Religion in the media: a look at recent music, books and Web sites.(The Dallas Morning News)

MUSIC

``Whatever It Takes,'' by St. John Music Ministry (independent; 65 minutes).

One could say that this debut CD from the music ministry at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, was two decades in the making. Music minister Clark W. Joseph taught the title song to his Louisiana college choir in the 1980s. "I always said that if I ever made a CD, `Whatever It Takes' would be on it." That song anchors the 12-track disc, and there are plenty of other moving numbers. From the inspirational opening cut, "We've Come to Praise the Lord," to the final song, the invitational "Choose Ye This Day," the St. John project reminds you of an actual worship service. That's exactly what the CD, which was recorded live, is supposed to do, Joseph says. "If you come to St. John on any given Sunday, these are the kinds of songs you'll hear." It's apparent that he and his 200-voice choir have just what it takes for a hit. (To order, call 972-264-1483.) _Selwyn Crawford

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``Devotion,'' by Rasa (Hearts of Space, 60 minutes).

It's easy to see why ``Devotion'' has been one of the sleeper hits of the last few months in New Age music circles. It's a soothing collection enhanced by the instrumental skills ...