Is it wrong to listen to these types of singers?

[Sammy-San]

Is it wrong to listen to secular singers, who live immoral lifestyles, but whose songs and lyrics don't necessarily glorify anything immoral?

 

[If Not For Grace]

No

 

[Willie T]

I love the old "Surfin' " and "Hot Rod" songs! Nuttin' spiritual there.

 

[Purge187]

To paraphrase Paul: "I didn't tell you that you could not listen to music made by unbelievers who commit sexual sins, are greedy, are dishonest, or worship false gods. If that were the case, you would have to never listen to music."

 

[stevevw]

You cant say that all secular music is bad or wrong. There are many singers and bands that dont sing christian music but still have a good or positive message. Even music without words can be uplifting. If you listen to Beethoven's symphonies you will hear some of the most beautiful music but there is no words.

Even some secular bands have Christians in them but you may not realize. Ive heard that joel madden from good Charlot is a devout christian and certainly his soon to be father in law Lionel Richie is a devout christian. Chris martin from cold play is said to believe in God and their music has some good messages about life. They certainly dont promote drugs or sex or negative images. Music is also very personal and the same song can mean different things to people.

They say that the Beatles song I am the walrus was about nothing. Just words made up to mean nothing but goo Ga. Their song come together was a political campaign song for a politician but people thought it was hippy trippy. Their song Lucy in the sky with diamonds was thought to be about LSD but it was actually about a painting Lennon's son had done about his teacher Lucy at school. So people read so much into them and made them out to be all sorts of things.

A lot of the time its the video clips that go with the songs that portray all sorts of things like drug taking and sex. I dont like songs that have this almost hypnotic trance like sound as it seems down and negative. Or the ones that are talking about rebellion and drugs and sex and partying. They are promoting the young to get out of it and do what they want. I think there needs to be more artists like Dylan was that speaking for a generation about the troubles of the times and how they are feeling and about love. But of course i think they should be saying how god is the only real way to find that peace and love.

 

[Gracelands]

I love the old "Surfin' " and "Hot Rod" songs! Nuttin' spiritual there.

*jaw on desk again *

If dont know how you can say that with a straight face with respect.

 

[Rubiks]

I don't see it wrong. You're paying for the music, not endorsing his/her lifestyle

 

[stevevw]

I don't see it wrong. You're paying for the music, not endorsing his/her lifestyle

True but if they get popular because they are at the top of the charts then they get the limelight. If they are promoting drug music then doesn't that make it a bad example to them. Look at Justin bieber he gets popular and then hes acting all stupid with drugs and fast cars and graffiti and thinking its all funny and cool. He has a lot of followers that bought his records. They think this is great and being cool and tuff but its just being a bad example about how to live and act. He may have some good sounds but his behavior negates a lot of that.

 

[FanthatSpark]

That is a very good question in OP Sam !

I personally had that guilt on my heart at one time. Every one has there sin/guilt *jaw hanging* lol. Now today, I do "Filter" the lyrics. I have no room for... cussing, looking up what the group stands for, wasting effort in entertaining good, bad or mediocre behavior traits of another except that if the individual comes into my immediate vicinity committing sin then I must try to edify that individual. I am a big believer that if you go to your prayer closet and ask him if this or that type of Song is pleasing to Him he will let you know. All creation is by Grace. Although the Author of a song may be questionable, what does the song manifest "in" you Sam? Hate? Not so good that. Does it inspire you in positive things? For some, all that is understood is that they used to hate but in that hate music they found Jesus. For me, holding guilt of music that inspires in content weather in genre or lyrics because a MAN tells me it is wrong cant fly anymore. I lean not to my own understanding .<- Prov 3:5. In all things involve your God and no Man. Yes, that means the preacher too. Controversy in music is ancient and most important MAN MADE. I remember (telling age here lol) in my youth that the electric guitar was professed as evil. Well Sam, just keep it simple, and ask HIM...

 

[Mediate]

True but if they get popular because they are at the top of the charts then they get the limelight. If they are promoting drug music then doesn't that make it a bad example to them. Look at Justin bieber he gets popular and then hes acting all stupid with drugs and fast cars and graffiti and thinking its all funny and cool. He has a lot of followers that bought his records. They think this is great and being cool and tuff but its just being a bad example about how to live and act. He may have some good sounds but his behavior negates a lot of that.

If nobody ever sees the bad, how can you compare it to good?

Jesus didn't come and say 'stay clear of everything that's against my way'. If that were the case, christians would live in caves. He said give, feed the hungry, tend to the sick, care about your parents, love those around you with a boundless compassion, and for goodness sakes, stop condemning.

A certain number of pop music artists do sing about topics a person might consider bad, but it's also often the case that singers make examples of certain things to prove a point or emote a particular response.

If we don't ever see the distinction between the not beneficial and the beneficial, how shall we ever understand the difference?

While young people may be roped into certain behaviours by listening to certain music, that is due to the inability of the listener to make a distinction. The artist only creates something. It is up to the listener to make a decision on it.

There's a difference between being wrapped up in cotton wool and never seeing any of the negative in the world, or alternatively being immersed in the negative yet making a conscious decision not to engage its principles.

Just because Justin Beiber spits on his fans and races around in sports cars, doesn't mean that the people who like the music he makes have to follow his way of life.

I listen to Nirvana, that doesn't mean that I have to inject heroin and shoot myself with a shotgun. But when I listen to Kurt Cobain's lyrics I see something that goes past the usual way of thought and so it intrigues me to look through his eyes on the world, if only for a moment.

Music has always been about sharing an experience. If a reformed heroin addict comes up to me and tells me of his woes when he was under the influence and power of the drug, I'll take heed that I've seen the experience and thus, made a decision on its non beneficial nature.

And if the heroin addict sticks his hand in the fire and screams, I'll be sure not to do the same.

Just because a song may be about hatred, or something else unsightly, it doesn't mean that I have to allow it to emote hatred in me. I can simply view it, analyze it, and learn something from it. It's just a matter of perspective. Is music the master of my life, or simply a medium for expressing the things within that life?

This is why God says not to have idols above him. God's way is shown in Jesus, and his life is a life full of goodness. That doesn't mean that I can't respect people or aspire to things that I see in others.

I respect Johnny cash, for instance, because much of his life is a journey and in his music and his story he's gone through many negative things - drug abuse, relationship troubles - but come out the other side and told his story and emoted about his life in his music. He sings songs about things that are universal themes, he writes about the nasty side of being in prison, he shows his life and its something that we can look at and say 'that man knows what he's talking about'. He talks about injustices and shows up the things not to do in life. I don't inherently think that's a bad thing. I can listen to him, and look at his experiences and learn something.

Bob Dylan, another artist who has used his music to convey injustices, wrongdoings, oppressions and experiences of life. These are people that, though may have made mistakes, are not shy about expressing them for the listeners to understand and comprehend.

Justin Beiber. Okay, his music isn't great. It's upbeat stuff for young people to jump around to, but to say he's wholly negative is to negate the fact that many people find upbeat rhythms and music an enjoyable thing to be around. Just because he's young and has done a few thoughtless things, doesn't wholly make him a thoughtless person. Gotta remember, that young lad is what, 19, and has money coming out his ears, and so much fame and publicity that he doesn't get a private moment. That would drive me mad. I have some sympathy for the bloke, too.

 

[Jimmy P]

I don't see anything wrong with listening to Secular...I myself, listen to groups such as Avenged Sevenfold, AC/DC, KISS, etc...and I do fine...and alot of times, their message is just about life in general, things I can relate to...

 

[stevevw]

If nobody ever sees the bad, how can you compare it to good?

Jesus didn't come and say 'stay clear of everything that's against my way'. If that were the case, christians would live in caves. He said give, feed the hungry, tend to the sick, care about your parents, love those around you with a boundless compassion, and for goodness sakes, stop condemning.

A certain number of pop music artists do sing about topics a person might consider bad, but it's also often the case that singers make examples of certain things to prove a point or emote a particular response.

If we don't ever see the distinction between the not beneficial and the beneficial, how shall we ever understand the difference?

While young people may be roped into certain behaviours by listening to certain music, that is due to the inability of the listener to make a distinction. The artist only creates something. It is up to the listener to make a decision on it.

There's a difference between being wrapped up in cotton wool and never seeing any of the negative in the world, or alternatively being immersed in the negative yet making a conscious decision not to engage its principles.

Just because Justin Beiber spits on his fans and races around in sports cars, doesn't mean that the people who like the music he makes have to follow his way of life.

I listen to Nirvana, that doesn't mean that I have to inject heroin and shoot myself with a shotgun. But when I listen to Kurt Cobain's lyrics I see something that goes past the usual way of thought and so it intrigues me to look through his eyes on the world, if only for a moment.

Music has always been about sharing an experience. If a reformed heroin addict comes up to me and tells me of his woes when he was under the influence and power of the drug, I'll take heed that I've seen the experience and thus, made a decision on its non beneficial nature.

And if the heroin addict sticks his hand in the fire and screams, I'll be sure not to do the same.

Just because a song may be about hatred, or something else unsightly, it doesn't mean that I have to allow it to emote hatred in me. I can simply view it, analyze it, and learn something from it. It's just a matter of perspective. Is music the master of my life, or simply a medium for expressing the things within that life?

This is why God says not to have idols above him. God's way is shown in Jesus, and his life is a life full of goodness. That doesn't mean that I can't respect people or aspire to things that I see in others.

I respect Johnny cash, for instance, because much of his life is a journey and in his music and his story he's gone through many negative things - drug abuse, relationship troubles - but come out the other side and told his story and emoted about his life in his music. He sings songs about things that are universal themes, he writes about the nasty side of being in prison, he shows his life and its something that we can look at and say 'that man knows what he's talking about'. He talks about injustices and shows up the things not to do in life. I don't inherently think that's a bad thing. I can listen to him, and look at his experiences and learn something.

Bob Dylan, another artist who has used his music to convey injustices, wrongdoings, oppressions and experiences of life. These are people that, though may have made mistakes, are not shy about expressing them for the listeners to understand and comprehend.

Justin Beiber. Okay, his music isn't great. It's upbeat stuff for young people to jump around to, but to say he's wholly negative is to negate the fact that many people find upbeat rhythms and music an enjoyable thing to be around. Just because he's young and has done a few thoughtless things, doesn't wholly make him a thoughtless person. Gotta remember, that young lad is what, 19, and has money coming out his ears, and so much fame and publicity that he doesn't get a private moment. That would drive me mad. I have some sympathy for the bloke, too.

I agree with what you are saying. No sense listening to Johnny cashes christian music and reject the rest because its not religious. His music is a part of him and it tells his story. I also like Dylan and many other artists like Mumford and sons and cold play. I was merely asking the question what others think.

I remember there was a time was people said dont listen to Black sabbath as its the devil speaking. But the only thing that was probably speaking was someone high on drugs. You are right that you can get something out of music that you can relate to. Its a personal thing and many sorts of muso will speak to people differently. I play myself and have written many sons that dont mention God and speak about life's ups and downs.

I just think also especially with the young ones that they are more easily influenced that not so much the music perhaps but the example set by the artist behind it. They can sometimes put them on a pedal stool and then they let them down. They can have great influence on the young ones and you can see it in the way they dress and carry themselves. The parties they have will have this crazy music and it all seems to go with the scene of drinking and drugs.

I understand its not always the music but the listener but it does seem to have an effect and if you go to the clubs at 2am in the morning the music there is designed to get people high and goes with the ecstasy and whatever else they take. I just think music can put you in a mood or trance as well and can bring you down or pick you up. So the people behind the music have to set the right example. I think the video clips can also have an influence as they can promote sexual promiscuity with the young and have a big influence.

 

[Hammster]

Is it wrong to listen to secular singers, who live immoral lifestyles, but whose songs and lyrics don't necessarily glorify anything immoral?

A general biblical rule of thumb: if it doesn't violate your conscience, then go ahead and listen.

 

[stevevw]

A general biblical rule of thumb: if it doesn't violate your conscience, then go ahead and listen.

Yes there are many songs which may hit a chord pardon the pun. I remember he aint heavy hes my brother by the everly brothers. Doesn't mention God but speaks about treating others as yourself which was one of Christs teachings.
I write my own songs and on many occasions i dont mention anything religious. But they may be spiritual and still impart a Godly meaning.

 

[Hammster]

Yes there are many songs which may hit a chord pardon the pun. I remember he aint heavy hes my brother by the everly brothers. Doesn't mention God but speaks about treating others as yourself which was one of Christs teachings.
I write my own songs and on many occasions i dont mention anything religious. But they may be spiritual and still impart a Godly meaning.

They may just be fun to listen to.

 

[stevevw]

They may just be fun to listen to.

I agree, it has to be fun.

 

[WannaWitness]

Personally, I wouldn't see anything wrong with it. After all, don't we watch nonreligious TV programs and movies that are family-friendly but star actors who live secular lifestyles? Or, don't we read nonreligious books and magazines (educational and/or entertaining) penned by secular writers? Now, granted... this is in no way saying that we shouldn't be careful of lyrics that have questionable messages (and the same goes for movie and book content), and I can understand where some people are a little more impressionable and vulnerable than others when it comes to the example that some (but not all, mind you) of these music artists set through their lifestyles and worldviews. But I believe one can appreciate their talent and the decent material they may create while not necessarily agreeing with any given philosophy they may have, or the lifestyle they may live. And yes, it's true that sometimes these philosophies can come out in some of the songs they might record, and hence, one of the reasons some would disagree on this issue (and therefore, I can understand such convictions). But because of this, I only listen to the songs that I can relate to (as a human being), and those that are not against Biblical principles, making for a wide variety of music to choose from, both mainstream and Christian.

It all basically boils down to a Romans 14 issue (regarding doubtful things), where one person might feel something may be sinful and another will not - but we should respect one another as brothers and sisters in Christ who just happen to see this issue (and others like it) differently.

This is not to debate, or anything. This is simply my two-cents.