Why do some Christians think Christian rock is wrong?

Question

And I know half of you clicked on this just to say Christian rock sucks, I'm not asking whether you like it or not, I want to know why some CHRISTIANS really believe it to be satanic or harmful.

Is it not just music? I think the " it's conforming to the world" argument is kinda weak, the secular world didn't put a patent on any type of sound, it's just instruments making sounds and I don't remember seeing any musical guidelines set forth in the Bible. If we take something and use it to glorify God, how can that be bad? Should we not drive cars or go to the movies cuz that would be "conforming to the world" We can't live in a bubble, it doesn't make us very effective in the world. The only thing that can make a song "Christian" or not is the lyrics.

I understand people have their preferences, if they like older more traditional stuff that's fine, but is there really a reliable or scriptural reason for calling Christian rock unbiblical?

Just my thoughts, what's your opinion?

Answer 1

It's a cultural thing. People have a very hard time separating culture from Christianity. I pastored a church once that had some singers from a well-known Southern Gospel group in the congregation. These girls were some of the most humble, sweet, sincere, and diligent people I have had the privilege of knowing. I spoke to one of them once about the new worship songs many churches were using. She responded in all sincerity that it was pretty but not "anointed." In her world God only used Southern Gospel. Just think of the poor people in Africa and Asia who do not have that style of music! Just bear with those critics. It is hard for them to see the difference between culture and Christianity. Their numbers have been dwindling over the last 30 years and they are now quite the minority.

Answer 2

Because Rock, Metal, Punk, Ska, etc. . . is worldly. This also includes any of the genre's I mentioned that call themselves "Christian". Many try to say that music is objective but, this is incorrect. Music can have a huge effect or someone. Some Nine Inch Nails or Manson songs can make you feel angry. I'm sure you've heard of the studies where they play classical music to a plant and the plant thrives and they played metal to the plant and it died? Or maybe you've heard that if you play classical music to your baby in the womb it has an effect on their brain and can increase their intelligence. Even Hollywood knows that music can have an effect on a person. That's why they play fast music for certain scenes and slow, peaceful music for tranquil scenes and so forth. So clearly, music is not objective. 1John 2:15 says Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Rock (when I say rock I'm including all the above mentioned genres) has always been synonymous with rebellion and we know that God's Word says in 1Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. I don't think people should be nasty to you about it however, if they are being honest with you about it, well, that's not being nasty that's being truthful. When Christians go around listening to worldly music they look like hypocrites. Many modernistic Christians get severely angry when you present this to them, which automatically sends up a red flag as to their spiritual condition. I can understand being angry and trying to overcome these things but, they tend to get verbally violent. Anyway, I always suggest that if you feel your music is Godly or Okay to listen to and if you truly are a Christian then seek the Lord for an answer and if it truly is God honoring then the Holy Spirit will guide you back to it but, remember to test the spirits.

Answer 3

I agree with you. I love Christian rock. I listen all the time. I like Larry Norman's lyric, "Why should the Devil have all the good music?"

This is what I've heard for reasons why "rock is bad" in general throughout the years.

There are hints that Satan was involved with music in Heaven so anything coming from Satan, we should avoid. (Ezekiel 28:13).

The drum beat used in Rock music is similar to tribal music in Africa used to worship idols, so the music style is considered as originating from Satan, and so it should be avoided.

Music helps set the mood for emotions. Rock music supposedly enhances moods for anger.

I've also heard parents complain, "I can't understand the words, so what good is it?"

There is no scriptural reason that I can see that Christian rock is unbiblical though. If you are around Christians that consider it wrong, however, you might consider not playing it around them. In 1 Corinthians 8, it talks about meat sacrificed to idols. Even though Christians aren't affected by it, Paul said he wouldn't eat it if it weakens people's conscience. I think Christian Rock is kind of like that in a way for some.

I don't currently know anybody that complains, but if they do, I'll just listen later.

Answer 4

I went to a school that believed that it was wrong. they just wrongly think that Christian Rock is conforming to the world. they think that rock music is evil and so therefore Christian rock is not right to listen to. I believe that Christian rock is great, it glorifies God. But basically they think that Christian rock conforms to the world, even though there is no Verse in the Bible that says anything like that. In fact, the Bible says to Worship God with hymns and spirituall songs. Christian Rock is spiritual music. Hope I Helped

Answer 5

Frankly, I don't care for Southern Gospel music. It all sounds the same to me, and like recycled country music. I've never developed an appreciation for country music, and I've only lived in Southern states, except when I lived overseas (my dad and I were in the export business and my mom is German). But if others are blessed by that style of music, more power to them, it's just not my personal preference.

Answer 6

I don't think it's wrong, but I think it's short sighted to be regurgitating the same music already been regurgitated to death by secular "artists" (this doesn't just apply to rock but also to hip hop). This is the perfect time for Christians to use a little imagination (dare I say become divinely inspired?) and come up with something new while everyone else is busy beating the rock/hip hop dead horses, but unfortunately doesnt' look like that's going to happen.

Answer 7

i do no longer think of it concerns what form of song it incredibly is, it relies upon on the content. i think of there are a solid a lot of human beings Christians that like Rock or Pop song, in actuality many Christian songs are recorded utilising the rock sound.

Answer 8

You have to remember when John Wesley began writing hymns, the churches were opposed to singing hymns in their worship services and believed that only the singing of the psalms was permissible. Churches tend to become very ritualized and resistant to change. I personally love Christian rock and praise music. I'm all for it. God bless!!

Answer 9

In the Christian religion, different denominations have different views of many things. Music is one of them. I was raised in a strict Baptist church, where it was believed that the only music, period, should be gospel-type music that praised God. They were against Christian Rock, Contemporary Christian music, not to mention any other form of music (mainstream pop, country, rock, etc.).

But that's just one denomination's view point. Not all churches share that point of view.

Many churches believe that if it takes ROCK music to speak to younger people, then you go with what works. I share that belief. I think God appreciates when we praise Him with music, whether it's gospel, or contemporary, or rock.

Answer 10

I prefer 14th century profane music actually... however I remember, as a child, hearing the fundies teaching that rock-n-roll was of the devil.

I don't care for 'christian rock', or any modern 'christian' music for that matter, as I believe they serve the almighty dollar more than god; that being said, as long as it doesn't teach hate and disrespect, I don't care what the kids listen too (well, it can't be too loud either!)