Music

MTV. VH1. CMT. Rolling Stone. Spin. CCM. Music is everywhere. Hip Hop. Rap. Country. Christian. Hard Core. Thrash. Punk. Is there ever a moment in your car when a CD isn't spinning or the radio isn't singing to you? We listen to music while we study. We watch music on TV. We even read about music . . . how ironic is that? So, because you are all warm-blooded American teenage people - because many of you either claim to believe in God or at least think about faith from time to time - think about this:

We spend lots of time with music bouncing around in our heads, blasting from our cars, and blazing across our TV screens. Our music is important to us. It says something about who we are. It speaks for us. Some people ask lots of questions about our music like, "is POD a Christian band? Have you heard the new Evanescence album? What about Lifehouse, aren't they Christians? Can I listen to a song if it has a cuss word in it? Does a song have to have the word 'Jesus' in it to be a Christian song? Do you think Creed really believes in God?" Well, this month we ask ourselves, does it matter? What is your opinion of Christian music versus "Secular" music? What do you listen to? Why do you like what you like? Why do you listen to what you listen to? What are you thinking about music these days?

THIS MONTH'S QUESTION IS:

1. Is it OK for Christians to listen to secular music. . . and why?
Are we selling out or just listening to good music? What evidence can you give? What do you think?
2. How do you think Christian music compares to "secular music." Music quality. Lyrics. Whatever. How does it stand up? Is Christian music of the same quality as secular?

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONVERSATION,
Post your thought about this month's question

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN FUTURE CONVERSATIONS AND SURVEYS,
Subscribe to the mailing list

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PAST CONVERSATIONS, GO TO
Interactive Archives


What I surround myself with effects my choices and how my mind thinks. When I watch T.V., I see sex, foul mouthed and ignorant people, and so much selfishness in today's society. Can we call ourselves Christian and watch that junk? I am not saying that all T.V. is bad but find something that is bringing God glory. I listen to country when I don't have Christian lyrics with me because some songs do glorify God. When I see or hear the images on T.V., I am letting the devil in to make my thoughts sinful, especially when I view girls with hardly any clothes on. Secular music can do the same when the lyrics do not worship God. I think Creed and P.O.D. need to have Christian lyrics all the time or sing about the worldly things all the time. God doesn't like luke-warm Chrisitans. Revelation 3:15-16 says: 15.I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. 16. So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. If we could get past "Christian music" and onto Christian lyrics, then this would not be such a debated issue for Christians. Kent, age 17

I don't think this wrong for Chrisitians to listen to non-Christian music. In school we read books and watch movies that are non-Christian, and that's not wrong. Some people enjoy worshiping through song, and that's great, but some people prefer to worship in other ways. Courtney age, 14

Many things tend to grow on people. Music just happens to be one of them. In my younger years as a follower of Christ (as if I'm finished, ha!), I delighted in secular artists, i.e. Blink 182. It just seemed that secular music sounded much better than praise songs, even though the words were not as valuable. Fortunately, the Lord did not let the music influence my actions-well, I didn't exactly have the best vocabulary at the time. I did, however, see that these day-to-day musicians had a powerful effect on people (Eminem?). That says something: it truly is a shame that the talent God has given to so many people is being used for self-glorification, not God's. For the past couple years, the Lord has gradually changed my selection of music. As of now, I enjoy the Newsboys, Ten Shekel Shirt, Chris Tomlin, and the David Crowder Band-all Christian artists. Whatever you continue to feed your body, your body will grow on it. Let's just hope that what we're growing is tasty, healthy food (Christian music), not self-indulgent junk food (secular), even though the junk food seems to sound much better. This is not to say that all secular music is bad; in fact, there are some excellent songs out there that are grounded in strong values. Personally, I think praising the King of the Universe is as strong as it can get. Thomas, age 18

Lyrics are very very important to me in my music. I do think there is a lot of trash out in the music industry right now, so I personally try to be rather selective and don't go for something just because everyone else likes it. Jami, age 16

I think that it isn't whether it is OK to listen to "secular" music, just what style is it and do you like that style of music. I can't really say if it OK or not because I do. The reason is because I like music that is heavy metal and such. If Christian bands could have the same type of heavy metal I would probably listen to those bands instead of the "secular" music. I don't think that Christians are selling out just listening to what style of music they like. How does Christian music compare to "secular" music? Well, I would have to know what you mean by music quality. As for lyrics I don't think you can compare them. How does Christian music stand up to "secular" music, well, I think that it depends on what style of music you like. Jon, age 16

I personally think it's alright for a person to listen to secular music as long as it's ok and doesn't have any "questionable" lyrics in it. And as long as you have a balance of good secular music and christian music, you should be ok. But if you listen to secular music more, then you will tend to become prejudiced against christian music and think it does not relate to you at all; that it is just about God and never about your own personal struggles. The song that really speaks to me right now, with the war going on and everything, is this really awesome secular song called "Have You Forgotten" by Darryl Worley. You should check this song out it's really cool. Shila, age 14

Music really plays a huge part in our lives whether we notice it or not. It does in my life at least. Practically everyone listens to music. And if you notice, look at the different types of poeple and then notice what they are listening too. I'm not telling anyone that they should not listen to secular music. That's that my place to say. Personally, I listen to very little secular music, but I do listen to Lifehouse. Jason Wade of Lifehouse did write his music from a spirual point of view.(He's a Christian) But when I listen to those songs I can relate to them spiritually and that's all that matters. I do believe that people who are living a lifestyle of adultury, cheating, hurting, and things like that are affected to a certain extent of the music they listen to. Alot of music today is very vulgar and doens't pain a good picture. Christina Agulara, Eminem, other rap, pop, and rock songs talk about suicide, sex, killing, stealing, and other sinful stuff. Whether we like it or not, these songs do affect us. Our minds are infected with these lyrics that do not teach us anything good. There are alot of secular songs, however, that have good, positive lyrics. Creed's "Higher" and "With Arms Wide Open", POD's "Youth of the Nation", U2's music, ect.. because that there are bands out there that do not have lyrics that can pervert us, I think that the choice to listen to secular music is up to you and God. I'm not saying you shouldn't or should. It's whatever you feel is right for YOU. Just remember, what we hear and watch can affect us. Madeline, age 16

I listen to music (whether it is Christian or not) because it puts me into a mood that I love to be in. Sometimes the music just picks me up and I travel with it, I really absorb it into my soul. And honestley I feel that if it puts you into a bliss that makes you love God even more. Then it really doesn't matter if the song mentions the word "Jesus". There are thousands of love songs out in this world, and if you think of your savior everytime you listen to one, then by all means listen to it. Stand up and dance for all I care. But I'm not saying that you should listen to music that mentions killing and rapping people, now that is bad. I don't see how that will influence your love realationship with God. To conclude, if whatever music you listen to pleases you and you can ask this question, "Does God like the type of music I'm listening to". And feel totally satisfied with the answer then i think it is okay. Sarah, age 15

There is a difference between Christian music and secular music. There is an energy behind music. I guess thats how you say it . . . Music has an effect on people whether they realize it or not. Now is it ok for Christians to listen to secular music? I'd have to say that if you truly want to be close to God then you'd listen to more wholesome music instead of filling your mind with wordly junk. Not too long ago I changed the music I was listening to and started listening to Christian music. My attitude totally changed and I started paying more attention to God. I'm not just talking about the Christian music that is really light and easy going, i'm talking about rock music too. I think some Christian music is just as good if not better than secular music but there is some Christian music i'd have to say thats pretty bad sounding - personal preference. Whether people should listen to a certain music or not is based on how much they want to spend filling their minds with certain things and focusing on certain things. I'd rather be focused on God. Tyler, 18

I think personally it is ok to listen to secular music because God is always in our hearts and minds. I am sure songs about rock and roll will not effect our brains too much, ya know? Anonymous female

Today's music is so much differant than what i grew up to. I do listen to some secular music like Linkon Park and Boston, music that isn't full of cursing or downgrading someone. I know that I shouldn't listen to anything that isn't uplifting Jesus, but you must admit a great guitar solo is hard to beat! I have a teenage daughter and we go around and round about music sometimes. Ed, age 37

I think it's ok for Christians to listen to secular music as long as it's clean. And by "clean" I mean no profanity, sexually explicit lyrics, or anything else you know good and well that God wouldn't approve of. I think as long as you place those kinds of guidelines on it, it's fine and it's just listening to good music. There are even Christian bands that play songs that would be considered "secular." Like Relient K is a Christian band and they have songs that are just fun. They don't mention God, but they are just good clean fun to make you laugh. And then you have secular bands with Christian members like Lifehouse. They don't necessarily sing about God and sing praise songs, but they keep the lyrics and the subjects clean and that in itself will stand out from other secular music. As far as secular compared to Christian music . . . I do listen so some secular music and every now and then I come across some lyrics that make me cringe. At least with Christian music I don't have to worry about that so I usually try to stick with that. Jessica, age 16

. . . Music is the artistic expression of the person(s) who write it. If the song is about love and how we all need and it is produced under a Christian label does that make it better than if a secular artist wrote it? Now, I do not intend to say that all secular music is good. I have never listened to Marilyn Manson, but I would assume that it is not the most wholesome, however I don't think that all Christian music is totally God glorifying (ever heard the pants song by Five Iron Frenzy?). . . I will conclude with this: go to the Bible, learn what truth is based on God's word, and let the Holy Spirit provide you with "listner discretion" for both Christian and secular music. Colossians 2 Lauren

Well I think this topic is really cool! Yes, Christians can listen to music other than Christian music. I like Cold, No Doubt, Chevelle, Evanescence, Trapt, Staind,etc. I've learned a thing or two about music, and as long as it isn't some satanic band, what's the big deal? Give me a break! This world is not some Brady Bunch hand me a muffin crap (excuse my aggresiveness)! people don't realize that this is not a Christian world! I wish it could be, but it's not! I'm a Christian and MOST of the bands I listen to ARE NOT Christian. But as long as I don't let it affect my beliefs and my Christianity, then why do people make such a big deal out of it? It's so annoying! I get so much criticism and bull crap from every body at my church for the music I listen to and the clothes I wear! People need to broaden their horizons! Christian music is too goody-two-shoes (no offense). Secular music relates to me and helps a lot. God loves you for who you are. He doesn't care as long as you simply do what you are supposed to do. You know? I witness to people in hot topic and other places all of the time, so maybe if they see me wearing black and chains but still loving my Lord Jesus Christ, then maybe I can influence someone to convert to Christianity! Well, thanks for letting me thrash out all of my opinions! Matt, age 15

I don't think it should matter what music you listen to. Sure, if you're a Christan people EXPECT you to listen to Christan music. What about those of us who don't? Does the music we listen to make us not a Christan? I don't think so. I think music expresses our individuality! I listen to rap and r-and-b music! I listen to it because I like it. Todays music is GREAT! It helps any person no matter what color, shape, size, etc. express themselves! I LOVE TODAYS MUSIC AND ITS VARIETY! Ginny, age 13

Frankly, many Christians listen to bands like Godsmack or Disturbed, but does affect what they believe? I listen to disturbed, and other such bands, but I rarely pay attention to the lyrics. That's where Christian rock has the advantage, the lyrics that often have much to do with current-day life. But the beat and instrumentals are somewhat lacking, no offense to them. Patrick

I have a strong conviction about listening to secular music. I feel that there is a huge difference between listening to Christian music and secular music. The Bible says to set our minds on things above, not on Earthly things. When we listen to secular music, our thoughts are not always pure. I am not saying that all music except for Christian music is bad. I think that people know the difference between trash and decent music. Brittany, age 18



Subscribe to the mailing list

Unsubscribe from the mailing list

Interactive Archives


Check out Bryan's new book, Dead Bunnies, at www.deadbunniesbook.com