• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

'Un-Christian Music?'

WannaWitness

Shining God's Light for a Lost World.
Aug 31, 2004
19,072
4,887
51
✟157,493.00
Gender
Female
Faith
Christian
Politics
US-Others
As we can see already, there are differing opinions when it comes to such topics as this, leading to different convictions among believers alone ("disputes over doubtful things" as mentioned in Romans 14:1). People are affected in various ways by different things, and music is no exception.

As for myself, I find music with Christian/inspirational lyrics uplifting, and I listen to a variety of styles. To me, music that is truly "un-Christian" is that which openly exalts immorality and questionable worldviews and philosophies in their lyrics, and, as with inspirational music, it also comes in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern.

Now, I understand that there are people who have been convicted to listen to only "traditional" (such as chamber, classical, operatic, waltzes, marching band, and so on) music styles, and believe it is more "set apart" from other music styles (not that there is anthing wrong with it, as I appreciate those styles as well). I am not trying to change those convictions, but merely giving such individuals something to think about. There is a lot of opera music, past and present, with lyrics that are immoral. But if God can use it, then he can work with contemporary styles, as well.

As far as mainstream music goes, I see nothing wrong with songs such as, for instance, "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "Ebony and Ivory", and occasionally some novelty songs such as "Here Comes the Judge", "I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat" (Dumb Ditties-type stuff). Yes, I am aware that many of the recording artists are not Christian (or never claim such), but you get that with the actors on many mainstream TV programs that may be acceptable programming. "Full House" stars Bob Saget, and from what I hear, he is really raunchy in his standup routines. But this doesn't take away from my appreciation of the wholesome values of "Full House". And the same can be said of a secular music artist who happens to record a decent song. I can still get uplifted and encouraged by it, all the same. That's just me.

I'm not wishing to debate, or anything; just merely giving my personal perspective.
 
Upvote 0

ivebeenshown

Expert invisible poster and thread killer
Apr 27, 2010
7,073
623
✟32,740.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
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.

Well, some people just don't find it worthwhile or inspiring to listen to or compose songs regarding getting drunk and high for the sake of getting drunk and high, engaging in promiscuity, murdering, stealing, or blaspheming God. Even if the tune or the beat is 'good', there's tenfold more 'good' tunes and beats that don't promote improper behaviors.

I used to listen to Poison the Well (emo, depressing and suicidal themes, also some violent expressions), Job For a Cowboy (death metal, demonic and murderous themes), The Acacia Strain (very violent themes), Nine Inch Nails (blasphemy, fornication, drug use, depressing themes) and other such artists. I still have the tunes in my head now and then but the are so closely tied to lyrics that I find unattractive that I tend to focus on either neutral, Christian, or original songs.
 
Upvote 0

AlexBP

Newbie
Apr 20, 2010
2,063
104
42
Virginia
✟17,840.00
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Single
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.
The reason that most Christians dislike much contemporary music would, I think, be obvious to anyone familiar with that music. eminem's lyrics take a positive and glorious attitude towards rape, murder, incest, hard drugs, spitting in other people's food, and many other bad things. He's not alone. Among rappers, glorifying violence against women is more the rule than the exception.

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.
You may think it's childish. I think it's quite adultish. It is a general fact of childhood that children will take in anything based only on whether it brings immediate pleasure. Adults, on the other hand, think carefully about what they should and shouldn't take in. Hence children will eat whatever amount of candy and ice cream they can get without caring whether it's healthy. Adults generally do care whether food is healthy. Likewise, children will listen to any music that catches their ear, while adults distinguish between music that is and isn't good for us.

When I was in high school and college, everyone in my age group thought that by listening to heavy metal or rap we were boldly showing off our individuality and independence, defying the authorities, and standing up against the system. "I'm listening to Insane Clown Posse. In yer face, man!" Then I grew up and realized how infantile that viewpoint is. Or, as a wise man once said: "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and acted like a child. When I became a man, I laid aside childish things."

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.
One song? No. Ten thousand songs? Yes.
 
Upvote 0
Nov 17, 2010
401
22
United States
✟23,142.00
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Thank you all for your input.
May I respond to some of the comments (and,yes, I am going to use Scripture)
1)"Thou hast been in Eden the Garden of God;every precious stone was thy covering,the sardus,topaz,and the diamond,the beryl ,the onyx,and the jasper,the saphire.the emerald and the carbuncle and gold;the workmanship of thy tabrets and thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth...Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day thou wast created,till iniquity was found in thee."Ezekiel 28:13-15
This verse is God's description and condemnation of Lucifer,the anointed cherub.Then he became ,after his fall by rebellion,who you know as Satan. His voice was as musical pipes,and by his voice he was able to lead 1/3 of ALL angels into rebellion with him against God . Yes, the devil DOES have music. And we humans are not smart enough to match wits with the devil.
2)"Thy dead men shall live,together with my dead body shall they arise.Awake and sing ,ye that dwell in the dust;for thy dew is as the dew of herbs.and the earth shall cast out the dead."Isaiah 26:19
At the end of this present age, Jesus Christ will return to the planet Earth. When He does,there will be a Resurrection of the Righteous Dead. When we who have died and have returned to dust are Resurrected by Christ,we will re-asemble into our new,glorious bodies and we will SING!
The Redeemed have music.
3)"But whereunto shall I liken this generation?It is like unto children sitting in the markets,and calling unto their fellows;And saying,We have piped unto you and ye have not danced..."
Christ said these words to the Jewish people because of their unbelief. Jesus was "piping" the music of Salvation to them,but they weren't dancing to it. This is a fine example of what God's music is and must be: the purpose of the music is to draw men and women,boys and girls to the Saviour.
God has music,too.
Satan has music,so good that it ,with his voice,could lead millions of angels astray.These were angels that saw God always,knew Him and Who He is,and yet were seduced into the attempted over throw of God. Do you think you can detect his music and flee?
The Christian will sing for joy when we arise to spend eternity with our God. Wouldn't you like to get involved in this music?
Jesus is playing His music through the Holy Spirit ,trying to woo you into His family.All God's music leads to righteousness and the glory of God.

Thanks for giving me an oppourtunity to share these feeble thoughts of mine and these powerful Scriptures.

Julian of York
"And He said unto them;Ye are they which justify themselves before men;but God knoweth your hearts;for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15
 
Upvote 0

Sketcher

Born Imperishable
Feb 23, 2004
39,044
9,489
✟420,938.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
How about an example of music that any serious Christian should find offensive? Type O Negative. The entire band all the way from the members, to the music, to the lyrics are anti-christ. Horrible stuff, IMHO.

I never really got far enough with them to even look at their lyrics; what turned me off was Steele's singing like Elvis. It's just not a good combination, that kind of a singer and metal.
 
Upvote 0

talitha

Cultivate Honduras
Nov 5, 2004
8,365
993
60
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Visit site
✟30,101.00
Gender
Female
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
THIS:
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.
Agreed. Music is a vehicle for spirit, just as fat carries flavor in foods. It's impossible to avoid it. As a musician, and furthermore as a worship leader, it is imperative that I extricate myself from detestable things that would be carried on my music because of my attitudes, habits, and passions, and immerse myself in whatever is good, honest, true, praiseworthy, and so forth. Most musicians are not conscious of this, but that does not prevent their music's carrying whatever is in their spirit. As a consumer of music, I need to be careful what I'm consuming, and it's not so simple as judging a CD by its cover, its beat, or even its lyrics. In all things as Christians we must exercise spiritual discernment. NonChristians find this sort of thing foolish - the Bible even says that. As someone else said, why is it surprising that a Christian is not like a nonChristian? What is surprising and sad is that sometimes we are.
 
Upvote 0

Bro_Sam

Well-Known Member
Feb 27, 2006
5,764
538
✟8,312.00
Faith
Calvinist
mulimulix said:
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.

If it's "childish" to you for Christians to follow the teachings of Christ and to avoid those things that are offensive to God, then so be it.

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

The fact that you, as an atheist, are not convicted by their music is indicative of the problems with Christian rock music.
 
Upvote 0

Sketcher

Born Imperishable
Feb 23, 2004
39,044
9,489
✟420,938.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
The fact that you, as an atheist, are not convicted by their music is indicative of the problems with Christian rock music.
Depends on the band, really. And it can also just not be his time yet. Preaching a good word is all anybody can do, but there are usually going to be people who go away unconverted as well as those who respond positively and convert.
 
Upvote 0

Bro_Sam

Well-Known Member
Feb 27, 2006
5,764
538
✟8,312.00
Faith
Calvinist
Depends on the band, really. And it can also just not be his time yet. Preaching a good word is all anybody can do, but there are usually going to be people who go away unconverted as well as those who respond positively and convert.

Atheists hate God and hate His Word. I don't know who the group is, but if they were singing songs with sound theology or anything overtly Christian, I don't believe an atheist would keep going back for more.

That's why you don't see non-Christians listening to Paul Washer or CJ Mahaney, but you find them all over Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, and Joyce Meyer.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Sketcher

Born Imperishable
Feb 23, 2004
39,044
9,489
✟420,938.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
Atheists hate God and hate His Word. I don't know who the group is, but if they were singing songs with sound theology or anything overtly Christian, I don't believe an atheist would keep going back for more.
I don't know about that, there are some very solid Christian groups with songs that call out hypocrites. I can certainly see an atheist enjoying those songs.

That's why you don't see non-Christians listening to Paul Washer or CJ Mahaney, but you find them all over Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, and Joyce Meyer.
If you see a non-Christian listening to ANY preacher, it's because they're either popular, or because a Christian they know challenged them to listen to them.
 
Upvote 0

Bro_Sam

Well-Known Member
Feb 27, 2006
5,764
538
✟8,312.00
Faith
Calvinist
I don't know about that, there are some very solid Christian groups with songs that call out hypocrites. I can certainly see an atheist enjoying those songs.

But there's no discernable difference between them and secular songs that call out hypocrites.

I'm talking about Christian music being explicitly Christian.

If you see a non-Christian listening to ANY preacher, it's because they're either popular, or because a Christian they know challenged them to listen to them.

No, you can't challenge someone to feel a certain way.
 
Upvote 0

Sketcher

Born Imperishable
Feb 23, 2004
39,044
9,489
✟420,938.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
But there's no discernable difference between them and secular songs that call out hypocrites.

I'm talking about Christian music being explicitly Christian.
There is, there's no curse words or other crass language. There's no justification of sin either.

No, you can't challenge someone to feel a certain way.
I never said that you can challenge someone to feel a certain way, but you can challenge someone to listen to a sermon or to read a book.
 
Upvote 0

StormInside

On my quest for the Holy Grail.
Aug 16, 2008
139
25
England
✟29,075.00
Country
United Kingdom
Gender
Female
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Celibate
Politics
UK-Greens
I haven't actually entirely become Christian yet, but I feel like I'm really getting there. Last week I took a load of Cds down to the charity shop, because I felt drawn to do so. My whole life, I've always been a big heavy metal fan. I was listening to stuff and hanging out with music fans who were influencing me in a bad way. I was listening to alot of extreme Norwegian black metal, stuff that encourages depression, suicide, violence, cruelty and just downright misery. I was also listening to alot of 80's glam metal that encourages promiscuity and treats women like objects. I was friends with people who devoted their whole lives to this stuff and it led to me doing many things I regret - casual sex, tattoos, self-mutilation, drugs, a suicide attempt, Satanism. It led to me being raped and imprisoned against my will by my rapist. It led to me allowing myself to be used by different men. I have scars, tattoos and piercing holes that I want rid of. Somewhere out there someone has photos of me posing in lingerie and I hate the thought of that. All of this happened because I was living the lifestyle of the music that I was involved in. My whole life was devoted to heavy metal and me and all my friends wanted to emulate that lifestyle. I have cut out of my life people who are still into that lifestyle, and I got rid of alot of my CDs, posters and music videos. I got rid of the worst ones, the ones that promote suicide, depression, self-mutilation and casual sex.

I haven't gotten rid of all of them though. I still enjoy the sound of rock and metal, and there are some bands out there, not just Christian bands but others too, who create beautiful metal and rock music without that negativity.
 
Upvote 0

Sketcher

Born Imperishable
Feb 23, 2004
39,044
9,489
✟420,938.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
I haven't actually entirely become Christian yet, but I feel like I'm really getting there. Last week I took a load of Cds down to the charity shop, because I felt drawn to do so. My whole life, I've always been a big heavy metal fan. I was listening to stuff and hanging out with music fans who were influencing me in a bad way. I was listening to alot of extreme Norwegian black metal, stuff that encourages depression, suicide, violence, cruelty and just downright misery. I was also listening to alot of 80's glam metal that encourages promiscuity and treats women like objects. I was friends with people who devoted their whole lives to this stuff and it led to me doing many things I regret - casual sex, tattoos, self-mutilation, drugs, a suicide attempt, Satanism. It led to me being raped and imprisoned against my will by my rapist. It led to me allowing myself to be used by different men. I have scars, tattoos and piercing holes that I want rid of. Somewhere out there someone has photos of me posing in lingerie and I hate the thought of that. All of this happened because I was living the lifestyle of the music that I was involved in. My whole life was devoted to heavy metal and me and all my friends wanted to emulate that lifestyle. I have cut out of my life people who are still into that lifestyle, and I got rid of alot of my CDs, posters and music videos. I got rid of the worst ones, the ones that promote suicide, depression, self-mutilation and casual sex.

I haven't gotten rid of all of them though. I still enjoy the sound of rock and metal, and there are some bands out there, not just Christian bands but others too, who create beautiful metal and rock music without that negativity.
You're definitely right to get rid of that black metal. I think at a good Christian metal show, you'll see an immediate difference between the people and how they treat each other.
 
Upvote 0

Bro_Sam

Well-Known Member
Feb 27, 2006
5,764
538
✟8,312.00
Faith
Calvinist
There is, there's no curse words or other crass language. There's no justification of sin either.

That doesn't make music Christian music.

I never said that you can challenge someone to feel a certain way, but you can challenge someone to listen to a sermon or to read a book.

But the point you responded to was about people who listen to preachers because they enjoy and agree with the preacher.
 
Upvote 0

Sketcher

Born Imperishable
Feb 23, 2004
39,044
9,489
✟420,938.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
That doesn't make music Christian music.
Not explicitly, but it is a major difference between Christian songs of that theme and most worldly ones.

But the point you responded to was about people who listen to preachers because they enjoy and agree with the preacher.
I don't know of atheists who listen to preachers they enjoy and agree with. After all if they agreed with the preachers on any issues that aren't peripheral, they would not be atheists, but Christians. Atheists don't know the names that Christians toss around unless they're really, really big names. And they MIGHT give these big names a listen or read one of their books just to see what the hubbub is about.
 
Upvote 0

Bro_Sam

Well-Known Member
Feb 27, 2006
5,764
538
✟8,312.00
Faith
Calvinist
Not explicitly, but it is a major difference between Christian songs of that theme and most worldly ones.

We're talking specifically about Christian music and what makes music Christian music.

I don't know of atheists who listen to preachers they enjoy and agree with.

And yet, when I made that point, you wanted to argue with me.
 
Upvote 0

JasperJackson

Sinner and Saint
Dec 31, 2007
1,190
112
Adelaide
✟24,393.00
Faith
Calvinist
Marital Status
Single
I haven't actually entirely become Christian yet, but I feel like I'm really getting there. Last week I took a load of Cds down to the charity shop, because I felt drawn to do so. My whole life, I've always been a big heavy metal fan. I was listening to stuff and hanging out with music fans who were influencing me in a bad way. I was listening to alot of extreme Norwegian black metal, stuff that encourages depression, suicide, violence, cruelty and just downright misery. I was also listening to alot of 80's glam metal that encourages promiscuity and treats women like objects. I was friends with people who devoted their whole lives to this stuff and it led to me doing many things I regret - casual sex, tattoos, self-mutilation, drugs, a suicide attempt, Satanism. It led to me being raped and imprisoned against my will by my rapist. It led to me allowing myself to be used by different men. I have scars, tattoos and piercing holes that I want rid of. Somewhere out there someone has photos of me posing in lingerie and I hate the thought of that. All of this happened because I was living the lifestyle of the music that I was involved in. My whole life was devoted to heavy metal and me and all my friends wanted to emulate that lifestyle. I have cut out of my life people who are still into that lifestyle, and I got rid of alot of my CDs, posters and music videos. I got rid of the worst ones, the ones that promote suicide, depression, self-mutilation and casual sex.

I haven't gotten rid of all of them though. I still enjoy the sound of rock and metal, and there are some bands out there, not just Christian bands but others too, who create beautiful metal and rock music without that negativity.

Hi, I don't know where exactly you're at but I just felt like I should clarify that it's not up to us to clean up our lives before we come to Christ. It's him who saves us and changes us. He changes our hearts so that we want to remove sin from our lives. I don't say this to debate theology but to try and encourage you.
 
Upvote 0