Music.

[Otari]

Ok I listen to tons of secular groups such as: System Of a Down, The Used, My Chemical Romance, Beastie Boys. I think you get the picture. I know these songs have bad Morals but I just cant seem to find the same flair thats in those songs in Christain music. for me its like listening to classical compared to hardrock. Ive tried lots of Christain rock\rap bands {Blindside Tobymac Pillar} But its just not the same... should I just stop listening to music or force myself to listen to Christain?

 

[BOJAX]

only if you are influenced by these bands "morals"

 

[Cordelia]

Ok I listen to tons of secular groups such as: System Of a Down, The Used, My Chemical Romance, Beastie Boys. I think you get the picture. I know these songs have bad Morals but I just cant seem to find the same flair thats in those songs in Christain music. for me its like listening to classical compared to hardrock. Ive tried lots of Christain rock\rap bands {Blindside Tobymac Pillar} But its just not the same... should I just stop listening to music or force myself to listen to Christain?

I honestly wouldn't worry too much - think and pray about why you appreciate secular music, and if you're confident that it isn't harming your walk with God, then you're all right. If certain lyrics bother you, skip over those songs. I love so many secular bands, including some of the ones you mentioned, just because they're brilliant - and like you I've been disappointed by Christian music (Christian everything, really). It's bland, sentimental and just boring. Doesn't inspire me at all, so I don't feel guilty.

 

[boilerblues]

I'm a huge music nut and I listen to a lot of non Christian music. Don't become legalistic, BUT also realize that anything you put into your mind WILL affect how you think and how you view the world. If you struggle with lust and listen to lots of music that celebrates sex in a way other than God designed it, you're not helping yourself in your struggle. I have found that as I've desired God more and have sought to conform my heart to His, I've not had to force myself to stop listening to music. Instead, I've just not wanted to listen to it.

As far as finding Christian artists to listen to, a lot of Christian music does have a strong cheddar factor (it's cheesy). But there are a number of good artists out there. I've found that you have to go searching for someone who has lyrics you resonate with, instead of musical talent as being the biggest factor. I love electric guitar players and listen to Hendrix, SRV, Clapton, etc. There really aren't many players of that caliber in Christian music (and please no one say Phil Keaggy, I give him props as a player but there's a high cheddar factor IMHO). So I focus on the message more than the musicianship. And I turn back to non Christian artists that I still enjoy, I'm just much more selective about what I listen to and when.

 

[holo]

Follow your heart.

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Yeah, I cannot stand a lot of Christian music because it's cheesy too. I do LOVE Toby Mac's music, mostly because of how his concerts are. On CD they're pretty cool, but when you see everyone rockin' out on stage, gives a whole new light to the music.

I LOVE good rock music. I always listen to AC/DC and Metallica. (You know, Enter Sandman, Fuel, Thunderstruck, Hells Bells, Shoot to Thrill... etc.) I just LOVE that dark sound they have. If I could have my own Christian band, I would want them to sound exactally like either band, but only with Christian lyrics (And I'd be the drummer of course). I would die a happy man then!

Anyway, I don't listen to the lyrics, just what the different instruments are doing and try to admire their skills as musicians.

 

[holo]

Ah, I see AC/DC mentioned. This thread is probably going to go off the rails anyway, so here's a story about them. There was a guy in their crew, I don't remember his name, but anyway he wrote his story about how he came to believe in Jesus. He said AC/DC were never a satanic band (d'uh), and that they once saw a movie about Jesus on the tour bus. They got really interested, but when they showed up for their next concert they were met by a load of protesting christians warning about their "satanic message" and decided they'd never want anything to do with christianity.

Goes to show, doesn't it?

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Gee, that's real shocking.

 

[plum]

I like many secular bands.... but I have to watch what I put inside me.
pardon the cliche, but this is what remains true to me: "garbage in, garbage out"

what I put into my mind and my heart becomes ingrained into my behavior and then my character...

I'm not saying some blanket statement like "secular music sends you to Hell!!" but I am definitely saying this: beware what you put inside you. It will come out.

"by their fruits you will know them"

 

[Moros]

Why are morals an issue in what you like to listen to for entertainment?

 

[vibrant]

Why are morals an issue in what you like to listen to for entertainment?

turn off the music and the music is still playing in your head hours later. the music sticks with you, and because of it's presentation, you aren't discerning and will just internalize what you hear, its lyrics and their morals.

 

[Sketcher]

If you find that it is influencing you to sin, get rid of it. If it is blasphemous or disgustingly devoid of morals I don't see why you'd want to listen to that anyway. There are SOME bands (not very many) that actually do incorporate occult practices in the songwriting process (and they are the ones that advertise it, not the ones that deny it). Avoid them. Otherwise, enjoy.

I listen to secular rock. I judge it on a song-by-song basis, because there are some songs that are blasphemous, and others that are clean. If it's clean and musically enjoyable, there is no reason to condemn it.

 

[enelya_taralom]

I once sent this question to one of my pastors:



"Basically, what I think I'm trying to ask is, if we have faith in Christ and decide to commit our lives to Him, and yet still have a desire for, and participate in earthly things such as listen to music, watch movies, read books, play games, etc that are not within the context of praise and total life commitment (meaning every aspect of our lives being committed to Christ), then is that a sign that our faith and/or total desire isn't completely in/for Christ?"



Here's what he said:



"In many regards this is the story of the Christian life. Yes, we will be perfected - but this will only arrive in the fullness of time, at the end of time. In the mean time, we move ahead slowly prayerfully in a "Long obedience in the same direction." We just keep moving ahead in the Spirit's strength, understanding that daily our lives will be riddled with mixed motives and flawed actions. In this moving ahead, more and more our lives become under the control of our good King - and this is the story of hope that we have.



I know that you have heard this all before... but this is really the truth you need to ingest. And the wonder of this is that the journey ahead is not in your own ability, but rather it is in the strength of Christ by his Spirit. Ephesians makes clear, our role is to daily submit our life to his strength, and in doing so walk ahead in the direction he calls us to go.


Your concerns over not measuring up, not fully surrendering to Christ not fully dying to yourself... I understand them and have heard them before myself. But frankly they are not the voice of the father to you. They are the taunts of an enemy who already knows that you are a child of God, accepted by him... and his work on your behalf is complete. The death has already occurred... now you are in life. And as I like to say, your life now is a living out of the reality that has already been proclaimed over you."


So basically, I think, yes, listening to "objectionable" music could and may be "bad", but as you continue growing in spiritual maturity and walking along your path, you'll know when and if God calls you away from something (whether it be music, a job, your entire lifestyle etc) and our job is to humbly and simply follow



God Bless!!

 

[enelya_taralom]

Ah, I see AC/DC mentioned. This thread is probably going to go off the rails anyway, so here's a story about them. There was a guy in their crew, I don't remember his name, but anyway he wrote his story about how he came to believe in Jesus. He said AC/DC were never a satanic band (d'uh), and that they once saw a movie about Jesus on the tour bus. They got really interested, but when they showed up for their next concert they were met by a load of protesting christians warning about their "satanic message" and decided they'd never want anything to do with christianity.

Goes to show, doesn't it?

That's why generally speaking I hate protests! Really the best way to witness is to just be an example. No one is going to come to Christ in the spirit of condemnation.

Christ came to earth as a "mere" baby and changed people one at a time through having relationships with them and showing them love. He did not come as a loud mouthed, powerful, "in your face" person.

Who was it that said, "witness all the time, everywhere you go, in everything you do, and if necessary use words"?

 

[enelya_taralom]

Sorry for the triple post, but...

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Blue Impulse again".

BI I LOVE your posts!! I think I have yet to read one I didn't agree with. Well said

 

[Sketcher]

Who was it that said, "witness all the time, everywhere you go, in everything you do, and if necessary use words"?

St. Francis of Assisi. I believe he worded it a little differently though.

 

[canehdianhotstuff]

i listen to a balance of both...toby mac, TFK, Pillar and many more rock christian bands, but i also listen secular, like 3 doors down, greenday, staind, many others...goo goo dolls hehe yeah a balance of both is good kinda nice...

 

[Ginsu]

You have to dig for good Christian artists, alot of people like the mainstream christian rock n' whatnot. Some of the best Christian artists out there are underground or indie.

When I came to Christ I know I had to get rid of most of my collection, that did include System of A Down, not sure what they're new stuff is like, but any profanities it goes in the trash.

Surely ICP and Twiztid had to go also. haha

 

[Fearless_Roots]

Just like what Ginsu said. You have to dig for good Christian bands, or bands that suit your style. Look at the regular Christian labels (Solid State, Tooth And Nail and soo on), But you might not find your taste's well met. SO Just keep on searching around and such.

 

[Oblivious]

I don't think as a Christian one has to listen to or force oneself to listen to "Christian" music. I was raised in a Christian school since I was in the 4th grade and they tried and tried to beat it into our heads that secular music was "evil". Well, that's all I've ever listen to, and I'm no more "evil" than the next person.

Personally, I'm a big techno fan. That's pretty much all I listen to anymore because I think mainstream music is horrible and unoriginal (my opinion of course ). Anyway, the techno I listen to has very few if any lyrics.

It's funny how everyone worries about the effects of music when TV, movies, etc. are usually 100x worse. Who here watches only Christian TV and movies? ...