Do you think Christians can listen to any type of music

[Peace Seeker]

I hope some of you can give me some advice. I am a bass guitar player that has been jamming with a drummer and guitar player for about 2 years now. They are very nice guys, although they aren't Christians.

I played in secular rock bands during that 2 year period (when I was badly back-slidden from the Lord) but now all I do is play with these 2 guys, just for fun and so my instruments don't just sit around gathering dust.

We don't have a singer and aren't planning on getting one. All we do is play our instruments, doing secular rock and pop songs.

Now, because so many of the answers in this thread say that we can listen to any style of music as long as the lyrics aren't bad (which I agree with), since neither I, nor the 2 guys I play with sing while we play, should I be concerned that some of the songs we play do have bad lyrics?

95 % of what we play is fine lyrically, although the guitar player likes to play a couple AC/DC songs.

I hope it doesn't sound like a stupid question. Thanks!

 

[Rockerduck]

I play with a saved bass player and maybe saved drummer and a definitely not saved guitar player, who is a nice guy. I am a Christian witness to them through my walk. We do classic rock, nothing that a family can't listen to together. AC/DC is not on my list because " highway to hell" is one of their songs. I play gospel blues and they know it. I've invited them to church and to record with me. Only the bass player does. I keep inviting them to church, one day they will. So, repent of those backsliding sins. Don't idol worship a guitar or bass, as I've seen musicians do. Don't worship a guitar player, better to pray for EVH than to play with them.

 

[Peace Seeker]

I play with a saved bass player and maybe saved drummer and a definitely not saved guitar player, who is a nice guy. I am a Christian witness to them through my walk. We do classic rock, nothing that a family can't listen to together. AC/DC is not on my list because " highway to hell" is one of their songs. I play gospel blues and they know it. I've invited them to church and to record with me. Only the bass player does. I keep inviting them to church, one day they will. So, repent of those backsliding sins. Don't idol worship a guitar or bass, as I've seen musicians do. Don't worship a guitar player, better to pray for EVH than to play with them.

I appreciate your response but it didn't quite answer my question. The whole point behind my question is, if it is the lyrics being sung that defiles a song, is the song (ie: the music) still defiled if there is no singing/lyrics being said?

Anyway, I'm thinking of just telling them I don't want to play those few songs, and why. (They don't know I am a Christian, because like I said, I first met them when I was not following the Lord). Or I could sing Godly lyrics in my head while we perform those songs. Probably will do the former.

P.S. - I have never been one to idolize any musician, none of this "Clapton is god" stuff, etc.

 

[agua]

.....
Now, because so many of the answers in this thread say that we can listen to any style of music as long as the lyrics aren't bad (which I agree with), since neither I, nor the 2 guys I play with sing while we play, should I be concerned that some of the songs we play do have bad lyrics?

95 % of what we play is fine lyrically, although the guitar player likes to play a couple AC/DC songs.

I hope it doesn't sound like a stupid question. Thanks!

Well PS I see it like this. If we whistle a tune that people know the lyrics to they will match the tune with the lyrics.

If the lyrics are ungodly then ...... ?

1Th 5:22 KJV Abstain from all appearance of evil.

 

[Peace Seeker]

Well PS I see it like this. If we whistle a tune that people know the lyrics to they will match the tune with the lyrics.

If the lyrics are ungodly then ...... ?

1Th 5:22 KJV Abstain from all appearance of evil.

yeah I hear you. It's all good now, though, coz I told them I am a Christian and I don't want to play those songs. And they're cool with that.

 

[SparkleTXn]

Yes to a point... what about wedding songs. Childrens Musicals, Love songs, exercise music, Instrumentals, and I could go on.

We know what NOT to listen to.

 

[JRFifty]

reply music

The more I learned about these popular artists and their lyric, and lives, and deeds the more I had to eliminate them from my life. Can I really be a christian and listen to Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Police.

There's good music out their that doesn't promote ant-christian values.

 

[Peace Seeker]

The more I learned about these popular artists and their lyric, and lives, and deeds the more I had to eliminate them from my life. Can I really be a christian and listen to Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Police.

There's good music out their that doesn't promote ant-christian values.

I agree. And speaking of Led Zeppelin, they were one of my favorite bands in my youth. While I don't listen to them anymore I do kinda wish there was a similar styled Christian band I could listen to that matches their songwriting abilities and musicianship. I don't mean the bad lyrics and occult stuff.

 

[Tribulation]

95 % of what we play is fine lyrically, although the guitar player likes to play a couple AC/DC songs.

AC/DC hmmmm

They have an album titled "We sold our Soul for Rock & Roll"
And they have a song called "Highway to Hell"

........"I'm on the highway to Hell"

How about their other song called "Hell's Bells"

Yeah it's OK to listen to AC/DC and play their songs... as long as you worship the devil :singing:

 

[Peace Seeker]

AC/DC hmmmm

They have an album titled "We sold our Soul for Rock & Roll"
And they have a song called "Highway to Hell"

........"I'm on the highway to Hell"

How about their other song called "Hell's Bells"

Yeah it's OK to listen to AC/DC and play their songs... as long as you worship the devil :singing:

Hi and thank you for your input. You may have noticed a couple posts above that the issue has been solved for me and the songs have been dropped from our repertoire.
Also, my question wasn't "can I play songs by certain bands", it was, "can I play certain songs without having a singer". It was a music vs. lyrics kind of question.

Anyway, I think member Agua answered it perfectly, that when you play the song without singing, still, we by habit hum the words in our head, which amounts to the same thing.

By the way, do you know personally of the songs you cited, or did you just look them up?
God bless you!

 

[Tribulation]

By the way, do you know personally of the songs you cited, or did you just look them up?

Thanks brother!
Bless you too!

I used to listen too heavy metal ONLY. I never believed in God until recently. I got saved 2 years ago.

My dad told me The Bible was a lie. I grew up smoking pot and listening to Satanic music as a result.

But no longer!

I can show you stuff about the music industry that would blow your mind. Thanks for the question!
Take care!

 

[Peace Seeker]

Thanks brother!
Bless you too!

I used to listen too heavy metal ONLY. I never believed in God until recently. I got saved 2 years ago.

My dad told me The Bible was a lie. I grew up smoking pot and listening to Satanic music as a result.

But no longer!

I can show you stuff about the music industry that would blow your mind. Thanks for the question!
Take care!

I grew up listening to and playing mostly classic rock and some heavy metal, but was into other genres as well. I was never into the satanic metal though, I just never saw the point of it.

I always played an instrument so I just liked the sound of the guitars, while not admiring or immersing myself into the trappings of the rock 'n roll lifestyle or how the big name bands behaved.

Anyway, I have seen some of the more popular videos against rock music, like "Hells Bells", by Eric Holmberg, for instance. Whatever info you have about the music industry, by all means provide, as I'm sure I'd find it interesting.
Cheers!

 

[Tribulation]

Whatever info you have about the music industry, by all means provide, as I'm sure I'd find it interesting.

Cool, check out this pastor. He knows how Satanic the music industry is. His name is Pastor Phil Endris. His conference is called The Fearless Conference.

You will be blown away to find out what ALL rock music is REALLY about.
Enjoy!

Go to google... type in

PHIL ENDRIS FEARLESS CONFERENCE

 

[stephon]

joyful noise

for anyone who likes gospel music, the new movie `joyful noise` could be worth watching.

check out the wikipedia page.
---------
also google `the rend collective` - christianity magazine says "Fans can expect themes of redemption, devotion and celebration in the new album".

 

[N8VFlower]

I listen to both secular and Christian music. I think it depends on the lyrics and what the song is about. If someone gives up secular music then that is fine...we are all different and some may feel led to. The genre of music does not determine if it is evil or good..it is the words that determine it.

 

[paganmystic]

Thanx N8VFlower ... cool name lol.
That is very true. Its good to see these old (well aged) threads keep getting new life.
Sadly it would appear old superstitions follow them as well this to more recent, discussions, we'll leave it there. Last time I posted on this thread I mentioned 2 things, a song written in the 70s by Black Sabbeth, War Pigs, growing up it was labeled as the most demonic song written. I debated it was Christian based and won the debate, using the content of the song. That is the events of the Day of Judgement, it clearly presented and articulated very well including the correctness of the final end. In the new millenium we have had a number of bands, said to be evil in their intent, yet gave us songs that very highly praised the need for redemption. This in the Alternitive Rock genre. The single most telling song is, "What I've Done" Linkin Park and the band Velvet Revolver have done likewise.

In our need to keep our lives straight we have to make certain we are not judging others, Our Lord and Saviour tells us specifically in the Gospel, many time in many ways, that the criteria we use to judge others he will use to judge us.

The message in all music is critical as to its content, and whether we should listen to it or not, that is rightous judgement, not condemning it forwardly, but walking away and let the Lord deal with it. If we cannot get the evil out of our life it will consume us. Leading to our own condemnation by the Lord regaurdless what we say.

May the Lord be with all of you now and always. Walk well in the Light, the one place evil will not exist.

your brother in Christ

 

[N8VFlower]

Thanks! lol!
I respect that some will give up secular music because it may hinder them from a relationship with Jesus. We should do what we feel convicted...if we feel God says "no don't listen to this song" we should not listen to the song.
I like knowing what songs I like are about because the title of the song can sometimes be misleading....what are the lyrics, what is the song relating to...things like that. There are songs that I thought were not good to listen to and when I read the words to it, I realized it was the opposite of what I thought. I know the song by Black Sabbath (hubby has a massive OLD school record collection that is one included..lol) and I at first thought I wanted no part of it, but after examining the lyrics and what is behind the meaning...I see it now.
I also know the song by Linkin Park. I like to know what is behind what I listen to...and there are a lot of songs I thought was innocent and are actually not good to listen to..and same the other way. I love music, I love the guitars, drums, and bass...everything that makes the song awesome and full of emotion..but if the words are evil in nature, then I want no part of it.

God bless u!
:immature::singing:

 

[Miss Elly]

People can jump off a cliff if they want to. Yes, they can listen to any kind of music they want to. I voted no, because the Holy Spirit of God in me does not want to dance to the devil's music. And face it, many modern songs come from the pits of hell!

I listen to classical music at times, because there are no words. I sound like a hard-nose here, but I hurts me so much to see young people, especially, caught up in such awful songs that are brought out today.

I also despise a lot of "christian rock" music, it does not bring glory to God, but to a beat that makes the body want to respond. Also, a lot of new contemporary songs sound like they are searching for God, instead of having found him.

Who are you praising? Who is the song praising? Let that be your guide.

 

[Peace Seeker]

People can jump off a cliff if they want to. Yes, they can listen to any kind of music they want to. I voted no, because the Holy Spirit of God in me does not want to dance to the devil's music. And face it, many modern songs come from the pits of hell!

I listen to classical music at times, because there are no words. I sound like a hard-nose here, but I hurts me so much to see young people, especially, caught up in such awful songs that are brought out today.

I also despise a lot of "christian rock" music, it does not bring glory to God, but to a beat that makes the body want to respond. Also, a lot of new contemporary songs sound like they are searching for God, instead of having found him.

Who are you praising? Who is the song praising? Let that be your guide.

I agree that some Christian rock is unedifying and un-glorifying, and there is some music in all genres that is just plain bad.

Just wondering, do you think all classical music is good? I own and play a guitar, when I play it am I dishonoring God? Is a violin better than a guitar? How about a saxophone, which was at one time called the 'devil's horn'?

I think there is a balance to everything. Unless you are able to glorify God in everything you do, you will be unavoidably not glorifying him in some things you do. Does playing a game of tennis glorify God? Tennis is tennis, and music is music. If the lyrics are good I think that's the main thing, other than that, everyone has his own conscience.

 

[Gael]

It's all a matter of personal choice and conviction. Personally, I choose not to listen to secular music because of the influence it has over me, and knowing it will cause me to stumble in my walk with the Lord. I was really into heavy metal, death metal, hardcore rap, etc. before I was saved, and want nothing to do with that lifestyle and all it entails again, so I choose not to indulge because I know how destructive emotionally and spiritually it can be for me.
If you can listen to music and not be influenced by it in a negative way then I see no reason why you shouldn't.