'Un-Christian Music?'

[mulimulix]

I've heard here and there that some Christians don't listen to certain bands or songs because they are 'un-Christian' for various reasons which I am not totally aware of. I assume it is something like anti-Christian lyrics or something, but what I am quite astounded by is the fact that Christians avoid these artists because of this fact!

It seems childish why someone would completely avoid a song, artists or (no pun intended) god forbid an entire genre because of potentially 'harmful' lyrics.

What I am asking is why you (or Christians in general) avoid this music and what difference it makes in your Christianity. For example, I am an atheist (obviously) but still have several Christian Rock bands in iTunes and listen to them regularly. Jesus is mentioned in several songs, but that doesn't bother me, because I'm not so stubborn as to avoid a song or artist because of one lyric when I LIKE THE MUSIC

 

[jcslao]

Say hello to "fundamental" Christians! I'm a Christian and I listen to all sorts of music and the all sorts of music certainly does not mess up my faith. It's just when you have certain pastors or certain head of churches bring their own personal convictions to the pulpit and preach it to their members as being a fact you begin to see a certain percentage of the Christian world develop a sour taste to otherwise a specific finding in the world. Which then becomes the title "worldly" or "of the devil". I stepped away from that fundamental stuff and allowed my personal taste to flow and my own convictions.

Something all christians should do.

It's not us peace minded Christians you should be judging but those "fundamental" or strict minded Christians.

It's sad how this fundamentism movement is slowly taking off...

Good question by the way. And I agree with your post.

 

[JasperJackson]

I read a blog the other day that explains my opinion better than I could...

http://theresurgence.com/2010/12/06...book-jay-z-yoga-avatar-and-culture-in-general

 

[Julian of York]

The Acid Test for Acid Rock

1)Does the music make you tense,irritated,feel like screaming or striking someone? (Not to mention "Head-Banging" and other self destructive activities)
2)Do the lyrics edify you and Glorify Christ? (for you "Christian Rockers" out there, saying Jesus in a song does not mean it is edifying)
3)What lifestyle does the band lead? Is it something that can be held up as an example for the Christian?
4)Is extra-marital sex of any type glorified?

Now, what can you do while listening to that music?
1)Can you "Study to show thyself approved unto God?" (Can you listen to that music while doing your daily Bible reading?) I can't.
2)Can you "Pray without ceasing?" (These things are NOT optional,but commands to the Christian. I think I would have great difficulty praying while Ozzy sings "Crazy Train".At least, praying to the God of the Bible)
3)Can you "Let your light so shine before men that they glorify your Father in Heaven?" (In other words,can YOU actually talk to someone about Christ when they are well aware of the way you really act and the music you listen to?)
NOTE: Back in the sixties and seventies there was a great emphasis on churches and ministries having "Coffee Houses" for the "Christian" youth. I went often. You could hear a lot of rock or semi-religious music, and someone sometime MIGHT talk to you personally about Christ (they NEVER did talk to me)Sure ,the music drew youth,both Christian and lost, but to what end? I KNOW OF NOONE EVER BEING SAVED,CALLED TO CHRISTIAN MINISTRY, OR A DEEPER WALK WITH CHRIST because of the music.

Now, what HAS happened to people because of music?
note: You may not be old enough to remember the Hell's Angels beating a young man to death at a rock festival (The Rolling Stones) because they were "turned on" by the music.Altamont,I think 1969.
note: Suicides among today's youth is EPIDEMIC. Why? Listen to the lyrics.
note: Do more people use dope,drink,sexual practices,fight,blaspheme at a rock concert or at a lecture in college,same size crowd,same group of people?
I think you get the idea.

Julian of York
Isaiah 32:17
And when you say "fundamentalist" do you mean someone who believes the Bible, tries to live for Christ and let Him be Lord of your life, and desire to see others saved? And does this NOT describe you?
"By their fruit ye shall know them"

 

[Julian of York]

Oh,yes...I was a "Christian" for 35 years before I realized I was not a true Christian at all!!!
And during that time, I saw Ozzy in concert, Deep Purple, and other bands.My favorite band was Midnight Oil. I either wanted music to be rock or "Christian", but never Christian Rock. I couldn't stand it.
Now that I am saved, I have given up ALL that type of music. I am no longer in any bands (was bass guitarist). No longer in "Christian" bands,either.

The book that changed my life was "The Way of the Master" by Mr.Ray Comfort from New Zealand. Google that up, much of the info on True and False Conversions can be seen for free at "LivingWaters.Com"

J.O.Y.

 

[Sketcher]

If I hate the lyrics more than I like the music, why would I listen to the song?

If I love my God, then why would I not hate lyrics (and therefore songs) which blaspheme him?

BTW, this is as far as I go. I don't believe that any musical genres themselves (with the obvious exception of true black metal) are evil.

 

[Supreme]

The youth pastors at my church are actually very much in favour of prohibiting certain types of music- particularly rap music with swearing and reference to naked women in abundance. Though I myself am not too aware of the psychology of it, the pastors believe it can influence a person's mood if they listen to depressing or angry music. I say that people can listen to what they like- it doesn't truly matter.

 

[razeontherock]

I am quite astounded by the fact that Christians avoid these artists because of this fact!

Music is a language. It can bypass our normal filters of reason and judgment better than verbal language. It can instill unholy spirits into us, but much more readily it can draw out the enemy of our soul that is already within. That you don't understand any of this is part and parcel of you not knowing Jesus.

Furthermore, a Christian knows that the human heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things. Among other things, this means we can sincerely be unaware of damaging affects things like this can have, and even when we're staring the proof right in the face we can ignore that, preferring to continue with what we enjoy.

If you look objectively at the likelihood of following the Lord vs everything else, there's no natural explanation for why anyone would live anything close to a holy life!

 

[aiki]

I've heard here and there that some Christians don't listen to certain bands or songs because they are 'un-Christian' for various reasons which I am not totally aware of. I assume it is something like anti-Christian lyrics or something, but what I am quite astounded by is the fact that Christians avoid these artists because of this fact!

Why should it surprise you that Christians don't behave as an atheist does? For the Christian, the over-riding guiding principle in how they behave is:

1 Corinthians 10:31
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

If a vocal artist's life and work do not glorify God, why should a Christian give them an audience? Consider what Christ said:

Luke 11:23
23 He who is not with Me is against Me...

A singer whose worldview is not aligned with the Christian worldview is "against Christ" and as such does not deserve the attention or support of one who is "with Christ."

It seems childish why someone would completely avoid a song, artists or (no pun intended) god forbid an entire genre because of potentially 'harmful' lyrics.

See above.

What I am asking is why you (or Christians in general) avoid this music and what difference it makes in your Christianity.

The Scripture is very plain about what should occupy the thought-life of a child of God:

Philippians 4:8
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.

Are the lyrics of the song I am listening to within the parameters of the standard set out in this verse? Or is the song about fornication, or violence, and/or vain philosophy? Is the nature of the music itself in keeping with what is "lovely" or "noble," or does it sound like the soundtrack to a horror flick? These are important questions for the Christian; for one is shaped for good or ill by the content of those things to which one exposes oneself.

The servant of the Lord, the Bible says, is to be "gentle unto all men," "patient," "meek," "loving," "truthful," "wise," "harmless," "holy" and so on. What place, then, does gangsta rap, or death metal, or any similar kind of music have in the life of the Lord's servant? None at all. Such music does nothing to promote the life of Christ in a believer.

For example, I am an atheist (obviously) but still have several Christian Rock bands in iTunes and listen to them regularly. Jesus is mentioned in several songs, but that doesn't bother me, because I'm not so stubborn as to avoid a song or artist because of one lyric when I LIKE THE MUSIC

Why should it bother you that Jesus is mentioned in some of the songs you listen to? There is no harm, no danger, in hearing such a reference; listening to a song about Christ can only do you good. The same cannot be said for a Christian who steeps his/her mind and heart in the musically-promoted values and philosophy of the Godless world.

Selah.

 

[salida]

Its unchristian if the lyrics talk about drugs, sex and violence-so, antichristian type things. I like songs that are neutral also-all people can listen to them besides christian music.

Avoiding this music is not at all childish-just the exact opposite. Why would I fill my mind with garage; like a computer garbage in-garbage out.


2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

 

[Harry3142]

The person I knew personally that was into censoring all music that was not edifying was also into denouncing any and all who had suffered tragedy or disaster. They were to be seen as being punished by God, and unworthy of receiving any aid.

Obviously the skeptical (myself included) recognized that what he was really concerned about was money going out of his church's coffers to aid those in need, rather than more money coming into his church's coffers to aid him.

 

[Girder of Loins]

I don't listen to not because I was told not to, but because I decided not to. I try to live Ephesians 5 out in my life. Sure, I love old rock bands like Styx, ACDC(some songs), Aerosmith(some songs), Queen, Boston, and Kamelot. But this new stuff is all the same. Rap songs almost all talk about how much money they have, shake that near my escalade, sippin' on sizzurp(which I've had), or how many girls they got last night. Metal is filled with satanic stuff, rock is filled with drugs, and pop is filled with unmeaningful lyrics. Sure, there is some new secular stuff that I love, but 99% of my itunes is full of Christian music. The only new secular stuff that I listen to is techno/rave/whatever-you-wanna-call-it. It has real music ability attached to it, and the music is good. I don't care if others listen to it, but I've seen a noticeable change in my thoughts and first-reactions to situations. Music does that.

 

[mulimulix]

Why should it bother you that Jesus is mentioned in some of the songs you listen to? There is no harm, no danger, in hearing such a reference; listening to a song about Christ can only do you good. The same cannot be said for a Christian who steeps his/her mind and heart in the musically-promoted values and philosophy of the Godless world.

Selah.

You really think a Christian listening to a song about sex, violence and other 'Un-Christian' values will really change their view on the world? I know me listening to a song involving Jesus won't change my beliefs. It's not like the lyrics are black and white, telling you to avoid religion and do all this un-Christian stuff.

 

[jcslao]

You really think a Christian listening to a song about sex, violence and other 'Un-Christian' values will really change their view on the world? I know me listening to a song involving Jesus won't change my beliefs. It's not like the lyrics are black and white, telling you to avoid religion and do all this un-Christian stuff.

This...

I listen to ALL kinds of music. I was once caught up in the fundamental aspect of listening to what most fundamental or strict Christians call "the devils music". I then stepped back and realized I was believing and trusting in another persons convictions or opinion rather than my own. Drums, guitars, lyrics talking about sex, money, violence does nothing to me morally or shake up my faith all. Because I don't allow it to.

 

[Julian of York]

And yet,those of us that have made Jesus Lord of our lives are weak in and of ourselves. We cannot,no:WILL NOT take the chance. We will not listen to anything that MIGHT cause a problem in our relationship with our God.
After a full 35 years of trying it your way(that is, listening to what I want AND being a "pseudo-Christian") did not work. I have given all my life to Christ and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
By the way, have you read A.W.Pink on "Is Christ your Lord?" ANYONE with ANY questions about their Christian life should read this first. You can "Google" it up.It is only a page and ahalf. Will be the best five minutes you ever spend.

With Love to those that are like I was,
Julian of York
2 Corinthians 5:21 "For He hath made Him to be sin for us,Who knew no sin;that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

 

[.Iona.]

I listen to the music that I like, it doesn't change my views on things and it doesn't change the way I think and feel about God. In many cases music is an art, and it expresses life. I will not hide away from it. Listening to certain bands that don't sing Christian songs isn't going to change me and my faith.

If I am going to stop listening to music, then I might as well never watch TV, or the news, or read books and newspapers. I won't listen to anti-Christian music (like claiming He isn't real) but listening to rock/ pop music will never make me change my view on life or God and isn't harming what I believing in.

 

[jcslao]

@Julian of York

But you see that's your own PERSONAL conviction. What makes you think your OWN PERSONAL conviction is for the whole Christian faith as a whole. This is one of the reasons that made me step away from the faith in the first place. I wanted to explore Christianity for myself and see how people used it for their own views. There were people in my life telling me what's right and wrong rather than letting the Holy Spirit guide me and correct me in my life. You have obivioisly overcome the use of listening to this so called "devil music" (which is incorrect because the devil has no music, sure their is music that doesn't worship God but that doesn't make it bad) and listen to all Christian music which I don't mind and respect. But your taking a scripture to justify your personal conviction which certainly isn't valid to anyone but yourself.

Don't take this personally but as a point of view by a healing Christian that is recovering.

 

[Bear.Fr00t]

I appeal to you therefore, brothers,by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

 

[aiki]

You really think a Christian listening to a song about sex, violence and other 'Un-Christian' values will really change their view on the world? I know me listening to a song involving Jesus won't change my beliefs. It's not like the lyrics are black and white, telling you to avoid religion and do all this un-Christian stuff.

It is far easier to drag a person down than to lift them up. This is true both literally and figuratively. As I said, listening to Christian songs can only do you good; their effect upon you as an atheist is only positive. This can't be said, however, of the effect of secular music upon one who is seeking to emulate Christ in their life. Such music is only a weight, a drag, upon the Christian; it does nothing to encourage or support their faith and in most instances promotes a worldview that is quite contrary to Christianity. You can shrug off the "lifting" effect of Christian music far more easily than a Christian can resist the downward pull of secular music because you work in concert with the downward pull rather than against it as a Christian does.

Selah.

 

[aiki]

I listen to ALL kinds of music. I was once caught up in the fundamental aspect of listening to what most fundamental or strict Christians call "the devils music". I then stepped back and realized I was believing and trusting in another persons convictions or opinion rather than my own. Drums, guitars, lyrics talking about sex, money, violence does nothing to me morally or shake up my faith all. Because I don't allow it to.

This isn't the core issue, however. The primary concern for the Christian is whether what one is doing is honoring to God.

1 Corinthians 10:31
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Selah.