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A Christian View of the World's Music

by Jarl K. Waggoner

"Nothing is more singular about this generation than its addiction to music." So wrote Allen Bloom in The Closing of the American Mind (Simon and Schuster). Indeed, we are confronted by music at every turn--at the doctor's office and the department store, as well as on radio and television. Music is used to sell products, soothe frazzled nerves, and comfort the bereaved. Music is, in fact, one of the most powerful forces in today's world.

The power of music lies in its ability to touch people, both emotionally and intellectually, in a very personal way. Who can really explain why one person likes a certain song or type of music while another despises it?

There are no simple explanations. It is enough to say that one's musical tastes are very personal. In fact, they are, it seems, so personal as to be almost a part of one's identity. Consequently, to criticize something that touches a person in such a deep and powerful way is often seen as a personal attack--something Christians would do well to keep in mind.

Some Questions

Given the prominence of music in our society and the powerful influence it has, or can have, what should our attitude be toward its modern forms?

Let us be clear at the outset that we are not talking about Christian music but about the Christian and music. While some of the principles and ideas discussed here have application to Christian or church music, our primary focus is on the wider topic of music in the world. With that in mind, we as Christians need to ask ourselves: Should we listen to, encourage, promote, mimic, or be involved in, so-called secular music? Rather than offer pat answers, I would like to present some biblical principles to guide our thinking with regard to the music we listen to and allow our children to listen to.

Some Principles to Guide Our Thinking

1. Christians are to keep their minds on that which is virtuous. Philippians 4:8 tells us, "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." This does not mean we cannot deal with real-life issues in our music, literature, or public and private discourse. Indeed, the Bible itself records adulteries, murders, and other sins and warns against them. Our minds, however, should be focused on good things, and so should our music.

2. The believer must not allow the world to guide his thinking with regard to music or any other subject. We read, for example, "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" (Rom. 12:1-2). God's Word and will should mold our thinking so that we make God-honoring decisions in the realm of music.

3. We should concern ourselves primarily with the words and messages of songs more than their musical style. As much as we might wish it were otherwise, the Bible simply does not explicitly address the issue of musical styles. Types of music--even church music--come and go. While discussion of musical styles may be needed and helpful, our primary focus should be on the messages conveyed by the music.

4. Just as there is harmony in God's creation, there should be discernible harmony in music. Even in a fallen world, nature displays a built-in orderliness and beautiful harmony. The colors of nature, for example, do not clash but blend together in pleasing and attractive arrangements. Creation is not randomly thrown together, and neither is good music. Even someone untrained in music, listening to a song he is unfamiliar with, immediately recognizes when the pianist hits a wrong note! The incongruity is obvious. Good music will reflect the harmony of God's creation.

5. Our choice of music should also be governed by the biblical principle that liberty is limited by love. "Let us . . . follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Rom. 14:19), Paul wrote.

The context of this statement concerned whether a believer should eat meat that had been offered to idols. Paul acknowledged that the meat itself was just meat--there was no spiritual contamination ahering to it. It could be eaten without qualms by one mature enough to see this truth. However, the liberty to eat the meat was to be limited by love for those who, in their spiritual immaturity, saw the eating of such meat as sinful. If the immature believers were tempted to follow the mature Christian's example without clarifying the issue in their own minds, they would end up violating their consciences.

The same principle may well apply to music. Just because we feel free to listen to, or perform, certain types of music does not mean that we should. We must consider the effects of our actions on fellow Christians who do not share our views.

6. Cultural associations are important and must be kept in mind. Music does not arise in a vacuum. Certain types of music become associated with certain behaviors or attitudes that Christians cannot condone. In time some of those associations may disappear, but we should be careful to evaluate all current music on the basis of present associations. Heavy metal music, for example, has gained a reputation for promoting Satanism and the occult. Separating the music from such messages is difficult, if not impossible.

Some Recent Trends in Modern Music

A few comments about the current state of music might help us understand some of the things we are dealing with here. What trends can we detect in today's music?

First, there has been a much-publicized increase in, and emphasis on, violence, obscenity, and the occult in today's music, especially in rock music and its various offspring. Why has this happened?

For one thing, this reflects some of the trends we see in our post-Christian society at large. Also, music is one place people can get away with such things in public. Music has the unique ability to make the unacceptable acceptable. Expressions such as "I'm going to kill you," and much worse, are unacceptable in daily speech. But put the same words to music, and people will pay money to hear them!

Eric Holmberg, whose Reel to Real Ministries produced the film series "Hell's Bells: The Dangers of Rock and Roll," argues forcefully that a downward historical progression has occurred in rock music. Rock and roll music, he says, was founded in rebellion.

While the music of the 1950s is certainly tame by today's standards, it was at that time an expression of rebellion, especially against parents. As the music evolved, it moved from rebellion against parents to rebellion against government and against God. Finally, it has embraced the demonic. Certainly this is a generalization, but it may be a helpful one in understanding the current mood.

A second trend involves modern music videos. Popularized by the cable music channels on television, music videos have given visual images to negative lyrics, graphically depicting the violence, rebellion, and immorality described in many of today's popular songs. The combination of visual images and lyrics can have a powerful and lasting impact upon the listener/viewer.

Other trends that might be noted include the rise of rap music, which has produced some of the most obscene and violent lyrics imaginable; the steady decline of rock and even easy listening music; and yet another revival of country music. The recent popularity of country music may in fact be due in part to the perception that rock music has gone too far. Thankfully, many country artists, including some outspoken Christians, still project a family image.

Some Suggestions

All types of music have the potential to be a negative, if not dangerous, influence on our lives. How should we respond? The key is learning and teaching biblical discernment--the ability to recognize and choose things that are pleasing to the Lord over things that are spiritually harmful.

It is essential that as Christians we learn to apply and teach the biblical principles set forth earlier in this article and that we continually submit ourselves to the authority of Scripture as it applies to this and all other areas of life.

Beyond this, a number of further suggestions might prove helpful, especially as we seek to help others deal with the whole question of music.

First, we should remember that music tends to be a very personal matter to people. Therefore, it is usually not very helpful to attack the music a person is devoted to. It is far better to help people learn to be biblically discerning in their choice of music. If a person listens to degrading music, it may simply signify a lack of discernment rather than spiritual rebellion or a fascination with evil. When a person learns to judge all things by the standard of Scripture, his musical tastes will change.

Second, we can promote alternatives. Good music is available. Rather than simply condemn, let us offer alternatives that present a positive message. Along this same line, we should support music and musicians that reflect a truly Christian philosophy of music. Not only does this promote a godly ministry to others, but it also sets an example to those who look to us for guidance.

Finally, every parent needs to remember three things with regard to music. First, with music, as in every other area of life, parents set the example for their children. Parents should not expect their children to be discerning in their choice of music if they show little discernment themselves.

Second, it is ultimately up to parents to educate their children. The very fact that Christians themselves do not always agree on matters of music should alert us to the fact that our children will not automatically pick up the standards we want them to exhibit.

Third, it is up to parents to establish and enforce the musical standards of the home. Children will not always agree or willingly accept those standards, but as with any other household rule based on biblical principles, it will be to their benefit in the long run.

This article was originally published in The Gospel Herald and The Sunday School Times, Fall Quarter 2000 issue. It is reprinted here by permission of The Incorporated Trustees of the Gospel Worker Society, Union Gospel Press, P. O. Box 6059, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.