is listing to rock and rap a sin?

[Nikolas222]

And those rappers are all about love.

hell no. i definitly dont agree with the things that they rap or rock about. but if i hear a song that is catchy, im gonna listen to it. i dont listen to lyrics like "gun 'em down" and then live it by killing people. i agree that taking the lyrics literal and putting them in motion is bad, but no one will actually do it.

columbine kids blamed doom and other videogames and music for their problems. its like the traditional saying "if someone jumps off a bridge will you?" and if you do, shame on you, but its not because the person jumped. jumping is only the means, not the reason. lonliness, anger, and other negative feelings build up to violent actions from personal experience causes violence, not listening to the radio.

Yourself. You're probably also setting up a stumbling block for others.

only if you are naive, dumb, and take this stuff literally. listening to rap wont cause you to go kill people, just like i said 10 lines above this, it is negative feelings caused by rejection and conflict.

You think the God of Abraham will hear these excuses? I can't imagine Christ bouncing to that sort of stuff.

i dont know what christ "bounced" to, so i couldnt make a good judgement, but i do know that Christ is not just god but is also human. Jerusalem in that time had a limited music library. what exuses are you talking about? im just explaining my points.

killing someone is a sin. watching a play with someone dying in it has nothing to do with your personal choices to go against god

i know he wouldnt want those actions to happen, but its not like every single song talks about killing.

blue oyster cult, kiss, and a little ozzy osbourne are pretty bad about that stuff, but the people that listen to that stuff listen because it relates to them as troubled people, they dont go learning from it. im not a fan of that music, but the people i know that listen to it didnt believe in god in the first place, so it makes little diffrence

But they'd approve of the stuff you listen to.

i never said i listen to that stuff. my cousin is a good person, goes to church, and follows most of christ's message to heart. he happens to like rap, mostly the explicit stuff. he thinks it helps him release from his anger, rather than cause it, if there is even anger. again, no one lives the media. i dont read harry potter and try to fly on a broomstick, i understand it isnt real and those people dont actually do that. but i cant rad that book can i? huh? witchcraft? oh no! is that a sin!?

And pagan songs not only ignore the miracle, but focus on spitting on the cross. I'm no fan of today's Christian music, but I think I know which is worse.

I dont know about "spitting on the cross," do you have a real refrence.

of course they dont focus on the miracle, but they werent trying to. they were talking about other stuff. christian music tries to be religious but goes the way of mel gibson and makes 99% of the media crucifixion and 1% or less ressurection.

Yet he'd want us to concentrate on killing and robbing banks.

um...no

we dont meditate and interpret songs for real. none of these rappers actually do that stuff. that is ignorant, stereotypical, and even racist. ive actually met a rapper by the name of lloyd banks if you know him. he raps about that stuff sometimes, but hes a nice guy in real life, and most rappers are.

That's the point. Which life are you living? You cannot proclaim Christ and not live in, by, and for him.

is listening to any music by, in and for christ? listening to songs has nothing to do with living life, you dont base your ethics around the media, like ive said 50 times already. go outside and get some fresh air, cause the real world is very hypocritical and exaggerated, unless you live life through your tv, where the media actually does manage your life because it is your life.

If you want to go on the offensive against contemporary Christian music, go ahead. I might just join you in that. But first you're going to want to take care of this.

i did take care of it, and im glad you agree with me about the christian stuff. life is full of experiences, and they should be tasted with fun but responsibly

 

[Shizzle]

lolishness

Well, God called us to be separate, so we should have different schools,

we do

magazines,

we do

music,

we do

food and drink

we do.. maybe not the drink thing, vegetarianisms ^^

, entertainment, and it should all be second class. Sounds like a good plan, doesn't it?

 

[TheDag]

As long as people don't forget music can influence your feelings. It might contribute towards you doing something like killing but it wouldn't be the main reason someone would. That is why I try to keep away from music with those lyrics. I also refused to listen to a band that said fans should not buy their album but steal it from shops. I expect othwers to make up their own mind about wheather they should listen to bands who actively encourage sin.

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

hell no. i definitly dont agree with the things that they rap or rock about. but if i hear a song that is catchy, im gonna listen to it. i dont listen to lyrics like "gun 'em down" and then live it by killing people. i agree that taking the lyrics literal and putting them in motion is bad, but no one will actually do it.

columbine kids blamed doom and other videogames and music for their problems. its like the traditional saying "if someone jumps off a bridge will you?" and if you do, shame on you, but its not because the person jumped. jumping is only the means, not the reason. lonliness, anger, and other negative feelings build up to violent actions from personal experience causes violence, not listening to the radio.

Since I never made the claim you're refuting, I'll ignore this.

only if you are naive, dumb, and take this stuff literally. listening to rap wont cause you to go kill people, just like i said 10 lines above this, it is negative feelings caused by rejection and conflict.

See above.

i dont know what christ "bounced" to, so i couldnt make a good judgement, but i do know that Christ is not just god but is also human. Jerusalem in that time had a limited music library. what exuses are you talking about? im just explaining my points.

You're trying to limit Christ by his humanity. It almost sounds as though you are trying to make him a sinner, or deny his deity. I hope that's not what it is. And tell you what, see if you can picture Christ being entertained by pagan worship (which is what much the lyrical content in question amounts to).

killing someone is a sin. watching a play with someone dying in it has nothing to do with your personal choices to go against god

But let's talk about watching a play glorifying murder. Now you're sort of in the same ballpark.

i know he wouldnt want those actions to happen, but its not like every single song talks about killing.

No. Some talk about prostitution. Or dishonoring your family. And some are actually clean. But let's stick to the stuff in question.

blue oyster cult, kiss, and a little ozzy osbourne are pretty bad about that stuff, but the people that listen to that stuff listen because it relates to them as troubled people, they dont go learning from it. im not a fan of that music, but the people i know that listen to it didnt believe in god in the first place, so it makes little diffrence

Satan and his servants would love to relate to you as troubled people, if it will get you to serve them. Being able to relate to someone's troubles just isn't enough to justify it. And... notice how we're not even on topic toward the end here?

i never said i listen to that stuff.

Fine. But you're defending it.

my cousin is a good person, goes to church, and follows most of christ's message to heart. he happens to like rap, mostly the explicit stuff. he thinks it helps him release from his anger, rather than cause it, if there is even anger.

Then I'd say he is not taking Christ's message to heart.

again, no one lives the media.

I disagree, but that's for another discussion.

i dont read harry potter and try to fly on a broomstick, i understand it isnt real and those people dont actually do that. but i cant rad that book can i? huh? witchcraft? oh no! is that a sin!?

Off-topic, and also not responding to any claim I've made. Again. Also, I don't think this argument holds up to the light of the sermon on the mount. The sin is in the spirit, not just the act. And before you jump on that, no, I don't think reading Harry Potter is necessarily sinful. Nor do I think it teaches witchcraft.

I dont know about "spitting on the cross," do you have a real refrence.

Any denial of the gospel, or glorification of evil, is spitting on the cross.

of course they dont focus on the miracle, but they werent trying to. they were talking about other stuff. christian music tries to be religious but goes the way of mel gibson and makes 99% of the media crucifixion and 1% or less ressurection.

And, read in light of the above, this one pretty much flops.

um...no

we dont meditate and interpret songs for real. none of these rappers actually do that stuff. that is ignorant, stereotypical, and even racist. ive actually met a rapper by the name of lloyd banks if you know him. he raps about that stuff sometimes, but hes a nice guy in real life, and most rappers are.

I can be a nice guy and still glorify evil, and deny Christ. But I honestly don't think most rappers are nice guys. I don't think most pop celebrities are nice people at all.

is listening to any music by, in and for christ?

It ought to be. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

listening to songs has nothing to do with living life, you dont base your ethics around the media, like ive said 50 times already.

I disagree. Many people do just that. I imagine that if you had never watched TV, or heard the radio, you'd be a radically different person. And if listening to songs has nothing to do with your life, which I doubt, since you are living while doing it, I must admit that I feel sad for you. You're missing out on a lot, on a real and rich love of life and of God through music and dance.

go outside and get some fresh air, cause the real world is very hypocritical and exaggerated, unless you live life through your tv, where the media actually does manage your life because it is your life.

I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say here.

Also, throughout your post I noticed that you were responding to some mystery postings that I cannot identify as my own. What gives?

 

[Nikolas222]

compare:

i dont know what christ "bounced" to, so i couldnt make a good judgement, but i do know that Christ is not just god but is also human. Jerusalem in that time had a limited music library. what exuses are you talking about? im just explaining my points.

to

You're trying to limit Christ by his humanity. It almost sounds as though you are trying to make him a sinner, or deny his deity. I hope that's not what it is. And tell you what, see if you can picture Christ being entertained by pagan worship (which is what much the lyrical content in question amounts to).

no, im focusing on his humanity as well as his divinity, but it sounds like you are only accepting his divinity. there was pagan worship back then, there is pagan worship now. thats not a very good comparison. but i know christ didnt lock himself in a closet to escape the "sinful music" of humanity.

But let's talk about watching a play glorifying murder. Now you're sort of in the same ballpark.

it isnt good if you subscribe to "murder magazine" and make a list of 100 diffrent ways to kill people and murder is all you think, breath, and do. but thats not what were talking about is it. most raps that are even semi-violent are only talking about their guns, not what they do with them. but you would have to actually listen to some rap to understand.

No. Some talk about prostitution. Or dishonoring your family. And some are actually clean. But let's stick to the stuff in question.

you would have to listen to rap to understand that almost none of the songs talk about that stuff. i dont listen to rap that often but ive listened to enough to have a valid opinion based on knowledge and experience versus IGNORANCE. it sounds like you have only accepted the vague and malicious opinions of others against rap, but are totally IGNORANT and have never heard rap before.

Fine. But you're defending it.

just because rap isnt my favorite music doesnt mean i dont have an opinion of it. i know its not all sweet and pure like the "dora the explorer soundtrack" that you might listen to but you are exaggerating and making generalizations about rap that isnt good. and most rock is fine anyways.

Then I'd say he is not taking Christ's message to heart.

and what it Christ's message in your opinion? you are going to change your beliefs the way you see fit just to make others miserable.

The sin is in the spirit, not just the act..

no...it IS almost all the spirit, that i agree with. then if you agree on this, you must believe that the ACT of listening to rap is fine.

Any denial of the gospel, or glorification of evil, is spitting on the cross

is that any diffrent from what you are doing right now, making generalizations about people and judging them without even having listened to rap?

I can be a nice guy and still glorify evil, and deny Christ. But I honestly don't think most rappers are nice guys. I don't think most pop celebrities are nice people at all.

i have actually met a rapper that has a label. you have never met any rappers or pop celebrities, so you cant possibly make that judgement. We shouldnt make ANY judgement at all, according to Christ's message.

It ought to be. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

so how is rap any diffrent? you keep saying is bad and sinful but you have never heard it. go borrow some cd's or download some songs to listen to them, then make your judgement.

I disagree. Many people do just that. I imagine that if you had never watched TV, or heard the radio, you'd be a radically different person. And if listening to songs has nothing to do with your life, which I doubt, since you are living while doing it, I must admit that I feel sad for you. You're missing out on a lot, on a real and rich love of life and of God through music and dance.

are you talking about me or a theoretical person? im confused.

I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say here.

Also, throughout your post I noticed that you were responding to some mystery postings that I cannot identify as my own. What gives?

im saying that you sound as if you have never listened to rap. go turn on the tv and watch some videos. the music doesnt have to be appealing, but you have hear it to understand.

not every one of my posts has to match yours. this is supposed to be philosophy, not debate. im just explaining why i believe rap is more acceptable then you make it sound.

 

[neverforsaken]

i guess its not so much about the music as it is about the message. Some rap has very bad messages in it about killing, abusing drugs and degrading women. Definately not my cup of tea. Some rock has messages of suicide or violence etc. so the question is, are you ok with the message and why? I for one like just about every genre of music there is. though i am partial to classical. i think the reason is that i for some reason dont listen to a word in the song. so i actually listen to song dozens of times before i even know what its about. thats why i can listen to foreign music and not care that i cant understand the words. But im a fan of old school rap and nirvana, journey and queen are some of my favorite bands.

 

[Nikolas222]

dude...you are on the ball!

of course the message is bad. taking it to heart is a sin. but if its casual workout music or something of the sort, there is no real harm, at least in my mind.

never is the man.

 

[LukeBritt]

Love Christ...do what you will.

 

[Onesimus85]

People tell me that listing to rap and rock is a sin but i not sure. so i want to know what you think of it

As Christians I think that we should not listen to most rap music and rock music. I hear the top 40 every once in a while and I will listen to some secular music here and there. I think that the problem with secular rap and rock music is the message that it produces, not the beat or the drums. I think that groups like Pillar, Apologetix, TFK, Skillet, and KJ-52 are fine though. They produce great Christian rock and rap, and they live a lisfestyle that promotes Christ.

The group Apologetix actually produces songs that sound like secular artists, but they have Christian lyrics.

The danger of listening to secular rap and rock is that the music influences us. We need to be careful of what we let influence us.

 

[LukeBritt]

As Christians I think that we should not listen to most rap music and rock music. I hear the top 40 every once in a while and I will listen to some secular music here and there. I think that the problem with secular rap and rock music is the message that it produces, not the beat or the drums. I think that groups like Pillar, Apologetix, TFK, Skillet, and KJ-52 are fine though. They produce great Christian rock and rap, and they live a lisfestyle that promotes Christ.

The group Apologetix actually produces songs that sound like secular artists, but they have Christian lyrics.

The danger of listening to secular rap and rock is that the music influences us. We need to be careful of what we let influence us.

The problem is that these artists are not good.
They are, like the quote earlier, like imposter cologne. For example, KJ-52 is the Christianized Eminem. Funny videos, same rap style, et cetera.

 

[invisible trousers]

As Christians I think that we should not listen to most rap music and rock music. I hear the top 40 every once in a while and I will listen to some secular music here and there. I think that the problem with secular rap and rock music is the message that it produces, not the beat or the drums. I think that groups like Pillar, Apologetix, TFK, Skillet, and KJ-52 are fine though. They produce great Christian rock and rap, and they live a lisfestyle that promotes Christ.The group Apologetix actually produces songs that sound like secular artists, but they have Christian lyrics.

The danger of listening to secular rap and rock is that the music influences us. We need to be careful of what we let influence us.

I haven't a single christian artist that holds a candle to the artists on the Warp, Stones Throw, Def Jux, etc labels. I see a lot of christian artists who follow what the mainstream does, instead of actually moving in new directions and trying their own thing.

In my opinion, this whole "don't listen to secular music" thing comes from fundamentalists who like using guilt to try to make you follow their beliefs.

 

[Nikolas222]

In my opinion, this whole "don't listen to secular music" thing comes from fundamentalists who like using guilt to try to make you follow their beliefs.

that is true in many threads, mostly with the simple ploy of kindergarten competition, with such sayings like "Jesus loves me more," or "im following christ's message and your not!" so they can sway you into their personal beliefs

 

[cygnusx1]

 

[Solomonthewise]

To simply say yes it is a sin to listen to that type of music or no its not a sin to listen to that type of music is sort of a contradiction.

First you need to listen to the message that the music is producing is it productive (godly\christian)? is it wholsome, no obscenities violence, killing, swearing etc....

Next you need to look at the image of the people who are making the music (very important!!!) if a person is putting out an wholsome song and giving a bad personal immage then they are contadicting themselves they're saying "im good" but reverse in reality, which is the sort of message you'd expect from satan??

last of all the most important thing, What am i going to do about it are you going to stop listening to that music or are you going to try to justify yourself and keep listening to your oh so wholsome music?????

 

[holo]

I see lots of good rules to live by here, some general, some more specific, and many complex ones.

Much like 1st-century Judaism, then.

 

[Ainesis]

Please see the following. Listening to music (of any kind) is not a passive experience.

http://www.exministries.com/main.html

 

[invisible trousers]

those people are crazy

 

[Leimeng]

~ Listening to rap may or may not be a sin, but it definitely seems to affect individuals grammar, spelling and English skills in a rather negative way.
~ Continue to discuss amongst yourselves...

Peace,

Leimeng

Flatulo Ergo Sum ~~~

(***Insert Personal One Liner Here***)

 

[Ainesis]

those people are crazy

They could be...or you could already be snared in the delusion.

To me, crazy is subjective and rather unimportant. The people of Jesus' day even thought He was crazy based on the fact that He preached a message that came against the sin in their own lives.

Am I saying you are deluded? No. Am I saying you are in sin? No. I AM saying that a criticism of "crazy" means nothing. What matters is whether it is true or not; and that is the only thing that matters.

Now, if you believe the information put forth is a lie, then certainly say so. I am not a part of that ministry, but upon cursory review, I have found it informative and biblically sound.

Nonetheless, if you do not know that music can have spiritual affects, then perhaps you need to do some closer study.
1Sa 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

 

[Solomonthewise]

if something is bad for you physically you stay away from it do you not?

then why not so spiritually?

if a christian band is singing away and praising god and theyre covered in tattoos then theyre a contradiction as "your body is your temple keep it holy" so it promotes a bad immage!