Christian Culture Expressed in the Music of Hillsong United

Culture is a constant influence in human life. Shaping thoughts and reinforcing beliefs, culture is powerful force that reminds Christians of their faith in God and it consequential actions. One influential part of culture is the band Hillsong United, whose songs are used for private devotion and congregational worship. The repertoire of the band Hillsong United is an example of the Christian worldview in culture.

A primary illustration of the Christian worldview in Hillsong United’s anthology is the repeated theme of individual redemption. An example of this theme is found in the band’s song “Lead Me to the Cross.” During the anthem, lead vocalist Brooke Fraser declares, “Lead me to the cross, where your love poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to you” (2007). The contemplative words are a cry of personal reliance on God’s grace and his forgiveness of sin. The invocation of being swept of anything of the self is referring to the sin and selfishness of one’s heart. From this chorus, the personal redemption described in the Christian worldview is apparent. An essential characteristic of the worldview is God’s redemption at the personal level that involves the absolution of sin and the transformation of character, so that a person becomes gradually restored to the state of humanity before the Fall (the initial turning to sin that created the world’s problem). The philosophical questions of the problem and solution for humanity are answered in a musical format that is utterly simplistic, yet profound in nature. Another example of individual redemption is found in Hillsong United’s work, “None but Jesus.” In the ballad, the singers pronounce, “There is no one else for me, none...

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...lution are creatively detailed through the lyrics of various songs from Hillsong United’s repertoire. By examining the perspectives evident in a part of culture, a person gains a better understanding of how he articulates his worldview on a daily basis.

References

Hillsong United (2007). Lead me to the cross. On All of the Above [CD]. Sydney: Hillsong Music Australia.

Hillsong United (2007). Never let me go. On All of the Above [CD]. Sydney: Hillsong Music Australia.

Hillsong United (2007). Point of difference. On All of the Above [CD]. Sydney: Hillsong Music Australia.

Hillsong United (2005). Salvation is here. On Look to You [CD]. Sydney: Hillsong Music Australia.

Hillsong United (2007). Solution. On All of the Above [CD]. Sydney: Hillsong Music Australia.

Hillsong United (2006). None but Jesus. On United We Stand [CD]. Sydney: Hillsong Music Australia.