LearnGospelMusic.com Community
Gospel Instruments => Gospel Keyboard / Piano => Topic started by: dedrums on December 29, 2004, 06:54:24 AM
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being a musician or a member of the praise team or even the mom
is it wrong to listen to RandB song and Rap song. should you not
be able to minister if you listen to any other music other than
gospel music. May God bless
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I'm probably not the one who should be answering this question, but the way I feel about it is that you can listen to whatever you want, it just depends on what effect you let it have on you. For example, you can listen to rap so long as your not out on the street actin' up and cussin' and such. Same with other songs. You should always strive to be like Him and not like these other false visions in the world.
But don't listen to me, I could be leading you wrong and I wouldn't want to do that 8)
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Philippians 4:8 (King James Version)
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Be careful,
Everything that you listen to will influence you in some way. I am not criticizing you, I'm just giving you some good advice. Ask yourself... would Jesus listen to this?
(There is some good Christian rap music out there)
God bless,
Eggs
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Honestly, I feel that one way or another, we hear "R&B music" 50% of the time we're listening to gospel. There are quite a few R&B artists that I have found myself listening to that do not discuss those "issues" that we ourselves don't need to be involved with. I do like to listen to mainly "neo-soul" quite a bit because mainstream music and gospel are like 2nd cousins. i.e. Ray Charles. Gospel is very influential on R&B and vice versa. I think listening to R&B as musical reference is not 'wrong'. However, as with ALL THINGS, we must use discernment and sift through the nonsense and know when enough is enough. :wink:
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Well I'm not tryin to knock anyone to each its own but I'm just a young man who is old school. The Bible says "come from among them and Be ye seperated". I dont think that just means physically if we listen to the same music then were not seperated and also its not givin glory to God. But thats just my personal conviction you must be lead by God. I hope you just pray and ask God WWJD.
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I agree with Eggs (and the Word) on this one. Only things that are honest, pure....basicly all the things that God would get glory from, and build up the inner man, should we set our minds on. I used to be real big on the neo-soul thing until I really realized that only what you do for Christ will last. If it is for the glory of God, pursue it; otherwise, don't do it.
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Garbage in garbage out.....first it is the lyrics that are going to influence the way you think and live. The music behind it may be kik'in an grov'in but what is the message, thats what you need to be concerned about.
There is a ton of christian artist these days that cover all music styles.
remember the battle is for the mind. :twisted: are you making your decisions according to the Holy Spirit that dwells in you or according to your flesh or outward senses.
Choose life :D
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I don't think there is anything wrong with listening to any other types of music. The style of gospel music was derived from various other styles i.e. jazz, country and various other styles. The problem is when we alow what we hear to influence our lives. You can still listen to rap or r&b but don't let what you hear separate you from God. I redo r&b and hip hop songs and make them gospel. You can use worldly things to draw worldly people then hit then with the word when they least expect it. This is some thing that I had to do a lot of praying on. My suggestion is not to listen to the post that you read but pray and fast on it for yourself.
Rev Cecil Ramey
Be blessed or else!
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You can use worldly things to draw worldly people then hit then with the word when they least expect it.
This, IMO, is HORRIBLE advice!! If this is the direction we are getting, it no wonder the church is in the state it is today.
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You can use worldly things to draw worldly people then hit then with the word when they least expect it.
This, IMO, is HORRIBLE advice!! If this is the direction we are getting, it no wonder the church is in the state it is today.
I hear ya Darryl.
So I can use a worldy thing, like strippers night, to draw in worldly people, and then hit them with the Word of God. The only person who schemes and uses tricks is the trickster himself, satan.
If we entice people with worldly things, we would be guilty of tempting others to sin. That is NOT my goal in life.
We don't need to trick people, lie to people, are falsely present ourselves to people in order to get them saved.
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Amen.
Sometimes it's hard to believe the things I hear. We all need to get to know the Word better, because the Word is Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Never waver, never compromise. The only way to "draw" folk to Christ, is to lift Him up. That's what He said.
End of story.
God bless,
Eggs
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Amen 4 hisGlory, Sister T and Eggs! We also have to remember that Music is a spiritual thing. Many say its okay to listen to R&B and rap because Jazz and Blues birthed Gospel. Which is incorrect! The blues scale and the major scales is where American traditional southern gospel music came from and those scales are where we create Jazz and Blues and reggae and etc. Music in general share the same scales and that’s where the similarity in sound come from. The spiritual influences on the music is what makes the difference. A member of a well known band in the early 80's once said u never take the songs in the world and use it for God's Glory...He said some songs we used to shoot heroin for days so we can get an inspiration! Many artists today still do the same thing. Ex. Cash money Millionaires (rap group) Who inspires these artists when they take these hallucinogens? We know its not the Holy Spirit that needs to get someone high so they can create music. Obviously the father of lies Satan is the inspirer. As we discussed in earlier posts, Satan was the chief musician in heaven and he’s still a musician. The scriptures never said he lost his ability to create music. But now he needs a earthen vessel like you and me to work through…thus we have secular music that brings no glory to the creator but to things that are contrary to the word of God. So is it okay to listen to R&B and rap? The fact that your questioning says that you feel that little burning inside of you…you hear that small, still voice whispering to you but you quench him. That’s the Holy Ghost leading you on the paths of righteousness. Listen to him and he will lead you into all truth! And that’s where you can begin to create sanctified, fresh original music. You don’t need to take no R Kelly, Earth Wind and Fire songs and do them over so God’s people can glorify God. Let the Anointing be your inspirer. (1 John 2:27)
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You can use worldly things to draw worldly people then hit then with the word when they least expect it.
This, IMO, is HORRIBLE advice!! If this is the direction we are getting, it no wonder the church is in the state it is today.
I agree that you don't "use wordly things to draw in wordly people". However, I believe what he is saying, and correct if Im wrong cecil573, is that, whether we want to admit it or not, times are changing. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify God and the saving of souls. People we are entering 2005, and quite frankly, as bad as this may sound, Rev. James Cleveland, and Rev. Timothy Wright is not going to bring in the souls off the street. Although I LOVE the above mentioned, (God bless their souls), we as DILIGENT Saints, must find innovative ways to attract the less enlightened souls. Too many times I feel we tend to drive towards backsliders and older saints who are too traditional, etc. while those who have absolutely NO IDEA about the Lord Jesus Christ are left out to dry. I feel that we can attract younger ppl, more ignorant ppl, and even members of other religous groups with appealing means without compromising our integrity and our righteousness. Those who are unwilling to step out their comfort zone and look at reality need to sit down and rethink their purpose in life.[/b]
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I BEING A 16 YR. OLD ORGAN PLAYER LISTEN TO R&B AND RAP BECAUSE OF THE SIMPLE FACT THA I AM YOUNG AND I LIKE TAHT KIND OF MSIC, BUT U I ONLY LISTEN TO THE BEATS AND STUFF NOT THE WORDS BECAUSE THE WORDS CAN SLIP RIGHT INTO YOUR HEAD AND MAY NOT EVEN RECOGNIZE IT UNTIL U CATCH YOURSELF SINGIN IT. THAT IS THE TRICKY PART. ANOTHER THING, ANY OF YOU LISTEN TO OLD TIME PEOPLE LIKE RICK JAMES OR THE COMMODORES. MANY ARTISTS LIKE KIRK FRANKLIN AND THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS ARE UTILIZING THEIR SKILLS TO GO BACK AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC AND REARRANGE IT INTO GOSPEL, BUT MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE IT. sO I GUESS IT IS OKAY TO LISTEN TO IT JUST DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE DEVILS GAME BECAUSE HE IS OUT TO KILL AND DESTROY AND STEAL. WE CHRISTIANS HAVE ALOT TO LOOK UP TO AND WE NEED TO THANK THE LORD FOR LETTING US SEE A BRAND NEW DAY AND WE SHOULD OPEN OUR EARS TO WHAT GOD HAS TO SAY TO US FOR THAT DAY, NOT WHAT LIL JOHN OR THE YING YANG TWINS WANT US TO SAY. SO BE WISE AND STAY STRONG!!!
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...BUT U I ONLY LISTEN TO THE BEATS AND STUFF NOT THE WORDS
This is like saying, "I buy Playboy, but I only read the articles".
I wonder, how can you seperate the words from the music. The mind works in mysterious ways. You may not hear the words consciously, but subconsciously, they're as clear as day. It's like reading. Do you have to sound out each letter when you read? No. I would guess the same applies to our ears. We just filter what we want to consciously pay attention to. This is the science explanation of why I feel it's wrong. The spiritual one, for me, would be: If you, personally feel it's wrong; it's wrong. Deep down, we know what's right and wrong. Sometimes, though, we try to get people to convince us that our truths are lies.
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also, when you listen to rap the words get stuck in your head and you can't hear the Holy Spirit. i think rap is so popular because some of the beats are almost hypnotic. Just my 2 cents :)
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ARGUMENT - I don't listen to the words, I just like the beats/music.
RESPONSE - Your subconscience records everything! You may try to block out the lyrics, but you cannot stop them from being recorded into your mind. Your mind can even record backwards messages. It has been scientifically proven that your mind is so clever that, even when you aren't trying to, you can receive the information that is stated in the lyrics of music. Even if it is recorded backwards. And it affects you! When you listen to sex, sex, sex, or murder, murder, murder, those are things that will come out of you in the heat of the moment. They are programmed in your mind without your consent.
PROOF - How many TV commercial jingles do you know? And how many of those did you actually learn purposely? Your answer is probably that you never intended to learn them, but because they played in your mind, you learned them without putting forth any effort. Now, where do you think the foul messages from Hip Hop are going when you listen to them?
SCRIPTURE - Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
This is from Minister G. Craige Lewis' website..A man whom God gave revelation on the whole Hip Hop, secular music thing. Everyone here should read the information on his site. http://www.exministries.com
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Saints,
We are discussing music, but what we are really talking about here is the "message" in the music.
If you take a worldly hip-hop tune, and change the words, so what? When I hear that music, I hear the original.... don't matter what you say on top of that music.
When I hear "I believe I Can Fly" in a church setting, I think of R. Kelly, not Jesus. I love Kirk Franklin's music, but I think he should have left "Brighter Day" to Bill Withers, or whoever.
When you do this type of thing, you are sending a mixed message. The message says that God's people don't have enough creativity to write our own stuff. The message is that we need to partner with the enemy to get our message across.
Yes, we do need to keep up with the times. But I don't think we need to use wordly means. In Christ, we have the power to create through the Holy Spirit. In Christ we have the LOVE, and without the LOVE, it's all for naught.
And yes, we need to know what our youth are listening to. That's part of "occupying"... but don't feed it back to them in any way. Show them a whole new thing, in Christ. He said "Behold, I make all things new".
Preach the gospel full and free! Don't borrow anything from the world. Create a new sound that no one has heard before! Right Gieres? :D
Don't sound like anybody else!
God bless
Eggs
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Sorry,
I meant "Lovely Day", not "Brighter Day". My bad. :D
God bless,
Eggs
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Hello Saints of God!
I didn't think I would post a response, but as a Child of the King, I feel that in everything I do, I must represent him well.
I have read most of or all of the posts on this particular topic, some I agree with and some I don't agree with. This is how I feel on the subject...
As I said earlier, in am in the mind frame that in everything I do, I MUST represent Christ well. Its extremely hard, because the Satan is busy. Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. I don't listen to rap music. However, I do listen to R & B. I don't find anything wrong with listening to the music. Granted, I don't listen to a lot of it, but nonetheless I do. It does NOT affect my relationship with Jesus..."What God has brought together, let NO MAN, WOMAN, PERSON, PLACE, THING, or IDEA, tear it apart, and that's exactly what happens. I can't speak for anybody but who? ME.
For those of you who say its not possible for someone to listen to the music and not to the words of a song, your wrong. It is possible. I do it all the time.
I will say this "Be strong in the Lord, and Represent Him well!"
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Saints,
Create a new sound that no one has heard before! Right Gieres? :D
Don't sound like anybody else!
God bless
Eggs
i had a rehearsal last night and we were going over songs for the watchnight service and for sunday and i tell you 'm not the best player in the world or on this site but last night we prayed for God to open iour ears for the sound that He would have for the house in 2005, and then we started singing welcome into this place and when e got to the vamp where it goes and we lift our hands and we lift our hearts, we just started flowing and jamming, and i mean i was actually playign rather well, God can and He will give skill to the skillfull i knwo that for sure it happened last night , we prayed for a new sound and He gave it to us, you don't need to listen to worldy music to get new music practice practice practice spend time with your instrument and with God and He will give you music melodies from heaven like kirk said
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Preach!
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That's why I said: If you feel that you're not doing wrong then don't worry about it, because in the end, you're the only person that will have to answer to God for yourself. I've said before that I now believe things opposite of what I was taught as a child, and some will say that I'm wrong. I feel that I'm right, however, and if someone wanted me to explain my views then I would; however, I can't make anyone else believe like myself. It's totally up to them. This thing that we do is about sincerity and faith. Hell will be filled with people that were hypocritcal to what they knew was true, not to what other people told them was wrong. Everyone, including the biggest sinner, knows what's right and wrong.
Here's something that I believe: If you take all the white religions (those that don't obviously promote devil worship, which are black religions. nothing to do with race), and strip away some of the fluff (that I call traditions) they're all the same. I believe that in the end it will boil down to 2 things: Love and Sincerity. First, and this is the biggest one, how much do we love each other. Second, how much do we love God; and last, how sincere are we about what we believe. Why that order? The bible says (paraphrased): How can you say you love me, when you can't love the people you see everyday? When Jesus came, his main message was that of brotherly love, because the world was seperated by traditions and secularisms. Now, do you think we're doing more brotherly love or do we have more traditions and secularisms?
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I apologize if I have offended anyone with my post. But if you say that we can not listen to R&b and hip hop then we are actually putting God in a box. Don't twist what I said before. Can God not use wordly things to draw worldly people. Can he not use a stripper, drug dealer, prostitute or other for His glory? The church has problems because we don't want to except all things of God. He can use worldly things to draw the same way he uses a preacher, deacon, missionary or any other compacity of the church to draw others. Being a former drug dealer and pimp, I can testify that I have drawn others throught my experiences to
Christ. Some of the members of my church are prostitutes and former drug dealers and pimps. When you use worldly things you give them other members of the church a sense that they are not the only one that has gone through something. So in conclusion God does use worldly things and people to draw others. Sometime you can be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Don't get this phrase twisted either. What i'm saying is that don't forget where you came from. Remember your experiences and the things that you use to do as a testimony to draw others. Don't be so focused on yourself that you forget the pain that others are going through. That's all I was saying. I think sometimes we can over correct ourselves and push people away from the church by being to overbearing. Like I said before....pray and fast and ask God for the answer. If you feel that you can listen to other types of music and not be influenced by it then I say go ahead. But if it's something that you can't control then let it go.
Rev Cecil Ramey
Be blessed or else
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I'm gonna have to make this my last post on this subject:
First, the first commandment is to love God first, above anything and anyone... so it's God.... other people... and then you, in that order. We are servants, because Christ served.
And secondly, to Rev. Ramey, you don't need to apologize... everyone is working out their soul's salvation, and everyone has a valuable opinion. I for one, am not offended.
But here's my point: There is a big difference between testifying about what God has done for ya, and where he's brought you from.... and continually associating yourself with a THING, that has no Spiritual value.
As we grow by the grace of God, we should begin to see the world as He sees it.
Pimps and pushers are worth saving... God loves them, and so should we. But when you visit that bad section of town to witness to them.....
dont take the music that they listen to, to reach them.... take the Word.
Peace,
Eggs
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See....I told you. Read "the biggest one" as "important". What I meant by that is that it is the key to really loving God. You can't love God without loving everyone else and vice-versa. Many people become seperatists, when they become a christian, thinking that they can't be around or show love to anyone else that isn't a christian or in the same denomination as themselves.
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I am not trying to hurt anyone's feelings but I just had to say something. If God is not in it, then why do it? God should come first in everything you do. I use to think it was ok to listen to all sorts of music. It is not ok. The devil's job is to get your soul. Do you honestly believe that is ok to listen to rap? When I became a christian, I didn't want to listen to rap or R&B anymore. The devil use the same old tricks to get us. He get us through our desires. We have to learn the devil's tactics.
If you don't watch it, the devil will come through your television.
What I am trying to say is why listen to that when you have music in your heart? Be creative and use your own stuff. God will help you. All you have to do is believe.
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The Bible tells us to submit our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto the Lord.
Just think of it this way, if you were in heaven, would it be okay to listen to rap or R&B? This is just a trick of the enemy to get our lives and focus off of God. He knows he cunning and conneiving and would make you think sin isn't sin.
And lastly, if its questionable, you already know it isn't right.
Joy [/b]
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I think alot of people forgot about the old school saints because we laugh at some of their ways like no movies, no worldly music, no pants in church but I tell you what. They didnt fall for some things that we struggle with today. We as a church have gotten away from holyness. We have watered down the word to fit our lives. But im not here to judge i believe that each man should work out his soul salvation and we can debate all we want but on that great day God will do the seperating. God Bless
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This is a very interesting topic that many young people question. Personally I don't like the message that the majority of Rap and R&B songs are sending. But I do like the Music. Remember all music originated in heaven. So technically speaking christians are not using the worlds music, we are taking it back from the devil. Many secular artist sing about their love for there mate. Is it wrong for me to express my love for my wife through song? Taking it a step further what about the movies we watch. Does every TV show or movie draw you closer to God? I listen to Rap and R&b, this gives me a way to identify and deal with the youth at my church. How can one be effective and not be familiar with what you are up against. I know I have jumped around on many different topics, but we should really look at the whole picture before saying that everything is wrong or a sin. The question is What are your motives for doing this?
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I agree with what some of you said about we should not have to draw people in buy converting to the world and we should be separted. I really feel strongly that if we are saved we only do things that glorify God. God does not get any glory from R&B and Rap. God wants to be our only God and he said he is a jealous God. These things like the Rap & the R& B can become our Gods. God will not share his glory with anyone. Those songs do not talk about God and his goodness and even worshipping him so why are we listening to that if we are supposed to be saved and Christians. The word Christains means Christ like. When God was on the earth he never had to change his style to minister to young people with wordly teachings. He just taught and showed them his life which is a ministry in itself. We do not have to change to reach young people they can see a difference in your lifestyle.
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WOW!.....I really can't believe some of the things I've heard on this post. I know I am in the minority on this, but I have to join with the camp of people that don't believe that there is anything wrong with listening to secular music. Why put limits on GOD and the things that God provides. I have found God in some of the ost unusual places and circumstances. it has been in these places and circumstances that God has truly ministered to me and inspired me creatively. I look at people like THOMAS DORSEY and thank God everyday at how he was able to traform his secular gifts to influence gospel music as we know it today. There's too much beauty to be found in all kinds of music to limit what we listen to and hwo we use it grow as musicians. Just because you don't se the word JESUS expressly in it does not make a song damnable or sinful to listen to. this is not to say that we must not always be vigilant about what we hear and see, but let's not throw aout the baby with the bath water either.
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10 years ago, I would have been saying alot of the same things that people that think its ok to listen to secular music are saying. But 10 years ago, I was sleeping with my girlfriend, gossiping, drinking at the parties, etc.... (Im not saying that everyone that listen to secular music is doing that sort of thing, so dont start on that tangent :) ) ...........
Actually something just popped in my head that I want to ask the people that listen to secular music:
What artist are you listening too??
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Personally, I listen to Alicia Keys, Angie Scott
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i don't listen to secular as much as i do to gospel as i said before i look to God and practice for Chords and grooves , but i do enjoy listening to great musicians, like Alicia keys, brian Mcknight, Boyz 2 Men, i enjoy good vocal abilities.
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Yes it is wrong.
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I still listen to secular music occasionally. I used to only listen to rap and R&B but I find that technically that music is not very challenging and therefore I seek out other types of music like jazz.
Now I'm not trying to convince anyone that secular music is ok or that you should only listen to gospel because like some others have said you must be convinced in your own heart.
But doing searches on chord theory and chord structure I discovered that the tritones that many of you strive so hard to use was originally called the "devil's chord" and was banished in the church of that time. Now today everyone is trying to master the usage and application of this "devil's chord" in their playing. When did this become ok. Also, many of the so called "PHAT chords" that many strive to master are really applications of jazz theory ( I'm talking about your augmented chords and your 13ths, 9ths and 6/9 substitutions). Also many of the "sick runs" that people are trying to master are applications of modal playing used primarily in jazz styles and popularized by people like thelonius monk and John Coltrane. Jazz is a form of secular music, what makes it ok and R&B and rap bad?
Like someone else has already said, Thomas Andrew Dorsey who is known as the father of Gospel music, also worked as a jazz and blues pianist ( which could be considered the R&B of the 1800s) before he wrote Precious Lord, Take my Hand. You will never get me to believe that the chord structures and melodies that he developed in the blues and jazz arenas did not move with him when he left those circles and developed gospel music( he was the first to use that term ya know). The blues is a form of secular music. but many of you are learning the blues scales and blues riffs. What makes the blues ok and rap and R&B bad?
So what changed about his music was the message. I truly believe that if R. Kelly gave his life totally over to the lord, his stuff would still sound like R Kelly. what would be different is that it wouldn't be about "age ain't nothing but a number" or "I don't see nothing wrong..." it would be about Jesus.
So I guess I am of the opinion that talented people are just that, talented. And that if they chose to glorify something other than God with their talent then their personal salvation is in jeporady but that don't change the fact that their music (or their lyrics for that matter) are banging. How else could R Kelly get so much air time for songs like I believe I can fly or He saved me. The brother got skills he just using them for the wrong team ( what makes it worse is that the skills came from God anyway).
I feel like music is an art form and what you hear is an expression of what is inside of someone. If someone wrote a rap song about Jesus what is wrong with that? Rap is not bad, what you rap about may be questioanble but the art form of rap is not bad. Just like many poeple cannot play an instrument with skill, many people cannot rap with skill. If you got skills rapping and you use that skill to talk about the glory of God what is wrong with that?
Again, I know that I can't change anyone's mind on how they feel but just wanted to educate you a little on where the much of the "theory" on this site originates from.
jlewis
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Praise the LORD everybody! My response to this question would be
why would you want to listen to Rap music any way? There is no God in
it. No love, no salvation and it glorifies violence, drugs, and sexual
misconducts (fornication) in other words. Jesus has delivered us from
sin so why go back where he delivered you from? We are too close to
turn back now. Forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14 Amen!
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One more thing to add: Kirk Franklin once said "Some people think Gospel music has gone too far but you ain't seen nothing yet"! I agree! Any more you wonder. Gospel rap, gospel skating, gospel hip-hip. We are seeing it now!
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I would respond to cmeridith that rap music does not glorify anything. The rappers who put those things ( violence, drugs, sexual immorality) are the ones who are glorifying that. But a christian who raps about Jesus and his/her deliverence is glorifying God.
As a matter of fact, that can be said about all forms of music. Don't get caught up labeling rap as an art form as evil. Any art from can be used to glorify God or satan. It is the individual and how they choose to express themselves in the art form where the problem lies.
jlewis
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THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SOME OF THE RAP AND R&B OUT THERE. SOME OF IT IS ACTUALLY PRETTY DECENT. YOU MUST REMEMBER, HOWEVER, THAT WHAT YOU FEED INTO YOUR SPIRIT WILL BECOME A PART OF YOUR SPIRIT. FOR INSTANCE, IF ALL YOU LISTEN TO ARE SONG ABOUT SEX (I.E. "GET LOW", "WHAT'S UR FANTASY", AND MOST OF R KELLY'S SONGS) THEN YOUR CHANCES OF STAYING ABSTINENT WILL DECREASE. THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE YOU KEEP LETTING THESE RADIO STATIONS PREACH THIS TO YOU. IF YOU KEEP FRIENDS AROUNDS WHO ARE NO GOOD, SOME OF THEIR WAYS MAY RUN OFF ON YOU. THE SAME WITH MUSIC. YOU ARE WHAT YOU LET INTO YOUR SPIRIT, SO WATCH WHAT YOU DO LISTEN TO.
P.S.
REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE THEY MENTION GOD IN ONE SONG DOESN'T MEAN THAT EVERYTHING ELSE THEY MAKE IS OKAY TO LISTEN TO. JUDGE THEM BY THE MAJORITY OR THEIR WAYS AND NOT BY A FEW WORDS.
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Peace to all. My reply to this would be, "no it's not wrong". But, before I'm criticized, let me explain. God made all music and gives all talents and gifts. Who's to say which style is better than the other. If you believe like I do, you'll agree that all music came from "the Church". However, lyrics are another issue. If you study rap/r&b/classical/jazz/etc., these are only styles of music. So I say, learn as many styles as you can. Don't even take my word for it, let Christ be your guide. We're in this world not of it, so you should never allow yourself to be consumed by it. Learn what you can learn and Praise God with it. I believe he'll be pleased.
Peace and God's will be done.
LaMont
aka
xxPianoManxx
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Hello,
I thought it was interesting to read all of the responses to this question concerning rap and R&B Music. I believe that many of our musicians and believers in Christ are deceived concerning this topic. It's all about deception, that's the device that the enemy is using in music. Of course there will be the extreme ungodly music that we know for sure we shouldn't listen too and then there is the in between the border line music and then we have the subtle music that no one knows who the writer is speaking of in the song. It's all deceptive. The Word of God says that we are not ignorant of Satan's devices. He wants us to think that it's okay to listen to the alternative music, to make us think that nothings wrong with it. All music is birthed out of the spirit. Now what spirit was it birthed is the question you need to ask. Music is a passage way to the soul and if you allow a song birthed out of an ungodly spirit to enter your soul then you will be affected. Not all gospel music is birthed out of the right spirit either, that's another sermon. Be led by the spirit of GOd about this topic and if you are then you will be led the right way.
Denitrab
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Personally, I say listen to whatever music you want. If it don't bother you or your spirit, then it's o.k. for you. If you have a problem hearing cuss words, then don't listen to songs w/cuss words in them. I like a little bit of rap music, but I love R&B music. Most R&B music is about expressing love
for someone. If you love someone, why not write a song expressing it? Why not share it with others who might be feeling the same thing for their significant others? Tell me this, if you on a date or you are trying to set the mood with your spouse, do you really want to hear songs like "God is a Good God" or "Victory Is Mine"? No, you want to hear a song that says something like "I Love You" or "You are very special to me". It all depends on what mood you are trying to create. If you want a nice mellow mood, play mellow jazz or something. If you want to have fun, play a nice upbeat song. If you tring to have like a birthday party or something, play some party music.
I also want to say something about God not being able to use worldly stuff to draw worldly people. I believe God can use whatever He wants to to draw people to Him. God can use ex-drug addicts to draw drug addicts, ex-alcoholics can draw alcoholics, etc. One of the best to draw people is through music. Now, you don't have to play a whole secular song to get people to come, but you can take small parts and add it in to songs to let people know that you can have fun in gospel music and still be Holy. Some people think that the fun is over once you come to God, but that is really not true. You can still have fun, just a different kind of fun.
Don't judge all rap, R&B, hip-hop, blues, jazz, gospel, pop, rock, or any other type of music based on the popular songs on the radio. The radio only gives a small portion of the music. There is good music found in all genres and you shouldn't limit yourself to one kind. If all you played is one kind of music, then you would only draw one type of person, but if you expand your music, then you can draw more than one type of person.
Let's grow up and stop nit-picking about every little thing. We all have a sense of right from wrong and each person should judge withing themselves what kind of music is right or wrong to listen to.
JUST MY OPINION, DON'T BE HATIN!!!
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I also want to say something about God not being able to use worldly stuff to draw worldly people. I believe God can use whatever He wants to to draw people to Him. God can use ex-drug addicts to draw drug addicts, ex-alcoholics can draw alcoholics, etc.
Using "EX" drug dealers to draw drug dealers isnt an example of using "worldly stuff t draw worldly people". If an "ex"-drug dealer (that is now saved) goes back and talks to his drug dealer friends, this is an example of Godly drawling worldly.
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go to altaredlives.org and redprecise.com some good gospel rap and r&b.
remember God make all things and say it was good.
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The enemy is tricky! I tell ya!
I don't think that there's anything wrong with listening to various kinds of music, but one must be careful as to the message that it's sending.
I've heard some positive messages (self esteem, lifting up the community, getting along, etc.) in secular music and I think that's ok.
I also don't think there's anything wrong with love songs in the right context.. NOT LUST SONGS...HUUUGE DIFFERENCE. What I mean by that is made clear by something I heard a minister say once concerning music. He said something like, "I think good (key word, good) music has it's place. Being that I'm married, when my wife and I want to be romantic, we're not going to be listening to 'Amazing Grace'". I don't think there's anything wrong with a true love song.
There's good positive music out there that's not promoting violence, fornication, and a bunch of other negativity.
I'm a musician so, I call myself listening to "just the music", but sadly the words get in there, and as the young person said earlier, you don't realize it until you catch yourself singing it. I'm working on that. So, I say make sure it's not sending a message that's contradictory to the Word of God.
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I apologize if I have offended anyone with my post. But if you say that we can not listen to R&b and hip hop then we are actually putting God in a box. Don't twist what I said before. Can God not use wordly things to draw worldly people. Can he not use a stripper, drug dealer, prostitute or other for His glory? The church has problems because we don't want to except all things of God. He can use worldly things to draw the same way he uses a preacher, deacon, missionary or any other compacity of the church to draw others. Being a former drug dealer and pimp, I can testify that I have drawn others throught my experiences to
Christ. Some of the members of my church are prostitutes and former drug dealers and pimps. When you use worldly things you give them other members of the church a sense that they are not the only one that has gone through something. So in conclusion God does use worldly things and people to draw others. Sometime you can be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Don't get this phrase twisted either. What i'm saying is that don't forget where you came from. Remember your experiences and the things that you use to do as a testimony to draw others. Don't be so focused on yourself that you forget the pain that others are going through. That's all I was saying. I think sometimes we can over correct ourselves and push people away from the church by being to overbearing. Like I said before....pray and fast and ask God for the answer. If you feel that you can listen to other types of music and not be influenced by it then I say go ahead. But if it's something that you can't control then let it go.
Rev Cecil Ramey
Be blessed or else
There's an old hymn that says: "We're living in the last days, We're living in the last days. We're living in a time when evil men won't mend their ways. They're calling right wrong, they're calling wrong right. Oh truly we're living in the last days." I've been reading these posts and all I can do as a musician is pray! God can use whoever he wants to because he's God, but he's also perfect and pure and does not need to use the devices of the world to win souls. Why would God command us to come from out from among them and be yea separate? Or why would he say Love not the world, nor the things of the world and turn around and use those things. My God is not a deceiver. The devil is a deceiver and he is cunning. Noone is putting God in a box... I think that you have some things twisted and pray that God gives you revelation and clarity. I'm not trying to dog you or judge you, I'm praying that God opens up your eyes that you will not be deceived by the enemy's cunning devices. I'm praying for you.
Now, to the topic at hand and this is to anyone who's reading...In my opinion, yes, its wrong to listen to anything that's not glorifying or lifting up God. If there was no conviction that it is wrong to listen to RnB, then there would be no use for this thread. People would just do what they wanted to without an opinion from others. Take it from someone who use to listen to all types of music (words and lyrics...there is no distinction...)you process everything that goes in, its all spiritual. When David played the harp/lyre for Saul, that evil spirit calmed right down.
It wasnt until one day many years ago that I was in consecration (prayer and fasting) and I was meditating on God and singing Janet Jacksons song in my head at the same time that I knew I had to stop.
One last thing...the secular music may sound nice, but think about what you are not hearing. Also, what is the hidden message behind the song? If you knew how many secular singers/rappers were five percenters and of other religions, it would blow your mind! And if you listen to their music, you'll hear the message of their beliefs. I say this to everyone, don't let the devil deceive you in these last days. There is not way to rationalize listening to a song that says "I wanna sex you up" and not hear what they are saying in the words. Like someone said earlier...even it you changed the words to the song, you will still remember the original version of it. Why do we borrow music from another song, put words to it and then say...God gave me this song? Well if he can give the words he will give the music too! Now that's the kind of God I serve.
Be Blessed everyone and let's continue to pray for each other!
Peace :D
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I think it is NOT wrong u shouldn't listen to too much :!: :D
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All i ask myself is music came from the church for an ex. Lucifer was the MOM and in Heaven so i just that they stole the beat changed a couple chords and bass lines and made it there own. I hear preachers talk about about taking back what the devil stole from us so what not take are music back.
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Phew! Saints are on this thang! To God be the glory. Just wanted to say that as a part of a church in transition from very traditional music to more contemproary stuff, my Pastor remined his members that a lot of the music we call traditional in the church actually was similar to what was once called saloon music and caused an uproar in the church in past times, especially for those who believed that hymns and spirituals where the only christian music to sing. We had a similar discussion over a Song by Darius Brooks that we are doing called "High LIft Him" that many folks from the hip hop culture remember in a different and not necessarily positve way. We all agreed that we need to carefully consider every song, understand that some songs will offend some, but try to incorporate something for everyone in worship service. It can be a tightrope walk, but the Holy Spirit will guide you as long as you are seeking songs not out of the flesh. I am sooo glad to see so many saved musicians out there!!!!
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My veiw on this whole topic is that it is ok to listen to other kinds of music as a musician. Listening to other kinds of music like rap, r and b, classical, and rock helps you to grow as a diversified musician. What I try to do most of the time is to just focus in on the music if there are vulgar lyrics. Now a days gospel music enatails ALL these types of music so you have to know how to play different styles.
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Welcome to the LGM family "kmontgomery1".....Be Blessed.
PianoWiz...
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My veiw on this whole topic is that it is ok to listen to other kinds of music as a musician. Listening to other kinds of music like rap, r and b, classical, and rock helps you to grow as a diversified musician. What I try to do most of the time is to just focus in on the music if there are vulgar lyrics. Now a days gospel music enatails ALL these types of music so you have to know how to play different styles.
That what i do.I listen to rap and R:B everyday and gospel music.Alot of musician play a lot of Rap and r:b music to use it as a lick.I used a lot of music from rap and r:b to put in a church son(example i played sean paul gimme the light on im walking ).I learned alot of chords from listening to rap and r:b and that how i learn to play by ear.I never had lessons.My sister taught me my first song and from there i picked up on my own.In conclusion i think it is ok to listen to rap and r:b.
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I love Kirk Franklin's music, but I think he should have left "Brighter Day" to Bill Withers, or whoever.
Just tonite wifey and I attended our Employee Appreciation Banquet and their was a Jazz Band playing the night away. They began to play the music to the song and immediately the Holy Ghost quickened me and told me wait and listen to the lyrics. When he began singing, all i could do is start laughing and say thank you Holy Ghost. See that's all the devil want from you, if i would have started rocking to the beat then he would've had victory. The Holy Ghost is powerful.
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I really believe some people think that Jesus sit back and say, "well it's okay, they can listen to any music they want." But what he is really saying, "my child give up the things of the world and choose my way." We can compare this to smoking and drinking. I think we all agree that smoking and drinking is a sin and we choose not to do those things. If you wanted to, you can do the same thing with rap and r&b music. You have not, because you asked not.
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God Bless Everyone!
As someone said earlier in the thread...there are plenty of songs out there that present good messages about self esteem and not doing drugs etc. I listen to every genre of music. Country, rock, jazz, r&b, hip hip, reggae etc... Along With my Gospel. But as much time as I have to listen to music at work, I don't listen to gospel for the whole 8 hours of the day. I have every other genre to listen to as well.
Do I listen to songs like "What's Ur Fantasy? or "Candy Shop" or most of these songs today that don't make a lick of common sense? No because I know songs like that are not edifying to my spirit. I listen to songs that encourage or inspire a positive attitude. More often than not, I listen to a lot of instrumental jazz because it just soothes and eases the mind throughout the day. Same thing goes for country and rock.
I don't listen to "My husband left me, my children left me and all i have is 'ol Rufus here to ease my sorrow" (That's Depressing) and I don't listen to "ROCK! Smash your head through your guitar!"(That's just STUPID) It's just not doing my mind any good. Now, there are a FEW songs out here that I just absolutely LOVE the beats to. Ask me to tell you what the words to the song were and I would not be able to recall them.
Some people do honestly have the ability to filter out words and just hear what they want to hear. I find myself recalling certain songs later, but honestly, it's only the beat or the music that comes to mind. And this happens with gospel music as well. That's just me. As for it all goes into the subconscious, it's like some people have said: It is up to YOU what you let affect your spirit and your walk with God.
Yes we are supposed to do everything representing God and Jesus, and I endeavor to do that everyday, but I still listen to a bit of everything(so long as it's positive)
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Using "EX" drug dealers to draw drug dealers isnt an example of using "worldly stuff t draw worldly people". If an "ex"-drug dealer (that is now saved) goes back and talks to his drug dealer friends, this is an example of Godly drawling worldly.
Nicky Cruz is an excellent example
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I can't listen to secular Hip Hop, Rap and R and B RADIO anymore...
My mind is like fly trap paper when it comes to music. If I hear something it will stick in my mind and before you know it I'll be playing some R. Kelly Bump and Grind during the altar call...
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
If you have to listen to secular music to find inspiration... wow... you really need to get to praying and listening for the sound of the kingdom...
One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone tries to take a secular song and turn it into a gospel song. Sometimes it works, "Jesus is the Best thing that ever happened to Me" is from Gladys Knight and the Pips but James Cleveland changed it. Actually the first time I heard that song it was the gospel version...
I'll be back with more later on this topic...
MrSparrow
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That's a pet peeve of mine too MrSparrow. That song Because you loved me by Celine Dion(i think) ...I heard it done as a duette, i don't know the artists who sang it, but the first thing that came to mind was Celine singing it. Redoing secular songs to make them gospel isn't that cool with me b/c I always think of the secular words to the song while i'm listening to it. Even though the words to some of these secular songs sounds like they should've been gospel from the jump but I just don't like the remakes.
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I get my musical ideas from a lot of places: radio, commercials, game shows, CDs, etc.
I don't purposely listen to this stuff to get ideas, the idea comes when I hear it.
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I've heard a lot of songs where the musicians tried to do secular introductions to...
You know that song from Prince Diamonds and Pearls? I've heard a song doing that but the worst is a song by D'Angelo (remember him?) called $#!T, D*M# MOTHER @#*$#& and they did that beat thinking that people would hear that beat (which is tight and funky) and not think back to that cussing in that song...
I even heard a local singer try to take a song called "I'm in Love with a Stripper" and turn it into I'm in Love with my Jesus...
?/?
As soon as we do stuff like that, it makes us look like hypocrites because
1. We say to those young people in our congregations that it's ok to be double-minded (unstable in all of our ways) and even though you're listening to music that doesn't edify the body... you're not alone...
2. We show we are truly ignorant to what spiritual things happen when music comes forth... no matter what the source...
MrSparrow
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I BEING A 16 YR. OLD ORGAN PLAYER LISTEN TO R&B AND RAP BECAUSE OF THE SIMPLE FACT THA I AM YOUNG AND I LIKE TAHT KIND OF MSIC, BUT U I ONLY LISTEN TO THE BEATS AND STUFF NOT THE WORDS BECAUSE THE WORDS CAN SLIP RIGHT INTO YOUR HEAD AND MAY NOT EVEN RECOGNIZE IT UNTIL U CATCH YOURSELF SINGIN IT. THAT IS THE TRICKY PART. ANOTHER THING, ANY OF YOU LISTEN TO OLD TIME PEOPLE LIKE RICK JAMES OR THE COMMODORES. MANY ARTISTS LIKE KIRK FRANKLIN AND THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS ARE UTILIZING THEIR SKILLS TO GO BACK AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC AND REARRANGE IT INTO GOSPEL, BUT MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE IT. sO I GUESS IT IS OKAY TO LISTEN TO IT JUST DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE DEVILS GAME BECAUSE HE IS OUT TO KILL AND DESTROY AND STEAL. WE CHRISTIANS HAVE ALOT TO LOOK UP TO AND WE NEED TO THANK THE LORD FOR LETTING US SEE A BRAND NEW DAY AND WE SHOULD OPEN OUR EARS TO WHAT GOD HAS TO SAY TO US FOR THAT DAY, NOT WHAT LIL JOHN OR THE YING YANG TWINS WANT US TO SAY. SO BE WISE AND STAY STRONG!!!
amen im 16 years old
i play the piano at my church
i listen to R&B and rap (only the artist i like ChrisBrown, AliciaKeys, Johnlegend, Life)
my church (then again im COGIC) dont agree with
but i dont care
i love music all types
i can take piano from a rap song play it in church
and they wont even know the difference
yo gurl cinderella
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What is the difference between listening to a non-christian song and changing the lyrics vs. listening to a secular singer who you know is not living anything close to a saved life singing Christian music with a melody and lyrics that were not taken (as far as you know) from the world? Or what about gospel singers like Yolonda Adams singing secular songs on stage during the grammy awards with non-christians?
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And the debate drags on. ::)