QUESTION for teens and Parents...!

[Infernal Freak]

Uh...

I have tried ALL different types of music...and I have went through phase through phase. [we all do!

] Anyway...it started with rock and rap [secular that is...:] ] Anyway...my parents hated that! [They have always listened to old country folk...Christian stuff...] I eventually started listening to Country...modern day...secular. My parents hated that! Then I got back into secular punk stuff...gothic...weird. Anyway, as you can guess...they HATED that! I got off of that stage and got into contemporary Christian...Mercyme...Stephen Curtis Chapman...etc. Well...they thought that was OK. [OK...keyword...] Anyway...I liked that for quite a while!

Anyway...about a year ago I went to a youth event and they played some Christian rock [ya know...kewl stuff. Switchfoot, Kutless, Thousand Foot Krutch, Pillar, 12 Stones, the list can go on and on!] Well...I came back home and was like, WOW! That is the stuff I like! It was my music...where I found my heart in music...one of those phases that is not really a phase...It is there forever! My pastor is like 24 [young...but kewl!] and he likes it! He listens to that 24/7! Well...my parents say it is 'not good' and they do NOT approve of it by any means! It has just recently become an issue...the first couple of CD's I bought...and a DVD...they do NOT like by any means! It was mosly Kutless's first album. They scream 4 times. Big whoop!

It makes me a little frustrated because that music brings me closer in my walk with GOD...they can't understand the words...but I can! I am sure that some of the stuff they listen to...the country Christian stuff...would make their great grandparents roll over in their graves on. I mean, it is too modern day for them...but they could care less and they listen to it still. But......I don't know what to do. I love Christian Rock. It is amazing! I am sort of having a calling to form a Christian rock band! It is weird...frustrating...and ANNOYING! It could be a lot worse! I could listen to Jimmy Hendrix or something like that! Ugggghhhhhhhhhh! Have you ever had that feeling? WHAT SHOULD I DO?

I have been dealing with this long enough...!

Thank you!

-Heather

 

[Infernal Freak]

Oh...and I know this seems as if it has NOTHING entirely to do with Pentecostalism...or what have you. But, it is important to me and I do grow up in a Pentecostal Home! So it does have a lot 2 do with it!

-Heather

 

[TheThirdLink]

Independent Baptist here.

God created Lucifer (Satan) to be the master of music. He was the chief cherub (a type of angel that has wings), and he led the songleading and praises to God in Heaven before God threw him down to earth and he became the Prince of Darkness.

Satan is still the "master of music" today, but believers, especially parents, will use that as an excuse to call Christian music evil. It's not evil, period. Satan speaks through secular music, God speaks through Christian music. There are always two sides to every card and coin, if you know what I mean by that. The message of both is different, do not even count the tune as a part of the preaching. You learn from it, so do I. I have derived many Biblical principles and wisdoms from Christian music too. Doesn't that just rock? You bet! Modern Christian radio stations use songs as a series of sermons or devotions for people who are unable to go to church and it is a beautiful, creative way to witness and reach the masses. Almost everyone on this planet has some ear for music...so, no problem there.

You listening to Christian music is not evil. As long as it is pointed to God, He can use it. "Don't underestimate what God can do. He can use what you can give within the mystery of His ways." Christian musician star Michael Whittaker Smith said that.

You're doing nothing wrong. And you're right: Your grandparents probably would turn in their graves knowing what your mom and dad listen to. But no matter. God finds different ways to reach His lost sheep as the ages go by. One shouldn't limit His power like that with human ideals and opinions.



P.S.: My parents share the same views as your parents do, but I like what you like. I even listen to some Christian rap when I have the chance!

 

[Infernal Freak]

Oh....I do too! I like KJ~52! Thanks for the encouragment! You're kewl! Chat sometime? Well...gotta go!
-Heather

 

[Groovy]

Oh, sis', People like different types of music dude. The way I see it sis', there is a lot of evil music out there, but as long as the music is leading you into a closer walk with Jesus, it's all good, don't matter what type. It's humility to respect another persons likes/dislikes dude. As long as it does not go against the Bible and God's teachings. But, like, music by itself can not lead you closer to God sis'. However, this should not make you in anyway, like, disrespect your parents.

On another note, here is a cool CCM artist dude. Website clocks at MichaelLewisMusic.com, check out some of the "kewl" MP3s sis'

?Groovy
"Jesus ain't just my savior, he's my lover"

 

[Infernal Freak]

yeah...I don't disrespect them...and the music itself doesn't...but it is like GOD meets me on my level. That music is my style and the lyrics are awesome! They explain how I feel. The music adds to the fact that I like it too. I love the electric guitar...and the way it sounds. It is amazing! [I am in the process of learning it.] I love my Parents, don't get me wrong...this just frustrates me.

-Heather

 

[Suffolk Sean]

yeah...I don't disrespect them...and the music itself doesn't...but it is like GOD meets me on my level. That music is my style and the lyrics are awesome! They explain how I feel. The music adds to the fact that I like it too. I love the electric guitar...and the way it sounds. It is amazing! [I am in the process of learning it.] I love my Parents, don't get me wrong...this just frustrates me.

-Heather

Heather,

From someone that has been a teen and is now a parent I offer this:

I feel your pain. I know parents can be frustrating, so can our kids
Parents are growing too, we are just better at it because we have been doing it longer
Long after you grow out of whatever music style you like (if you ever, I still like stuff from my teen years, plus some stuff you like too) your parents will still be your parents, cut them some slack. Remember we move slower.

Above all else two things:
Your parents love you and obedience will return to you much more rewards than your music style.
Talk to them, tell them how you feel, then LISTEN to them and how they feel.

 

[Father Rick]

For what it's worth... the tunes to many of the OLD hymns (Joyful Joyful we adore thee, A mighty fortress is our God, etc) were the tunes to beer drinking songs from the pubs in the 1500's. People just 'christianized' them by changing the words.

I see 2 different issues here... 1) honoring your parents.... 2) listening to music that you like....

Try talking to your parents and tell them that you want to honor them and be respectful to them, but you do understand the words to the music and like it, etc.... see if that helps..

If not, you may want to have your pastor talk to your folks... see if that helps...

Just an idea...

 

[kspchemist]

From your original post you sound like you are going through some sort of rebellion. I have been there! I was in the same boat that you are. When I was in High School, I started to get into the "Comtempary Christian Music". I remember vividly having a discussion with my dad. He told me these sage words. "The music that you are listing to and rock music, what is the difference? The difference is the words. THe music is EXACTLY the same." THe point I want to get across is that it is the music and not words that make us stray from the faith. Since Lucifer was the minister of music in Heaven, he can make a competely interesting counterfit to what is holy. From my experience, CCM did NOT enhance my Christian walk with the LORD, but in part destroyed it. It wasn't but three years after I started listening to CCM that I personally backslid from the LORD, and it took another three years to regain my salvation with the LORD. I don't want to see you follow in my footsteps.
Another question I want to ask, is a "Christian" Rock concert glorifing to the LORD? Since I have seen a few "Christian" Rock concerts on TV, I don't see any difference in the way they act there and the way people act at a secular Rock concert. How can you justify being involved with something that doesn't glorify God?
I also want to re-iterate what a previous poster has said. Talk with your parents, and have them explain thier position to you. Also explain your position to them. But remember you are living under your parents roof, and you need to respect thier wishes until you are out of thier oversight. You can say something like, "Mom and Dad, I still disagree with you and your position, but I will nevertheless obey your wishes." Anyway the best advice I can give you is to pray, pray, and pray more. God will give you wisdom how to handle the situation.
BTW I do understand your plight, but I am also a parent of a high-maintainence three-year-old boy, whom I love dearly, and don't want to stray from sound Biblical doctrine.

 

[Infernal Freak]

Well...

Just something about what you said: I am not really going through rebellion. I have been into Christian Rock for quite some time. About a year. It has been very good for me. I understand your p.o.v. [Point of View] and well, I see what you mean. However, it is not backsliding me...it is bringing me closer! Really...no joke. I love the lyrics and the way they present them. It is awesome! I mean, I don't understand the problem...it isn't Ozzy Osbourne! It is just some bands that have had the calling to go into the music ministry...from GOD...and they present their music a little different then: "I'll fly away oh glory, I'll fly away! When I die hallelujah bye and bye, I'll fly away..." As a matter of fact...ever word they say speaks to me. I am not saying this to justify it...but I am saying that it is so amazing how everything they sing about is what I am feeling...it helps me, encourages me even! It lifs me up in the LORD. I am glad there are artists out there like them. I understand that some think they act secular...but don't we all sometimes? I mean: a Christian person makes their toast the same way a non-Christian does, right? The only difference is they pray over it! All I am saying is that a concert is going to be a concert, regardless... They are going to jump around. It is life. At my Church...as a Pentecostal...sometimes there are people who jump around at my Church! No lie. It happens. They scream some too. [Not completely off the wall or anything...but neither do the bands I listen to.] Also, I have never been to a concert in my life! NEVER! I wouldn't mind going to one...but I haven't...so I don't get that either. I think they are doing it because they want me to like the old hymns...that do not bring me closer to GOD. GOD meets us at our level. He understands decades and years and how they go by! He is a never changing GOD and we are in an EVER changing world. Some things don't stay the same. That is what happens...it is life. They should understand that. I am not by any means being rebellious. I just like that kind of music! My pastor likes that kind of music! His MOTHER likes that kind of music. Many adults in the CCM forum listen to that music! I just don't get it! It is amazing!

-Heather

 

[Spiritson]

A suggestion: You can lead as well. Perhaps try to share their music with them, and look for the common places. Then, gently, with some of your music that most closely resembles theirs, share the praise and worhip of the one, true God. My children did this with me, and now I'm introducing them to contemporary christian artists. More importantly I don't miss blessings I would have otherwise been in contempt of. But don't forget the Spirit, not the letter of what Paul says in 1 Cor 8:13.

 

[wotupjoe]

The best thing is to sit them down, here their arguments against it, respect it and then have your arguments for it. Argument sounds like such a bad word but I'm using it for lack of a better one. As long as you do it in a mature way your parents will respect you for it and nothing can get out of hand.
I've never really had the problem you have cause, even though my mom doesn't like a lot of my music, my dad is very open. He has discernment of spirits so he'll listen to the music and then tell me what he gets from it. If it doesn't feel right then he'll tell me but he stills leaves it up to me to make my own decision. Since I also have discerning of spirits, we don't usually have disagreements over it.

Good luck!

 

[Infernal Freak]

Yep...I'll try!

-Heather

 

[Infernal Freak]

I am planning on discussing it in a few hours...about 3. Breakfast is the best time! We can always get things through then!

-Heather

P.S. Pray for me!

 

[Groovy]

Yeah! Good for you sis'
Let us know how it went.

In an earlier post somebody said they don't see the difference between Christian rock and secular rock. Just because somebody says they are christian does not mean they are doing the right thing, sometimes it's just a cover also. There are indeed "Christian artists" that use music for the wrong reasons. You do need to be discerning about even the Christian music you hear.

But I encourage you to listen to the "style" of music you like. Although it MUST glorify god, not just the lyrics, but the attitude of the artist dudes.

BTW Christian churches in like Africa DONT play old hymns or gospel tunes dude, no, they play rockin' jazzy stuff.

You may notice in the Old Testament they shook the temple with their praise, now, they used, wind instruments, string instruments, and percussion. If you study the music they did in the early church and the Old Testament you will find they rocked the house wherever they were.

Tootles for now dude
Ooozing Blessings
Dude master.
√Groovy
"Jesus ain't just my savior, he's my lover"

 

[GeorgiaPeach]

It doesn't really matter what you listen to, as long as you worship. I sing Rage Against the Machine to the Lord all the time! Take the time to let Killin' in the Name of soak into your spirit! When you feel the release in your heart, let your parents listen to it and they will find the same freedom you do!

 

[Hisgirl]

hi Heather....Psalm 33:3 talks about playing skillfully and I do believe in the KJV the word 'LOUD' is used to describe what kind of sound to make! I like all kinds of music....my quiet, worship, coming-into-His-presence music is different than just my wow! this-is-cool-music times. I have a friend...Caspar McCloud who played for Atlantic records. He was described as the 'next Jimi Hendrix'...so you can imagine the skill level on the electric guitar. Caspar gave his life and music to the Lord. Now he stills gets to use his talent....but he sings his songs about the Lord. Yes, it's loud...but INCREDIBLE...if you like electric guitar. Probably, one of the top talents in the world. We attended a concert and were just speechless....the cool thing was how he gave all the glory to the Lord and spoke of Him throughout the concert. We could have brought the toughest motorcycle-ridin', tobacco-chewin' Mama and she would have sat...also speechless at the talent...but heard a mind-blowing testimony and sang songs about our awesome God. The instrument itself isn't evil....electric guitar is just an instrument. I've heard acoustic guitar songs that were straight from the pit of hell. Maybe you could show your parents some of the words and explain how much you just really like electric guitar. Let us hear how things go!