Dive into the rise and fall of Christian rock from the '90s and early 2000s, examining its impact on the culture wars. Learn about the nostalgic bands like Newsboys and Third Day, and how they influenced evangelical ideologies. Discover the evolution of rock music in Christian circles and its role in shaping beliefs and societal values.
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Youth Retreat Memories
Ann Helen Peterson recalls a ninth-grade winter youth retreat with Presbyterian churches.
DC Talk's music, especially "Jesus Freak," evokes strong memories of this experience.
insights INSIGHT
CCM's Cultural Influence
Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) reflects the broader goals of certain groups to influence American culture.
The music served as a leading indicator of their political and theological values, shaping activism and discourse.
insights INSIGHT
Creating a Separate Sphere
CCM was part of a larger project by white evangelicals to create a separate cultural sphere.
This included music, movies, and books, offering an alternative to mainstream, "secular" media.
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If you grew up in or adjacent to evangelical culture, the sounds of ‘90s and early 2000s Christian Rock are as familiar to you as the beginning bars of Britney Spears “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” The Newsboys, dcTalk, Jars of Clay, Third Day, Jennifer Knapp, Caedmon’s Call — these groups peaked just twenty years ago, but the sound and vibe feels like an archeological find. Same for the crossover “secular” hits from Creed, Lifehouse, Sixpence None the Richer, and Switchfoot. Where did Christian rock go? Did it just get devoured by Nickelback and Noah Kahan? Was it actually good? And what purpose did it actually serve in what we now understand as the evangelical culture war?
Leah Payne, author of a God Gave Rock & Roll To You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music joins us to root the rise of Christian rock in history — and consider the ways it was wielded to control teens. If you grew up in this culture, there will be a lot of nostalgic groaning; if you didn’t, we’ve worked hard to make it as accessible as possible — and help connect some dots about how evangelical ideologies work their way into the mainstream.
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Culture Study Podcast