How do you reconcile this with being a Christian? (This question is pointed towards those who would say that it's okay to listen to anything you like.)
One of my favorite bands is Linkin Park (HUSH, don't judge me!
) -- to me, the music is very spiritual and has a lot more depth to it than you'd imagine. I don't consider listening to music or going to concerts as a step back in my spiritual life because the music fuels my spirit -- the question is, what is it filling my spirit with? I "reconcile" the lyrics to my spiritual walk because, at times, I'm angry. At times, I'm confused. At other times, I'm complacent... boisterous, silly, happy, filled with tremendous love, etc.. I don't often find these varying themes in mainstream Christian music (which is why I posted a thread to ask about any new bands or artists I may not have heard of before). Secular music speaks more honestly. To me, secular artists aren't afraid to "let it all out there" and be real. Yeah, you can get a lot of crap if you're not choosey, but use discernment. (It's one of the fruits of the Spirit) Don't just go out there and buy a satan RULES ARRRRRRR!! album if you think it might not speak to where you're at (please don't let it be where you're at
).
I don't look to what every single musical artist I listen to does with their downtime, either. We all have things we need to work on, anyway -- we all have our own vices. Even Christian artists I might listen to, I don't focus too much on what they do, say, in their bedrooms or whatnot because what matters to me and
my soul is whether or not the music and its lyrics encourages my walk with Christ or nourishes my soul. Does Led Zepplin encourage you in your walk in some way? Does it speak to where you are? Cool. I won't judge you then.
Music is art... and I can appreciate it without having to appreciate the artist. Dali's work is amazing, in some cases... but Dali was a moron. It's just all how you look at things, I guess.