Music?

[allisonbourgeois89]

I have been listening to Heavy Metal my whole life. My father brought me up on it.

My mother was always the very conservative one who never quite approved in my taste of music.

Recently after rededicating myself to God I have been left with a few questions digging away at me.

Is it bad to continue to listen to this music?

Granted it is not all bad, but some if it is very graphic.

Are we as Christians not supposed to be living a life that in this world but not of it?

By listening to this music and putting these word/lyrics into my body am I taking away from anything?

Any scriptures or comments you have on this would be greatly appreciated,

Thank you!

 

[drich0150]

What do you think?

 

[Bellicus]

I can only speak for myself, but I often listen to metal, I'm specially fond of late 60's early 70's rock and metal with something psychedelic mixed into it. And I like artists like Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osborne, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd etc. I don't feel it as something wrong, cause I don't put it above God. The only thing I do feel is bad is black metal (cause of the anti-Christian texts and blasphemy), but sometimes I even listen to that, cause it reminds me of my early teens, about being young and wild.

I think the bible says it all: Everything is allowed, but not everything builds us up, everything is allowed, but we should not let anything get power over us.

The world is filled with stuff that is not clearly something Christian, like tv, movies, books, music etc. etc. and nothing of it is a sin in it self, but if we let it get control over us, then it might be a sin, if we put it above God, then it is a sin, and even if we want to do stuff, then sometimes it is better not to, if it don't build us up or bring us anything good. The important thing is to not let this world with all the things in it become more important then God, cause this world is fading away, but God lasts forever.

 

[jehovahisgod]

Ask yourself what the bible says on this subject...

Well, no one is really saying that it is wrong to enjoy music. Some of the Bible itself—particularly the psalms—was originally set to music. In Bible times, music was prominently used in the worship of God. (Psalm 149:3; 150:4) Music also served as a means of expressing joy, excitement, and sorrow. (Genesis 31:27; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6, 7; Matthew 9:23, 24) In the days of Jesus Christ, music was a common feature at social gatherings; it added enjoyment to the occasion.—Luke 15:25.

However certain bible principles apply to your choice of music Allison:
Rather than being uplifting and wholesome, much of the music being promoted today is clearly "earthly, animal, demonic." (James 3:15)

The bible also tells us that "bad associations spoil useful habits." (1 Corinthians 15:33) Now, would you spend hours associating with or listening to someone who used grossly obscene speech, who urged you to use drugs, who advocated the worship of Satan, or who described perverted sex in graphic terms?

More than ever, music of all genres reflects the influence of "the god of this system of things," Satan the Devil.—2 Corinthians 4:4.

What about the lyrics? Do they promote sexual immorality, drug use, or other wrongs that are "shameful even to relate?" (Ephesians 5:12) The Bible says that such things should "not even be mentioned" among God’s people, much less set to a beat and repeated over and over again. (Ephesians 5:3) What about the album-jacket design? Does it contain spiritistic themes or sexually arousing pictures?

The music we listen to should serve the purpose of enjoyment, but should be wholesome / moral entertainment, especially for those claiming to be christians. Could you imagine a pastor giving a sermon, following this, he jumps into his car, cranks up the heavy metal music that could be speaking well of satan the devil in front of his churchgoers?

 

[jazzypooh]

Does the music you listen to glorify God? God originally created music to glorify Him, so if it doesn't serve that purpose then it's not of God. We as believers have to be careful what we allow to enter into our temples, because we are housing the very Spirit of God. When you listen to your music, ask yourself:

'Would the Holy Spirit like to listen to this song?'
'Is He pleased with these lyrics?'
'Is this song edifying my spirit and causing me to grow closer to my God?'

or

'Is this song only pleasing to my flesh?'
'Is this song arousing my flesh?'
'Is this song making me want to do something that would not be pleasing to God or causing me to think thoughts that are not pleasing to God?'

the Holy Spirit will convict you and lead you into all truth concerning every matter. i believe the very fact that you've begin to question the music is already proof that He's begun to convict you about it

May He lead you into His perfect will

Love,
~jazzy

 

[allisonbourgeois89]

I guess my point is that not all metal music talks about drugs, sex and satan.

Most metal music, for those that listen often is just real life problems presented in a different way.

I talked to a friend today and she said that she had a similar problem with her love for music. Her previous pastor told her she was a sinner for listening to Nirvanna. She also said that she felt as long as she did not put her music before god, that it didn't really matter what type she listened to.

I actually do know a pastor who is part of a christian heavy metal band that does listen to christian heavy metal music. (A little off topic, but just throwing that out there.)

 

[jazzypooh]

I guess my point is that not all metal music talks about drugs, sex and satan.

Most metal music, for those that listen often is just real life problems presented in a different way.

but the music is causing you to sit in those problems instead of looking to your God for His solutions to it

I talked to a friend today and she said that she had a similar problem with her love for music. Her previous pastor told her she was a sinner for listening to Nirvanna. She also said that she felt as long as she did not put her music before god, that it didn't really matter what type she listened to.

it wasn't right for her pastor to condemn her like that, but at the same time you have to ask yourself... would i be willing to let this go if God did reveal to me that it wasn't pleasing to Him? that is how you really determine if you're putting your music before God

I actually do know a pastor who is part of a christian heavy metal band that does listen to christian heavy metal music. (A little off topic, but just throwing that out there.)

nowadays, you'll find a lot of pastors condoning worldly things but that doesn't mean its right. if i wanted to, i could find me a pastor that condoned homosexuality and join his/her church. so its not about what man says about the issue. its about what God says about it in His Word

here's an article that deals with this subject. it's really in reference to Hip-Hop, but you can take the principles and apply it to any genre of secular music. also i believe they have some teaching on Rock and Metal as well:

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

they also have a list of arguments much similar to what your friend has said to you:

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

Love,
~jazzy

 

[jazzypooh]

check out this video clip. its taken from "The Truth behind Rock and Roll"

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

 

[Bellicus]

jazzypooh, not to debate, but you are telling to not listen to mans teaching, but to God, and then you give some links to some charismatic sect with nothing but mans teaching. That's not very logical is it?

If you look into the word of God, that is Gods teaching, I think you will have problems to find that music is a sin. If you disagree, then feel free to find a bible verse that condemns music. I don't think anyone can say that music is wrong without adding to the scripture and without putting words into Gods mouth.

 

[jazzypooh]

Hi Bellicus ,

i never said that music was wrong. i said that music should glorify God. music in itself is not wrong at all. i simply provided resources for the OP so she could search the matter out for herself. if i felt that the teachings were not Biblical then i would not have provided the links. and if i would've provided the Scriptures directly in my post, then you probably would've said the same thing anyway. there's nothing wrong with teachings that point to God and His Word. God has given us teachers for that very purpose.

Love,
~jazzy

 

[Thuleh]

Music is not a bad thing, but also remember that it is the devil's gift because when he was still in heaven, he was in charge if music. If GOD gives you a gift, HE does not take it away just cos uv been bad, the devil still possesses this gift. the devil knows that a Christian will not voluntarily confess that he is lord, so what does he do? he makes you sing it unaware. ever found yourself singing a song that you have never learnt or a song that you dont even like? thats cos it has been proven scientifically that music is the only thing that moves into both hemispheres of a human brain without resistance. so we should be aware of the songs we listen to and sing along to because we find ourselves singing to the most sexually explicit song, promoting sin and confessing that we love it by our own mouths. we should also be aware of whos songs are we singing along to. most people carry spirits that even they, themselves are not aware of, and when they sing, they release it, and when you sing along, you invite it to come into you. so what im saying is, not all music is bad but also remember that the devil is sly, so when you find yourself liking a song, it would be a good idea to check out the lyrics first and the decide if its good or bad for you to be singing and liking it, thanks. i hope this message helped someone like it helped me the first time i heard it. Be Blessed

 

[allisonbourgeois89]

but the music is causing you to sit in those problems instead of looking to your God for His solutions to it



it wasn't right for her pastor to condemn her like that, but at the same time you have to ask yourself... would i be willing to let this go if God did reveal to me that it wasn't pleasing to Him? that is how you really determine if you're putting your music before God

Well if you find yourself listening to it more than you want to go to church, or study God's word you would be putting it before him correct?

nowadays, you'll find a lot of pastors condoning worldly things but that doesn't mean its right. if i wanted to, i could find me a pastor that condoned homosexuality and join his/her church. so its not about what man says about the issue. its about what God says about it in His Word

He is not condoning worldly things. He is listening to Christian heavy metal. That's is far from worldly.... and furthermore I think that TLBGs should have their own churches. I know that the bible condones homosexuality but wouldn't you agree the best place for them is church??

Also, I don't forsee God sending them to hell because of a lifestyle, you will be judged for everything you do here on earth. Once you become saved he forgives you for your past and present sins.... Meaning that despite the fact that you are "sinning" God will still be able to forgive you!

 

[allisonbourgeois89]

Does the music you listen to glorify God? God originally created music to glorify Him, so if it doesn't serve that purpose then it's not of God. We as believers have to be careful what we allow to enter into our temples, because we are housing the very Spirit of God. When you listen to your music, ask yourself:

'Would the Holy Spirit like to listen to this song?'
'Is He pleased with these lyrics?'
'Is this song edifying my spirit and causing me to grow closer to my God?'

or

'Is this song only pleasing to my flesh?'
'Is this song arousing my flesh?'
'Is this song making me want to do something that would not be pleasing to God or causing me to think thoughts that are not pleasing to God?'

the Holy Spirit will convict you and lead you into all truth concerning every matter. i believe the very fact that you've begin to question the music is already proof that He's begun to convict you about it

May He lead you into His perfect will

Love,
~jazzy

I agree with what you are saying here, however; If all the music you listen to Glorifies God you will be living in a bubble. That is like saying to someone you can't read a book unless its glorifying god, you can't read the news unless it is glorifying god... etc

You can't live in a bubble. Granted not all music glorifies god, you can't seclude yourself from the world. Exposure to worldly things reminds you of who you are and how you believe.

 

[jazzypooh]

Well if you find yourself listening to it more than you want to go to church, or study God's word you would be putting it before him correct?

no, that's not correct. if you find yourself not being able to let it go if God has told you to do so, then THAT will be what determines if you're putting it before Him or not. that's the real test. Jesus said that we have to DENY OURSELVES and what we want, take up our crosses DAILY, and follow Him. so if we love Him then we are willing to make whatever necessary sacrifices that He asks us to make for Him. He said if you love Me, you will obey Me....

He is not condoning worldly things. He is listening to Christian heavy metal. That's is far from worldly....

you cannot combine the things of God with the things of the world and still call it godly. this pastor is taking a secular (WORDLY) style of music and calling it Christian. but the Bible says that you cannot mix the clean with the unclean. you cannot mix that which is holy with that which is not holy. you cannot mix that which is righteous with that which is not righteous. you cannot mix light with darkness. God is not accepting it.

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS? AND WHAT CONCORD HATH CHRIST WITH BELIAL? OR WHAT PART HATH HE THAT BELIEVETH WITH AN INFIDEL?

and furthermore I think that TLBGs should have their own churches. I know that the bible condones homosexuality but wouldn't you agree the best place for them is church??

the Bible does NOT condone homosexuality. it is sin and God says that it's an abomination to Him. in the beginning, God made one MALE and one FEMALE. anything other than that is sin and it does not reflect the image of God

Also, I don't forsee God sending them to hell because of a lifestyle, you will be judged for everything you do here on earth. Once you become saved he forgives you for your past and present sins.... Meaning that despite the fact that you are "sinning" God will still be able to forgive you!

of course God is able to forgive anyone of anything, but God ONLY forgives those who REPENT of their sin. repent means to change your mind and turn away from that thing or that lifestyle. it will be our very lifestyles that determine where we spend eternity. if we live the holy lifestyle God has called us to live, then we will spend eternity with Him. if we choose to live a lifestyle of sin apart from the holy God that offers us salvation from this lifestyle, then we will spend eternity in hell. in order to be forgiven for your sins, you have to repent and turn away from those sins.

this is what Jesus said:

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

the will of God is found in the Word of God. the Word teaches us how to live for God.

the first message Jesus preached here on earth was one of repentance in Matthew 4:17. His whole ministry was about repenting from sin and turning to Him for salvation.

a person may come to God as a homosexual, but they are not supposed to remain that way after being saved. the Bible says that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom along with whoever else is living an ungodly lifestyle:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? DO NOT BE DECEIVED or misled: neither the impure and immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, NOR THOSE WHO PRACTICE HOMOSEXUALITY, nor cheats, swindlers and thieves, nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.

this scripture makes it clear. all of the above are LIFESTYLES, so the lifestyle that we choose DOES have an impact on eternity and our relationship with God.

I agree with what you are saying here, however; If all the music you listen to Glorifies God you will be living in a bubble. That is like saying to someone you can't read a book unless its glorifying god, you can't read the news unless it is glorifying god... etc

You can't live in a bubble. Granted not all music glorifies god, you can't seclude yourself from the world. Exposure to worldly things reminds you of who you are and how you believe.

this is not true. God has called us to come OUT of the world and to live SEPARATE from them. you do not have to adapt to the lifestyles of the world to get them to come to Jesus. all you have to do is live a godly lifestyle and the light of Christ will shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Wherefore come OUT from among them, and be ye SEPARATE, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Ephesians 5:6-8,11
Let no one delude and deceive you with empty excuses and groundless arguments FOR THESE SINS, for through these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of rebellion and disobedience. SO DO NOT ASSOCIATE OR BE SHARERS WITH THEM. For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light and lead the lives of those native-born to the Light. Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but INSTEAD let your lives be so in contrast as to expose and reprove and convict them.

Love,
~jazzy

 

[Sketcher]

See my avatar? That's one of the logos of a Christian metal band that was pretty good, and blessed my life.

There is no Biblical command that forbids listening to any genre of music. Furthermore, there is no Biblical mandate against songs about regular stuff, as long as it doesn't dishonor God. People like to throw verses around to condemn it, but show me those verses and I will refute their application to the matter. I believe the Bible and that it is God's authoritative word, but when people abuse it one way or another, they're wrong. This "devil's music" stuff is just unbiblical superstition, which the devil has no problems with since he'll take all the glory he can get.

Some verses have been thrown around in this thread, but they don't really say anything about metal. We're not allowed to debate in this forum, so PM me if you want to know the truth.

 

[allisonbourgeois89]

no, that's not correct. if you find yourself not being able to let it go if God has told you to do so, then THAT will be what determines if you're putting it before Him or not. that's the real test. Jesus said that we have to DENY OURSELVES and what we want, take up our crosses DAILY, and follow Him. so if we love Him then we are willing to make whatever necessary sacrifices that He asks us to make for Him. He said if you love Me, you will obey Me....



you cannot combine the things of God with the things of the world and still call it godly. this pastor is taking a secular (WORDLY) style of music and calling it Christian. but the Bible says that you cannot mix the clean with the unclean. you cannot mix that which is holy with that which is not holy. you cannot mix that which is righteous with that which is not righteous. you cannot mix light with darkness. God is not accepting it.

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS? AND WHAT CONCORD HATH CHRIST WITH BELIAL? OR WHAT PART HATH HE THAT BELIEVETH WITH AN INFIDEL?



the Bible does NOT condone homosexuality. it is sin and God says that it's an abomination to Him. in the beginning, God made one MALE and one FEMALE. anything other than that is sin and it does not reflect the image of God



of course God is able to forgive anyone of anything, but God ONLY forgives those who REPENT of their sin. repent means to change your mind and turn away from that thing or that lifestyle. it will be our very lifestyles that determine where we spend eternity. if we live the holy lifestyle God has called us to live, then we will spend eternity with Him. if we choose to live a lifestyle of sin apart from the holy God that offers us salvation from this lifestyle, then we will spend eternity in hell. in order to be forgiven for your sins, you have to repent and turn away from those sins.

this is what Jesus said:

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

the will of God is found in the Word of God. the Word teaches us how to live for God.

the first message Jesus preached here on earth was one of repentance in Matthew 4:17. His whole ministry was about repenting from sin and turning to Him for salvation.

a person may come to God as a homosexual, but they are not supposed to remain that way after being saved. the Bible says that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom along with whoever else is living an ungodly lifestyle:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? DO NOT BE DECEIVED or misled: neither the impure and immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, NOR THOSE WHO PRACTICE HOMOSEXUALITY, nor cheats, swindlers and thieves, nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.

this scripture makes it clear. all of the above are LIFESTYLES, so the lifestyle that we choose DOES have an impact on eternity and our relationship with God.



this is not true. God has called us to come OUT of the world and to live SEPARATE from them. you do not have to adapt to the lifestyles of the world to get them to come to Jesus. all you have to do is live a godly lifestyle and the light of Christ will shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Wherefore come OUT from among them, and be ye SEPARATE, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Ephesians 5:6-8,11
Let no one delude and deceive you with empty excuses and groundless arguments FOR THESE SINS, for through these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of rebellion and disobedience. SO DO NOT ASSOCIATE OR BE SHARERS WITH THEM. For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light and lead the lives of those native-born to the Light. Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but INSTEAD let your lives be so in contrast as to expose and reprove and convict them.

Love,
~jazzy

It sounds to me like you need to be a member of an Amish society and completely separate yourself from anything that is not godly.

Your coffeepot, your tv, everything.

All you have done thus far, is twist everything I have said into your own version of the truth, which is not what I was asking for at all.

 

[allisonbourgeois89]

Furthermore I would like to say that Christian heavy metal music is NOT worldly. It is CHRISTIAN, music made to praise God.

Now your claim of worldly music? Well wasn't all music worldly at one point and time? Was Christian music at one point not considered secular?

I just don't get your point I guess. I view Christian music separately from secular, which is something you don't?

Anyways, I think this thread is done!

 

[allisonbourgeois89]

Furthermore I would like to say that Christian heavy metal music is NOT worldly. It is CHRISTIAN, music made to praise God.

Now your claim of worldly music? Well wasn't all music worldly at one point and time? Was Christian music at one point not considered secular?

I just don't get your point I guess. I view Christian music separately from secular, which is something you don't?

Anyways, I think this thread is done!

 

[Sketcher]

It sounds to me like you need to be a member of an Amish society and completely separate yourself from anything that is not godly.

Your coffeepot, your tv, everything.

But then you'd still have those worldly farmer's hats and log cabins.

 

[allisonbourgeois89]

Haha goodness how mindless of me to forget.

She needs a shack grass and some trees!