MMF - The neutrality of Music - Instruments yes lyrics no

Once again Im accused of heresy!

I was accused of heresy by a pastor because I stated dinosaurs existed

I was accused of heresy and lack of Biblical knowledge again by a pastor/youth leader because I stated that fire can also refer to a process of cleansing; rather then just destruction and the Holy Spirit

I will not back down from stating truth; just because people who are supposed to listening to the voice of God will sometimes stop their ears. Even though "they" may be and most likely are saved.

State your problems and counter-arguments - and keep the screams of Heresy to Private messages.
And remember I referred to Christs nature in regards to this dicussion about the nature of Music, and after I defend my viewpoint concerning Christ, I will return to the debate at hand

What does the Bible define temptation and sin as?

James 4:1 ¶ From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

The point of temptation is that it comes from us and not God as stated below - There is a counter argument - but Ive not seen anyone state it rationally - Ive just seen people scream - Blasphemer, Heresy, Non-believer!

I'm not blaspheming - Im speaking truth as far I understand it - And I am a believer!

ames 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: {evil: or, evils}

Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Can anyone recall "Age of Innocence" - unless no one believes it - but since I haven't heard anyone do much except Heresy - and

Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Man with sinful nature is under death - Christ NEVER EVER EVER NEVER EVER EVER sinned BUT He was in ALL and EVERY way as HUMAN as we are. AS WELL AS BEING TOTALLY AND UTTERLY DIVINE - Christ was both in one.

In fact it was Christ's divine nature that allowed Him to keep His human side from sinning; and thus remain pure to be the unblemished Lamb of God - the perfect and eternal sacrifice for the propitiation of ALL the world's sin.

But now back to the debate on hand

You are referring to stars who let's just say aren't very Christ-centered - Their lyrics are focussed on certain things (ie sinful things). Ive NEVER stated that lyrics are inherently neutral - ideas are either good or bad; wrong or right. Also the lifestyle of the artist is a good focusing factor.

However even certain songs of certain "artists" can be "redeemed". For God can take evil and turn it into good. However I will grant and even suggest that it is not a good policy. Also I will admit that some people cannot handle listening to certain or even doing certain things. After all if you believe that something is sin; and you do it. To you it is sin; although it might not be a sin.

"idol meat"

So in reference to quotes - are you sure you haven't made sure that they weren't referring to lyrics as well

Well ok except for the beat one - so its the beat now thats sinful? If I change the beat that makes it ok?

And lets refer to the guy whose in rock and roll for the sex and narcotics. The rock and roll - including lyrics may not be sinful; but they are means unto the sin. Being a US Catholic priest isn't sinful; but it can be a means unto an end that may be sinful.

I'll refer to a modern artist who normally I avoid since her music tends to be in my estimation devoid of any good lyrics. That is Pink - with the song "Wanna Be somebody else" - hope I got the title right. In this song she refers to how its not the music necessarily selling anymore - but rather the image of the artist. Specifically the video makes reference to a blackboard diagram of the makeup successful pop star - the major reference is of course to the breasts of the female pop star.

No longer is good music a requirement for pop-star success. I refer to O-Town - one of my friends whose salvation I am very unsure owns it; and forced me to start listening to it, after saying skip skip skip skip skip skip - I found no song worth anything musically; and a disturbing tendency to have the same underlying music. Not style music. May none of your ears be tortured with them ever. Another example is Sugar Jones - one of those made-up groups that TV show Pop stars put together. Im going to do my absolute best to avoid ever hearing the newest one "Velvet Empire" - BTW my preferred music is vocal jazz focussing on the blues and swing