Is it wrong for a Christian to listen to secular music?

[sehad]

I agree that most secular music does not bring us closer to GOD and that as a young person it causes you to lie to your parents(if they care what you listen to). I know about the money part as well. I would leave an awesome service and throw about $100 worth of cds away just to turn around and purchase more a few days down the road.

 

[sanctifiedband]

You know, i found something else out to be true after listening to secular music. Music is a big thing in my life. I love it. As soon as MP3 players started to become big, I had to buy one. When mine broke, I had to get another because I couldn't go a day without listening to music. I am presently on my 4th MP3 player in less than a year. But I noticed something. Before I started listening non-stop to music, Christian music was all that entered my head. But then I branched out. And I soon found myself listening to only secular music. I then began cussing a lot. The friends I had at that time didn't cuss, my parents don't cuss, my family doesn't cuss, and I really didn't watch that much tv. So looking back on that situation I find that most of my cussing habits came from the sort of music I listened to. Before I got my latest MP3 Player, I had a 30g iPod. I never filled it up because that holds a lot of songs, but 7,000 of my songs were registered as secular.. and only about 1,000 were Christian.

Personally, I think that buying secular music and listening to it is a waste. If I had purchased all of those songs indvidually through iTunes, I would have spent a whopping 7 grand on all of them! And then realizing that they were trash, I just throw them away. Seems like a waste to me

 

[AndrewCS]

You know, i found something else out to be true after listening to secular music. Music is a big thing in my life. I love it. As soon as MP3 players started to become big, I had to buy one. When mine broke, I had to get another because I couldn't go a day without listening to music. I am presently on my 4th MP3 player in less than a year. But I noticed something. Before I started listening non-stop to music, Christian music was all that entered my head. But then I branched out. And I soon found myself listening to only secular music. I then began cussing a lot. The friends I had at that time didn't cuss, my parents don't cuss, my family doesn't cuss, and I really didn't watch that much tv. So looking back on that situation I find that most of my cussing habits came from the sort of music I listened to. Before I got my latest MP3 Player, I had a 30g iPod. I never filled it up because that holds a lot of songs, but 7,000 of my songs were registered as secular.. and only about 1,000 were Christian.

Personally, I think that buying secular music and listening to it is a waste. If I had purchased all of those songs indvidually through iTunes, I would have spent a whopping 7 grand on all of them! And then realizing that they were trash, I just throw them away. Seems like a waste to me

Hi there,

You have a strong message here. This message needs to go further than this forum.

I too (you may have read my other post re this) used to have this addiction to music, I could NOT do without it. I actually asked God to take it away and He did, in terms of secular music.

The area of music is linked to PRIDE and why Lucifer was cast out (and other angels fell with him) and it was in the music area. In secular music it is the norm to worship the performer and they react and perform in that mode – ALL PRIDE RELATED.

In performance bands look for the ENERGY RETURN and although the music may not be nasty we have to careful.

Our youth are so into music and so deceived and ANGRY today because of the ANGRY music they listen to.

US, we people of God need to unit and make a stand for the curse that is upon our youth through this filth music that is out there.

The other part of it is that there is BRANDING ASSOCIATION that is a huge business so it is not just about the music. That is why we have fashion, it is the STATEMENT to look like certain trends that in the world are idolised and therefore we end up with MILLIONS of youth trying to be CLONES of Brittney Spears (for example). Guess who is telling her what to wear – yup, BIG BUSINESS.

Watch ANY of the IDOLS (just look at the name) series. You can see talent that comes in and certain identities that the performer / artist has. The WHOLE LOOK is moulded – WHY? Because the whole ball of wax is conformed to THE WORLD.

Because Levi’s and Diesel and all the other Labels want all our YOUTH and everybody else to feel they ARE NOT WORTHY unless they are wearing EXPENSIVE LABELS. Guess who is laughing at these people – yup.

The more I see and hear this the greater the stirring inside me for something to be done about this deceit.

I love your truth. I believe you are FREE in GOD and that is a AWESOME PLACE TO BE.

May the Spirit of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you and upon you.

Blessings.

 

[sehad]

I think you have a great testimony too. I can relate to the addiction thing but mine is different. I have to noise in the background to be able to concentrate on anyting(work, studying, etc.) It sounds strange but it actually makes me concentrate on what I'm trying to do instead of being a distraction. That being said, I have found that some songs will get stuck in my head and me not remembering listening to them but when I check the ipod, there they are! Songs(whether good or bad) imbed themselves in your unconcious mind and reveal themselves during the day. This makes a BIG determination on your attitude throughout the day.

 

[Schutte]

Christian music has a great place in the world. At night, when I do devotion, before I go to sleep, when I am in the car praying, when I am in the city and I want to be alone; all these are times that I love to put on some worship music and just experience quiet time with my God.

But what about all those other times, am I really dishonoring God by listening to secular music? First off, take out 50 cent, and most of the stuff with parental advisories, that is obviously bad. But what about listening to Deathcab for Cutie. They are a clean band who does not represent good or evil, they are out there in the secular world. I do not see how I am dishonoring God at all by listening to this. You might have the "whatever doesn't help you, hurts you" attitude, but that simply isn't true. I am not less of a Christian because of what I listen to. If you honestly believe that I am, cancel all your TV minus the 700 club, burn all books minus "your best life now", and throw away all art except the last supper. Look outside, there is life. Live it. Don't condemn what is different if what is different is good! Call me a bleeding liberal, or hypocrite, or whatever, but if you can't stand "secular" music, get rid of all other "secular" things in your life too and lets talk.

Push come to shove, we live in a world with war that has already been lost by us, but saved by Jesus Christ. Fight the battles, live the good life, inspire others to follow, but realize that you are in the world. Besides, when you buy a $20 "Christian" CD, can you vouch that all $20 is being spent in ways that "honor God". If you can account for every employee from the artist to the CEO of the plastic manager, then you can worry about others sins. I just spend my time watching my own and helping others with theirs.

 

[sehad]

If you were referring to my post, no I do not believe that you are "dishonoring" GOD by listening to secular music. I had 4 songs in my wedding a month ago and not one of them were "Christian" per say.

My opinion is that there should be a balance between two(of course as you stated taking out 50cent etc) types of music if not a majority of Christian.

GOD gets your attention my pricking your heart and convicting and/or drawing your attention by very subtle means. Listening to mostly "secular" music can make that prick and subtle hint a little less easy to recognize and thus has potential to make you miss a blessing or something that GOD wants you to do.

The more time your mind is spend on GOD, the more easily he can lead and guide you. Christian music obviously puts your mind on GOD while you're listening to it and afterwards as I've stated before in your subconcious. Secular music can put your mind on the fact that baby has her blue jeans or that he was killing her softly with his song. Get my point?

 

[Apollo Celestio]

As long as it isn't promoting the things God hates, it's ok by me. Such as music without lyrics... But it's not that simple I suppose. Music that promotes sin seems to be poisioning everyone around us, mostly the young..

 

[mathfreak]

it's ok, as long as u r not influenced with the music. just be smart when choosing the song u want to listen to

 

[homeofmew]

Of course not. How about the National Anthem That sure is not a religious song. AS long as you listen to decent music it is ok. I mean I love the LoTR underscores

 

[sanctifiedband]

But what about all those other times, am I really dishonoring God by listening to secular music? First off, take out 50 cent, and most of the stuff with parental advisories, that is obviously bad. But what about listening to Deathcab for Cutie. They are a clean band who does not represent good or evil, they are out there in the secular world. I do not see how I am dishonoring God at all by listening to this. You might have the "whatever doesn't help you, hurts you" attitude, but that simply isn't true. I am not less of a Christian because of what I listen to. If you honestly believe that I am, cancel all your TV minus the 700 club, burn all books minus "your best life now", and throw away all art except the last supper. Look outside, there is life. Live it. Don't condemn what is different if what is different is good! Call me a bleeding liberal, or hypocrite, or whatever, but if you can't stand "secular" music, get rid of all other "secular" things in your life too and lets talk.

Push come to shove, we live in a world with war that has already been lost by us, but saved by Jesus Christ. Fight the battles, live the good life, inspire others to follow, but realize that you are in the world. Besides, when you buy a $20 "Christian" CD, can you vouch that all $20 is being spent in ways that "honor God". If you can account for every employee from the artist to the CEO of the plastic manager, then you can worry about others sins. I just spend my time watching my own and helping others with theirs.

Once again I like to make myself clear in what I believe. Each person will eventually have their own convictions on this matter. I believe that if God has put the conviction in your heart to not listen to any secular music, then you probably don't want to be listening to it. However, if He hasn't put this conviction in your heart, then I see no problem with you listening to such music. But just remember that it CAN still affect you and your actions despite the convictions you may or may not have.

Like me for instance, God has told me not to listen to the majority of secular music, so I don't. When I used to, before the conviction, I felt that there was nothing wrong with it. After the conviction, I continued to listen to it and I felt really bad about it.. So i did have a change of heart..

But then I look at my youth pastor and he still listens to Disturbed, Wolfmother, Hinder, Linkin Park, and many other secular bands, but as far as I know, he feels nothing when listening to them. This conviction is not in his heart. God has a different plan for each of us and I believe as long as we listen to Him and do what He asks of us, then we will be blessed..

 

[sanctifiedband]

But what about all those other times, am I really dishonoring God by listening to secular music? First off, take out 50 cent, and most of the stuff with parental advisories, that is obviously bad. But what about listening to Deathcab for Cutie. They are a clean band who does not represent good or evil, they are out there in the secular world. I do not see how I am dishonoring God at all by listening to this. You might have the "whatever doesn't help you, hurts you" attitude, but that simply isn't true. I am not less of a Christian because of what I listen to. If you honestly believe that I am, cancel all your TV minus the 700 club, burn all books minus "your best life now", and throw away all art except the last supper. Look outside, there is life. Live it. Don't condemn what is different if what is different is good! Call me a bleeding liberal, or hypocrite, or whatever, but if you can't stand "secular" music, get rid of all other "secular" things in your life too and lets talk.

Push come to shove, we live in a world with war that has already been lost by us, but saved by Jesus Christ. Fight the battles, live the good life, inspire others to follow, but realize that you are in the world. Besides, when you buy a $20 "Christian" CD, can you vouch that all $20 is being spent in ways that "honor God". If you can account for every employee from the artist to the CEO of the plastic manager, then you can worry about others sins. I just spend my time watching my own and helping others with theirs.

Once again I like to make myself clear in what I believe. Each person will eventually have their own convictions on this matter. I believe that if God has put the conviction in your heart to not listen to any secular music, then you probably don't want to be listening to it. However, if He hasn't put this conviction in your heart, then I see no problem with you listening to such music. But just remember that it CAN still affect you and your actions despite the convictions you may or may not have.

Like me for instance, God has told me not to listen to the majority of secular music, so I don't. When I used to, before the conviction, I felt that there was nothing wrong with it. After the conviction, I continued to listen to it and I felt really bad about it.. So i did have a change of heart..

But then I look at my youth pastor and he still listens to Disturbed, Wolfmother, Hinder, Linkin Park, and many other secular bands, but as far as I know, he feels nothing when listening to them. This conviction is not in his heart. God has a different plan for each of us and I believe as long as we listen to Him and do what He asks of us, then we will be blessed..

 

[AndrewCS]

Once again I like to make myself clear in what I believe. Each person will eventually have their own convictions on this matter. I believe that if God has put the conviction in your heart to not listen to any secular music, then you probably don't want to be listening to it. However, if He hasn't put this conviction in your heart, then I see no problem with you listening to such music. But just remember that it CAN still affect you and your actions despite the convictions you may or may not have.

Like me for instance, God has told me not to listen to the majority of secular music, so I don't. When I used to, before the conviction, I felt that there was nothing wrong with it. After the conviction, I continued to listen to it and I felt really bad about it.. So i did have a change of heart..

But then I look at my youth pastor and he still listens to Disturbed, Wolfmother, Hinder, Linkin Park, and many other secular bands, but as far as I know, he feels nothing when listening to them. This conviction is not in his heart. God has a different plan for each of us and I believe as long as we listen to Him and do what He asks of us, then we will be blessed..

I think this a great response with Godly wisdom.

Bless you brother

 

[christiangal522]

I find that when I listen to secular music that, in it's words, contradicts my faith in ANYWAY, it tends to pull me away from my faith. BUT if i listen to secular music that draws me closer to God (through lyrics...yes, it is out there!) then I'm ok with it. God is not just in the "Christian" world. He's everywhere. He uses non-believers to speak to us too!! Why can't secular music draw us closer to Him?? We need to stop "separating" secular and Christian and look for God IN it ALL.

 

[AndrewCS]

He uses non-believers to speak to us too!! Why can't secular music draw us closer to Him?? We need to stop "separating" secular and Christian and look for God IN it ALL.

I agree, but if God is not (when the music was created) in there we will not find Him.

Would that be right?

God Bless

 

[sanctifiedband]

I agree with Andrew on this one.. If the artist did not intend for God to be in the music, I highly doubt you could find Him in there.

 

[Shiversblood]

I have had youth ministries preach that Secular music is very harmfull to the soul and is to be avoided. A few of my friends stopped listening to all music that wasn't Christian completly. I myself never liked the idea at all, and never found any merit to it. Maybe for some people they simply can't handle listening to things non-christian. But thats not me at all. I basically just listen to things that sound good, regardless of the Faith surrounding it. Even if they talk about bad things or cussing or whatever. To me, I always thought, wow, you guys really are going overboard. But perhaps they have too in order to stay in-touch with the faith properly. You gotta do what you gotta do I guess. They told me I needed to do it. But I wouldn't. Why would I want to throw away all my CDs like they did? Sounded silly to me. But sounded deadly serious to them.

 

[AndrewCS]

I have had youth ministries preach that Secular music is very harmfull to the soul and is to be avoided. A few of my friends stopped listening to all music that wasn't Christian completly. I myself never liked the idea at all, and never found any merit to it. Maybe for some people they simply can't handle listening to things non-christian. But thats not me at all. I basically just listen to things that sound good, regardless of the Faith surrounding it. Even if they talk about bad things or cussing or whatever. To me, I always thought, wow, you guys really are going overboard. But perhaps they have too in order to stay in-touch with the faith properly. You gotta do what you gotta do I guess. They told me I needed to do it. But I wouldn't. Why would I want to throw away all my CDs like they did? Sounded silly to me. But sounded deadly serious to them.

I am by no means mocking your input.

For me, I want to get REAL SERIOUS about God and I used to really listen ( I mean in detail) to music , mainly jazz. Of course I was awed at the performance, the production etc etc. That is the basis on how secular music competes, it is a VERY competitive market in the music arena.

Now that I am a Christian and want to submit to God and put him as No 1 in my life, I cannot approach worship ( Christian music) with that competitive attitude that drives the production of any secular music. Wealth is the main motivation for their “ careers” and with God, it is Praise & Worshiping Him.

Therefore it is almost a natural ( or should I say “supernatural / Holy Spirit) progression that I seek to listen to only Praise & Worship. The bonus is that it is also a great warfare tool as well as taking me to a place of laying down my troubles and getting into Praising Him, even if I driving in my car. I do not have to wait for Sundays.

Bring it on I say.

Blessings sister.

 

[christiangal522]

I agree, but if God is not (when the music was created) in there we will not find Him.

Would that be right?

God Bless

Well I know for me, because I'm so in tune to seeking God everywhere, I'll notice something about God and His Truth, even if it wasn't intended.

 

[ILove2Worship]

In light of everything being spoken here in my opinion secular music is all of what you make of it. If you make curse words out of it, and start acting like that then of course you cannot seperate church and world. I am not saying I am higher than though but I am saying that I can listen to secular music. In my eyes it doesnt bother me nor my spirituality. I dont listen to it regularly. But I do listen to it.

I just think again its all of what you make of the music.

 

[Shiversblood]

I am by no means mocking your input.

For me, I want to get REAL SERIOUS about God and I used to really listen ( I mean in detail) to music , mainly jazz. Of course I was awed at the performance, the production etc etc. That is the basis on how secular music competes, it is a VERY competitive market in the music arena.

Now that I am a Christian and want to submit to God and put him as No 1 in my life, I cannot approach worship ( Christian music) with that competitive attitude that drives the production of any secular music. Wealth is the main motivation for their “ careers” and with God, it is Praise & Worshiping Him.

Therefore it is almost a natural ( or should I say “supernatural / Holy Spirit) progression that I seek to listen to only Praise & Worship. The bonus is that it is also a great warfare tool as well as taking me to a place of laying down my troubles and getting into Praising Him, even if I driving in my car. I do not have to wait for Sundays.

Bring it on I say.

Blessings sister.

Christian bands make music for wealth too. They are musicians thats they how they make their money.