Question:
Is it just the words?
Answer:
yes!
Answer:
Tough one...
I would have said words only long ago but have you ever heard someone sing a "Christian"/Praise/Worship song in a mocking/hateful voice? It is truly awful...
It boils down to what you mean by "song":
In my opinion:
A song by itself, as a collection of words put together as a unit, would be Christian/not by the words and their meaning gloryfing Christ/not.
However:
A 'song' that is being sung (ie: a collection of sounds put together as a unit) would be Christian/not by the meaning or feeling potrayed glorifying Christ/not.
Answer:
only two aspects: the manner in which it was written, and the manner in which it was sung.
Answer:
If the song has accepted Jesus as its personal Lord and Savior, then it's a Christian...
I hope someone gets the irony here.
People are Christians, and songs are not. Songs can either be honoring to God or not, and they can either be worshipful or not. These are more appropriate categories than 'Christian' and 'nonchristian'. Ask, "Does this song honor God?" instead of, "Is this a Christian song?" I've heard plenty of songs in the secular market that are far more honoring to God than some of the stuff we get at a Christian bookstore and call "Christian Music".
Answer:
Originally posted by Ted Logan
If the song has accepted Jesus as its personal Lord and Savior, then it's a Christian...
I hope someone gets the irony here.

I told that to my mom, and she said "sounds like an episcopalian"
Answer:
There has been alot of debate over this type of thing in other threads, I suggest you do a search.
Mainly it was over what makes a Christian "band", so you may be touching on something new here.
Answer:
Just to make it a christian song dosn't mean it has to say Jesus or God everyother word. I believe it just has to have a christian meaning. And as Rain said the voice/tone of the song does make a big difference too.
Answer:
Originally posted by froggee501
I told that to my mom, and she said "sounds like an episcopalian"
LOL! Sounds like your mom is very wise
About Christian songs, though, I really, really think the name is poorly chosen. If a band of Christians who are on fire for God sing about their families, is it a 'Christian' song? Does it honor God? What about a song by people who are seeking God, but haven't found or been found by Him yet, that is honest and heartfelt and honors God?
I think a much better set of categories would be 'honoring to God', 'not honoring to God', and 'songs of praise'.
I hope all I write will be honoring to God, even though some of it may not even mention Him.
Answer:
i think a song is only christian when it adresses or explores an issue relating to christians (being a christian etc) or a song to God.
personally i hate the label christian songs coz i think it boxes in some songs which shouldnt be labled that and excludes others
Answer:
The intent of the singer.
Answer:
i think that even songs that are not "quote" christian are christian songs. God created music. All music. Every song sung or played brings God glory because his creation, whether they acknowledge him or not, are using their God given abilities and that is falling into his perfect plan, and brings him glory, whether they know it or not.
so i think lyrics are irrelevant when it comes to making a "christian" song
Answer:
Originally Posted by jgmckinley i think that even songs that are not "quote" christian are christian songs. God created music. All music. Every song sung or played brings God glory because his creation, whether they acknowledge him or not, are using their God given abilities and that is falling into his perfect plan, and brings him glory, whether they know it or not.
so i think lyrics are irrelevant when it comes to making a "christian" song
First of all...you're a little late.
2nd - read Aaron Adams post on this subject
3rd - lyrics don't matter? So a song could be cursing God and disrespecting Him and it would still honor God?
Answer:
Originally Posted by froggee501 only two aspects: the manner in which it was written, and the manner in which it was sung.
If I get what you're saying, then what you're saying is if a Christian band screams or growls a Christian song, like The Showdown and Norma Jean do, then it can't be a Christian song because it was sung in a certain manner? Is that what you meant?
Answer:
Originally Posted by froggee501 only two aspects: the manner in which it was written, and the manner in which it was sung. I disagree. If a song is honoring to God, it does not matter how the artist sings it. For instance, many people of the last generation consider Kutless "nonchristian" for screaming, but if you really listen to the music, you can hear the passion bleeding through Jon Micah's writing. They are totally doing this to honor God, and screaming is their thing
Originally Posted by Aaron Adams If the song has accepted Jesus as its personal Lord and Savior, then it's a Christian...
I hope someone gets the irony here.
People are Christians, and songs are not. Songs can either be honoring to God or not, and they can either be worshipful or not. These are more appropriate categories than 'Christian' and 'nonchristian'. Ask, "Does this song honor God?" instead of, "Is this a Christian song?" I've heard plenty of songs in the secular market that are far more honoring to God than some of the stuff we get at a Christian bookstore and call "Christian Music". I couldn't agree with you more. You hit this one right on the head.