Music of this World (questions for christians)?

Question

Granted, most music in today's pop culture does not edify Christ, but rather, the things of this world.
However,

Is it your opinion that ALL wordly music is derived from the Anit-Christ?

Is it possible to listen to modern music and not be influenced by the lyrics?

If a person likes the actual music-(instruments)-of a song, but disagrees with the carnal lyrics, is it alright to listen to that song?

Classical music like Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, etc. is meant to convey emotions to the listener, and is considered some of the greatest art in human history. Are these compositions considered to be works of the Devil?

Answer 1

1) In my humble opinion, much "worldly" music is fine in the eyes of God. If a piece of music is not specifically about God that does not necessarily make it evil. For example, think of how many love songs are out there proclaiming the virtues of true romantic love. In most of them there is no reference to God in any way, but the songs are by no means evil. In fact many of them can be inspiring.

Another Example: A self help book on positivism might not have one reference to God, but is filled with ways to improve your life. Thus, despite its "worldly" status it in no way offends God who wants us to be happy.

2) It IS possible to listen to modern music and not be influenced (badly, I am infering from what else has been said) by the lyrics, for two reasons: 1) Not all modern music contains lyrics that would be considered "bad," no matter how stern the judge. For example, almost any song by Corrine Bailey Rae is free of any type of racist or sexual slurs or profanity. Her positive songs CAN influence you, but in a way most people would argue to be good. 2) Refering to the ancient point of view of Aristotle, poetry (music) lets us experience things, good or bad, without actually participating in them, thus letting us express emotions that are "bad" without actually doing bad things. In laymans terms, art can help us release anger, frustration, etc... in a positive manner.

3) Without any science or philosophy to back me up my opinon must suffice, so, yes, you can listen to a song because you love it's tune/instrumentals, despite any evil message in the lyrics, and still be alright in the eyes of God. I say this simply because of personal experience. Some songs and music I like are not the most spiritual/uplifting and some could even be considered mildly offensive. However, I am still basically a good person, trying strongly to live the commandments to the best of my ability.

4) The works of Beethoven, Brahms, and the other masters, are pure genius. They are beautiful and are a testament to what beauty is. They are NOT the works of the Devil. They are monuments of human achievement.

Answer 2

I do not believe in that way. I am a Pentecostal believer, but I think that all musical ability comes from God, as He is the one that bestows talent unto people. Some use it to create evil, just as any talent can be used for good or evil. Yes, lyrics that lift up carnality, sex, etc. are against God. Music that has no lyrics is simply music. I enjoy a good guitar, and instrumental blues is something that I have enjoyed for years.

Answer 3

No, not all "worldly" music is from the Anti-Christ. I listen to plenty of secular music, and I haven't been possessed by demons, not even once. I perform classical music on a regular basis, and am frequently asked to do so in church, so if Beethoven and Mozart are of the devil, then I've been bringing satanic music into my church for a very long time. I've worked with church music for years, and as long as I continue to do so, there will be classical music used in our services. Don't forget that almost all of the classical masters wrote liturgical music. Relax. Music is here for us to enjoy. That means all of it. However, if a certain set of lyrics offend you, then don't buy that music for your personal collection.

Answer 4

Matthew 15:11

Answer 5

Don't get so hung up on music. It is what it is. Enjoy it or don't. If all music were meant for worship then so should the peanut butter we buy be "Praise The Lord Peanutbutter" and so the jelly we buy should be, "Jump for Jesus Jelly". I'd encourage you to let Philippians 4:8 be your guide, meaning - find music that helps you to think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and praiseworthy.

Answer 6

This seems like a dumb question. Since when do Christians believe that modern music is from the devil? Never heard that. Christians don't think it anymore that any other religion. It's a cultural thing. Generation gaps and such... anyways.

Answer 7

The lyrics make or break a song in terms of, is it okay to listen to it.

If you like the instruments but disagree with the lyrics, don't listen to it.

It's like saying, "I like the taste of arsenic but I hate the side effects."

Answer 8

I think we are free to listen to any music we want to. The music we listen to reflects what is in our hearts, but also what's in our hearts can be affected by the music we listen to. Alot of songs I hear weren't necessarily meant to edify Christ but I hear them that way. God Bless you!

Answer 9

Good question. Without being a christian, on the surface level you might think this. But no, people are created by God and have gifts. It is not wrong to listen to anything. It's only wrong if it causes you to sin.

Answer 10

What was the question? man, I am going to be blunt without hate or disrespect towards you :) No one is perfect that is true, we all sin, that is true, however these facts do not make for an excuse right? In regards to lyrics .. I have no doubt that if someone knew you as Christian via what they listened to or saw, and then saw cuss, lyrics about murder or whatnot, it would confused them and being honest, would misslead them. In regards to your comment "I may use profanities and have sex occasionally, but I also donate to my church, I run a blog attempting to help guide people to Christianity and therefore salvation, I do charity work, I pray several times a day" donating, praying, helping etc does not make up for other behaviour .. remember that God does not look at works but our heart .. if we are out there having premarital sex, cussing etc that is our heart .. and honestly not the heart that God encourages us to have in His word, nor a heart he likes .. A heart for Jesus is all or nothing! My encouragement would be to look at salvation .. it is us dying for Him, making a commitment to be who He wants us to be, to change on the in and out side, with a heart wanting to seek him more and more each day, not allowing things that is Not of Him or His will for our individual lives to be part of ours .. yes we make mistakes and sin, that is no excuse, however with these things we must learn, we must grow, we must resist .. and not just do these things, but do them from the heart and with a focus on Him as we do so. In regards to rap ... i love the style, however it does not need to include murder or profanity .. and in regards to honouring Jesus in the music, it can not promote those things, even it is was "just a song" or whatever. In fact many kids who hear profanity via your lyrics will adopt it .. it will grow on them, same as other lyrics innocent or not, that is the seed that is being sown into their lives amongst others, seeds that does not glorify Him. I understand to you it may be a rap game .. however games can destroy! Russian roulette is a game, should we play it or be part of it? Gots to understand the consequences of our actions, of our hearts. Remember this my friend, God called us to be fishermen of men .. our hearts need to be right with God before we can achieve this, we can not fish showing His heart if we do not understand it, nor can we fish using things that goes against His encouragements. no hate or judgement towards you this end ,, if anything I hope this response encourages you.