No non-Christian music?

[trumpet]

Hi all,
I was talking to a friend who is what I like to call an extreme Christian. He is the student head of an on campus worship group at my school which I help lead. He was talking one night about how non-Christian music was baid for your spirit. Personally I disagree with him because I am a complete music nerd. I love the sounds and style of oldler rock, country, and many other genres. I feel like I can't always get that from religously based music. It isn't like I am going to follow everything the lyrics in the song talk about or live a non Christian life because I like Styx and show tunes.
However this friend continues to try to tell me I am wrong and says I should only listen to our local Christian radio show, which I dislike because of the djs and constant comercials. so I guess my question is what do you think? Am I justified in belilieving that all music is a gift from god? or am I just wrong?

[Tynan]

To me your friend is wrong. Or his views are too far extreme. About 90% of Christians have the same opinions as you were all music is a gift from "God". So really your not wrong.

[Snufkin]

All of the best songs in the world are not ones that are considered Christian. Queen were never a Christian band, but if you're a music fan and don't appreciate Bohemian Rhapsody, then you're not much of a music fan. You're not going to be sent to hell for listening to music. The lead singer of Slayer believes in God, yet they sing about serial killers and terrorists.

I don't even know what the definition of "christian" music is. What I do know is that anyone who limits what they listen to is not getting a fully musical experience out of life, and I think that's a shame.

[JKmadu619]

I think your friend has taken the bible-thumping treading lightly and pretending to be sin-less a little too far.

That's just me though.

- Justin

[Dez]

You are justified in believing all music is a gift from God. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I doubt you're going to Hell because of liking more than Christian music. A lot of my family is Christian and they listen to other music too.

[Of Mike and Men]

I think your reasoning is bogus. Just because you like the sound of something doesn't make it right. I like the feeling of being drunk and having sex. It doesn't make those right.

However, to answer your question, Paul said whatever does not come from faith is sin. If you can listen to it with a clear conscience, go ahead. But, Paul also said to place our minds on whatever is good, noble, and pure. Does secular music do that?

The bible also says God portioned to everyone a measure of Faith. To one, eating meat is sin to another it isn't sin. The one who can't shouldn't judge and the one who can shouldn't condescend.

I think its more important to follow Christ than to get caught up in legalistic standards. People are so conscerned over mindless doctrines of men, when we should just be loving, showing mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. If you folllow Christ, your conscience will guide you.

Lastly, Christian music these days is a lot of times ahead of the music scene. You can easily find a ton of Christian music if you put the effort into it. Good Christian music, not worship stuff.

[Snufkin]

The best Christian bands are the ones who make no mention of the fact they're Christian in their music. I can't listen to Switchfoot without thinking "Ugh, you guys, we get it!"

[Iris. ♥]

I think your opinion of music is justifiable. I'm a Christian, but I can't imagine living life without my other music. What you choose to listen to is between you and God, not between you and your friend. If you've prayed about it, and you haven't heard any resistance from God, then go for it. Romans 14:22-23 says "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." Focus on what that verse says. If you know God is telling you not to do it, but you do it anyways, that's bad. But, if He isn't saying anything, you're fine. Like I already said, it's between you and God, not you and your friend.

[Revolution]

Yeah...this is pretty crazy. Kind of early 1900's "Don't listen to the black people music" kind of crazy. Especially since most Christian music isn't very good, sorry fans, I like Flyleaf and P.O.D but other than that a lot of it's pretty bad. I would just respect his opinion, and rant to us here. It's not worth trying to change his mind, it's what he believes in.

[Incompris]

I've heard arguments for both sides. I myself don't listen to much other than Christian music, but that is because I listen to the words and not the music. Some people's point is if you feed yourself garbage, garbage will come out.

However, I don't subscribe to that belief. I don't believe that just because you listen to music with cuss words and bad messages means you will start talking and acting that way.

[JKmadu619]

Coffee: Skillet?

I mean really though, I think the OP was refferring to gospel music.

- Justin

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

Originally Posted by Of Mike and Men

I think your reasoning is bogus. Just because you like the sound of something doesn't make it right. I like the feeling of being drunk and having sex. It doesn't make those right.

The... sheer... subjectivity... is... seething...

So yeah, sounds like your friend is being a little too "Christian" for his own good. I don't recall and Christians ever informing me that listening to secular music was bad at all (unless it was particularly Satanic). To me, his disposition seems a bit odd. Not EVERY aspect of one's life has to revolve around God, even if you are particularly religous.

[Megan1]

I'm a Christian, and for me it's all about the context of each individual song. I examine each song for itself rather than saying as a blanket statement "I won't listen to secular music." I don't listen to anything that tempts me to sin (such as love songs, which tempt me to lust and be impatient to get married). I also don't listen to anything that would make me be a bad example for others....for example, I don't listen to songs about going out and getting drunk, because even though that doesn't personally tempt me to do anything bad, I am a representative of Christ and listening to that stuff doesn't set a very good example for others.

So once you take out those 2 things alone, that does cover most secular music....but there are some songs that aren't directly about God that are still okay to listen to. For example, I like Firework by Katy Perry because it's simply telling people that they are special and don't have to change for other people (and yes I know that the music video is partly about homosexual relationships, but the song itself doesn't say anything about that).

[Snufkin]

This thread is blowing my mind.

[Megan1]

Oh, and I wanted to mention that I wasn't saying all love songs are bad....I was just saying that I personally can't handle them because they tempt me to sin. If you can handle it and the love song is clean, I don't see anything wrong with it. I just can't though; it distracts me way too much.

[Of Mike and Men]

Originally Posted by ~Mr. Self Destruct~

[font="Arial"][size="2"]
The... sheer... subjectivity... is... seething...

Either you misinterpreted what I was trying convey because I didn't explain things properly, or I am entirely missing your point in saying this while quoting the section of my post that you did.

[thebigmole]

Originally Posted by Snufkin

This thread is blowing my mind.

I second this statement. I mean my whole life is music so that's probably why the thought of someone subjecting themselves to only one kind of music is totally appalling to me. I mean if you can't listen to a love song then I'm guessing you also can't read a love story, or watch any romantic movies... what a sad way to live.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by Megan1

Oh, and I wanted to mention that I wasn't saying all love songs are bad....I was just saying that I personally can't handle them because they tempt me to sin. If you can handle it and the love song is clean, I don't see anything wrong with it. I just can't though; it distracts me way too much.

Wha...? I rarely am speechless but I am now. If you find certain songs too distracting, then you must also find certain books, movies, TV shows, news stories and people too distracting. In a sense, you're alienating yourself from significant components of life. You mentioned setting an example for others by being a representative of Christ. The example you're setting isn't a particularly flattering one, it's a pretty sad one actually.

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

Originally Posted by Of Mike and Men

Either you misinterpreted what I was trying convey because I didn't explain things properly, or I am entirely missing your point in saying this while quoting the section of my post that you did.

I quoted your post because it was subjective nonesense.
I hardly think you can state that having sex is a bad thing and have that become applicable to everyone whatsoever.

[Of Mike and Men]

Originally Posted by ~Mr. Self Destruct~

I quoted your post because it was subjective nonesense.
I hardly think you can state that having sex is a bad thing and have that become applicable to everyone whatsoever.

Actually, if we are referencing the bible, the early believers were only told to refrain from three things in specific: foods offered to idols, strangled meat, and sexual immorality. God has said that He will be quick to judge the sexually immoral and drunkard as if just passing over them. He says the same of those who rob the poor of justice.

I don't find anything about music in the bible, but I can fins other verses which can guide our morality in such matters. In the end, though, it is left between the individual and God. All I was saying is just because you like something, doesn't make it ethical.

[Megan1]

Originally Posted by The Man And XX Master

Wha...? I rarely am speechless but I am now. If you find certain songs too distracting, then you must also find certain books, movies, TV shows, news stories and people too distracting. In a sense, you're alienating yourself from significant components of life. You mentioned setting an example for others by being a representative of Christ. The example you're setting isn't a particularly flattering one, it's a pretty sad one actually.

I'm not trying to be "flattering". Jesus never said to conform to what the world wants in order to look appealing. He said to live in purity,obedience, love, and truth. That's what a representative of Christ is- not someone who tries to be like everyone else.

Yes, there are certain books, movies, and TV shows that I don't watch....mainly just romance though. Romance tempts me in my life to forget God's plan and go date and do what I want to (let me point out that dating is a good thing, but at the right time). I love God and want what He wants, so I don't watch those things that tempt me to do something else instead. If I want those things now, I go straight to God and pour my heart out to Him, telling Him exactly what I want and how I feel, but that I trust Him to do the right thing with it and I will wait for the right time.

I'm really not alienating myself. I mean, yes God sets us apart from the world, and if I had to alienate myself from everything in order to serve God whole heartedly I would....but there's really not all that much that I had to give up. I'm simply staying away from entertainment that has to do with romance. That's all. It's one little thing. I still have tons of amazing friends, and I even have tv, movies, books, and music....just not the same shows/songs/books that most people have. It's not a big deal. I know it's not the right time for me to focus on dating, because if it were, God would have provided a guy for me....and those movies and songs and such make me want something that I can't have right now.

[Megan1]

Originally Posted by thebigmole

I second this statement. I mean my whole life is music so that's probably why the thought of someone subjecting themselves to only one kind of music is totally appalling to me. I mean if you can't listen to a love song then I'm guessing you also can't read a love story, or watch any romantic movies... what a sad way to live.

I assume you're referring to me since I'm the one who said that about love songs. It's not that I'll never listen to love songs my whole life, I just don't right now because it's not the time for me to date (I know this because if it were, there would be a guy asking me to...and God is choosing not to give me that right now), and it tempts me to want something that I can't have....which distracts me WAY too much from what I AM supposed to be doing right now. If someone can handle love songs without getting so distracted by them, then that's fine for them to listen to them, but I can't. The bible says to flee from whatever causes you to sin, no matter what that thing is. Heck, if something like.....candy caused me to sin, I'd give that up (thankfully it doesn't, that's just a random example).

[Eldora]

Okay, I'm not a Christian, but I'm an avid music-lover like yourself, so, I feel the need to say my piece, here.


Listen to whatever the hell you want to. You can't just listen to one specific genre of music and expect to live a full life. Besides, there's nothing in the Bible that specifically says -- to my knowledge (I grew up in a Christian household) -- that you can't listen to non-Christian music.


So, I'd just listen to what I enjoyed.

[thebigmole]

Originally Posted by Megan1

I assume you're referring to me since I'm the one who said that about love songs. It's not that I'll never listen to love songs my whole life, I just don't right now because it's not the time for me to date (I know this because if it were, there would be a guy asking me to...and God is choosing not to give me that right now), and it tempts me to want something that I can't have....which distracts me WAY too much from what I AM supposed to be doing right now. If someone can handle love songs without getting so distracted by them, then that's fine for them to listen to them, but I can't. The bible says to flee from whatever causes you to sin, no matter what that thing is. Heck, if something like.....candy caused me to sin, I'd give that up (thankfully it doesn't, that's just a random example).

So I'm confused. You just sit around a wait for someone to find you, you don't go out and try to date. Let me tell you I've done the sitting and waiting thing and I'm a 22 year old that's never been on a date. If you want things to happen in your life you have to go out and get them done, not just wait around for God to do it for you. I am a hopeless romantic, I read the books, watch the movies, listen to the songs, I want romance, I'm looking for romance, but there's this thing called multi tasking that allows me to do that and focus on my career at the same time.

Please don't think I'm trying to rag on the way you live. I'm just wondering how that works for you.

[Megan1]

I'm willing to date, and I do meet guy friends who I potentially could date some day. But right now, I only know one guy who I am intersted in dating....and he doesn't want to date right now (I'd rather not post details about him publically online for hundreds of strangers to read, but you can PM me if you want...he's still my best friend). I'm not out searching for a boyfriend, but I'm living enough and meeting enough people that I will be able to find the right guy when he comes (I'm not sheltered or a homebody; that's basically what I'm saying). I do enough with friends that I can meet people naturally, and if one of those people ends up being someone who I want to date, then I will if he tells me that he feels the same. Right now, since God has only provided one guy who I'm interested in and it can't happen with him right now, I know that I'm not supposed to date right now. If God wanted me to date, he would have provided someone for me to date.

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

Originally Posted by Of Mike and Men

Actually, if we are referencing the bible, the early believers were only told to refrain from three things in specific: foods offered to idols, strangled meat, and sexual immorality. God has said that He will be quick to judge the sexually immoral and drunkard as if just passing over them. He says the same of those who rob the poor of justice.

I don't find anything about music in the bible, but I can fins other verses which can guide our morality in such matters. In the end, though, it is left between the individual and God. All I was saying is just because you like something, doesn't make it ethical.

No, I was not referencing the bible. I am quite familiar with that text.

[Guile]

Originally Posted by trumpet

Hi all,
I was talking to a friend who is what I like to call an extreme Christian. He is the student head of an on campus worship group at my school which I help lead. He was talking one night about how non-Christian music was baid for your spirit. Personally I disagree with him because I am a complete music nerd. I love the sounds and style of oldler rock, country, and many other genres. I feel like I can't always get that from religously based music. It isn't like I am going to follow everything the lyrics in the song talk about or live a non Christian life because I like Styx and show tunes.
However this friend continues to try to tell me I am wrong and says I should only listen to our local Christian radio show, which I dislike because of the djs and constant comercials. so I guess my question is what do you think? Am I justified in belilieving that all music is a gift from god? or am I just wrong?

Anthem of the Antichrist!!!!!!

[trumpet]

Thanks for all the advice and your reasoning behind it!

[Youth Pastor]

I'm a Christian myself and I listen to a lot of Christian music. However, I don't shut out secular music. Christian music today has pretty much every genre secular music does today. I do watch what I listen to. There is a balance because if a Christian completely shuts out everything that isn't Christian then they, in a sense, disconnect themselves from the world. Us, as Christians, should be meeting people where they are at. I'm glad he's guarding himself but I wonder at what cost is he doing this?