Originally posted by LightSon
Why do I feel like I’m heading into a hornet’s nest?
I have no desire to be contentious. But since you asked, I will share a few of my thoughts about secular music.
SOTK4ever
I am specifically into what would be considered Classic Rock (LZ, CCR, Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Supertramp, Clapton, etc).
Dear SOTK4ever and Co.,
I hear you. I grew up on this music and have been “into” it for much of my life. There isn’t one group in this list that I wouldn’t “enjoy” listening too. I “came of age” musically on 70’s music. If you are “rockin’” on secular music and enjoy it, then I can certainly understand why.
Somewhere I came to the knowledge that my “enjoyment” of a thing is not sufficient reason to allow it into my life. Too late. Music is already inside me. Now I have to fight with a passion NOT to pursue it and dwell on it. Why do I go out of my way to avoid certain secular music?
One has used the analogy of needing to buy gas, while the store inside sells porno. How would that affect my Christian walk? It wouldn’t. A better analogy would be for a porn addict to buy a Playboy mag JUST to read the political articles. I mean, he doesn’t have to pause and stare at the pictures…right?
There’s a number of issues and observations that would get us off track and blur our judgment in deciding whether this music is right or wrong. If the way something makes you feel is the only criterion, then we just opened the door to many things which I know you (as a group) would reject: porn, extra-marital sex, drugs. In short, “feeling good” isn’t a good enough standard for the Christian.
If you have been listening to secular music, you should have already heard it “preached” that “it can’t be wrong, if it feels so right”. Or “if lovin’ you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right”. Are these Christian values? The secular music preachers are sending out that message. How long before you act on that message?
Philosophizer says “no particular style of music is inherently evil or good”. I am personally working through the notion that music itself is amoral. For now, I’ll defer to make any argument about the music itself, and confine my points to the lyrics and overall philosophy of certain secular groups.
Lyrics are not amoral – I hope we can agree on that. They carry ideas (and philosophies) which will mold the listener’s thinking to include specific imagery and worldview conclusions.
Let’s take an example of how secular music cuts across the Christian worldview.
I believe that Christ wants me to not commit adultery. Further, He has charged me to not even think about being with a women to whom I am not married. Let’s consider The Eagles.
Takin’ It Easy…..
Well, I'm a standing on a corner
in Winslow, Arizona
and such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed
Ford slowin' down to take a look at me
Come on, baby, don't say maybe
I gotta know if your sweet love is
gonna save me
But wait, her “sweet love” is going to “save me”. A soteriological (salvation) reference, you say. Now we can argue that she really just wants to give me some Bible verses.
Don’t anybody try to argue that, please. Let’s be honest.
What a nice fantasy this song offers. I used to have this in my car and would sing along and feel good too. My old self would love this fantasy. Yes? What man (in his flesh) wouldn’t like to come upon a sweet young women, free of any sexually transmitted diseases and who would be willing to “give me a ride” in her flatbed truck. Is this the kind of image you want to train your thinking habits with? Is this the kind of image and thinking you want to train your kids with?
What business do I have thinking this kind of thing? How is allowing this kind of fantasy into my head going to help me to be faithful to God and to my wife? As a man who struggles constantly with wayward thoughts, I can say that I have no business feeding my flesh in this way.
This is just one example, Christian friend, and it is indicative of secular music.
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Does “Takin’ it Easy” pass the Philippians 4:8 test? It is human nature to act and then turnaround and “justify” our behavior. This is called “rationalization”. Can you honestly say that filling our minds with moral corruption is something God would approve?
I probably could find examples of unchristian philosophies in other groups’ lyrics. My point is that there is a general mood in these groups which undermines clear Biblical morals.
At some point, if we look and act like the world, there is no reason for them to listen to our gospel. The church is loosing her distinctiveness and to that degree has lost her effectiveness in reaching the lost.
The real question is, what is your true heartfelt motivation in life? Is it being true to Christ who died for you and has given you a ministry of reconciliation? Or is your life’s motivation to make yourself feel good?
I hope this doesn’t come across as self-righteous. I have to die to my fleshly passions EVERY day - for God's glory and for my spiritual health. Scripture is clear that “to be a friend of the world is to be God’s enemy”.
Please pray about this and ask God to give you wisdom in making choices that will influence the way you think.
