Originally posted by Christian A. Lindsey:
I am glad I received so many responses to what I wrote. It seems that there are plenty out there who are, in one form or another, in favor of this type of music.
Actually, the terms “contemporary Christian music” and “Christian rock music” are so incredibly broad that I would hesitate to label myself as a supporter of “this type of music” without clarifying that I believe all music can be good or bad depending upon the lyrics, the intent of the performer and the context. I believe lyrics carry the moral weight of a song while the tune is neither inherently good or evil.
Please do not misunderstand me. I do not consider this conversation a measuring-stick of your (or my) spirituality. That is not the issue. The issue is that music and our discernment of what is good and bad music has definite affects on our spiritual lives, and I believe that it is important that each believer establishes his basis for judgment on the Word of God.
I fully agree.
The URL article was simply a "bibliographic note" to what I was saying that even those not in Christian circles say that music is not amoral--meaning it is, in and of itself, neither good nor bad.
Certainly, but in my opinion, the “satanist” was not very well informed or a credible basis of authority for Christians. Certainly a person can get stimulus or “energy” from music with a fast tempo (whether classical, contemporary Christian, rock, Southern Gospel, etc.) without listening to the words and then go out and do evil, but that is a problem with the person, not the music.
First of all, it seems that most did not really grasped the application of the article to what I was saying. This satanist is not writing to Christians. He has written this article as part of his satanist webpage. He is applauding Christian Rock and endorsing it to his followers as something great and wonderful.
Please send me the URL of this “Satanist” Web page where this article appears in a private message so that I can research it myself. I tried a search on the internet and I couldn’t find it – except for the link you gave.
The author of this article is saying that no matter what the words say, the music considered "Rock" or "Metal" has innate evil influences and affects. He LIKES this music for what it stands for, and for what it does to a person's emotions.
“Rock” and “Metal” are type very different things… Metal is always rock, but rock is only occasionally metal music. Personally, I don’t care for metal music, but that does not mean it is inherently evil.
His reference to Christian music that historically lacks rhythm is obviously speaking of the conservative Christian music of past centuries, not what is called contemporary Christian music. The rhythm that is lacking is the dominant syncopation that has been added in much of the relatively new Christian music.
The only music that doesn’t have rhythm is the music I play on piano or guitar. (I’m rhythmically challenged!) What he may be referring to is a pronounced rhythm, or danceable music… Music classical music is full of that too. So are traditional hymns.
The fact that he misunderstands the Christian's view of emotions and their appropriateness is understandable, and at this point, I would have to agree with Smoke Eater concerning his logic, though I dare say the author is not only speaking of "healthy" emotions, but emotions and passions unbecoming to a Christian.
We agree here as well!
The purpose of mentioning this article was to show how this satanist belittles and despises Christianity and its faith, yet enjoys and actually promotes "Christian Rock". This is pretty heavy evidence--apart from the Word of God--against this type of music.
Actually, it may just be an indicator that this fellow is not very bright or the music is of very high quality… You’ve already affirmed that he misunderstands the Christian perspective in this music.
Secondly, "style" is to music what modesty is to dress. There are some styles that are not appropiate for the Christian, just as some clothing would not be considered approriate. The difficulty comes when judging what is and is not appropriate.
Based on what authority? Certainly if music is anti-Christian or of very low quality, it is no appropriate for Christians to enjoy for personal or corporate edification. But if you are talking about styles of music, I would have to strongly disagree unless you can give me biblical evidence to the contrary.
Baptist Believer, you mentioned that music should mirror a Christian world view.
Absolutely. Christian music should at least come from a viewpoint of Christian faith – even if it is not a religiously-themed piece.
I do not agree. Basically, what I am dealing with at this point (I did not clarify myself here) is music in the church.
Okay, that’s a little different. Music for worship should focus on God and songs of testimony and service.
Music in the Bible is always described as a form of worship of God and as a means of glorifying Him, as well as "speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts...UNTO THE LORD." The music in the church is for "interelationship" between believers, and between them and God.
Yes. But certainly you understand that music not focused on God is acceptable outside the context of worship… If I were to write a love song to my wife, that would be an acceptable song for a Christian.
Keep the world out of it.
I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood what I mean by “Christian worldview”. A worldview is a philosophical outlook on the world that colors perceptions and help create an integrated structure for human understanding. (Look it up in the dictionary if I don’t make sense here.) Essentially I’m saying that a Christian should look at the world with eyes of faith. I am not endorsing the “world system” or anything in the world except the goodness of God revealed in His creation.
The comment on Mozart and Beethoven was to show the difference between their music and their lives. I was saying that one should be careful NOT to judge the song because a particular person composed it or sings it, one way or another. If we were to do that, we would have to throw the music of these two wonderful composers out the window. I am a well-trained musician with years of studies...trust me, they were not nice men.
Certainly Mozart was probably at least as bad as he was portrayed in “Amadeus”, but I understand the jury is still out on Beethoven and his faith. Certainly he was irritable and sinful, but so was Luther. Beethoven also had some severe health problems (lead-poisoning, etc.) that probably caused a lot of his moods. In any case, I agree that the source of the music is irrelevant to whether or not the music is acceptable for Christians.
The term Rock and Roll by the way DOES come from the activities the author of this article describes. The roots of the that music come from African rituals and voodoo among other things, but the TERM comes from that idea.
Even if it does, I thought you just made a good case for judging the music on it’s own merits instead of the creator of the music???
If it represents these ideals, then this type of music--its very philosophy and application--has no place in the Christian's life. This is what was meant by saying the Devil's music (I think people have misinterpreted the meaning of that phrase--it does not mean he OWNS it, it means he manipulates it to his purposes) cannot be linked with "Christian" words and be considered good.
Nonsense… See the point you just made about Beethoven and Mozart.
This is referring to people, not music. Furthermore, this is about leaving paganism and paganistic religion. You still have yet to demonstrate that “rock” (whatever you mean by the term) is necessarily pagan.
The two are in direct contrast of each other.
Yes. Pagan religion and Christian religion are incompatible. Tunes and styles created by non-Christians/pagans and Christian lyrics are compatible, since the meaning is found in the lyrics.
Sure you sin because YOU want to, but if you are allowing something in your life that tempts you to sin, what should you do with that "something"?
You should get rid of it. My music does not tempt me. If your music tempts you, it’s time to get rid of it – but don’t assume everyone shares the same weaknesses.
Liquor has no temptation for me. I can live around it without facing any temptation. (I used to keep a bottle of Everclear in my home – I confiscated it from a student at the private high school I used to work at – and used it only for medicinal (external) purposes. I had not inclination to drink the stuff. I had a friend give me a bottle of beer four months ago. I put it in the fridge thinking I might want to try it sometime. I haven’t cared enough to even open the bottle. I tried drinking red wine for my cardiovascular health about a year ago (a doctor recommended it), but I don’t really care for it and I’ve gradually stopped drinking it – but that’s me.
Other people have real problems with alcohol and they would have consumed that Everclear, the beer and worked their way through countless bottles of wine during the last year because they have that weakness… But that does not make *me* wrong for occasionally having an alcoholic drink or having it around the house.
I am not condemning all secular music, nor am I condemning contemporary Christian music or its artists in general.
Excellent.
Besides, that's not for me to decide. I am not judging anyone. I am simply saying that there are certain types of music, based on their philosophy, affects and associations, that are not healthy for the Christian.
And you still have yet to demonstrate this… Maybe you should say that some forms of music, regardless of lyrics, may not be good for some Christians?
I do not doubt your sincerity in your responses, but I do not make any apologies for what I said either.
Fine.
I will make this last statement and not bore some of you to tears any longer.
I’m not crying.
Music does not "make or break" a Christian, but the music we listen to does have a tremendous affect on our spiritual responsiveness and resulting relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Yep. If we listen to music with bad theology or music that celebrates evil, it will harm us.
Thanks for your input!
