Can a Christian like "secular" and "religious" music at the same time?

Question

Secular music is considered to be non-religious music. A lot Christians consider this type of music wrong. I'm a Christian, but I don't think all of it is wrong.

Yes, there is some inappropriate material in some secular music, but there are a lot of secular music that does not include profanity and can actually talks about love. Personally, I think people who think all types of secular music is wrong is practically close-minded, because they only think of the profanity and other inappropriate material. For me, Teen Pop and Children's music (which would be considered secular music) isn't entirely bad.

Still I would like to have your thoughts on this subject.

I really do like music of all kinds, including religious music. I feel that a Christian can like secular music, just as a long it doesn't poison their minds or faith in God.

For me, I like to listen to both "kinds" of music.

Answer 1

If listening to secular music is wrong, then why not consider looking at secular art, reading secular literature, watching secular movies, or playing secular games like "chess" to be wrong also? (Yes, I know some denominations actually teach that doing these things is wrong also.).

Considering the fact that the Apostle Paul occasionally quoted from secular poets & secular philosophers in his letters in the Bible, then obviously Paul read secular literature & secular poetry and though that there was nothing wrong with it.

This is clearly one of those "gray areas" which Paul was discussing in Romans chapter 14; as long as listening to secular music does not weaken your faith, or else lead either you or someone else into some type of temptation, then it is OK to listen to in moderation. Paul would advise you not to listen to, or play such music if you know that someone else is nearby who would be offended by it, however, as this would violate the command to "love your neighbor".

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In reference to the guy above me who said: "Jesus talked about "cleaning the outside of the cup and leaving the inside dirty"...I imagine he loves some eric clapton.=) ";

Actually, Jesus was referring to "hypocrisy" with this statement, and he was condemning it, not encouraging it. (Matthew 23:25-26)

Answer 2

I think listening to secular is OK. BUT, I believe there is a limit. Listening to music that is about "dirty hoes" is not something I believe you would want to listen to as a christian. To me I mostly try not to listen to anything that doesn't glorify God. There are so many different kinds of christian music rock, rap, whatever, so as you said not all but some secular does have profanity, so you can substitute that secular music with Christan whatever ie: rap, rock, pop . Understand? But i also dont have a problem with music that is just about love or the day or whatever. You just personally have to determine what YOU believe is OK.

OK that was a long answer to say i agree with you.

Answer 3

I may be the only one that will answer your question with a NO; my answer is not based on my own opinion, but on studies that have been done.

Either you are christian, or you are not, God wants ALL of your heart, not just part of it.

Most of the secular music has a beat in it that has a very powerful effect on the emotional center of the brain, so that even if there is vulgarity, you are more likely to miss it or to readily accept it. Music is a form of communication, that is one of the reasons that it is used in almost every type of event.

The ancient Africans were the first people to use drums or rhythms as a form of music or communication. They used these in their worship services for the specific purpose of calling the devils down into the people, and it still has the same purpose.

Answer 4

I believe that all music should be praise or worship music. I used to listen to worldly music when I was in the world, but now I listen to Christian, Classical, Jazz, Soul, Celtic and not any secular pop, rock, rap, or country. You have to use your own judgment on this one I think. For instance I love the sound of Eva Cassidy, and she does have some really good soul stuff, but she does have some not so good stuff too so I skip over most of that. But I also believe that what kind of music you listen to is a determining factor to your maturity in Christ. Most of the mature Christians I know have forsaken all secular music. 1 Cor. 13:11

Answer 5

I'm a Christian and I listen to music that's not from the Christian genre. For instance, I like rap, but only for the beat. It's very rare that I agree with what the artist is rapping about. And I also was a teeny bopper back in my high school days (still am at heart) and I don't feel that there's anything wrong with that type of music. I think it all comes down to the individual and what God is convicting that person of. What's considered sin to one person may not be considered sin to another.

Answer 6

I think it just depends on how strong the persons walk with the Lord is. What I mean is, to some people secular music is stumbling, sometimes because of the life they lived before they new the Lord. So if it stumbles you don't listen to it, but if not than rock on! I listen to both, but I am careful as to the lyrics in secular if it's too inappropriate I'll change the channel.

Answer 7

Well, I didn't realize that being a Christian automatically eliminated any opportunity to enjoy other aspects of life, ranging from art to music and more.

I suppose you will have to reject the Enlightenment, Thomas Jefferson (deist), light bulbs and relativity (Edison was an atheist, Einstein was agnostic), and 99% of the world's creative enterprises, since few of humanity included Christians, and even fewer followed the specific sect that you do.

I think any person should not have to trade a particular label for enjoying their life and the contributions of their fellow human beings. If I read books that question my point of view to the core, I feel even stronger about my convictions. I didn't realize hearing the other side was considered wrong.

Answer 8

Yes. How would one classify classical music, for instance? Much of that is inspired by religion or, at least, spirituality but would most people class it as secular or religious? I would venture to suggest it would usually be the former.

You are right about teen pop. Look at two songs by ABBA. "What about Livingstone" and "Thank You for the Music" both send positive messages (even though ABBA's main aim was just to make music that was nice to listen to).

I've just realized I'm showing my age here. Ah well.

Answer 9

I'm a theist, and I listen almost exclusively to secular music. You'll hear anything from Led Zeppelin to Kiss to Aerosmith to Type O Negative to Fear Factory to Train to Rammstein playing in my house. Of course, I'm 46 years old, so I don't let it "get under my skin". I've been playing bass guitar for over 20 years, so you can imagine how much I would love playing "The Song Remains the Same" or 'Ramble On". It's all in your perspective.

Answer 10

Yes, You need to listen to the words or the theme of what the music is saying , if your Christan conscience is troubled by it then leave it alone, if it does not go along with your beliefs, leave it alone. The Jews played music with the instruments and praised God with it, David as a boy played a harp and sang Psalms to it.