Is it wrong for Christians to listen to secular music?

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Music has been a significant aspect in human life. People consume musical music when they are traveling, at school, or to relax or when they are feeling emotional. Songs can also calm the heart, give them memories and in some cases define how people think. Such is the powerful impact of music that had long many Christians pose the question: Is it bad to listen to secular music?

There are believers who believe that the answer is evident. In their opinion, Christians must hear only songs on faith or worship. The problem is perceived as more complicated by other people. According to them, music is neither good nor bad but the message that is embedded by the music matters.

The appearance of this discussion has become more frequent today due to the ubiquitous music. Whether streaming or using social media, it is surrounded by songs of various cultures, artists and styles. Due to this fact, most Christians are confused on how to listen to secular music and still remain true to their faith.

The Bible does not present a specific command regarding the secular music listening when observing it closely. Yet it does also teach precepts that may assist believers make portentous choices of what they hear or what reaches their hearts.

Knowledge of those principles can enable Christians deal with that question in a wise rather than a fearful manner.

 

Music as a component of human expression.

There are thousands of years of music's existence. People had been saying their joy, sorrow, gratitude, and celebration before modern technology with the help of instruments and songs. Music music was firmly attributed to storytelling and the lives of the people in most cultures.

There are numerous songs and poems written in the bible. One of these is the Book of Psalms which is also among the most renowned. These documents indicate the way music and poetry were employed to glorify God, revere thanks and scream in agony.

Due to this, music is not regarded as evil or harmful in the Christian teaching. It is merely a style of expression, which may be utilized in numerous ways.

Other songs permit hope, benevolence or introspection. Some of the others are not as helpful as their spiritual themes. This is why a lot of Christians feel that it is not about whether music is secular or religious, as opposed to the type of message they have.

The Concept of What Secular Music really entails.

Secular is the term used to refer to the things that are not related to the religion, in a particular way. Secular songs in music are merely the ones that do not dwell on worship and spiritual issues.

Such music can deal with any topic: love, friendship, personal problems, social matters, ordinary life. It depends on some of these subjects being positive and meaningful; some may even encourage attitudes or behaviors that are contrary to the Christian values.

The secular music offers a great variety of messages, so it is not possible to classify all messages in a single category. Not all the secular songs spread destructive thoughts, as not all the religious songs necessarily lead one more in faith.

This is the reason why discernment is valued by many believers. They do not dismiss all secular music and instead they make judgement of the message and impact of individual songs.

The Effect of Music on the Brain.

Emotions and thoughts are highly affected by music. Someone can have a bad mood or attitude because of negative or aggressive lyrics, whereas when one is feeling tough a positive song can get them through the bad day.

Due to this influence, Christians usually contemplate well what they allow their minds. According to the Bible, religion preaches that a believer is supposed to concentrate on what is good, true and uplifting.

Through Paul the apostle, Christians have been taught to lay emphasis on things that are noble, righteous and praiseworthy. This concept has been implemented in most aspects of life such as entertainment and music.

When the believers apply this concept in music they pose questions to themselves like:

Will this song make individuals have a positive thought?

Does it encourage values that are compatible with my religion?

Or is it that it is dragging me off my belief?

These are lessons that can be used to make personal decisions.

The Difference Between Pleasure and Control.

Listening to music does not necessarily imply that you think all the words make sense. Very few individuals dislike the music, the rhythm or the instruments although they do not take sides with the lyrics. It is natural to listen to music and appreciate the artistic part of it and yet to realize that not all the ideas expressed in the song are the same as your own convictions.

But musicians keep repeating things over and over. Ideas that you keep coming across may gradually transform your thinking. The way we see relations, success, love, or even the meaning of life can be formed by music in the long run.

Due to this reason, a significant number of Christians are careful of what they listen to. They are aware that music can be a force. It may be the cause of hope and joy, yet it may introduce thoughts that do not suit their religion.

This is the reason why most of the believers attempt to strike a balance. It is not bad to enjoy music as art. Music belongs to the culture and creativity and it can add beauty to everyday life. But Christians too attempt to protect their hearts and minds not to be overtaken by thoughts which may drive them out of their values.

Among the believers, awareness is important to most of them. They hear them both the sound and meaning. When the song lyrics encourage goodness, persistence, or reflection, about life, the song may be inspirational even without being religious. However, when a song promotes a vice, most Christians will not listen to it. By doing so, believers attempt to listen to music not in an irresponsible way.

The Christian Life: Freedom and Responsibility.

Christian religion speaks about freedom, and also responsibility. Christians are not forcefully supposed to live under the shadow of regulations, they are inspired to choose options that build rather than destroy their walk of faith.

Jesus was not emphasizing outer behavior only. He did not use time in creating long lists of rules. He instead asked people to question their reasons and state of their hearts.

He wanted man to wonder why they took particular decisions and whether the decisions made by them assisted them to live with love, humility and faith. This idea can apply to music.

Many Christians will go beyond merely asking whether a song is technically permissible or not; they will go asking a more profound question; Will this benefit my spiritual life or not distract me on the things that are most important?

Others feel that shunning secular music makes them remain focused. Other people can tolerate listening to some songs provided that the message does not contradict their religion. Both the ways emerge out of the same willing to live in a manner that glorifies God.

Freedom is not doing what feels good now and this is the case with Christian freedom. It implies considerate decision-making resulting in spiritual development.

The Importance of Discernment.

The discernment is an important concept of Christians. It is the act of observing keenly, either to know what is good or what is bad. It makes human beings think as they slow down and stop rushing or being a follower.

In music, discernment implies the perception of the themes of a song, messages, and emotions. There is a lot of discussion in songs about relationships, what is important to us and how we perceive life. Being aware of this will enable the believers to make desirable choices.

There are songs of goodness, endurance and hope. They talk of struggling, appreciating friends, and savoring little things. They do not need to be religious in order to promote positive thinking.

The other songs can propagate disrespect, bad practices, or thoughts that are not in keeping with Christian values. Most believers do not want to go through such messages since they believe that they can gradually damage the heart and the mind.

Discernment is not judgement that is carrion-like. It is being a good listener and choosing what will actually make your life better.

Discrimination helps Christians to be selective of the music they listen to rather than being fashionable.

The Role of Worship Music

The place that worship music holds in the lives of many Christians is something that we should ought to look at. The faith songs enable the believers to express gratitude to God, to pray, and to love Him. People can remember that God is real with the help of hymns and songs devoted to prayers. The words may become prayers to enable individuals to think and be religious. During difficult circumstances, most worshippers resort to worship music. Faith songs can make us relaxed when our lives are hectic or disorientated. Its songs and words are reminding us that we are not the only ones and that God would take care of us. The use of worship music at church events is also helpful. When people sing collectively it brings them together and enhances faith. It assists believers to rejoice and have faith in God.

There are so many things which affect us today. It is through music, movies, books, and social media that we think and feel. Consequently, the Christians know about these influences.

Music is radio-music, a subset of the greater universe. We have numerous concepts, art, and entertainment around. It can not be avoided but that thinking may be detrimental as we absorb everything in a way that has not been thought through.

A number of believers are struggling to strike a balance between these forces. Those like them love culture, imagination and art but they watch how thoughts and mindset influence their character.

This moderation enables Christians not to lose their faith and remain linked to the world. It allows them to live and be creative without sacrificing the values that govern them.

A Question of Individual Belief.

The other notable one is that of personal conviction. Christians who are devout at times make varied decisions concerning secular songs.

Others believe that avoiding secular music helps them to remain spiritually oriented. They prefer to be around the songs that boldly talk about faith and worship.

Some secular songs are also acceptable to other people provided that the messages do not interfere with their own beliefs. They choose those songs that can have a good idea or make them think deeper.

The two methods are the results of genuine faith and wanting to honor God. In a context where the Bible does not provide many specifications, Christians are instructed to be respectful to one another in terms of their beliefs.

Discussions on music must be conducted in a humble and understanding manner and not judgmental. The point is that all persons attempt to make music which makes faith stronger and demonstrates their intentions to lead a thoughtful Christian life.

When Christians speak respectfully and wisely, the conversation stops being critical but supportive and helpful in helping everyone become better and reflect.

Final Thoughts

The answer to consent or not to listen to secular music in Christians does not have any easy answer. It is not prohibited in the Bible, yet it provides principles to assist the believers in making wise decisions.

Music can influence feelings, thought and attitude. Due to this, Christians will be supposed to think critically and to reflect on the messages that they allow in their lives.

There are those believers who prefer to listen to worship music only. There are those who select secular melodies that are in line with their values. Both directions are the results of a sincere desire to lead an upright life.

After all, the major question does not necessarily answer whether music is secular or religious. It is whether it can make a person develop in character, wisdom, and faith.

By making the right decisions in the right spirit and in the right time, believers are able to listen to music and have their hearts on what is of true essence.

 

 

                         Written by Hirwa Karake Bertrand

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