Is God Pleased With Christian Rock

[nephilimiyr]

So many Rock threads around here I thought I switch it up. Is this topic worthy for theology? I don't know but what I'm wondering is how many of you theology buffs get into Christian contemporary rock music and how many of you think it is of the devil.

I know I feel some of it is from the devil and some of it I can do with out but there is some I reaaly like.

 

[Grishnak]

So many Rock threads around here I thought I switch it up. Is this topic worthy for theology? I don't know but what I'm wondering is how many of you theology buffs get into Christian contemporary rock music and how many of you think it is of the devil.

I know I feel some of it is from the devil and some of it I can do with out but there is some I reaaly like.

when it comes to things like this all Id say is ''who am I to judge another mans servant...to his own master he stands or falls"

now if the christian rock singer has his fathers wife, then we can see a bit more clearly on the matter

 

[Oblio]

Not if he has good musical taste

 

[JimfromOhio]

Music, like anything else in the world, can be used for good or for evil.

When I choose any Christian music based on the following criteria (questions).

Are the words distinctively biblical?

Does the music which transports those words, which would be: tune, arrangement, style, fit those words?

Do you understand the music?

I hope this helps.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Another note....

Most Christian Rock bands failed my tests.

Main reason: I do not understand their music and they are too loud.

 

[invisible trousers]

Not if he has good musical taste

zing

I know I feel some of it is from the devil and some of it I can do with out but there is some I reaaly like.

Interesting view. Could you care to explain this?

 

[sinner/SAVED]

Type of music makes no difference whatsoever. Only the words can be called "Christian" or "non-Christian".

I think God is well-pleased with any worship we offer.

 

[Oblio]

After Jimmy Buffett dies and enters the Pearly Gates, God takes him on a tour.

He shows Jimmy a little two bedroom house with a faded parrot banner hanging
from the front porch.

"This is your house, Jimmy. Most people don't get their own houses up here,"
God says.

Jimmy looks at the house, then turns around and looks at the one sitting on
top of the hill. It's a huge two-story mansion with white marble columns
and little patios under all the windows. Tie-died flags line both sides of
the sidewalk and a huge Grateful Dead banner hangs between the marble
columns.

"Thanks for the house, God. But, let me ask you a question. I get this
little two bedroom house with a faded banner and Jerry Garcia gets a mansion
with brand new Grateful Dead banners and flags flying all over the place.
Why is that?"

God looks at him seriously for a moment, then with a smile, God says,
"That's not Jerry's house, Jimmy; it's mine!"

 

[InnerPhyre]

After Jimmy Buffett dies and enters the Pearly Gates, God takes him on a tour.

He shows Jimmy a little two bedroom house with a faded parrot banner hanging
from the front porch.

"This is your house, Jimmy. Most people don't get their own houses up here,"
God says.

Jimmy looks at the house, then turns around and looks at the one sitting on
top of the hill. It's a huge two-story mansion with white marble columns
and little patios under all the windows. Tie-died flags line both sides of
the sidewalk and a huge Grateful Dead banner hangs between the marble
columns.

"Thanks for the house, God. But, let me ask you a question. I get this
little two bedroom house with a faded banner and Jerry Garcia gets a mansion
with brand new Grateful Dead banners and flags flying all over the place.
Why is that?"

God looks at him seriously for a moment, then with a smile, God says,
"That's not Jerry's house, Jimmy; it's mine!"

Hah!

 

[CM]

Hmm, one odd thing, I've noticed a lot more of Christian Death metal (Yeah I know it doesnt sound like its possible, but eh, it is.) Sounding a LOT more christian then most of the "Christian" rock out there today.
I mean, look at lyircs from Crimson Moonlight.

*Gah wont let me paste the lyrics, oh well*

http://www.christianrocklyrics.com/crimsonmoonlight/embracedbythebeautyofcold.php
If you can't tell that's Christian, them um. >>';

So it really depends on the band I guess.

*edit* yeah it says its rock, but CM is pretty much a black metal band. And that site covers everything.

 

[philN]

Only the words can be called "Christian" or "non-Christian".

I'm not sure words themselves can be Christian or non-christian. Perhaps the messages that the words form can be directed toward a christian audience, which I guess in some way would make the message Christian, but words themselves are not good or bad. Words are amoral.

Here's my problem with CCM. Christians are representatives of God, the ultimate Creator. But rather than striving to create and make original music, they instead create "christian alternatives to 'secular' bands". They usually provide a few thin references to God, so as not to come off too preachy and then mimic whatever style is popular at the time. The result is music that is not sacred or secular, but rather a derivative medley of bad theology and bad art. Granted, there are exceptions, but they are few and far between.

I also think the notion that sacred music is better to listen to than secular music reeks far more of platonic philosophy and hints of gnosticism than scripture. Plato's distinction between the sacred and secular is fair enough, but to say that the sacred is hierarchially better than the secular in unbiblical. God can be glorified in the sacred and secular, the phyical and the spiritual. I'm not sure anyone here is really saying anything against this, but I have had discussions with other people on CF who firmly believe that all things secular are bad, which is just ridiculous.

 

[mystery4]

So many Rock threads around here I thought I switch it up. Is this topic worthy for theology? I don't know but what I'm wondering is how many of you theology buffs get into Christian contemporary rock music and how many of you think it is of the devil.

I know I feel some of it is from the devil and some of it I can do with out but there is some I reaaly like.

I've just recently been starting to question this too... I'll just sit back and listen to it and the crowds reactions. I've discovered that alot of the "Christian" contemporary or rock music and concerts if you don't listen to the lyrics of the songs are kinda no different to that of "secular" music of the same type. People get just as hyped up in both and its mainly the words that are different from my own observations.

Don't get me wrong, I see no problem with those styles of music. However, when we're worshipping to God, shouldn't we conduct ourselves in a manner that shows God our respect, instead of bringing the world into our worship?

I can see how its good for those who all they're used to it music like that or heavier and to them, its much tamer, and helps them to see Jesus. However, I'm afraid, it's just not my type of music. As has been said earlier, it depends upon whether or not it best helps you in your worshipping of God. Or if its a distraction for you.

 

[nephilimiyr]

Interesting view. Could you care to explain this?

I'll try but it wont be easy.

There are several things I look for in a band. One is worship. I ask myself just who these people are worshipping, are they worshipping themselves, Satan, or God. I not only consider the lyrics of their songs but the over all message. For instance, I don't believe anyone particular song has to mention Jesus or God a certain number of times but the overall theme has to revolve around the worship of God.

Also I take a look at the testimony of the group members and how willing they are in share it with others. I've heard of some groups who rarely ever talk about their testimonies or even God on stage but then there are groups who make this the center point of their show to the point that it's not really a show but a worship service.

Bottom line for me is does their music edify and hold us up? Do they have a ministry? Does their music make a difference in our lives and will it help present the gospel of Jesus Christ. My opinion is that some groups fail in this which tells me their of the devil but others excell in this which tells me they have God's blessings.

To name a few that I really like and believe the anointing of God is upon them.

Third Day
Jeremy Camp
Barlow Girls
Day Of Fire
Kutless

Just to name a few...

 

[holo]

I don't make any distinction between "christian" or "secular" music. If I like it, I'll listen, if it sucks, I won't. That being said, I have experienced, while listening to music I REALLY like, that something is wrong, that it doesn't feel good, that I get nothing good out of it. I won't name the band(s), because it's a unique and personal experience.

I have a (relatively new) positive outlook in things. I'll find Jesus even in places nobody has put him, like in songs by Nine Inch Nails. I can relate to the lyrics and the feelings and see connections to my own walk with the Lord.
And at times when I feel the struggle of breaking out of legalism and low self-esteem, "Jailbreak" by AC/DC is a brilliant backing track!

 

[nephilimiyr]

I don't make any distinction between "christian" or "secular" music. If I like it, I'll listen, if it sucks, I won't. That being said, I have experienced, while listening to music I REALLY like, that something is wrong, that it doesn't feel good, that I get nothing good out of it. I won't name the band(s), because it's a unique and personal experience.

I have a (relatively new) positive outlook in things. I'll find Jesus even in places nobody has put him, like in songs by Nine Inch Nails. I can relate to the lyrics and the feelings and see connections to my own walk with the Lord.
And at times when I feel the struggle of breaking out of legalism and low self-esteem, "Jailbreak" by AC/DC is a brilliant backing track!

Well, what I'm talking about isn't legalism at all but just wanting to stay away from things that will tempt me and or bring evil into my life. Trying to stay away from things that will tare me down instead of lifting me up.

You perhaps have a good point about the song "Jailbreak" but do you also listen to the other AC/DC songs that promote fornication and what not. I used to be a big AC/DC fan so I know what they have put out.

 

[holo]

I'll basically listen to anything. The Spirit lets me know if I need to turn it off. Obviously, we are all different and at different stages, so I won't make my limits a rule for others to follow. For the time being I only have that one AC/DC album (the few others went into fire in a fit of misunderstood "spirituality" combined with pressure from a preacher).

 

[emehippy]

My neighbor is in a christian rock band and when I watch their practices you can tell that they TRUELY LOVE the Lord! It doesn't matter HOW you sing your praise, its Who you sing your praises to To say that christian rock is bad is like saying preaching in spanish is bad. You wouldn't ask a preacher in Mexico to preach only in French... would you?? Nope. You have to reach EVERYONE with the message of Christ not just people that like hymns. Some people like rock some people like rap some people like country. I think it is great that people who aren't saved might listen to a song because they like the melody and little do they know... God is working on their heart. Christian rock/metal/rap/other is not just for Saved Redeemed Christians. Its really for the purpose of getting the message out to unbelievers


Just my two cents.

God bless you

 

[Cliff2]

So many Rock threads around here I thought I switch it up. Is this topic worthy for theology? I don't know but what I'm wondering is how many of you theology buffs get into Christian contemporary rock music and how many of you think it is of the devil.

I know I feel some of it is from the devil and some of it I can do with out but there is some I reaaly like.

Rock music cannot be called Christian.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Rock music cannot be called Christian.

Actually, that's a matter of opinion. In my opinion, Christians should not use hard rock music however I do understand, any music can either be positive or negative depending on each believer's attitude towards to each "song" rather than "Rock Music" in general.

 

[holo]

I'm not sure words themselves can be Christian or non-christian. Perhaps the messages that the words form can be directed toward a christian audience, which I guess in some way would make the message Christian, but words themselves are not good or bad. Words are amoral.

Do you think that about the bible too?

I do, actually. I think the same principle is at work. Wheter it's a bible quote or a lyric or a guitar riff, it has no power unless God enters into it.
Obviously, people will try to spread lies and such through music, just as they do with, say, books.

If God can use me with all my shortcomings and lacks, surely He can use a christian playing loud and fast and heavy (as in metal). And He can even use non-believers!