Is "secular" music ok to listen to?

[IronHayden]

so i was wondering what you guys thought of listening to secular music. i am talking about music with no cussing nothing like that, just songs about life and this world. some stuff that I listen to is like Coldplay, U2, The Beatles, The Who, and Led Zeppelin. am i sinning?

 

[Alabaster]

Music was created by God, but twisted by Satan to deceive many, and to steal the worship that only God deserves. We have to keep in mind the fact that we have music in each part of our body: breathing, in our heartbeat, in each molecule of our being. Because we have music within us, we are attracted to different melodies and rhythms. It is natural to us because God created us that way.

We can’t forbid ourselves to listen to music, but we do have to know how to use it in a way that won’t bring us negative consequences. I stay away from it as much as I can. If I am shopping or out anywhere where secular music cannot be avoided, I can turn it off in my head---or not, depending on the thoughts associated with it.

It is not always sinful to enjoy some secular music but as Christians we need to be discriminating. Some secular music is pretty noble. Classical music is ingenious and a testament to man's and God's creative gifting. But if a piece of music dredges up nostalgia of a time of drunken parties and sexual immorality, or of a lost love that may stir inappropriate thoughts, then it is not good.

Satan will steal the honour and worship that belongs only to God, by getting us to sing and dance to melodies that glorify the enemy. These songs have direct messages that proclaim sins that God hates, such as fornication, adultery, sexual sins, unforgiveness, and revenge. This is how he steals the souls of God’s followers, and takes away the abundant life that Jesus made possible on the cross.

When we sing songs with messages such as, “feel me, please meâ€, we put words and pictures in our minds that will awaken our flesh, our passions, and sexual sins, with the goal of making us slaves to sin again. In my experience, I have seen that the person that can’t renounce secular music still has the world in his heart, and that person’s Lord is not God, but music. It is our responsibility to watch ourselves…to evaluate if what we sing or what we are filling our minds with would be the same thing that Jesus would fill His life with if He were in our place.

Luke 11:23 NLT
Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. (Scatters away from the Truth and also leads others away from Truth)

 

[jasoncran]

so i was wondering what you guys thought of listening to secular music. i am talking about music with no cussing nothing like that, just songs about life and this world. some stuff that I listen to is like Coldplay, U2, The Beatles, The Who, and Led Zeppelin. am i sinning?

those were back in the day offensive to the older christians of today. i dont listen to any secular music when i am home or in my truck. at work i have no choice.

 

[handy]

Alabaster has a lot to think about in her thread...

You ask "Am I sinning" and only you can truly answer that. Some folks have no problems listening to secular music, some can only listen to certain kinds and some just find that secular music draws them away from God. You're the only one who can state whether or not secular music hinders your walk with God.

I think we all have our "weak spots", areas of life in which we truly struggle to gain victory over, when there are other areas that seem to be a breeze.

If you're asking this question because you are feeling convicted that the bands you are listening to are causing you to draw away from God or just be far more worldly minded, then you should stop listening...

But, if you just asked out of curiosity, or because you heard a sermon denouncing the "devil's music" and you were sitting saying "Que hun!?!", then I wouldn't worry about...you have the freedom to listen to what you want, but if you don't find it profitable, or find it detrimental, then it's best not to.

 

[Free]

I disagree with Christians listening to Christian music for the sake of enjoyment. There may be other reasons, such as having no choice at work or the gym, or for apologetic value, but since we are called to be holy and "run the race," I really wonder why one would want to continually listen to non-Christian music. How can it not hinder one's walk with God? And it also begs the question as to why some Christians have no problem with it.

 

[Mike]

If you're asking this question because you are feeling convicted that the bands you are listening to are causing you to draw away from God or just be far more worldly minded, then you should stop listening...

But, if you just asked out of curiosity, or because you heard a sermon denouncing the "devil's music" and you were sitting saying "Que hun!?!", then I wouldn't worry about...you have the freedom to listen to what you want, but if you don't find it profitable, or find it detrimental, then it's best not to.

Nicely said. This is one of those areas that we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit Speaking to us personally. I'll be hopeful that the OP (any connection to the heavy metal band, Iron Maiden?) will respond to clarify.

I really wonder why one would want to continually listen to non-Christian music. How can it not hinder one's walk with God? And it also begs the question as to why some Christians have no problem with it.

See, now, I don't understand the problem. Do you watch TV? What are some of your favorite shows? Are they about edifying Christ? What about any games you might play? Are they edifying God? This could be said for any form of entertainment. I'm not sure why music stands out. Is it because of a certain connection we have to music that differentiates it?

I don't listen to music too much, but I do go through periods where I listen to it more than others. Yesterday, I was on the PC and had Coldplay boomin' in the speakers. I had put on Clay Cross (Christian singer) on in iTunes, and when Cross was done, it went right into Cold Play. God is with me, my thoughts are typically of God, although sometimes more/sometimes less.

 

[jasoncran]

mike and handy, these days it is real hard not to be bothered by secular music.i mean i was into the hard core metal aka iron madien and others(not that all of iron maiden songs are bad)

i will poke at handy and her band the blacked eyed peas. i know of the lead singers personal life and read up on fergie. she is a bisexual and most likely not saved. she has song solos on going from men to men and like its normal. not mention i'm sure one say some song will promote lesbianism like others have. is that something we want to support?

 

[IronHayden]

Ok thats all good stuff... thanks for everything.. just to clarify i dont love Iron Maiden... lol.... just thought it was a cool name

so i am a musician and another musician told me that as a musician i have an obligation to listen to secular music and learn secular songs so i can further develop my skills.... what do you guys think of that?

 

[IronHayden]

oh and i dont feel convicted i was just wondering

 

[Vic C.]

I disagree with Christians listening to Christian music for the sake of enjoyment. There may be other reasons, such as having no choice at work or the gym, or for apologetic value, but since we are called to be holy and "run the race," I really wonder why one would want to continually listen to non-Christian music. How can it not hinder one's walk with God? And it also begs the question as to why some Christians have no problem with it.

Hey now, my Seinfeld fan buddy... I still listen to secular music but I'm extremely picky about what I listen to. :yes That is probably why I still gravitate towards some secular artists. Outside of a few select Christian artists, most contemporary Christians do nothing for me. Musically, they're not that talented and some of the lyrics just don't hit the spot doctrinally leave a lot to be desired.

I'm a part time musician and I often listen to music for it's musical quality and because I'm inspired by the musicianship. I've learned to play slide guitar recently by listening to Duane Allman. Now find me a slide guitarist that plays like he did and I'm listening.

Mike, I refuse to listen to Coldplay even since I heard Chris Martin say he wasn't sure if God as male or female. :bigfrown

When I want theology, I'll read my Bible.

 

[Vic C.]

... so i am a musician and another musician told me that as a musician i have an obligation to listen to secular music and learn secular songs so i can further develop my skills.... what do you guys think of that?

See my post above. Just use discretion. :yes

 

[Mike]

Mike, I refuse to listen to Coldplay even since I heard Chris Martin say he wasn't sure if God as male or female. :bigfrown

When I want theology, I'll read my Bible.

Exactly. I go to my Bible for Truth. As far Martin, you mean to tell me he's not theologically correct? Really? I'm shocked!
Not really. I'd rather not know where secular artists of all kinds stand in their belief system sometimes... actually, most of the time. If we knew where the artists truly stood, there wouldn't be much to listen to. I'll say almost the same thing for Christian artists. As long as they're not always on their soap box and keep it to themselves, I can get past it and enjoy the music. It's when they're all militant about it that I have to tune them out. :bigfrown

 

[handy]

mike and handy, these days it is real hard not to be bothered by secular music.i mean i was into the hard core metal aka iron madien and others(not that all of iron maiden songs are bad)

i will poke at handy and her band the blacked eyed peas. i know of the lead singers personal life and read up on fergie. she is a bisexual and most likely not saved. she has song solos on going from men to men and like its normal. not mention i'm sure one say some song will promote lesbianism like others have. is that something we want to support?

Missed you poking at me....pokin right bact atcha!

Seriously, I don't like all of what the Peas have out there, just a few songs...and, as I have never bought any of their music...they're not getting much support from me.

But, Mike brings up a good point...so Fergie is bi...George Takai is openly gay, should I never watch Star Trek again?

I don't judge the world's people by the same standards I judge my brethren...I truly believe it isn't our "job" to do this. When it comes down to non-Christians, the bottom line is that none of them glorify God, unless they become believers.

So, back to entertainment...can we be entertained by anyone who isn't a Christian? Does this mean no watching TV unless the show, and all the actors on the show are Christian? No reading books unless written by Christian authors regarding Christian subjects?

When trying to make a standard for everyone in the church...we quickly get into deep water. I start telling you that you can't watch Star Trek, you tell me I can't listen to the Peas, we tell Mike he can't read Robert Lewis Stephenson...where does it end?

Far, far better to do what I firmly believe that the Bible teaches us to do...leave these matters of conscience between the Holy Spirit and the individual.

 

[jasoncran]

Missed you poking at me....pokin right bact atcha!

Seriously, I don't like all of what the Peas have out there, just a few songs...and, as I have never bought any of their music...they're not getting much support from me.

But, Mike brings up a good point...so Fergie is bi...George Takai is openly gay, should I never watch Star Trek again?

I don't judge the world's people by the same standards I judge my brethren...I truly believe it isn't our "job" to do this. When it comes down to non-Christians, the bottom line is that none of them glorify God, unless they become believers.

So, back to entertainment...can we be entertained by anyone who isn't a Christian? Does this mean no watching TV unless the show, and all the actors on the show are Christian? No reading books unless written by Christian authors regarding Christian subjects?

When trying to make a standard for everyone in the church...we quickly get into deep water. I start telling you that you can't watch Star Trek, you tell me I can't listen to the Peas, we tell Mike he can't read Robert Lewis Stephenson...where does it end?

Far, far better to do what I firmly believe that the Bible teaches us to do...leave these matters of conscience between the Holy Spirit and the individual.

being one and not openly promoting it is totally different then one that does. i believe fergi promotes her lifestyle.

however i do see your point. i gave up tv as you know two yrs ago. name any new how(they are few) that doesnt promote sin or rather hedonism so openly. i can only name a few. but with sci-fi its so out there that often sex or wierd thinking is the norm.
for instance the google these anime/manga and watch them from japan unedited,.

sailor moon
robotech
one piece
and others , i bet these have some nudity. robotech does when unedited. i remember the edited vs what i recently watched on hulu that showed the nude scenes that i didnt recall as a kid.

our censors from the fcc block that stuff but that is changing as society changes.

 

[jackkerouac]

Jeepers...I hope so. Cause I can't stand most "Christian" music these days. Back in the late 80's to mid 90's there was some really good stuff coming out of the CCM machine. But now days it's mostly drivel.

If I want theology, I'll read the Bible or a book on theology (or talk to my dad).
If I want platitudes, I'll go to LifeWay and look at their Jesus Junk.
If I want to hear music, I'll listen to music. Good music. That means Josh Ritter, Over the Rhine, and Jackson Browne. Not Casting Crowns.

God is the first creator, the author of creation and all creativity. And frankly I think it nauseates him to hear some of this anti-creative junk coming out of the CCM factories. And the very idea that I'm supposed to listen to that drivel just because it's "Christian" is offensive to me. It's like saying I'm not supposed to enjoy looking at a Picasso painting, only Kincaid, cause he's Christian and all that. Or I'm not supposed to read Dickens, only Peretti, cause he's Christian and all that.

 

[Free]

See, now, I don't understand the problem. Do you watch TV? What are some of your favorite shows? Are they about edifying Christ? What about any games you might play? Are they edifying God? This could be said for any form of entertainment. I'm not sure why music stands out. Is it because of a certain connection we have to music that differentiates it?

I actually do consider that last statement a possibility. Perhaps it's just me. Music has gotten me through a couple of extremely difficult times in life where I relied heavily on it for comfort. Of course, music seems to play a special part (or parts) in Scripture.

I also know that I shouldn't watch as much TV as I do and some of what I watch isn't all that great (Criminal Minds can be a little too much at times, etc.). Some TV is educational and fine to watch but most of it probably shouldn't be watched by Christians. We will answer one day for the countless hours wasted, myself included. If it were up to only me, I would cancel my cable.

I don't listen to music too much, but I do go through periods where I listen to it more than others. Yesterday, I was on the PC and had Coldplay boomin' in the speakers. I had put on Clay Cross (Christian singer) on in iTunes, and when Cross was done, it went right into Cold Play. God is with me, my thoughts are typically of God, although sometimes more/sometimes less.

I think the real danger with music is that we may think that because we aren't really listening to the lyrics, they will have no effect. But that is not at all the case. Whether or not we are consciously listening, our mind picks up on things said. It is far too easy, without the pictures on a TV, to let things slide that, should we see them with our eyes, we would immediately change the channel or turn it off.

Other than apologetic value, I really do not understand why Christians would even want to listen to non-Christian music. I don't want to be too hard on anyone because I am still trying to sort through all of this. It just seems that the closer I get to God the more I do see problems with listening to non-secular musicians and watching most of what is on TV.

We are called to be holy, to be pure. I just don't see how any of this accomplishes it but I can see how it hinders it.

Hey now, my Seinfeld fan buddy...

I still listen to secular music but I'm extremely picky about what I listen to. :yes

That is my main concern. There is just a whole lot of garbage in the lyrics out there, at least most of the popular pop and rock stuff. Of course, you likely are referring to the skills of the musicians. I can appreciate good skill but I would rather listen to something less skillful from a Christian artist.

On that note, that's why there isn't a Christian TV show or movie that I like. lol The acting is always so bad, even worse than Canadian television.

Musically, they're not that talented and some of the lyrics just don't hit the spot doctrinally leave a lot to be desired.

I'm really not that qualified to speak on the talent or lack thereof, but I find a few that are quite good. On the point of doctrine, which is worse: poor doctrine or none at all (at best)?

Back in the late 80's to mid 90's there was some really good stuff coming out of the CCM machine. But now days it's mostly drivel.

I think it is actually the opposite, but of course it depends on what genre you listen to. There was some good stuff in the 80's and 90's.

That means Josh Ritter, Over the Rhine, and Jackson Browne.

Never heard of any of them. lol


I suppose in the end I would ask myself (to use the cliche): If Jesus were sitting here with me, would I watch or listen to "this"? Of course, in some way, he really is sitting there with me....

 

[Mike]

Jeepers...I hope so. Cause I can't stand most "Christian" music these days. Back in the late 80's to mid 90's there was some really good stuff coming out of the CCM machine. But now days it's mostly drivel.

Personal opinion, yes, but you could not be more wrong! ;)

I look back at what we had in Christian music back in the '80's, and it was brutal! Everyone can tune out what they don't want to hear, but there is WAY more to choose from. And a lot of it is great! Third Day? I would have loved to have that jamming from my dorm room rather than what I had.

But, I agree with your other thoughts, so you're not ALL wrong. :D

 

[jackkerouac]

I think it is actually the opposite, but of course it depends on what genre you listen to. There was some good stuff in the 80's and 90's.

Wha?!? Dude, you just lost all credibility.
;)

Seriously, how can you even compare Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp to the likes of Rich Mullins, Susan Ashton, and Charlie Peacock?
You must be a young whipper-snapper, no?

 

[Free]

Wha?!? Dude, you just lost all credibility.
;)

Seriously, how can you even compare Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp to the likes of Rich Mullins, Susan Ashton, and Charlie Peacock?
You must be a young whipper-snapper, no?

Oh goodness, please don't assume so much. lol And 'young' is such a relative term. ;)

Casting Crowns had one song, maybe two that I liked. Jeremy Camp and Third Day I don't like at all. I don't like most of the current contemporary stuff and don't like any pop music at all.

I'm thinking Project 86, Blindside, Red, Future of Forestry, The Myriad, After Edmund, The Benjamin Gate and Switchfoot, among others. Not to mention the tons of electronic stuff which is mostly 'underground' and unheard of by most Christians.

The best of the 90's were Starflyer 59 and The Prayer Chain, although in the 80's and into the 90's I loved Petra, Whiteheart, 'Rez', Daniel Band, Servant, etc. Can't say whether I would know anything by Rich Mullins, Susan Ashton, or Charlie Peacock, as you might be able to tell by my preferences.

 

[Scandinavian27]

I think that the genre has a big impact in all of this. A lot of the rap and metal bands these days contain filthy, degenerate, blasphemous lyrics which I try to avoid. I see nothing wrong with enjoying some secular jazz or classical music. Even the oldies like Frank Sinatra are commendable IMO.