Why I Don’t Like Christian Music

[…] Michael Patton on Reclaiming the Mind just posted another great topic with regards to Christian Music. This prompted me to publish this post that I had been sitting on for a while. You can read Michael’s post here. […]

Michael, I am in total agreement with you. I was a professional drummer up to age 28. As a working drummer, I had to play every genre imaginable. For me, so much of today’s contemporary music is not only inferior (on a professional level); but the theology is shallow (if not altogether wrong); but it is also too “saccharine -sweet” in my opinion. This is NOT to say that there is nothing good about contemporary Christian music–there ARE some good artists and music. But knowing the music industry as I do, its obvious that the producer’s are likely having too much control over the artists themselves. After all, music IS a “business.” I wish more artists would emerge who break the cookie-cutter mold. But, alas, the recording industry often stifles artists for one simple reason: What will sell and bring in the big bucks!

As Martha said to Jesus outside Lazarus’ tomb: “It stinketh.”

EricW

That has to be KJV ! In more contemporary translations it’s “It smells” It’s more PC 😉

Mick

Michael L:

Well, the KJV (John 11:39) reads: “Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.”

But since the Greek verb (ozei – from ozô) can mean “he,” “she,” or “it,” it’s allowable to translate it has “it stinketh” – which could mean either the body or the tomb, or both in general – or much of Christian muzak.

“Your probably right” is properly written “You’re probably right”.

EricW.

I got it…. I was paraphrasing CEV and NLT…. “There will be a bad smell” or “terrible smell”. Wasn’t pointing to the translation.. more to the use of Stinks, which is no longer PC… now one has to use smell to be polite.

But what’s in a word… same result… I guess same bad joke.

Cheers.

Guess I will venture out and say I disagree with this post intent. Though in general I would be foolish to agree/disagree with your musical tastes, I think your strong dislike for “Christian music” requires a definition. Not sure what groups you are listening to or even what you mean by Christian music.

Is it the label you dislike? Or is it people thinking you are less-Christian if you listen to other bands? If it is just that the songs are not “gritty” or real enough then that may be a generalization (depending on what you are calling CM).

Many of the “Christian” bands I like do not only do praise songs (typically worship album projects) but also deal with relationships (good and bad), humor etc. I like that some are just Rock-anthem style songs and I like that they also sing about how awesome God is.

Lastly I would say many “secular” bands can be just as cheesy (not real/gritty etc). Most Top40/Pop would fit here IMO. (Sorry to those into Top40/Pop).

Personally I like Hard Rock – Pillar, TFK, Disciple, Kutless etc.
Many of the bands I like and grew up with (Motley Crue, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Ozzy/Black Sabbath) are just great to listen too (musically) but the vulgar lyrics and glorifying of sin make it so I seldom listen to them. Its not because I don’t struggle with sin but because I do that I only listen to select songs. OK, I still really like Paranoid and Crazy Train.

But I like the fact that other bands (some “secular” and some “Christian”) play and rock without resorting to “garbage in” lyrics.

BTW: these comments reflect thoughts on music for personal listening vs. corporate gathering & worship.

MikeB

“…let your music reflect the real world.” An interesting comment. So we should sing of drugs, illicit sex, rebellion, murder, sodomy, etc.–acts clearly condemned in the Bible–and glorify God through this? Look how many times “I” occurs in the article–“I think,” “I feel,” “I believe,” etc. It’s all about what we like. Go to the Scriptures and see what He likes. Read about separation from the world, separation unto God. I Cor. 10:31 and Romans 12 are good starting points.

We do not know what the music of the Bible sounded like. God did not give us melodies and chord progressions; however, there are many references to music, and almost all of them deal with an offering to God, a sacrifice of praise, coming before His presence with singing. Would we really want to approach a holy God with songs about lust?

Get back to the Bible.

“Smell” is a bad word to replace “stink” because it can be used of both what one detects by one’s nose and what one does with one’s nose.

If I say, “He smells,” I could mean either that his nose is working properly or that he stinks.

Therefore it’s necessary to retain the word “stink” as a verb in our vocabulary, though if the context is evident, “he smells” is probably more polite than “he stinks.” 🙂

I think this blog has turned into English 101.

I guess i’m not all that bent out of shape over the whole “Christian Music” label as opposed to that music that does not have that label. What bothers me more is that much of the music under the Christian genera is not theologically sound- forget whether or not it is a psalm-type song of struggle, fear, worship, repentance, etc. The spiritual truths communicated in the scriptures can be communicated without necessarily requiring the lyrics to include Christianese language. Read the parables of Jesus as a case in point.
I guess my request for those who are in the Christian music genera is that if they are going to sing/write a Christian song, be certain that there may be many undiscerning ears that hear your lyrics and will equate them as communicating orthodox Biblical/Christian doctrine, and that they should be certain that the lyrics are theologically sound.
I don’t listen to very many groups, but one in particular has hit it out of the park IMO on this issue. Check out Shane and Shane’s album: Pages. Brilliant music arrangement, powerful and God-honoring lyrics– it will move the soul.

Since however, non-Christian subculture is deliberately generated and driven, it is natural that Christians form an alternate Christian subculture.

What you wish for will never happen (a general culture all share, that doesn’t push underage sex, hard drugs, and alcoholism on minors).

The fact of the matter is, that it is right and now necessary to create a counter-culture that offers any credible and practical alternative to the advertizing-driven drug culture, which is truly destroying all culture.

Anyone who thinks the current overwhelming peer-pressure/culture pressure to engage in drugs and sex from the age of 12 on up can be ignored is naive to the point of criminally insane and dangerous.

Facebook is the latest in a series of enabling “weapons” that allow children and teens to ‘network’ behind their parents’ backs, hook up for sex and drugs, and live an entirely separate ‘secret life’ as binge-drinking dare-devils addicted to sex and recreational drugs.

Our whole civilization is in serious danger of total collapse because of these “tsunami”-size forces. Christian subculture is the only stemming tide that can provide any oasis for victims and those who don’t want to participate in the wholesale destruction of civilization.

Let Christian sub-culture be, and even flourish, so it can provide some stable soil at least for a lifestyle and future that isn’t littered with abortion, murder, suicide and prison.

peace
Nazaroo

I agree with the major point of your blog and I love many forms of music, but some of the bands you suggest have some questionable lyrics that I do not think we should be filling our minds with, as believers. I think we have to be careful what we put into our hearts and minds. That having been said, I love a lot of music that is not Christian because it does speak to the human condition and can be very thought provoking or simply enjoyable.

While I understand where the writer is coming from, I always think about 1st Samuel and the issue of the heart. Be it rock, folk, hip-hop, or “Christian” music, God alone knows the heart of the writer, publisher, performer or listener. As illustrated in numerous posts, God can use whatever He chooses in the hearts of whomever He chooses. Even Christian music…

Contemporary “Christian” music, as opposed to the great doctrinal hymns of the faith, can lead many astray. However, secular music with lyrics rife with messages pertaining to secularism, humanism, neo-paganism, etc. does harm to our culture but is not subtle in its negative impact as is “Christian” music.

Re-reading the article and some of the comments here, I still agree with the overall thrust of the article– as a critique of the state of Christian music. However it may go too far at times– I think we need to be careful with listening to secular music all the time, even if we think it’s musically superior. Also I believe that the article could have better defined what it means by Christian music—I believe Michael was referring mostly to CCM or Christian music that gets played on the popular radio.

The thing that bothers me about much Christian music, be it CCM or praise/worship music, is that from a musical standpoint it does not sound as creative or inspired as the better secular music out there. Of course there are exceptions, but even then, are there Christian artists out there whose music has been as inventive and inspired as some of the great secular groups?

My theory about the lack of creativity is that perhaps many Christian musicians, producers, etc, try to create and fit their music to a genre and then market a product. As opposed to writing about their real life experiences and bringing Christian faith to bear on that experience. So they too often copy the musical styles the world is producing (even its videos and fashions). They try to “Christianize” a worldly product by adding to it bland and theologically weak Christian messages. Originality is not produced by such a methodology, but by writing about one’s own reality and by being transformed by God and His word.

A Christian music that is strong theologically and inspired musically would be the best reflection of our great God, who is the Author of all Originality and who is honored most by great and profound thoughts about Him and His ways.

In response to nazaroo, I think I know where you are coming from, however the Christian subculture is not much different from the world in that it is shallow, money driven and prone to trends. The same consumerist mentality. For me it’s better to be discerning and celebrate good music, movies, or art wherever it comes from. It’s surprising to find hints of grace in many movies, songs, etc that have no overt connection to Christianity. Like S. S. Lewis says God uses these media to also promote His agenda.

As a woman, I like stories, music, movies, art, etc., that touch me deeply and change me for the good. I do notice that whether in the secular or the Christian circles, I find sadly, that in these two realms only a certain percentage does it for me.
When I listen to music in the car, I like to hear the words for I want them to impact me. If I can’t really hear it, I spend too much time trying to hear what it is about and really then did not get much out of it. Furthermore, I do like both rock and country and probably most kinds of flavors of music: if it is a heavy rock song, I do like quality. If it is country, I like to be touched by it.
I noticed in the Jesus Movement of the 1970’s, people who sang for the Lord knew they were not going to make much money. Things did change, and I think that is why we have what we have. I like that word sub-culture, because it does seem like that is what absolutely evolved. Oh, I do love Skillet’s Last Night You’ll Ever Be Alone… and I so love David Crowder Oh, Happiness…
But I also love Gaither and So many flavors of music.
I don’t like meaningless…watered down fluff.
I guess that is also why I have to agree in part with this discussion, because over time I have found very meaningful stories and movies in the secular and very recently I saw a couple of Christian movies that left me very disappointed.There was barely a scratch of Christian content,& I could have seen a non-Christian movie that had more backbone to it, at least. That is very sad to say.
But I sure have not been disappointed with Jefferson Moore’s Clancy movie, for example.Very meaningful to me. A whole different side of the spectrum,a great modern Christian movie.
The irony in all this is that I totally dislike sensationalism with the express purpose to aggravate or manipulate the mind.
Perhaps what is evident whatever circle, is the heart of the performers.I think that is what is showing up in however one displays their creativity

Part of it for me is that, as a musician, I like music that features instruments. But Christian music is defined as Christian by the lyrics – the instruments are just there as accompaniment.

I was listening to christian radio one day and feeling frustrated. Flipping through the dial, I came across Santana’s Europa and realized what I was missing on the other station – musicians expressing themselves through their instruments.

So I tend to listen to forms of music that have an emphasis on musicianship, especially improvisational, such as bluegrass, jazz and blues.

Sheesh, CMP, how do you really feel about this topic? Although I agree with you in part, I think that much of what separates CCM as mediocre is simply poor musicianship. Instead of consistently producing insightful lyrics and great hooks, too many CCM artists are content to rely on the dollars of the subculture. That said, it would seem to me that the radio is only going to play what is most popular, which is rarely of the highest quality CCM produces.

But I do think that it is important that we show great discernment when considering the consumption of art created by those that hate God. I am not convinced that music can be judged completely apart from the artist that produces it. I am drawn to some music that I find great pleasure in consuming, but only because it drives feelings of power and anger. Music has a special ability to influence the emotions and and thought life of the listener and so we must carefully consider our musical choices. Eminem is a brilliant lyricist and has fantastic hooks, but his message and lifestyle have eliminated him from my Ipod.

Would you apply the same set of standards to the books that you read? So much of what I see in bookstores is garbage produced by a Christian subculture. Same yardstick?

So, Creed and Nickleback are “real,” but anything country is NOT? How is THAT possible? Sure, there’s plenty of country “fluff” out there…but how can you say you don’t like ANYTHING country. Sounds like more of a stylistic issue than liking something real. What about jazz? Classical? Are those styles fake as well? Not liking anything country for your reasons is such a huge generalization and a mistake.

And how is singing praises to God any less fake than singing ANYTHING by Creed or Nickelback? Michael, I agree with your point that there shouldn’t be a sub-culture of Christian Music, but hammering on Christian music has always been such an easy target with a lot of complaining and no real answers.

Michael,

The singular of genera is genus.

Apart from that I’m pretty much on the same page with you.

Someone said they don’t like bands like acdc because of the garbage lyrics, and therfore won’t listen to those songs. My question is what does this have to do with Christianity? If we listen to these songs in public especially, we glorify God even more. We are showing the world the power of JEsus to save us all by himself. Of course, people will persecute you and some will even believe you are unsaved because they believe a false gospel of works (fleshly works) as necessary for salvation. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (the law of works). Yes, this is KJV and not secular literature.

I’ve got to say I completely disagree!!

My experience and the viewpoint I’m coming from is a very conservative church where most hymns in Sunday worship are a couple hundred years old – we keep singing them because the words and the message are great. Christocentric. So my following comments are not on what is commonly sung in many churches today because there I’d agree that they’re shallow.

The author, however, seems to be singling out CCM and in my opinion it seems patently obvious that he hasn’t listened to much of it to really know what he’s talking about. I mean (over the years) from Kieth Green to Petra, to Newsboys to Steve Curtis Chapman to Casting Crowns (to name a very small few) one cannot claim their lyrics as disconnected to life or empty sugar coated cheerleading. On the contrary they have so may times met me in my heartache and doubt and lifted me to Jesus. I’m a missionary serving in Africa and last year a 36 year old colleague was killed in a road accident. What a great comfort “Love them Like Jesus” was to me & numerous songs of Chris Tomlin to the man’s surviving family. I grew up in Africa and went to high school, college, and seminary training in the U.S. As a 3rd culture kid struggling in a land where no one understood his perspective and background how wonderful it was to run to the Word in song. Sure many of these groups were good enough to have had extra-Christian success but I was so appreciative that they chose to minister to Christians like me who were lonely and hurting and desperately needed to be strengthened in the love of their Savior. To me all of those groups he mentioned in his article were part of the problem – people hurting just as much as I and providing only questions but no answers. How wonderful it was to have music that I enjoyed with a message that met me in my sorrow and renewed me in Jesus my Savior. I’d have been lost in a depressive funk without it.

@74

Someone said they don’t like bands like acdc because of the garbage lyrics, and therfore won’t listen to those songs. My question is what does this have to do with Christianity?

Guess as the lone poster liking AC/DC etc, I’ll respond… 😉

First I actually really like the music. However there are many songs in that genre that I don’t listen to anymore. Lyrics that curse at me or degrade women or encourage illicit sex and drug use are certainly not going to renew the mind or put thoughts in my head that glorify God. Think Girls, Girls, Girls by Crue. The fact is that music and lyrics will stick in my head longer than any verse I read that morning. I call it drawing boundaries.

If we listen to these songs in public especially, we glorify God even more.

find that difficult to see. I thought we bring glory to God when we do good works (note not saying anything here about being saved or salvation). love to hear the rationale here behind this statement – especially the “even more”.

We are showing the world the power of JEsus to save us all by himself.

By that logic I would be curious about your views regarding say “adult” magazines and cursing at others. Maybe looking at some of these would show the world that Jesus has the power to save too.

I think Jesus prefers we use our liberty far differently than you allude in this post.

Oh my goodness, I could not agree more! Most Christian music is like cotton candy… fluff and syrupy. I could have written this post word for word. And the part about not needing a Christian sub-culture – spot on!

This issue reminds me of a Soap Box of mine…. i.e., “Full-time Christian Service”.

We are ALL, if one of his Sheep, i.e., the Elect, in “Full-time Christian Service”. We may be poor servants and thereby calling into question our very election, but Servant Sheep non-the-less. There is no dichotomy between “Christian” and “non-Christian” service for the believer. ALL actions done by a Child of God are acts of service and worship. It’s not like a Time Card we check in and out of as thought we were factory workers.

Perhaps “Professional Christian Service” might be a better choice to communicate the concept that one earns his/her living and the means by which to pay bills as a missionary, pastor, etc.

Dean, Founder/Owner of Sovereign Grace Singles

http://www.sovereigngracesingles.com/j15a/

The late Keith Green was a contemporary Christian artist that wrote his own songs but always gave God glory– he wrote and sang with conviction. He even held some concerts where he gave away albums to those who couldn’t afford it–he was not in it for the money.

He might not have been Calvinistic in his theology, but he had intimacy with Christ.

Eph 5:19-20 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
I’m not sure Paul was thinking about secular music when he wrote this..

Just so everyone knows, we DO have SOME Christian music playing here at the Credo House on the Credo House playlist (but not much).

Rob, not sure if you have read many of the comments, but there seem to be quite a few people heavily involved in the Christian music industry who agree.

Hope,

Touche, but I would not include hymns in this “critical” mix simply because they are not attempting to parallel and take part in the broader genre.

Mike B,

First off I want to say I think you must be a pretty cool dude. Most people who don’t see where I am coming from, immediately judge me without hearing me out. My hat is off to you for that. We need more people like you who are not so quick to judge. However, to answer your questions, you could check out some of the bible studies on my website that show through scripture our true liberty in Christ. You can find these at http://www.spiritualbiblestudy.com/articles.htm. To sum up my beliefs, I will give only one of many examples that are shown on my website.

I believe salvation is by grace through faith, not works. I believe good works in the bible represent trusting in faith, not works. When we live a life like doing things the bible appears to speak against, we are glorifying God, showing his power to save us even though we don’t deserve to earn or keep salvation by our own works. It shows his power to save us without anything being required of us other than faith and trust alone in Jesus. You may ask how do I get this. I believe the bible contains hidden wisdom hidden from the lost. Only those who are born of the spirit can see the mysteries of God, the rest are spiritually blind. Thank God JEsus has opened my eyes to see spiritual truth that has set me free from all religious rules. To give one small biblical example of the hidden wisdom/mystery of God. Let us look at 1 John 2:22. This verse tells us God’s definition of a liar. It tells us those who deny that jesus is the Christ are liars. Liars are those who don’t believe Jesus is the Christ, they are in unbelief. When we believe the gospel (faith), we no longer deny Jesus is the Christ, and therefore are not liars according to God’s definition. We therefore keep the commandment not to lie through faith in Jesus alone, not by not telling natural lies. The bible itself tells us that the natural man cannot understand the things of God, it also tells us the law is spiritual.

Mike B continued,

God gave us natural things to help us understand spiritual truth, things we know to understand things we don’t. Paul tried to display this through the circumcision. He taught us we are not to be circumcised naturally, but spiritually, even though the commandment was given to be circumcised naturally. This commandment as well as all others were a picture of spiritual things, as Hebrews tells us the law is a shadow of Good things to come, but not the very image. Circumcision represents the entire law, this is why Paul used only this commandment. He believed that by this we should see the truth, if the one commandment that represents the entire law is kept through faith in Jesus alone and is not to be followed based on the natural understanding, he believed we should understand all other commandments have hidden wisdom behind them as well. He taught us circumcision is of the heart in the spirit, not in the letter (or based on the natural meaning). When we believe in JEsus, we are circumcised spiritually. This commandment as well as all others are fulfilled through faith in Christ. We are to keep the spirit of the law, which is faith in JEsus. When we believe in Jesus, we are circumcised spiritually, we are no longer liars spiritually, etc. It is all about Jesus. you may wonder about all other commandments, on my website, I show through the scriptures many other commandments and their spiritual meaning. All the commandments mean for us to trust in Jesus alone for salvation, not works. As the bible tells us, who the son has set free is free indeed. wE are free to live without condemnation because of how we live because of Jesus. Of course this belief will cause persecution because the world does not understand us or the bible spiritually. Another quick example. John chapter 10 tells us God’s definition of theives. To climb up any other way than Jesus. When we trust in Jesus alone, we are not theives, not stealing spiritually.

I am a christian, and no lyrics from any acdc song bother me. However, because of this may believe I am unsaved. I encourage you to check out my site, it shows more hidden spiritual truth from the bible, there is none like it on the web, or at least that I have found yet. The world hates me because they don’t understand me, but neither did they Jesus, they said he had a devil, just like they do to me. That’s ok because the freedom I have in Christ is greater to me than any approval of man. I know what I see in the bible is true through years of study, it is awesome that even though some may read this, they still can’t see it. Why? Because only JEsus can open the spiritually blind eyes. Sorry I am so elaborate with response, I usually am not, but you we not judgmental and I felt obligated to share truth with you. Those who are judgmental are dogs, the bible says not to cast that which is holy unto dogs, not pearls before swine, they will trample the truth under their feet, and turn again and rend me, or attack me. However, you were different, you didn’t rend. You were curious to understand where I am coming from. For that I am thankful. you may not agree but at least check out some of my studies on the site. At the least, I’m sure you will find it interesting. Remember when reading the bible, we cannot understand it with natural wisdom. Romans 7 tells us the law is spiritual. The bible speaks many times about the wisdom of God/ mysteries of God. Jude speaks of those who speak evil of what they don’t understand. WE must have our mind reNEWed. The new covenant thinking, spiritual thinking, the mind of Christ. God bless. Oh Peter said scripture is not for private interpretation, we must let bible interpret bible to understand.

Being a Christian in a non-Christian rock band, I agree and appreciate what you’ve written here. Everyone in my band is a believer, but our songs are just about real life and real struggles. But on top of that, we are entertainers working in the entertainment industry. I seek to glorify God in everything I do, whether i’m on stage or off. But none of our songs are praise songs or anything like that.

As an artist, I just can’t wrap my mind around those who only want to write “Christian” songs. Unless, that is, i’m just trying to sell records or something. But i’m like you, Michael, in that I never ever listen to “Christian” music. Most of it is cheesy and about 10 years behind.

But if people want to listen to Christian music, then great. I’m just not into it.

I disagree with the generic criticisms of CCM. During the boom of substitute-artists of late 90s-early2000s, I could see it. But not now.

Give me a style or genre and I can give you a band or artist that rivals any non-Christian. Songwriting skills, technical ability, production value, passion, talent, authenticity… you name it.

However, music is such a subjective thing, I probably couldn’t convince you (the collective you, not anyone particular) anyway. You have your minds made up.

Is there fluff or uninspired music that record companies seem to love and push down our throats? Certainly, but that’s not just in the Christian market. You wouldn’t make all of your judgments about rock and country based on the top-40 stations, would you?

AMEN!!!!!! I almost hate Christian music. At least what is marketed as Christian music to white American Evangelicals. It’s above all ‘safe’ which makes it useless as an artform.

My favorite band is Hanson. Yep, the MmmBop Hanson. They have a song for every situation in life. It’s honest quality. Better than every Christian band on the planet.

http://www.hanson.net if you do not believe me. They’re awesome.

Hanson is ok, but I didn’t know they were still around.

@BibleStudy:

Seems weird to address a comment to someone named BibleStudy, but appreciate your willingness to explain your self…

I believe salvation is by grace through faith, not works.

On this we are certainly agreed.

I am a christian, and no lyrics from any acdc song bother me. However, because of this may believe I am unsaved.

I would not say listening to AC/DC is a sign of salvation one way or the other either. For me listening to some of their (and other) songs make it harder for me to think about good, pure things (Phil 4:8) and capture every thought for Christ (2 Cor 10:5). Not a salvation issue but a boundary I choose to draw for me.

I believe good works in the bible represent trusting in faith, not works.

Does the term “good works” have only the meaning of faith in Christ. Does Jesus have no expectations of our lives after we come to faith? Why does Paul tell us to “walk worthy of our calling” in Ephesians 4?

When we live a life like doing things the bible appears to speak against, we are glorifying God, showing his power to save us even though we don’t deserve to earn or keep salvation by our own works.

How would Paul’s admonition in Romans 3:8 be interpreted? Or Jesus statement in John 8:11?

Liars are those who don’t believe Jesus is the Christ, they are in unbelief. When we believe the gospel (faith), we no longer deny Jesus is the Christ, and therefore are not liars according to God’s definition. We therefore keep the commandment not to lie through faith in Jesus alone, not by not telling natural lies.

Is that the only definition for lying or just the worst case example of a liar? Is telling “natural lies” something God condones or something we do that caused Jesus to die on the cross and pay for?

Peace,
MikeB

Your statements about Christian sub-culture have some worth. While Christians should never be isolationists when it comes to culture, we must remember that “conforming” to the world’s culture is a danger. Christ’s culture ran counter to His teachings, and he even called the disciples to lay aside culural norms and views in order to preach the Gospel. The point—the Gospel transcends cultures rather then working within them. Can a Christian enjoy today’s culture without being conformed to it? Absolutely, but only in so far as he is renewing his mind with the truth of God’s Word on a regular basis. Apart from that regular renewing, conformity is more likely. And as Christ said, “Friendship with the world is emnity with God.”

Also, the notion that cooking, or any other task for that matter, cannot be done in a Christian way is utterly false. I Corinthians 10:31 gives a strong command that whatever we do, we must do as unto the Lord—this includes playing music and listening to music. The grandest music—culturally popular or not—played for self-motivated reasons will meet with only an earthly reward. But the must mundane of tasks done in Christ’s name has eternal significance.

Some of your views seem to accomodate your own tastes in music rather than reconciling your listening habits with the truth of God’s Word.

@Mike B,
If you will check out a couple studies at my website, you will see exactly what I believe on the topics you have mentioned. Check out the study on the law is spiritual:thou shalt not bear false witness as well as some others if this one doesn’t answer your questions. In short, yes I believe God does not require anything of us other than faith in Jesus, even after salvation. I have proved this for myself in scripture, and have tried to prove many things through my website to others. Check it out. Oh, and yes, I believe the definition (Gods definition of a liar) is given in 1 John 2:22. And no, I don’t believe we have to refrain from telling natural lies in order to please God. And who could if this was he case, who doesn’t tell little white lies about everyday. Another example, for medical professionals who document medical care may not remember the exact time something occurred and may estimate, wouldn’t this be considered a natural lie? It is not the truth. No one could ever live life without telling at least one little white lie, like telling someone they look good when they don’t, etc. Thank God he doesn’t require the impossible, only faith.

CMP: I agree with what you said and for the most part most of the responses have been positive in support of your position. I find that being a Christian is for the most part is being misunderstood, which is a given. Scripture gives us a lot of good examples of how we should be, but often we fall way short of ideal. I think that the whole sub culture of Christianity comes off as being fake or cheesy, and this is the struggle that we all deal with being under the label, and not the law. What gets me is the criticism for listening to music which is non-christian. So what! I like Evanescence, Creed, Breaking Benjamin, Kid Rock, Montgomery Gentry, some rap, Michael Jackson, old skool, and even Christian music. I like classical, jazz, alternative and just about any kind of music which soothes my soul at the given moment. What I think that everyone forgets is that ALL MUSIC is a gift from God! Not all music honors God, but we were given the freedom to choose what to listen to or not. I just don’t like being criticized for listening to whatever suits my fancy. Just because I call myself Christian, does not mean that I am not subjected to all the other junk that everyone else who does not call themselves Christian, have to deal with. IM NOT PERFECT, JUST FORGIVEN!

After I wrote my message the other day, I realized that I did not communicate it very well. What I meant at the first part, was music or anything in the arts that “REALLY” did it for me, where it just was something I wanted to play over and over and over again. I love a lot of things I have seen and heard. For some reason I might be one of those people that once having found something that is awesome, I like to watch or hear it a lot–and it really does it for me.
Also, my message did not convey all of my reality, which is important. There is a lot of loud music in my world, and in my world there is even a sole inventor of a subharmonic processor that even Brittany Spears used. What I realize is that so much of this talk about music, might simply be us. Our expectations of others might be too high. Or we won’t let Christians laugh or be silly in song because we are simply too serious All the time. Sometimes I think about the people I know and myself included…will we wind up as old people who just work and work and grind and grind and lost our first love (because we want to call the shots)? Is the question: are we allowed to be joyous, laugh, be silly in this life? What is this sub-culture demanding of us? Conformity? I think God wants individuality. And He wants our heart, and we come from every walk of life.
Another question…should our life consist of dissecting God or having a relationship with God and the world/people He wants us to love, but not be conformed to it (what is evil)? Does not the Bible say that to the pure all things are pure? Titus 1:15

On a related note, I don’t like Christian preaching. Christian preaching is theologically wrong. It’s like saying “I like Christian beverages.” There is no such thing, or at least there should not be.

Why don’t I like Christian preaching? What happens is this. I am driving down the road listening to music and then John MacArther comes on. I immediately change the station. I look for other preaching. Maybe something from the 90’s. That was a great decade for preaching. Here is my order of preference:

Alcoholics Anonymous
ACLU
Rush Limbaugh

I know what you are thinking. These aren’t Christian preachers. I don’t like the Christian mentality that Christians must create a sub-culture for preaching to be truly Christian. When people come to church they have to learn Bible words like redemption, salvation, and sanctification, and limit their audio input to Walk in the Word, Let My People Think, and Chris Fabery Live. Why? Because we must conform to the sub-culture that says everything outside is evil and dangerous.

Instead of giving out the gospel, we need to represent Christ by being human. If a person feels so inclined, they should listen to Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, G Gordon Liddy.

Let me just say it. I think that most Christian preaching is fake. I would much rather hear about people’s real lives, real struggles, and real passions than the shallow stuff that I hear coming out of Christian preaching today. I would rather hear about a drug addict honestly wrestling with the issues of life, than listen to those who say they have all the answers from God’s Word when I know this is not really the case. I would rather hear someone honestly cursing God from the pulpit than hypocritically giving glory to God in the assembly.

Hopefully you can see that my post is satire. But your post is not. Your post is full of “I would rathers” and “I don’t likes” instead of scripture.

Have fun and stay busy – Luke 19:13

-The…

Great article! I don’t like most of the Christian music because its about self and not praising God. The sad part is its in many churches. Like your music picks. You should try VAST I’m Dying — great song.

When I placed my first message on this topic on Oct 15, I felt that it was an interesting topic, but since have been on edge about it.
I am sorry I wrote anything on this topic.
I realized, as for me, this topic serves no purpose.
It does not lift up.
I do not think it helps anyone or the cause of Christ.
I am ashamed of myself for writing anything at all.
Here is one repentant woman.
Please forgive me – all the way around. Tears.
Love in Jesus’ Name.

As a former avid heavy metal fan, I think there are both values and detractors from any style of music. However, as much as our culture tries to deny the truth, the messages expressed in music do have an effect on the listener. Not that listening to Ozzy makes you a murderer, but repetitive lyrics set to a hypnotic beat take up residence in your mind. Just watch how any 5 year old will be singing a catchy tune for months after listening to it a few times.

That being said, Scripture instructs us to focus our minds on what is good, pure and pleasing to God. Christian music, simple or not, focuses our attention on the glory of our God, and praise becomes instilled in our brain. Secular music also instills itself in our brain – so we have to use discernment to determine what messages we allow there.

There is definitely benefit to music that challenges our thinking and connects with the struggles and emotions of life we all face. But our society is way too lax in allowing casual sin to become our focus.

There is nothing wrong with listening to Ozzy Osborne music. I do it all the time and still focus upon things that good.