Not trying to resurrect an old thread...hardy har har...but I used to thump the ol' bible myself when I was younger, and my collection of Christian rock music was without equal in the tri-county area. So I've decided to chime in...
No, Switchfoot is an alternative rock / post-grunge band. But I really like Switchfoot
Switchfoot has long ago watered down their message to the point where it's barely noticeable, if at all. But they started out as a Christian act, and their first record was on the Tooth and Nail label, known for it's line-up of Christian alternative and punk bands. It wasn't until about the 3rd album that they decided to shoot for mainstream success, ditching the more overt Christian aspects of their lyrics. They've succeeded.
That 77's album Mr. Shadow posted is an example of some of the best "Christian rock" albums to be had. I haven't heard "Ping Pong Over the Abyss" in at least 25 years, but I can't forget a line in one of their songs: "Kundalini gives me a headache/Edgar Mitchell is stretching his brainwaves/Buddha and Muhammad are still lying from their graves". Awesome lyric, even if I don't agree with it anymore. "Ping Pong" was their first effort, but I prefer the second album, "All Fall Down". This is definitely a case of a band you can dig even if you don't share their faith. They're still around and have made several records since then.
The best Christian band, bar none and IMO, is
DANIEL AMOS. They started out as an Eagles knock-off but when their third album, "Horrendous Disc" was released, it became obvious that they were going in completely different, almost new wave, direction. Their 4th, 5th and 6th albums formed a trilogy that incorporated the thoughts and ideas of figures as diverse as William Blake and Fyodor Dostoevesky, among others. "!Alarma!", "Doppelganger" & "Vox Humana" are, IMO, the high point of Christian alternative rock. Actually maybe it wasn't a trilogy, as I think the 7th album, "Fearful Symmetry", was an extension. They're still performing, as far as I know, though the last CD they released came out early in the last decade. "Mr. Buechner's Dream" is an absolutely great album. I'd recommend it to ANYONE, regardless of faith or lack thereof.
Resurrection Band were a favorite. I think classic rock fans would get into them, but their Christian message is way up front and center, and they're evangelizing detracts, IMHO, from the music. "Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore" and "Colours" are the best place to start.
Guitar afficiandos will love Phil Keaggy. He came from a "secular" band called Glass Harp, who recorded their first album at Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland studios. Legend has it that when asked who was the best guitarist in the world was, Hendrix replied, "I don't know, you'll have to ask Phil Keaggy."