The Music Thread

[Byfaithalone1]

This thread is devoted to the topic of music. Please feel free to discuss in this thread any topic that relates to music.

THIS IS NOT A THREAD ABOUT THE LAW. IF YOU'D LIKE TO DISCUSS THE LAW, THERE ARE MANY OTHER THREADS IN WHICH YOU CAN DO SO!

So, what types of music do you enjoy?

Do you limit your listening in any way?

What are your views regarding music and worship?

BFA

 

[VictorC]

So, what types of music do you enjoy?

Nearly anything except rap, from Bach to Norah Jones.

Do you limit your listening in any way?

Offensive lyrics need not apply, regardless of the talent (or lack thereof) of the band.

What are your views regarding music and worship?

I generally enjoy a tempo selected to the mood intended. Most of the worship music accompanied by piano is what I like, but I remember my Old Testament professor in New York was awesome on the drums, and he could get people off their boo-tocks and get their hands up in the air - great stuff.

Sometimes there is more emphasis on music than I thought appropriate. During altar calls of any kind in any church I have ever attended, somebody just has to play soft background music on the piano or the electric organ, and I wish I could jump out of my seat and unplug the darn thing sometimes. During times when speaking for a solemn decision to be made, I find music to be a distraction.

Of course the pastor and/or director didn't agree, and so that remains my humble opinion.

 

[Sophia7]

So, what types of music do you enjoy?

I'm with Victor on rap; I don't enjoy that at all. I do enjoy many other types of music. It depends on what kind of mood I'm in. Sometimes I like to listen to classical, occasionally pop, often Christian music. While I'm working around the house, I often like to listen to Don Francisco or Josh Groban (examples of two very different styles ). My hubby likes to listen to R&B and urban stations, which I don't enjoy as much although some of it is all right. The kids like to listen to oldies in the car, and I felt old when oldies stations started playing '80s music.

Do you limit your listening in any way?

I try to avoid music with swearing and explicit sexual references and other immoral things. I find those sorts of things offensive. There are lots of types of music that I don't listen to, I guess, just because I enjoy other types more.

What are your views regarding music and worship?

BFA

I personally prefer hymns during worship, probably because that's what I grew up with, but I don't believe that other music during worship is wrong. My current church has a traditional service and a contemporary service. I would rather go to the traditional service, but with three kids to get ready in the morning and one bathroom, it would be too hard for us to get to church by 8:00 a.m., so we attend the later contemporary service instead. It's all right, but I don't enjoy singing contemporary praise songs as much as I enjoy singing hymns in church.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

So, what types of music do you enjoy?

I have an ecclectic taste, from classical to country, rock to R&B. Like the others who have posted, I don't really have a taste for rap.

Do you limit your listening in any way?

Not really. The types of music to which I'm drawn don't usually contain lyrics that are way outside of my world view, but I do enjoy trying on new artists and styles. I do not limit myself to middle of the road contemporary christian formats.

What are your views regarding music and worship?

I've grown weary of the warfare over this topic. Because I worked for many years as a music director, I've been privy to lots of opinions about worship and music. I conclude that these are merely opinions and aren't based on some sort of divine mandate.

With that said, I tend to enjoy a blended form of worship. Having grown up singing hymns, I connect deeply with a number of traditional elements. After leading contemporary worship for many years, I enjoy a full band with drums, bass guitar, lead guitar and keys. I enjoy opportunities to worship God both in the celebratory moments and in the quiet, contemplative moments.

BFA

 

[Adventtruth]

So, what types of music do you enjoy?

Many different types...Mostly acoustic Jazz and acoustic Blues pioneers... but I can enjoy most any music for what it is if it has good craftsmanship. I do enjoy some Rap but not much...but there are some good Rap artist, and some are Christian Rap artist. Good audio gear can enhance any musical listening session...right Vic?

Do you limit your listening in any way?

Audio music listening can actually become a hobby...and I would consider my self an audio hobbyist. (This involves buying very good audio gear (two channel amp and preamp, (tubed or solid state transistors) a very good analog turntable and/or CD Player, very good speakers, and very good cables to connect it all.) So there is not much music I wont listen to...but I find offensive bad language going against the principles of God....so other than that and playing music at ear bleed levels, no its not limited at all.

What are your views regarding music and worship?

All music (live or recorded) touches the soul and makes us feel this way or that way. All music has a place in the life. It can lift your spirit...drop your spirit or mood...make you want to worship...make you think about your life...make you cry....or make you happy. In worship, music can be theologically incorrect or theologically correct...I've seen music make you want to respond to an alter call, make you feel like your are the vial of the earth...make you honor God...inspire you to give more in your tithe, make you think you love God, or just make you feel loved of God. I feel there are many who are taken advantage of who aren't doctrinally sound or secure in their relationship with God. Nothing wrong with worship music if its used in the correct way and not used to manipulate people in church.

AT

 

[VictorC]

Good audio gear can enhance any musical listening session...right Vic?

Well, quality Danish speakers from Seas, Peerless, and Vifa (I build my own, as you might remember) simply clarify what the recording contains. If the musical experience includes the obnoxious, then you're just given a louder rendition of obnoxious....

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Let's imagine that I've written lyrics that please God. If I were to put those lyrics to music, are there musical styles that God prefers? Any musical styles that He prohibits?

BFA

 

[VictorC]

Let's imagine that I've written lyrics that please God. If I were to put those lyrics to music, are there musical styles that God prefers? Any musical styles that He prohibits?

BFA

You really need to help me encourage Dr Patti to join us here, and leave the veil of tears called CARM. She's written a school textbook on the topic of music theory.

 

[Sophia7]

Let's imagine that I've written lyrics that please God. If I were to put those lyrics to music, are there musical styles that God prefers? Any musical styles that He prohibits?

BFA

I have no idea if there are musical styles that God prefers or what they would be if there are any. I don't see prohibitions of any musical styles in the Bible, though.

 

[k4c]

I have no idea if there are musical styles that God prefers or what they would be if there are any. I don't see prohibitions of any musical styles in the Bible, though.

Sometimes the world or past life styles connect words and beats to certain activities and thoughts that are ungodly. Because of this, when we hear these words or beats it brings us back to what these words or beats represent. I believe this can lead us back to past life styles, addictions or thoughts that caused many of the past problems we had in our lives. It may even lead our youth into ungodly life styles or thoughts because of what these words and beats are connected to. I believe this is why God says this.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.

Psalms 101:3 Help me to refuse the low and vulgar things; help me to abhor all crooked deals of every kind, to have no part in them.

Even the beat of music alone can effect our lives in a positive or negative way such as seen with David and King Saul.

 

[Joe67]

Sometimes the world or past life styles connect words and beats to certain activities and thoughts that are ungodly. Because of this, when we hear these words or beats it brings us back to what these words or beats represent. I believe this can lead us back to past life styles, addictions or thoughts that caused many of the past problems we had in our lives. It may even lead our youth into ungodly life styles or thoughts because of what these words and beats are connected to. I believe this is why God says this.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.

Psalms 101:3 Help me to refuse the low and vulgar things; help me to abhor all crooked deals of every kind, to have no part in them.

Even the beat of music alone can effect our lives in a positive or negative way such as seen with David and King Saul.

k4c,

The Lord gives me to relate to your witness in this post.

While we cannot sit in judgment upon others, their experience in transgression, sin and iniquity being not of the identical disposition as our own, we are given to know in our own heart and mind those things to avoid for our own peace in God through Christ, and then we are given discernment toward the needs of our brethren in Christ who are weak.

Rom 14:19-22
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. KJV

Joe

 

[StormyOne]

I have no idea if there are musical styles that God prefers or what they would be if there are any. I don't see prohibitions of any musical styles in the Bible, though.

Good point Sophia, no one can say with any certainty what music God does or does not like..... To do so would in essence make God in our image i.e. as the saying goes, "You know that you have created God in your own image when he hates the same things you hate..."

 

[Sophia7]

Sometimes the world or past life styles connect words and beats to certain activities and thoughts that are ungodly. Because of this, when we hear these words or beats it brings us back to what these words or beats represent. I believe this can lead us back to past life styles, addictions or thoughts that caused many of the past problems we had in our lives. It may even lead our youth into ungodly life styles or thoughts because of what these words and beats are connected to. I believe this is why God says this.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.

Psalms 101:3 Help me to refuse the low and vulgar things; help me to abhor all crooked deals of every kind, to have no part in them.

Even the beat of music alone can effect our lives in a positive or negative way such as seen with David and King Saul.

Where do you see that the Bible describes the effects of "the beat of music alone" in the context of David and Saul?

The Bible does not prohibit particular musical styles. For some people, it may be that certain types of music affect them negatively. That is not necessarily true for everyone, though. I've never had addictions to alcohol or other drugs, so I don't associate music with those sorts of things; perhaps it's different for those who have struggled with addictions. I don't believe that any of the problems that I have experienced in life have had anything to do with my music choices. On the contrary, listening to contemporary Christian music, much of it with a "beat," had a profoundly positive influence on my life and on my relationship with God when I was a teenager.

I listen to many types of music although I prefer some over others. I do try to avoid vulgar or immoral lyrics, as I mentioned in a previous post, but those are not exclusive to any one genre of music. There can be good and bad characteristics of any type of music, and I look for what is good. However, what is good and pleasing to me may not be the same to everyone else.

 

[Sophia7]

I've grown weary of the warfare over this topic. Because I worked for many years as a music director, I've been privy to lots of opinions about worship and music. I conclude that these are merely opinions and aren't based on some sort of divine mandate.

Good point Sophia, no one can say with any certainty what music God does or does not like..... To do so would in essence make God in our image i.e. as the saying goes, "You know that you have created God in your own image when he hates the same things you hate..."

I've seen many battles over worship music as well. It's sad that the warfare in churches continues over something that really is based on personal preferences. We may not know what types of music God likes or dislikes, but I suspect that He doesn't like it when His children fight over how to worship Him.

 

[k4c]

Where do you see that the Bible describes the effects of "the beat of music alone" in the context of David and Saul?

The Bible does not prohibit particular musical styles. For some people, it may be that certain types of music affect them negatively. That is not necessarily true for everyone, though. I've never had addictions to alcohol or other drugs, so I don't associate music with those sorts of things; perhaps it's different for those who have struggled with addictions. I don't believe that any of the problems that I have experienced in life have had anything to do with my music choices. On the contrary, listening to contemporary Christian music, much of it with a "beat," had a profoundly positive influence on my life and on my relationship with God when I was a teenager.

I listen to many types of music although I prefer some over others. I do try to avoid vulgar or immoral lyrics, as I mentioned in a previous post, but those are not exclusive to any one genre of music. There can be good and bad characteristics of any type of music, and I look for what is good. However, what is good and pleasing to me may not be the same to everyone else.

My whole family are musicians. They play, jazz, classical, 1930s and 40s swing and even some classic rock. I also don't believe God has any particular music in mind that He calls sinful unless it draws us away from Him through ungodly lyrics.

I do believe some beats or styles of music can temp us to return to old habbits such as drugs.

I'm a retired police detective (3 years now). During my time I had many opportunities to work narcotic cases that involved rave clubs. Rave clubs are places where people go to use the drug ecstasy. They play techno music there because it inhances the drug effect.

As far as David and King Saul. David would play the harp to releave Saul of his evil spirit.

1 Samuel 16:23 And whenever the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the harp and played it with his hand; so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wjbb-Gv_p8

 

[Byfaithalone1]

You really need to help me encourage Dr Patti to join us here, and leave the veil of tears called CARM. She's written a school textbook on the topic of music theory.

As fellow musicians, Patti and I have had some great discussions on this topic.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Sometimes the world or past life styles connect words and beats to certain activities and thoughts that are ungodly.

Can you give us an example of this?

Because of this, when we hear these words or beats it brings us back to what these words or beats represent.

Can beats represent something? If so, how?

I believe this can lead us back to past life styles, addictions or thoughts that caused many of the past problems we had in our lives.It may even lead our youth into ungodly life styles or thoughts because of what these words and beats are connected to.

Beats lead us to sin? What is the basis for this notion?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.

Psalms 101:3 Help me to refuse the low and vulgar things; help me to abhor all crooked deals of every kind, to have no part in them.

In my example, I suspect that all of the above criteria have been met. The same Godly words could be expressed in any number of styles and they would not represent "sin."

My whole family are musicians. They play, jazz, classical, 1930s and 40s swing and even some classic rock. I also don't believe God has any particular music in mind that He calls sinful unless it draws us away from Him through ungodly lyrics.

I do believe some beats or styles of music can temp us to return to old habbits such as drugs.

Is this Biblical?

As far as David and King Saul. David would play the harp to releave Saul of his evil spirit.

Any Biblical scenarios that demonstrate the opposite?

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

I've seen many battles over worship music as well. It's sad that the warfare in churches continues over something that really is based on personal preferences. We may not know what types of music God likes or dislikes, but I suspect that He doesn't like it when His children fight over how to worship Him.

I agree completely.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

While we cannot sit in judgment upon others, their experience in transgression, sin and iniquity being not of the identical disposition as our own, we are given to know in our own heart and mind those things to avoid for our own peace in God through Christ, and then we are given discernment toward the needs of our brethren in Christ who are weak.

Although I agree with you that each individual can decide for himself whether a particular style of music suits his taste, I've not found a basis for concluding that musical styles relate directly or lead to sin.

BFA

 

[VictorC]

Although I agree with you that each individual can decide for himself whether a particular style of music suits his taste, I've not found a basis for concluding that musical styles relate directly or lead to sin.

BFA

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't your question regarding the music that God endorses? All of the responses I'm seeing are based on what the person endorses instead.