Christian rock versus Secular rock?

Question

Ok, this is a 2 fold question really.

1) I am a Christian and love both secular and Christian rock. Is it acceptable to like both, or is it wrong? Why?

2) Is Christian rock as good or better *talent-wise* as secular rock groups? Why?

I do want to do this. I am huge rock fan, including metal, screamo, emo, jazz rock, anything like that. But, I am very particular on how the music sounds. Also, of course, I try to shy away from lyrical songs that might go against my beliefs. I've been able to find some pretty good bands that are to my taste that are also along with my lyrics, such as UnderOath. Hmmm... imagine that.
:-)

Answer 1

i love worship music in its many different ways, underoath included, other ones come to mind, disciple, as i lay dying...... i also enjoy metallica,guns n roses etc. i don't find a problem in the form of music you like, the only problem arises when that music,band or lyric takes you from the practice of christianity. listen to other bands and music styles, god gave those people that ability just be careful it doesn't take you away from god. both to me are acceptable if you can handle it.

is christian rock as good as secular, talent wise i feel secualr music surpasses christian music on the grounds they have more to work with. i feel sometimes christian artists limit themselves, rightfully so but this allows non christian bands to grow more as they are not restricted.

some secular bands are christianand some christians are able to glorif ygod in other ways. in the end it is what you feel comfortable with. always be carefull though.

Answer 2

I like both as well, and I'm a Christian.

For a long time, though, I found it really hard to listen to Christian music, because frankly, they WEREN'T as talented. However, now there's a plethora of talented Christian bands: Pierce (I've seen them live and they ROCK! Plus they're really nice, intelligent guys.), Kutless, Day of Fire, Decyfer Down, Building 429... And of course, there's always Petra. They may have retired (finally, after thirty years of making music together), but their music is still very uplifting and they're extremely talented.

Talent really is subjective. My husband loves Sepultura, for example, and I think they're awful. I make fun of the lead singer (I call him the Cookie Monster) every time my husband decides to play the CD. On the other hand, I love bands like Nightwish and Within Temptation, and my husband can't stand them.

But I think Christian rock bands CAN be every bit as talented as any secular rock band. Faith really has nothing to do with talent. Either a person has got it, or they don't. I think there are a lot of secular bands out there that aren't very talented, either.

Answer 3

That's a hard one to answer. The biggest division between Christian and secular rock is it's intent.

Christian music should bring the Christian into a spirit of worship, and the intent of the artist should be to create a spirit of worship in the listener. There are some good Christian "rock" bands who do just that, and you can feel it in their music and see it in their performances.

Unfortunately there are others in the Christian "rock" genre who aren't much different than secular bands. Light shows, fireworks, shrieking guitars, etc. Would Jesus be glorified with this? Are people listening to the message in the music, or are they busy watching all of the special effects? Does their music create a spirit of worship?

As far as secular rock, there isn't much secular rock that is considered "clean" enough for Christians to listen to. Ask yourself, "Would Jesus object to you listening to this if He were here?"

Or better yet, remembering that our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, would you want Him to listen to this music and those lyrics?

Answer 4

I don't think there's anything wrong with listening to secular rock so long as it doesn't go against your beliefs (lyrically, I mean). There are a lot of artists who are Christians but play secular music.

SOME Christian artists are certainly as or more talented than secular groups. Think of it this way - you've got a bunch of musicians out there with varying talent; some choose to play music for their religion, others choose to play about other contemporary issues.

Answer 5

Since you said you try to shy away from lyrics that go against your beliefs, I see nothing wrong with whatever music you choose.
I disagree with the idea of labeling something "secular" as if that means it is somehow bad. What does the word "secular" mean anyway? It isn't found in the Bible. Some thing is either from God and therefor it is good, or it is sin. There is no middle ground. Judge music for what it is. Ignore the labels, "secular" or "Christian".

Answer 6

I like both also. And I think it's ok to listen to both as long as it doesn't go as far as compromising your beliefs.

To be truthful, I think secular rock outdoes Christian rock for sheer excitement. It's more intense, and actually, more fun. But in secular rock, you have to put up with darker lyrics and some things God would object to. So you have to watch that and make sure you're picking good music. I think Christian artists are talented, but make their message so serious, and they kind of stifle the joy there is in Christ. You know? Scream it out, have a good time. There's no shame in Jesus, so make music that everyone can rock to, and still give glory to God. Amen?

Answer 7

I'm a non-Christian blues-rock guitarist. There are plenty of talented musicians on both sides. There is nothing wrong with liking non-Christian rock music, although you might want to stay away from the bands that say they worship the devil, but those bands probably wouldn't be music you'd like anyway as they are usually extreme heavy metal.

Answer 8

I like rock and roll, it's the beat mostly. But, I have a myspace friend who is into Christian Rock,

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=156698796

Check out, 'a downer of a sister'.
This is a wild, and crazy way to look at stories from the old testament, but it really works! Sometimes science, religion, philosophy, education and such have to take a back seat to art. And music is art. The greater the inspiration, the better the art. Music can be a mighty form of prayer.

Answer 9

I too am also split on this issue...

I have attended several "Acquire the Fire" events and seen many extremely talented christian music acts, of near "superstar" quality.

I have seen Hip Hop ( Toby Mac),
Rock ( Newsboys, Reliant K), Hard Rock (Skillet), and others that are hard to categorize (Jeremy Camp, Micheal Gungor).

The one thing that all of these have in common is their love of the lord, Jesus. They all work very hard spreading the word and give all the credit to God.

On a personal note, it was beyond amazing to walk into a domed football stadium, over 60,000 teenagers, and realizing that the Newsboys were sitting on the edge of the stage, playing acoustic instruments, leading the worship service. It blew my mind, after remembering how they had blown the roof off of the place only 8 hours earlier.

Answer 10

i think i can help answer one more than two. i believe it is acceptable to like both, but you need to make sure your balancing it out if you are listening to secular music. If secular music really has an effect on your relationship with christ, then i would try to refrain from it, until you can become stronger but even then you may not want it. It all depends really on your own personal relationship with God, and even though it may not seem big, pray about it. I feel like christian music can be more uplifiting but i still like secular music, i just make sure to know my limits. Pray about it or talk to a pastor and see what they say.