WHAT does The music yoy listen to do for you ? Should we 'sacrifice' music CHOICE ?

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What kind of groove gets you?

What's it do to you, baby, when you with your music, ooooh-oooh-ooooh. I almost started singing 'Sheriff,' didnT I? :D

I mean it's so much cooler to listen to more expensive, more sophisticated, big-budget, beaty secular top 40 rock than slower, less emotionally (sexually) charged Christian contemporary top 40 music,.huh?

But, here we are, in The dog days of summer, miladies ( and notmydudes :D) , and, we got The towel laid out and The ipod /ipad/laptop mp3 stuff blasting. What about YOUR CHOICE OF MUSIC? How does listening to a love Song like Sheriff's ''When I'm with You,' make you feel, make you act, as opposed to a top 40 Christian Song of love, like Katinas, 'Draw Me Close,' or, some other Christ-centered Love Song?

So we think top 40 Christian musik just don't carry The cool bee-boppity, thump-hump of secular, worldy, non-Christ love music? Is THIS pleasure-seeking reason enough to CHOOSE non-Christ singing music over Christian top 40 ?

What do you think?

Be honest, the Lord leads, what does music do for/to you ? :) Good or bad.

Keep in mind, sin is the absence of God, so, when you sing, like Sheriff, 'Oh, baby, yy-yeah, yuh-yeah. OH, my worlds so cool when I'm with you....' WHO are you able to put FIRST in your life still, God or 'your 'baby.'(girlfriend/boyfriend).

My answer, I pray for whatever I sing, puts God first, so, as scripture says, WHATEVER we do in life, we are to do 'it' to bring glory to God :)
 
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Lets see...The best way to do this...ok genre-wise there is a lot of dance music like trance or jumpstyle and then a lot of acoustic guitar stuff, some classical/movie scores, less twangy country, then hardcore stuff and electrocore.

Bandwise

Armin Van Buuren
Basshunter
Avicii
Italobrothers
Joshua Radin
Mariana's Trench
Secondhand Serenade
Mumford and Sons
Blake Shelton
Zac Brown Band
Kenny Chesney
Hans Zimmer
Steve Jablonsky
Black Veil Brides
Woe, Is Me
Dead by April
His Statue Falls
Sleeping Sirens
Hands Like Glass

I don't really get anything from it outside of enjoying the beats and being catchy to sing along too. I listen to music almost constantly so it all just blends into background noise a lot of the time.
 
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Nautilus said:
Lets see...The best way to do this...ok genre-wise there is a lot of dance music like trance or jumpstyle and then a lot of acoustic guitar stuff, some classical/movie scores, less twangy country, then hardcore stuff and electrocore.

Bandwise

Armin Van Buuren
Basshunter
Avicii
Italobrothers
Joshua Radin
Mariana's Trench
Secondhand Serenade
Mumford and Sons
Blake Shelton
Zac Brown Band
Kenny Chesney
Hans Zimmer
Steve Jablonsky
Black Veil Brides
Woe, Is Me
Dead by April
His Statue Falls
Sleeping Sirens
Hands Like Glass

I don't really get anything from it outside of enjoying the beats and being catchy to sing along too. I listen to music almost constantly so it all just blends into background noise a lot of the time.
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Yes, I did, too, naut, listened to all kinds of music, one summer all I did after my 10-year-old cat died, was sit upstairs and record songs, Sheriff, New Shoes, Madonna, LOL, that's all I can remember right now, but, yeah, I recorded 9-10 90 minute cassettes worth that summer. That's a lot of music, naut, like three months full, in 1987, to be exact. And, it was some of the deadest time of my life, as, that's not all I did...

Point is, music, indeed, does move us, and, naut, you want things in your life to move you toward God, right? All those groups you mentioned, naut, and, I was DJ in college 4 years so I know all about 'alternative' style grunge groups like Nine Inch Nails, The Pixies, Indigo Girls, and, wow, my mind really just draws dead when I think of those groups I played over and over and over with an occassional 'Should I stay or should I go' Clash tune thrown in, or, it's a nice day for a white wedding or, OH, I guess thatstuff is still in 'there,' and, that is,fine as long as......

....God uses that stuff , naut, for His glory :)

So, I just encourage you, and, all miladies and notmydudes, to follow God's plan for your life, He can use any song, any thing, naut, to bless you, bring meaning and understanding of Him more to others, which glorifies Him.

God bless you, naut :)
 
I've actually just made that commitment.

I love Country music, but most of it is about drinking and stuff, or doesn't glorify God in anyway, but then I went to church camp, the whloe theme was about surrendering everything to God, which got me thinking I should surrender even the music I listen to, he gave me my ears to hear, and my month to talk/sing, so shouldn't I use what he gave me for his glory, not just for my entertainment.

Here's two verse that's a good reminder for me to glorify God with everything:
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which is God's.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do it all for the glory of God.
 
In the 90s, I don't think I listened to anything except christian music because it was a terrible decade for music.

As far as genres go, I like smooth jazz, blues guitar, christian/praise music, classic soft rock, R&B, old time rock N rock, classical and modern country (in order of preference). There's no way I could begin naming specific artists because there are just too many.
 
Jullianna said:
In the 90s, I don't think I listened to anything except christian music because it was a terrible decade for music.

As far as genres go, I like smooth jazz, blues guitar, christian/praise music, classic soft rock, R&B, old time rock N rock, classical and modern country (in order of preference). There's no way I could begin naming specific artists because there are just too many.
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Wow...I might have to respectfully disagree but the 90s were amazing. Dave Matthews Band, Toad and the Wet Sprocket, Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind, Fuel, good Creed, The Toadies, Pearl Jam, Offspring, Green Day, Blessid Union of Souls, Seven Mary Three...I mean yeah mos of them are bad now, but that was a great time after the coke and alcohol induced binge of hair metal and new age in the 80s
 
Nautilus said:
Wow...I might have to respectfully disagree but the 90s were amazing. Dave Matthews Band, Toad and the Wet Sprocket, Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind, Fuel, good Creed, The Toadies, Pearl Jam, Offspring, Green Day, Blessid Union of Souls, Seven Mary Three...I mean yeah mos of them are bad now, but that was a great time after the coke and alcohol induced binge of hair metal and new age in the 80s
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Green, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the point of the thread is to point out/discuss/question whether these actually are good.

If we are truly seeking God in EVERYTHING, then I would agree that our music should not only be "not bad", but should be specifically and directly targetted towards God. Not all CCM music, even, really follows through with this. And I'll admit that there are times when I want to listen to other types of music, and not so God centered music. That said, I think we should at a minimum seek God in that sort of "neutral" music (jazz, classical, instrumental). Do I think it's a sin or bad to listen to other types? Nope, but I also think that if we truly are seeking God in everything, then music should be no different.

It is kind of out of context, but God does say that he despises things that are neutral. In another verse "silly" things are discouraged and we are encouraged to only do things which are beneficial. I can provide those verses if there is curiosity.
 
Music though is meant to be enjoyed...I tend to not find most Christian artists enjoyable whether it be the simplicity of their muscial arrangements or their obvious lyrics. Not that there is anything wrong with it, I just dont find christian lyrics to be as emotional and heartfelt. Probably because the range of topic is limited.
 
Nautilus said:
Music though is meant to be enjoyed...I tend to not find most Christian artists enjoyable whether it be the simplicity of their muscial arrangements or their obvious lyrics. Not that there is anything wrong with it, I just dont find christian lyrics to be as emotional and heartfelt. Probably because the range of topic is limited.
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But is that really what music is meant for?
 
I guess it depends with what youre looking for. Sure there is some music like hymans and praise and worship not meant for entertainment, but in general 95% of it is meant for expression and entertainment.
 
This is a question that's been on my mind lately. In my efforts to avoid legalism I let myself enjoy secular music a little bit more...but then I discovered that due to some things in my past this is something I personally can't do without losing the focus I want to have. Is this the same for everone? I don't think so, maybe not...but I'm not gonna lie to myself I have weaknesses. If I enjoy worship music and I know God loves being worshipped ( and He deserves it) , then I don't see a reason for worship music not being what I listen to the most. Of course I enjoy some secular songs once in a while...but after a while of just listening to secular music I feel personally uncomfortable, and then there are some songs I just find offensive to God which I try to avoid altogether.
 
Nautilus: Compared to 70s music (lyrics in particular), all other decades are just noise. I cannot budge on this. :)

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Is music sinful? I can't find scripture that music, in and of itself, is sinful, but I can see how music containing coarse lyrics or music that inspires inappropriate thoughts would not be a good choice for christians.
 
Nautilus said:
I guess it depends with what youre looking for. Sure there is some music like hymans and praise and worship not meant for entertainment, but in general 95% of it is meant for expression and entertainment.
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Biblically, we are told (paraphrasing here) to seek God in all things. I believe Mr Green's point was along these lines too. That as a christian, if we are following this command, then we probably should be listening only to things that are focused on God, or help us focus on God.

The way I see it, it's not a question of legalism or if it's sinful, but is something that should be adopted by anyone that is earnestly trying to seek God in all things in their life.
 
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Well when christian artists step up and start making music I enjoy, ill probably listen to it. But there really aren't many good options for my styles of music. I mean the number of christian groups i can say ive enjoyed are easy counted on one hand... Skillet, For Today, We Came as Romans...and thats about it.

So if we should be listening to christian music, which i wont say we shouldnt be, you could be absolutely right, but if we should, then they need to apeal to a broader audience.
 
I hate these discussions. There's always at least one person trying to dictate to others what is and isn't appropriate, what people should and should not be listening to.
Reality is, what you choose to listen to is between you and God. Outside of that it's really no ones right to call it into question unless you can see an obvious negative influence coming as a direct, obvious result of bad music. And even then all we can really do is talk to the person and hope to let them see it and then allow them to make their own choice.

Also, i don't listen to music for one reason only. Sometimes i listen to music to have fun, be entertained, rock out. Sometimes its just background noise while i do other things. Sometimes its worship. Sometimes its spiritual growth. And even sometimes it helps me vent things out. Music is not just some one sided concept.

I listen to little secular music. And i don't listen to much mainstream or pop cultural styles. Out of the 1700+ albums i've owned, probably 90-95% of it has never made it to mainstream radio or TV.
 
Ugly said:
I hate these discussions. There's always at least one person trying to dictate to others what is and isn't appropriate, what people should and should not be listening to.
Reality is, what you choose to listen to is between you and God. Outside of that it's really no ones right to call it into question unless you can see an obvious negative influence coming as a direct, obvious result of bad music. And even then all we can really do is talk to the person and hope to let them see it and then allow them to make their own choice.

Also, i don't listen to music for one reason only. Sometimes i listen to music to have fun, be entertained, rock out. Sometimes its just background noise while i do other things. Sometimes its worship. Sometimes its spiritual growth. And even sometimes it helps me vent things out. Music is not just some one sided concept.

I listen to little secular music. And i don't listen to much mainstream or pop cultural styles. Out of the 1700+ albums i've owned, probably 90-95% of it has never made it to mainstream radio or TV.
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Since it seems that your first paragraph was likely a response to my post, would you please expand on and/or present supporting points to the bolded statement above? Is this a Biblical concept?
 
How does it feeel ! Music you pick to listen to, how does it feeel !

Green! You're scaring me, you sound like that guy that tells everyone to get stoned.

Bob Dylan?

Yeah, that guy, he was like my kaleidescope of mind-coloring thought in the 70s.

Does your music make you feel like its you against the world?
Does your music put you in a bad and bitter mood toward women/men?
Does your music sex up your mind, make you think of a girl (or guy) and what you would like to do.with them?


Well, if any of those three reasons GET you feeling and reeling then God is putting certain feeling inside you right now. Fleeee !

And, hey, naut, you forgot The Smashin' Pumpkins, lol, there was a girl I liked but she swore all the time and I pretty much hate swearing, although I am no saint, I human I slip up,, anyway, I asked her how her day was one time a day or two after I told her swearing broke down her defenses, guys DO notice, good guys run away, and, bad flock to you, I told her. I.was a little overboard after she answeed her day was 'hell.' She said this with my thinking I would talk to.her more, but I looked at her and told her: 'If you want to describe your day like 'that'....

....you might as well be walking on the sun.'

Anyway, lol, she liked me even more, but, yeah, I was 27 at this time and heavily into Matchbox 20, and, I can sing that 'We were only freshmen' Song to you word verbatim. But, yeah my loved 'grunge' Hootie and The Blowfish, etc. songs COMPLETELY put me in Nirvana but were devoid of God in their lyrics, unless, like most secular songs, the lyrics were mocking God , direcly, or,, most often, indirectly, with sex before marriage, swear I love you if you do me right, blah, blah, blah. And, then I got my toughest work job ever and was seeing my life not happen at all how I planned and unraveling fast so, cold turkey, I cut off 'me' love for 'Me' (Jesus) love, and, it was the most blessed, unselfish decision I ever made. From that day on, age 28, I NEVER listened to secular top 40 on my own choice and, not to judge and say secular top 40 will seal you for big twoubles, maybe, change your eternal destination , but, yes, bad music could change your life, deeply so, too, truly, madly, deadly become :(

So, 'Things you appreciate appreciate' my pastor used to say when preaching before died this year, in mid 80s, '... and, things you depreciate (find less value in) depreciate.'

Who are you, what things makes you feel good of yourself? Can they be God things you're doing/thinking, or must non-God things, be thunk on your mind because they rise the pleasure out of you, like a dark knight rising that can take on the world but does their superheroing without one tittle of acknowledgment of God. :(

So, miladies, and, notmydudes, what is your 'focus,' as lightnin' says. Are you focusing on God's things for your life or on man's? What you (we) focus on becomes our reality, we live, breath, think, act, feel, even, see around that focus.

Music is ONLY bad IF it keeps you from being able to fully focus on constantly developing your relationship with God, who KNOWS the plans He has for you.

Naut, pray but my best encouragement to you, is to ask God to enlarge your thinking of christian music, so, your 'range' can be tapped into. And, don't you worry, The Lord will show you great and amazing new music, a full Skillet full ;) , you'll do a dance called Switchfoot, Brandon Heath will serenade you with a forgiveness Song about his stepmom (I'm Not Who I Was) and, you will no longer see Christian music as boring and unable to challenge secular top 40 for your pleasure. You will head down Tenth Avenue North and find appreciation in The sacrifice of Newsboys. And, most importantly, by smashin' secular music from your life God will see your change and He greatly will give you help to understand your new life, completeky unequivocally peaceful, on His range.
Home. We are not home yet, Steven Curtis Chapman sings. A change in music will however, if done sacrificially for Him, make you feel at home, Loved differently than before, naut, no more 'Rainy Day Woman' feeling, if you will, He will truly show you in a way and ways Bob Dylan can only SING to make your mind feel good.

Now, all that said, and, julieannie, I think your menagerie of music choice is fine as long as it brings you, always, closer to His perfect fine for you, and, kayM, yes, milady, The Spirit is on you sometimes, I see, He is with you, so, now, with all this said, my Christ bros and Sis, how do you feel ? :)
 
I've heard the bands you mentioned and most of them sound like what i try to avoid secularly. I would include links to videos to give an actual example of what my music sounds like, but dont know how that would go over since they are secular groups.
 
Jullianna said:
Nautilus: Compared to 70s music (lyrics in particular), all other decades are just noise. I cannot budge on this. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is music sinful? I can't find scripture that music, in and of itself, is sinful, but I can see how music containing coarse lyrics or music that inspires inappropriate thoughts would not be a good choice for christians.
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I'm inclined to agree (concerning the 70's). The only really great band of the 90's was Oasis. Early Goo Goo Dolls, were also pretty good too.

My all time favorite until the advent of PPR was ELO. Love me some ELO.

As for music. I listen to it because it is art. Impressions that speak more than the lyrics themselves.
There are some bands I listen to that I can't even sing the lyrics for.
 
Nautilus said:
I've heard the bands you mentioned and most of them sound like what i try to avoid secularly. I would include links to videos to give an actual example of what my music sounds like, but dont know how that would go over since they are secular groups.
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I know your bands and pretty much dead certain I've heard at least one Song from all those bands mentioned and I played Matchbox Twenty all The time during this time in 1997 and, as I said, I liked this girl. Thanks to God, I kept from her , she was perfectly sassy and spunky but not practicing God's way of speaking. But, yeah, I know your music, I when dj played Toad The Wet Sprocket, nearly positive, but, yeah, that music gets you thinking 'She's So Mean,' and, thinking, baby, it's 3 am and I'm feeling lonely and When I was young, I knew everything. She a punk girl and I a guy who didn't care...we were merely reshmen. Just LOVELY songs of ZERO accountability, especially that 'freshmen' Song where guy takes advantage, knocks up ( gets pregnant) his girlfriend. He goes off and depressed , she takes pills and dies, yet The beat is hot and hip, just gets a guy thinking, 'So, I messed up,, I was young,'
I could go on, but, yeah, I def know your music, and, Ug, you say you've bought/listened to 1700+ albums (CDs?) and with being DJ four years I played a lot of your music I'm pretty certain.

So, will choode music that says 'It's the end of the world as we know it, yeah, it's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.'

Can you have His peace, not a self-peace that R.E.M sings of having above ^ ?

Or, hey, since we are on R.E.M, how about these deadening relationship lyrics....

This one goes out to the one I love. This gors out to the one I left behind, a simple prop to occupy my time, this one goes out to the one I love.'

Yeah, real POWERFUL stuff, naut! Gotta love it!!!! Naut.

Not.

Naut, may be this is God speaking to you now, but, again, think soundly about what you are letting in (through your ears) to your body. You dearly so do not want anything let in that defiles and deadens your temple, for God can not be Spirited in us IF we are choosing not to live in Him and instead live in sin. :(

I am just saying, I know not HOW music truly EFFECTS you. I just want it to affect you so your soully feeling joy when you listen . The Lord leads (me), this I always pray :)

Anyway, naut, God's music does not run a wicked lyrical course of this nature, the Christ-centered pop music frees you and forgives you of past 'freshman' sins :)
 
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