Is it okay to listen to music that...

[Lively Stone]

Music was created by God for His own glory and worship. Satan has stolen it to rob God of worship that belongs ONLY to Him.

We as believers need to take back what Satan has stolen and perverted and changed to glorify him and all sorts of carnal things.



What kind of music should a Christian listen to?

Listen to music that has a different spirit and a different purpose! Music that leads to and celebrates life and hope!

There are 3 types of songs:
1. Songs of the World: Pretty love songs, Nothing wrong with them—expressing love and admiration for a person or objects on a natural level.

2. Songs of the Flesh: Lusty or dirty

3. Songs of the Devil: Dark, evil, blasphemic, exalting Lucifer, death, suicide and murder…1 John 2:16-17; Proverbs 23:7


Questions to consider when choosing music to listen to:
1. What is the spirit behind the song?
2. Who or what does it exalt? The world? The flesh? The devil? Jesus?
3. Does it edify the believer? Philippians 4:8

Make a choice to have a positive answer to all questions!

 

[Christownsme]

It's funny to me, out of the three pages of replies, Myles got his answer in the first page, and hasn't needed to post since. He posted one reply on page 1, and his original question.

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

And you have every right to disagree, very rarely does everyone agree on everything. So let's turn to the scriptures.

hat is the meaning of this passage:

Matthew 23:13-21 (NIV)
13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. 15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.

2 Sam 6:5 , 1 Chr 13:8 - both clearly speak to teh diversity of music
There are countless (far too many to list) PSALMS about making loud and joyful noises

I believe that the scriptures extoll us to sing our praises to the Lord.
But for ministering to others I reflect on the Apostles and Jesus

1 Corinthians 9:21-23 (New International Version)

21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.




If your heart is fully foused on God, then he can use even the most secular song to deliver a message or create an opportunity ro minister to others.

Philippians 1:15-18 (New International Version)


15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[a] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.



While I don't advocate or practice worshiping God with unpure thoughts, praises and songs. I do allow room for God to work his miracles through even the vilelest songs. I don't listento them, but I don't avoid them. You have a choice to allow the world to corrupt you by focusing and giving creedance to the things of this world. Just beacuse you pass by a song on the radio or it's on a mix tape (do we have those anymore) doesn't mean that you have to wash outyour ears because hearing it makes you unclean. It's not the hearing of it that makes you unclean, it's the want for it, the desire to sing about booties and babes (pardon the sexist alliteration) over wanting to use your voice to praise God and share that love of God with others. Each of us have to find truth on this on our own, but the Spirit tells me it's not the Music, it's how we use it or allow it to use us. To be girded up (or surrounded by a hedge of protection) is to be safe and secure even amongst the things of this world. If listening to Prince, Zeplin or Madonna pricks your (no one specific jut generally) guilt then maybe you're more of the world by letting it affect you and giving your focus to it.

-God Bless
-Dave

There is nothing in any of those Scripture that supports listening to antichristians, Atheists, and unbelievers lyrics and music. Nothing at all!

 

[tackattack]

@ ILovetheTruthJC- Do you not read "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" or "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached."

If you can't see it I can't help you read the plain words from scripture. All I can do is show patience and compassion. What fault exactly do you find fault with songs like "Old Macdonald" and "Mary had a little lamb"? They're not Christian songs glorifying God, but are the inherintly evil because of it? Would you consider "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen a Christian song? I think it was originally but most people only sing the Jeff Buckley version which assuredly isn't(you'd be suprised how many people do and have sung it in Church).

I may be pushing my opinons and interpretations othe scripture a bit, but I'm trying to do it compassionately and humbly, and I see 0 compassion and not one ounce of attempting to see the other person's opinion.

 

[Lively Stone]

I may be pushing my opinons and interpretations othe scripture a bit, but I'm trying to do it compassionately and humbly, and I see 0 compassion and not one ounce of attempting to see the other person's opinion.

Maybe that's because many of us have had that opinion and discovered it was wrong. Not that any of us don't see it. We have probably already been there at one time.

God wants us to rise above, and He is the one who influences us and moves us out of certain personal beliefs and into His way of thinking, which, as it happens, goes against what the world believes. We are not of the world. We are not to be indistinguishable from it.

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

@ ILovetheTruthJC- Do you not read "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some" or "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached."

..

A very gross and disturbing twisting and misinterpretation of Scripture.

ATTENTION OP: Stay away from music written and sung by unbelievers, antichristians, Atheists etc.

Instead fill your mind with words and lyrics that are consistent and congruent with God's Holy Word.

What you allow to enter into your mind will grow and flourish. Guard your mind carefully and be selective in what you allow in.

 

[tackattack]

Why exactly is it a misinterpretation or twisting of scripture and where did I advocate not being mindful of what you allow into your mind? Is it just because you're denying the scriptures I cited? Please clarify for me to better expand my understanding of scripture.

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

Why exactly is it a misinterpretation or twisting of scripture and where did I advocate not being mindful of what you allow into your mind? Is it just because you're denying the scriptures I cited? Please clarify for me to better expand my understanding of scripture.

I'm denying YOUR interpretation of Scripture, which in my belief is uneducated and in err.

 

[tackattack]

but how exactly, could you please perhaps share your interpretation of the above verses so we could come to a concensus or correct any dissonance please? As a side note you can leave out any personal attacks on my education level unless you would like to address the points I've made and back your baseless assertions.

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

but how exactly, could you please perhaps share your interpretation of the above verses so we could come to a concensus or correct any dissonance please? As a side note you can leave out any personal attacks on my education level unless you would like to address the points I've made and back your baseless assertions.

1 Corinthians 9:22 does not teach that it's OK to have antichristians, atheists, and unbelievers to write lyrics and sing them to us.

 

[tackattack]

It's closer to the topic than any verse I've had quoted to me so far, but you're right it doesn't say that exactly.
Let's see how music that's used even to worship false idols is used to glorify God. Farmiliar with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? They wouldn't worship the idol that Nebuchadnezzar commanded upon the playing of various music. Did they cover their ears or rebuke him for playing music for worshiping idols? We have no indication they did that, merely that they heard it and didn't bow down. They just witnessed and were persecuted for not worhiping idols. What did them listening to idolatrous music, but not letting it corrupt them into sinning gain for the Lord? Well the heathen king said "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." If you need a reference it's Daniel Chapter 3
What a victory for the Lord. Amen!
Was it God's will that they hear idolatrous music? IDK, but it sure was part of his plan and a mighty witness!

We can see from 2 Samuel 6:16 that playing only praise hymn can cause hatred and jealousy to flare up in unbeliever's hearts. What is to gain if we assist in hardening other's hearts?


Matthew 23:13-14 (NIV)
13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
2 Sam 6:5 , 1 Chr 13:8 - both clearly speak to teh diversity of music
There are countless (far too many to list) PSALMS about making loud and joyful noises

1 Corinthians 9:21-23 (New International Version)
21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Philippians 1:15-18 (New International Version)
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[a] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

All 3 of the above are clear indicators that all possible means to share and minister to unbelievers should be used. But you're correct neitherone of them are specific to referencing music. Can't we minister and reach others through music though?

All I can do is present the scripture it's up to each for their own interpretation. I"m not contibuting to furthing an arguement unless there's new info presented or you can address specific points with scripture or at lease sound reasoning.

 

[WannaWitness]

How many times have some fairly decent, even squeaky-clean TV programs starred actors that live questionable, open lifestyles? The same can go for music. I know I can appreciate the general message in a particular song (whether inspirational or at least very moral) despite who sings it, as well as being appreciative of their talent (and I feel myself to be very choosy as to what I allow myself to take in).

Don't underestimate God -- He can use things that are the most unlikely.

Just my two-cents.

 

[kericson]

After I became a Christian in 1976 I trashed all my Jethro Tull, KISS etc. too. What I found was the music either made me depressed (she's climbing a stairway to Heaven), or angry (he done you wrong). Listening to these messages repeatedly gets into your heart and changes the way you view people. I finally realized if I listened to classical or inspirational I found hope and peace. Joy vs. despair - joy wins!!!

Music tends to produce an emotion in humans- drums have been used for centuries to start war. At Church I often pound the pew in front of me to the drumbeat but in praise- and when no one's sitting there and in a conservative fashion... I also like to crank up the satellite "The Message" station and sing to the Lord when I drive- it's awesome. I used to get to work and be all smiles and happy. Drove em nuts. Now I work at home and still sing in my studio.

I can't even remember what we used to call the giant plastic boxes with melting tape inside- it was before the cassette player... 8 track? So funny now. I must be ready for dentures!!?

Col 3:23-24
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
NKJV

 

[dies-l]

After I became a Christian in 1976 I trashed all my Jethro Tull, KISS etc. too. What I found was the music either made me depressed (she's climbing a stairway to Heaven), or angry (he done you wrong). Listening to these messages repeatedly gets into your heart and changes the way you view people. I finally realized if I listened to classical or inspirational I found hope and peace. Joy vs. despair - joy wins!!!

Music tends to produce an emotion in humans- drums have been used for centuries to start war. At Church I often pound the pew in front of me to the drumbeat but in praise- and when no one's sitting there and in a conservative fashion... I also like to crank up the satellite "The Message" station and sing to the Lord when I drive- it's awesome. I used to get to work and be all smiles and happy. Drove em nuts. Now I work at home and still sing in my studio.

I can't even remember what we used to call the giant plastic boxes with melting tape inside- it was before the cassette player... 8 track? So funny now. I must be ready for dentures!!?

Col 3:23-24
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
NKJV

Thanks for sharing. I don't want to undermine your experience, as it is completely valid. But, I do want to share mine, which is a bit different than yours. When I became a Christian, I did away with most, if not all, of my secular music and replaced it with CCM and Christian rock. Over time, I found that the music I was now listening to wasn't very good, the lyrics weren't terribly uplifting, and the market seemed no less driven by greed and materialism than secular music. Eventually, I did away with most of my Christian music (there are handful of artists I still enjoy), and began listening to whatever music I found enjoyable to listen to.

What I have found is that I simply don't have the desire to listen to music that makes me angry or sad. My musical tastes have changed enough over the years that I tend to gravitate to music that is more pleasant and laid back, insightful, and uplifiting. Although there are a handful of Christian artists who do this well, most of the music that I find that is really good music tends to be what one would call "secular". And, honestly, I don't concern myself much with whether a particular artist has some songs that I don't like or agree with. I simply choose not to listen to those songs. The nice thing about the mp3 age is that we are no longer forced to buy music that we don't like just to get music that we do. I like that.

 

[kericson]

Hey that's great that you're a musician- maybe you can give us some new Christian music as well. It's also good you can choose songs through mp3.

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

After I became a Christian in 1976 I trashed all my Jethro Tull, KISS etc. too. What I found was the music either made me depressed (she's climbing a stairway to Heaven), or angry (he done you wrong). Listening to these messages repeatedly gets into your heart and changes the way you view people. I finally realized if I listened to classical or inspirational I found hope and peace. Joy vs. despair - joy wins!!!

...

AMEN! This happened to me too, I was convicted to destroy my whole record collection, and it was a HUGE collection, (I was a DJ back then). But it felt so good and liberating after destroying all those records.

I have heard a LOT of different people share stories about destroying their records after coming to Christ. That's because God convicts you to take a new direction in your life because you have become a NEW CREATURE with a NEW MIND and NEW THOUGHTS!

God also realises that it's damaging, dangerous to listen to crap music written by and sung by atheists, antichristians and unbelievers as it deeply brainwashes your mind and thoughts to think like they do, and not think like God does.

DESTROY ALL YOUR RECORDS THAT HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY AND SUNG BY ATHEISTS, ANTICHRISTIANS AND UNBELIEVERS!

 

[tackattack]

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?

 

[ILoveTheTruthJC]

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?

If a "Christian Musician" wrote and sang a song that contradicts the Scripture, then they are not truly a Christian are they.

 

[tackattack]

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

 

[kericson]

Absolutely! There are a few songs that make me cringe. We should always test the spirits.