Why is there a secular music part to a Christian site?

[christpunx]

I think I said Christians in their right minds....

manson is nothing compared to bands like emperor and mayhem, which i know plenty of christians who listen to both of those bands as well and are definetly solid in their walk with God.

 

[ps139]

wow, jerks like preacherfergy here are some of the reasons im agnostic. They turn God into a jerk that hates everything that HIS world has become. Jeez, this is pathetic.

A word of advice - know that people's opinions and actions have no bearing on the truth. The nicest guy in the world could be totally wrong about theology. The meanest guy could be totally right. There is a HUGE difference between knowing something and applying that knowledge to your life.

 

[seebs]

Yes, but if what we know is supposed to transform us, then we have to wonder why there are so many really mean Christians. I think the main problem is that a lot of people overclaim how much better Christianity makes people.

 

[Neenie]

I didn't take names, but if you read through the thread, you'll see the "*"s denoting them.

One thing I had to come back to say that I forgot to at first,

Ok, Bono admitted he doesn't attend church, and someone here said there's nothing wrong w/ not going to church if you have "private prayer" etc. That's about the most unscriptural thing I've heard in this thread. Have you not read Hebrews? We are not supposed to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25). How can we build each other up in Christ if we never attend God's house?

Truly, I'd rather be a doorholder at the house of God (which I actually am) than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

What is it with this condescending self-righteous atitude? You don't have to go to church to be a christian.

 

[12volt_man]

What is it with this condescending self-righteous atitude? You don't have to go to church to be a christian.

No, but in all fairness to Fergy (although his attitude does need a little work), if you are a Christian, you're commanded by scripture to be a part of a local body of believers.

 

[brettnolan]

I believe we are commanded to come together in Christ. Wouldn't a prayer meeting, on a regular basis, of four or five individuals qualify? Isn't God present when TWO or more people come together in His name?

That being said, I think you should go to church regularly, but for more than just that reason. On the other hand, if you're a superstar, as Bono clearly is, going to a local service would more likely put the focus on him rather than on Him. Not only that, but not everyone has as perfect a walk with the Lord as certain posters, but it's not our place to judge them, now is it?

 

[brettnolan]

Yes, but if what we know is supposed to transform us, then we have to wonder why there are so many really mean Christians. I think the main problem is that a lot of people overclaim how much better Christianity makes people.

Sorry to keep doing this, but more often than not, others can say things much better than I.


Casting Crowns

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

Jesus is the way

 

[brettnolan]

Brett,Thankyou for quoting those verses, as I love them, especially Luke 19:9-14, as I often use that passage when witnessing to Mormons, Roman Catholics, "Jehovah's Witnesses" (followers of Charles Taz Russel, actually). etc.

Maybe you should try living them

 

[ps139]

Yes, but if what we know is supposed to transform us, then we have to wonder why there are so many really mean Christians. I think the main problem is that a lot of people overclaim how much better Christianity makes people.

So true. We're still sinners. Look at the apostles...Peter, who is always listed at the head of the apostles, cut someone's ear off and denied Christ 3 times in the same night....and he walked with Jesus. I'm not advocating sin but we have to be realistic.

 

[ps139]

Regarding the should you go to church v. private prayer meetings thing - I have an analogy that will explain my view better than I could-
(it might help if you are/were an athlete to understand this)

When I was in high school, I played football, and we were supposed to lift 3 days a week in the off season, in the school weight room. It was not mandatory but something we were supposed to do. When I was committed to it I began to get really strong, but sometimes I would "fall away" and tell the guys "I have a bench and some dumbells at home, I lift there." No... I would do a few reps on bench, a few reps of curls, get bored, and go do something else. It doesn't work. You need the right environment.

I think small prayer groups/Bible studies are great supplements to the Christian life, but should never replace going to church.

 

[PreacherFergy]

ps139, I understand your weightliting illustration, as I weight lifted several years for football, and a little basketball (had to quit basketball due to work).

~~~~
I'm mean? Some of you constantly saying that I'm not supposed to judge, and yet you turn around and call me a jerk or a "holy roller," etc. Such is hypocrisy.

Have ya'll never heard of absolute truths?
~~~~

Regarding love. Love isn't a mushy feeling which keeps its mouth shut when it sees someone going the wrong way. Jesus Christ Himself wasn't a "puddle of love" Who gave everyone a "pat on the back" no matter what. No, actually I remember Him making a "whip" and cleansing the Temple. He knew what the Bible said, so He followed it firmly and didn't get swayed by the liberal thought of His day.

Brettnolan, your hyporcrisy is apparent. You're building up a straw-man, saying that I'm some robe wearing, bitter prune Pharisee. Actually, I'm quite different. If you talk to my friends, I believe they'd say I'm very patient and love joking around. Perhaps you should judge *righteous* judgment, and not according to appearance (John 7:24)

Also, regarding U2. If you live in the USA and you're proud of your country, I have no idea how you can still listen to them. I suggest you pop in one of your "Christian" CDs and listen to "Bullet the Blue Sky"

 

[BigToe]

wait, i am confused, what does being american have to do with listening to chrisian music?

 

[ps139]

wait, i am confused, what does being american have to do with listening to chrisian music?

I think he is saying that Bullet in Blue Sky is anti-American, perhaps in a non-Christian way? I have no idea I've never paid attention to the lyrics.

 

[Haethurn]

Is this for non-believers or something?

The Bible teaches Christians shouldn't listen to secular music which doesn't bring glory to God.

Now, an unbeliever, I understand them listening to secular music, but a Christian has no excuse to be listening to the music. It promotes an apathetic and flippant lifestyle toward Christian things.

Can we discuss this?

It is ridiculous to limit yourself to only Christian music.

Beethoven, Gershwin, and Tchaikovsky didn't compose Christian music. I suppose we should just burn those, then?

How can you live with listening and watching only Christian entertainment? Where is the variety? You're only limiting yourself.

Maybe you're happy with only listening to Christian music, but I'm a pretty intellectual guy. I have to be constantly eating knowledge to be happy, and just listening and watching to Christian entertainment...it's not going to cut it.

 

[Salsa_1960]

Hey don't forget bluegrass music. (Been practicing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on my 5-string banjo this past month). Nothing sinful about it. It's the words that make the difference. Music itself is beautiful!

(BTW, there's no lyrics to FMBD)

 

[PreacherFergy]

I'm saying in that song Bono critiques our country for our military strength and what we do in that song.

 

[nadroj1985]

Regarding love. Love isn't a mushy feeling which keeps its mouth shut when it sees someone going the wrong way. Jesus Christ Himself wasn't a "puddle of love" Who gave everyone a "pat on the back" no matter what. No, actually I remember Him making a "whip" and cleansing the Temple. He knew what the Bible said, so He followed it firmly and didn't get swayed by the liberal thought of His day.

Maybe the people posting here that don't agree with you think that you are going the wrong way. You have to remember that it goes both ways. Both you and those in this thread that don't agree with you are trying to interpret as correctly as they can what the Bible says about secular music. It is somewhat arrogant of you to say that their choice is the wrong one, one "swayed by the liberal thought of the day."

 

[PreacherFergy]

Honestly, how could I be going the wrong way? I'm trying to stay away from secular influences as much as I can, as I'm not infallible and impressionable as all of us are.

 

[BigToe]

And PF- thats great you don't listen to it. But remember in the New Testament... it says everything is permissable, not everything is beneficial.

If it is sinful for you to listen to secular music- don't do it. Sounds like you don't so thats great. But remember some sins aren't universal across the board. Don't condmen others for listening to secular music, they might have no problem with it. Some people are able to listen to music and it go no further than that- doesn't bring negative influences to their lives at all. There is nothing wrong with listening to secular music, unless God pulls you aside and says you know, I don't want you listening to it.

You don't like something, dont do it.

 

[twosteppin]

Hey don't forget bluegrass music. (Been practicing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on my 5-string banjo this past month). Nothing sinful about it. It's the words that make the difference. Music itself is beautiful!

(BTW, there's no lyrics to FMBD)

I love that song!! I wish I could play it on the banjo. I only know one song...but I forget what it is called. My dad has a banjo, such a fun instrument