How Do U All Feel about Mary Mary's song, "It's the God in Me"

[chicacanella]

When I first heard it, I liked the beat and I knew it was them but I was a little surprised at how "urban" it sounded.

So, we all know that alot of old tymers would have a problem with the beat of this song. How do you guys feel about Gospel or Christian singers producing songs like this?

Just wondering.

 

[Farida]

I love hip Gospel songs. The church-style contemporary worship music has never been my thing. If more artists made catchy gospel songs I would be all over it. It only gets crazy when people are like "shake that booty in the name of the Lord."

 

[Maynard]

I love this song. I have no issues with this.

 

[chrstndiva]

I like the song. I have no issues with it. I think it's the message of the song that really matters.

 

[**Tasha*Love**]

I like it and the words are wonderful! I purchased the CD last night and they have alot of good songs on there. The beat does make me move but I don't see anything wrong with praising God with dance.

 

[Jenaee]

I really like the song and can relate to what it's saying.

 

[SoniT]

I like it.

 

[Shimmie]

Mary, Mary have always had 'catchy' rhythms with their music.

"Shackles" had my babies dancing all over the house and in the van... It was one of the songs that they would all sing together, heads nodding, shoulders a' goin', feet a' movin' Children are so adorable when they sing and dance.

Mary, Mary has a 'Birthday Song' too, that really rocks... I think it was called, Tavis's Birthday... (I need someone to correct me on this).

I love music, period. I have to admit that I'm particial to quiet "Worship Music' (Ce-Ce Winans, Juanita Bynum, Hossanah Singers, Integrity Worship Songs, Bryan Duncan, Ron Kenoly, Alvin Slaugther, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Dennis Jernigan, and others; Contemporary Christian Music and many of the hymns. It's settles my spirit.

But at family gatherings / parties, songs like "Mary, Mary" set a 'gospel' party mood, as opposed to secular words and harsh rap music.

 

[chicacanella]

Yeah, I agree Shimmie. I do think songs like this are a good alternative to harsh rap music. I was just thinking about Craig G. Lewis.

I don't know but he seems like an "accuser of the brethern" to me. Not saying he shouldn't judge but I just feel like the way he calls people out is not right. Okay, in 1 Corinthians 5 I believe it says that we should judge those in the church and not out...I don't know. I just feel something isn't right in the way he goes about doing what he does.

 

[Shimmie]

Yeah, I agree Shimmie. I do think songs like this are a good alternative to harsh rap music. I was just thinking about Craig G. Lewis.

I don't know but he seems like an "accuser of the brethern" to me. Not saying he shouldn't judge but I just feel like the way he calls people out is not right. Okay, in 1 Corinthians 5 I believe it says that we should judge those in the church and not out...I don't know. I just feel something isn't right in the way he goes about doing what he does.

I need to read / listen to Craig Lewis. I've read a few of his commentaries, but not extensively. He seems to be the 'straight and narrow' mindset of Christianity. He's probably seen so much foolishness, that he's sounding off, or he's narcissistic. It seems that more non-Christians agree with Craig Lewis, for they relish that he is 'tearing' at Christians and the Church.

On the other hand, I've seen Mary, Mary numerous times and I don't sense them as a threat to our faith. I like them and wish them continued success and even more blessings to know the Lord.

Hearts to you 'Chica'

 

[OhmyKimB]

I like it! I don't like a LOT of hip (hop?) Christian songs cuz the ones I always seem to hear have no substance like regular hip hop

 

[Avyn]

I like it!! I really have never gotten into the whole choir sound. I typically gravitate towards the "urban" Christian sound. I typically love anybody on the Cross Movement label. Their lyrics are so tight!! IMHO The love, truth and power of God really shines through any beat and sound as long as thats where the artist's heart is.

 

[Ramya]

I don't like it. I have no problem with mainstream Christian music but for some reason that song just doesn't sit right with me. I don't like their new sound.

 

[foxxymami]

I had never heard of it until this thread so I went and googled it. I like it! The message is......IDK, like youthful and energetic. Strong message!

I love the song "Get Up", its my new ringtone. Now that I've heard God In Me, I think I'll go by their CD. I've always enjoyed Mary Mary's music

 

[chicacanella]

I don't like it. I have no problem with mainstream Christian music but for some reason that song just doesn't sit right with me. I don't like their new sound.

I like the song and in a way, I felt as if they were trying to imitate the world with the beats. But then again I was thinking that there are songs for worship and songs that make us want to get up and dance. I guess I suppose as long as it glorifies God and produces good fruit, then it's okay.

I know sometimes, like Shimmie said that you want to play music at family gatherings or parties but not always revering worship music.

I just hope people don't think they can booty-shake to this music.

 

[blue_flower]

I didn't know that was a gospel song. I thought it was a club song. I like it though. It has a lot of energy to it.

 

[He_Leads_I_follow]

I didn't know that was a gospel song. I thought it was a club song. I like it though. It has a lot of energy to it.

And there we have it!

 

[chicacanella]

And there we have it!

That's another thing. I was wondering if this song would really bring people to Christ or glorify God. I mean, it could be for alread stable Christians. I don't know but I find myself not even having the desire to listen to secular music while exercising anymore... I guess the holy spirit has no desire for it since he is living in me. But before, I would find non-sinful secular songs with a good beat to it but now, I really can't find many songs I like listening to.

 

[jwhitley6]

I LOVE this song....and "Get Up". They are both in heavy rotation....they think I'm so fresh....LOL!

 

[jwhitley6]

I had never heard of it until this thread so I went and googled it. I like it! The message is......IDK, like youthful and energetic. Strong message!

I love the song "Get Up", its my new ringtone. Now that I've heard God In Me, I think I'll go by their CD. I've always enjoyed Mary Mary's music

I think it's an awesome CD. I love Seattle, Dirt, Forgiven Me and I Worship You. This album truly ministers to me and that's what it's about.

 

[ClassicChic]

I don't like it. I have no problem with mainstream Christian music but for some reason that song just doesn't sit right with me. I don't like their new sound.

I don't particularly care for the song, either. I listen to hip-hop and when I am in the mood to listen to gospel, I want something a little more toned-down.

 

[Ramya]

I like the song and in a way, I felt as if they were trying to imitate the world with the beats. But then again I was thinking that there are songs for worship and songs that make us want to get up and dance. I guess I suppose as long as it glorifies God and produces good fruit, then it's okay.

I know sometimes, like Shimmie said that you want to play music at family gatherings or parties but not always revering worship music.

I just hope people don't think they can booty-shake to this music.

I was talking to a friend of mine about this recently. We were both thrown off by a song that came on the radio by another artist. We both were commenting on how the radio station was cutting the Sunday morning gospel show short and were shocked when we realized it was a gospel song . I don't know how I feel about this new "meet the world half way" movement. My conclusion right now is that the message is not for us (Christians like me and my friend) but for others. erplexed It still doesn't sit right with me but I'm not sure why and it bothers me.

 

[trenise]

I have not heard this particular song before, however there was a time when the very traditional old gospel music made me depressed. I wasn't saved at the time, so perhaps this had something to do with it

I like contemporary Christian music like the kind played on American Family Radio and also some of the upbeat "urban". However, there have been some songs so sensual, I thought they sounded like they were for the bedroom

But in general, I don't say that even these songs are of the devil. That's a comment I've heard often. Each artist is accountable to God for his/her motive of the song and whether or not it was inspired by the Holy Ghost.

As I hear and compare the very old songs, like from the period of Mahalia Jackson, then the period of the early Clark Sisters, to the period of Commissioned, to the period of Kirk Franklin, etc., I notice that even though the styles change, they still seem to reflect the common sound that was going on in the culture at the time. 70's music sounds like 70's music not matter the genre IMO.

 

[trenise]

I was talking to a friend of mine about this recently. We were both thrown off by a song that came on the radio by another artist. We both were commenting on how the radio station was cutting the Sunday morning gospel show short and were shocked when we realized it was a gospel song . I don't know how I feel about this new "meet the world half way" movement. My conclusion right now is that the message is not for us (Christians like me and my friend) but for others. erplexed It still doesn't sit right with me but I'm not sure why and it bothers me.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the artists have to give an account to God for why they are making the music they make- is it because they sought the Lord and this was the song in them after prayer, worship, praise, a revelation? or is it something that will pull in big bucks and get a lot of play time and/or cross over?

I am very uncomfortable with compromise as far as faith and values is concerned. The reason why this does not sit right with me is because I think it will lead to a watered down gospel. By that I mean that the truth won't fully be preached for the sake of getting along, being nice, bringing in new church members(not new Christians). Words and phrases like sin and going to hell are being replaced with bad habits and separation from God to make the message more acceptable...anyway, there's my rant. Let me get outta here.

 

[christie_love]

The scripture..."Make a joyful noise unto the Lord..." comes to mind. I think all music comes from God. There is no good or evil music per say; you can take any arrangement played on different instruments and I think it evokes different feelings in different people. Now, put words to the arrangements and the creator directs a message to be associated with the arrangement. If the words, or the song without words is being presented to God as their joyful noise, that is indeed between them and God. Even if we don't hear the joy and it just sounds like noise.

You can take every section of Christian and Gospel music...i.e. Traditional, contemporary, Christian Rock, Southern Gospel, Urban Gospel. Each group has a large population of fans, and some people cross over and like a few different types of Christian music; but I wouldn't say one is more Christian than another. I think it has to do with personal preference and what feelings the music invokes in me; and I think our preference is somewhat shaped by our upbringing and what we relate to.

I know some people who will just get down to some rap song because the beat is so tight, but the words are horribly derogatory..."oh I just like the beat" they’d say. The words do direct your thought process. Unless I can listen to the beat without hearing the words, I'll just have to sacrifice ever liking the song because I don't want to be forced to listen to garbage if I just like some beat. So, now you have these Christian/Inspirational songs that have a nice beat too. Now, I can like and stand to listen to upbeat music and be lead to think something positive, or it may invoke me to think about my relationship with God; but I don't feel offended. It may lead me to play my Praise and Worship next, and make my joyful noise, too. Just my opinion.

 

[PaperClip]

The scripture..."Make a joyful noise unto the Lord..." comes to mind. I think all music comes from God. There is no good or evil music per say; you can take any arrangement played on different instruments and I think it evokes different feelings in different people. Now, put words to the arrangements and the creator directs a message to be associated with the arrangement. If the words, or the song without words is being presented to God as their joyful noise, that is indeed between them and God. Even if we don't hear the joy and it just sounds like noise.

You can take every section of Christian and Gospel music...i.e. Traditional, contemporary, Christian Rock, Southern Gospel, Urban Gospel. Each group has a large population of fans, and some people cross over and like a few different types of Christian music; but I wouldn't say one is more Christian than another. I think it has to do with personal preference and what feelings the music invokes in me; and I think our preference is somewhat shaped by our upbringing and what we relate to.

I know some people who will just get down to some rap song because the beat is so tight, but the words are horribly derogatory..."oh I just like the beat" they’d say. The words do direct your thought process. Unless I can listen to the beat without hearing the words, I'll just have to sacrifice ever liking the song because I don't want to be forced to listen to garbage if I just like some beat. So, now you have these Christian/Inspirational songs that have a nice beat too. Now, I can like and stand to listen to upbeat music and be lead to think some think positive, or it may invoke me to think about my relationship with God; but I don't feel offended. It may lead me to play my Praise and Worship next, and make my joyful noise, too. Just my opinion.

Per the bolded: all music ORIGINATES from the Lord God Almighty because He CREATED everything. However (because of free will), His creations (including music) can be PERVERTED. The devil (the artist formerly known as Lucifer) was the chief musician in heaven and when he was kicked out of heaven (because of pride) and is now known as satan has PERVERTED the music for himself. So just like many things can be used for good or evil, music is among such things.

Somebody righfully said something upthread about how people will listen to the beat versus the words.... well, if the gospel is about spreading the "good news" but nobody can hear the good news because of the DISTRACTION OF THE BEAT, then was that good news spread?

One thing I think is very wicked that has permeated gospel music is the SAMPLING of secular songs into gospel songs. I guess since Diddy did it, Kirk Franklin (among others) thought it was alright to do.... put a worldly beat behind some so-called gospel words/messages.... hmmmm.... how effective can that truly be? Am I listening to "Stomp" because of the message or am I reminiscing on the Parliament Funkadelic bass line? And if I'm thinking about the "One Nation Under A Groove " bass line in that song, am I giving any attention to the words? How about not really unless/until the Holy Spirit comes and gives me some kind of check/warning about getting off course....

 

[Glib Gurl]

This is an interesting post. I think the beat on the song is tiiight. BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there) I actually think the message is not scripturally sound. Actually I feel that way about a couple of Mary Mary songs . . . which is not to knock them, because I love their music . . . but the parts of the song where they're talking about how they're all talking about "Gucci" and "shine" -- uhm, that's basically saying that the only reason folks are materially blessed is because of God. Is that to say that if a person is broke that they're cursed of God? Also, is that to say that folks like, say, Paris Hilton are highly favored because of their wealth?

I will say that I like that Mary Mary's music crosses over into the mainstream. I felt a little beam of pride a few weeks back when Ugly Betty used a clip from their song "Get Up" for a musical montage.

So, all of this is to say that I'm an undecided (and quite possibly a hypocrite).

*turns on Mary Mary Christmas cd*

 

[chicacanella]

This is an interesting post. I think the beat on the song is tiiight. BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there) I actually think the message is not scripturally sound. Actually I feel that way about a couple of Mary Mary songs . . . which is not to knock them, because I love their music . . . but the parts of the song where they're talking about how they're all talking about "Gucci" and "shine" -- uhm, that's basically saying that the only reason folks are materially blessed is because of God. Is that to say that if a person is broke that they're cursed of God? Also, is that to say that folks like, say, Paris Hilton are highly favored because of their wealth?

I will say that I like that Mary Mary's music crosses over into the mainstream. I felt a little beam of pride a few weeks back when Ugly Betty used a clip from their song "Get Up" for a musical montage.

So, all of this is to say that I'm an undecided (and quite possibly a hypocrite).

*turns on Mary Mary Christmas cd*

You know what? I was just laying in bed thinking about this before I woke up. How they were talking about being so "fresh and clean" and what not. I don't know, I guess it is a personal conviction. I wouldn't say it is a conviction...God knows but I will say that I do not have the desire I did before to listen to secular music as I did in the past. There are very few songs now, that I can listen to and actually have an affinity towards. Very few. It just sounds like noise to me now...like I hear it but I don't hear it.

Worship music on the other hand is different. I love, love to invoke the prescence of God through worship. "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth."


John 4:24

I don't know much about Mary Mary cause' I don't listen to them BUT I wills say that if all there music uses words like "he" when they are speaking about Jesus or rarely speaks the Word of God, then there is a problem.

If the Word of God is in us, then it is suppose to come out; not stay in.

 

[chicacanella]

This is an interesting post. I think the beat on the song is tiiight. BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there) I actually think the message is not scripturally sound. Actually I feel that way about a couple of Mary Mary songs . . . which is not to knock them, because I love their music . . . but the parts of the song where they're talking about how they're all talking about "Gucci" and "shine" -- uhm, that's basically saying that the only reason folks are materially blessed is because of God. Is that to say that if a person is broke that they're cursed of God? Also, is that to say that folks like, say, Paris Hilton are highly favored because of their wealth?

I will say that I like that Mary Mary's music crosses over into the mainstream. I felt a little beam of pride a few weeks back when Ugly Betty used a clip from their song "Get Up" for a musical montage.

So, all of this is to say that I'm an undecided (and quite possibly a hypocrite).

*turns on Mary Mary Christmas cd*

I will say that to me, when the world readily accepts you then there is also likely a problem. I mean, didn't Jesus say because the world hated him that they would hate us too? How can two walk together lest they agree? Amos 3:3.

What fellowship can light have with darkness?

When Jesus had a feast with the tax collectors, he did so he could call them from their sins.

Luke 5: 29-32

29Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

31Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."


So, when their is always harmony and never a disagreement with the world or a person in the world, then something is wrong. Our light should be shining on them, not an artificial light but true light.

 

[christie_love]

Per the bolded: all music ORIGINATES from the Lord God Almighty because He CREATED everything. However (because of free will), His creations (including music) can be PERVERTED. The devil (the artist formerly known as Lucifer) was the chief musician in heaven and when he was kicked out of heaven (because of pride) and is now known as satan has PERVERTED the music for himself. So just like many things can be used for good or evil, music is among such things.

Somebody righfully said something upthread about how people will listen to the beat versus the words.... well, if the gospel is about spreading the "good news" but nobody can hear the good news because of the DISTRACTION OF THE BEAT, then was that good news spread?

One thing I think is very wicked that has permeated gospel music is the SAMPLING of secular songs into gospel songs. I guess since Diddy did it, Kirk Franklin (among others) thought it was alright to do.... put a worldly beat behind some so-called gospel words/messages.... hmmmm.... how effective can that truly be? Am I listening to "Stomp" because of the message or am I reminiscing on the Parliament Funkadelic bass line? And if I'm thinking about the "One Nation Under A Groove " bass line in that song, am I giving any attention to the words? How about not really unless/until the Holy Spirit comes and gives me some kind of check/warning about getting off course....

I do agree with you on every point. And the lyrics to this particular song lean more towards being boastful or proud of material goods than humble in spirit when trying to get people to recognize the source of your blessings. On a scale of -5...0...+5, -5 being secular and +5 being spiritual. I'd give this a 0. I personally wouldn't label it secular because of the beat, but I also wouldn't give it pluses for saying "God" and "pray". So, to me it has a neutral value.