• Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Music (oh man its about to go down)

Aaron

Member
Site Supporter
:laugh:

ok this may just get pretty fired up like the ol Calv/Baptist debates.

maybe not though, anyway.

This is for you Super Big B Baptist Born, Baptist Bred, and when you die you'll be Baptist Dead. Kinda guys.

All things aside, this is a genuine question for myself.

Music:

I hear all the time that "rock is of the devil", and I do get the association with secular bands. I will even grant you the chuckles and scoffs at the first thought of Christian Rock/metal (Watched a video of Tony Hutson going off on christian rock, it was pretty amazing, even being a christian metal guy myself.) However, I earnestly ask you this question:

Could you provide me with your proof text that my music is sinful?
Could you provide me with your reasoning as to why rock music is bad?
I have heard some crazy weird things like "syncopation (Music term for those who don't know) is of the devil", could you qualify this? Syncopation is in classical music even.

I also give you 2 things

1) the Rock/metal scene does have a look to it from the secular end and some Christian bands buy into it too (the dark themes etc)
2) just as in anything a lot of bands claim to be "Christian" but make music that you cant distinguish from van halen/Dimmu borgir - so like anything you need to wade through all that.

But i would love to have this conversation. In love and respect and with all the openness I can give you, and I hope that gets reciprocated :love2::wavey:
First, define music.
 

12strings

Active Member
The simple answer is that you can't do music that by it's nature illicits that kind of "emotion" or reaction without it illiciting the same kind of emotion or reaction.

I would say it's not the emotion of anger itself that is sinful...anger at child abuse is valid and godly.


The phrase "Christian Rock"...is now and always shall be an oxymoron.

Since Rock music is so dangerous, could you define it please, so we all know how to avoid it?

Real Christian music...

define please...

As such, OUR music should be separate and different from that which is OF this world. If any of you want to know what kind of music I like....I'll just say this....I like music about which there can be no question or doubt about whether it is godly or not. I like music that the lost of this world would NOT normally like or be drawn too. I like music that honors and glorifies God....ONLY.

Do you like the hymn "Be Still my soul?" That music was written by Jean Sebellius as part of a secular symphony. Lots of non-Christians like it. Lots of non-christians like to hear Amazing grace at funerals. Lots of hymns are sung to what used to be secular folk tunes.

What you are asking for is impossible...music that Christians like and non-christians don't does not exist. And where does classical music fit into your system?
 
To be honest I really don't listen to it a lot. One genre I do not care for is Southern Gospel music, but that is just me, and I don't care for country either.

We have a couple of Hillsong cd's and I like a lot of their songs. I also like this David Crowder kid. I thought about getting some of his music.

As far as what type of secular music I like, well, my two favorite bands of all time are Led Zeppelin and Metallica.
898.gif


When I candidated for a church I pastored, they asked me what my favorite music was (the deacons in a private meeting) and they laughed and moved onto other questions when I said Led Zeppelin. They thought I was joking. :laugh:

I can see the link between you and Led Zeppelin and Metallica. I actually used to like Metallica myself. Then there was AC/DC, Tupac, about anything from DeathRow records, Puff Daddy and Biggie Small, etc. Plus I still like the group America(Horse with no name and Sister golden hair are really good, plus Ventura Highway). So I am a mixed bag of "likes" in regards to music.

I have a feeling that when you pastored that church, you had entrance music much like the wrestlers do. When you stepped in, the music to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" started blarring..........running for cover now.......:smilewinkgrin::wavey:
 

preacher4truth

Active Member
I can see the link between you and Led Zeppelin and Metallica. I actually used to like Metallica myself. Then there was AC/DC, Tupac, about anything from DeathRow records, Puff Daddy and Biggie Small, etc. Plus I still like the group America(Horse with no name and Sister golden hair are really good, plus Ventura Highway). So I am a mixed bag of "likes" in regards to music.

I have a feeling that when you pastored that church, you had entrance music much like the wrestlers do. When you stepped in, the music to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" started blarring..........running for cover now.......:smilewinkgrin::wavey:

Honestly I used their music as motivation to lift. I don't listen to them much other than that. :thumbs:
 

12strings

Active Member
as a classically-trained musician, I do not consider "Rap" music; it simply is "noise")

Aaron said:
First, define music.


Here's the best 2 defintions I've found:

1. a. The art of organizing tones in a coherent sequence so as to produce a unified and continuous composition. (The American Heritage Dictionary)

2. Music is the organization of sound and time. (Elliott Schwartz- composer)

I believe these are both good, and perhaps #2 is the only one that works across the board, as it allows for improvised music that does not repeat itself at all.

Either definition certainly applies to rap, as most would agree that a drummer keeping cadence in a marching band is a simple form of music...and that African drum ensembles are producing music (with out melody or harmony, which I don't believe is essential to music)...SO...adding a person speaking over top of that drum sound does not automatically make it cease being music.

That's my opinion...as a classically trained musician. :)
 

JohnDeereFan

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
convicted1 said:
Plus I still like the group America(Horse with no name and Sister golden hair are really good, plus Ventura Highway). So I am a mixed bag of "likes" in regards to music.

America's Hat Trick is still one of my favorite albums.
 

PeterM

Member
1. It's not a new issue. Christians have argued about music for a long time. The following have all had those who oppose them in Christian History:
-Singing Harmony
-Singing polyphony
-Organs
-Any instruments
-Any songs that are not scriptures (ie, Hymns)
-Any recorded music at all
-Any music with an emphasis on beats 2 & 4

2. There has always been a spectrum of those who feel that we should be as different from the world as possible, and those who feel we should use whatever method the world will most recognize as a "hook" to attract people. (these are not the only 2 positions).

3. Many will use the verse: "Abstain from every form/appearance of evil." to say we should not do anything that might be percieved as worldy. However, even if you reject that the word is better translated form...The verse simply CANNOT MEAN: "Don't do anything that anybody anywhere might think looks like a sin." ...because that's impossible...Case in point: My previous pastor thought preachers should only preach in a suit, tie, and WHITE shirt.

4. You may not be able to figure out where the idea that guitars, drums, and back-beats make evil music, but the answer comes simply with a stalwart belief in the sufficiency of scripture...quite simply, that God gave us a large book that warns us of many sins...and it says absolutely nothing about forbidding certain types of music. I have no right to come up with more sins that God didn't see fit to speak of...Pants on women, using playing cards, preaching without a tie, playing a drum set, etc.

5. You should be patient with those who feel this way, and use wisdom if you are the one choosing music for your church. BUT, as I said above, I don't think the weaker brother principle means you can never do anything that anyone thinks is a sin, becuase frankly, some people have really wierd ideas about what is a sin.

6. Even a secular artist such as the Beatles or Jimmy Hendrix, when they write a beautiful song, or play a beautiful guitar solo, are expressing their creativity and the image of God, and can be appreciated as such. Wisdom must be used to determine what kinds of secular music you can listen to without soaking your mind with immoral messages from the lyrics.

Well said...:thumbs:
 

Aaron

Member
Site Supporter
Here's the best 2 defintions I've found:

1. a. The art of organizing tones in a coherent sequence so as to produce a unified and continuous composition. (The American Heritage Dictionary)

2. Music is the organization of sound and time. (Elliott Schwartz- composer)

I believe these are both good, and perhaps #2 is the only one that works across the board, as it allows for improvised music that does not repeat itself at all.

Either definition certainly applies to rap, as most would agree that a drummer keeping cadence in a marching band is a simple form of music...and that African drum ensembles are producing music (with out melody or harmony, which I don't believe is essential to music)...SO...adding a person speaking over top of that drum sound does not automatically make it cease being music.

That's my opinion...as a classically trained musician. :)
Those are good clinical definitions, and useful.

The definition at which I've arrived purposefully avoids any technical aspects, because nonmusicologists know by nature when something is music and when it's not, and no one needs to be a musician or musicologist to evaluate the morality of a piece of music.

Music is the nonverbal communication of mood, emotion, demeanor, decorum, etc. through the pleasing and logical arrangement of certain sounds. Being a form of communication/art, music is thought.​

Music is nonverbal. It communicates without words.

Pleasing and logical arrangement of certain sounds. This means that not just any arrangement of sounds sound can be called music. They are certain sounds possessing certain tone qualities and existing in certain relationships with each other, and progressing in a certain manner.

Music is thought. It's called "Muse"ic for a reason.
 

Gregory Perry Sr.

Active Member
I would say it's not the emotion of anger itself that is sinful...anger at child abuse is valid and godly.

Since Rock music is so dangerous, could you define it please, so we all know how to avoid it?

define please...

Do you like the hymn "Be Still my soul?" That music was written by Jean Sebellius as part of a secular symphony. Lots of non-Christians like it. Lots of non-christians like to hear Amazing grace at funerals. Lots of hymns are sung to what used to be secular folk tunes.

What you are asking for is impossible...music that Christians like and non-christians don't does not exist. And where does classical music fit into your system?

Bro. 12...I know you are a music guy and I must admit that I already know that from a strictly Biblical (chapter and verse) standpoint I cannot disprove or prove anything either you...or I have said on this subject. I will be honest and tell you that I can only follow how I "believe and feel" the Lord leading me about this. I am convinced out of the witness within my own heart of how I feel about the music I listen too. I have learned to trust that inner voice on this subject but I also know that will not convince anyone else. I am a music lover and music has always played a HUGE part in my earthly existense both before and after my salvation. There are some things that just "ring truth" to me and others that do not. There are types of music that appeal to what I KNOW is the old man or fleshly nature in me and types of music that do not...conversely there are types of music (both instrumentally and vocally) that make my new man soar and rejoice in the Lord. I do NOT believe that MY standard is THE standard....but it is the only one, between my Lord and I, that I am at peace about or comfortable with. It is at this point that I should probably disengage from the discussion. I can only tell you this...from one brother in Christ to another....I think it is safe to say that if you and I were ever in each others company, that anything I play musically would NOT be offensive to you in any way...particularly from a spiritual standpoint. What I play or listen too may be rejected (or accepted) by some on the basis of "preference"....in regards to style or type....but never on content or because it was "offensive". That is the ground I occupy musically speaking. God Bless You.
By the way...I do have a few Andrew Peterson CD's (I know you like him)that I picked up at a local thrift store (Resurrection Letters Vol.2, and Love and Thunder)... not my personal preference but they were OK. Actually...my personal preferences are ANY traditional hymn music and Gospel Bluegrass.

Bro.Greg:saint:
 

Alive in Christ

New Member
As such, OUR music should be separate and different from that which is of this world


Why?

Should our CARS be seperate and different than that of those who are of this world?

How about our HOUSES? Should our houses be seperate and different from those who are of this world?

How about our refridgerators? Our tool boxes? Our lawn mowers? our garages? our fences? our pens and pencils, etc etc etc etc etc..........
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Aaron

Member
Site Supporter
Why?

Should our CARS be seperate and different than that of those who are of this world?

How about our HOUSES? Should our houses be seperate and different from those who are of this world?

How about our refridgerators? Our tool boxes? Our lawn mowers? our garages? our fences? our pens and pencils, etc etc etc etc etc..........
How about your behavior? Mood? Demeanor? etc etc etc etc etc.........
 

12strings

Active Member
How about your behavior? Mood? Demeanor? etc etc etc etc etc.........

Thanks for pointing out that we are not called to be separate and different from the world in every way we could possibly imagine, but only in those areas commanded by scripture...Musical style is not one of those.
 

Gregory Perry Sr.

Active Member
Really?

Why?

Should our CARS be seperate and different than that of those who are of this world?

How about our HOUSES? Should our houses be seperate and different from those who are of this world?

How about our refridgerators? Our tool boxes? Our lawn mowers? our garages? our fences? our pens and pencils, etc etc etc etc etc..........


The Bible DOES discuss and make reference to music....It does not discuss the other things you try to apply a comparison too. "Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" are a legitimate part of any discussion about worship and admonition among the brethren (Col.3:15,16) It is NOT a material object. (even though many in our day seem to make the pursuit of those things an act of worship!)

Bro.Greg
 

Alive in Christ

New Member
And what does the bible say about music?

Things like this...

Psalm 150:1-6 ESV / 111 helpful votes
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! ...

HelpfulNot Helpful
Psalm 104:33 ESV / 102 helpful votes
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

HelpfulNot Helpful
Psalm 95:1 ESV / 101 helpful votes
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

And those admonititions can aply to ANY form of music.

Praise the lord!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

nodak

Active Member
Site Supporter
I know of cowboy churches that make it a point to stick to the Sons of the Pioneers type western music in order not to tempt their recently saved folks back into the honky tonky scene with honky tonk sounding country and western Christian music.

I also know of folks ministering to folks that have been saved out of Nigerian folk religion (a form of paganism) and because of the roots of some forms of rock and hip hop won't do the music so as not to confuse those Nigerians.

Ditto can be said about any culture's music: for many it is no problem, but for some it is a problem.

Personally, if the tune or musical genre is GENERALLY used to promote illicit sex, worship of idols, rebellion, anger, or any sort of thing Christians should avoid, I avoid the music also. And I would walk out of any church that was so cold spiritually it would risk people's faith that way.

Now, that doesn't mean I won't listen to those forms of music or worship with them if they are in a cultural setting washed of those meanings.

But my personal opinion, and it is only that, is that some forms of Christian music have become idols to some people. If someone gets hot under the collar rather than listen to why another person rejects a given song or music type, I think they are serving that music rather than God. My personal opinion, and it is only that, is that they have become addicted to the endorphins "their" music provides, whatever music it is. When that happens, I think maybe they need a few months of what some high church folks call "Word and Table" services.......services without music.
 

Alive in Christ

New Member
Nodak posted...

But my personal opinion, and it is only that, is that some forms of Christian music have become idols to some people. If someone gets hot under the collar rather than listen to why another person rejects a given song or music type, I think they are serving that music rather than God. My personal opinion, and it is only that, is that they have become addicted to the endorphins "their" music provide

I agree with that statement
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Gorship

Active Member
Maybe, its just cause Ive spent too much time around IFB people (This was a joke, its ok if you giggled... ) but, I do thing that seperation is a good thing

HOLD THE TOMATOES!

I personally think that we should be spending a lot of time among fellow believers and sharpening iron and being ready, and going out into the world when appropriate and saving the lost from the hellfire they are walking head first into.

as for music (to bring this all back around), and even our homes and lawn mowers and pencils etc. (donno if my fridge is godly though.. pray for my fridge)

All things should be to edify God. if thats in music in a certain style then so be it
our homes (family relations) will be Godly, thats what makes them different.
The way we conduct ourselves when we run over a squirrel with our lawn mower, that will be our 'living' testimony.

so unless we can file something under a sinful nature ie Drugs, drukenness, etc. If you can genuinely serve God through a medium then I say go for it. As long as you have prayed about it and perhaps even spoken with your pastor. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." (1 cor 10:23)

continue on the discussion. Enjoying the read.
 

Aaron

Member
Site Supporter
Thanks for pointing out that we are not called to be separate and different from the world in every way we could possibly imagine, but only in those areas commanded by scripture...Musical style is not one of those.
Music is behavior. It is human interaction. So, I'm afraid it is one of those.

But even if not, Paul does specify hymns. Even in his day it was a style distinctive from say, paeans and dithyrambs.
 

12strings

Active Member
Music is behavior. It is human interaction. So, I'm afraid it is one of those.

But even if not, Paul does specify hymns. Even in his day it was a style distinctive from say, paeans and dithyrambs.


1. Putting on socks is behaior, so is eating. Do all to the Glory of God. The specific manner of putting socks is not specified in scripture, nor which foods one cannot eat...in fact there is about 2 whole chapters specifically showing how it is ok to eat the exact same food as the pagan world.

2. Paul specifies psalms, hymns, & spiritual songs...We don't know for sure what the last one is...but I can pretty much guarantee that Pauls' HYMNS were not the same as todays (i mean 3 centuries ago's) hymns.
 

Aaron

Member
Site Supporter
1. Putting on socks is behaior, so is eating. Do all to the Glory of God. The specific manner of putting socks is not specified in scripture, nor which foods one cannot eat...in fact there is about 2 whole chapters specifically showing how it is ok to eat the exact same food as the pagan world.
But not interact like them.

You keep talking about music like it is an object, like an acorn or an apple. But it isn't. It is a manner of communication. Specifically it is the communication of mood, emotion, demeanor—good grief, didn't read the definition above?

It is human interaction.

Quit talking about music like it's some inanimate object that you can pluck from a tree or find washed up on the shore somewhere.

2. Paul specifies psalms, hymns, & spiritual songs...We don't know for sure what the last one is...but I can pretty much guarantee that Pauls' HYMNS were not the same as todays (i mean 3 centuries ago's) hymns.
Actually, hymns were marked by their solemnity, and were used in praise of the highest deities. Dithyrambs, at the other end of the scale, were marked by their wild exurberance.
 
Top