Music for Christians, What is ok and what is not?

[Hobie]

Music can have a strong influence and effect, even the words in the music. It can be called 'Christian Rock', but if it excites the wrong kind of feelings or leads Christians to other forms of expressions that have nothing to do with singing for the glory of God, as has been the case of many former singers in the church choir, then you have to look at it as what it is. A temptation, a first step to further sin, a direction to living in the world and its lustful pleasures. It may look innocent at first, but the flow of its pull soon shows itself, and next thing you know you find yourself in the world and out of the church. So what is ok for Christians, and what is not...

 

[Josheb]

Well said. Those words need not be limited to Christian artists or "Christian" music. I happen to collect music and have recordings dating back to the 1930s. I have, over the years, especially in my early, less mature days, had to winnow the collection to thin out that which does not either glorify God or edify my soul.

 

[Arial]

Music can have a strong influence and effect, even the words in the music. It can be called 'Christian Rock', but if it excites the wrong kind of feelings or leads Christians to other forms of expressions that have nothing to do with singing for the glory of God, as has been the case of many former singers in the church choir, then you have to look at it as what it is. A temptation, a first step to further sin, a direction to living in the world and its lustful pleasures. It may look innocent at first, but the flow of its pull soon shows itself, and next thing you know you find yourself in the world and out of the church. So what is ok for Christians, and what is not...

Christian music should accurately reflect Christian doctrine with its words. Much of it today does not. And I like rock music and beat and rhythym. But it does belong in church. It does not express a reverence for God but borrows from the "seamy" side of the world. Usually, in the world, it is full on rebellion against God. At the very least, it is entertainment, is designed to entertain, and exalts people.

 

[CrowCross]

Music can have a strong influence and effect, even the words in the music. It can be called 'Christian Rock', but if it excites the wrong kind of feelings or leads Christians to other forms of expressions that have nothing to do with singing for the glory of God, as has been the case of many former singers in the church choir, then you have to look at it as what it is. A temptation, a first step to further sin, a direction to living in the world and its lustful pleasures. It may look innocent at first, but the flow of its pull soon shows itself, and next thing you know you find yourself in the world and out of the church. So what is ok for Christians, and what is not...

I agree.
The lyrics of Christian music must be biblically correct.
The musicians must perform in a way to glorify God.
The applause must be given to God and not accepted as a form of worship to the artist.

 

[Josheb]

I agree.
The lyrics of Christian music must be biblically correct.
The musicians must perform in a way to glorify God.
The applause must be given to God and not accepted as a form of worship to the artist.

That is not exactly what I said.

1. Can a Christian write a song about fishing?
2. Can a non-Christian write a song about fishing?
3. Can a Christian listen to both songs in clear conscience?
4. Does every song about fishing have to mention God?
5. Does every song about fishing have to explicitly glorify God?
6. Can a Christian listen to a song about fishing that never explicitly mentions God in good conscience?

The one listening to the music has to answer these questions for himself (herself), and they should not behave in a manner consistent with their own understanding and belief.

Matthew 11:17
We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a song of mourning, and you did not mourn.’

Dance songs and dirges are implicitly permitted. Many of the psalms are incredibly violent. Apparently, songs of violence are allowed. Does that mean I should spend much time listening to those kinds of songs? Many of the psalms teach bad doctrine and the reason they are included in scripture is because God is communicating how much His people get caught up in their own thinking, their own emotions, and their own desires. He knows it and He accepts that condition, even when the music comes from adulterers and murderers.


Legalism kills.