The argument that I have heard, is:
(These are "not" my arguments, and I have not researched their validity. No attacks on me, please.)
Not attacking you...but the arguments you have been exposed to (and share with us here) are quite dubious. Once again...this isn't in any way an attack on you, but a refutation of these oft-repeated claims:
One, association. It's origin is with african god worship, iirc...
Not even close. This is a falsehood, and it's my opinion that racism usually fuels this particular lie. That one probably bothers me the most because of its out-and-out untruthfulness...and the insidious motivation behind it.
Two, it's effect. It causes depression (Worldly sorrow worked death.). It causes anger (Outbursts of wrath... shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven.). It is sensual, entices a person to sexual sin. (Flee youthful lusts.)...
Completely subjective, complete overgeneralization. It "causes depression?" (followed by a mis-applied verse that has nothing to do with the issue at hand). I don't even know where to begin, there's so little validity. The same with anger. I've been in all kinds of services...traditional and not...in which the singer wasn't in a frame of mind to worship. Maybe they were mad at the other folks up there. Maybe they had just had a bad day. But the
music was not the problem.
The one that will get the most scrutiny is the sensual argument. I would say the following: Music can remind us of many things. Maybe a southern gospel song would remind me of a honky-tonk I used to drink in. Maybe a song with a more urban feel would remind me of something else. Maybe a song with strong classical overtones would remind me of something completely different. But we must not confuse "memory associtations" with a mandate from God regarding styles. And one caveat regarding the genre of "Christian music," because it
will come up: Not every song ever written is an appropriate song for corporate worship. Doesn't mean it's bad...but some songs are more horizontal than vertical.
Three, (which I "do" agree with) it's proponents are usually wicked, singing about oh how they love god and he saves them from their sins, while living unrepentant lives! Not all, of course. However, it is a bad testimony for the rest of us. But I would not say that this makes CCM as a genre wrong, rather: an irritation and likely effect....
OK, now that's just silly. I could point to ungodly singers in all genres...as well as godly ones. This would be akin to saying, "Preaching is wrong, because I know preachers that don't live what they preach."
Usually wicked? So...we're saying a great majority of those singing Christian music are wicked, insincere hypocrites? Sorry, I just can't take it anywhere near that far. Of course there are fakes...as there are in all styles, and in all realms of ministry. But to discount an entire genre based on numbers that frankly, I don't think exist...I don't get that at all.
Four, that it is emotional - and we don't need emotional music to bring people to false repentance...
Emotional manipulation is not a good thing in any worship service. But how is that a function of CCM? I've seen pastors in traditional services have the 57th verse of "Just as I Am" sung...so they could emotionally manipulate the congregation. Same difference, and the style has nothing to do with it.
But the pendulum can swing too far as well: If emotion
drives worship, that's unhealthy. But...we are created by God with emotions. And to divorce them from worship is not healthy.
I am far from convinced about this (That listening to CCM is wrong), but that seems to be the argument in IFB circles.
I would say this.. I would be careful about whom I let know that I listen to CCM - because of it's association with wicked artists.
And I would applaud your thinking through these issues...as well as being careful with whom you associate. I would just ask you to continue to think through these issues...and if you find an argument that simply doesn't hold water, don't do as some do...and hold on to it anyway.
Please understand: I appreciate that many of these arguments were not yours, but rather were those you have heard. I dealt with them in that manner, and hope you are not offended by how I approached them. I in no way meant for you to feel personally attacked.
