Should we only listen to Gospel music?

Personally, I see nothing wrong with listening to some secular music, so long as it's not singing about things that are against your beliefs, etc. Let's think common decency here -- if the music curses, talks about going out and being promiscuous, etc. then it probably shouldn't be on the ol' playlist. I figure that if I could listen to it comfortably around my mom, my grandma, and other church members without offending anybody, it should be alright (we're talking content here and not style, b/c there's no accounting for personal taste in style... I may love a song's lyrics, but if it's country for example, I might not be so big on it as if it were alternative, folk, hip hop, etc. ). Also think about the artists you support by buying their music. If the artist is a known drug user, etc. do you really want to be putting more money in his/ her bankroll?

All in all, it's your call. I personally still love all kinds of music by many kinds of artists.

What kind of music are you into? Maybe I can be of some help in expanding your musical horizons!

Take care and God Bless!

- meli -

 

Teen,

Music is a small, small, small part of the Christian life. What should cheer our hearts are Christ's words. They are life.

I like music myself, but I have come to the point where I realized I was looking to music to fulfill what can only be fulfilled by God's Word. Cheer inspired by music ends when the music ends.

Start reading God's Word, and read about the lives of great Christians from the past. That is where the true inspiration comes from.

 

Pesonaly, I don't listen to anything but gospel. I think all in all, it's up to you. I don't feel comfortable listening to hiphop, rock or contry,so I stay away from it. But as someone pointed out,if you wouldn't be comfortable listening to it around your grandma or church members, then prehaps you ought to look into it.
I don't feel comfortable listening to certian types of music, because I have that conviction,but if I were you, I would pray about it, and see what God thinks. I know the slogan "wwjd" is used a lot, but really if you think about it, "What would Jesus do?"
Think of the music you listen to, and if you think you would be ashamed to listen to it around Christ {witch, by the way, He is always with saved people} then maybe you shouldn't listen to it.
IMHO,
Abby

 

Some music builds you up, and some music does not. In my view, whatever does not build you up is bringing you down. If you find certain bands' music is not bringing you up, it might be best to skip them and listen to the stuff that builds you up. It is totally not a matter of style, but of the emotions and message put into the song.

God Bless
Matt

 

I too have listened to many kinds of other music, such as country, etc. It's true as some of you have already said that there is good music out there that is not "Christian." However, I feel that the more I listen to music that is Godly, the more I think on those type things throughout my day. I used to think about country songs and sing and hum those songs while I'm at home or work or whatever, now it's Godly and worship songs that are on my mind, so I feel my mind is in the right place.

 

Teen, Gospel music is just one type of Christian music, but there are also some "secular" gospel music as well.

I, personally, listen to all types of Christian music, including gospel. As long as your heart is in the right place, you should be fine. Do you play any instruments? I play piano, and instead of listening to music, I usually sit down and start playing the accompiant music and start singing the words to the song.

Praise God, in whatever you do. Make sure that you are focused on God, and never lose sight of Him. He will let you know what is appropiate for you and what is not.

For me, Christian music is okay, but secular is not. For one of my good friends, Christian music is appropiate for him, as well as some secular.

If you decided to listen to just Christian, Great! But, if you decide you want some variety, make sure you know what the song is talking about and the context you are listening to it in. The safe way for me is Christian only. Only you can decide if just Christian music is okay for you.

In Christ's gracious love,
Teresa

 

Hey Teen,

Good question. I personally only listen to Christian music. As a Christian musician I use the songs that God gives me to minister to others. I do however watch what I listen to even if it is labeled as Christian. For example, I will not listen to a group called POD because of how secularized they have become. It seems like they can't figure out if they are going to boldly proclaim Christ. They played at OzFest, which mainly has stuff like Marylynn Manson, etc.. I totally became turned off by that. Plus I believe in not hiding the message. If people can't even tell it is Christian, what's the point. But of course that's just my opinion.

In Christ,

Brooks

 

For sure, be careful what you listen to even in the world of christian music. But I don't see a problem with P.O.D. They bring their message where it is most needed. And yes, you can tell that they're a christian band. There are other bands that are called christian, but are very much secular. Such as Two Pence None the Richer. I would not accuse P.O.D of that though, just because they play secular venues with secular artists. Doctors aren't there for the healthy, but for the sick.

God Bless
Matt

 

We're obviously not thinking of the same POD.

Don't get me wrong, I can't stand that kind of music, but I have a lot of respect for them for being so bold in standing up for Christ.

I don't think you go on TRL and share the Gospel the way they have unless you're serious about your faith.

I could be wrong but I don't believe Manson's ever played Ozzfest.

A couple of thoughts about this.

While I really don't like "Jesus is my girlfriend" songs, Jesus said things that weren't meant for the general population, but specifically for His followers.

If God wants to speak to you through a song, He will, whether it's specifically "Christian" or not.

Buddy Miller, the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Diamond Rio, Delbert McClinton and even the Texas Tornados all have songs that aren't necessarily "Christian" but God has used all of them to minister to me.

Finally, what about making music for the sake of art or telling a story or simply (God forbid) just for entertainment?

Mike

 

Sixpence's music may be mainstream, but they have a great ministry inside the industry.

They started out as a Christian band and many of their songs still have a Christian bent to them.

There is a distinction between "Christians in a band" and a "Christian band".

Buddy and Julie Miller, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Hillman, Alison Krauss, Greg Martin, Billy Powell, 2/3 of the band Social Distortion and, yes, Alice Cooper, all are Christians in the mainstream who are using their fame as an opportunity to share the Gospel.

Mike

 

Manson played Ozzfest last year. But i take tat as all the more reason for P.O.D to play there this year. To be honest i wish he was playing this year so he could hear P.O.D and maybe talk with them.

 

I stand corrected.

Dude, Alice Cooper implied in an interview that he and Manson have discussed the Gospel more than once.

Mike

 

Thats kool. But Manson does not need to be told about the Gospel he knows plenty. Hes very intelgent. What he needs is to be shown the power of Christ.

 

Well, anyway, that was just my opinion on POD. I just personally believe in being blunt in some ways. From what I understand they talk about "the Love" instead of "the Love of Christ". But as I said, that's my opinion. My point is this, listen to music that blesses you. Go with your convictions....

Be Blessed!!!!!!

 

I generally speaking almost always listen to Christian music.

Gospel music, to me, is one genre of Christian music. Sometimes I listen to it, too.

On occasion, I will listen to secular music, but I usually have to be wary because so much of it alludes to not good things.

 

I agree with you Dr. Bob. Lyrics do need to be examined.

It puzzles me how someone can proclaim Christ, but turn around and say that He is "a" way. Jesus said "I am THE way, the truth and the light." AMEN....