MMF - Contemporary Cristian Music

What do you listen to most, and why?

 

In other words, you listen to the music because of the way it makes you feel. Your answer is consistent with the following scientific study:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Music's ability to trigger powerful emotions is well known anecdotally, of course. But science requires more than anecdote. So in 1995 Jaak Panksepp, a neuroscientist at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, decided to see if the anecdotes were true. He asked several hundred young men and women why they felt music to be important in their lives.

Emotion turned out to be not merely an answer. It was, more or less, the answer. Around 70% of both sexes said it was ``because it elicits emotions and feelings''. ``To alleviate boredom'', the next most popular response, came a very distant second.[The biology of music ( The Economist ) 02-12-2000]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

According the Scriptures is that a legitimate reason?

You also stated that "This song lifts me up and encouages me to stand up against those who try to belittle me."

Is that the example Christ set "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously? For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps," 1 Pet 2:20-23.

Is that what Christ was telling us to do when He said, "resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away," Matt 5:39-42?

The answer is, of course, no. You know not what manner of spirit the encouragement to "stand up against those who try to belittle you" comes from, Luke 9:55.

 

&lt; In other words, you listen to the music because of the way it makes you feel. &gt;

That is often said by those who like to hear and sing "Beulah Land," "It is Well With My Soul," "The Old Rugged Cross," and such. I used to do a weekly service in a nursing home and those folks liked the term "feel comforted" to express their liking for these melodies. I just wonder if you see these airs the same way as when someone says "Jesus Freaks," "Graverobber" (once my favorite song), or "My Deliver is Comin'" give them a 'good feeling.'

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rockfort:
&lt; In other words, you listen to the music because of the way it makes you feel. &gt;

That is often said by those who like to hear and sing "Beulah Land," "It is Well With My Soul," "The Old Rugged Cross," and such. I used to do a weekly service in a nursing home and those folks liked the term "feel comforted" to express their liking for these melodies. I just wonder if you see these airs the same way as when someone says "Jesus Freaks," "Graverobber" (once my favorite song), or "My Deliver is Comin'" give them a 'good feeling.'<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My question was:

According to the Scriptures is this a legitimate reason?

 

&lt; My question was:
According to the Scriptures is this a legitimate reason?&gt;

Because of the way it makes one 'feel?' Not directly. Note Ephesians 5:19, which instructs to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; completing the command to be filled with the Spirit, and to 'make melody in your heart' to the Lord. Words *said* are adequate as communication. The only reason for singing such communication wouild be to effect feelings in some way.

Now I will repeat the inquiry I implied. Are the standards the same for those who 'feel' "comforted" by the classical hymns and for those who 'feel' upbeat or encouraged by more contemporary lyrics and melodies?

 

Q Marlow - I am in high school, and I hear rock music all too often. DCTalk and other CCM sound just like the music I hear at high school. Whenever I hear this music I think of a wild teen, not a Christian.

Romans 12:2 says: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

This verse is telling Christians to be separated from the questionable things. Many people who hear DCTalk can't even tell what the words are. I just hear lots of screeching and yelling when I hear DCTalk or other CCM.

 

&lt; This verse is telling Christians to be separated from the questionable things. &gt;

Ball games, restaurants with bars, country clubs, pool parlors, barber shops, schools.... These are all "questionable" in that many ungodly things are done and said within them. Just how segregated must you get that reaches a desired level of satisfaction? Remember Jesus' priestly prayer, in which he said, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).

&lt; Many people who hear DCTalk can't even tell what the words are. &gt;

I'm sure that's true. If you have ever heard "Mares Eat Oats," were you able to get all the words the first time?

Finally, how about what we are doing now? Is using the computer for Bible studies and comparisons, prayers, correspondence, et al, a valid pursuit, or is it following the ways of the secular world? If you agree that computers and the web are primarily a secular development, is it to be condemned that many sites, including this board, try to 'Christianize' something that is mostly secular and frequently very ungodly? I presume you would say 'No' [if you say 'Yes,' you should not be posting here]. If such is the case, why should music not be considered in the same way?

 

I was just trying to give Q Marlow a bit of advice. So, I was just thinking that if someone heard Q Marlow's "Christian" rock that person may think it as a secular song. At school I hear students' music. It is so loud and abnoxious. When I hear DCTalk I think of it as loud and abnoxious too. I believe that you should be able to hear the words, not just the "music."

Also, I've got a question for Q. Marlow. I have heard of many kids who listen to this kind of music even when their parents prefer them not to. Do your parents prefer you to not listen to this music?

 

The music issue will rage until the Lord comes back. I encourage each person to pray about the type of Christian music they listen to and and listen to God's leading. We sometimes forget that we can talk directly to Jesus on issues like these. If something is wrong with a kind of music Jesus will convict your heart and you will stop listening to it. Alot of time it is a taste issue and not a theological one. I have a praise CD that has a couple songs with electric guitar solos and I really like it. The person playing is very talented and should be allowed to play the instrument of his chosing without others saying he is playing for Satan.

 

Q. Marlowe: Question, what language did Jesus speak??? Most likely Greek and probaly Hebrew right? Well both of those languages are fine languages but do you realize that they have swear words and lewd disgusting phrases in those languages.

My reply: Even though I agree with the basic premise of your argument that music is not inheritly evil without an evil message, I have to challenge your assertion that the Hebrew has many lewd words and profanities. Do you know Hebrew? Exactly what Hebrew words are you refering to? You see, as a student of Hebrew, I know the ancient Biblical language has a vocabulary of approximately 4000 to 5000 words which are usually not very precise in their meanings...in other words, they generally draw word pictures which many times must be interpreted within the context. Maybe you could give me an idea of where you are coming?

Joseph

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Q. Marlow:

No, my parents prefer that I do not listen to CCM. Is that wrong??? No, I do not like Spinach while my Mom does. Am I sinning by not eating spinach?? No it is preference. Now if my parents told me not to listen to CCM I would stop!!! But they have given me the choice to go out and study the subject out and come to my own conclusion.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Quin,

You just said that your parents do not approve of you listening to CCM. This means that they don't want you to. They have let you choose to listen, because they can't make all of your decisions. I just want to point out that Eph. 6:2 says, "Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise." This verse is simply telling the son/daughter to honour their parents. When your parents say that they don't like your music and would prefer that you not listen to it, then you should stop listening to CCM in order to honour your parents. This verse is a direct command. We are supposed to honour our parents under any circumstance. There are no loop holes. Eating spinach, or not eating spinach is a whole different things. Yes, you and your mom have different tastes, but that doesn't mean you have to eat spinach. If your mom tells you to eat spinach, then you need to.

 

Quin,

I just read your reply, and I think that you are not trying to find out what other Christians believe. You seem to have made your own decision without consulting any other believers. All I can say is that I hope you have prayed about this, and that you know many people are against CCM. Also, I have noticed that you believe you honor them by doing whatever you want about this issue. It would probably even be better if you honored them by not listening to CCM. Sure you can listen to CCM all you want later, but your parents are providing your food and shelter. So don't you think you should listen to them? They want you to stop listening to CCM, but they won't say it.

 

Psalm 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Is Contemporary Christian Music wrong? That depends. Let me explain.

Christian music in a typical church service should do two things for believers. First and foremost, it should glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. Second, it should edify the members of that particular body. If these purposes are not being accomplished, the music is being done in vain.

The problem with a lot of today's contemporary music is that the music or the musician distracts from the message being proclaimed. If the emphasis is placed on the individual singing or on the musical piece and not on the Savior the music does not please God.

So is today's music in all of its different styles unrighteous? The real question to ask is whether or not it glorifies the Lord and edifies believers. Obviously if the Bible talks of different instruments used to praise the Lord (see Ps 150:3), it is ok for us to still do so today so long as it does not bring honor to the music or the musician.
null

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dr. Bob Griffin:
Q - I think you are an anomally on the BB! You listen to CCM (some of it pretty radical stuff) AND on the translation forum you are strongly KJVonly. That is an odd mix, imho.

No condemnation, son, just an observation. Are other KJVonly's on the BB into Rock and CCM?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have seen this very rarely. Most often,when there is an odd mix, I have seen many KJVonly folks who were into very secular rock music (I'm not making that up). Unbelievable