The Top 10 Theologically Best (and Worst) Worship Songs

Todd Korpi January 27, 2012 44

Worship at its very definition is an act of devotion and an expression of adoration towards a deity. The holy scriptures use several words to shed light on what worship means. The word which I believe best illustrates worship, in a corporate setting, is “proskuneo”, which literally means to kiss a hand, like a serf in reverence to his king–to lay prostrate, to bow,to adore in reverence (Matt 28.9, Jhn 4.24, Rev 5.14).

Over the years, there have been songs that have been released to churches en masse to aid in the delivery of said worship.

Some of these worship choruses and psalms nail it on the head theologically and live up to the term “worship” in its most fundamental of forms.

Some…ehh…not so much.

In the spaces below you will find the top ten theologically best and worst “worship” songs to date. This list was compiled not only by myself but with invaluable help and input from my beautiful wife, Tara Korpi. This is not an all-encompassing list, just the ones we have picked out for careful observation and analysis.

Please understand, just because a song makes the “worst” list does not mean it is heretical, rather it just means that it doesn’t meet the aforementioned literal and biblical definition of worship. The songs are probably better suited for an iPod or a nice run while reflecting on God’s goodness. When the church meets, it’s attitude of worship should be directed TO God and not to anyone or anything else.

(each song title is linked to a youtube version for your musical convenience)

Top 10 Best Theologically Best Worship Songs

10. Holy, Holy, Holy (Reginald Herber)
 Oldy, but a goody. This song is scriptural (literally) and highlights the omnipotence and kingship of Christ. There is no trace of a man-centered gospel.

9. I Give You Glory (Klaus Keuhn)
What constitutes worship better than, “I give you glory, Jesus”?

8. Great is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas Chrisholm)
There’s probably not much need for explanation here. A beautiful song; describes the deity of God as well as his omni-benevolence. Yummy yummy in my theological tummy.

7. Rooftops (Jon Egan and Packiam Glenn Previn, made popular by JesusCulture)
This song describes an incredible anthem of dedication in service to God. It elevates God to His rightful place as Lord of our lives (“So I shout out your name, from the rooftops I proclaim, that I am yours. All that I am, I place into your loving hands…”). It is an absolutely wonderful proclamation of allegiance.

6. I Exalt Thee (Pete Sanchez, Jr.)
The poetic diction used throughout this song has always astounded me. Recently, JesusCulture, the group who has taken the worship music keys away from Hillsong United (and the Angels rejoice), has remixed this song, perking the ears of young hipster whippersnappers everywhere. Normally, I’m not a fan of 1611 english, but “For Thou alone art high above all the earth. Thou art exalted far above all gods” can’t be ignored as a beautiful verbal picture painted by author Pete Sanchez, Jr.

5. Glorious (JesusCulture)
Once again, a song which sings of who God is and much less about who we are and what God’s abilities can do for us.

4. Holy (Matt Gilman)
Not only are the lyrics to this song absolutely incredible (and scriptural) but the music is of such a nature that it is ingeniously put together for worship in a private or corporate setting. Bravo, Matt Gilman. Normally, I’m not much of a fan of the theology that goes into making a lot of IHOP-er songs (or lack of theology, rather), but Gilman is a stud when it comes to “Holy”.

3. Revelation Song (Jennie Lee Riddle, made popular by Kari Jobe)
A friend of mine and I often wonder if many of the songs Kari Jobe sings aren’t her singing to her future husband rather than God, but obviously the Revelation Song isn’t one of them. Some have called this the “‘Shout to the Lord’ of the new century” and I would agree, for two reasons: it’s beautifully written and timeless, and it runs the risk of being played to death now that it has reached mainstream attention.

2. Great I Am (Jared Anderson)
I encourage you to google the words to this song. No, better yet, YouTube it and listen to it. Anderson begins the song with a personal expression of desire to be close to God followed by some good ol’ fashioned B-I-B-L-E in the chorus chopped up and served on a beautifully arranged platter of musical poetry. The bridge however, is a spiritual defibrillator, “the mountains shake before you, the demons run and flee, at the mention of your name, King of Majesty. There is no power in hell or any who can stand before the power and the presence of the Great I Am.”

1. Death in His Grave (John Mark McMillan)
This song isn’t normally credited as being a worship song, but if you take the opportunity to read the lyrics or buy the song (I recommend the whole stinkin’ album) then you will see why I listed this in the top ten best worship songs. The reason I believe it deserves the number one slot is because the poetic expression which McMillan uses in the crafting of this song is nothing short of brilliant. The imagery is without question top notch in modern Christendom–yes, I just said that. This song depicts exactly what the Christ story is all about; Christ’s death and triumphant resurrection and victory over death and sin. I can’t say enough good about this song so I’m going to stop here and let you listen to the song and revel in it’s awesomeness for yourself.

Top 10 Theologically Worst Worship Songs

10. Enemy’s Camp (made popular by Brownsville Assembly of God, Pensacola, Fla)

For a mid-90s song this one has a nice pentecostal flavor. At face value the song seems to be fairly biblical, except for the fact that it doesn’t even reference God. This man-centered song simply is a declaration of one taking back what Satan has stolen from him/her. No Jesus. No God. Just you and the devil duking it out in an effort to reclaim his spiritual plunder (or maybe your tv), it doesn’t really say.

9. It is Well With My Soul (Horatio Spafford)
Before you get your feathers ruffled about my trashing of this song, I will admit, this song is beautiful. “It is Well” has helped me through some tough times in my life (especially the snazzy Audio Adrenaline version from their ‘Underdog’ album) and I truly love it. But I do believe the song is best suited for private prayer. It’s not really a worship song, persay. It’s a song depicting one’s dedication to God in steadfast devotion despite tough times. the Finn’s call it “Sisu”. But though, I love me some sisu, “It is well” just really isn’t a song of expressive devotion or adoration to God.

8. God of This City (BlueTree)
If you actually read these words, there are some snidbits of God-centeredness, namely the first two lines: “You’re the God of this city.”, “You’re the Lord of this nation.” And one line in the bridge where BlueTree writes, “There is no one like our God.” But generally from what I’ve observed, this song ceases to be a worship song and is rather an anthem for churches who really aren’t doing anything to reach their community. I suppose my dislike for this song stems less from the song itself and rather in the fact that it can pacify apathetic churches to believe that claiming Christ as the “God of their City” in their worship is sufficient, rather than actually working hard to make him “God of the City” for those who live there.

7. Friend of God (Israel Houghton)
There are certainly scriptural undertones to this spiritual jam but if worship songs were Bible translations, “Friend of God” would be The Message. This really isn’t a “worship song” but rather a declaration of the fact that we are buddies with Jesus. Nevermind His holiness, His omnipotence, or just the sheer magnitude and depth of the person of Christ. No need for that, He’s your friend! It’s the espresso shot of music that worship leaders use on Sundays to make people want to lift their hands. Tisk Tisk.

6. “We’ll Make it Loud” (Gateway Worship)
Gonna be honest…minus the bridge, kinda sounds like Gateway is describing a wedding night.

5. You Are For Me (Kari Jobe)
This song is a classic example of two things: man-centered theology and Kari Jobe singing to her future husband. “I know that you are for me” is quite possibly the worst line in just about any modern worship song. God is not FOR us. God loves us. There is a difference. We should be for Him. God being “for” us denotes the concept that He is our genie in a bottle and all we have to do is ask and we’ll receive whatever we want. Sorry, Kari Jobe and Paul Crouch, it doesn’t work that way.

4. Marvelous Light (Charlie Hall)
My loathing of this song goes back some time. This song really does nothing to center the congregation or the singer around Christ, but rather, once again, on ourselves and what Christ can do for us (not to mention just sheer emotionalism). Why can’t we sing about who God is rather than just what He will do for us?

3. Light of Your Face (Misty Edwards)
I’ve talked about this song to some folks who sneer at my criticism of the theology of it saying, “umm, excuse me, stupid man, these words are in the BIBLE!” Well, no, no they’re not. The lyrics to the song are derived from Numbers 6:24, “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious unto you; the Lord turn His face to you and give you peace.” The verse is a pronouncement of blessing upon another person, not a childish plea for the blessings of God to come upon oneself. “Light of Your Face” is to scriptural worship what Mormonism is to Christianity – looks darn similar but in reality is not the same thing. The portion of the song from which the title derives is my least favorite, “let the light of your face shine down on my heart…and let me feel it.”

Factual Clarificaiton: Here at TheoMag we want to make sure all our ducks are in a row so here’s a point of clarification which was brought to our attention: “Light of Your Face” was in actuality not written by JesusCulture (as was previously written), but was penned by Misty Edwards and only performed by JesusCulture. Sorry about that, JesusCulture!

2. You Spin Me Right ‘Round, Jesus (Rick Pino)
This song almost made our number one slot if it wasn’t for the fact that it actually mentions the name of Jesus. If it was possible to revoke a person’s “Pastor card,” Rick Pino’s would be adios for this song. In a horrific adaptation to the Dead or Alive’s song “You Spin Me Right ‘Round”. Pino concocted this obnoxious song, which is void of any theology, let alone a point. The best part, however, is when everyone takes their socks off and twirls them around. The song speaks of nothing but that Jesus’ love drives people crazy.

1. I’ve Got a Mansion (Ira Stamphill)
Anyone who tells you the old hymns are the best has either never heard “I’ve Got a Mansion” or they have blocked it out of memory (as I have tried so fruitlessly tried to do). The ONLY time to which God is even alluded to is in the line, “I know He’ll give me a mansion of my own.” That’s it. The entirety of the song consists of lines about acquiring real estate in the sweet by and by. With every ounce of sincerity I can muster, if God gave me one request, as He would answer as He did with Solomon, I would request that this song be blotted out from history. There is no biblical premise but rather a song which is chuck full of odd selfish greed. This song deserves the number one slot, not only because it’s void of any Christo-centric theme, but it’s a just plain horrible song which has yet to be outdone in its awfulness. In all seriousness, if you’ve ever “worshipped” to this song, you need to do some self-reflection on what in the world you were lifting your hands to.

 

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POSTED IN » Theology
About the Author: Todd Korpi View all posts by
is a descendent of the Finnish Braveheart, Jaakko Ilkka. When he is not liberating the English language into a frenzy of vocabularic genius, He serves as a husband to Tara, co-creator of Lydia, and the master of a German Shepherd. Educated at Central Bible College and serving as a pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Todd makes the audacious claim that Jesus is the Christ.


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  • Barry Kinzer

    Ok, ok… I know that defending "Friend of God" will only bring ridicule upon me and my household (even unto the seventh generation), and I am not saying that I would ever lead it, or even like it… but "Who am I that You are mindful of me, that you hear me when I call" is pretty stinkin' scriptural. "God Almighty, Lord of Glory, You have called me friend" is a really powerful statement… that God Almighty, the master of the universe who spoke the universe into existence would condescend to even think about us, let alone to love us, to call us His children, to call us (dare I say it) friend. Wow.

    Be honest…This song isn't theologically bad at all..the only reason it is on this list is because of the annoyingly repetitive chorus.

    • Cuppy

      That annoying, repetitive courus shoots a song in the foot every time. I am glad you said something, Barry. Because I sure didn't wanna have to. : )

      • Barry Kinzer

        Yeah, I hate repetitive choruses… like "I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, Oh, oh, Lord"

        I kid, I kid….

    • Dusty Kat

      Mmmmm. Good point Barry. Perhaps its not necessarily the theology but the annoyance of buddy language with God Almighty. For a realistic biblical balance the chorus should go "I am a friend of God. I am afraid of God."

    • Korpi Diem

      Definitely an understandable, argument Barry. I still remember you and I having a similar discussion in World Lit at CBC, if I'm not mistaken! hahaha

      My reasoning for including this song is similar to that of my inclusion of "Light of Your Face" as No. 3 Worst Song. The verse this song references is Psa 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"

      David was not personalizing the song like Israel Houghton did in this song. It was not about David, it was rather about God's majesty (as is displayed in verse one whereas it says, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" and then finishes the chapter in verse nine with the same sentiment). Verse four, according to R.C. Sproul, is more highlighting the vastness of the universe and the God who created it in comparison with the smallness of mankind. It was not about man…and it most definitely wasn't about David.

      So Friend of God, akin to "Light of Your Face" takes scripture and rewrites it to make it one of those songs (a horrific song, as you pointed out) which is a good opening song for a worship leader because it compells people to lift their hands. It's a deviation, allthough slight deviation, from the original phrasing.

      Also, the center focus of the song, I believe, given the name and the tempo of the song, tends to center around the chorus where being God's bud is highlighted as the underlying theme. And to quote the Rev. C. Ronald Bradley, "Jesus isn't your dawg, he's Lord." hahaha

      Great thoughts, and I will certainly admit that part of my detestation is not only from my beliefs theologically about this song, but is also due to Ivy Schulte dancing around the cafe on my b-day singing, "I am a friend of Todd"…

      • Barry Kinzer

        But isn't that the whole point… the idea of "the vastness of the universe and the God who created it in comparison with the smallness of mankind…" how incredible that is God would even consider us, let alone love us or enter into personal relationship with us. And to your point about people lifting their hands… they only do that during the bridge where the music mellows out… that's the cue to stop clapping and start lifting. Duh. Everyone knows that!

        This debate could go on and on… Worship should be both vertical and horizontal, personal and transcendent, awestruck and intimate. I will go on singing "You are for me" AND "All hail the power of Jesus Name" because they are both true (yes, I believe that God is for me in the sense that He is not against me…but that is another debate).

        Thanks for compiling the list.

    • John

      Well, I'll agree that it is a fine SONG, and even appropriate for a worship service. But it's really not a WORSHIP song.

  • Cuppy

    Great article Todd!! I have always thought such a top 10 list would be fun to read, and yours was better than fun!

    I would like to say it reminded me of the time in senior chapel when we were all worshipping to the Biblically-founded worship song "I still haven't found what I am looking for" by U2.

    • Dusty Kat

      hahaha! I forgot about that. I'm fairly certain the bono/worship mix slained the Brawner in the spirit :)

    • Korpi Diem

      I totally forgot about that! hahahahahahahaha

  • Dusty Kat

    Can we make it 11 and submit everyone's favorite missionary anthem: "Ask and I will give the nations to you"? :)

    • Cuppy

      O my gosh!! Dustin, I had totally forgotten about that song. That song is only biblical if you sing the forgotten verse, "You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware." :P

    • Korpi Diem

      oh my word, yes.

  • Cuppy

    Todd, I forgot to mention that I LOVE the photo you got of Jesus and His bride. Really captures the moment.

  • Greta

    Oh dear goodness, you've hit on a topic here that fuels my passion to no end! Too much excitement for a Saturday morning! Actually just did a subject on analysing the theology of worship music, which was incredible and infuriating.

    Great list, though. "Enemy's Camp" and "Friend of God"… yep. No words can be spoken to describe the rage that occurs when I hear these songs. The only way I cope with the former is to sing it in a Dolly Parton accent. No joke.

    • Cuppy

      Dolly Parton accent! Ha!

  • http://www.kurtjohnson.info Kurt

    I still like "Light of Your Face"… :)

    • Tab

      me, too

    • Korpi Diem

      I like lots of things that aren't good for me. :) Hahahahahahaa

  • Apollojetick

    Korpi, Ed loves you… huge props and I am in complete agreement with the rankings. And number one worst is the exact one I've harped on for a number of years. Great post!

  • David

    I have heard this argument many times in Bible college and for some, they took it to extreme, even saying some of these songs are sinful. I think we as human, often, tend to find controversy in everything. I mean, who are we to (not pointing to anyone in particular, but all of us in general) judge one's condition of their heart (for it is the person's heart that defines worship, not the song) when singing some of these songs as "worship". Korpi, I totally agree with you on the definition of "worship" and what worship is about. But as we all know, the songs, in and of itself, isn't worship; but just merely "an avenue" into worship. If any of the songs listed in the 10 worst leads a person's heart into the definition of "worship" then it has done it's job and can be considered a worship song. For me, "It is well with my soul" may not be "upward" worship or fall into the definition of "worship" but as I sing it, it makes me reflect on the goodness of God through all my trying times. It reminds me, no matter the circumstances I may be going through, I know God is there for me…and to worship Him for WHO He is, not what I may be going through. These songs are merely just a "transportation" to worship, but not "worship" in and of itself. It is the person's heart, which of course we do not know, when they are singing these songs that reflect true worship. And if the lyrics connects with a person in a particular way, that leads them to true worship, then it is a worship song to me.

    • Dusty Kat

      David, can I call you David?, I agree that worship music is suppose to be the vehicle instead of the object (except in the rare case of worship zealots offering animal sacrifices to "I Can Only Imagine") but, in a corporate gathering, the music we sing can also shape the theology in which the church believes – if that is the case, and its not just me and God, but us together, wouldn't the corporate worship music be a better agent if its God-centered not just me-God-centered?

    • Korpi Diem

      David, thanks for your comment!

      "It is well" is a powerful song, I entirely agree. However, you yourself said it doesn't meet the biblical and literal definition of worship. Which is why I chose to add it to this list. I wanted to point out that I'm not saying any of these songs are sinful to sing, but may better be suited for personal times of reflection rather than a corporate setting.

      Don't you think in a time where western culture oozes individualism, self-above-all-else, and relative truth that there may be a place for the church to ensure we are doing our due diligence in ensuring God is glorified when it meets?

      Thanks for your thoughts! Good points

  • Matthew Baker

    What! Hillsongs "every day" didn't make the top 10 worst! I would have thought Red Letter Day and Friends revision of some of the classic hyms such as "My God, My Father" and "All Creatures of our God and King" would have made the list, or at least their version of the musical hallmark of Protestant theology "In Christ Alone" would have made the cut. All legitimate theological content is in the hymnal book, the purpose of the songs were to worship God and teach God through music. Bear in mind I'm making no moral or ethical judgements about any music because in whatever you do, do to the glory of God.

    • Korpi Diem

      Good call, Matthias. Honestly, it's been so long which I have subjected myself to much Hillsong United that I completely forgot about half their stuff. Their music could have it's own top ten worst list in terms of touting man-centered theology.

      I agree, there are definitely some good hymns that really are not only the cornerstone of modern worship theology, but much of our present-day understanding of theology in general…but I had to cut off the list somewhere. :)

      HOWEVER, I do contest your statement that all legitimate theological content is in the hymnal…at least if you're talking about the GPH, "Hymns of Glorious Praise"…because O Canada is most definitely theologically errant. ;) hahahahaha

  • Searge

    focus on personal experience seems to be the error american pentecostalism (existential death grip? darn you misinterpreters of keirkegaard?) is most prone to fall into concerning worship.

    is it blasphemous to suggest there may be some problems with singing songs for several hours or promoting a culture that encourages that as a halmark of spirituality? is it possible that this is derived from an arminian (not to discount the theological construction but to humbly recognize certain weaknesses) understanding that often overlooks the Fatherhood of the Almighty in his power to save which leads to a need to justify self through getting full enough of the Spirit/power or doing xy&z?

    Do you think that perhaps if this was addressed the educational (dare i say liturgical) function of worship might lead men away from excessively emotional response (worship in Spirit and Truth)

    I just have wondered recently whether God is sitting in heaven saying "I Desireth Folk Music!" while a bit of our singing energy might have been spent fighting poverty or abortion or spreading the gospel…

    not really sure but thinking… A thought on Mansion over the hilltop too, considering when it was written it might have been sung a bit differently by the rural poor looking past suffering toward a future hope realized in Christ's work (thus worship) than it does to rich urban americans, though it definitely has its faults. the shift of meaning over time is so strange

  • Searge

    hope thats coherent, all sorts of grammatical errors

  • Ben

    Just to clear Jesus Cultures name up. They did not write "Light of Your Face". Misty Edwards from IHOP did. I do agree with "I've got a Mansion" being #1 on the worst list.

    • Korpi Diem

      Ben, thanks for clearing that up! We will be sure to address this.

  • Beloved Barger

    i'm just glad you put JMM in your top ten…even more so as number one. i've enjoyed him for years… (i'm hipster like that.) got to see him live a couple few months ago. that bearded man can really pair some incredible lyrics with great music. for a stretch, here is a semi-related topic from a blog post titled "Zombies, Wine, and Christian Music" by Gungor… http://gungormusic.com/#!/2011/11/zombies-wine-an… …it's related in as far as it talks of christian music..that might be about it…it's focused in a different direction than your article..still might be worth a look..nevertheless i enjoyed your article/lists.

  • Brian

    The worst is oh the wonderful cross…what's the point of praising the CROSS? People love this song but I just don't get it.

  • Veronica

    I really liked your top 10 those are some of my favorites. And I was thinking about some of the worst 10 and those are some I like, but I was thinking about what you said about "God of the city" its more of an anthem. Some of the 10 worst are anthems or just personal prayers. Rick Pinot's song is just goofy, but thats his M.O. HAHA

    To defend "God of the city" and churches who sing it, our church sings it occasionally and we do alot in the community and for outreach. In fact the last time we sang it was when we were doing 4 major outreaches in schools and in the community, so it made sense to be an anthem. LOL

  • Marisa

    Wow, all I can say is I am glad to never step foot in a church run by someone like that. I have spent time with Rick Pino and have listened to him speak on worship. The man has the heart of God and you can tell. Yeah, he's goofy sometimes but honestly, goofy is ok once in awhile. But what he said about Misty Edward's "childish plea"?!?!? That is a heartfelt plea. He obviously doesn't know the difference. Misty began her worship/musicianship in the wee hours just playing to a audience of one, God. She pleas out to Him. That is real heartfelt worship she gives. Sometimes when I listen to her I feel like I am imposing on a private thing between her and God.

    This guy ripped not only the songs but the individuals who wrote and sang them. Worship is not for him. It is for God and God alone and only he gets to judge something so personal. This dude must have one dead church is all I can say.

    • Korpi Diem

      Marisa, thanks for your post and for reading my article.

      I think it's necessary from time to time to take an objective look at how we do things as the church (as regardless of whether you like it or not, we are apart of the same body even if we don't meet in the same building) and adjust them if necessary.

      My writing style is a bit snarky and satirical, without a doubt. However, you must understand the purpose behind my writing of this post was not to "bash" artists for their heartfelt songs, but to shed light upon the fact that there are many songs we sing in church that do not conform to the biblical (or non-bibilical for that matter) definition of what worship is.

      We can attempt to call a song that is sung on a stage worship, but just because it is sung in a church setting does not make it worship unless it is centered upon God and giving Him glory.

      When an artist publishes a song it ceases to be personal. It is public. Thereby it is the song itself which needs to be critiqued, not the artist.

      My intention was not to cast judgment on an artist for publishing a song and my comment regarding Rick Pino's "pastor card" was entirely humorous. But I stand by the fact that someone taking a song which was originally written about promiscuous sex (You Spin me Right Round) and making it about Jesus is a little on the disrespectful side. If you disagree, I encourage you to write and submit to your worship leader for consideration in singing in your next worship service a worshipful remix of "Smack that" by Akon. It's the same thing.

      There is a difference between private worshipful expression in solace and a worship leader picking a song set for Sunday morning which will ultimately drive the evolution of the thinking of the church body more than anything else in church perhaps besides the sermon itself.

      Worship leaders should not take their job lightly as they directly contribute to the way their congregation thinks about God. My point in writing this article was to show that they should directly contribute to God-centered and not self-centered worship. If that makes me egotistical, stuffy, spiritually dead, or just plain mean than so be it. I stand by my belief that worship should be God centered and I would challenge the Pope himself upon that belief.

      I would submit the following for your consideration. As you have so valiantly crusaded to expose me for the sinister heckler of the innocent artist which I allegedly am, are you not casting judgment upon me from afar…much as you claim I am to Misty Edwards and Rick Pino?

      Are you not making assertions about my church, my ability to pastor, and my overall personal spiritual condition while accusing me of doing the same to these beloved artists (though I would continue to argue my criticism stems only to the extent that it critiques particular songs in relation to a biblical definition of worship)?

      So let me ask you this, Marisa…how is it that you have assumed such a mighty position within the Kingdom of God that you are free to simultaneously criticize a person while performing the same acts for which you criticize them?

      Thanks again for your reply.

  • Eric

    As someone cleared up Jesus Culture's name earlier, I feel I must do the same for Mr. Tomlin. Chris did not write "God of this City," the gentlemen of BlueTree did

  • Kaitlyn

    Enjoyed the list. Mildly disappointed you didn't add "How Great Is Our God" to the worst list, if only for the reason that any time I've heard it sung I can't stop hearing "How grey is our gaw". Ruins worship for me every time, just can't stop giggling as I try to imagine what is this mysterious grey gaw?

  • Dave

    What about "Father Abraham"? No idea why that was one of the first songs to pop in my mind. You may need to do a list of the Top 10 Theologically Worst Kids Worship Songs

    That brings a random thought, I'm assuming "Jesus loves the little children" was not written with Calvinistic thinking. If so would it be "Jesus elects some of the little children"? (cue rim shot)

  • Joel N

    First of all I have to say that you have a great sens of humor and an awesome writing style. Reading your article literally made me laugh out loud in the middle of Panera Bread. However, I have a question. Based on what you said about "God of this city" and your understanding of worship, it seems to me like there is no place for intercession/thanksgiving for what He did and is doing, in a worship set (please correct me if I misunderstood you). It concerns me cause I've seen time and time again God move in awesome ways as we declare not only who He is but also what He did and will do according to His word. I know it has been abused throughout the years but when we look at King David, the "ultimate worship leader" see how he sometimes calls assemblies to "declare His marvelous deeds"(psalm96:3), I think as long as it isn't abused and it doesn't become the center of our Theology it's ok to sing songs about what God does for us 'cause ultimately it does give Him glory!

    • Korpi Diem

      Joel, good thoughts regarding "God of this city." In retrospect I suppose I may have applied a different litmus to this song than perhaps I did the others…in the sense that the rest of the songs listed I looked specifically at the theological contents of the lyrics themselves whereas this one I looked at the response of the people singing it. Looking back, if I were to write this article again, I may have chosen a different song to fit this slot. You make some good points! Thanks for stopping by, Joel

  • Joel N

    Also, I wanna add that I feel like a lot of songs that have made it to the "worst worship songs" list weren't originally written for corporate worship settings. They come from intimate moments spent with God in the secret place but the success that comes after those songs are played on the radio (overly played if you ask me) and everybody hear them causes them to be sang by some worship leaders who don't take time to really analyze the lyrics. "If it says Jesus couple times, it's good" seems to be the rule they follow

  • http://www.markandkathrynjohnson.blogspot.com/ A Nerd and A Free Spirit

    I just stumbled upon this and have to comment. I am surprised, and hope my perception is incorrect, but it kind of seems like you guys are drinking some Kari Jobe hater-aid based on your remarks. Have you ever listened to her give a sermon on worship? Or seen her lead a night of praise? I am increasingly more respectful of her worshipful and humble heart, and her worship leading. In reference to “You Are For Me,” I guess we aren’t recognizing Romans 8:31 (“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”) as theologically correct? God is for us. As she also says in that particular song that he is faithful, true, powerful in all he does, merciful, gracious, patient, wonderful in all he does. That seems like rather God-centered adoration to me. Help me understand what am I missing here.

    ~Kathryn

  • Mike Abney

    If you want to be taken seriously, I suggest you begin with your punctuation of the word “its”.  You do not use an apostrophe when using “its” as a possessive.  

    • Todd

      Good call, Mike.  Tis an embarrassing oversight, for sure.  Thanks for pointing this out.

  • Jen

    #11 worst: Children’s sunday school song, “I’m inright, outright, upright, downright happy all the time.” No, no I’m not . . . and if you follow Christ, you shouldn’t expect to be either.