Christianity and secular music (rock, in particular)

[MaddLlama]

I do suggest though, that when you're witnessing to the non-Christian, you pay close attention to the manner in which you present the gospel because truthfully, if I wasn't a Christian and you talked to me the way you've talked to me in this thread...in a judgemental manner...I would walk away from you.

*nod*

Speaking as an atheist, I find you to be an excellent witness because you don't go out of your way to judge, unlike some people, and I would be much more inclined to want to listen to what you had to say. Being judgemental even to other Christians simply perpetuates the sterotype that non-Christians have about Christians.

 

[Lindsey-Loo]

It all depends on the type of rock. I'm a Christian, and I still listen to rock music. Not hard rock, or anything, cause most of those songs/bands send pretty bad messages. But I still listen to The Fray, Nickelback, The All-American Rejects, Staind, etc. Staind and Nickelback have songs with...ahem...adult themes, and cuss words, so I never purchase their CDs, I only download their clean songs to my iPod. And I would agree, Christianity and rock music just don't mix. Anyway, I would say that you can listen to any genre of music, as long as the particular song does not promote sin or anything.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

IMHO, it's better for the Christian to worship Christ than to listen to music that mocks him.

 

[Bishka]

Personally, I don't think rock music leads you away from Jesus Christ unless you let it.

There may be some songs that I listen to that I shouldn't, but in the most part, I can't even understand what they are saying most of the time.

God knows my heart, and if any music I listen to blasphemies Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, it gets turned off immediatley.

 

[MaddLlama]

IMHO, it's better for the Christian to worship Christ than to listen to music that mocks him.

Do you think all rock and metal music mocks Christ?

 

[angellous_evangellous]

Do you think all rock and metal music mocks Christ?

No.

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[MaddLlama]

No.

====

Just asking. =)

 

[doppelganger]

The idea of "Christian" music makes little sense to me personally. I find the Spirit all over the place. However, I thought I would share some lyrics from one of my favorite "Christian"-branded artists, Michael Card, as to balance the view of Christianity expressed in the lyrics above (not to suggest that that view is wrong or inappropriate).

Distressing Disguise
He is in the pain, He is in the need
He is in the poor, we are told to feed
Though He was rich, for us He became poor
How could He give so much, what was it for?

In His distressing disguise
He waits for us to surmise
That we rob our brothers by all that we own
And that's not the way He has shown

Every time a faithful servant serves
A brother that's in need
What happens at that moment is a miracle indeed
As they look to one another in an instant it is clear
Only Jesus is visible for they've both disappeared

He is in the hand that reaches out to give
He is in the touch that causes men to live
So speak with your life now as well as your tongue
Shelter the homeless, take care of the young

In His distressing disguise
He hopes that we'll realize
That when we take care of the poorest of them
We've really done it to Him

 

[Ozzie]

Surely music must be allowed to move you, even if you are a Christian. The lyric is of secondary importance and you can choose to dissociate it from the groove if you like.

 

[Sunstone]

Maybe music is like a lot of other things: getting many viewpoints can be a way of enriching and deepening your own?

 

[Fluffy]

The problem I have with Christian music is that it tends not to be metal/hard rock and the problem I have with Christian music that is metal/hard rock is that it tends to be of a much lower standard (I feel) than what else is out there. There are lots of exceptions but generally these bands don't hold a torch to those bands at the forefront of their particular genre. For example, compare Deliverance with Megadeth, Demon Hunter with Korn, Circle of Dust with Fear Factory, Zao with Lamb of God. The difference in quality and the extent of bands in the latter category means that when it comes to buying an album of a band I have not yet heard, there is nothing in "Christian metal" that makes me want to risk my money on a Christian band when I can explore a band that is likely to be much much better.

I often find that much of the "anti-Christianity" in music, that many Christians seem to dislike, I either agree with or sympathise with. For example in the Chilli's song quoted above, I totally agree with "Your hell is something scary / I prefer a loving god". If you feel that they are criticising Christianity rather than specific attitudes and trends in that religion then I feel that you are putting words into their mouths.

Admittedly I do not find music that panders to a specific vision of God to be to my taste unless I also share that vision of God. So I suppose you could say that I enjoy the criticism of God that this type of music offers because I disagree with the version of God that they are criticising (hell fire and brimstone, lack of universal forgiveness, faith being the antithesis of reason). I have no problem with people believing in this kind of stuff but obviously I am going to prefer music that does not describe such a reality.

I also prefer it because it is often written from the viewpoint of the non-existence of God and so I find it easier to empathise with the music. If I listen to Christian music, I immediatly hit a brick wall, spoiling my enjoyment, as soon as I hear a line that assumes God's existence. And obviously, I find preaching music as distasteful as the anti-Christianity of black metal.

In fact I am amazed that people consider half the bands that have been posted on here to be examples of this kind of attitude. I suggest that a better education of metal music will lead you to conclude that these guys are kittens compared with just about any other band that speaks of religion in the genre. In fact the only bands (that deal with religion) in metal that are more positive than this are the Christian bands that I spoke of earlier. Next you will be telling me that "Number of the Beast" is anti-Christian.

I should note that most of this anti-Christianity, ie actual anti-Christianity, I find impossible to listen to in the same way that I find it impossible to listen to racist or sexist music.

 

[Buttercup]

This thread is mostly aimed at christians, but i love to hear everyones point of view, so all are welcome; i'm just particularly interested in christians view on this subject.

As someone who used to be a rocker, and since being saved (accepting Jesus/becoming a christian ) hasn't listened to the stuff ( my choice), i find it hard to understand why so many christians are still listening to rock/nu metal. This actually makes me question their salvation or wether they have back slidden

Fortunately for you and others, it is not your job to worry about who has back slidden or who is saved. That's God job because you can't know anyone's heart but your own. I'd limit that concern to your immediate family or close friends.

I knew a girl once who came from a very lovely family. Her father was a Baptist minister and her mother played piano for the choir. The entire family was a joy to be around because they exuded such love and energy. Unfortunately, the parents were also very strict. My friend couldn't go to dances at school, couldn't listen to any music other than what her parents picked out, couldn't date any boys except those that went to a church they knew of, etc. Of course their intentions were good and they thought they were doing the right thing and they were very loving. As soon as that girl got out of the house and on her own....she basically went wild. Her parents didn't know this however. She and I lived together and I can't tell you how many men she brought home and how many times she got drunk out of her mind. In fact, she ended up getting married young because she got pregnant.

The moral of the story is....know when to fight the worthy battles regarding kids and the music they listen to, or yourself for that matter. Let kids explore, let them test boundries and help them realize it's not the end of the world to listen to music that isnt' "Christian". Your child will be less likely to rebel later and will respect you more in the end.

 

[d.]

.Black sabbath is the mother of anti Christ songs, Ozzy Osbourne has always said a spirit wrote thier songs ( im guessing it wasnt from God)

at least do your homework...

After Forever by Black Sabbath

Have you ever thought about your soul - can it be saved?
Or perhaps you think that when youre dead you just stay in your grave
Is God just a thought within your head or is he a part of you?
Is christ just a name that you read in a book when you were in school?

When you think about death do you lose your breath or
Do you keep your cool?
Would you like to see the pope on the end of a rope
Do you think hes a fool?
Well I have seen the truth, yes Ive seen the light and Ive changed my ways
And Ill be prepared when youre lonely and scared at the end of our days

Could it be youre afraid of what your friends might say
If they knew you believe in God above?
They should realize before they criticize
That God is the only way to love

Is your mind so small that you have to fall
In with the pack wherever they run
Will you still sneer when death is near
And say they may as well worship the sun?

I think it was true it was people like you that crucified christ
I think it is sad the opinion you had was the only one voiced
Will you be so sure when your day is near, say you dont believe?
You had the chance but you turned it down, now you cant retrieve

Perhaps youll think before you say that God is dead and gone
Open your eyes, just realize that hes the one
The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate
Or will you still jeer at all you hear? yes! I think its too late.

 

[darkwaldo]

I think some christians need to chill. But, I'm drunk so what do I know?

 

[Buttercup]

I think some christians need to chill. But, I'm drunk so what do I know?

Whoooohooooo! Go baby go!

 

[BFD_Zayl]

well, since non christians have been invited to do so, i shall...uhh...do so...*ahem* most music like that is expressing anger, confusion, and stuff like that. when im angry i listen to angry music because i can identify with it, when people say "it only makes your anger worse" i say its either that or i get "physical" try listening to system of a down, they support christianity, have good angry music, and display popular political beliefs.

 

[Buttercup]

I remember when I was in my junior year of school, I got an assignment in my english class, to find a song that represents me, and in all honesty, it was really, really hard. There was nothing out there that described me, who I was and how I felt. That is, until I found something a year later. It's a song by Motograter called "Wrong", and it fitted me perfectly, and ever since I found that song, as weird as it is, I don't feel the same anymore. I honestly think it's that song that turned my life around.

Wow, that's awesome! I bet Motograter would be happy to hear that piece of information.

 

[porkchop]

If it makes you feel better and edifies you spiritually to judge my heart, without knowing me as a person...then be my guest. I want nothing more than for you to feel spiritually secure as a Christian.

It never ceases to amaze me how people love to see the bad in others. Why would you automatically think that i would create such a thread as to make you feel judged and upset and make me feel great about it? Especially as a christian, a fellow sister in Christ. I don't want you to feel judged, Dawn, and i apologise if the way i posted came across harsh, i get frustrated with this issue and how christians don't seem to ' test all things', or look into things deeply enough to understand what its all about.

My intention for this debate was to start what i consider an interesting debate/discussion on this subject, and yes, it would be great if some christians who hadnt looked into it felt convicted (by the Holy Spirit) enough to pray about it and hopefully stop listening to such distasteful music.

Personally, i would like someone to tell/correct me ( and this has happened over the years and i am grateful for it) if i am into something that isnt gonna help me to grow in my faith, and i wanna do whats right by God. I said what i said because i wanted you to really think about this issue, as i know music can have such a hold over people, it did over me. I love music, but thats the flesh talking, its all about the way it makes you feel. Whereas it would be more beneficial to feed my spirit wth Hymns and praises to God. Dont get me wrong, i do listen to secular music; on the radio or on internet( i don't own any), but what it comes down to is faith vs feeling, and it can be a constant battle.

I feel a little bit like you're going out of your way to exploit the faults of Christians.

Why would i wanna do that? It's hardly benefical to me or you. As christians, we should all be helping each other to grow and learn, sometimes it feels convicting, but thats the work of the Holy Spirit and its better to feel that way as it lets you know somethings not right.

I'm a sinner. I make mistakes and there is much in my life that I probably should focus on changing. I don't discount the truth behind the message you're giving and if you feel spiritually pressed to criticize the music choices of your brothers and sisters in Christ...again...be my guest. I pray for nothing but the best during this process.

And so am i,and i also make mistakes, which i always try to correct, sometimes with the help of others. I don't feel spiritually pressed to critisize any fellow christans music choices, I wish to inform people about this subject with the hope that they will come to the right conclusion themselves, with prayer.

I do suggest though, that when you're witnessing to the non-Christian, you pay close attention to the manner in which you present the gospel because truthfully, if I wasn't a Christian and you talked to me the way you've talked to me in this thread...I probably would walk away from you.

First, i would never mention music when witnessing to a non christian, as its something that, once saved, will hopefully change in them automatically. I stick to the Gospel, salvation and repentance. I am speaking to you about this subject as a sister ( in Christ) to another and feel i can speak honestly and openly with you as i truly do care for you, Dawn.

I can tell you in all honesty though that speaking to anyone from a self righteous pedestal...reaps no rewards.

And i am anything BUT self righteous.

I'll go as far as to say that I feel convicted.

I will be praying for you.xx

 

[porkchop]

IMHO, it's better for the Christian to worship Christ than to listen to music that mocks him.

Well said.:yes: :yes:

 

[porkchop]

metal/hard rock and the problem I have with Christian music that is metal/hard rock is that it tends to be of a much lower standard (I feel) than what else is out there.

Looking at it solely from a music point of view, i would agree that secular rock has a better sound to it,( christian rock doesnt have the same edge) but i really dont like many, if any christian contemporary music, its pretty poor.

I often find that much of the "anti-Christianity" in music, that many Christians seem to dislike, I either agree with or sympathise with. For example in the Chilli's song quoted above, I totally agree with "Your hell is something scary / I prefer a loving god". If you feel that they are criticising Christianity rather than specific attitudes and trends in that religion then I feel that you are putting words into their mouths.

Admittedly I do not find music that panders to a specific vision of God to be to my taste unless I also share that vision of God. So I suppose you could say that I enjoy the criticism of God that this type of music offers because I disagree with the version of God that they are criticising (hell fire and brimstone, lack of universal forgiveness, faith being the antithesis of reason). I have no problem with people believing in this kind of stuff but obviously I am going to prefer music that does not describe such a reality.

I also prefer it because it is often written from the viewpoint of the non-existence of God and so I find it easier to empathise with the music. If I listen to Christian music, I immediatly hit a brick wall, spoiling my enjoyment, as soon as I hear a line that assumes God's existence. And obviously, I find preaching music as distasteful as the anti-Christianity of black metal.

Thankyou for your honest response, i can understand your views on this.

In fact I am amazed that people consider half the bands that have been posted on here to be examples of this kind of attitude. I suggest that a better education of metal music will lead you to conclude that these guys are kittens compared with just about any other band that speaks of religion in the genre.

Yeah, im aware there are much worse bands,but these seem to be the most popular, and its also been awhile since i was into the scene, and i dont really enjoy searching sites on these bands.