In a column for Observer Today, retired teacher and administrator Andrew Ludwig argues that Christian music offers positive messaging across diverse genres.
- Ludwig taught Faith Formation at St. Anthony’s when the parish needed an instructor.
- He used upbeat Christian music to engage students as they entered the classroom.
- He listened to Christian music extensively during a 44-day hospital stay for leukemia.
- He recalled enjoying tracks like Sister Janet Mead’s 1974 hit “The Lord’s Prayer,” Norman Greenbaum’s 1969 hit “Spirit in the Sky,” Mister’s “Kyrie,” and George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord.”
Andrew Ludwig volunteered to teach his son’s Faith Formation class at St. Anthony’s after the parish struggled to find an instructor, Observer Today reported. Teaching Catholic doctrine proved more challenging than mathematics, prompting him to use music to engage his students. Ludwig pointed out that Christian artists perform in every major genre, including rock, rap, heavy metal, pop, and country.
Observer Today reported that Ludwig encouraged his students to find Christian artists performing their favorite styles of music. He suggested that listening to tracks without messages about sex, violence, and drugs allows young listeners to enjoy rhythms while absorbing positive themes. He directed students to satellite and FM radio stations like WDCX and The Message.
Reflecting on past listening habits, Ludwig recalled common arguments regarding objectionable lyrics, noting that defenders often respond: I don’t listen to the words. I just like the beat.
Others might claim that The artist is just expressing their emotions or making social commentary
or assert, I don’t mind the profanity, that’s just the way that they talk.
He never actively sought out Christian-themed music until taking on his role at St. Anthony’s, though he previously encountered tracks like Mister’s “Kyrie” and heard George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” sung during mass at the parish in the early 1970s.
Ludwig’s personal connection to the genre deepened during a 44-day stay at Roswell Park Cancer Institute while battling acute myeloid leukemia, Observer Today reported. He listened to standard hymns such as “Be Not Afraid” and “On Eagles’ Wings” for comfort. He also frequently played Young the Giant’s track “The Walk Home” while pondering his mortality.
Observer Today noted that Ludwig is a retired math teacher, public school administrator, and Catholic school administrator. He currently works as a substitute teacher in Chautauqua County. His playlist of Christian and reflective music continues to grow as he recommends contemporary tracks like MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine” to others.
