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Now, about that Christian hip hop thing...

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by MeliChaCha, Jun 15, 2002.

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  1. MeliChaCha

    MeliChaCha New Member

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    Let's go back to the subject we started with, shall we?! ;)

    - meli -

    :::pasted from the original thread:::

    quote:
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    Originally posted by MeliChaCha: do you think there's anything wrong with Christian hip hop (groups like GRITS - which means Grammatical Revoloution In The Spirit - Gospel Gangstaz, etc.)?
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    Originally posted by Barnabas: MeliChaCha, was that a trick question? Sort of trying to find out where we stand and then pounce upon us with the correct anwer?! You certainly are not serious about the above list of "music" (and I use the term "music," loosely), are you?
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    I am most certainly NOT joking, sir!

    I'm not talking about using gospel rap in worship service specifically, but I am talking about it being a suppliment - a good thing that gets the word out about the Lord and a way to bring dignity back to an art that's lots face due to some less than noble artists (Eminem, Lil' Kim, the list goes on...).

    Are you judging all hip hop on the stereotypical image of thugs running around in gangs and menacing the community? I mean, what part of Manhattan are you from? Do you work any with teens in the area? I'm from an urban area just outside NYC and I have to tell you that this music has helped reach some inner city kids who may never have given the Lord a chance in their lives. Kids who feel like they have nothing have come to realize that they do have something and someone to turn to in Jesus Christ and they hear this music and feel good - they can celebrate the fact that they have God's love (instead of listening to other secular rap which I admit can be pretty trashy). The fact is that God does NOT live in a cultural vacum! He created us all, gave us all little cultural quirks and talents, and gives us te power to use them -- it's only natural that we use these things to shout out our thanks to the creator! If we're using this music to praise His name and it's giving kids a cultural outlet that they feel even more comfortable expressing themselves through, then that's something we should encourage and thank God for!

    You say you use the term "music" loosely... Have you ever listened to contemporary hip hop and R&B? This isn't angry screaming rap - this is music you can't help but move to! Hon, it ain't country music... but this is music that is a growing and prospering culture that stems from spoken word poetry, motown, jazz, and blues. You judge hip hop, you're passing judgement on its roots. Do NOT pass judgement on the entire hip hop movement because of some bad apples in the barrel. Maybe you say you don't personally enjoy it, but did you ever really give it a chance? Listen to the lyrics? I'm not saying go out and buy every Christian rap CD on the market, but give a little listen -- you may hear something you didn't think you'd hear!

    On that note, I have to repeat what I said in another post...

    quote:
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    Let's look at this hypothetical situation: So, a man is given a talent to write poetry in homage to the Lord. Hence, God has bestowed upon him this flair for the written word so he chooses to use it to praise Him and speak out to others in testimony to the Lord's amazing love, power, etc. So far I think you'll agree this is a good thing. Fabulous. Now, let's say the style of this man's poetry is spoken word. Let's go a step further - let's say it's put to a beat and begins to sound like rap. Is that poetry any less of a good thing just because it's more musical?
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    Let's push your judgement a little further (let me play a little devil's advocate here)... If you say Christian hip hop is bad, then you must think the same of traditional Christian musics in other countries that don't abide to your personal agenda - so Christian Salsa in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and more heavily Latino/a populated areas must be just plain evil, as well as Christian Plena, Bomba, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia... the list goes on. No?

    Starts to get a little ludicrous after a while doesn't it?

    Is it just hip hop which has been demonized? Do you feel the same about Christian Rock? Do you have a list of approved Christian artists? Who decides what's good or bad in your eyes?

    The only judge is the Lord! He knows us best - he knows our strengths, weaknesses, and out intentions. I refuse to believe the Lord would deny the praise and admiration of people who compose a song for him, write a poem for him, or (and here's the shocker) kick a freestyle rap for him if it's with the right reasons and the right inspiration.

    And remember... that "traditional" music was once new and different, too.

    But that's just my $.02.

    - meli -

    [ June 16, 2002, 12:01 AM: Message edited by: Barnabas ]
     
    #1 MeliChaCha, Jun 15, 2002
  2. Molly

    Molly New Member

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    I'm not opposed to any new songs...I'm for biblically sound song that elevate God and His holiness....I don't care if it is new or old,but it must fit the description for a spiritual song,a hymn,or psalm....I've heard some new songs lately that have extreme depth in their theology and when led properly can be a wonderful addition to a worship service. I love a lot of the hymns because alot of them were written by biblicaly sound men and women,and they teach me more about God. Some hymns are not biblically correct,so we should examine everything....
     
    #2 Molly, Jun 15, 2002
  3. Molly

    Molly New Member

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    What I am *against* is the philosophy that says we have to make God cool or something we can relate to by changing a music style,etc. God's word is relevant and life changing,once we are changed,then we become more like God,we don't bring God down to be more like our world.

    So,how do we determine whether some music is good or bad?
    1. Is it Godly? Does it sound more like the World or God's nature?
    2. Does it elevate God?
    3. Does it glorify God?
    4. Does it glorify man and his wishes and taste?
    5. Is it something unbelievers can jive with? Is it set apart?

    Just something to think about. ;)
     
    #3 Molly, Jun 15, 2002
  4. Son of Consolation

    Son of Consolation New Member

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    Sorry MeliChaCha, but I was somewhat distracted by other things on the board and could not get back to you sooner. I see you where you are heading, and that is not what I understood originally. But here is my two cents worth:

    As I have followed your reign of thought, I'd like to suggest to you that music can never be a factor of a person's salvation - for that would not be in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. The Bible refers to the Word of God, through the help of the Holy Spirit, which is essential to salvation. By saying that many young people came to know the Lord because they were exposed to or introduced to Christian rock music is an oxymoron. Having said that, I acknowledge that music has a profound effect on the feelings of an individual, and very well could prepare him/her for the Gospel. But music by itself has no value in a person's salvation - the Word of God does.

    Now, when you talk about diversity in music, one must conceptualize and maintain a difference between "sacred music" and "music which entertains." I hope you agree. [​IMG]
     
    #4 Son of Consolation, Jun 15, 2002
  5. Matticus

    Matticus New Member

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    I agree that it is by the word of God and the Holy Spirit that people are saved. I also believe that the Holy Spirit is an integral part in the creation of good christian music. If that is true, then music can bring someone to Christ. A lot of christian artists also take parts of their lyrics right out of the bible, which would mean that the word of God is also there.

    God Bless
    Matt
     
    #5 Matticus, Jun 16, 2002
  6. MeliChaCha

    MeliChaCha New Member

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    I have nothing to add to this - Matticus said it for me! [​IMG]

    - meli -
     
    #6 MeliChaCha, Jun 30, 2002
  7. Ernie Brazee

    Ernie Brazee <img src ="/ernie.JPG">

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    Add the label "Christian" to any kind of music and that makes it ok?

    NOT!

    :confused:

    Ernie

    [ June 30, 2002, 09:57 AM: Message edited by: Ernie Brazee ]
     
    #7 Ernie Brazee, Jun 30, 2002
  8. Odemus

    Odemus New Member

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    Where in the Bible is there ever an example of music or instruments that are inherently evil?Without the word of God as a standard moral discussions are totally meaningless.I do not and will not accept anything presented as a moral truth outside of God's word.Those of you who are in a position of authority in the church are held to the exact same standard.

    With that being said, book chapter, verse.Anything less is unscriptural subjective opinion.
     
    #8 Odemus, Jun 30, 2002
  9. MissAbbyIFBaptist

    MissAbbyIFBaptist <img src=/3374.jpg>

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    Amen, Odimous! Man's words will pass away, but God's will last eternity.
    The Bible tells us we are to be set apart from the world -diffrent for Christ's sake.
    If you take away the words to a "Christian" hiphop/ rock song, what have you got? The same beat the WORLD goes by. Since it is a worldly tune or beat, should we as Chritians listen to it since the Bible is clear on abstaning from the worldly?
    I personaly refuse to listen to it. I don't aprove of it, and I base that on the Bible truths. To me, it's worldly, and I'm sorry {well, no I'm not.} the next word I use will make some people mad, but I think it's just down right wrong.
    The Bible also talks of songs and hymns. I'm not sure if rock beats fall in with that.
    My opinion ain't popular,but...oh well.
    {as for scripture references, I believe abstaning from the world, and being set apart is in Romans. [​IMG] }
    In Our Saviour, Abby [​IMG]
     
    #9 MissAbbyIFBaptist, Jun 30, 2002
  10. Odemus

    Odemus New Member

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    Abby I think you better re-read my post.I'm pretty sure we have different opinions on this topic [​IMG]
     
    #10 Odemus, Jun 30, 2002
  11. Ernie Brazee

    Ernie Brazee <img src ="/ernie.JPG">

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    Trying to help someone who is addicted to worldly music is fruitless unless they are willing to surrender their will to the Lord.

    So called "Christian" rap is the same garbage as secular rap, difference being trying to give it respect by blaspheming the Lord by putting his name to it.

    A surrendered heart longs to please the Lord not the flesh.
     
    #11 Ernie Brazee, Jun 30, 2002
  12. Joy2U

    Joy2U New Member

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    Abby, I agree. I think the majority of so-called churches today pander to the world and try to please the flesh. I think our music should be reverent and beautiful. I do think that it doesn't have to be boring but within reason. I like the old classic hymns but I also like some of the choruses, not the very repetitive ones. I believe we can worship God with our music but we must be wary not to copy the world. :D
     
    #12 Joy2U, Jun 30, 2002
  13. Odemus

    Odemus New Member

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    I am not addicted to worldy music, I like music that praises God.
    How is Christian rap the same as secular rap?How does it blaspheme the Lord? Do you always assume people should think you are speaking the truth just because you make declarative statements?

    Christian rap isn't my bag but I know that many people find it to be an encouragement.Instead of bombarding us with personal opinion why don't you open the Bible and share with us?

    Indeed it does.Were you suddenly moved to throw this in as a final statement, or was it just a random thought or are you actually tying it to your opening statement and judging my heart?

    Scripture brother, Scripture.I don't think that's too much to ask for from brothers and sisters in Christ.
     
    #13 Odemus, Jun 30, 2002
  14. Mike McK

    Mike McK New Member

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    bump
     
    #14 Mike McK, Apr 8, 2003
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