The Jesus Music

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Based on 2 reviews
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The Jesus Music
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Jesus Music is a documentary about the rise of the genre known as Contemporary Christian Music, from the "hippie" days of the late 1960s and early '70s, to the multi-billion dollar industry it developed into decades later. The film is geared more toward fans who will recognize all of the genre's stars -- including Larry Norman, Stryper, Amy Grant, TobyMac, and Kirk Franklin -- than it is to newcomers. And it doesn't ask any really tough questions (especially about the church's uneasy relationship with this music), but it's well-made and interesting. Interviewees make references to drug and alcohol use/abuse and mention LSD, whiskey, needles, and alcohol dependency. Sex is also discussed; one interviewee talks about searching for the "perfect lay." An interviewee references a verbal threat ("we'll hang you"), and "hell" is used once or twice.
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What's the Story?
In THE JESUS MUSIC, brothers/documentary filmmakers Andrew and Jon Erwin trace the rise of the faith-based pop and rock movement from its unlikely beginnings in the "hippie" movement of the 1960s. Many members of the counterculture became disillusioned with drugs and found the church, specifically Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California. They changed the lyrics of their favorite style of music to reflect their love for Jesus, and a new genre was born, eventually becoming known as "Contemporary Christian Music" or CCM. As bands and performers like Larry Norman, Stryper, Amy Grant, TobyMac, and Kirk Franklin became bigger and bigger over the years, the movement grew into an industry. But despite all this praise, the church didn't always approve.
Is It Any Good?
Despite some flaws -- it's mainly made for those already in the CCM fan club, and it has a distinct shortage of actual music -- this documentary is still well-researched and professionally made. But any outsiders who are curious about the genre and interested in a basic course may have to look elsewhere, because The Jesus Music introduces each of its acts as if no introduction were necessary. Moreover, the samples of their music are frustratingly short, and it's hard to get a handle on just what makes the performers different from one another (aside from, say, Stryper's long-hair heavy-metal sound and Amy Grant's radio-friendly pop). Newcomers are sure to be lost from time to time. For example, an important early compilation album that kick-started the movement is given cursory treatment here, as if its significance was already common knowledge.
On the plus side, the interviewees are all cheerful, interesting folks, and eventually their stories start to come together. Grant, for example, is very open about her controversial 1999 divorce and the toll it took on her life and career. There seems to be a great deal of trust here. But the most interesting aspect of The Jesus Music is that, despite singing the praises of the Lord, the performers are all, or have been at some point, outsiders from the church itself, which routinely disapproved of their music. The irony of the church's intolerance seems to have been lost on the filmmakers, but this outsider quality nonetheless makes the interviewees more appealing. Perhaps some other movie someday can provide more background information for newcomers, but, for CCM fans, The Jesus Music should be heavenly.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Jesus Music's depiction of drug and alcohol use/abuse. What lessons does the movie offer? Are there consequences for drug and alcohol use and abuse? Why does that matter?
How is sex discussed? Did people find fulfillment in the "free love" movement? Why, or why not?
Does the movie seem geared toward viewers already in the music genre's fan club, or is it a good primer for newcomers? What's the difference?
Why do you think the Christian church and evangelists like Jimmy Swaggart seem to have such an uneasy relationship with this music?
Do you consider these musicians role models? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 1, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: December 7, 2021
- Cast: Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith
- Directors: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 109 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some drug material and thematic elements
- Last updated: July 18, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love faith-based films and documentaries
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