music question for those who believe in god (and those who don't)?

Question

i was listening to my ipod today and i wondered, do those who beleive in god (i had christians in mind to be honest) care about what thier favorite musicians say in thier lyrics? if there is something religiously objectionable in some song, will you not listen to that band? or will you not listen to that one song?

for example, i like nine inch nails. there's a some called "heresy", and the lyrics go "your god is dead, and no one cares, if there is a hell, i'll see you there". many would find this objectionable, but would that prevent you from listening to this band if you liked other songs, or the music in general?

i'm just curious.

thanks for the answers everyone.

i only asked because a friend of mine loves nin but is also very christian, two things that seem to go against each other. i only wanted to know if he was an exception. he won't listen to the heretical songs. ;o)

intriguedgirl: i have. its not something i enjoy listening to. personal preference you see.

Answer 1

As a believer I stay open to different views.I don't go around saying that I won't watch this program or listen to that song because it says something against my faith.I know the truth of what I believe and so I have no problem listening to or watching something that may go against my faith.It's not going to change my faith and anyone who thinks it will change their faith or hurt their faith doesn't, in my view, have a very strong faith to begin with...

I like Nine Inch Nails :)

Answer 2

I'm religious although not Christian. I'm Hindu and I listen to mostly Hindu music. I like the sound of it and it increases my feelings of love and devotion and generally makes me feel better. I also listen to a wide range of music, everything from western swing to Taylor Hicks! ;-) I rarely run into truly objectionable lyrics in the type of music I listen to. About as close as I've come is this country song called, "Tequila makes her clothes fall off"!!! I think it has such a catchy tune, but the words are so silly. I listen to it when it comes on anyway. I think it would depend on how objectionable the words were. If they were really bad, I wouldn't listen to it and probably wouldn't listen to anything else by the artist.

Answer 3

As a Christian and a professional musician, I have found that lyrics are difficult to separate from the music. I have friends that tell me they just listen for the music, but at the end of the day I think it takes a very discriminating ear to be able to enjoy the music aesthetically without having the lyrics effect your thinking, even if it's just an amount of time contemplating what the artist is trying to say.

All to say, I don't listen to overtly, aggressively heretical lyrics, but don't avoid all secular music as some very conservative Christians do. I listen to all genres, including metal, hip hop, industrial, etc.

Answer 4

I think it all depends on your conscience. If it has a good message or I like what it says then I like it. I listen to all sorts of music if something bothers me I don't listen to it. It could be about anything not just religion. If I don't like what the song says I won't listen. I really listen to lyrics and try to figure out what they mean. So many people take lyrics too literal. More than not its a metaphor for something totally different.

Answer 5

Lyrics are a part of what I respond to in music. I like a lot of different kinds of music, but if it has lyrics that "speak to me", it's something special. My favorite band's songs are all just about the pain, fun, and absurdity in everyday life. I find music that is labeled "Christian" objectionable, but that's just me. I don't care what the people in a band believe spiritually or politically. I don't really want to know. I want good music that relates to my life experience.

Answer 6

There a lot of song's I don't listen to because I don't like therir lyrics. The Red Hot Chili Peppers I don't like because they are very offensive lyrics in song's like "Give it away now" and breaking a girl I think these song along with many other chili pepper song's are offensive the woman and young girls. Also insulting to to Love and romance. But I do like their song "under The Bridge" I'll listen to it if it's played on the radio. I think Iggy Pop does a lot of insulting song's but "cry for Love" is a good song so Ilisten to that along with few other's. Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" is very offensive to all Lovers and those seeking romance I hate that song I will not listen to that song. But other song's such as "Saturday night Special" "The Needle and the Spoon" and "That Smell" are good because they are against drugs and guns.

Answer 7

Many people claim they do not even hear the lyrics. Yet they go around singing them. One study shows that the increase in teen cussing comes fro watching so many of their favorite singers cuss it up in concerts and interview DVDs. While U2 and REM have large following their message does not seem to get to many of the teens and early 20's. I took a younger cousin to see U2, after the show was over he said he liked the music but like the absence of the devil sings, cussing from the band and leather, tats and piercings. You mention NIN what about their song that has the lyrics I want to **** you like an animal.

Answer 8

I see TWO questions here: the explicit one about lyrics and the implicit one about music.

No. I wouldn't listen to any band that promotes even one song with objectionable lyrics.

And secondly, I do not listen to any band that uses any form of rock music (about 95 %), even if the music is labeled CCM or Christian Rock. Of course, the expression, "Christian Rock" is an oxymoron, similar to "Christian Homosexual" or "Holy S##t."

As a Christian, my music listening opportunities are very limited.
I'm a church musician: I play an electronic keyboard organ-style (and without any beats).

Answer 9

Lyrics aren't the first things I listen for when I hear a song. It has to have a nice melody, and/or a good, steady beat. As far as lyrics go, there's not much that can offend me, but it has to sound as nice as the song (which is why I don't like rap or hip-hop). Good lyrics are kind of icing on the cake, for me, but I do appreciate them (I love Paul Simon's lyrics).

In other words, it's not the lyrics themselves that would bother me; if they stood out from the rest of the song, though, then they'd irritate me.

Oh, and I'm agnostic.

Answer 10

It depends on your faith and if you see a problem in it. If you dont let the lyrics influence you then there isnt a real problem. Some priests may say no altogether. There are some nice alternatives out there. www.ancientfaithradio.com is an online radio station. Does music, chants, interview, services. It is orthodox in nature. I find the music and the services very soothing. Keep in mind that religion, and if you read the Bible, has a very violent past.

Answer 11

I think this depends on the listener. Bands do know how to sell their music and some do it with "shock" tactics. If the music bothers you, don't listen. Some people are really effected by music, some aren't. If you are bothered by the darkness (or negativitiy) in some music, then you shouldn't listen to it. Personally, I don't think God cares as long as your choice of music doesn't affect how you treat others or how you live your life. It is just music, after all.

Just my opinion.