his sleeve
By Chris Stedman — October 20, 2014
Atheist musician Jeremy Messersmith tells RNS how his experiences as a former Christian inspired his most recent album, what he believes now, and why relating to his religious family can feel like going to a Renaissance Festival.
How Lecrae mixed rap and theology to find huge, mainstream success
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — September 26, 2014
(RNS) Rapper Lecrae’s popularity has been brewing for a few years now, but the churchgoing artist became the hottest Christian in the mainstream this month.
The top 5 atheist anthems: The Flaming Lips, Björk, Portugal. The Man
By Chris Stedman — July 11, 2014
What are your favorite atheist songs? Here are our top 5, including songs from John Grant and Bill Callahan.
