Is it okay to listen to music that...

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

So then shouldn't a test whether a musician is Christian or now, be evidenced by his message,works and fruits and not by what his record label promotes him as or where it's sold?

Do you believe an unbeliever in Christ, atheist or antichrist, has something to offer you that can bring you closer to Jesus and truth? Yes or No?

 

[dying2breathe]

And, I am realizing more and more that when I have questions about things that are on the borderline, it is best to just play it safe. I was taught that if you have any lingering moral question about something you should consider it a personal sin to avoid (not saying that it is sin for everyone, but b/c you have the question it is sin to you). We are all at different levels in our faith. Perhaps, when we start questioning world-liness, we are being taken to the next level. Perhaps, God is trying to take you to the next level in your walk with Him. (just a thought; I wouldn't take anything without investigating it in the Bible)

 

[dies-l]

Do you believe an unbeliever in Christ, atheist or antichrist, has something to offer you that can bring you closer to Jesus and truth? Yes or No?

What does this have to do with the post that you are responding to?

 

[tackattack]

It doesn't have anything to do with the OP, but I'll answer, even though you didn't give me the same courtesy.

Do you believe an unbeliever in Christ, atheist or antichrist, has something to offer you that can bring you closer to Jesus and truth? Yes or No?

No. Now if you would be so kind answer mine.

 

[kericson]

The point was that a lot of Christian musicians don't think like God does , either. By telling someone how to live their life aren't you really limiting how God's power? Is God powerful enough to use anything for his will?

This is definitely on topic. Is this the question Tack?

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

What does this have to do with the post that you are responding to?

Because atheists, unbelievers and antichristians are teaching people philosophies, beliefs etc through their lyrics and music.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

 

[tackattack]

Yes that was the questions. You can answer either or both is fine.

 

[kericson]

These are my thoughts (just personal thoughts)-
No we don't, as Christians, have a right to tell people what to do. We are Christians because we are forgiven. Our job is to show God's love and share the gospel- it's up to God to save people and speak to their hearts.

This verse was written about Christians eating foods sacrificed to idols. It caused a huge division in the early Church. I think it's similar to some of the music out there- not all. After I became a Christian I began to realize people's expectations of me rose as I grew in Christ. In all we do we represent Him. And people are watching.

Rom 14:19-23

19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
NKJV

Can God use immoral lyrics in songs to glorify Himself? Nothing is impossible for God. However we are the Church not God, people have an idea of what God is about- at least in America they are not stupid or impressed when we try to fit in rather than obeying God. If you choose to use music to witness it would be wise to use a Christian message. Unless you use the lyrics in music to illustrate how far off it is from God's love- like real love between men and women.

1 Cor 6:12-14

12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
NKJV

I believe God wants us to think about what we do. Really listen to music, what is this book really about? Is this movie pleasing God? dies-l said the same he realized some of the music is bad for him and chose to pick music wisely. ILoveTheTruthJC is also saying the same things we choose what we listen to- think about the impact of that choice.

As always I'm glad God is God and not me! But these are my thoughts on the subject. Again I trashed my old music because I realized it blocked God's joy from my life. May God guide you to His will for your life.

 

[dies-l]

Because atheists, unbelievers and antichristians are teaching people philosophies, beliefs etc through their lyrics and music.

Generally, I do not look to popular music to learn philosophies, beliefs, etc. I would say that if a person is young enough or weak enough in their faith that they are likely to be swayed away from it through popular music, then they should avoid popular music. However, it is better to strengthen one's faith through prayer, meditation, church participation, and diligent study of the word to be equipped to deal with what the world throws at us than it is to avoid the world altogether. I am not saying that we should set out to listen to music (or watch movies or read literature) that undermines our Christian faith. But, as we mature in Christ, we should reach a point that we have no need to avoid hearing from atheists, unbelievers, and "antichristians".

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Exactly. (But, I am sure I mean that in an entirely different way than you do.)

 

[kericson]

Well said!

 

[Big T]

Is it okay to listen to music by artists who make bad music. For example if I want to listen to an appropriate song by the black eyed peas or christina aguilera, is it alright to listen to it even though the black eyed peas promote sexual immorality and curse and christina aguilera promotes bisexuality?

I don't see why not, as long as the music doesn't make you change your beliefes and you don't do as they say or do. It's just music and i see no harm, i listen to Lil Wayne all the time because he's a darn good artist.

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

I don't see why not, as long as the music doesn't make you change your beliefes and you don't do as they say or do. It's just music and i see no harm, i listen to Lil Wayne all the time because he's a darn good artist.

You are a young man, you don't fully understand yet how Satan operates and how the human mind works.

It does harm, because on a subconscious level, your mind is being conditioned (brainwashed) to believe and accept whatever that artist is saying through their lyrics. That's why it's so very dangerous to listen to someone over and over and over, because your mind is being "brainwashed" to accept their philosophies and beliefs that they are expressing through their lyrics and songs.

 

[dying2breathe]

kericson... wow. I believe you are right on on this subject. I have certainly learned something today. Although, now I try only to listen to Christian Artists, I realize that I shouldn't try to put limits on the limitless infinite God. Besides, how many times have I heard secular music used for note-worthy purposes... many!

 

[Big T]

You are a young man, you don't fully understand yet how Satan operates and how the human mind works.

It does harm, because on a subconscious level, your mind is being conditioned (brainwashed) to believe and accept whatever that artist is saying through their lyrics. That's why it's so very dangerous to listen to someone over and over and over, because your mind is being "brainwashed" to accept their philosophies and beliefs that they are expressing through their lyrics and songs.

I don't argue with you, but I know what I let affect me. I don't care if the song is bad, i don't let it get to me. If it's too bad i do change the song and make sure to change it in the future when that same song comes on. I'm what you call picky. It's like with mozart or bach, i love some of their songs they are purely beautiful. And just like my essay paper stated in my Music apperaction class. The mind is not easily persuaded by music alone. It's how that person is rasied. I know where and who my heart belongs to. Jesus and no one else satan can't touch my heart. So that being said i was raised and to know what is right and wrong and i know the difference that is why i listen to what ever i please i just know it will never afffect me becasue i have god's strength to resist any temptation the devil will throw to me.

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

I don't argue with you, but I know what I let affect me. ....

You still don't get it

The mind is a complicated organ, and the power of suggestion, the conditioning of repetition within the subconscious mind allows Satan and unbelievers to "brainwash" you into believing certain things that they want you to believe in.

STAY AWAY FROM listening to lyrics and music over and over written and sung by unbelievers! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

 

[Lively Stone]

You still don't get it

The mind is a complicated organ, and the power of suggestion, the conditioning of repetition within the subconscious mind allows Satan and unbelievers to "brainwash" you into believing certain things that they want you to believe in.

STAY AWAY FROM listening to lyrics and music over and over written and sung by unbelievers! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Amen! History is littered with the broken lives of people who claim they are immune to sin.

 

[Big T]

I'm not claiming to be immune to sin, i just know i won't be brainwashed i'm not allowing myself to be persuaded to satan. I know my flesh will sin, listening to music or watching a certain movie is not sinning, I've seen so many movies and listend to hundred hours of music but i don't do as the music says too.

 

[Lively Stone]

I'm not claiming to be immune to sin, i just know i won't be brainwashed i'm not allowing myself to be persuaded to satan. I know my flesh will sin, listening to music or watching a certain movie is not sinning, I've seen so many movies and listend to hundred hours of music but i don't do as the music says too.

Our eyes and ears are actual gates. We are to guard them from seeing or hearing messages that are corrupt. The only way we can guard these gates is to not allow ingress of evil influences.

 

[new_wine]

God teaches that nothing that goes into you can defile you.

So the defilement is in you. Do you believe these songs will make you defile yourself? If so, then the enemy of defilement is in you not the songs.

Is it okay to listen to music by artists who make bad music. For example if I want to listen to an appropriate song by the black eyed peas or christina aguilera, is it alright to listen to it even though the black eyed peas promote sexual immorality and curse and christina aguilera promotes bisexuality?

 

[tackattack]

How can you defile something already sinful (ourselves)?