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J
My opinion is that there is nothing evil about a certain sequence of notes performed with certain instruments in a certain way that is morally evil in any way. The message and intent behind the LYRICS and the emotional response the music may give is what matters.
That said if certain types of music offend an individual's conscience then they must abstain from listening and be careful not to impose their conscience on other believers(and this goes both ways).
That said if certain types of music offend an individual's conscience then they must abstain from listening and be careful not to impose their conscience on other believers(and this goes both ways).
In my experience it is almost never music that is inherently evil, no matter the genre, but the walk of the author and his intents, which will make the music to reflect a certain spirit or mood, not nececcarily godly... if his intent is not pure it will show in the music... Sometimes I'd hear music that wouldnt sound offensive to an "elderly" ear, but it threw me really off spiritually, wonderful music and vocal, but something was just wrong in it and I couldnt put my finger on it. Later I found out the singer was in a cult, thus the maniacal and depressed spirit I felt in it, although many werent "hearing" it. I wont name now as it is not my point... that music still blesses some people, I believe.
To me personally, some things are off... like growling, per example. I leave the final judgment to God though, it might just be a mode of expression but it sets me off personally, so for me it would be unprofitable to listen... note, for me... we must all do as convicted so best is to seek God's opinion for yourself on these matters... But "loud noise" search through the Psalms, it is nothing contrary to the Scriptures, and furthermore, metal made some of the most beautiful ballads. It really boils down to the purity of the author's intent and walk.
To me personally, some things are off... like growling, per example. I leave the final judgment to God though, it might just be a mode of expression but it sets me off personally, so for me it would be unprofitable to listen... note, for me... we must all do as convicted so best is to seek God's opinion for yourself on these matters... But "loud noise" search through the Psalms, it is nothing contrary to the Scriptures, and furthermore, metal made some of the most beautiful ballads. It really boils down to the purity of the author's intent and walk.
Therefore I want you to know
that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed,"
and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:3)
there is plenty of music i don't appreciate the "sound" of - just like there are plenty of people i don't find physically attractive.
i don't think that's the right basis for judgement though. i know we should judge rightly, not carnally, and physical appearance or the tonal quality of a noise seems to pretty much fall in the "carnal" category to me.
that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed,"
and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:3)
there is plenty of music i don't appreciate the "sound" of - just like there are plenty of people i don't find physically attractive.
i don't think that's the right basis for judgement though. i know we should judge rightly, not carnally, and physical appearance or the tonal quality of a noise seems to pretty much fall in the "carnal" category to me.
Maybe if he had been told HOW to search for threads on here, he probably would have..
jsmoove, to search for threads on ANY topic, go to the top of the page, on the right side where it says "advanced search". It's just below the big yellow Donate button..
S
^^ this dude; chill.
Anyway, I used to listen to a lot of rock, metal, screamo, hardcore punk, etc. when I was young, and when I became a Christian I wanted to keep listening to that type of music, because, obviously, I enjoyed it. However since it generally contained inappropriate lyrics and messages for a Christian to be listening to, I looked up Christian bands in those genres and listened to those. Some of the time the bands weren't truly Christian but using the title as a marketing tool, but that's irrelevant.
The problem I found with listening to bands who professed to be Christian and who produced those genres of music, was that it in no way touched my heart or my soul, nor did it in any way deepen my relationship with Jesus. I didn't feel that the Spirit guided their music at all. Also their music generally wasn't as good as the non-Christian bands. The Christian versions often just felt like a weak copycat version.
I realise now what I believe to be the problem; Music is cultural. It arises out of a culture to be fed back into that culture and to spread that culture or sub-culture further into the world. Therefore taking that cultures music, and trying to attach it to another culture - Christianity, isn't natural, because you must detach it from many of the things that make up that culture; drinking, drugs, partying, and whatever else. It's like taking gregorian chant and playing it in a night club; it just doesn't fit.
That's my thoughts on it.
Anyway, I used to listen to a lot of rock, metal, screamo, hardcore punk, etc. when I was young, and when I became a Christian I wanted to keep listening to that type of music, because, obviously, I enjoyed it. However since it generally contained inappropriate lyrics and messages for a Christian to be listening to, I looked up Christian bands in those genres and listened to those. Some of the time the bands weren't truly Christian but using the title as a marketing tool, but that's irrelevant.
The problem I found with listening to bands who professed to be Christian and who produced those genres of music, was that it in no way touched my heart or my soul, nor did it in any way deepen my relationship with Jesus. I didn't feel that the Spirit guided their music at all. Also their music generally wasn't as good as the non-Christian bands. The Christian versions often just felt like a weak copycat version.
I realise now what I believe to be the problem; Music is cultural. It arises out of a culture to be fed back into that culture and to spread that culture or sub-culture further into the world. Therefore taking that cultures music, and trying to attach it to another culture - Christianity, isn't natural, because you must detach it from many of the things that make up that culture; drinking, drugs, partying, and whatever else. It's like taking gregorian chant and playing it in a night club; it just doesn't fit.
That's my thoughts on it.
S
As long as you are using discernment, there's nothing wrong with the style itself. Most of it harkens back to renaissance, baroque and classical music, but with modern instrumentation. I have two songs on my worship playlist that would be considered "metal". Melodic metal, but still metal.
As was said before, lyrics and attitude play a big part in discernment.
On the opposite end of the music spectrum, a southern gospel quartet recently did a concert at my church. I like southern gospel, but I had to leave the room and pray because the spirit of the room was all show and no Spirit at all. Even when the style is traditional and the lyrics are wholesome, a song can still pain the Spirit within you and bother your conscience.
Is there a particular band/song that you were questioning, or just the whole style in general?
As was said before, lyrics and attitude play a big part in discernment.
On the opposite end of the music spectrum, a southern gospel quartet recently did a concert at my church. I like southern gospel, but I had to leave the room and pray because the spirit of the room was all show and no Spirit at all. Even when the style is traditional and the lyrics are wholesome, a song can still pain the Spirit within you and bother your conscience.
Is there a particular band/song that you were questioning, or just the whole style in general?
S
Partly relative testimony: when I was a new Christian, a friend told me that Chevelle was a Christian band. I believed them. I already liked the songs I knew from them, and then went out and bought 3 of their albums, and went to a concert, and basicly went full-on fan.
I noticed one of their lyrics sounded... well... off. But I made excuses for it in my head, like "he actually is saying something else, and I am misunderstanding the lyric" or "he's just being 'real', not like those fake cookie cutter Christians".
Over a year later, my conscience finally got a hold of me. Part of it was pride, of not wanting to know that something that I enjoyed and connected to was actually bad for me. Some of it was pride about being so easily deceived. Some of it was just immaturity and lack of discernment.
Lesson learned? Yup. I no longer blindly believe when people tell me that this or that is "Christian". We have to "test the spirits", and not simply follow the endorsements of others, or even trust the "Christian" label.
"Christian" is not a brand. It's living out your faith in Jesus. I hope this helps in some way, and was not just a weird rant. I'm well known for weird ranting.
I noticed one of their lyrics sounded... well... off. But I made excuses for it in my head, like "he actually is saying something else, and I am misunderstanding the lyric" or "he's just being 'real', not like those fake cookie cutter Christians".
Over a year later, my conscience finally got a hold of me. Part of it was pride, of not wanting to know that something that I enjoyed and connected to was actually bad for me. Some of it was pride about being so easily deceived. Some of it was just immaturity and lack of discernment.
Lesson learned? Yup. I no longer blindly believe when people tell me that this or that is "Christian". We have to "test the spirits", and not simply follow the endorsements of others, or even trust the "Christian" label.
"Christian" is not a brand. It's living out your faith in Jesus. I hope this helps in some way, and was not just a weird rant. I'm well known for weird ranting.
H
My opinion is that since God turns ALL THINGS to good, he can use something that may well have been created with demonic influences to speak to those who may otherwise been unreachable. I went through my Christian metal phase. I've grown out of it, but I see the value in what it can be used for, for sure. I think since the hearts of men are inherently evil, and only through Him are we saved, the same applies to what we let enter our Spirit.
