Christians and Modern Music

I see nothing wrong with secular music as long as it is not vulgar, and the song is not about something sinful. I think love songs are fine (if they are not about immorality). There are some on here that will say all secular music is bad, and you shouldn't listen to any artist besides Christians. These same people have no problem watching sports with secular athletes, and movies and tv shows with secular actors. Don't rely on what man tells you is acceptable, only what God's Word says.

 

Music is avaliable online at http://klove.com/
http://klife.org/

 

Bro. Ruben---no offense or nothin'---but this SB preacher has declared "Jihad" on most forms of secular music---especially Country/Rap/Heavy Metal/Heavy Rock & Rock---I always tell people that Country music promps me to do two things while listening

1) Take a swing at someone

2) Jump off a bridge into water(deep is preferred)

Sorry---dude--thats just me---but you've probably got different tastes!!

 

We live in a secular world (for the most part) so I would view it as inevitable that I will of course listen to secular music. Indeed as long as you do not start 'effing and blinding following listening to rap, for example, I cannot see a problem with it.

(KJV1611) Mat 15:11 "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man: but that which commeth out of the mouth, this defileth a man." This verse is that which I would regard as relevant here.

Regards

p4017

 

Bro. Ruben, When you listen to the love songs, sing them to the Lord. Works really nicely!

 

That sounds like strange fire to me. My radio was stolen out of my car, so now when I want music I have to sing it. So I fly down the highway singing hymns.

 

I would be careful but I also see nothing wrong with 'clean' secular music.

Nate

 

Here is what I told my kids when I was raising them: Think of music (or art, or literature) as on a line. On the far left hand side are things obviously nasty and evil. On the far right hand side are things obviously praising and glorifying God. And then there is that vast middle.

A good part of the middle is simply about the human condition: folk songs, love songs, songs of lonliness and sorrow. Then there are kids' songs. And fun songs. And classical music... There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these. "How Much is that Doggie in the Window" has never harmed anyone's spiritual life or presented a bad witness! Same with Strauss waltzes.

Jesus entered the human condition out of love for us. He did not involve Himself with evil or promote rebellion or illegal or unethical actions. We can imitate Him, and should. Stay away -- far away -- from the 'left hand side' of the scale. And then use your common sense about the middle ground. If it seems offensive to you for some reason, avoid it -- whatever the particular 'it' happens to be. Enjoy the rest. Man is creative and it is not a crime to enjoy others' creativity.

 

Where does one draw the line?

The internet is a place which is for the most part created and funded by the secular world and indeed is a place where evil is promoted.

I suppose it is up to the individual where to draw the line in the sand (pardon the pun Bro Ruben?).

HankD

 

Good question. I think this is one of, if not THE, reason God has given us the Holy Spirit. Many argue (I mean debate) about how far we can go and NOT sin. I think it is best to try and see how far we can go in the other direction and approach practical righteousness. The center of the line is indeed gray on a lot of issues.

 

I believe it is in Romans chapt: 6 or 7 the Apostle Paul says everything is permissable but not everything is benificial.

 

Here is the problem as I see it. The secular record companies have bought out many of the independent Christian labels. These days, the message is getting watered down, so that they can reach a "wider" audience. In the OT, the children of Israel were instructed not to appear as the heathen. Today's Christian music in some genres looks no different than the world. It can be a dangerous slippery slope paved with subtle deception. Proceed with caution.

 

I have long since given up on Christian music as it once was ( reason may be my age 73 yrs).However I dont believe that all Christian Contemporary Music is bad and unsuitable for worship. I do have some strong opinions pertaining to Christian Music or music suitable for worship. I believe that the substance is in the lyrics (words or text)and when sung with a syncopated beat this tends to distract from the text and appeal to the emotions. I like Southern Gospel in its place but this is a strong illustration of what I am attempting to say. What is the purpose of continuious hand clapping and repeating the lyrics over and over again if not to arouse you emotionally? Spiritual Experiences are derive from the text not the music.

 

God created us with emotions. While modernist rational reductionist culture considers emotions to be bad, God and the bible never do.

 

Most churches sure could use even a little of that.

Nothing wrong with emotional response, as long as its based in the truth! I know that the Protestant traditions and liturgy that have crept into the modern Church have even impacted the practices of the various Baptistic groups in the U.S. especially, and that the pendulum swing away from the rabid emotionalism of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement have caused great fear around any emotional response to spiritual matters, but it is not unbiblical to respond emotionally to the truth. In fact, I would be concerned about a church without it.