How Would God Feel About This?

[Foofy]

Hello guys! I know some of you have seen me around these forums asking a lot of questions, but there are just so many questions I have relating to Christianity and this is BY FAR the best place to get answers.

So lately I have been really really interested in "freestyle rapping" which, if you don't know, is simply trying to diss another person as hard as you can in a rhyming way, while making stuff up off the top of your head. Now how would God think about me taking this hobby up? I've been into rapping/listening to it for 7-8 years now, but not really freestyling.

Now the reason why I'm asking this and where it kind of gets tricky is when you think of this. It is JUST a hobby, and to some (including me) is somewhat of a sport. There is really good "sportsmanship" such as people shaking hands and saying "good battle" at the end. And nobody really ever means what they say, because that's just how the sport is, and people know what they get into and how it is before they start. Battles are almost always in a controlled environment eg. No fighting, etc. And also, I almost guarantee that people get hurt in boxing more than this. So how would you guys as a christian feel about this? Freestyling is actually VERY popular as well, some of you might be surprised. Thanks guys!

 

[Harry3142]

Foofy-

When anyone deliberately disrespects someone else, even in jest, there is always the possibility that their words will 'hit a nerve', starting an altercation that can quickly spiral out of control. Everyone has 'off days', so words that normally might 'roll off their backs' might set off feelings of anger at other times.

As well, we are taught in Scripture to live peacefully with others to the best of our ability. And unlike other sports, such as baseball, football, or even wrestling, this 'sport' appears to have as its goal the deliberate attempt to insult others via the best rhyme.

 

[1watchman]

If one values the Word of God, they will look there for all directions by God for His testimony. I haven't found any ref. to "rapping" or "diss", etc. When God speaks against worldliness I think such things are included. A faithful saint of God will want God's way of life and walk in this world, I believe.

 

[St_Worm2]

Hi Foofy, you asked, "How would God feel"? Here are a few things the Bible has to say about the words we use as Christians. Maybe these will help? Also, please take special note of Ephesians 4:29 as I believe it to be germane to any discussion concerning the words we speak as Christians.

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the Day of Judgment, men will give an account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34b-37

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29

"Among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for [Christians]. Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting—all of which are out of character—but rather thanksgiving." Ephesians 5:3-4

"Be wise in the way you act toward people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person." Colossians 4:5-6 ​

Clearly, God takes what we say seriously, yes, and so should we. Are God's words concerning our words relevant in this case? I think so, but you're the one who has to decide this because you are involved with a sport or game of sorts here. I agree with Harry and 1Watchman. I also believe that you came here to ask about this for a reason.

So, how do you feel about it .. Do you believe God is both pleased and glorified when you choose to participate in "freestyle rapping"? Or consider this, is "diss" rapping something you would do it if He was standing right next to you? If your answer to these questions is "yes", I would say, "go for it", until He convicts you otherwise.

Yours and His,
David
p.s. - what kind of advice has your priest given you?

 

[St_Worm2]

Have you ever listened to LeCrae? If not, check this out, I think you'll enjoy it: Lecrae - Don't Waste Your Life - Lyrics - YouTube

 

[Foofy]

Ok thanks a lot guys! I'm so happy I asked. The reason why I kind of asked is because when you compare it to something where people actually seem to get hurt, such as boxing, wrestling, etc. then most (not all) christians seem to not have a problem with it and people actually get knocked out, and broken bones and stuff, and those are also considered sports. Like you don't mean the words you say in "freestyling", you don't exactly mean that you give someone a bloody nose in boxing. So does this mean that Christians SHOULDNT really participate in these sports either?

 

[chi_cchick]

Rapping? I think rapping is fine in certain contexts.

Like the rapping in "Where is the Love'' by the Black Eyed Pea. Another rapper (who happens to be a Christian) is Rapture Ruckus. He is very clever, and gives great messages.

I don't think it's ever ok to diss someone though. Look for a Christian alternative.

 

[parsley]

My first reaction -- you've got to be kidding. Even if you don't mean what you say, that in itself is a problem! Rapping is not, but dissing other people carelessly... do you really want to build up that trend?

I've heard some incredible clean rappers, so there are clearly venues you can look into that are not devaluing and destroying human spirits.

It's not the style of music that gives rap a bad reputation-- it's how people are treated.

Matthew 5 talks about meaning what you say.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the gentle , for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again?

You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You shall not commit murder' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court.

Let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil.

You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt , let him have your coat also.
Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.


​

The people who make the biggest impact on the world, are those who try different approaches. You have already learned from what has been done. Now put your own twist on something you admire, and let it flow with what you think the world needs. Freestyle compliments? Yeah, you'd get some laughs.

​

 

[Abandoned Barns]

This sort of thing I try to always take to the cross in prayer. Strip away all the nonsense and justification in your own head and ask God if this is a gift that can be used to his glory. I think it's interesting that it's called. "Free"style, but the rules are that you must use words that are intentionally disrespectful or hurtful to your opponent. What if that's not your "style"? That's not "free". What if your style is not " your Mama's so fat that...", but rather "my God is so great that..."? I know that doesn't quite fit the mold of the culture about which you are speaking and that you may even be ridiculed for doing so, but as Christians, we don't really fit the mold of the world in which we are living and are told to expect to be ridiculed for being so:

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

It's really just a microcosm of the same problem we all have.

Can you envision yourself as a freestyle rapper who clearly loves Jesus and is able to share that love through their talent? Are you thinking of this as a hobby for which you will need to hide your light under a basket in order to fit in or can it be a venue through which you can better his kingdom with the gifts and skills which he has given you? If you find yourself in a situation in which you feel embarrassed to be a follower of Christ and feel the need to hide it, then you should think of it as a red flag, because that is where the devil likes to fish, but don't ever be afraid to use you talents to show the effects of God's love for you in places where it may be unpopular.

Isn't this rap?:
DC Talk - Jesus Freak - YouTube
because those guys seem pretty free.

Edited to say: I just realize that I have said essentially the same thing as the poster above me. Great mind, that Parsley!

 

[tenderheart1]

Maybe you need to start a trend of freestyling for God.... Freestyling is just rapping off the top of your head. And the little bit that I've heard, there is always a lot of cursing, which would not be pleasing to God. The bible has A LOT to say about what comes out of our mouths.

 

[Foofy]

My first reaction -- you've got to be kidding.

Well the reason why I asked this was because MOST (certainly not all) Christians seem to be Ok with boxing, wrestling, MMA, etc. and people get physically hurt in those sports, and actually knock people out unconscious, spill totally unnecessary blood, and things of that nature, but many Christians SEEM to not have much of a problem with that. And I'm sure the bible has LOTS to say about hurting other people, etc. I don't think freestyling can be much worse, if any at all worse.

 

[parsley]

I just realize that I have said essentially the same thing as the poster above me.

Lol. We're always in a rush to write out what we're thinking before it dissipates.

Well the reason why I asked this was because MOST (certainly not all) Christians seem to be Ok with boxing, wrestling, MMA, etc. and people get physically hurt in those sports, and actually knock people out unconscious, spill totally unnecessary blood, and things of that nature, but many Christians SEEM to not have much of a problem with that. And I'm sure the bible has LOTS to say about hurting other people, etc. I don't think freestyling can be much worse, if any at all worse.

Look at what you're saying. Most Christians... is that good if they support bloody sports? If we base our actions on what others are doing, we're blown around like a leaf in the wind.

Or if you looked at the sport&music themselves ... because people still fight until someone dies or loses brain function, it's okay to annihilate someone's soul? Because both are just games.

People's lives sometimes end in boxing and wrestling.

Personally, I think that punching a soul is worse.

Childhood plea to Mom: "But everybody else does it."
Mom: "But you're not everybody else."
Didn't your mom tell you that?
XD

 

[chilehed]

It's a bad idea. The damage we can do with our tongues is vastly greater than that we can do with our fists. By agreeing to the risk of physical harm, we can keep our souls from being wounded by what happens in a boxing match. But, by definition, in the contest you describe one must attack the opponent at a much deeper, more personal level. Once in the zone, relatively harmless remarks about his manner of dress or speech will tend to devolve into cruelty about his personal life, and that will do real harm no matter how much he tries to convince himself otherwise.

 

[Midst]

Hello guys! I know some of you have seen me around these forums asking a lot of questions, but there are just so many questions I have relating to Christianity and this is BY FAR the best place to get answers.

So lately I have been really really interested in "freestyle rapping" which, if you don't know, is simply trying to diss another person as hard as you can in a rhyming way, while making stuff up off the top of your head. Now how would God think about me taking this hobby up? I've been into rapping/listening to it for 7-8 years now, but not really freestyling.

Now the reason why I'm asking this and where it kind of gets tricky is when you think of this. It is JUST a hobby, and to some (including me) is somewhat of a sport. There is really good "sportsmanship" such as people shaking hands and saying "good battle" at the end. And nobody really ever means what they say, because that's just how the sport is, and people know what they get into and how it is before they start. Battles are almost always in a controlled environment eg. No fighting, etc. And also, I almost guarantee that people get hurt in boxing more than this. So how would you guys as a christian feel about this? Freestyling is actually VERY popular as well, some of you might be surprised. Thanks guys!

I am into writing, including poetry and have been involved in "slams", but prefer non-competition for art... as I see art should not be subjected to the whims of critics but be about truth.


Really depends on the content. Not much into rap my own self. Obviously, rap which promotes degradation of women, and everyone, and promotes the values of violence and crime is bad. But, this is not at all what it has to be about.


Even organized fighting can be a fine hobby, with the more recent MMA stuff actually can be safer then boxing where head injuries of a permanent basis can be severe and a real threat. (Contrast with BJJ which is very controlled and does not produce head injuries -- though kicks and strikes to the head surely do even with padding.)