Christian
Radio
Changing
America: Christian Radio Stations and Music to
Inspire
There seems to be a slight
revival of Christianity with all that's happening
in the world right now. Some of this is championed
by the Christian radio stations who inspire
listeners with contemporary, new worship, and good
old time southern gospel songs. Praise God.
We've all heard them. But, I
would like to present a bit of history and respect
for all the Christian radio stations out there who
tirelessly present worship and inspirational music
without end.
The History
Radio stations with a
Christian message have been a presence on the radio
for a long time. There are those that play
Christian themed music and some Christian radio
broadcast talk programs, preachers and news
features.
Some of the stations are
commercially run and reliant on revenue from
advertisers and others are financially supported by
listeners and Christian organizations. Music
choices include gospel songs and modern pop style
music with Christian lyrics.
Family Encouragement from
Radio
One of the major evangelical
organizations in the United States, involved in
Christian radio, is Focus
on the Family. A
daily broadcast is given by founder James Dobson,
offering free counseling to families in difficult
situations.
They firmly advocate
traditional family values and are politically
conservative. They also produce a children's drama
series called Adventures in Odyssey with Christian
themes set in a fictional town. Some of the plot
lines are taken from biblical stories.
The Radio Theater division
has recorded audio versions on cassette and CD of
the Father Gilbert Mysteries, the story of a police
officer who becomes a priest. They have also
produced adaptations of popular literature,
including the Chronicles of Narnia and Dickens' A
Christmas Carol.
Oldie but a
Goodie
Another radio drama with a
hard-hitting Christian message is Unshackled.
Starting in 1950, it's the longest running radio
drama series ever and is broadcast in seven
different languages.
The episodes revolve around
the conversion of someone to Christianity and these
sometimes involve true life stories of well known
people. Ken Engle is a veteran broadcaster who has
presented many Christian radio shows over the
years, including Moments of Melody, Moment to
Remember, The Emmaus Bible Hour and What the Bible
Teaches.
Contemporary Gospel Music
and Rock
Many pop and soft rock
artists are played on Christian radio, addressing a
younger generation with their version of worship
music. Singer songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman has
won five Grammy Awards in the pop / gospel
category, has also written inspirational books,
supports charities and has had success in the Asian
record market.
Third Day is a rock outfit
from Georgia, taking their name from the story of
Christ rising from the dead on the third day. They
too have had Grammy success, winning the 2003 and
2005 award for Best Rock Gospel Album.
The most successful Christian
recording artist is Amy Grant, a familiar presence
on Christian radio. She has had mainstream success
and was the first artist to achieve platinum sales
with a Christian record.
So, there you have it. Some
history and some recent news about what is going on
with Christian radio and the stories behind the
programs. Have you tuned in for listening to some
southern gospel or contemporary music lately?
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