music issue

[Tyler Mrozowski]

im still relatively new to Christianity. I converted around this time last year from being an agnostic, but I have a major problem determining what bands are ok for someone to listen to. Ill list some below so anyone reading can get an idea of the style of music. Music is my life and im 100% positive god is calling me to be a musician. I think that's also why im having a hard time, because i enjoy it so much, it makes it hard to filter. I have, however, obviously already eliminated anything with sexual/meaningless partying references or bands that worship the devil directly. The problem lies in the fact that the Christian rock bands I took after (skillet, thousand foot krutch, etc) all have clear references in their lyrics to the gospel or to god directly, and in anything I produce musically, I have no problem keeping the lyrics like that, but I also listen to a lot of bands that are non Christian. Their lyrics are about pain and helping people through it, but many of them are atheists. Regardless, many of them kept me alive (stone sour, shinedown, breaking Benjamin, to list a few, along with some heavier bands like godsmack and disturbed) several of them also swear in a few of their songs. Is it alright to continue listening to these type of bands or what would be a good place to draw the line?

 

[Serving Zion]

im still relatively new to Christianity. I converted around this time last year from being an agnostic, but I have a major problem determining what bands are ok for someone to listen to. Ill list some below so anyone reading can get an idea of the style of music. Music is my life and im 100% positive god is calling me to be a musician. I think that's also why im having a hard time, because i enjoy it so much, it makes it hard to filter. I have, however, obviously already eliminated anything with sexual/meaningless partying references or bands that worship the devil directly. The problem lies in the fact that the Christian rock bands I took after (skillet, thousand foot krutch, etc) all have clear references in their lyrics to the gospel or to god directly, and in anything I produce musically, I have no problem keeping the lyrics like that, but I also listen to a lot of bands that are non Christian. Their lyrics are about pain and helping people through it, but many of them are atheists. Regardless, many of them kept me alive (stone sour, shinedown, breaking Benjamin, to list a few, along with some heavier bands like godsmack and disturbed) several of them also swear in a few of their songs. Is it alright to continue listening to these type of bands or what would be a good place to draw the line?

Hi Tyler, great to have you with us! I think it is for your conscience to do that conviction, so if you are listening to the lyrics and it is grating on you, then take that song off your playlist.

What I find is that our sense of taste adjusts over time, as God does His refining work in us, and we learn more about what the lyrics mean that we never understood before .. so when that happens then you need to decide why you would keep listening to it. But having said that, obviously you don't have a problem with what you are listening to yet, and if you are only doing it to "keep up appearances" then it's a pretty empty thing to do. You'll eventually regret it and might even be tempted to go back to those songs later because it was never a heart-felt repentance (it was only compliance - legalism).

Same goes for the cussing. If you think it is an appropriate way to speak (as it might have an artistic value that no other language can produce), then fine. But people tend to use cuss words in an inappropriate way, that is an abuse of language then.

 

[Tyler Mrozowski]

Hi Tyler, great to have you with us! I think it is for your conscience to do that conviction, so if you are listening to the lyrics and it is grating on you, then take that song off your playlist.

What I find is that our sense of taste adjusts over time, as God does His refining work in us, and we learn more about what the lyrics mean that we never understood before .. so when that happens then you need to decide why you would keep listening to it. But having said that, obviously you don't have a problem with what you are listening to yet, and if you are only doing it to "keep up appearances" then it's a pretty empty thing to do. You'll eventually regret it and might even be tempted to go back to those songs later because it was never a heart-felt repentance (it was only compliance - legalism).

Same goes for the cussing. If you think it is an appropriate way to speak (as it might have an artistic value that no other language can produce), then fine. But people tend to use cuss words in an inappropriate way, that is an abuse of language then.

Thanks for the reply. Some of the songs I wasn't holding on to to maintain appearance, It was just because I had a very deep connection with the bands lyrics and wanted to see if they could go with wherever I was being directed. I did decide to cut out their earlier albums because they were so much about pain that they tend to keep your mind there. Its an incredibly tough choice overall. He may or may not want every band to be Christian, but even some of the Christian ones aren't as appealing anymore.

 

[Citanul]

You're probably going to get a range of different answers to this question as there's no one definitive answer from a Christian perspective. Some people are OK with listening to non-Christian music, while others aren't. It all comes down to what you feel personally is best for you.

 

[Sketcher]

I like music that heavy, and heavier.

I tend to pick it out on a song by song basis. If the lyrics or flow of it is overtly blasphemous or against the Christian faith, I don't want to listen to it. If it's positive, why shouldn't I listen to it. Often, bands I like will produce both. As a rule, I avoid bands that claim to be Satanist (for instance, no black metal for me).

And yes, I do also include Christian bands in what I listen to.

 

[Neogaia777]

Thanks for the reply. Some of the songs I wasn't holding on to to maintain appearance, It was just because I had a very deep connection with the bands lyrics and wanted to see if they could go with wherever I was being directed. I did decide to cut out their earlier albums because they were so much about pain that they tend to keep your mind there. Its an incredibly tough choice overall. He may or may not want every band to be Christian, but even some of the Christian ones aren't as appealing anymore.

I've found them useful when I go through times or pain, or sometimes am feeling pain or that kind of thing and just needing to and expressing with the song, and it can help to just get it out in a way, and can sometimes help you with getting it out of you and away from you and behind you also, music can be a much more healthy outlet than some other alternatives can be...

God Bless!

 

[Serving Zion]

Thanks for the reply. Some of the songs I wasn't holding on to to maintain appearance, It was just because I had a very deep connection with the bands lyrics and wanted to see if they could go with wherever I was being directed.

Oh, no I meant about appearing to be Christian to Christians who might judge you for the music you listen to.. that's what I meant by "keeping up appearances". But you will be judged by The Holy Spirit when you are listening to music in the presence of a vessel of The Holy Spirit, because that person's judgement will either be shocked by the lyrics or not, and there would be conviction in your conscience.

I did decide to cut out their earlier albums because they were so much about pain that they tend to keep your mind there.

.. every little bit helps!

Its an incredibly tough choice overall. He may or may not want every band to be Christian, but even some of the Christian ones aren't as appealing anymore.

Yeah, personally I find that the ones who call themselves Christian are compromising way too much, for "keeping up appearances". I think it is not uncommon for musicians to do that as part of their commitments to the market, specifically their advisers. Whenever that happens, it becomes fake. Nothing worse than a fake Christian, IMO. Honest non-Christians are always better, because they have remained with the spirit of truth even in their unbelief.

.. and speaking of the spirit, you might notice that a songwriter's mood has a lot to do with it, so if they've had a bad day, they're more inclined to write sinful lyrics but they could very well have got the best news of the year so they would be singing constructive words.

You called to mind one of my favourite songs from the days when I had that sort of playlist! .. thanks for that

 

[Tyler Mrozowski]

Oh, no I meant about appearing to be Christian to Christians who might judge you for the music you listen to.. that's what I meant by "keeping up appearances". But you will be judged by The Holy Spirit when you are listening to music in the presence of a vessel of The Holy Spirit, because that person's judgement will either be shocked by the lyrics or not, and there would be conviction in your conscience.

.. every little bit helps!

Yeah, personally I find that the ones who call themselves Christian are compromising way too much, for "keeping up appearances". I think it is not uncommon for musicians to do that as part of their commitments to the market, specifically their advisers. Whenever that happens, it becomes fake. Nothing worse than a fake Christian, IMO. Honest non-Christians are always better, because they have remained with the spirit of truth even in their unbelief.

.. and speaking of the spirit, you might notice that a songwriter's mood has a lot to do with it, so if they've had a bad day, they're more inclined to write sinful lyrics but they could very well have got the best news of the year so they would be singing constructive words.

You called to mind one of my favourite songs from the days when I had that sort of playlist! .. thanks for that

I love the band disturbed.. I saw them in concert several years ago.. but its songs like down with the sickness that I feel might be crossing the line a bit.. there newer albums are much cleaner

 

[Tyler Mrozowski]

Oh, no I meant about appearing to be Christian to Christians who might judge you for the music you listen to.. that's what I meant by "keeping up appearances". But you will be judged by The Holy Spirit when you are listening to music in the presence of a vessel of The Holy Spirit, because that person's judgement will either be shocked by the lyrics or not, and there would be conviction in your conscience.

.. every little bit helps!

Yeah, personally I find that the ones who call themselves Christian are compromising way too much, for "keeping up appearances". I think it is not uncommon for musicians to do that as part of their commitments to the market, specifically their advisers. Whenever that happens, it becomes fake. Nothing worse than a fake Christian, IMO. Honest non-Christians are always better, because they have remained with the spirit of truth even in their unbelief.

.. and speaking of the spirit, you might notice that a songwriter's mood has a lot to do with it, so if they've had a bad day, they're more inclined to write sinful lyrics but they could very well have got the best news of the year so they would be singing constructive words.

You called to mind one of my favourite songs from the days when I had that sort of playlist! .. thanks for that

of course, many songs by bands like that can be misinterpreted by Christians just by the name and artwork

 

[Tyler Mrozowski]

I've found them useful when I go through times or pain, or sometimes am feeling pain or that kind of thing and just needing to and expressing with the song, and it can help to just get it out in a way, and can sometimes help you with getting it out of you and away from you and behind you also, music can be a much more healthy outlet than some other alternatives can be...

God Bless!

that definitely makes sense, because pain is known to come back quite a bit. Its good to be prepared.

 

[Tyler Mrozowski]

I like music that heavy, and heavier.

I tend to pick it out on a song by song basis. If the lyrics or flow of it is overtly blasphemous or against the Christian faith, I don't want to listen to it. If it's positive, why shouldn't I listen to it. Often, bands I like will produce both. As a rule, I avoid bands that claim to be Satanist (for instance, no black metal for me).

And yes, I do also include Christian bands in what I listen to.

yeah I guess as long as it isn't lamb of god (formerly burn the priest) or too dirty its acceptable.. I find metal bands treat their fans the best. Doesn't sound like devils music to me for the most part.

 

[Serving Zion]

I love the band disturbed.. I saw them in concert several years ago.. but its songs like down with the sickness that I feel might be crossing the line a bit.. there newer albums are much cleaner

You know, when we develop the gift of discerning spirit, there's a clear distinction between spirit and belief. This is how we judge the heart that created the words rather than the words themselves. There's a lot of pain being expressed in that song, and a reflection of some belief about demonology and hate, where he is finding some gratification from writing it. But it's not evil, it's just hurt. There's a difference, that when it comes to it, he is probably more inclined to righteousness than wickedness. But that is only the quality of his heart that I see coming through the song at the time .. it doesn't account for who he might become when put to testing.. and especially if there is nobody with a quality of doctrine and spirit to support him in those times..

Anyhow, I am with you and your judgement about that song! .. I think that's one of the ones that I never did enjoy much too

 

[Tyler Mrozowski]

You know, when we develop the gift of discerning spirit, there's a clear distinction between spirit and belief. This is how we judge the heart that created the words rather than the words themselves. There's a lot of pain being expressed in that song, and a reflection of some belief about demonology and hate, where he is finding some gratification from writing it. But it's not evil, it's just hurt. There's a difference, that when it comes to it, he is probably more inclined to righteousness than wickedness. But that is only the quality of his heart that I see coming through the song at the time .. it doesn't account for who he might become when put to testing.. and especially if there is nobody with a quality of doctrine and spirit to support him in those times..

Anyhow, I am with you and your judgement about that song! .. I think that's one of the ones that I never did enjoy much too

I enjoyed it it just seemed best to clean ones like that out.. either way, on judgement day I don't believe anyone from that group will get sent to the pit of fire just because he lost his faith and swore in a few songs.. I think because they were real, and helped millions of kids avoid suicide that they'll be rewarded and its the pop stars who could be reaching millions but choose to expose themselves and their money to the camera that will be forced to perish.

 

[Ashley755]

Not all the music I listen to is Christian, but think about how the secular songs you listen to will affect your relationship with the Lord. Think about what the lyrics might potentially be putting into your heart.

Just as a related piece of advice, you really want the doctrine in the Christian music you listen to to be accurate to the Bible. Just make sure your favorite Christian songs are Biblically accurate. It's also nice when they have a lot from scripture incorporated into them.

I would kind of stay away from groups like Hillsong United and Bethel Music though because they have some aspects that aren't very trustworthy, and I'm not saying that to be rude to anyone who listens to these groups.

Sovereign Grace Music is awesome. Keith and Kristyn Getty are good. So are a lot of Christian hymns. Bob Kauflin writes a lot of good modern Christian music as well. I can't quite stress enough how important good Biblical doctrine is in music because it can affect what we believe about God.

God bless, friend! Take care.

 

[gym_class_hero]

3“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. 24No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10.23-24

As your relationship grows with God, the Holy Spirit will testify to you about your behaviors and choices.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12.2

God bless you on your journey!

 

[longwait]

im still relatively new to Christianity. I converted around this time last year from being an agnostic, but I have a major problem determining what bands are ok for someone to listen to. Ill list some below so anyone reading can get an idea of the style of music. Music is my life and im 100% positive god is calling me to be a musician. I think that's also why im having a hard time, because i enjoy it so much, it makes it hard to filter. I have, however, obviously already eliminated anything with sexual/meaningless partying references or bands that worship the devil directly. The problem lies in the fact that the Christian rock bands I took after (skillet, thousand foot krutch, etc) all have clear references in their lyrics to the gospel or to god directly, and in anything I produce musically, I have no problem keeping the lyrics like that, but I also listen to a lot of bands that are non Christian. Their lyrics are about pain and helping people through it, but many of them are atheists. Regardless, many of them kept me alive (stone sour, shinedown, breaking Benjamin, to list a few, along with some heavier bands like godsmack and disturbed) several of them also swear in a few of their songs. Is it alright to continue listening to these type of bands or what would be a good place to draw the line?

Listening to maranatha singers would be good. They don't project themselves but its just plain and simple worship songs to the Lord. I think that's the way we should treat songs of praise to the Lord and not take glory for ourselves displaying ourselves and showcasing ourselves out there. I think what we do for the Lord should be done in secret and it should not be done with a motive of getting praises from man.

 

[Sketcher]

I enjoyed it it just seemed best to clean ones like that out.. either way, on judgement day I don't believe anyone from that group will get sent to the pit of fire just because he lost his faith and swore in a few songs.. I think because they were real, and helped millions of kids avoid suicide that they'll be rewarded and its the pop stars who could be reaching millions but choose to expose themselves and their money to the camera that will be forced to perish.

I disagree with that because of what Jesus taught in John 3:16-18. Doesn't mean that all their stuff is automatically bad to listen to.

 

[Neogaia777]

I make playlists for every mood and use my music as a more healthy way of expressing some of those moods and certain kind of emotions, cause that's what they talk about...

But my conscience is my guide and there are some song I won't listen to or do not like, or some kinds of music I do not like, but I like a lot of Rock and some Metal even...

I like Christian music, Celtic Music, well, a lot of kinds of music really (depends on my mood)...

And if your kind of in a "dark place" (hopefully just at that moment) and are not afraid of being honest about it, and want to express it, there is music for that as well...

God Bless!