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Gospel Instruments => Gospel Keyboard / Piano => Topic started by: Scales27 on May 27, 2005, 06:59:28 PM

Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on May 27, 2005, 06:59:28 PM
READ THIS!!! I ran the last debate because I was looking for someone to bring up good reasons why listening to secular music is wrong. I want to place my strongest arguments up against theirs so that I can basically debate. Debating is for Christians because it helps them minister to people of other religions. Perhaps even convert them. Its good training. Now for my perspective on sec music. I actually listen to secular music more than gospel music. Not for the words always, sometimes because the beat just sounds good or I like the style of the singer. My perspective on music is this: If you read poetry with the same content, then you should have no problem listening to a song like that. Love poetry and other kinds are not wrong because they are only organized expression. You would listen to a friend talk about how much he loves his girlfriend right? So poetry is no different. Add some instruments and you've got a song. I'm eclectic. I listen to all kinds of music; rap, rock & roll, R&B, gospel, go-go, blues, jazz, country, oldies, spirituals, crunk music, reggae, reggaeton, latin, salsa, greek, inspirational, kids(ok maybe not), and many other kinds. I'm not sure about crunk music and reggaeton because I can't remember the content but, eventually some safe lyrics will accompany those styles (the styles are nice though). I listen to all kinds of music, but almost always look for ways to make a gospel version. The problem with alot of gospel songs is that many are inaccurate, and some that use pop styles try to hard and fail. I give kirk Franklin his Props, he has some good songs. But sometimes he is just corny. I want to see someone make a gospel song that appeals to the world so much that it lives on like the world's songs do. At least get a song on a secular radio station regularly. Smokie Norful has done this (radio) so the gospel message that he preaches is heard. Someone needs to make a song that is just like a worldly song. Songwriters need to stop trying to be cool and hip for the "young people"(I'm 17 if you ask) and just make the songs for the entire audience of music listeners(though everybody won't like every song that everybody else likes). To appeal to a group, make something the way you would if you were one of them, not in hopes that your counterfeit style will be similar but just as good. Anyone who isnt afraid to listen to worldly that writes well try this, listen to a real nice worldly song. Pay attention to how the words are formed, to how the beats moves. Then, change the words to something similar with a message from God in it. Rewrite it over and over. Try to put in as much word as possible. Dont look at it as gospel in worldly form, see it as a worldly song with gospel in it. Rewrite it some more. when you have apolished work, just play the song on the piano or listen to the song. Sing along with your words. See how much you'd like it if you were in the world. How much do you like it?  It is good to listen to worldly music because you can mix appealing styles with your piano playing/song writing. Where do you think contemporary piano playing/gospel came from?
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: jamaicanbaan on May 27, 2005, 08:26:51 PM
Wow this is a good topic.................. I remember growin' up ad listenin' to ma Grandmother tell me about strict  Christians not  listenin' to secular music or allowin' there children to do so either......And now these days ALL but a few strong church going people listin' to everything from Rap to "Z."

I wouldn't be shocked to find that everyone that post after me will say that they do indeed listen to other kinds of music outside of religious music............................
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: PianoWizard on December 27, 2005, 12:31:30 PM
Hi,

I must say that there was a time when I did listen to secular music, but being that my mother and father we Christians and I would go to church throughout the week as well as the weekend, there was always a feeling that listening to secular music was wrong.

I know that there are plenty of “so called REASONS” why Christians should listen to secular music, but I say if the music is not unto the glory of God it should not be for us. Today we have become far to slack and we tolerate far too much; we are supposed to be in the world and not of the world.

PianoWiz...
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: nessalynn77 on December 27, 2005, 12:48:46 PM
My personal choice is that I do not listen to secular music.  I made that choice because during the time leading up to the day I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I began to lose the desire for secular music, which up until then was a big part of my life.  I can only state what my experience has been, and of course there's no scripture in the bible that all of our music should be gospel, so I don't say that anyone else has to subscribe to what I believe.  I also don't agree with bringing secular songs/artists into gospel music.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: minstral on December 27, 2005, 03:48:17 PM
I personally don't listen to every kind of secular, but I do listen to some.  The bible tells us that it is not what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out.  I will never sing, write,, or produce secular music, but if ia secular artist wanted to sing a gospel song I would help them out, because they are singing about God.  I am not a judge of any man's heart, plus there are alot of Gospel artists out that aren't living right.  Bottom line is that if eating meat in front of my brother offends him, I just won't eat it in his presence.  If you are not convicted by God about it, then let it ride.  God Bless
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: T-Block on December 27, 2005, 03:50:55 PM
I just put it like this, if it doesn't go against the spirit inside you, then it is o.k. for u to listen to it.  You can't speak for ALL Christians cuz everybody is on a different level and what don't affect u may affect somebody else or vice versa.  Me, I listen to it all: gospel, R&B, rap, hip-hop, pop, rock, jazz, blues, classical, and a few country songs.  I like to play CDs most of the time, but other times i just turn on the radio.  The songs that I listen to don't go against my spirit, so I continue to listen to them.  Even on the radio, if a "bad" song, that goes against my spirit, comes on I turn to another station, pop in a CD, or turn it off.  It is an individual matter and therefore there really is no need to debate this topic.  You can share your views, but a debate is pointless.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: psychopianoman on December 27, 2005, 06:34:15 PM
Quote from: PianoWizard
Hi,

I must say that there was a time when I did listen to secular music, but being that my mother and father we Christians and I would go to church throughout the week as well as the weekend, there was always a feeling that listening to secular music was wrong.

I know that there are plenty of “so called REASONS” why Christians should listen to secular music, but I say if the music is not unto the glory of God it should not be for us. Today we have become far to slack and we tolerate far too much; we are supposed to be in the world and not of the world.

PianoWiz...


I agree with you. Most secular music has a message from the world and not from the word of God. I personally do not feel right listening to it. I love rock music so I turned to christian rock. Most secular rock music has a message contrary to the word and what it says so I just stay away from it.

As far as if it is ok to listen or not I wold have to say that is personall but it is not ok to be feeding yourself thoughts that go against God. If it not against the Bible in any way then listen.

Proverbs 4:20-28 (King James Version)

20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

 21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

 22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

 23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

 24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

 25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

 26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

 27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.


I desire to protect my mind from the thoughts, ideas, and philosophies of the world so I choose not to listen. Is this right for everyone; I will not say that but I trust God will reward me for this decision daily.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on December 27, 2005, 11:44:10 PM
just to highlight something from that long, paragraphless post that I did six months ago, can you answer these questions, just for ex., I'm only making a case for love songs w/out provocative lyrics

1. If a friend told you about how much he loved someone, would you listen?

2. Do you listen to and/read love poetry that is not gospel?

3. Do you listen to Jazz, Classical piano, or any other wordless peices of music?

1-   If you've answered yes to #1, then love songs can't be much worse because love poetry is only expression in verse, instead of the prose that people normally talk in. If your friend spoke only in verse like Shakespearean characters, you would be listening to love poetry w/out the title. (and then see #2)

2-   If you've answered yes to #2, then you are, in a sense, listening to a love song w/out the beat, as most love song's lyrics are written before the music is added.

3-   If you've answered yes to #3, then you should know that jazz is often based off of love songs (unless you meant gospel jazz), and is thus a secular peice. If you listen to classical music, then you should realize that many classical songs have the same purpose as many love songs do, and therefore was not made to the glory of GOD, so if secular music is a sin, then listening to secular peices is sinful too.

If you've answered no to all questions then you are very firm in your veiw of secular music and I admire your dedication to it (and also cannot persuade you)
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: psychopianoman on December 28, 2005, 09:46:16 AM
Quote from: Scales27

3-   If you've answered yes to #3, then you should know that jazz is often based off of love songs (unless you meant gospel jazz), and is thus a secular peice. If you listen to classical music, then you should realize that many classical songs have the same purpose as many love songs do, and therefore was not made to the glory of GOD, so if secular music is a sin, then listening to secular peices is sinful too.
quote]

I can see what you are saying but the end of your statement pushes it too far for me. ( so if secular music is a sin, then listening to secular peices is sinful too) If people want to listen to love music or classical music then they can go for it as it is not contrary to the word of God although it is secular, on the otherhand if that same person wanted to listen to pantera or slipknot or godsmack talking bad about God or some r and b talking about shaking yo booty on the floor and having sex or clubbing then there would be a problem with that.

We can not just lump everything into one category. But I guess we can all believe what we want. Here is what the bible states.

Romans 14
 1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

 3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

 4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

 5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

 6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

 7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

 8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

 9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

 10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

 11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

 12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

 14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

 15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

 16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

 17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

 18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

 19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

 20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

 21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

 22Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

 23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

I like to state what I believe because it is what makes me who I am. I know what it is to have my music choices attacked because soon after my salvation I started listening to christian rock and some church people thought it was wrong and ungodly. My goal is to listen to music that will not hinder my walk but build me up daily. If I was married then love music could serve that purpous, classical music does the same; it can give you rest and relaxation, evil music that goes against God, it will profit a man nothing.

Ultimately though my opinion really does not matter because we all stand before God in the end. In the end it will not be my opinion against anyone elses but we will all stand before God and have Him tell us what He thinks.
I am fully persuaded in my mind about my views on this subject so I am good. If everyone else is fully persuaded in their minds then so be it, you are good as well.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: tondee on December 28, 2005, 11:31:40 AM
Quote from: Scales27
1. If a friend told you about how much he loved someone, would you listen?

If you've answered yes to #1, then love songs can't be much worse because love poetry is only expression in verse, instead of the prose that people normally talk in. If your friend spoke only in verse like Shakespearean characters, you would be listening to love poetry w/out the title.


This is not an answer to the poll.  I just have a question about the pattern of things.

Do you think that deductive reasoning in such a fashion as this is a fair and safe way of approaching God's words and thoughts??  And to do that on top of God saying that His thoughts are not like ours?  This is similar to how the Pharasees came up with their Mishna, which was one of the issues Jesus slammed them hard for.  

I'm not judging anyone, I'm just saying that the "Ifs, thens, therefores" most of the time don't work when talking about God's thoughts.

Tony
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on December 28, 2005, 04:43:01 PM
Quote from: tondee
Quote from: Scales27
1. If a friend told you about how much he loved someone, would you listen?

If you've answered yes to #1, then love songs can't be much worse because love poetry is only expression in verse, instead of the prose that people normally talk in. If your friend spoke only in verse like Shakespearean characters, you would be listening to love poetry w/out the title.


This is not an answer to the poll.  I just have a question about the pattern of things.

Do you think that deductive reasoning in such a fashion as this is a fair and safe way of approaching God's words and thoughts??  And to do that on top of God saying that His thoughts are not like ours?  This is similar to how the Pharasees came up with their Mishna, which was one of the issues Jesus slammed them hard for.  

I'm not judging anyone, I'm just saying that the "Ifs, thens, therefores" most of the time don't work when talking about God's thoughts.

Tony


   I actually kind of thought of that. When I was typing it, I was wondering how people would respond to it. After I had submitted it, I did notice that I took an approach that was far too imposing. That specific one that you quoted, I meant to rephrase into a more reasoning tone, rather than the authoritative and possibly accusational way that I posted it. I would have then ommitted the other two and asked how instrumentals made a difference. My excuse...I'm at that "age." I apologize for the approach.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on December 28, 2005, 04:57:09 PM
Quote from: psychopianoman
Quote from: Scales27

3-   If you've answered yes to #3, then you should know that jazz is often based off of love songs (unless you meant gospel jazz), and is thus a secular peice. If you listen to classical music, then you should realize that many classical songs have the same purpose as many love songs do, and therefore was not made to the glory of GOD, so if secular music is a sin, then listening to secular peices is sinful too.
quote]

I can see what you are saying but the end of your statement pushes it too far for me. ( so if secular music is a sin, then listening to secular peices is sinful too) If people want to listen to love music or classical music then they can go for it as it is not contrary to the word of God although it is secular, on the otherhand if that same person wanted to listen to pantera or slipknot or godsmack talking bad about God or some r and b talking about shaking yo booty on the floor and having sex or clubbing then there would be a problem with that.

We can not just lump everything into one category. But I guess we can all believe what we want.
I like to state what I believe because it is what makes me who I am. I know what it is to have my music choices attacked because soon after my salvation I started listening to christian rock and some church people thought it was wrong and ungodly. My goal is to listen to music that will not hinder my walk but build me up daily. If I was married then love music could serve that purpous, classical music does the same; it can give you rest and relaxation, evil music that goes against God, it will profit a man nothing.


See, I knew that I should have rephrased or omitted that part. I agree completely with what you just said. Like I told Tondee, I took the wrong approach. For this one, I should have simply asked if anyone believed that Secular music is wrong (I said at the beginning w/out provocative content.) but that secular peices are not and then asked for their perspective. I listen to them both because I do not see the harm in either of them as long as I use discretion
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Davelong on December 29, 2005, 07:45:06 PM
Yep, I listen to everything - that's my job - I'm a bass player and have to know how to play lots of different songs and styles.  By far my favorite to listen to is gospel - lifts my spirit and praises God.  Many other styles I listen to for enjoyment - especially jazz and classical, but I still have to know how to play the other songs and styles at any time. I wish I had the option of just listening to christian music.

(Let's just hope that I NEVER have to play "Me and Mrs. Jones" again!)
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: 2tight on December 29, 2005, 09:59:15 PM
Quote from: Scales27
READ THIS!!! I ran the last debate because I was looking for someone to bring up good reasons why listening to secular music is wrong. I want to place my strongest arguments up against theirs so that I can basically debate. Debating is for Christians because it helps them minister to people of other religions. Perhaps even convert them. Its good training. Now for my perspective on sec music. I actually listen to secular music more than gospel music. Not for the words always, sometimes because the beat just sounds good or I like the style of the singer. My perspective on music is this: If you read poetry with the same content, then you should have no problem listening to a song like that. Love poetry and other kinds are not wrong because they are only organized expression. You would listen to a friend talk about how much he loves his girlfriend right? So poetry is no different. Add some instruments and you've got a song. I'm eclectic. I listen to all kinds of music; rap, rock & roll, R&B, gospel, go-go, blues, jazz, country, oldies, spirituals, crunk music, reggae, reggaeton, latin, salsa, greek, inspirational, kids(ok maybe not), and many other kinds. I'm not sure about crunk music and reggaeton because I can't remember the content but, eventually some safe lyrics will accompany those styles (the styles are nice though). I listen to all kinds of music, but almost always look for ways to make a gospel version. The problem with alot of gospel songs is that many are inaccurate, and some that use pop styles try to hard and fail. I give kirk Franklin his Props, he has some good songs. But sometimes he is just corny. I want to see someone make a gospel song that appeals to the world so much that it lives on like the world's songs do. At least get a song on a secular radio station regularly. Smokie Norful has done this (radio) so the gospel message that he preaches is heard. Someone needs to make a song that is just like a worldly song. Songwriters need to stop trying to be cool and hip for the "young people"(I'm 17 if you ask) and just make the songs for the entire audience of music listeners(though everybody won't like every song that everybody else likes). To appeal to a group, make something the way you would if you were one of them, not in hopes that your counterfeit style will be similar but just as good. Anyone who isnt afraid to listen to worldly that writes well try this, listen to a real nice worldly song. Pay attention to how the words are formed, to how the beats moves. Then, change the words to something similar with a message from God in it. Rewrite it over and over. Try to put in as much word as possible. Dont look at it as gospel in worldly form, see it as a worldly song with gospel in it. Rewrite it some more. when you have apolished work, just play the song on the piano or listen to the song. Sing along with your words. See how much you'd like it if you were in the world. How much do you like it?  It is good to listen to worldly music because you can mix appealing styles with your piano playing/song writing. Where do you think contemporary piano playing/gospel came from?


I feel it is nothing wrong with listening to secular music.I listen to secular music everyday.That how i know some of the chords and licks that i know from secular music.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: psychopianoman on December 29, 2005, 11:43:22 PM
Quote from: Scales27
I listen to all kinds of music, but almost always look for ways to make a gospel version. The problem with a lot of gospel songs is that many are inaccurate, and some that use pop styles try to hard and fail. I give Kirk Franklin his Props, he has some good songs. But sometimes he is just corny. I want to see someone make a gospel song that appeals to the world so much that it lives on like the world's songs do. At least get a song on a secular radio station regularly. Smokie Norful has done this (radio) so the gospel message that he preaches is heard. Someone needs to make a song that is just like a worldly song.


Being that u wanted a debate I will give you one.

1. 95% of the music on a secular rock, rap, or alternative music station is going to have bad language, sexual undertones, negative ways of dealing with life problems, or drug content. Country music is not as bad but a lot of it contains the above mentioned material. To listen to these stations you would spend more time changing stations to get away from immoral content.

Proverbs 4:20-27

20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.


2. It is a bad thing to credit the world for what God has done. You stated "It is good to listen to worldly music because you can mix appealing styles with your piano playing/song writing. Where do you think contemporary piano playing/gospel came from?" This is a lie. God is the creator of all things and we do not need the world for influence; we have the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.



3. You said "I want to see someone make a gospel song that appeals to the world so much that it lives on like the world's songs do. At least get a song on a secular radio station regularly. Smokie Norful has done this (radio) so the gospel message that he preaches is heard. Someone needs to make a song that is just like a worldly song."

Again this is a lie. We are never taught in the word of God to be like the world nor fashion our ways after theirs nor are we to seek acceptance by them. Christian music does not live on because we as Christians do not support it and have people thinking it is ok to listen to secular junk.

Romans 12:1-2

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Isaiah 33:15-16

15He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure

Colossians 1:16-23

16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;
20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister

Luke 10:27
27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

2 Corinthians 3:14
14But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:4
4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Romans 1:28
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

We are never told to be like the world or turn our ears to the world or pattern ourselves around their ways. We are called to be children of light. Our mind is the battle ground that Satan does his fighting on. God shows us in His Word that we can become hardened, blinded, corrupt, and debased and the only positive factor is the opposite end and that is a renewed mind through the word of God and not the word of the world.

Do what you will with your mind but let it be known that it is not a toy and there are ample warnings in the BOOK about what we should and should not allow into our mind. There is more but I will need to do some further studying. There is no way I will try to justify worldly music on the assumption that it can help a christian make music. Most of it is bad, I do not see how it could even be tolerated. Your turn.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on January 02, 2006, 01:32:57 AM
First of all, I like your arguments. Very effective. If you want to be more effective, try posting the most relevant scriptures so I can really get your point. One thing that you have over me, I can only paraphrase scriptures because I forget where I read them (I'm a young Christian). I won't post any this time...I have my reasons but here are my arguments.

First off, the statistics, in general are lower than 95% for the liklihood of hearing immoral content on the radio. The interesting thing is, however, I don't listen to the radio much because I'm picky about what I listen too. I'm eclectic but picky. Since the probability of hearing bad lyrics are still a little high, I agree that Christians should just choose Christian stations over other ones, or listen to CD's.

I need to find the scripture for this, but I could have sworn that the BIBLE says all things are inspired by GOD (I have a question about that). So, if I'm not mistaken, God inspired a person to emulate a worldly style. I can't find the scrpiture so I may have ommitted something but this however is still true. Just as Kirk Franklin sampled Funkadelics on his stomp song (the one without Salt). Also, Hezekiah and other artists have phrases and shouts(like oh-oh! OH-OH! and a few others). In other words, GOD can direct one to emulate one such style.

Third, the scripture Proverbs 4:20-27 is right, probably was not made to be taken for its literal meaning, for if it was, then that would mean that Christains should only listen, and view things that have to do with GOD. I'm asking YOU, not just for the debate but because maybe I interpret wrong, but if that scripture was literally taken, then wouldn't that mean that Christains should not watch TV, including Barney with their kids, the News, cartoons. I also ask, what is the difference between listening to a song with profanity or violence, and watching a movie with the same content. Is a Steven Segal movie exempt? no? What about terminator? (I'm serious, but joking)

The third thing you said in response to what I said about making a song that resembles worldly music I actually cannot argue with. When your right your right (lol, your right)

Romans 12:2

that scripture means that Christains shouldn't act like the world, but that does not mean that Christains cannot do things because the world does them or makes them. ex. Christains shouldn't try to intimidate people like the world does but Christains can definetely work at a post office like many sinners do. And Christains can definetely use things including CERTAIN KINDS of music, as I constantly have to repeat that THAT is what I'm defending, that the world uses for entertainment or to reach out into the world. If we cannot then we should do research to make sure that all people who made things like tootbrushes, plumbing and fried chicken were Christains. Now if you say that all things are created by GOD then it doesn't matter because God made it and he does not promote sin and therefore if he made it, it is OK for Christains.

Also, you said that most secular music is bad, most never translates into all and I REPEAT FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME, I HAVE ONLY BEEN ARGUING FOR SECULAR MUSIC WITH SAFE CONTENT. I like your style, and I'm sure that you can respond.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: psychopianoman on January 02, 2006, 11:54:00 AM
We are on the same page then because I am only arguing against secular music that contains bad material. But lets keep this thing going because I do have a few comments.

First of all here is the scripture you are looking for.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.


The word inspiration here is a bit deeper than the word we use today. This word in the Greek is theo nustas and it is translated "God breathed". The scriptures literally came from the mouth of God. Inspiration today generally comes from our lives and from the Word we read and our encounters with God which is inspiration but it is different than the inspiration shown here and this totally applies only to the scriptures if using this verse.

Second; I posted those scriptures to show the higher calling God has placed on our lives.

2 Timothy 1:9

9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

It is not about what can we do and still be a Christian but how do we wish to see God move in our lives. The scriptures I chose were more of a challenge to raise above the mediocrity so people can see what God has for them.

Third the music ratio of 95% may be wrong but in which direction. I do not know but I use the radio on the internet and the stuff people listen to at work and 8 to 9 out of 10 songs are going to be bad so that is where I got my percentage but that would really be like 80 to 90 percent. Still to high to even be looking for a good beat on a secular station.

Lastly the comments on the passage in proverbs are correct, it is to be taken literally for it is the word of God and is "God breathed" and it is calling us to a higher standard but before we ever make an interpretation of the scriptures then we must first read it and then study it out.

Proverbs 4:20-27

20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Verse 20 and 21 are telling us to listen, this is what we need to do with the Word of God and then verse 22 tells us why. We move on to verse 23 and we are given a warning; more like a command and then 24-26 tell us how we take heed to this warning. We are not to have a froward mouth or perverse lips and 25 and 26 are dealing with our walk with God. It is sort of like a race. When you run a race you look straight ahead and set out an established path as you run around the track so you are ready for any hurdles that may lie before you and then we have verse 27. The age old question: What is evil? Your answer lies in this last verse and I have not studied it out so I will not answer this but here is another verse that is useful.

Hebrews 12:1-7

1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The idea here is that we are running a race and we need to get rid of the extra weight and the sin that besets us. According to these versus then evil is anything that holds us back from moving forward in our relationship with God. The idea I get from all of it is to not be looking at the other side of the fence and thinking that it is greener on the other side, God has called us and saved us with a holy calling so we need to tighten up and set our eyes on the prize and not worry about the world and all its doings and to be looking at what they are doing but set our eyes on Christ.

Wow here is an awesome verse I totally forgot about.

Philippians 3:8-17

8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing

I want you to know something, I am sorry I did not pay better attention to your post :lol: , I got it now for the UMPTEENTH TIME, I understand your point and most of my post was inspired for ME. I have been going thru some hard times and my mind has been under attack and this little study I did has got me all fired up and back in spiritual shape but I still thought I would post it anyways.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: psychopianoman on January 02, 2006, 12:08:50 PM
Just to let everyone know; me and scales27 are having a healthy debate and we do not hate eachother or are we angered at eachother.

My style is a little agressive, just wanted to get that out so people would not think we r fighting and lock us out.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on January 12, 2006, 03:07:28 PM
What you said about 80-90% of the songs on the radio, OK, I was really going to say that 85% of the songs are bad but that wouldn't help my argument. I listen to CD's anyway. I very seldom listen to the radio because I have to keep changing stations, I don't listen to certain kinds of songs and I don't like radio commercials.
    I must ask you, are you saying that listening to any kind of secular music is a weight? If you are, then I cannot agree with you. Most secular songs are a weight. Especially the songs of my generation. Some secular songs, however, may actually help Christains with there walk with Christ. Of course this is totally dependant on how the person responds to it. Lets say a Christain woman slips up and haves sex and discovers that she's pregnant and is so ashamed that she is considering abortion to cover it up. Maybe Nick Cannon's songs, "Can I live" can minister to her and give her the strength to keep her baby, and thus not sin further by killing it, and by not sinning that second time she is closer to GOD for making the right decision. GOD can use anybody to speak to someone, but nobody can do the full will of GOD without first accepting him into his life.
   Now that we've gotten on the same page pretty much, this isn't much of a debate. It's become a discussion, which is good. Not as fun as a debate but is good. I hope and pray that you get through whatever has been bothering you. If you don't agree with anything I just said then we can draw it out a little longer. If not then I'm sure we'll "face off" again.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: MikeGee on January 12, 2006, 03:30:56 PM
my opinion has nothing to do with anyone else and everything to do with me and my choices, to be honest I do not listen to hip hop or rap not because I'm a Christian but beacuse I've gotten bored of it. More then 80% of it sounds the same, its gotten very repetitive and futher more the topic is most of the time the same to me. If I'm going to do something that is repetitive it will remain worshiping and praising my GOD.

There is maybe 2 or 3 secular songs that I do like; Ben E. KIngs- Stand by Me, Bill Withers- Lean on Me, Marvin Gaye- Whats Going On. Other then that Probably nothing.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: psychopianoman on January 12, 2006, 04:15:15 PM
Quote from: Scales27
What you said about 80-90% of the songs on the radio, OK, I was really going to say that 85% of the songs are bad but that wouldn't help my argument. I listen to CD's anyway. I very seldom listen to the radio because I have to keep changing stations, I don't listen to certain kinds of songs and I don't like radio commercials.
    I must ask you, are you saying that listening to any kind of secular music is a weight? If you are, then I cannot agree with you. Most secular songs are a weight. Especially the songs of my generation. Some secular songs, however, may actually help Christains with there walk with Christ. Of course this is totally dependant on how the person responds to it. Lets say a Christain woman slips up and haves sex and discovers that she's pregnant and is so ashamed that she is considering abortion to cover it up. Maybe Nick Cannon's songs, "Can I live" can minister to her and give her the strength to keep her baby, and thus not sin further by killing it, and by not sinning that second time she is closer to GOD for making the right decision. GOD can use anybody to speak to someone, but nobody can do the full will of GOD without first accepting him into his life.
   Now that we've gotten on the same page pretty much, this isn't much of a debate. It's become a discussion, which is good. Not as fun as a debate but is good. I hope and pray that you get through whatever has been bothering you. If you don't agree with anything I just said then we can draw it out a little longer. If not then I'm sure we'll "face off" again.


No not all secular songs are a weight, for a married couple some good clean love songs can build their relationship and bring growth, I listen to classical music and piano players they call new age which is a highly misunderstood word in the musical world. I choose to stay away from secular music with words becouse it usually goes sour in the first few seconds.

Gad will use whatever He must to reach us especially when we fall and are in sin but it is not the best for us. We can not justify those moments and make it ok all the time, in that situation God will speak to you through whoever He must but we must know that there is a better way. Read this passage for an idea of what we can and can't do.

1 Corinthians 6:12-15

12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

 13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

 14And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

 15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

Here is one last scripture you can read for yourself, it is long so I did not post it here but you have to read this, every once in a while I will read this for a good laugh, the message is powerfull but it is funny what happens. Her it is; read it and let me know what you think.

Numbers 22:1-49 (King James Version)

I like the KJV version the best for this passage, God will use anything but we should not make Him go that far.
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: lilbud2 on January 13, 2006, 10:59:24 PM
I agree with scales 27.  I feel exactly the same way as you.  I like all types of music.  I love God and Gospel music, but when I landed a job as a high school, black show band director, I began to listen to more secular music.  Not to backslide, but my students began to bring me songs that they wanted to play.  I wrote the music for my band, therefore, I had to listen to some songs hundreds of times to get all the parts.  After hearing them so often, I realized that I liked them and liked hearing my band play them.  I don't think this made me any less of a christian.  So is it wrong to listen to a band playing secular songs??
Title: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: psychopianoman on January 14, 2006, 01:22:34 AM
Quote from: lilbud2
I agree with scales 27.  I feel exactly the same way as you.  I like all types of music.  I love God and Gospel music, but when I landed a job as a high school, black show band director, I began to listen to more secular music.  Not to backslide, but my students began to bring me songs that they wanted to play.  I wrote the music for my band, therefore, I had to listen to some songs hundreds of times to get all the parts.  After hearing them so often, I realized that I liked them and liked hearing my band play them.  I don't think this made me any less of a christian.  So is it wrong to listen to a band playing secular songs??


Me and scales27 were having a debate nothing more but in my opinion there are many, many scriptures that teach us to stay away from the appearance of evil and to prepare our selves by the renewing of the mind. We can not be all that God wants us to be with secular words buried in our head. We are told to hide Gods word in our heart not the words of the world. To play plain old music that is without a message is as harmless as me playing the moonlight sonata but if you are playing music that has bad words in it then that is a different story.

Maybe you did not read all my post, the main thing I see as bad in secular music are the words, not the music. Messages hold power, they are what inform and persuade and corrupt so we have to be sure we are keeping our minds pure by filtering what goes into them. Words are more powerful than we realize. You could do a whole study on that in the Bible and make a book out of it.

Read all the previous postings and the scriptures that are listed and make a decision. I am not here to to make you think like me but to inform people with what the word states. The Word of God has power, not me. I can convince no man but the word of God can make a person new and give them power to change.

In the future I will get on here even more and debate issues like these because they help me in my study of the Word and I am taking more classes this semester so I will be looking to practice writing even more. I may even take the side I am against just to find the weak points in my true belief. Me and scales were just having fun.

My advise is this; anyone that wants answers read these books of the Bible and you will have your answers. Proverbs, ecclesiastes, and psalms. Read them daily and go through them all a few times and you will begin to see something. These books are full of wisdom and God said wisdom is better than gold. I would gladly take my weight in wisdom over that of gold. Wisdom from God is amazing, it will make you see things like you have never seen them before. Life changing truth, check em out and see for yourself. The key is to read them in bulk, chunks at a time, daily for 2 or 3 months. Let God see that you want something from Him.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Da_Bose on February 28, 2006, 02:12:40 AM
just to highlight something from that long, paragraphless post that I did six months ago, can you answer these questions, just for ex., I'm only making a case for love songs w/out provocative lyrics

1. If a friend told you about how much he loved someone, would you listen?

2. Do you listen to and/read love poetry that is not gospel?

3. Do you listen to Jazz, Classical piano, or any other wordless peices of music?

1-   If you've answered yes to #1, then love songs can't be much worse because love poetry is only expression in verse, instead of the prose that people normally talk in. If your friend spoke only in verse like Shakespearean characters, you would be listening to love poetry w/out the title. (and then see #2)

2-   If you've answered yes to #2, then you are, in a sense, listening to a love song w/out the beat, as most love song's lyrics are written before the music is added.

3-   If you've answered yes to #3, then you should know that jazz is often based off of love songs (unless you meant gospel jazz), and is thus a secular peice. If you listen to classical music, then you should realize that many classical songs have the same purpose as many love songs do, and therefore was not made to the glory of GOD, so if secular music is a sin, then listening to secular peices is sinful too.

If you've answered no to all questions then you are very firm in your veiw of secular music and I admire your dedication to it (and also cannot persuade you)


Your rating system is a little off.  First, Jazz has many different forms, so to conclude that a jazz song is a love song is too encompassing.  Also with music we must examine it in terms of both the music and the lyrics.  Relative to the music, jazz takes has a lot of it's roots from the church. It is moving and evokes feelings.  Look at the basis of Ray Charles' best selling music--a derivative of Church music.  (I know Ray wouldn't be classified as a jazz artist, but I hope you see my point).  Music and song is something that belongs to God.  Genesis speaks of the first song when the angels and stars sang praises to God's on his great creation.  Personnaly, I feel that it is our music that has been pilfered, so why should I run away from it.  And for those who have comments on the "seculari sound" of contemprary church music, what's wrong with taking back what was ours to begin with. Plus by definitition, it the music is religious in nature, it can't be classified as secular!!  At best, its just a form of church music that's not pleasing to you.

Regarding Classical music you are again grouping too many different things together.  Many classical pieces have no words and were written as exercise pieces, so how can you generalize and say they are based on love songs.  Secondly,  quick research reveals that many of the classical composers made their living off of writing commissioned masses, requiems and other works for the Church.  Though primary the Catholic Church, for God's House nontheless.  Through the years, their origin may have been lost, and even used in today's commercials, but does that  make them secular?  Also,  If you open a Hymn book find Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee,  Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken or Hark The Voice of Jesus Is Calling , you will see that Mozart wrote the music for all three.  Someone later on came along added their words, and turned it ito a hymn.  Not to mention how many songs in the Hymn books are sung to the tune of an old irish melody.  Should these songs be abolished from the hymn books?

I am a lover of good clean music regardless of the genre, and feel that even secular artists can sing gospel songs.  Their songs may be an expression of a supressed spirit within them seeking to get out, and although some may think that they are using God to make money,  I'd like those same folks to consider that fact that it is them who is really being used.  Used by God to spread words of his goodness, love and providence to those who don't go to church, who don't have a religious foundation, and who might not otherwise recieve or be receptive to hearing the messages contained in the songs. 

As you survey the new testament, Jesus always attracted people by what they could identify with. With the fishermen Peter, James and John, it was through fishing and telling them they could become fishers of men.  With the farming types, he told parables about the mustard seed, the fig tree, and so on.  You see, Jesus though never compromising his mission nor his purpose, always met the people on their level.  If to be a Christian is to be Christ-like, is there anything wrong with following one of the models that he used?  Let's get ourselves out of the Church and more into the lost massess and be less sanctimonious about what a "good" christian should or shouldn't do and be about winning souls on the outside and then bringing them into the Churches.  Finally, if some of us want to so strongly rate (or judge) christians on their music listening tendacies, don't stop at that leisure hobby, we should also include discussions on the the appropiateness of going to plays, seeing the opera, watching sports, etc.   Better yet, let's all become Amish or Menonites and do away with all contact with the outside world!  Oops, please forgive me, I digressed way too far!! 

Anyways, it was a good question and hopefully people on both sides and those sitting on the fence will attempt to understand the responses  in this thread even if at this point in time they don't agree. And please don't let your personal convictions be a judgement pushed onto others.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: fibro on March 13, 2006, 03:18:17 AM
READ THIS!!! I ran the last debate because I was looking for someone to bring up good reasons why listening to secular music is wrong. I want to place my strongest arguments up against theirs so that I can basically debate. Debating is for Christians because it helps them minister to people of other religions. Perhaps even convert them. Its good training. Now for my perspective on sec music. I actually listen to secular music more than gospel music. Not for the words always, sometimes because the beat just sounds good or I like the style of the singer. My perspective on music is this: If you read poetry with the same content, then you should have no problem listening to a song like that. Love poetry and other kinds are not wrong because they are only organized expression. You would listen to a friend talk about how much he loves his girlfriend right? So poetry is no different. Add some instruments and you've got a song. I'm eclectic. I listen to all kinds of music; rap, rock & roll, R&B, gospel, go-go, blues, jazz, country, oldies, spirituals, crunk music, reggae, reggaeton, latin, salsa, greek, inspirational, kids(ok maybe not), and many other kinds. I'm not sure about crunk music and reggaeton because I can't remember the content but, eventually some safe lyrics will accompany those styles (the styles are nice though). I listen to all kinds of music, but almost always look for ways to make a gospel version. The problem with alot of gospel songs is that many are inaccurate, and some that use pop styles try to hard and fail. I give kirk Franklin his Props, he has some good songs. But sometimes he is just corny. I want to see someone make a gospel song that appeals to the world so much that it lives on like the world's songs do. At least get a song on a secular radio station regularly. Smokie Norful has done this (radio) so the gospel message that he preaches is heard. Someone needs to make a song that is just like a worldly song. Songwriters need to stop trying to be cool and hip for the "young people"(I'm 17 if you ask) and just make the songs for the entire audience of music listeners(though everybody won't like every song that everybody else likes). To appeal to a group, make something the way you would if you were one of them, not in hopes that your counterfeit style will be similar but just as good. Anyone who isnt afraid to listen to worldly that writes well try this, listen to a real nice worldly song. Pay attention to how the words are formed, to how the beats moves. Then, change the words to something similar with a message from God in it. Rewrite it over and over. Try to put in as much word as possible. Dont look at it as gospel in worldly form, see it as a worldly song with gospel in it. Rewrite it some more. when you have apolished work, just play the song on the piano or listen to the song. Sing along with your words. See how much you'd like it if you were in the world. How much do you like it?  It is good to listen to worldly music because you can mix appealing styles with your piano playing/song writing. Where do you think contemporary piano playing/gospel came from?
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 13, 2006, 09:11:56 AM
If the song doesn't exalt Christ I don't Listen to it. Some of these songs carry some serious spirits with them. They just put thoughts in your head. GOspel music will eventuall take over.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 13, 2006, 09:13:07 AM
This is coming from a young man of 18 years old. I see how some of these songs have hypnotic effects on my peers and classmates. A big part of who you are is the music that you listen to
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: allonesound on March 13, 2006, 05:25:50 PM
wow?!?
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 14, 2006, 08:09:55 AM
Between songs, Tye ministered to the saints. He said, “We praise God in church, and will shout and dance as long as the music is going.  However the atmosphere for some of us will change as soon as we sit in the car and turn on the radio. For others, the atmosphere will change as soon as our cell phones ring, with some of these ringers and i-tunes we have put on our phones. You can’t expect to hear all kinds of music and then expect to hear from God.”

This is what Tye Tribbett druning his live recording in Philadelphia,PA last December. I agree with him whole heartedly
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 14, 2006, 08:11:59 AM
Between songs, Tye ministered to the saints. He said, “We praise God in church, and will shout and dance as long as the music is going.  However the atmosphere for some of us will change as soon as we sit in the car and turn on the radio. For others, the atmosphere will change as soon as our cell phones ring, with some of these ringers and i-tunes we have put on our phones. You can’t expect to hear all kinds of music and then expect to hear from God.”

This is what Tye Tribbett druning his live recording in Philadelphia,PA last December. I agree with him whole heartedly
[sorry about that. This is what Tye Tribbett Said during his live recording. I made some grammar mistakes/quote]
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on March 15, 2006, 08:26:47 PM

Your rating system is a little off.  First, Jazz has many different forms, so to conclude that a jazz song is a love song is too encompassing.  Also with music we must examine it in terms of both the music and the lyrics.  Relative to the music, jazz takes has a lot of it's roots from the church. It is moving and evokes feelings.  Look at the basis of Ray Charles' best selling music--a derivative of Church music.  (I know Ray wouldn't be classified as a jazz artist, but I hope you see my point).  Music and song is something that belongs to God.  Genesis speaks of the first song when the angels and stars sang praises to God's on his great creation.  Personnaly, I feel that it is our music that has been pilfered, so why should I run away from it.  And for those who have comments on the "seculari sound" of contemprary church music, what's wrong with taking back what was ours to begin with. Plus by definitition, it the music is religious in nature, it can't be classified as secular!!  At best, its just a form of church music that's not pleasing to you.

Regarding Classical music you are again grouping too many different things together.  Many classical pieces have no words and were written as exercise pieces, so how can you generalize and say they are based on love songs.  Secondly,  quick research reveals that many of the classical composers made their living off of writing commissioned masses, requiems and other works for the Church.  Though primary the Catholic Church, for God's House nontheless.  Through the years, their origin may have been lost, and even used in today's commercials, but does that  make them secular?  Also,  If you open a Hymn book find Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee,  Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken or Hark The Voice of Jesus Is Calling , you will see that Mozart wrote the music for all three.  Someone later on came along added their words, and turned it ito a hymn.  Not to mention how many songs in the Hymn books are sung to the tune of an old irish melody.  Should these songs be abolished from the hymn books?

I am a lover of good clean music regardless of the genre, and feel that even secular artists can sing gospel songs.  Their songs may be an expression of a supressed spirit within them seeking to get out, and although some may think that they are using God to make money,  I'd like those same folks to consider that fact that it is them who is really being used.  Used by God to spread words of his goodness, love and providence to those who don't go to church, who don't have a religious foundation, and who might not otherwise recieve or be receptive to hearing the messages contained in the songs. 

As you survey the new testament, Jesus always attracted people by what they could identify with. With the fishermen Peter, James and John, it was through fishing and telling them they could become fishers of men.  With the farming types, he told parables about the mustard seed, the fig tree, and so on.  You see, Jesus though never compromising his mission nor his purpose, always met the people on their level.  If to be a Christian is to be Christ-like, is there anything wrong with following one of the models that he used?  Let's get ourselves out of the Church and more into the lost massess and be less sanctimonious about what a "good" christian should or shouldn't do and be about winning souls on the outside and then bringing them into the Churches.  Finally, if some of us want to so strongly rate (or judge) christians on their music listening tendacies, don't stop at that leisure hobby, we should also include discussions on the the appropiateness of going to plays, seeing the opera, watching sports, etc.   Better yet, let's all become Amish or Menonites and do away with all contact with the outside world!  Oops, please forgive me, I digressed way too far!! 

Anyways, it was a good question and hopefully people on both sides and those sitting on the fence will attempt to understand the responses  in this thread even if at this point in time they don't agree. And please don't let your personal convictions be a judgement pushed onto others.

Hey, I can't argue against that. You articulated your point effectively. I hadn't looked at the facts of jazz and classical music that you had pointed out. Of course, if I am reading your post correctly, you agree with me, but not with some particular statements that I posted. I also wanted to address what you said about operas and "what not." FINALLY!! Many christains say how wrong it is to listen to secular music, but most of them watch award shows, American idol, operas, plays, sports, scary movies, Apollo, and did I mention American Idol? They do so many other things but "pick on" music because of obvious reasons, but the obvious reasons are not always the the most logical ones. They assume, which the BIBLE says not to do, that since there are some bad secular songs, that all are bad, and that same logic fuels the hatred of black people by racist people. People have to look at more than just face value, and stop judging others based on things that they were simply told. To make sense, always do research for your self.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on March 15, 2006, 08:47:19 PM
Between songs, Tye ministered to the saints. He said, “We praise God in church, and will shout and dance as long as the music is going.  However the atmosphere for some of us will change as soon as we sit in the car and turn on the radio. For others, the atmosphere will change as soon as our cell phones ring, with some of these ringers and i-tunes we have put on our phones. You can’t expect to hear all kinds of music and then expect to hear from God.”

This is what Tye Tribbett druning his live recording in Philadelphia,PA last December. I agree with him whole heartedly

      First off, you said that secular music has spirits? Who did you hear that from and what evidence did they give you? Look at the post that I just did and read the one I responded to. What evidence do you have on the alleged spirits of other music. Don't "mystify" everything. When people listen to music they like to move with it. IT'S JUST HOW THEY RESPOND TO IT. Some act strange and some just like to chill and enjoy the song (like me! ;D). I never advocated songs that sell sex and songs that make violence look cool. I voted certain kinds of music on the poll because some music is ok and some music is ungodly. Not GODly, however, is not neccessarily ungodly. Just because something doesn't uplift GOD, that doesn't mean that it uplifts Satan, or that GOD doesn't approve. Before you respond, I challenge you to go back and read every previous post so that I will not have to enumerate the fallacies that you may post (there were many in your other too). I challenge you too, allonesound. If ya'll still disagree then I have no problems reiterating the planks of my thesis that not all secular music is bad. I'll debate even if you don't read all of them. Just don't get too emotional, we are family. (LGM family!!)
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: allonesound on March 15, 2006, 09:53:31 PM
First off, you said that secular music has spirits? Who did you hear that from and what evidence did they give you? Look at the post that I just did and read the one I responded to. What evidence do you have on the alleged spirits of other music. Don't "mystify" everything. When people listen to music they like to move with it. IT'S JUST HOW THEY RESPOND TO IT. Some act strange and some just like to chill and enjoy the song (like me! ;D). I never advocated songs that sell sex and songs that make violence look cool. I voted certain kinds of music on the poll because some music is ok and some music is ungodly. Not GODly, however, is not neccessarily ungodly. Just because something doesn't uplift GOD, that doesn't mean that it uplifts Satan, or that GOD doesn't approve. Before you respond, I challenge you to go back and read every previous post so that I will not have to enumerate the fallacies that you may post (there were many in your other too). I challenge you too, allonesound. If ya'll still disagree then I have no problems reiterating the planks of my thesis that not all secular music is bad. I'll debate even if you don't read all of them. Just don't get too emotional, we are family. (LGM family!!)


Will do!!!
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 16, 2006, 07:47:59 AM
What I'm Trying to say is that this music will just put thoughts in your head. I got the idea from the way my peers and this current generation acts. Everyone at my school walks around wanting to be thugs and such.Most of the conversations at my school are mostly about sex or violence. I do believe that this music has something to do with it.  I agree with you about certain types of music. . All secular music isn't bad. Only classifications I would put would be jazz and classical. All R&B, Rap or secular  love songs. I just can't get with. If you are saved and single why do you need love songs if you are waiting on the lord ???.  I know most people aren't going to agree with me but I can't help it.
I know some young people that listen to jazz and classical music but come on. Do you think most kids my age are listening to doo wop or Mozart? Scales 27 you are right. All types of secular music aren't bad. But the music that isn't bad isn't all that popular. This is how I see it. Many young blacks don't listen to the okay stuff. Most of my peers listen to the bad stuff. We have a computer class together and we all have headphones. I can hear the combination of violence and profanity all through out the room. I have to blast my headphones just to drown it out. ;D
Scales 27 I am glad you started this topic ;D. Your theory is right. Not all secular music isn't bad, but a good bit of it is.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 16, 2006, 08:14:06 AM

Your rating system is a little off.  First, Jazz has many different forms, so to conclude that a jazz song is a love song is too encompassing.  Also with music we must examine it in terms of both the music and the lyrics.  Relative to the music, jazz takes has a lot of it's roots from the church. It is moving and evokes feelings.  Look at the basis of Ray Charles' best selling music--a derivative of Church music.  (I know Ray wouldn't be classified as a jazz artist, but I hope you see my point).  Music and song is something that belongs to God.  Genesis speaks of the first song when the angels and stars sang praises to God's on his great creation.  Personnaly, I feel that it is our music that has been pilfered, so why should I run away from it.  And for those who have comments on the "seculari sound" of contemprary church music, what's wrong with taking back what was ours to begin with. Plus by definitition, it the music is religious in nature, it can't be classified as secular!!  At best, its just a form of church music that's not pleasing to you.

Regarding Classical music you are again grouping too many different things together.  Many classical pieces have no words and were written as exercise pieces, so how can you generalize and say they are based on love songs.  Secondly,  quick research reveals that many of the classical composers made their living off of writing commissioned masses, requiems and other works for the Church.  Though primary the Catholic Church, for God's House nontheless.  Through the years, their origin may have been lost, and even used in today's commercials, but does that  make them secular?  Also,  If you open a Hymn book find Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee,  Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken or Hark The Voice of Jesus Is Calling , you will see that Mozart wrote the music for all three.  Someone later on came along added their words, and turned it ito a hymn.  Not to mention how many songs in the Hymn books are sung to the tune of an old irish melody.  Should these songs be abolished from the hymn books?

I am a lover of good clean music regardless of the genre, and feel that even secular artists can sing gospel songs.  Their songs may be an expression of a supressed spirit within them seeking to get out, and although some may think that they are using God to make money,  I'd like those same folks to consider that fact that it is them who is really being used.  Used by God to spread words of his goodness, love and providence to those who don't go to church, who don't have a religious foundation, and who might not otherwise recieve or be receptive to hearing the messages contained in the songs. 

As you survey the new testament, Jesus always attracted people by what they could identify with. With the fishermen Peter, James and John, it was through fishing and telling them they could become fishers of men.  With the farming types, he told parables about the mustard seed, the fig tree, and so on.  You see, Jesus though never compromising his mission nor his purpose, always met the people on their level.  If to be a Christian is to be Christ-like, is there anything wrong with following one of the models that he used?  Let's get ourselves out of the Church and more into the lost massess and be less sanctimonious about what a "good" christian should or shouldn't do and be about winning souls on the outside and then bringing them into the Churches.  Finally, if some of us want to so strongly rate (or judge) christians on their music listening tendacies, don't stop at that leisure hobby, we should also include discussions on the the appropiateness of going to plays, seeing the opera, watching sports, etc.   Better yet, let's all become Amish or Menonites and do away with all contact with the outside world!  Oops, please forgive me, I digressed way too far!! 

Anyways, it was a good question and hopefully people on both sides and those sitting on the fence will attempt to understand the responses  in this thread even if at this point in time they don't agree. And please don't let your personal convictions be a judgement pushed onto others.




I know what you are talking about. I don't like the secular music but that doesn't mean that I can't associate with a person. There are too many christians thinking there are too high and mighty to draw in the unsaved. I have many unsaved friends at school. They see  me as a christian example. Most Christians don't realize that everyone has mistakes. I don't like to look down on people. I just don't like secular music and I never have. Maybe it's just me though. I look at sporting events but I think that's a little different. Watching sports is looking at actions. Listening to music  actually puts lyrics in your head. Lyrics tend to stay in your head and generate to thoughts. Then thoughts generate to actions
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 16, 2006, 09:09:29 AM
 Scales 27 you are most definetly right. All secular music isn't bad. I understand your point of view. Christians think if they see someone listening to secular music that they are the devil. That is not true. They have promise in their lives just like we do. We have to learn to show the unsaved love. We shouldn't shun them or talk trash about them. It is all about the Love of Jesus Christ. Be blessed. Sorry for jumping off topic in my earlier posts :'(

We are LGM FAMILY ;D

Once again be blessed and have a blessed day.

Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: RobertCF on March 16, 2006, 10:26:11 AM
This seems to be one of those age-old questions, doesn't it?  There's plenty of Scriptural basis addressing a number of issues that come up with this.  Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  And particular point was made about how what you put into your spirit has a much more significant and profound effect than what you put into your body.  What you feed your mind and spirit the most is what you will have coming out as the 'abundance'.  We are also called to be discerning and guard our hearts will all diligence.  There is also direction on being aware of where we are and who we are around---sometimes a thing may not be a sin to us, but we must be careful about doing something (like listening to secular music) around other believers who may be fully in faith that all secular music is wrong.  In other words, we're not to be a stumbling block to other believers even if we are fully in faith that we're honoring God by what we're doing.  The key that the Scripture places in all this context is that what we do is in relation to the Lord.  The passage is dealing specifically with what is clean to eat versus unclean, but it also touches on what days to honor, etc., giving us the indication that the principle can be applied to just about anything in our walk.

Now, having said that, I think you can, in fact, listen to some secular music and be faithful.  As has been mentioned already, a great deal of secular music has some tremendously spiritual qualities that the writer may or may not even be aware was present.  My drummer and I have discussions lasting HOURS about this kind of subject---the spiritual aspects of all things.  We've both come to realize that all things have a spiritual message of some time.  Sometimes it's a lesson in what NOT to do and how to discern a particularly evil thing that may be otherwise subtle.  Other times it's a revelation of the very fact that God invented everything we see and experience.  What mankind has done, with the prodding of Satan, has distorted, stolen, hijacked those things and turned them into things that don't honor God, but honor our own selfishness, our carnality.  You look, for example, at a lot of songs that Take 6 has done....remakes of very famous secular songs.  But notice how very easily they were turned into songs that praise God.

Now, I doubt any person who truly has a relationship with Christ can come up with any basis to support listening to songs that talk about accumulating wealth, raping, shooting cops, whatever.  Though the spiritual aspect of those songs can't be denied (they are a lesson in what totally emersion in self, turning away from God, and attempting to fill that Jesus-sized hole with material things does to a person), they end up feeding your mind and spirit with those kinds of thoughts, a barrage of which I defy most Christians to be able to truly take captive (as we are instructed to do).  However, I have often found myself listening to secular songs and hearing some new and interesting things in them.  I'm listening to them with my divine nature and not my carnal one.  By listening that way, I've found some secular songs to be ones that hide a profoundly Godly aspect to them that surprises me.  It doesn't happen all the time, to be sure.  But even though I'm listening for it, it almost always catches me off guard.  When I share what I'm hearing with other believers, they are often surprised as well.  I sometimes think musicians can be much more sensitive to those things than non-musicians. 

It also makes us more vulnerable.  Care must be taken, of that you can be sure.  But I don't think secular music (as a genre) in and of itself is bad or good.  It is what it is.  It's music.  God created music.  God ordained music for a purpose, and created us with the capacity to not only create it, but to be influenced by it---for bad or for good.  We are responsible to discern.  Listen with the right ears.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 16, 2006, 01:26:49 PM
. While listening to secular music may sound good to certain types of people it opens the door for all kinds of things to enter into your head. Let me tell you something folks.What you listen to your actions will reflect it. Music is more than just a sound. Music is a culture. It embodies the way people talk, act, think and etc. It has a very stong effect on you. I'll give you an example. At church when a person hits a note on the organ that you really like. What do you do. You begin to dance.Music has an instant impression on you.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: timroy on March 16, 2006, 01:31:57 PM
I love hip-hop; I love r&b; I love jazz; I love blues; I love classical music. I love Jesus. In the in everybody will answer to God! It's the truth.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 16, 2006, 01:35:52 PM
That was my last post on this topic

I did learn some new aspects concerning this topic today though

Scales 27 thanks for starting it. :)

It is good for Christians to debate like you said

It helps us consider what aspects of our lives we can change or make better


Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: allonesound on March 16, 2006, 02:33:25 PM
here is my view of this ;D ;D

no matter what someone else says, most of the time people will ask the question "can you be saived and listen to worldly music" ither way it will be a straight yes or a straight no. THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN!!! ;)!  so for the people who say its okay from what im hearing you are justifying yourself and getting with other people to condone you in your wrong by using "God is the creator of all, we are created in Gods image ect" but thats just bogus. yes God is the creator of all but the devil has his two cents too. yall are taking that straight out of context.  :-\

then for the other side of things for the people who say it is wrong to listen to secular music is being harped on for saying so. if you are saived you will not even have the desire to do the things of the world. the bible says "come out from among them and be ye seperated and touch not the uncleen things" (im at work so ill get the scriptures for you). The thread should be reasons why you cant be saived and listen to worldly music.... you cant serve two masters its either God or the devil. yea i already know a lot of people will disagree with what im saying but if yall read yalls bible and stop taking things out of context and trying to justify yourselves in your wrong doing then this would not be such a big deal :-\ ;)!

Here is my major questions for those of you who think its okay to listen to secular music?

1. WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC/WHAT IS THE POINT OF IT?

2. WHAT IS WRONG WITH JUST LISTNING TO CHRISTIAN MUSIC?

3. IS THE MUSIC YOU LISTENING TO GLORIFYING GOD IN ANY WAY?

4. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "BAD" SECULAR SONG AND A "GOOD" SECULAR SONG?

---- the way i grew up (may be old school) but however sin is sin no matter what it is if you die in the act and have not repented where will you go?  ??? ??? think about it  ;) :) ;D
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 16, 2006, 03:06:57 PM
Good Post Allonesound I agree with you

The post was so good that I had to come back and agree with you

Thanks for summing all of this up :) :) :)
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: RobertCF on March 17, 2006, 12:03:55 PM
I'm thinking you might have misinterpreted what I said.  By saying that God created music, I didn't mean He created every song you hear.  I'm talking about the whole concept of music.  Music, as an 'entity', is a part of the image of God.  However, when Adam sinned, that meant that we inherited the dead, sinful nature.  So, anything we create separate from God is going to have that 'taint' to it.  I was saying that music has a stronger power than a lot of other things (more than Human Secularists want to acknowledge) because it has a particularly spiritual component to it---by design.  When it is filled with carnal or even evil things, the power that it has is tremendous.  It furthers Satan's influence.

I did specifically state that what you put into you the most is what's going to be coming out of you---out of the abundance of the heart....

However, on the whole "good secular vs bad secular" I was saying that each person is different, at different places in their walk and spiritual maturity in Christ.  The ability to make proper discernment and guard against things that aren't of God is much more lacking in 'baby Christians' than it is in more mature ones.  It doesn't mean it's any less important to be careful what you put in you, but that you're able to see it for what it is better.  I firmly believe there are songs most consider secular that actually speak good spiritually edifying messages, even though the writer probably didn't realize it at the time.  In other words, when you listen to the words you may hear--with secular ears--words of a love between a man and a woman (which, in and of itself is not bad, since we certainly should celebrate the ordained joining of a man and a woman)...but when you listen to the same song with spiritual ears the very same words could be a song of devotion or acknowledgement of the love we have for Christ and that He has for us.  Again, as it was said early, the words are key there.

As far as instrumental music like Jazz---which I listen to---I don't see that there's a component of influence that is particularly not Godly---unless you are finding yourself influenced to think a certain way while listening to it.  Personally, I don't find my thoughts doing anything other than enjoying that God has graced the Jazz artists I listen to with amazing talent and thanking Him for that, and the fact that He saw fit to give me some small ability as well.

There's nothing wrong with listening to 'just Christian music'.  That makes up 95% of what I listen to.  But I truly don't find any of the 'secular' music that I do listen to in any way dishonoring God.  In other words, if my Pastor walked in on me listening to it, I wouldn't be scrambling to turn it off.  I am very discerning.  Not everyone is mature enough to do that, I agree.

I do believe there are some 'purists' who think if a song doesn't specifically praise God or Jesus it's not acceptable music.  I think that certainly robs you of enjoying the often very divine inspiration of some of the worlds greatest instrumental composers, both historical and present day.  I mean, we could get into a whole lot larger debate over contemporary Christian music vs traditional hymns.  There are certainly those folks out there who think all CCM is of the devil.  In fact, there are those who say if a song doesn't specifically acknowledge Jesus Christ, it's a bad song---citing that 'generic God songs' could be part of any religion, including Islam, etc.

What defines a good secular vs a bad secular?  Well, I guess a bad one would be pretty obvious because inappropriate language would be used, it would promote impure behavior or thoughts, promote desires for wordly things above spiritual things.  A good one might not say one word about God, but might express appropriate affection between a man and a woman (my wife and I sing love songs to each other all the time, even for church events....I believe it models proper relationships for others---certainly to our youth), or it might express a view about the world we live in (using appropriate language, of course) that needs addressing......sort of a "song that will preach". 

However, the bottom line is, does what you're listening to strengthen your relationship with Christ or weaken it?  While there are general answers to that question that will be true for almost any Christian, when you get down to individual songs, for each person that answer will be different.  And, ultimately, answerable to God.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: timroy on March 17, 2006, 01:00:52 PM
here is my view of this ;D ;D

no matter what someone else says, most of the time people will ask the question "can you be saived and listen to worldly music" ither way it will be a straight yes or a straight no. THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN!!! ;)!  so for the people who say its okay from what im hearing you are justifying yourself and getting with other people to condone you in your wrong by using "God is the creator of all, we are created in Gods image ect" but thats just bogus. yes God is the creator of all but the devil has his two cents too. yall are taking that straight out of context.  :-\

then for the other side of things for the people who say it is wrong to listen to secular music is being harped on for saying so. if you are saived you will not even have the desire to do the things of the world. the bible says "come out from among them and be ye seperated and touch not the uncleen things" (im at work so ill get the scriptures for you). The thread should be reasons why you cant be saived and listen to worldly music.... you cant serve two masters its either God or the devil. yea i already know a lot of people will disagree with what im saying but if yall read yalls bible and stop taking things out of context and trying to justify yourselves in your wrong doing then this would not be such a big deal :-\ ;)!

Here is my major questions for those of you who think its okay to listen to secular music?

1. WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC/WHAT IS THE POINT OF IT? Chord structure, lyrical content at times, the same things that make me want to listen to gospel music. The groove.

2. WHAT IS WRONG WITH JUST LISTNING TO CHRISTIAN MUSIC? Absolutely nothing.

3. IS THE MUSIC YOU LISTENING TO GLORIFYING GOD IN ANY WAY? Yes, absolutely.

4. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "BAD" SECULAR SONG AND A "GOOD" SECULAR SONG? probably lyrical content. I know for certain it has nothing to do with the beat or melody. Some secular melodies are better than gospel and vice versa. It all depends on the producer. Does Jermain Dupri and Usher sometimes make great music yes. Does Kurt Carr and Kirk Franklin yes. My point is I can't answer for them. Can Usher go to heaven and Kirk Franklin end up in hell? Absolutely, but that's God's decision to make and not yours or mine. The music ain't saving nobody period. Belief, confession, and repentance is! God bless you. Supprt whomever you chose. I can't spend your money for you.

---- the way i grew up (may be old school) but however sin is sin no matter what it is if you die in the act and have not repented where will you go?  ??? ??? think about it  ;) :) ;D
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: timroy on March 17, 2006, 01:14:24 PM
I filled in the blanks for you in my last post. No hard feelings. I think Pharrell Williams is an excellent producer, so is Kanya West, and Dr. Dre. I don't like 50 cents whatsoever. That "In da Club" track is jumpin'. O.k. Jamal Hartwell didn't make that one. So what? Why cry? Appreciate art for art. Don't confuse salvation and art. The truth is Jesus saves. You can sang it if you want to. Jesus didn't walk around with aShure microphone and Oasis keyboard to spread the message did he? If you ask the Church of Christ they say instruments shouldn't be involved in worshipp altogether. Rapper's know the truth. I hope they'll come around. If they don't then they're ****. Some may already be saved. That's not our decision to make. Let God be right and every man be a liar. Before you stick your foot in your mouth about something without all the facts why don't you go and pray first? I like some secular music (not all). I like some gospel music (not all.) So it's a matter of preference for us both. I know who my savior is. Michelle Williams believe in God but she'll loose her breath for a baby boy and she wants a soldier to cater to. That's secular music right? They are undeniably a fine group of singers correct? So are the clark sisters. Buy 'em both. Support black art.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: clcmusicchic on March 17, 2006, 07:33:57 PM
I really think that we as christians should be careful what we listen to because you don't want to speak or invite any unwanted spirits in. I heard that that stuff does happen!!!
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on March 17, 2006, 09:04:47 PM
here is my view of this ;D ;D

no matter what someone else says, most of the time people will ask the question "can you be saived and listen to worldly music" ither way it will be a straight yes or a straight no. THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN!!! ;)!  so for the people who say its okay from what im hearing you are justifying yourself and getting with other people to condone you in your wrong by using "God is the creator of all, we are created in Gods image ect" but thats just bogus. yes God is the creator of all but the devil has his two cents too. yall are taking that straight out of context.  :-\

then for the other side of things for the people who say it is wrong to listen to secular music is being harped on for saying so. if you are saived you will not even have the desire to do the things of the world. the bible says "come out from among them and be ye seperated and touch not the uncleen things" (im at work so ill get the scriptures for you). The thread should be reasons why you cant be saived and listen to worldly music.... you cant serve two masters its either God or the devil. yea i already know a lot of people will disagree with what im saying but if yall read yalls bible and stop taking things out of context and trying to justify yourselves in your wrong doing then this would not be such a big deal :-\ ;)!

Here is my major questions for those of you who think its okay to listen to secular music?

1. WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC/WHAT IS THE POINT OF IT?

2. WHAT IS WRONG WITH JUST LISTNING TO CHRISTIAN MUSIC?

3. IS THE MUSIC YOU LISTENING TO GLORIFYING GOD IN ANY WAY?

4. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "BAD" SECULAR SONG AND A "GOOD" SECULAR SONG?

---- the way i grew up (may be old school) but however sin is sin no matter what it is if you die in the act and have not repented where will you go?  ??? ??? think about it  ;) :) ;D

This one is just for you allforone
       First of all, let me start by saying that you are using a serious logical fallacy called either/or. You make it appear that it has to be one thing or the other. Let me tell you what I mean. You first said that most of the time people will ask the question "can you be saived and listen to worldly music" ither way it will be a straight yes or a straight no. THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN!!! ;)!  using that logic if you have even considered my previous arguments(which you probably haven't), you imply that if you listen to anything secular, you might as well listen to it all, and because of that you are sinning (am I right?). If I am, then let me point out that if you watch the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, you don't consider that to be the same as watching Real Sex or one of those other shows. Neither of them glorify GOD. But are you are sinning by watching real sex. am I right? so there is not necessarily a straight yes or a straight no. The in between lies in what you listen to.
      I will start a whole other thread on this soon, but THIS WILL TRIP YOU OUT!!! Once you are saved your always saved. Salvation can't be lost. I'm not going to argue that right now, save your rebutals to that statement for the thread, if 4-his-glory doesn't think that it's too controversial. That is the only reason why I say that there is an in between. My answer is a straight yes.
      The BIBLE says come out from among them...you know the rest. When it says touch not the unclean things, it means the unclean things. But is everything just clean or dirty? Some things are nuetral. Either/or is very unintelligent to use (for all I know you may be a genious, but I mean it doesn't make an intelligent argument). There is not just GOOD or BAD. There are things that are nuetral.
      You also used circular reasoning. You primarily just restated your thesis in different ways without giving sufficient evidence. You basically just said that we interpret the BIBLE wrong and that no matter what we say, listening to secular music is wrong. You did give a bit of evidence that I addressed earlier, and that was it. When I challenged you, I was seriously challenging you to go back and review my posts. YOU CANNOT PROVE ME WRONG IF YOU DO NOT ADDRESS MY AGRGUMENTS. (I was making that sentence stand out, not yelling, for the record.).
      Just to address your ending question, even if you died while fornicating, if you were saved, you would still go to heaven. Once again though, I'll discuss that later. If you want to, we can PM our debate about that if 4-his-glory (or a moderator) doesn't approve of such a strong, controversial topic (Can we lose our salvation).
      Now to address your questions

1.    I listen to any kind of music that I listen to because I like it. I'm eclectic, but I don't listen to every song from every genre. ex. I'll listen to "The mystery of iniquity" by Lauryn Hill but not P.I.M.P by 50 cent. I'll listen to "Love" by Musiq, but not "Naked"  by Marques Houston.
      I mainly listen to gospel and R&B. I listen to gospel because i like praising GOD in song on on an instrument. i also like singing in church (where I praise GOD in song and intrument). I listen to certain R&B songs because they sound nice, have beautiful instrumentals, and because I like I like the style. The point to most R&B songs that I listen to are songs about love, or songs that tell stories about love.

2.    Nothing is wrong with listening to Christain music. To each his own. I never said that you should listen to other music, I just said that if you use proper discretion, you can.

3.    Outside of gospel, the hip-hop, R&B, jazz, etc. very seldom glorifies GOD. GOD never said that everything you do has to glorify him in some way. If that was the case, then even watching the news would be a sin of omission (not doing something). As long as it does not advocate sin in any way, then it is not sin. It just isn't GODly either. THERE IS AN IN BETWEEN. Just get your nails painted and you, too, will be enjoying nuetral activity.

4.    The differences between a "good" secular song and a "bad" secular song is what the words say. If it says "I put a hole in your chest for !@#$ing wit me," then  it is obviously bad. If it says "I know I can, be what I wanna be," then it is a good secular song. THERE IS AN IN BETWEEN. In between songs are songs that flirt without sinful references, songs that tell stories that don't really help anyone but doesn't have any sinful refernces (like most reggae songs), and pretty much any wedding song that isn't gospel.

      If you've even read this far, I hope you'll take my arguments, and my critique of your arguments seriously. When I was criticizing your arguments, I was not criticizing you, only your thinking. I took everything in your argument that I could find and debated against it. TRY IT. You never really addressed anything I said, and that makes your arguments weak. I know you didn't have the time to post full scriptures, so I won't give you a hard time on that. If you are going to argue a point though, make sure it's something you've seen for yourself, and not just something that someone told you. It makes YOU make so much more sense. It's what GOD says that counts. Not what I say, your mother, your pastor, or what you say. If GOD didn't say it directly then it's debateable but someone has to be right. (That's gonna be me ;D).
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Mysteryman on March 18, 2006, 12:28:12 AM
I would like to make a few comments. For those who say all secular music is bad you may as well turn your tv off because it is filled with secular music from commercials to public broadcasting. I do not listen to RnB because of the content of most of it. When I get married thats a different story I do plan on having a few songs for me and my wife.  ;D The bible does say that those that are married care for the things of the world and how they may please each other. Think about this even Jesus went to a wedding.

For those of us who are listening to raunchy secular music and saying God does not have a problem with it we are only lying to ourselves.

Here is one thing I thought of that would be nice. If Christian artists would may secular music that is clean for people to enjoy. It doesnt have to include gospel lyrics just long as it is clean. THis would provide a market for those musicians and singers who want to make a carreer out of music. That will solve the problem of paying musicians and singers. Churches can have musicians play for free because they are doing what they love in a clean way. Im sure that churches would even have a problem with this. Now thats a catch 22 for sure.

As far as the church music we can keep it church music and avoid the influences of the world. What I mean by influences of the world is like when you see a gospel artist dropping it or spanking something.  ;D The bible says we are in the world but not of the world and talks about using it and not abusing it.

I listen to jazz, classical and ragtime midis online more so for the style of music to understand the theory behind it. I avoid listening to certain music with certain lyrics. Because the lyrics are implanted in you through the music. But for the most part I listen to gospel music. I decided I want to give my gift to God. So I play in church. I still struggle with the idea of getting paid because of the church environment Im in. Although I would not mind making a carreer out of music doing clean stuff like commerical themes and educational stuff or even being in an orchestra.

One thing I think about sometimes is that Nehemiah was the kings cup bearer if you dont know what he did I will tell you later.  ;D I think sometimes we make stuff to deep and then there are those to that feel they can do anything and God is pleased.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Kizzzy on March 18, 2006, 01:53:21 AM
Hello all I am new to this site, but I wanted to respond to the secular musiic question.    There is something important that I haven't really seen anyone mention, which is the spirit behind the music.  Alot of songs out there have good beats, and I have seen Christian artist take these songs and simply change the words.  The Bible says you can't take the unclean and make it clean, a song made that does not glorify God can not be turned around and used for chrisitan songs, because usually those who know the secular beats and rhythms subconsiously respond to that.  The spiritual part of music is missing with alot of artists today.  Especially Gospel, it is all soul and you can not find a depth, they are shallow.  To have music that is birthed from a place of intimacy with God is the most powerful type of song.  We are so busy worrying about the beats and what it sounds like, it is almost an insult to God.  It's like we're telling Him, well only the world can come up with good songs, you can't give me anything new and creative.   I agree with alot that was said, we are in the world and not of it, but then that would mean that we have a higher standard of living, we walk and live according to what God says all though it is contrary to what everyone else thinks.   So as far as being a witness your standards as an artists, and your music being birthed from an intimate relationship with God is more than enough to send a message to the world.

As far as secular music.  THere is a difference I think with secular and worldly.  secular has to do with songs that have good words and have nothing wrong with them but don't glorify God.  Worldly songs have messages that go against what the Bible says.  Wordly songs are definitely songs that you shouldn't listen to.  But I listen to Jazz, opera, classical, so here's the catrch.  You have three parts to your being body, soul (mind will and emotions) and spirit.  Many songs just get your body going, so the more songs that you listen to that are geared toward your body will put you in the mind set to listen to your body.  Soulish music appeals to your emotions, and when the music you listen to is predominately that, then you begin to make emotional decisions instead of decisions based on God's Word.  Your spirit is what you should be feeding the majority of the time, so spiritual songs would appeal to your spirit and should make up the majority of what you listen to.  Not that the other two types of songs are bad, but you need to be in a place where the spiritual part of you dominates your life, and sometimes to reinforce that the music you choose to listen to affects you one way or the otehr.

So music is a complicated subject there is so much more to it than we can imagine, remember Lucifer was the angel of music in Heaven, he knows how to manipulate it to serve his purpose, and we need to remember that music was created originally to serve God'spurpose and be a praise unto HIm.  I am sorry for such a long response, but I figure this will help with the debate part, and I guess its better to explain well than not at all.   :-[

Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 18, 2006, 11:39:02 AM
This one is just for you allforone
       First of all, let me start by saying that you are using a serious logical fallacy called either/or. You make it appear that it has to be one thing or the other. Let me tell you what I mean. You first said that most of the time people will ask the question "can you be saived and listen to worldly music" ither way it will be a straight yes or a straight no. THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN!!! ;)!  using that logic if you have even considered my previous arguments(which you probably haven't), you imply that if you listen to anything secular, you might as well listen to it all, and because of that you are sinning (am I right?). If I am, then let me point out that if you watch the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, you don't consider that to be the same as watching Real Sex or one of those other shows. Neither of them glorify GOD. But are you are sinning by watching real sex. am I right? so there is not necessarily a straight yes or a straight no. The in between lies in what you listen to.
      I will start a whole other thread on this soon, but THIS WILL TRIP YOU OUT!!! Once you are saved your always saved. Salvation can't be lost. I'm not going to argue that right now, save your rebutals to that statement for the thread, if 4-his-glory doesn't think that it's too controversial. That is the only reason why I say that there is an in between. My answer is a straight yes.
      The BIBLE says come out from among them...you know the rest. When it says touch not the unclean things, it means the unclean things. But is everything just clean or dirty? Some things are nuetral. Either/or is very unintelligent to use (for all I know you may be a genious, but I mean it doesn't make an intelligent argument). There is not just GOOD or BAD. There are things that are nuetral.
      You also used circular reasoning. You primarily just restated your thesis in different ways without giving sufficient evidence. You basically just said that we interpret the BIBLE wrong and that no matter what we say, listening to secular music is wrong. You did give a bit of evidence that I addressed earlier, and that was it. When I challenged you, I was seriously challenging you to go back and review my posts. YOU CANNOT PROVE ME WRONG IF YOU DO NOT ADDRESS MY AGRGUMENTS. (I was making that sentence stand out, not yelling, for the record.).
      Just to address your ending question, even if you died while fornicating, if you were saved, you would still go to heaven. Once again though, I'll discuss that later. If you want to, we can PM our debate about that if 4-his-glory (or a moderator) doesn't approve of such a strong, controversial topic (Can we lose our salvation).
      Now to address your questions

1.    I listen to any kind of music that I listen to because I like it. I'm eclectic, but I don't listen to every song from every genre. ex. I'll listen to "The mystery of iniquity" by Lauryn Hill but not P.I.M.P by 50 cent. I'll listen to "Love" by Musiq, but not "Naked"  by Marques Houston.
      I mainly listen to gospel and R&B. I listen to gospel because i like praising GOD in song on on an instrument. i also like singing in church (where I praise GOD in song and intrument). I listen to certain R&B songs because they sound nice, have beautiful instrumentals, and because I like I like the style. The point to most R&B songs that I listen to are songs about love, or songs that tell stories about love.

2.    Nothing is wrong with listening to Christain music. To each his own. I never said that you should listen to other music, I just said that if you use proper discretion, you can.

3.    Outside of gospel, the hip-hop, R&B, jazz, etc. very seldom glorifies GOD. GOD never said that everything you do has to glorify him in some way. If that was the case, then even watching the news would be a sin of omission (not doing something). As long as it does not advocate sin in any way, then it is not sin. It just isn't GODly either. THERE IS AN IN BETWEEN. Just get your nails painted and you, too, will be enjoying nuetral activity.

4.    The differences between a "good" secular song and a "bad" secular song is what the words say. If it says "I put a hole in your chest for !@#$ing wit me," then  it is obviously bad. If it says "I know I can, be what I wanna be," then it is a good secular song. THERE IS AN IN BETWEEN. In between songs are songs that flirt without sinful references, songs that tell stories that don't really help anyone but doesn't have any sinful refernces (like most reggae songs), and pretty much any wedding song that isn't gospel.

      If you've even read this far, I hope you'll take my arguments, and my critique of your arguments seriously. When I was criticizing your arguments, I was not criticizing you, only your thinking. I took everything in your argument that I could find and debated against it. TRY IT. You never really addressed anything I said, and that makes your arguments weak. I know you didn't have the time to post full scriptures, so I won't give you a hard time on that. If you are going to argue a point though, make sure it's something you've seen for yourself, and not just something that someone told you. It makes YOU make so much more sense. It's what GOD says that counts. Not what I say, your mother, your pastor, or what you say. If GOD didn't say it directly then it's debateable but someone has to be right. (That's gonna be me ;D).

Scales27 all secular music isn't bad and I agree with you. There is secular music out there that isn't bad. but come on. You mean to tell me the only type of secular music you listen to is the clean type. These days it is getting very hard to hear good secular music. It is just not all that popular. You actually open up the cover and read the lyrics.? Like the song Love by Mystique. I have never heard of that song but children our age shouldn't even be thinking about love. I know the comeback everybody comes up with. If you can't listen to secular music then you should cut the TV off or stop going to restaurants that play secular music etc. You can't control all of the music you  hear  in certain locations but some music you have the control over. This is what I'm talking about.
Music is more than the lyrics too. It's about the artist. How clean is the person that made the song. Are they saved? I read earlier where someone said that we should go to the clubs to help convert unsaved christians.
We are suppose to be the example. Our light should shine so bright that they come flocking to us and asking WHAT CAN I DO TO BE SAVED?  :D
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 18, 2006, 12:03:13 PM
I know the comeback Scales27. You are going to say there are some unsaved artists that make gospel albums. That's different because they are progressing towards salvation and not away from it.
Like I said before All secular albums aren't bad. Say somebody makes a song about food. There really is nothing wrong with that because it doesn't say anything out of control. Like you mentioned about nick cannon's song.I have never heard that song but it sounds like that song has a good message to it. I'll even comeback and correct myself. As long as an artist is stating a good godly message there is nothing wrong with it maybe it is there way of saying I want to be saved.On the other hand if they are going to write a song with a positive message why can't they do that all the time? Why write a song about avoiding abortion and then write the next song about sex. Scales27 can you state your opinion on the mixed message song writers out there? :)
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: sjonathan02 on March 18, 2006, 01:40:58 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen:


You have been going on and on about this topic for a minute, but you haven't brought anything new to the discussion. Here's the bottom line as you have stated:


1. Instrumental music is instrumental music. An Ebmaj chord is the same no matter what genre of music you're discussing, correct?
2. What makes the difference is the lyrics. any lyric that doesn't promote God is some way, shape or form, is dangerous for the Kingdom of God and His believers. Is that fair.

someone mentioned watching t.v. and they had a great point. If you're trying to tell me that I can't listen to the opening theme song of Sanford and Son, The Cosby Show, A Different World, etc. I'll tell you that you're crazy and you need some help.

If you try to tell me that as a Christian, you are mature enough in your walk to listen to gangsta rap and the like, I say "Go for it" and I'll let God be your judge; I'm just not going to do it.


I pray that this has helped someone. Besides, you should be practicing your music and not just listening to other people's stuff.  :D :D

Be Blessed
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 18, 2006, 01:53:10 PM
Yea i Agree man ;D ;D

This topic is useless because everybody's view is different.

God is the supreme judge and we'll let him rule but just to be safe I'll just stay away from it. :)

BE BLESSED EVERYONE :D :) ;D ;D :D
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: allonesound on March 18, 2006, 03:44:27 PM
Scales 27 Yes i have read your comments and no i do not agree with about 95% of what you said but i do agree with it is save to im each other on this topic

and i do think it is smart to agree to disagree because everyone has their own opinions about different things. but opinions are one thing and truth is truth so i

say we can have this discusion im way! ill get with ya when i have some free time. but as far as this topic goes for anyone else who has comments i think ither way

we will all just have to agree to disagree and talk about something else thats the smart thing to do k?!?

No hard feelings God bless ;D!

Now for the musicians on the board somebody put me in Ab so i can do an old santified

SHOUT            SHOUT             SHOUT             SHOUT            SHOUT                 SHOUT             SHOUT              SHOUT              SHOUT                  SHOUT      
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on March 18, 2006, 04:34:16 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen:


You have been going on and on about this topic for a minute, but you haven't brought anything new to the discussion. Here's the bottom line as you have stated:


      I agree with pretty much everything you said on this post. OUR arguments are beginning to get very repetitive. There are some things on both sides that you didn't mention, but that was a pretty good summary. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm aware that I posted some things that I've posted before; the reasons are this, I like writing (typing or with a pen), I try to bring back old points to see if and what someone will respond to it with, and pretty much beause I occasionally forget that I posted some things (sorry for using pretty agnosiom).
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: timroy on March 19, 2006, 08:24:35 AM
I really think that we as christians should be careful what we listen to because you don't want to speak or invite any unwanted spirits in. I heard that that stuff does happen!!!


Who told you that? How can Jesus live inside of you and someone else too?
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: timroy on March 19, 2006, 08:26:42 AM
Listen to the sound that you like. Believe on Jesus Christ.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: keyz28 on March 20, 2006, 06:23:32 PM
Check out EXMINISTRIES.COM   it will let u know all u need to know about the secular music
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: allonesound on March 20, 2006, 06:43:44 PM
EXMINISTRIES.COM

[size=18Pt]THEY WERE ON POINT AND I AGREE THAT ERBODY THAT POSTED ON HERE SHOULD READ IT!!![/size]
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 20, 2006, 07:50:11 PM
Sorry I switched my font color to yellow by mistake. I Agree That This website is on POINT BUDDY! THESE PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. WE ALL SHOULD READ THIS WEBSITE. GO TO THE ARGUMENTS LINK OR THE TRUTHS LINK

ONCE AGAIN WWW.EXMINISTRIES.COM

THEY ARE THE TRUTH :) :) :D :D
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 20, 2006, 08:00:17 PM
Don't go into this website with a prideful attitude. EXAMPLE: I'm going to prove them wrong.

We are not in competition

Be willing to at least consider the facts on this website

Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: timroy on March 21, 2006, 09:42:49 AM
Jesus is the best thing...to ever happen to us!
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 21, 2006, 09:59:43 AM
YES HE IS!!!! :) :) :)
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Scales27 on March 22, 2006, 08:12:58 PM
Oh I like. There are some of my arguments that they haven't addressed, so I'll definitely be emailing them. Sorry, Josh; I wasn't goin gon the site to prove them wrong but my mentality was "I wonder if they can argue against my arguments." I kind of like the debate part of it, not necessarily the "right or wrong" part. I've been on the site before, and had arguments for them to address, but I never sent the email. I'll get back with ya'll after I fully read and analyze what they said. I have seen a few logical fallacies on their site. By the way... Allonesound, did you still want to discuss this topic by IM? (IM me and let me know).
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: Joshorgan on March 23, 2006, 08:04:23 AM
It's all good  :)
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: keys4ever on March 25, 2006, 08:35:34 PM
i listen to secular music just to acquire new ideas and stuff when playing
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: cj_keyboard_playa on March 25, 2006, 09:06:40 PM
Yep i listen to secular music. Just mainly the music not the words.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: nubornbabyboy on June 11, 2006, 06:23:01 PM
Well to tell you the truth I listen to all types of music, and I feel that their is nothing wrong  with this.  What makes a song secular?  The message?  The words? Like someone said earlier this topic is open to your opinion.  Because in church we use jazz piano riffs and things but my grandmother talks about times when jazz music was one of the things that were not allowed.  It does seem that generations change what is exepted so what my advice is(to end my rambling) have a relationship with you holy spirit that tells you what is and what isnt something you should be listening to and then youll never have any problems.
Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: ferrente on June 14, 2006, 11:08:38 PM
Let the spirit guide you and you want go wrong.  When we praise the Lord in church, rather singing or playing we should be able to tie those songs into scripture.  At my church we don't play or sing any song that can not be tied into scripture.

















Title: Re: Secular music; can anyone disagree? (poll)
Post by: allonesound on June 15, 2006, 05:23:26 PM
Let the spirit guide you and you want go wrong.  When we praise the Lord in church, rather singing or playing we should be able to tie those songs into scripture.  At my church we don't play or sing any song that can not be tied into scripture.

well thats a blessing