Christian Rock? Confused!!

[Arlyn]

A friend and I were discussing Christian rock. While he totally disagreed with the idea, I felt otherwise. I mean, people are into different types of music genres and what better way to win them than this? My friend says that rock evolved from drugs among other immoral things and therefore it could not be used to praise God no matter the lyrics. He says that by using rock as a way to glorify God we are conforming to the ways of the world because it originated from the world... He mentioned that the bible say to worship God with songs of praise and hymns..

I'm really confused:coocoo:... Is there only a certain type of rhythm one can use to praise God's name or can it vary?

Any feedback will be truly helpful.. I'm serious..

God bless you all!!

 

[Chad]

Your friend has told you something that is rather off base. First, music itself cannot be demonic. Its the message that speaks something, whether it praises GOD or worships the devil (a bit drastic here, but true). GOD can bring good out of anything. That is His infinite wisdom and power to do so.

When reading this post of yours, the very first song that popped into my head was a cover song Hillsong United did, called Awesome GOD. Its a pure rock song. When I say pure, I mean its very obvious the music genre or style is rock n' roll, hard rock to be precise. Does it mean its from the devil? No way! Its from GOD. The song has the Holy Spirit's fingerprints all over it. Its an amazing song, one of the most popular worship songs out there in that genre.

Do not be deceived. Just remember, its the message (lyrics) that is mainly good or bad. Music can be inspired by drugs or can be inspired by the Holy Spirit. However, to assume any song from that particular genre is automatically from the devil is absolutely ignorant and naive.

 

[jari]

Well im new to music because worship was the first real music experiencing to me so I dont really know what is rock and what and what is something else. And I always think that if you really worship God, Jesus then you cannot go wrong, but any music can be just music, because worshipping God is not about the music but its about your heart singing praises to Jesus...

 

[Arlyn]

Your friend has told you something that is rather off base. First, music itself cannot be demonic. Its the message that speaks something, whether it praises GOD or worships the devil (a bit drastic here, but true). GOD can bring good out of anything. That is His infinite wisdom and power to do so.

When reading this post of yours, the very first song that popped into my head was a cover song Hillsong United did, called Awesome GOD. Its a pure rock song. When I say pure, I mean its very obvious the music genre or style is rock n' roll, hard rock to be precise. Does it mean its from the devil? No way! Its from GOD. The song has the Holy Spirit's fingerprints all over it. Its an amazing song, one of the most popular worship songs out there in that genre.

Do not be deceived. Just remember, its the message (lyrics) that is mainly good or bad. Music can be inspired by drugs or can be inspired by the Holy Spirit. However, to assume any song from that particular genre is automatically from the devil is absolutely ignorant and naive.

Hello. I was talking to my friend again today and I told him about how God can bring out good in anything and he said that it is like having a beer bottle and labeling it 'Hallelujah'. That's it's totally trying to make something wrong seem right.

I have another question.. Is it wrong to be a Christian band (to be labeled as a Christian band) and also include songs in your CD about situations in life? (i.e. love towards someone, family, etc)

Do you think that there are any verses about this located within the bible?

Thanks so much,
Arlyn

 

[rizen1]

Switchfoot is a good example, the lead singer is Christian and write songs about God and his life experiences.

In the entertainment business, " Christian " is not always their label, the music is just there for whoever wants to listen. Others might condemn them for not standing up and saying " we are a christian band, no other labels needed "

But I like switchfoot..haven't heard anything from them to make me throw away their cd's, if they want to be open for everyone, thats good. We have secular people listening to a Christian singing about his walk.

I only listen to Christian music, I do believe God can use anything but I'll go a bit deeper.

God created music, he's the designer....the devil who is a liar can only imitate what God already designed.

The problem with secular music

He will package stuff all nice and pretty, stuff in the world and we will say " it's ok there's no cursing, and this can be a love song to God "

But we do not know the original intent of the music, we can only draw from how our emotions relate to it. Music was created for worship to give God the glory.

If it's not for him..who is it for, how does it help us in our walk,
What benefit is there, besides me giving the band ratings and more money.

It's a personal walk, but we're not there when they are writing their songs..we don't know the intent.

But we do know the Holy Spirit...would give us discernment, when testing the spirits.

I don't believe in giving the devil credit...He did not create music.

 

[Arlyn]

Wow

Amen, sister. Well said.

I think in the end what really makes my friend and I differ on this topic is basically our beliefs. I believe God can be worshipped through anything and everything as long as it comes from the heart..

 

[Ncdataman]

You are correct dear sister, God can be glorified by us in so many ways, I find it very disturbing when people judge others based on their musical preference. If my memory serves me correctly I am NOT here to judge others. Living in the south I find this mode of thinking all to often. If we are truely honest, I doubt that the common southern gospel that so many thinks is the only type of acceptable music was sang back in the times of our Lord Jesus Christ, so if thats the case isn't that just as wrong as singing rock music? Once you really look at the facts, that mode of thinking does not really hold water. Keep the faith dear sister, Love in Christ,

NC

 

[Chad]

Hello. I was talking to my friend again today and I told him about how God can bring out good in anything and he said that it is like having a beer bottle and labeling it 'Hallelujah'. That's it's totally trying to make something wrong seem right.

I have another question.. Is it wrong to be a Christian band (to be labeled as a Christian band) and also include songs in your CD about situations in life? (i.e. love towards someone, family, etc)

Do you think that there are any verses about this located within the bible?

Thanks so much,
Arlyn

Your friend gave a horrible example. First, ask your friend if he would judge another Christian if he saw that Christian drinking a beer. Who is he to judge? Your friend sounds prideful to me, that's what I sense. Ask your friend, would he judge all these Christian "rockers" to their face as well and tell them they serve the devil with their music?

 

[hadoz]

I'm just trying to figure out where your friend is coming from. I've wondered the same thing at times during my life if modern rock music is pleasing to God or not. I think it IS when it praises Him or helps others, when it comes from the heart and the Holy Spirit is behind it. I played in a rock band for about 10 years and all of us were christians but we weren't a christian band. However, we would always include songs from Jars of Clay and DC Talks in our sets. Did anyone get saved because we did that? I don't believe so but people listened because they liked what they heard. So if christian rock is a way to reach the lost then why would God be against it?

I will share another thought though that sticks in my mind. I listen to christian music, mostly rock, almost exclusively now. There are tons of really good bands out there. But, I always keep in mind that there is a good chance that some wolves in sheep's clothing could get through. Yeah they say all the right things lyrically but on the inside they are just exploiting an easier market to break into. As Rizen1 said, the Holy Spirit can provide discernment, however I worry about those who aren't listening to Him.

Paul described a "boundry" to christian liberty. He said that something that may be ok for you to do that doesn't interfere with your relationship with God may not be ok for the weaker brother. Not in these exact words but we get the drift. If your friend can't listen to any kind of rock music, even christian rock music without feeling sinful then maybe it would be better not to press the issue? I don't know, just a thought.

 

[Atonement]

A friend and I were discussing Christian rock. While he totally disagreed with the idea, I felt otherwise. I mean, people are into different types of music genres and what better way to win them than this? My friend says that rock evolved from drugs among other immoral things and therefore it could not be used to praise God no matter the lyrics. He says that by using rock as a way to glorify God we are conforming to the ways of the world because it originated from the world... He mentioned that the bible say to worship God with songs of praise and hymns..

I'm really confused:coocoo:... Is there only a certain type of rhythm one can use to praise God's name or can it vary?

Any feedback will be truly helpful.. I'm serious..

God bless you all!!

Let's look at acouple of Scriptures together.

Rev4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Col 1:16 For 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:


I think your friend may have a closed mind to God's power and what God can allow to be used as tools of worship.

Example:

Your friend mentioned beer? Ask your friend who created beer, was it natural from God as wine is, or was there added ingredients that man used to make beer?

Just like coco plants, When chewed, coca acts as a mild stimulant and suppresses hunger, thirst, pain, and fatigue. This plant plays a significant role in traditional Andean culture. However man has used this plant to make cocaine.. Did God want this to happen? No Coco plants were used during drouts and famine. This can be proven if googled.

The same with sex. God created sex for a man and woman to show their love and for reproduction. Man has turned this around to make money and exploit it to the fullest even to the extreme of perversion.

Music is the same and is no different, music was created by God for Worship, man has used it to promote, sex, drugs, murder, anarchy, world hate etc etc.

Ask you friend to prove that rock music was created just for drugs, sex etc? Because after all the Bible does say to prove all things.

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

I jam on guitar and I can not wait until I enter Heaven. I want to jam with Jesus my creator.. Truly He is the God of rock

 

[Chad]

I'm in agreement with Atonement. He has mentioned what we mentioned before. Your friend I'm afraid seems very closed minded indeed. A kind that boxes GOD into only what their limited understanding is. A bad way to treat and view GOD.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

A friend and I were discussing Christian rock. While he totally disagreed with the idea, I felt otherwise. I mean, people are into different types of music genres and what better way to win them than this? My friend says that rock evolved from drugs among other immoral things and therefore it could not be used to praise God no matter the lyrics. He says that by using rock as a way to glorify God we are conforming to the ways of the world because it originated from the world... He mentioned that the bible say to worship God with songs of praise and hymns..

I'm really confused:coocoo:... Is there only a certain type of rhythm one can use to praise God's name or can it vary?

Any feedback will be truly helpful.. I'm serious..

God bless you all!!

"....for I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children to Abraham." (Luke 3:8)

What a powerful verse! It shows that God can take any created thing, tangible or intangible, and turn it to His purposes. And that includes "Rock Music".

SLE

 

[cerebus]

I might stand alone here but I agree with your friend (to an extent). Not everything can be used to worship God, and not all of our concepts of worship are acceptable to Him.

The Bible speaks of 'strange fire' being burned on the altar (Leviticus 10:1); in appearance it is the same fire, but in God's eyes it is unacceptable. Similarly, Cain's offering was refused by God because it was according to his own concept, and not God's direct revelation. Abel offered a lamb according to the principle of atonement, a foreshadowing of Christ, while Cain invented his own kind of worship and was rejected.

For example, nothing sinful could ever be offered to God - do you imagine that you could take money that had been obtained by gambling and give it to the Lord? Perhaps you could, but He would never accept it. It would be an insult to Him.

In principle, I think the same applies with worldly things, including much popular music. If something has a worldly flavor, no matter if it uses the word 'God', it might also be worldly in God's eyes.

Having said that, I don't want to come across as judgmental. I have my own discernment and my own feeling. If the Lord in you approves of something then by all means I know your heart is for the Lord, and He judges our hearts.

 

[Atonement]

I might stand alone here but I agree with your friend (to an extent). Not everything can be used to worship God, and not all of our concepts of worship are acceptable to Him.

The Bible speaks of 'strange fire' being burned on the altar (Leviticus 10:1); in appearance it is the same fire, but in God's eyes it is unacceptable. Similarly, Cain's offering was refused by God because it was according to his own concept, and not God's direct revelation. Abel offered a lamb according to the principle of atonement, a foreshadowing of Christ, while Cain invented his own kind of worship and was rejected.

For example, nothing sinful could ever be offered to God - do you imagine that you could take money that had been obtained by gambling and give it to the Lord? Perhaps you could, but He would never accept it. It would be an insult to Him.

In principle, I think the same applies with worldly things, including much popular music. If something has a worldly flavor, no matter if it uses the word 'God', it might also be worldly in God's eyes.

Having said that, I don't want to come across as judgmental. I have my own discernment and my own feeling. If the Lord in you approves of something then by all means I know your heart is for the Lord, and He judges our hearts.

But before you can take a side, it would be wise for you to prove it? Everything can be used for God's Glory.. Everything!

If a person was a crack addict, and was turned around by the Grace of God, what a testimony this person will have on the streets with other crack addicts. Ex Gang members have a strong testimony on the streets. I'm a Youth minister and I know the importance of one's testimony. There is nothing that can not be used by God.

If you dislike rock music that is fine, but to judge it by saying it's "worldly" is not correct, because you have yet to prove that.

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

 

[cerebus]

What are you asking me to prove; that rock music is worldly? Does that need to be proven? Or what do you imagine that the world is?

A person's testimony of salvation certainly will be used by the Lord- but (to use your example) a crack addict was saved out of their addiction. We're saved out of our sinful, worldly past, and our testimony is the transformation that the Lord has wrought in our being and our expression. It denotes the putting away of our former life, and testifying to the Lord's grace and power in changing us.

So if a person is saved out of something, how should they go back to it and use it again?

6:11 And these things were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

I was saved out of many things - drugs, etc, etc. When I was saved, I spontaneously took my collection of music and novels and threw them away. I was very much into all kinds of music, but my tastes changed. Suddenly I was hungry for the Bible, I enjoyed singing simple hymns to the Lord, and meeting with other believers in a pure way. I can't listen to rock music in the same way - the content is often totally ungodly. Why would I want my worship to the Lord to have the same flavor as the things of my old man that I sloughed off in my baptism?

 

[Atonement]

What are you asking me to prove; that rock music is worldly? Does that need to be proven? Or what do you imagine that the world is?

Yes it needs to be proven. What if someone sung a Church hymm (Amazing Grace) for an example and they turned the lyrics into something about rape or hatred? Is it still a Church song because the "music" is Churchy? Come on now be real!

So if a person is saved out of something, how should they go back to it and use it again?

I'm glad that you asked. You are speaking to an ex-Satanist of five years before I came to the Lord. My testimony has turned MANY lives around. In fact my Church rented out "Tingley Coliseum" here in Albuquerque in 1993'. It was labeled "Satanism Unmasked" we invited Satanist from all over the state of New Mexico. Do you how many people turned to the Lord that evening and became a child of God? Hundreds of souls were saved that night.

I'm a Youth Pastor for Calvary Chapel, we go out on the weekends and preach on the streets to the same people who have addictions of crack, Meth, Alcohol etc. So this is how someone who was saved from this, and how they can now use it for the benefit of God..

 

[byhisgrace]

Hello. I was talking to my friend again today and I told him about how God can bring out good in anything and he said that it is like having a beer bottle and labeling it 'Hallelujah'. That's it's totally trying to make something wrong seem right.

I have another question.. Is it wrong to be a Christian band (to be labeled as a Christian band) and also include songs in your CD about situations in life? (i.e. love towards someone, family, etc)

Do you think that there are any verses about this located within the bible?

Thanks so much,
Arlyn

A bottle of beer and Music played a certain way is not the same...
he's still looking at the way the instruments are played and put together make them evil and until he gets OVER that, he will never see it any other way.
all the books of the bible tell about God, or Christ
except: song of solomon. does this mean it's wrong?
It's a purely a love story. Singing about human love.
Bible also tells us in Psalms 150:1-6 to praise God with everything you have.
God MADE music...and it was good all of it. It's the words that make the song evil or good.
I'm still trying to convince my "old school" husband of this too...lol
I figure like this if it takes listening to Tobymac or Kirk Franklin to bring someone to Christ SO BE IT! You are no more saved if you asked Jesus into your heart after you listened to Amazing Grace or Made To Love...
good luck convincing tho...

 

[Chad]

A bottle of beer and Music played a certain way is not the same...
he's still looking at the way the instruments are played and put together make them evil and until he gets OVER that, he will never see it any other way.
all the books of the bible tell about God, or Christ
except: song of solomon. does this mean it's wrong?
It's a purely a love story. Singing about human love.
Bible also tells us in Psalms 150:1-6 to praise God with everything you have.
God MADE music...and it was good all of it. It's the words that make the song evil or good.
I'm still trying to convince my "old school" husband of this too...lol
I figure like this if it takes listening to Tobymac or Kirk Franklin to bring someone to Christ SO BE IT! You are no more saved if you asked Jesus into your heart after you listened to Amazing Grace or Made To Love...
good luck convincing tho...

Bingo and amen to the red highlighted part. Its crazy to even think anyone can box in GOD and assume what GOD is capable of using for His glory or not. Its actually so absurd that any human would dare even do that, based on their VERY limited knowledge and understanding of GOD.

 

[cerebus]

That's a wonderful testimony atonement.

However you did not 'use' satanism to preach the gospel, but your deliverance out of it. The Lord's salvation can make a sinner into a child of God, but He could never use their sin per se for His purpose except as a kind of anti-testimony.

So how should I 'prove' that rock is worldly? The Bible never speaks of rock music. But are you telling me that bands like say...My Chemical Romance are not worldly? They epitomize the world.

For that matter, prove to me from the Word that 'God can use everything'. In fact the Bible shows very clearly that not every form of Christian service or worship will be accepted by God in the day of judgment:

Matthew 7:21**Not every one who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but he who does the will of My Father who is in the heavens.
7:22**Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, was it not in Your name that we prophesied, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name did many works of power?
7:23**And then I will declare to them: I never knew you. Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.

1 Cor 3:13**The work of each will become manifest; for the day will declare it, because it is revealed by fire, and the fire itself will prove each one's work, of what sort it is.
3:14**If anyone's work which he has built upon the foundation remains, he will receive a reward;
3:15**If anyone's work is consumed, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Matthew 7:13**Enter in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter through it.
7:14**Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way that leads to life, and few are those who find it.

So do you imagine that you can save people from the world by offering them a virtually indistinguishable alternative? We are commanded that we should not be fashioned according to this age, yet to all appearances some Christian music is identical to its worldly counterpart apart from its lyrics (which are often obscured by the music anyway).

all the books of the bible tell about God, or Christ
except: song of solomon. does this mean it's wrong?
It's a purely a love story. Singing about human love.

Song of Songs is absolutely about Christ. I would encourage you to get hold of Watchman Nee's Song of Songs, or Madame Guyon's, or Union and Communion (can't remember the name of the author sorry). They open up the spiritual riches in that book . I would say it's among my favorite books of the Bible in terms of the way it opens up our relationship with Christ.

 

[Atonement]

Okay you are being stubborn like an old mule.

So how should I 'prove' that rock is worldly? The Bible never speaks of rock music. But are you telling me that bands like say...My Chemical Romance are not worldly? They epitomize the world.

Okay let's talk bands since this is how you want to debate this topic. 1st I'm sorry, I never heard of the band Chemical Romance. But I've heard of bands such as Metallica, I've heard Megadeth, I've heard of Slayer, Canibal Corspe, Sepultura, Obituary and even music that has been dedicated to Satan himself with bands like Deicide, and Venom. These are bands I use to listen too. Now before you judge 'Rock music' like you are doing here Cerebus. Why don't you go to your local Christian music store and check out these bands. Buy the CD (don't worry they all come with lyrics).

White Cross
Believer
Vengeance Rising
Seventh Angel
Tourniquet
Casting Crowns

And then take a strong look within yourself and see if rock music is all worldy. Buy the way at many local Christian stores you can put on a set of head phones and listen to music before you purchase an item

Oh and just so you know, the lead singer of Vengeance Rising is a pastor of one of the largest Church's in Southern California. That's an eye opener!

And what about more popular bands/groups/people that you might know? Who have made rock tunes?

Michael W. Smith
Amy Grant
Hosanna
Carmen

How do you explain this 'worldy' music coming from the heart of some of the most influential Christians today?

Of course you can not prove 'rock music' is worldy, this is why I asked you to prove it, because all we have is your opinion, and you are entitled to your opinion of course, but you are being closed minded in the process. Because you have passed judgment before actually buying and listening to a Christian 'rock' CD.. And that is my opinion.