RILEY WRITES: This is a question I’ve wondered about for a long time. I love music in a variety of genres (from 80’s to Jeremy Camp to pop). I especially like songs with upbeat, catchy tunes.
While I know that the lyrics of some songs aren’t necessarily “God honoring” (they don’t mention God) or don’t have a Christian theme, does that really make them wrong to listen to? I know that there are definitely some songs that cross the line and really aren’t okay, but most seem to fall in a “gray area” — not good, not bad.
How should we as Christians think about this and still not fall into legalism?
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I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with listening to music in ‘grey’ areas. If Jesus had been invited to listen to some music with somebody, then I think he would have done so–as long as listening to the music wasn’t sinning. So I definitely don’t think that listening to music in ‘grey’ areas is wrong.
However, I would be more inclined to think of it as a matter of whether you are spending your time well.
(I would also say that we need to be careful about pushing our opinions or our freedom in this matter, or in many ‘grey’ matters. 1 Corinthians 8.)
Yes, for me it can really become just an issue of how I’m spending my time. Great point. And I was just thinking about 1 Cor. 8 “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” (v. 9)
In my opinion, just because lyrics to a song don’t mention God doesn’t mean that it doesn’t honor Him, so there’s nothing inherently wrong with listening to such music. In the words of Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, “Does Lewis or Tolkien mention Christ in any of their fictional series’? Are Bach’s sonatas Christian?…Christ didn’t come and die for my songs, he came for me.” The gist of what he’s saying is that there isn’t really such a thing as “Christian music”; there are only Christians who make music.
One example of a Christian who I feel has done a remarkable job of keeping his faith, even while not being a “Christian artist,” is Adam Young of Owl City. Whether or not you like his musical style, you can still see that his faith shows in not a few of the songs he sings. He shares the good news of the Gospel using the platform God has given him as an artist. Another example is Carrie Underwood, who also sings about her faith, but is not a “Christian artist.” Just because they doesn’t mention God in every single song they sing doesn’t make them any less Christian or that we should only listen to their Christian-themed songs.
I think that the real priority when choosing what music to listen to is knowing what you will do with what you hear. For a few, cussing and swearing in the music they listen to isn’t going to affect their walk with Christ in the least. But, like David Sampson said, we do need to be careful of pushing the boundaries of our freedom in Christ: for a great many of us, cussing in music is a bad influence that we should not allow into our lives.
I think it also really depends on the theme of the song (or what it’s about). It can be dangerous to just listen to music without knowing the background of the song.
Carrie Underwood is “christian?” LoL, I guess everybody is these days.
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:20 KJV)”
“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. (Matthew 12:33 KJV)”
Well, while I don’t know how strong her faith is, it definitely is there. Here’s one example of many of her belief in God in her music.
“And now I’m singing along to amazing grace
Can’t nobody wipe this smile off my face
Got joy in my heart, angels on my side
Thank God almighty, I saw the light
Gonna look ahead, no turning back
Live every day, give it all that I have
Trust in someone bigger than me”
-Something in the Water by Carrie Underwood
Yeah, (it would be hilarious if we fought about someone else’s salvation, glad we aren’t;)
I actually don’t know hardly anything about Carrie Underwood (until 30 minutes ago) I said what I did because I’ve heard my dad say that about her. I looked up some of her music before I said anything, and was a little surprised by the first one, “something in the water”, but then I got to some others and was like “um, is this a different person?” I’d probably say she’s maybe a christian, just lukewarm, but most likely not (I don’t know her though).
I don’t really know who Carrie Underwood is – but didn’t she write “Jesus Take the Wheel”? I don’t know her other music but that’s one of my favorites.
I’m not sure, my only experience with “Jesus take the wheel” is: http://youtu.be/28vc03HFoqU
That version is pretty good too 🙂
Omigoodness best song Tim Hawkins song ever!! 🙂
When I saw Carrie Underwood mentioned, I had a similar reaction. She may be a Christian, but her music doesn’t necessarily express it… Even Owl City has music that doesn’t necessarily reflect Christian themes (for instance, his duet with HeIsWe, “All About Us”). I like both artists, but you have to judge each song according to scripture.
As far as country music, I’ve noticed a common theme that God is frequently mentioned, but is not given precedence. The stereotype that country music is all about beer, trucks, and women, is… well… kinda true. It just has enough “religion” thrown in to give the illusion of Christianity. I like country music to an extent, but I wouldn’t say it’s at all spiritually authoritative.
One true stereotype! Does anyone have suggestions for good Country music? By good I mean music that’s not anti-God. I have a co-worker who loves country music, but she listens to “the Dark Side” of the genre. I’d like to bring in some okay Country that we can both tolerate (I the lyrics, she the style).
I don’t know of any country artists of the top of my head that are completely wholesome. As I said, it’s they get a little “religion” in there, so every artist usually has a song or two that are pretty good. “I Pray” by Lonestar is pretty good. They’re a generally wholesome group; one of my favorite country ones. I’m drawing a blank as to other songs. Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Keith Urban are all hit-or-miss. They have a few morally sound songs that are nice.
Thanks, Nathan!
Give Indelible Grace Music a try! They remix old hymns and put them into a country form. So you have good lyrics AND the country feel.
Thank you 🙂
Jimmy Wayne has a lot of really good songs
Thanks, I’ll look at his music. Any specific ones you’d suggest?
I really like Paper Angels and I Love you this much. kersone kid is good to he has a really incredible life story that you can find on youtube
Thanks 🙂
Hey, I’m a big country music fan. Recently I’ve been actually caring what I listen to and wanting good morals in my lyrics. So I really like Live Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw), Don’t Blink (Kenny Chesney), and You’re Gonna Miss This (Trace Adkins) just to name a few. All of these songs deal with time and how fast life goes. Actually they could be a good way to share the gospel.
Tim McGraw is pretty clean in general. And for older country I like Alan Jackson. But as with all music (even “Christian”) you have to be discerning.
Good luck! I know how difficult music can be in a work environment.
Thank you!
Hey, I like country music too! Do you have any good suggestions for clean artists?
Glad to hear that there are others looking for clean country ;).
Some of my favorite artists are (and my fav song):
Rascal Flats (Ellsworth)
Lee Brice (I Drive Your Truck)
Tim McGraw (Live Like You Were Dying, Don’t Take The Girl)
Alan Jackson (Drive, Remember When, Where Were You)
George Strait (Carried Away, Best Day of My Life, True, I Cross My Heart)
I do not unconditionally recommend any of these artists. You gotta use discernment when listening… but isn’t that the case with anything ;P?
Who do you like to listen to?
I like
Rodney Atkins (I’ve been watching you [or Watching You, I can’t remember])
Florida Georgia Line (Hey Girl, Dirt)
I’m not a fan of hers, but growing up I (quite literally) listened to nothing but Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel”. It’s been years since I’ve listened to it and I could still sing the entire thing by heart!
Anyway…sorry! That was really random. 😉
Sooo, are you new to the Rebelution?
Not exactly. I’ve been watching discussions for a few months now but have only really participated in a few.
Well your input has been really good; and your profile picture is the best. ^-^
Welcome aboard!
I totally agree with everything you said! And yes, Owl City is great! I went through a phase of listening to his music and nothing else for like two months :).
I went through the same exact phase, haha
Haha =D. Only now I’m kinda sick of it :).
Same… :/
Yeah, when my siblings start singing “Fireflies”, I’m just like please stop! 😉
lol XD
I think I just got out of that phase but I hear he has new music coming soon, so here we go again.
Hey Riley! It depends more about what the lyrics portray than whether the band is “Christian” or not. Like Karol Jacob said, Owl City isn’t really a “Christian artist” but his songs portray a strong Christian message. Similarly, Lorde is not a Christian artist, but her Grammy-winning song “Royals” puts fourth the idea that people are more important than money, which is totally a Christian idea. On the other hand, there are some “Christian artists” that can portray ideas totally against Christ. For example, “It’s not me it’s You” by Skillet is little more than a song about hating your enemies. So it’s less about the label that the group has and more about the ideas (and language!) that is being used. Hope that helps!
Hey, just wanted to say – I think Skillet’s song “It’s not me it’s You” is sung toward/about Satan… but other than that, I agree with you.
It could be. I really don’t know what John Cooper was thinking when he wrote that song but I think it’s possible. Either way, Skillet overall makes amazing music!
That much is true 🙂 We can agree overall!
Yep, it’s about the ideals and not necessarily whether or not they’re a “Christian” band. Sometimes I get a vibe from so called “Christian” artists that what they’re worshiping isn’t really God (if that makes sense). And sometimes the “Christian” rap genre can get confusing. So yeah, it’s a lot more about the intentions behind the music.
I see your point. Sometimes Christian songs aren’t always written for worship. An artist by the name of Britt Nicole has some great Christian songs. A lot of her music is designed for encouragement instead of worship. She writes lyrics about everything from self-image to how God rescues us in times of need. I like this kind of music, but I see how you think that it isn’t really worship as much as something else like encouragement.
I find it interesting that Britt Nicole comes up in this conversation. The main song of hers that I have an issue with is “Good Day” from her first album. Similar to the other song mentioned, it seems to be about hating your enemies, not really matching the rest of her music or agreeing with the Bible.
I’m unfamiliar with that song. Could you tell me more about it? Sorry I just don’t think I’ve heard that one before and if I have I don’t remember.
The tone of the song seems resentful, as evidenced by the lone the title comes from: “It’s a good day to bid you good day”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqymZn3FR9k
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/brittnicole/goodday.html
Yes I see your point. She does seem happy when the bully leaves. Given this person was causing her a lot of pain, but it doesn’t seem like a God-honoring song. However, she sings a really good song called “All This Time”. It’s about how God pulled her out of a really hard time when her parents got divorced. I agree with your point on Good Day though.
Hi Emily, I just want to point out that it’s a song that may be more Biblical than it first appears. Like you said, she has some fantastic, God focused songs. Because of that, I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that she went on a totally different track with “Good Day”. I’ve always seen it as a song about leaving Satan and his ways behind, bidding him “good day”, etc. Just some food for thought. 🙂
P.s. I know that I’ve essentially left this comment twice… Sorry! I used to be a HUGE Britt Nicole fan, so I couldn’t resist. 😉
I think the resentment of the song is directed toward sinful habits and such, but the vagueness makes it difficult to say. That’s a problem with many songs today (like “It’s Not Me, It’s You” by Skillet, which was talked about earlier). To whom the song is directed is not defined, leaving it up to the listener to determine. It can sometimes be used as an excuse for the kind of resentment you’re talking about. So, while I give Britt Nicole the benefit of the doubt, I wouldn’t say this song is entirely God-honoring in and of itself.
What are the lyrics to that song that you feel are about hating your enemies?
It’s more like resenting someone, instead of what I think should be forgiveness as a Biblical response.
I can understand where you’re coming from, but I’ve always seen the point of that song as bidding Satan “good day”, not allowing him to drag you down anymore, etc. It’s definitely a song that’s open to interpretation, but I think that, considering the message behind most of her other songs, it’s safe to assume that there’s a more Biblical message behind the song than you might initially think.
Agreed. It’s not about the song being “Christian” or “worship” necessarily. There’s nothing that says, “because you are a Christian, you must only write worship songs.” I love it when Christian artists feel free to branch out and use their musical abilities in areas other than just contemporary worship. I also think that worship isn’t confined to music. Worship is more of the attitude of the heart and the lifestyle we live. Anything we do can be done for the glory of God, it doesn’t have to be confined to a song.
An important point to realize is that music, and art itself, is naturally an expression of God’s nature. He created humanity with the ability to be creative and to reproduce beauty; that’s the center of art: beauty, quality. That’s it’s purpose
Thus, as the quote Karl shared emphasizes, things can be God-honoring and not necessarily mention God. Composers like Beethoven and Handel wrote “Soli Deo gloria” (“glory to God alone”) on their pieces, although the pieces themselves were completely instrumental.
The first thing to look for in music, obviously, is its moral quality. If a song contains or eludes to anything immoral, then by all means ditch it. For Christian music, what does it say about God? Many Christian songs just say “I love you, I love you, I love you…” but do they really say anything about God’s nature? Such songs are a far cry from true, worshipful music.
But if a song doesn’t contain such things, we should look at its compositional quality: does it display the Lord’s beauty? Songs of low muscial quality may not be inherently bad, but they don’t really express what God intended: excellence, skill.
I love virtually all types of music, but nowadays I mainly only listen to Christian music that has a solid message. This is because, when I used to listen to “non-Christian” music a lot, I noticed my relationship with the Lord “drying out,” so to speak.
Music has a powerful effect in our lives, so it’s a good idea to use it to pour a Christ-centered message into your heart. But there definitely is more to music than just whether or not it mentions God explicitly.
I have found the same thing with music. When I listen to a lot of secular music, the hopeless themes and general pessimism really affect my emotions in a bad way. But there is a good amount of secular music which is encouraging. Some artists I listen to for encouragement, some Christian, some not, in no particular order: Tenth Avenue North, Port Blue, Audio Adrenaline, Casey Darnell, Sky Sailing, Matthew Parker, Capital Kings, Owl City, Ryan Farish, Sunroof. I find it interesting that the secular music I listen to tends towards instrumental…
I’m only familiar with 4 of those… I listen to a lot of soundtracks, mainly Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Emma, and a number of others. I also like songs from musicals like Annie, but I’ll listen to some standard secular and country music on occasion if I find songs that I like. My musical taste is pretty wide, as you can tell….
Absolutely. You’re so right, God created music, and we need to ask about our music choices: “Is it beautiful?” or “Does it edify and glorify God and His nature?” And I know what you mean about listening to too much non-Christian music, that although it may seem harmless it does tend to dry out my relationship with the Lord. So is it worth it? – is a question I need to ask myself. “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Cor. 10:23). Very well thought out answer. Thank you!
I am a musician myself and I see your point. If it is meant to praise God, it should be beautiful, but I also believe that it’s about intentions. If I sing Let it Go from the popular Disney film, “Frozen,” with the intention of praising God, I think that is pleasing to him. If I sing the most complicated and worshipful song ever composed without emotion and love for God, it’s not really worship. Just thought I’d add my two cents here.
Good point! I did not mean to say that musical composition alone is the primary concern of the believer. However, our intentions do not override the nature of a song, nor does the nature of a song override our intentions. They go hand in hand. Unless you alter the meaning of “Let it Go,” it will not be worshipful, on matter what your intentions.
And as you said, singing a “well-composed” song without the right intentions will also have a negative effect. Even so, worship is not dependent on emotion, although we often confuse it with such. Worship is coming to a realization of God’s nature. Plain and simple. So a “worship song,” by definition, must affirm His attributes, not merely affirm our desire for Him, although such songs have their place.
I agree with what you said; I just wanted to clarify what may not have been clear in my original comment. Our intentions are key! 🙂
Okay this made it make so much more sense. Thanks for clearing that up!
So I recently had a long argument about when we were worshiping God in a song. I was on your side, and said that if we didn’t have the emotion, then it’s not really worship. But over the argument, even though I was too stubborn to admit that they were right, I realized that even if we don’t feel it at that moment, God is still praised through the song. Maybe it’s not making us feel like we are close to God and like we are praising Him, but I do think that we are worshiping God. I think that just singing worshipful words to Him will ultimately give Him glory. Just thought that I’d give my viewpoint on the subject:)
In Christ,
Eva
Just to clear up what I said, yes, your heart has to be in the right place, but you don’t necessarily have to feel emotions for it to be worship. I didn’t know if that was clear enough or if I worded it weirdly:)
Yeah I get it now it was a little confusing. 🙂
Cool. Glad it made sense:)
Actions of obedience often come before feelings. God commands us to worship Him alone, whether we feel like it or not. I heard a quote once (not sure where it came from–possibly Corrie ten Boom?) that said, “Pray when you feel like it, pray when you don’t feel like it, and pray until you feel like it!” Same thing with love. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a commitment. Sure, it often comes with feelings, but feelings come and go. Be faithful to God whether you feel like it or not.
Yeah, I totally agree with that. “Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a commitment” is so true. Of course you can feel emotions with love, but if that’s all we went on, love wouldn’t last very long. By the way, I like the quote….I’m not sure who said it either:)
I will say this: neither heavy metal nor R&B, neither boy bands nor ex-Disney stars, neither naughty lyrics or merely unfortunate ones are gonna separate us from God’s love. That being said, we should keep our focus on things that won’t detract our focus from God, and I imagine Christians have one reputation to keep or another. As for me, I’ve always found God’s message in songs that weren’t initially intended to praise him, or by a Christian artist—and, ever since watching BlimeyCow’s “How to Write a Worship Song in 5 Minutes or Less” on Youtube I haven’t felt like listening to most of the Christian artists out there. Blending up “Amazing Grace” and putting it with a guitar and some fancy modern ideas like Starbucks and driving home just isn’t the way I like to praise God. It works for other people. But, as I said, I like finding God’s message in other songs and places where you wouldn’t expect to find him, and there are many songs that don’t have to do with God but are still enjoyable and encouraging.
Should you listen to secular music? Should you eat a donut? Should you wear that shirt with those jeans? Ultimately, the choice is yours, based on your desires and values. Either way, I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
Ah, another classic BlimeyCow video. 😀 It’s totally true, though. “Worship music” that just says “Come fill us,” “We want more of You,” or even “I worship You” is not actually worshipful. As John MacArthur points out in one of his books, worship requires affirmation of God’s attributes. We need to focus on Who He is, not on us or what He is to do for us. That’s why I love hymns; their doctrine is often superb. And there are some really good modern songs, too.
I love Blimey Cow’s video! 🙂
Awesome answer, Heather! You’re right, NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Maybe sometimes we make big deals out of things that aren’t big deals (if that makes any sense :)). And I totally agree with you on the contemporary worship songs. Worship is not confined to ten minutes of singing with a few lines of “Amazing Grace” thrown in for good measure :). Gotta love BlimeyCow!
Sorry for my ignorance, but am I the only one who doesn’t know what BlimeyCow is??
Haha no, I’m sure you’re not ;). If you need an introduction, I posted one of their videos above. Mostly it’s just a couple of guys using sarcasm to address today’s issues. Some of them are pretty funny :).
Thanks for explaining. I was wondering what I was missing out on. 😉
As blimeycow says, you should only listen to it if…
…For anyone interested, actually check out BlimeyCow’s video on this, it’s pretty interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrFe-y-iPF4
This isn’t the one Heather mentioned, but it’s interesting anyway :).
There’s actually a lot of Blimey Cow videos that are relevant to this! (Happiness:)
I know, I was just watching some =D. Making my day ;).
(Ugh, too big of a question for one word)
When this comes up there is a book that’s truth helps to shed light on the subject. And in that book it says:
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (Psalms 95:1 KJV)”
That has nothing to do whatsoever with secular music, I just like it 🙂
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. (I Corinthians 10:23 NKJV)”
This is in direct regard to the gray area, so according to the bible, it’s all ok to listen too. But in reality, it’s not helpful to out christian walk, and the bible does say:
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 KJV)”
So could that, neither helpful nor bad thing, be described as (not sin) but a weight? That may cause us to be slowed in our race that is before us?
In conclusion, just remember, I’m not gonna condem anybody but myself, and that goes for everybody else out there too. ~Grant
Yes, 1 Cor. 10 has a lot of great stuff to say about this issue.
Looking at it like that makes a lot of sense–a weight but not a sin. Good answer:)
Agreed. But we also need to be aware of what hinders those around us. There are certain kinds of music that I would not discuss or listen to around some of the Christians that I know because they firmly believe it is carnal (this isn’t just secular music but ‘Christian’ music too, things like Shai Linne, King and Country, Starfield etc) Keep away from what causes you problems but do be sensitive to what makes those around you stumble and act accordingly.
Yep, that’s great that you do that, a lot of Christians don’t. I think that 1 Cor. 10 elaborates on that right after the verse I mentioned.
Like you said, it’s a gray area.
I think people’s convictions play into a big part of this. Like you mentioned, God doesn’t specifically say “thou shalt not listen to secular music” in the Bible, but people approach it in different ways based on their convictions. Some believe that playing the drums is sinful, while others don’t mind listening to a Katy Perry song every now and then.
You asked how we can prevent legalism. I set boundaries for myself; for example, I’m okay with listening to secular music as long as the singers don’t cuss or make sexual innuendos, which is hard (but I have found some good songs that meet both those requirements; like the people said down below, OWL CITY!). But I have to remind myself that these boundaries aren’t God-mandated, and I make them mostly for self-control. I know that without self-control, I’d be tipping a little over the edge into darker territory, and then the music might influence me in ways that I can’t predict.
Hope this helped a little 🙂 Remember to always look to Jesus!
~Rachel
Yep you’re right, God leads each of us to our own personal conclusions on some issues…the ones that are outside of the ground issues already established in the Bible like salvation. “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Cor. 10:23)
Did you submit the DQ, by the way? It does say Riley.
Yes, I did ;).
I saw this DQ in my inbox and thought, “Yay, Brett posted Riley’s question!” 🙂
Haha yeah. We already had a discussion about this topic didn’t we? 🙂
Yup. 🙂 which is nice, because right now I feel too tired to write down all my thoughts on the subject again, haha. 😉
It’s okay, we understand each other ;).
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 ESV
I guess you would say there are songs that are Christian, songs that aren’t anti Biblical (like with morals we don’t stand for) and songs that are anti Biblical. I listen to Christian music, but hardly any secular. for example occasionally I will listen to the credit music for “How to Train Your Dragon Two” or the end music for the LOTR or the Hobbit. But I never even bother to listen to music about girlfriends, boyfriends, relationships, and those other sick things. Yes, that type of music is anti Biblical and I don’t think Christian’s should even listen to or support it.
I don’t see why you would say that dating relationships are “sick,” but maybe I’m misunderstanding. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there is any command in the Bible against listening to music that mentions dating or really any restriction on what kind of music to listen to, so I’m not really sure how it could be anti-Biblical.
I think what he means is when the world puts their spin on things like dating and things like that in the music. A lot of explicit music out there is about boyfriends, girlfriends, drugs, and other things I won’t mention, but I think that is the kind of music he is referring to.
Karl,
You twisted my words into something entirely different from what I was saying. When I put the word sick there, I was referring “to those other sick things” I didn’t use ‘sick’ to refer to dating or relationships.
I guess I should have put it as anti-Christian. What I mean by that is that the music is either immoral, materialistic, and humanistic/all things that are against what the Bible teaches.
Thanks for clarifying; that makes a whole lot more sense.
Hey Liam, thanks for putting your opinion out there. However, I believe that relationships and the feelings that go along with them aren’t anti-Biblical, in fact they were created by God to be good. Yes, there is a context for these types of relationships and feelings – in the premises of commitment and marriage. So yes, I would agree that listening to music about boyfriend/girlfriend situations all the time may create unhealthy, out of place emotions and obsessions. And yes, a lot of times the situations that music talks about concerning romance include disloyalty and lust. However, I wouldn’t say that all “relationship stuff” is sick or wrong.
I’m afraid you misinterpreted what I said. As I said to Karl, the use of the word ‘sick’ was used to describe “those other sick things.” I believe that if you go about a relationship in a godly way, then it isn’t bad at all. By no means was I inferring that any relationship is “sick.”
Okay I see what you mean now. I guess I read your wording wrong. Thanks so much for clarifying, Liam! 🙂
Ok liam, you got two other tough questions on here, I wanna see how you answer them 🙂
Know what you believe, know why you believe.
oh i know who you are know 😉 lol
that’s so true Grant “Know what you believe, Know why you believe” so many people don’t or their just followers and don’t really know why they don’t believe something. great comment Grant!!
~Madeleine
Can I quote you on that? It’s a good one (the believing bit, not the tough questions bit 😛 )
Ohh, you didn’t like the tough questions bit?
Of course I did, I love tough questions, it’s just not that quotable that bit 😉 If you can make it more catchy I’ll quote it 🙂
Ok, give me a challenge, what if I just submit a DQ:
“how can you make this be catchy? ‘you got two tough questions on here, I wanna see how you answer them :)’ any ideas?”
A challenge? What sort of challenge would you like? 😛
How about ‘You got two tough questions on here but do you got tough answers?’
a) I love all the How to Train Your Dragon music!
b) I think that if the music causes sinful thoughts, then it is a problem. I’d also consider it bad if it contains lyrics that I would not want to recite to my grandmother. Other than that, I think secular music is okay, unless you are okay with repeating vulgar language and sinful lyrics to your grandma :).
I would agree music with bad lyrics you should not listen too. But have you ever thought of what music that has no bad lyrics, yet meaningless ones can do to you? By constantly filling your head with music talking about materialistic things, or nonsense per say; it can be harmful, even if it necessarily doesn’t use bad language. Mostly all secular music is like that, so that is one of the reasons why I don’t listen to it.
I can agree with that too. I think it really depends on the person. If are able to stay totally focused on God and listen to secular music, that’s great. However, like you said, that’s not easy for most of us. I personally need balance to stay focused. I listen to music from movies that contains no good or bad material. However, it would be distracting if that was all that I listened to, so I try to stay balanced with Christianity-centered songs as well. Like I said, it really is up to you how much neutral music you can take while staying focused on God.
I don’t believe there is anything called neutrality when it comes to music. You could make a song that isn’t anti-God, but that doesn’t make it neutral. You could have a humanistic song, or a meaningless song that could have some sort of message that isn’t what the Bible teaches.
I’m not following your logic, Liam. If something is neither anti-God nor pro-God, then it is, by definition, neutral. Humanism is anti-God, and a song with any message whatsoever is not meaningless (also by definition). If I’m misunderstanding, please explain.
I agree with Liam:
Matthew 12:30
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
That verse came to my mind as well, but should it apply to music and other things as well as people? (Btw, that’s not a rhetorical question)
Good point…I mean…I guess not….*admits defeat* 🙂
Seriously though, I’m not sure, I’m sure someone could argue that it does.
As far as a person’s spiritual walk, we are either moving toward God or moving away from Him. There is no “staying where you are” in our relationship with the Lord. In addition, you are either a Christian or a non-Christian, and therefore either a servant of Christ or an enemy of Christ. There is no in-between.
However, there are numerous things in life that are spiritually and morally neutral. Most music is not, but I would consider, in most instances, songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” to be morally neutral.
That makes sense! Thanks, Nathan! 🙂
Yeah I totally agree….
NEWS FLASH: Josh A, 15, of North Georgia, actually changed his mind and admitted defeat in regards to a fairly important topic. This is an extremely rare occurrence and will probably not happen again…ever. 🙂
Thanks for the help straightening that out. 🙂 I didn’t think about that verse’s application before I posted it.
You’re not alone, dude. I’ve had to admit to the possibility of my being mistaken in a number of much bigger areas. The greater problem is when we’re too proud to change our minds. 🙂
I had the same question as Nathan. I found this article on the neutrality of music: http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/lochurch/musicneu.pdf , but it talks mostly about the music itself and not the lyrics. So is there any neutrality when it comes lyrics?- is a question I’m still wondering about. But this article made sense to me in regard to “Christian rock”, which does seem like a contradiction to me.
That was a good article! I used to listen to Skillet a lot. I don’t so much anymore, but I think rock music can have it’s place, depending on the message you want to say. Just like scary music in a film, if you want the listener to be unsettled by what you are saying, then perhaps rock or rap is the best way to do it. I’ve found it to be beneficial in some situations.
I don’t know whether this will help or not, but one way to think of lyrical neutrality is to think of our speech. If I say “pizza” (first thing that came to my mind. :P), I’m not necessarily being anti-God, but then again I’m not necessarily being pro-God. It’s neutral, but it’s effect depends on my intentions in saying the word in that situation.
Totally. Yeah I agree with you. This was my first thought too when I read Liam’s comment. Hopefully he will explain more, I want to see where he’s coming from. Yes there are a lot of situations where it’s obviously neutral, like you said below with the “head, shoulders, knees, and toes” song, but with other music it’s not that clear, at least for me. Yes, musical lyrics can be neutral. But when does it quit becoming neutral? I’m not challenging you or anything, I’m just challenging my own viewpoint. Pretty much why I posted the question ;).
Yeah, there are certainly many “Christian” songs that are very difficult to determine whether they are for or against God, or just neutral. Most songs you’d hear on the radio are not neutral. The bottom line is that if you have doubts about a song, don’t listen to it. There are plenty of other songs with which you can be sure they are morally and spiritually sound.
The way to evaluate the quality of a song is different for “Christian” songs than it is for “non-Christian” songs. There’s different protocol. If you’re wondering about a certain genre of songs (which it sounds as if you’re looking at moreso songs in general), I could offer some practical methods. But otherwise, the advice given by everybody here, as far as looking at the intentions, using Philippians 4:8, etc., are great.
Yes, I was talking about songs in general. Yeah there’s been some great advice on here that I will definitely use in the future! Yes, I think using Philippians 4:8 to measure our music choices by is a great challenge. Maybe each of us will interpret what is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, etc.” differently as concerns music, just as we each make different conclusions about modesty, dancing, card playing, etc. I know a lot of people mentioned 1 Cor. 8 and 1 Cor. 10, and I totally agree with what that’s saying. Sorry I’m just thinking out loud! (or in writing, I guess :)).
I write out loud quite often as well! I don’t believe truth or morality is subjective, but its application in specific circumstances can be a personal choice. If you’re truly uncertain about a song, a good approach would be to print out the lyrics. Identify the worldview of the artist and who/what the artist is singing to/about. Evaluate each statement. Does each statement line up with scripture?
We did this in an old youth group I was in. It seems like a lot of work, but it’s only for songs about which you’re unsure, and it gets easier when you get used to identifying worldviews. But in the end, it’s still you’re call; it’s not good to over-complicate things. As I said, if you have doubts about a song, there’s no sense keeping it around. And having a balance is definitely important.
I’m not sure how much that might help; it really is a difficult issue. But it’s been a really good discussion! Thanks for submitting the question! 🙂
I totally agree that truth and morality is not subjective, hopefully I wasn’t inferring that. That’s a great idea! I might use it sometime :). Thanks for all the great advice!
Great! I thought so, I just wanted to make sure that was clear. 🙂 You’re welcome; I’ve gotten some great ideas from everybody!
Me too, it’s been great!
Actually, now that I think about it, I was talking more about “non-Christian” songs than “Christian” songs in my previous comment (on lyrics being neutral).
I think a lot of Christian artists make their songs vaguely Christian, so that their Christian audience will resonate with it but their non-Christian audience won’t be “offended” by it. I read in an article somewhere that Skillet avoids saying “Jesus” in their songs (even if they are singing about Him) so that they can hopefully reach an audience with their message without shutting them down with an obvious reference to Jesus. I’m not saying I agree with that (or that I don’t, necessarily), just that it’s something that professed Christian groups do.
Yes I have questioned this & wonder how effective this is.
a popular Christan group sing a song (which I find catchy) “Keep your eye on it”
Now I understand they mean by “IT” to be “the prize” AKA Jesus’ crown, But what does that mean to a person without Christ?
But then other songs about how we should treat each other can help those without Christ, to see God’s way, Can’t think of an example at the min…
Ultimately, God is in control & we trust He uses all things (even the Worldly song writers) Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: … even the wicked for the day of evil.
I actually agree. Nevermind my last point.
Cool, I didn’t want to misunderstand.
You should meet my grandmother o.O But yes, what you say is true: Stick with the Philippians standard 🙂
I think it depends on the person. i mean really bad secular music maybe not but the not so harmless ones i think it depends on the person. i like pop and some country but i turn the channel when certain songs come on that are bad.
~Madeleine
I’m gonna say that there are Christian songs, neutral songs, and anti-Christian songs. A lot of the older music I know is not as blatantly anti-Christian as a lot of music is today. I will not listen to explicit music; that is a boundary I have set for myself. But for the more neutral stuff, I think it all depends on a person and their spiritual maturity. I understand that some Christians may want to listen to music that is not necessarily “Christian” but is not objectionable or disrespectful of God. That’s totally okay with me. We just all need to be on guard about what we listen to.
Hope this helps.
I will say, I think we should be careful in our music choices. Once you allow yourself to listen to something, it can become a lot easier to start down the wrong path. And those that pointed out that music can be a stumbling block are right on. Others might not be as spiritually grounded. The choices you make affect others and the way they view things. Also we should pursue holiness, we shouldn’t see how close we can get to sin yet still be “okay”. The goal is not what can we get away with, its to live a life pleasing to God. Thats what matters in the end right?
Wow… I needed to hear this today, Sam! Thanks for sharing!
Hey Riley! Nice question;) I’ve personally wondered that too. I think that really, there isn’t a distinct line between “good” and “bad” music. Music that distracts me from God, not that I necessarily have to be thinking about Him whenever I’m listening to music, but that brings me farther away from Him and gives me a guilty feeling when I’m listening to it, then yeah, that will fall in the “bad” category. Not all “romance” songs, are bad like some people said, I don’t think, but I know that others will distract from God A TON. Even if some draw the focus away from Him just a little, that is where I think we should draw the line. I know from personal experiences that songs that are even slightly off morally can easily bring me down the wrong road.
Think Philippians 4:8 when evaluating music, and media in general: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (NASB)
There is an excellent book out there by Rick Boyer called Take Back the Land, written specifically for young people. Here are some of his insights on it:
TRUTH. Is it really true? Does life genuinely operate in this fashion in light of God’s revelation?
HONORABLE. This speaks of honor and dignity.
RIGHT. Is it right according to God’s standards?
PURITY. This also speaks of morality–contrasting what is clean, chaste, innocent, and pure with what is impure, squalid, sordid, and defiled.
LOVELY. Beauty is in the eye of the Creator.
OF GOOD REPUTE. The public testimony of the art and the artist.
EXCELLENCE. Some things are good, some things are bad, and some things are excellent. What is great will stand the test of time and last.
ANYTHING WORTHY OF PRAISE. Some things merit praise and some do not.
My thoughts…
Is it the truth or is it the world’s (or my) clouded perception of reality? Jesus said, “I am…the Truth.” Does it measure up?
Is it honorable? The old hymnwriters wrote for an exalted God with exalted words. They wrote quality words that glorify God and are still around today.
Is it pure? Or has the world crept into it? Does it even hint of impurity? Would you still listen to it if the Creator of the Universe walked up to you and asked if He could share one of your earbuds to listen in? Or would you be embarrassed?
Is it lovely? Is it something that God would call beautiful? Or is it a distortion of true beauty?
Is it of good repute? What does the artist’s life look like? Does it “stir you up” (encourage you) to “love and good works”? Or is it destructive–does it call up in you feelings and desires that are sinful?
Is it excellent? You may say, yeah sure it’s good. But is it the best? Or would God say, “I have better things for you than that”?
Is it truly worthy of praise? Is it mediocre or quality? What is the motive behind it? What is the message in it?
Excellent insight, Grace!
I think that you are right on. Thank you!
So, so true Grace. Thank you!
EXCELLENT!
Yes!! 😀 Right on, and Amen!
HALLELUJAH!!!!
Nice!
Great question, Riley!
There isn’t really any way to determine what music is good and bad. There certainly isn’t any Bible verse you can point to and say “This beat or this instrument is evil.”
However, the Bible does give advice about keeping our heart and thoughts clean. Which is done, (as some have mentioned) by thinking on pure, true, and lovely things (Phil. 4:8) and by actively depositing good things into our hearts and minds (Prov. 4:23).
When listening to music:
– Examine the content, “Is it God-honoring?” (Would you feel comfortable playing these songs for Jesus?)
– Listen to the Spirit, “Content is good, but do I feel comfortable listening to this?”
When examining the content, examine music the same way you examine art. Does the content of the painting honor God or is it tempting and distracting? Are all the pieces you like by painters who were Christians? Not necessarily.
Does the music point you to Jesus? Celebrate life? Encourage healthy relationships? Does it motivate you to love and protect family? Does it evoke inappropriate images? Does it grieve sorrow, sin, and death or does it celebrate sin or ignore pain?
These are just a few questions to ask.
Thanks, Christopher! Those are great questions to ask.
Btw, I love your illustration using artwork. It makes so much sense!
Wow, this is great! So, you’re saying that whether music is OK or not depends on the person, personally. That it’s morality depends on what it makes you think of or what the Spirit is telling you.
Hi guys. I just wanted to input some of my personal thoughts and ask some questions. Music in general is a very hard thing to classify as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but of course some individual songs and lyrics can get a little nasty or just plain wrong, and I could see these songs as ‘bad’, but defining songs as ‘Christian’ is even harder; unless, of course, you have the definition of Christian. I think a simple way to define a Christian is ‘a follower of Christ’, so If you can say that a song is ‘following Christ’, then, sure, call it Christian, but where do you stop? What would you call a lyric-less track made a band popularly know as extremely secular? What would you call lyric-less track made by your favorite trusted Christian band? What’s the difference? Is it in the music? Or maybe in the words, or the way the words come out. Like rapping, or heavy metal Christian rock. Do the words, or the sound make the difference?
Since the word “worship” has come up so much in the discussion (with good reason, of course), I’d suggest a book by John MacArthur that I mentioned called Worship: The Ultimate Priority. It’s very insightful! Worship is far more than music (in fact, he doesn’t even talk about music until the appendix).
I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the suggestion Nathan.
OK there’s already a bazillion comments, arguments, etc. so I’m going to keep this short/keep my nose clean and just say that I pretty much totally agree with @christopher_witmer:disqus.
Good comment
Are you new to the Reb?
yes, sir
just signed up earlier today
*Ahem*. Sam’s a girl :).
you can say ‘yes sir’ to anyone. (sorry if I offended you, though)
No offense, it’s just that we only found that out yesterday :).
No worries! 🙂
thanks
Lol 🙂
Really?
Yup 🙂
Ok, that never entered my mind… all the Sams I know are guys 🙂 Except for one girl, actually, but she’s not really called Sam much. May I ask what it’s short for?
Samantha, but literally everyone calls me Sam (except 5ish relatives) 🙂
There’s always someone who doesn’t get your nickname. For me, I have people make up nicknames for me, because I don’t really have one. So I guess I have the opposite of your problem.
I know what that’s like. Christy is a nickname, but I think there are only a few people in my life who even know that. Some days it feels more like my name than my real name, haha.
I know right! Eva is a nickname too but hardly anyone knows that because no one ever calls me by my real name
I know what you mean 🙂
My thoughts exactly. 🙂 good to know!
Haha I was saying that about a day ago. 🙂
Welcome Skitt! 🙂
Excuse me, but don’t give me nicknames, (even though that is one of my nicknames) it takes away the felling of royalness : )
It’s okay though, I don’t care. Only joking.
Welcome!! I’m happy you found us 🙂
thanks! My two sisters have been on here for a while, and they told me about it.
Who are your sisters? If you don’t mind me asking
Actually, I don’t think they’d want me to say, sorry.
I totally understand 🙂
cool.
haha, well, I guess I’ll tell you that I’m one of those sisters:)
*PLOT TWIST*
*cue dramatic music*
#butisitgooddramaticmusic?
*FURTHER PLOT TWIST*
This makes me really, really happy =D.
Yeah, Eva, since you confessed to being my sister, I guess I can start following your profile again! : )
yeah, wait, did you unfollow me?
I did, when I told Sam I did’t think you’d want me to tell that you were my sister so that she couldn’t see who I was following and find out … but you already knew that. : )
That would explain why yesterday I saw that you were following 2 people, but when I clicked it said you weren’t following anyone. Haha
You’ll never guess who my other sister is!
… so, please don’t. ; )
I know! I know! …But I won’t tell.
Whaaaaaaaa? But how? I’m only following one person!
It doesn’t take much to deduce. 😉
Ok, believe what you want. I won’t stop you, or should I say, ‘can’t stop you’?
Hey guys, it’s me!! BIG surprise…=D
It really doesn’t..
Hey Stephen, are you new here?
Yeah, that confused me too….lol
just wondering… what is the ‘profile’ thing? is there a reb social media thing?
oh, yeah. To follow someone, just hover your mouse over their picture, then down in the left lower corner, you will see a ‘follow’ button. Click it to follow their profile. If you want to edit your profile, go to the top of any discussion, find your name to the right of the ‘join the discussion…’ area, then click it. Hope the helps!
thanks, Skitterson! that REAAAAllllly helps.
I would like to say that it’s not necessarily bad to listen to secular music. There’s a lot of positive music that has a good message and isn’t written or sung from a Christian. Part of it does rely on the maturity of the person. What may be a song that you don’t think much about, may be a distraction to someone else. Much like those set of verses from Paul when talking about being a stumbling block. It doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t listen to the song at all, but to listen to that particular song in a more enclosed setting. For me, music can be very motivating and inspiring regardless who wrote it or why.
Similar to what Christopher Witmer said, music is an art. Everyone takes from the song what they want and not necessarily what the artist intended. You can be inspired by a secular song to write or sing a new song for God!
Hope this helps!
I think it really depends on the specific artist and song. Some ‘secular’ music is pretty good. Other music is not.
Okay. There’s a ton of comments here. So what I say may have already been said. So…here goes.
Does the secular music that you’re listening to glamorize worldly things? Is it pure? Not just free of bad words, but does it truly uphold purity? Would you play it in the presence of God? Because really, you’re in his presence. Does it stir up feelings or desires for worldly things? Does it distract you at all from God?
In my house, we haven’t ever really listened to secular music regularly. Sure, I’m familiar with what’s popular and what not, but I don’t know all the lyrics. And I’m not ashamed of that. Because honestly, like Paul says in the New Testament, “everything is permissible, but not everything is profitable.” Or something like that. Basically, listening to “good” secular music isn’t sinful. But does it bring you closer in your relationship with God?
I’m not saying don’t listen to it at all. But I think, that with Christian music, it is the kind of music that can encourage us. I was really depressed one night and I couldn’t sleep, so I put in my Christian music radio station. I listened to the lyrics and something changed. I was putting the focus on me, not God (who life is really all about). So it reminded me how great God is and how selfish I was being…(side note: God worked in my heart through the music, it wasn’t just the music. But sometimes I feel like God isn’t gonna use a song about teenage heartbreak to encourage me.)
Sorry this is so long, I hope it helps!
Right on, Amanda! When I worked as a camp counselor for a summer there were some days that it got really discouraging but in the dining hall they were always blasting songs like, “Lord I need You, oh I need You/Every hour I need You/My one defense/My righteousness/Oh God how I need You” and “I know who goes before me/I know who stands behind/The God of angel armies/Is always by my side”–songs that reminded me that if God is for us, who can be against us? and that God was the one I should turn to when I had a problem or if I was discouraged. God working through a song 🙂
Well you could call that my question too…
So I really don’t have much to say on that.
But Be careful
Set a line and stay behind it.
Pray to God for guidance.
Turn away Satan because He’s as slippery as a Serpent.
Never give up.
I read this earlier today and chewed on it all afternoon… I went and looked up words in my Bible like “Music”, “worship”, “world” and did some random digging in the Word. I kept coming back to the fact that we need to be focusing on God throughout our day, and that is TOP priority. I’m not saying all secular music is wrong, by any stretch of the imagination, but i know that personally, i can focus on and worship God much better when i don’t have the distractions of secular music. Hope this helps! 🙂
Most of what I have to say has already been said. So I’m going to keep it simple. The bible says to glorify God in All that we do, not just in some of what we do.
Music is one of many great things God has created
& those who write music are expressing creativity that is inbuilt from our
Creator.
Music is used to evoke emotion, fast can = excitement, slow can express sadness, but this is not always the case, Fast can=panic, slow can express reverence or tenderness. The music itself only sets the stage.
Words added to music (a song) is telling a story or perspective to the music. Some do use their gift to express awe at our great God’s creation or to worship God Himself. Some use it in a way that abhors God.
There are some horrific lyrics out there that celebrate the sin in peoples lives(the blatantly obvious stay away from ones) but there are some out there that are not directly or deliberately provocative & do tell a story (that may or may not DIRECTLY include God)
This is where I believe we can apply…
Be IN the World but not OF the world… (Rom 12:2)
There are many things we see, smell, hear that don’t directly worship God.
Like I can walk past a bakery & smell the aroma of bread baking. It makes me
think. “I may be hungry”, But I may have just had lunch so I don’t need it. It
may remind me that Mum wanted me to bring home a loaf, it could just be a
reminder that fresh baked bread is delicious;) None of those thoughts are
directly contra to God or worshiping Him, BUT if I let it consume me, rule over
my life, cause me to make decisions over God, then I have a problem.
Another random thought – When someone says “I love this song” it can be a
tool to see where someone is at, to know how to reach them for Christ….
Any way I could add more but I think you probably see what I’m trying to
say.
I agree with that.
Should Christians listen to secular music? Not if it defiles you. Also not if it has an over-powering beat which has a semi-to-fully-hypnotic effect on the human body, and also not if it sounds identical to the building-up drumbeats which the Africans use to summon demons, because it can have the same effect. I received this advice from a man who was born in East Africa and also spent years in ministry there among the natives of Mozambique.
I’m not really sure how a certain kind of beat would summon demons or hypnotize someone. I would say that an apt comparison would be like saying we shouldn’t ever stretch before we exercise because stretching is sometimes similar to yoga, which is used in some religions for spiritual practices. If stretching is beneficial, by all means, do it. It’s not a religious issue. However, in some cultures (for example, in Africa), some kinds of beats would resemble the traditional religion too much and would draw people away from the truth. But in the context of Western culture, beats don’t generally have such religious meanings and are not bad in and of themselves.
The rule I use to decide what music to listen to is, does the music drive away the spirit or invite the spirit. If the music drives away the Holy Ghost that is music to stay away from, otherwise it is fine or even good to listen to music. Fast music can motivate you and make you feel good.
Ask yourself some questions first.
Does this music glorify God?
If the lyrics of the song glorify things other than God you shouldn’t be listening to it.
Is this music going to affect me?
Although we tell ourselves that the words of the song won’t affect us and we will just listen to the rythm that is much easier said than done. Especially if it has a catchy tune, we catch onto the words just like that! and if the lyrics are not God-glorifying……
I think you could find some great upbeat Christian artists too. They have like every genre of Christian music out there.:)
Yeah, like southern gospel. Greatest music in the world! Or maybe I’m just biased because I’m a southern gospel artist… 😉
I believe it IS okay to listen to secular music… but NOT without boundaries!
Is it okay to watch secular movies? Yes, but NOT without boundaries! Is it okay to read secular books? Yes, but NOT without boundaries!
The bigger issue here is that sadly many Christians DO NOT take the time to set boundaries for themselves. And furthermore DO NOT surround themselves with like-minded people. Instead of looking for friends “with benefits” you should be looking for friends “with bounderies”!
How do you create those boundaries? Read your Bible and Pray EVERYDAY… It will condition you! Instead of memorizing the lyrics to your favorite secular song… memorize Scripture! When you are immersed in TRUTH… a LIE won’t be able to slip past in the form of a song, movie, or book!
And for those “gray” areas mentioned above… as a “rule of thumb” if you’re not sure whether you should be listening to a song or not… just choose NOT to listen! 9 times out of 10 you’ll be right. And for that leftover 1… you’re not going to die because of 1 song. GOD hates lukewarm… Rev 3:15-16. So make a choice, create boundaries, and stick to them! 😉
I agree with that one too.
#Truth
I only try to listen the music that glorifies God and who he is but before i watched this video 6 months ago i didn’t really care much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgvxrUUMLm4
I really think especially in church we should only sing songs with words that glorifies God. And outside of church we should still be care full what we listen to.We as christian’s need to put boundaries in place for our own good and stick to them.
You can also ask these questions
Will this bring me closer to God or make me drift further away?
Does this benefit me in anyway?
I didn’t watch the video, but lecrae and tobyMac are definitely not corrupt. I hope someone didn’t make you think so–you can’t believe everything you hear.
There’s a great article I read a while back directly relating to this topic. Here’s a link: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/userprofile_blogsinglepost.php?blog_id=12565&user_id=8571
I’m not going to start a argument but i recommend you watch the video. I know everyone has different views.
Yeah. We can agree to disagree.
I think there’s nothing wrong with listening to music that doesn’t explicitly mention God. Can’t music be positive affecting and uplifting without mentioning God every five seconds? Of course as others have mentioned there do need to be boundaries. I just feel like we don’t have to only listen to music that has “Christian” on the label.
What matters is if it makes you better as a person. There’s some music which doesn’t. The music that beats you down, or is just a trash song. It doesn’t matter if the song is Christian or secular as long as it builds you up to be better than you were before.
I can’t believe this is even a question. I come back to these groups occasionally just to see how far I’ve come since my teens.
This question isn’t even phrased as it should. It’s so open ended. “Should Christians listen to music” might as well be “should Christians eat bananas?”
In what regard? And why are we bunching all of secular music into one category? I’m personally offended when I see indie put into the same group as country (ewwww!!) Additionally, not all Christians must have the same standards. It might depend on the person!
So, be specific and don’t put everyone into a box.
What other categories did you have in mind?
I think I completely agree, it really does depend on the person. Also, if you’re a teen living under your parents roof and your parents don’t want you to listen to secular music, then you should obey the commands of God and honor your parents, whom have been placed by God in authority over you.
Hey guys, I thought that I would throw this question out, and see what you think. I would ask myself this question, lets say that you went up to be with our Lord, would you play secular music then?
Given the choice between secular and Christian music? Of course I’d pick songs that praise Him in His presence! However, you’ll need to qualify what you mean by “secular music”… Music that doesn’t mention Jesus’s name at all? Music that blatantly curses God and worships worldly things? Because if your definition of “secular music” is just music that is neither filling the mind with ungodly intentions nor outright worshipping God, you might as well ask people who ride unicycles as a hobby if they’d ride unicycles in heaven. The pastime itself isn’t sinful nor is it a clear act of worship. Plus, would we even have the chance to “play secular music” in the presence of a holy God or pedal around on one wheel when we get to heaven? There are probably other things we’d rather do after meeting Jesus face to face 🙂
Good point. When I say ” Secular Music”, I don’t mean music that doesn’t say Jesus, or God’s name in them. What I mean is music that curses God.
Not to contradict you or anything, but anything that isn’t Christian music would be classified as secular. So anything as harmless as a folk song would still be defined as secular. So then secular music can’t be completely written off as “bad” music. Reiterating someone else’s comment, you just have to set boundaries based on how you believe the Holy Spirit is directing you. However, given the choice between God honoring music and simply moral, but secular music, I would definitely choose God honoring. Music should be used as a form of worshipping God, not merely entertainment. If it accomplishes both purposes, that’s the best kind of music to listen to. Or sing.
hello, nice to greet them. I think what appeals not to build our inner life, and does not bring glory to God. No doubt should not be practiced. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is not from the Father but from the world. Ijn215-17
I think that, as long as it is not disgusting or stupid, secular music is fine. Christian artists have songs that do not mention Christ, like What Faith Can Do by Kutless. I still like their band and music…
Jon Foreman, the lead singer of popular Alt Rock band Switchfoot, says this regarding music “I’m actually hoping to use music as a vehicle to look for answers. None of the questions I’m asking are rhetorical. Like, for example, in the song ‘Vice Verses’ I’m asking, ‘Where’s God in earthquake and where’s God in the genocide?’ Those are real questions – the questions we ask in our songs are just as important as the answers we give.” I believe music, like any other art, is a way of expressing. Weather you are expressing or listening to someone express God, relationships, or deep questions, you should make sure that it is in an uplifting way. Secular music is something that Christians run from. But just because someone has the “secular label” doesn’t mean that it is all wrong. Same as if someone has the “christian label’ but yet they use profanity and suggestive themes in their songs.
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34
Jesus said these words. I believe that if you are putting music that doesn’t glorify God into your mind it goes directly to your heart and will be translated to your actions. Satan used to lead the choirs in heaven before he got kicked out so be careful when it comes to music. Satan is the master of it and if you give him anyway to come into your music and come into your life he will find it. That goes for lukewarm (nuetral) music and actual music that talks about sin.
I agree with you that we should be very careful not to let Satan into our lives through the music we listen to. I hadn’t heard about Satan leading choirs in heaven, so I looked it up. Apparently the reference is from Ezekiel 28:13, translated like this in KJV:
“The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes
Was prepared for you on the day you were created.”
It’s almost certain that this phrase is talking about Satan, however, the text only says that he had instruments. Since all the angels constantly sing praises to God, does this really mean that he was leading them?
In the ESV, the same section is translated:
“…crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared.”
The translators’ note says that the meaning of the part that references music in the KJV is unclear, hence the differing translation.
In short, I don’t think we have reason to believe Satan led music before he left heaven. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be vigilant, as he can still use music against us. However, I don’t think that he is the master of it any more than he is master of anything else in this world.
For God is the King of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm!
God reigns over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
-Psalm 47:7-8 ESV
Also there are two types of music, there is Music and Secular Music. “Christian” music is what God intended not what we created it to be. Secular Music is God’s intended purpose for music, that was overtaken with the word and the flesh. We sometimes get the misconception that Music was turned to Christian music after it started as Secular. God created music for the sole purpose of glorifying him (this doesn’t retain to styles because God can be in any style of music) and just like our sin ruined his perfect world, it ruined our music and that’s where secular music came from. So when an Music artist says he makes “Music” not “Christian” music, this is the point that they are referencing.
Maybe we should be afraid of these questions.
Or the way these questions are phrased.
Instead of asking “Should Christians listen to secular music” I think maybe we should ask, “Can you help me glean from the Bible whether I should listen to secular music or not?” Because we could run into the problem that each man does what they believe is right in their own eyes.
For me this is an honest to God struggle. I do believe that there is some uplifting secular music. You Lift Me Up is one example of this. A secular song that sounds so much like it’s speaking about God that before I was told otherwise, I thought it actually was. Then there’s Christian artists like Relient K and Britt Nicole, who in their music, if you weren’t the Christian audience their music was aimed towards, you might not be able to tell whether they were singing about God or a significant other. I myself actually get hooked by secular music that is not uplifting and definitely does not share godly or Biblical values, like Taylor Swift’s Blank Space and Katy Perry’s Dark Horse. I think we need to be very careful to, if we do listen to this kind of music, that the message does not influence our thinking, to the point where we’re lead away from God’s best. And I have actually dealt with that incorrect influence being very strong in my life in my personal experience a while back.
So just. Be careful. Do what the Holy Spirit urges you. Pay attention to your conscience. Read what the Bible has to say. And pray. Make sure whatever you do, you do it to the glory of God, and worry more about what God says, whether it’s yes or no, than what others might say.
Every kind of music you listen to glorifies either God or man. If it’s not glorifying God, then you shouldn’t be listening to it. Plain and simple. All Satan needs is a little crack in your armor, and next thing you know you’re doing the things in those songs that you just “like the beat to”. Really if given pen and paper you could write most if not all the lyrics down.
Could you explain your very last sentence for me, please?
I’m not Kayla, but I thought she was saying that even when we’re claiming to ‘just listen to the beat’ and ‘ignoring the lyrics,’ we still know the words. If that makes any sense…
Others have said some really good stuff, so I won’t restate what they’ve already said. But I will add that listening to secular music with discernment is a very good exercise. Figuratively speaking, you’re listening to the world’s heartbeat by listening to what they’re singing about. It helps you to be better equipped to understand what others around you are thinking and feeling and it gives you a platform to be able to reach them where they’re at and communicate Christ to them in an accesible way.
I know I’m late to the party (I’ve missed these DQs while I’ve been away! Although it’s probably good for me – taking a break, making sure I don’t get addicted :P), and there’s also 232 comments. Thus, I shan’t look through all the comments, and I shan’t go to the effort of expressing my long-winded opinion here, since I think it’s what a lot of other people have said. But this does make me think (again) Riley! But can I just say: the very fact that you are asking this question, shows that you’re heart’s right. Which is extremely important. It also reduces the risk of you choosing something harmful. Which is good. 🙂 So good on you.
Here’s the deal…. Is listening to secular music a sin? NO! However, you do need to draw a line for yourself and decide what is okay to listen to and what is too far. And as long as you are maintaining a steady walk with God (i.e. praying, reading your bible, personal devos, bible study with friends, interacting with your church body, etc.) and are aware that some secular songs talk about things that we are not to do as Christians, then it is completely okay to listen to secular music. Heck, put in the right context, some secular songs can be used to evangelize to those who aren’t saved. Proof of point: http://youtu.be/OQ3k8jhSxsc.
So long story short, listening to secular music is most definitely okay as long as you stay rooted in God’s teaching as well as God’s word.
I love Imagine Dragons as well! I really like that song as well as “Demons.” I also used that song as a way to potentially evangelize, through social media, to those who aren’t saved. See my video here: http://youtu.be/OQ3k8jhSxsc
Cool!
Hey that’s a really cool Idea Josh!! i havn’t checked out your video but i will soon. i think that’s a really great way to evangelize by using things the world uses to bring them back to Christ. (if that makes sense). Keep up the good work!!
God Bless,
~Madeleine
I think it’s okay to listen to most secular music out there. Just never fall into legalism because legalism can lead you down guilt-trips and make you feel like there’s only one right way to do things (in some cases there is but I mean in everyday choices). Legalism is evil. Obeying God is not though, there is a difference.
God created music for us to enjoy. It’s a complicated mixture of resonances, soundwaves, mathematical equations and emotion. Music is a beautiful thing, so I don’t think God would give is something so great and then say, “Now only make music with such and such qualities!”. Because music is creative and humans NEED outlets for creativity. Not all of our inspiration may come directly from the bible.
All that being said, I think what Elizabeth said was right too, boundaries are important. There is a point where creating music crosses a line from just creativity to sinful thinking/behavior. I guess what I’m trying to say is if you’re questioning whether or not you should be listening to a certain secular artist just bring it to God.
2 Corinthians 10:5
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
I don’t even listen to music with singing in it anymore. I just listen to cinematic, soundtrack type music – which can be fun to listen to while writing stories and such.
If you can glorify God through secular music somehow, then I think it’s fine.
You don’t listen to music with words? May I input some thoughts?
Hey that’s a really good point you made Stephen! i think it’s ok to listen to some secular music as long as it doesn’t go against what boundaries and beliefs you have. (does that make sense?)
God Bless,
~Madeleine
Makes perfect sense.
Whoa… The Rebelution has gotten a lot bigger than it used to be. [247 comments?!!] Which is a good thing 🙂
On the subject of secular music, here’s a few basics.
God wants us to glorify Him in everything we do, say and think, right? Legalism probably doesn’t do that, but listening to worldly music doesn’t either. Therefore: “In everything you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
So, can a moving classical work glorify God? Absolutely. Can an epic soundtrack mix do the same? What about a jazz tune? Well, if it isn’t pulling your heart away from God, possibly. Music is meant as a form of using our talents to make a joyful noise to God. Therefore, if a certain song that isn’t under the Christian genre is moving or wonderful, glorify God! Granted, there is a point where you really can’t praise God because of what kind of music it is. That is where you have to put your foot down.
The main thing, is to keep the main thing the main thing. Got it? Confused yet? So am I. What’s the main thing? Your relationship with God, and your witness to others. In other words, Guard Your Heart. Yes, those are capital letters. SCARY, I know, but they are meant for emphasis. Don’t let any kind of music steal your heart away from God. If that happens, you’ve fallen into a problem of idolatry, which is a whole other problem.
Back to music, just listen to the Lord. If you feel that listening to a certain type of music is bad, don’t listen to it. If you feel you can worship God with Bach or Zimmer listen to it. Do what is God’s Best for You. Not God’s good, or God’s better, but God’s Best. If you are doing what God wants you to be doing, He will make you paths straight, even if you’re wandering.
Carrying on,
Caleb
“Not all who wander are lost” J.R.R. Tolkien
Super helpful comment, Caleb! And you can’t go wrong ending with a Tolkien quote 🙂 Thank you!
My thoughts exactly – especially Tolkien!
Thanks mimeforJesus!
Glad I could help out! Yes, Tolkien is one my favorites. Terrific man and author.
Awesome comment and quote! Thanks
Your welcome, Allie.
I think it all depends.
If you are listening to a song and you hear the soft voice of the Holy Spirit saying you shouldn’t be listening, then you need to turn it off. Of course, there are secular songs that have lyrics that are obviously very bad. Then again, there are many songs in the “gray area”. So, like I said, it all depends on what you feel God does and does not want you to listen to.
On the other end of things, I think a lot of people get too uptight about not listening to all secular music, saying that any song that doesn’t mention God shouldn’t be listened to. That’s fine, but in my opinion, listening to secular songs could also be a great witnessing opportunity. If you never know or listen to “secular” songs, non-believers may become completely against becoming a believer because they think they won’t be able to listen to any songs other than hymns, for example.
I listen to a lot of both God-honoring and secular bands/songs, and I think it’s a cool testimony to other people when you are jamming out to say, a Taylor Swift song with them, and then “Talk Dirty” comes on and you politely ask to skip the song, etc.
This shows your non-believing friend that you’ll listen to “okay” secular songs, but you also have boundaries.
That’s my opinion 🙂
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him.” (Psalm 149: 3)
I strongly believe God placed music and sound, for that matter, as a beautiful way to express ourselves, for our enjoyment, communication, and ultimately to worship Him. Yes, there is good and bad music out there. When it comes to secular music I don’t think we should automatically consider it all bad music. There is a good part of secular music that has good moral values to the song or is just fun to listen to. However, I do think we should be cautious to how we let certain types of secular music influence our lives. In the music industry now there are a lot of false truths about “love” and what society considers “fun” or “acceptable.” As Christians we need to listen to the Holy Spirit in the way of directing our ears and hearts.
I have grown up listening to Christian music and got into secular music more during my pre-teen years. Now I feel myself being drawn into listening to secular music more and more but I’ve found most of the music’s lyrics to leave a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve started to limit my amount of time listening to the false truths kind of secular music but I still listen to the more clean/positive secular music from time to time.
For those of you who listen to secular music daily I suggest you challenge yourself to listen to only Christian music for one month. It can no doubt change your look on life and strengthen your faith in God! I for one find God talking to me through Christian music and can not tell you how many times the perfect song has placed on the radio in my time of need. God is so good so don’t be afraid to set the “false truths” types of secular music aside for the time being to worship and build your faith in the Lord! 😀
Thanks so much for this encouragement! It was extremely helpful.
I’m glad it encouraged you!
I think listening to (some sorts of) secular music isn’t all wrong, but often those kinds of songs don’t really have a message, and you have the chance to lose your borders, that’s why I only listen to christian music, I don’t think that non-christian music could bring you closer to God than christian music can..
Plain and simple, I don’t listen to secular music. I hear just enough of it in public places to know I don’t want to hear anymore. Give me Casting Crowns any day. I don’t have much experience in this secular music thing, so I won’t debate right/wrong. Remember Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Let’s put a twist on this question. Say that you were married and your loving spouse adored you…Or at least that’s what they said. But almost every word that came out of their mouth was about some other woman (or man, as the case may be). Wouldn’t you start to question their love towards you? I mean if they truly loved you, then you would be the center of the conversation. But wait, maybe it is legalistic to desire your spouses full attention.
Isn’t this (in a flawed analogy way) what we are doing? Music is such a huge part of the cultural teen. We love the latest beat. But as Christians we are the bride of Christ. He is our one desire. Every time we are captivated by this world, our eyes are turned from Him.
Now, not all secular music is wrong. I’m sure that somewhere there is some song that has no other motives besides just being a song. But I for one, wouldn’t want to waist my time on song like this. Every moment should have a purpose and not be spent listening to purposeless songs. Too often though, these “just songs” have other motives and morals that slowly penetrate us through the lyrics that we are singing.
So I’m in the same boat with a lot of y’all. It’s really easy to flick on the top hots station when driving around town. It’s hard to be a Christian and be a teenager (in the worldly definition). But, I would dare to say that isn’t room for both. One of them has to give. I hope that all of us will see that we must Honor God above everything else! If this means that I protect my ears now and don’t spend my time listening to the junk on the radio, what is that in comparison to eternity? This is hard (at least for me) to do, but I think in the end it will be worth it.
(Thank you for asking the question and giving me the reason to sit down and think through what I believe.)
Wow, I like how you put that!
Abigail, I love how much you want to honor God! It’s really cool that you are a teenager with this outlook. But I would like to share a different side of your approach. I don’t want to start an argument or show everyone how right I am because that is wrong and stupid. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”(ESV) Here it doesn’t say whatever is “of God” or “christian,” although they would be included in this list. There are many secular songs out there that are commendable, pure, excellent, and worthy of praise, just as there many that aren’t. We are told to think about the good things, even if they aren’t christian.
This is for multiple reasons. One is that God created all good things, he created music and wants us to enjoy it, so if a secular song is good, we can listen to it. Of course christian songs are wonderful to listen to and should be heard often. Another reason is for reaching out to the lost. This might sound stupid, but stay with me, if we shut ourselves out from the world, how can we reach it? We are in the world but not of it. We can relate more to people and other teens, but still stand out in a good way, by not listening to sinful music. As Christians, we should only care what God thinks of us and not other people, and we shouldn’t compromise out faith by enjoying secular music or relating to other teens. But if Paul didn’t go to cities that weren’t of God, the people there would have never been saved. He didn’t join them in their sin, but was with them and learned about their lives and shone the light of Christ. We are called to do the same.
Good music should ultimately point us to Christ, whether or not it’s explicitly christian, and not point us to the world and sinful things. Here is a link to a sermon all about this >http://www.covfel.org/sermon/worship/
Jesus is the only reason I am able to do anything, including write this. His love and grace saved me and continue to help me every day. I am sinful, and I’m not perfect just as no one else is. Therefore, I am not the ultimate authority, God is, as you know. Thanks!
God Bless.
Hey Kaylee, thank you for the comment. I agree that we are to honor Christ in everything we do and listening to music is no exception. Sometimes we pit “Christian” versus “secular”. However, more correct labels might be, “God honoring” and “worldly”. There is some secular music that is better than “Christian”. And we are, by no means, to ignore these songs just because they aren’t “Christian”.
So, I am sorry if I miscommunicated that good virtues can only be found in “Christian” songs. Personally, I enjoy listening to music that is God honoring, but it doesn’t have to hold the label “Christian”. Just when dealing with these secular songs I am more wary (as I know the great trap they can be), so I generally stay in the “Christian” category. But with that said, give me a good country or soul song any day ;).
I think I understand where you were going with Paul. I worked a summer job in a very nonChristian and proTeen environment. The music that was played reflected those values (or lack there of). Just because they played bad music and spoke in a less than God honoring manner, I didn’t have a God given license to not go to work. Yet while I was circled by this atmosphere, I was called to not fall into their traps.
Thank you for helping me clarify on these things. Have a wonderful day!
For further reference, here are some verses that have helped me on this subject.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
“… but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18b-19)
“But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)
“Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
“Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world-the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride in one’s lifestyle-is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one that who does God’s will remains forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)
Hi again! Well I find that really cool that you consider music like that Christian. Thinking about it, it totally makes sense, because God made that music and it honors Christ. Its also a beautiful way to look at the world. I mean we do need to see the sin in the world, to see the need for Jesus, but that is so positive and a encouraging to think about.
Thank you for replying to me. You are so awesome because I can tell you see the need to not be in the norm as a teen and to take time to focus only on God and keep your relationship with Him in the back of your mind all the time. I also really appreciate the politeness in your answer to me. Its funny, most comment sections in the secular world are filled with negative, rudely opinionated, and ignorant people and their not thought out answers, especially when it comes to teenagers. But this blog definitely stands out (in a good way of course.) And you are much wiser than those people.
Those Bible verses are great and a good reminder that as Christians, we are different to the rest of the world. Even though we might not seem different to someone randomly passing by, it shows in our lives and can help lead others to be changed from the norm as well.
God Bless and thanks!
Lots of good opinions have already been said so this won’t be long, but I think this is a very interesting question and is something I’ve often thought about. I love music, all kinds ,and while I don’t think it’s necessarily wrong to listen to secular music I must make sure that I have boundaries where I draw the line. I mostly just listen to Air 1( my favorite radio station) and from there I find a lot a awesome music from really talented artists. There are a few secular songs that I also enjoy listening to, but when I feel like a certain song is crossing the boundary then I need to turn it off. This also goes for tv and books. I just need to make sure that what I intake doesn’t harm me spiritually.
I enjoy catchy, “gray area” pop music as well and personally the only problem I have with it is that I find myself not wanting to listen to as much worship or christian music. I get the tunes stuck in my head and want to hear more of them instead taking time to worship. I tend to get distracted just in general, so this includes getting distracted from worshiping God. So I have to be careful how much secular music I listen too, even if there is nothing bad about it. So as long as you listen to good christian music that makes you want to worship Him, listening to clean secular music isn’t going to hurt.
As a a christian I find it encouraging when a secular/popular artist comes out with a moral/clean/song with a good message. Its nice because you will probably hear it in a grocery store/in public and not have to block out the lyrics.
That happens to me a lot too. I usually give myself a limit and once I reach that limit I almost “ban” pop music for a little while, just to get back into the christian world. If that makes any sense at all.
…And let lay aside every weight, AND the sin which doth so easily beset us. Hebrews 12:1 That verse isn’t just talking about sins. There’s things like listening to “okish” music that aren’t necessarily sins. But as Christians, if things in our life pull us away from God, “weights”, the answer is pretty simple. Also, as Christians, we are in every sense of the word to be striving to be “Christlike.” To me, that means if Jesus wouldn’t hum or sing along to a song, neither should we. So you be your own judge. Same with books, when I read a lot of thrilling exciting modern books, my “weights”, I didn’t feel nearly as ready to read the Bible or do devotions. And some ppl aren’t going to like this comment but that’s okay.
I recently went to a concert on Lecrae’s ANOMALY tour. My friends and I bought
Deluxe passes, so we got to show up early and listen to Andy Mineo do like a Q&A beforehand. He got asked a question similar to this one, and I loved his response. He said that it is a matter of the maturity of your faith, and used himself as an example, saying something to the effect of he grew up and lives around people who are not believers and do not live like believers. As a result, he has developed a kind of in-one-ear-out-the-other filter for things like cussing and vulgarity. So he said that music that contains mild cursing/suggestive themes does not affect him. I don’t agree 100% with that, but h is point was what you listen to is up to what you think you can handle without it having a profound effect on your faith. I know for me, I’m nearly 16 and I am still goaded into cursing by music. Secular music is not inherently evil, but you have to remember that the artists in that genre do not ask themselves “Does this music honor God?” when they are creating music. So in conclusion, I think what you listen too is determined by kind of personal barriers. Of course, you never want to make big decisions alone, so maybe like as a friend or parent and talk it over with them. Ultimately though, it comes down to are you feeling convicted by the music you listen to? If you can answer yes, you may want to retool your playlists a bit
You just summed up my life, lol. I totally agree!
There are already so many opinions on here. I figure, why not one more?
I personally only listen to Christian hip hop (i.e. Lecrae and Andy Mineo, like @disqus_4KQX3xGfSf:disqus), but I will admit that sometimes there is a secular song that I like. I think that it is indeed wrong to listen to music with cuss words or sexually suggestive stuff in it. We are to strive to be Christ-like, and we completely abandon that when we listen to bad music. I do believe, though, that it is fine to listen to fun and meaningless songs (i.e. Radioactive, Harlem Shake, ect. This is just what comes to my mind when I think of meaningless songs.). However we don’t have any growth when we listen to that stuff. I prefer to learn something from my songs; that they would be encouraging, provoking, and eye opening.
Also, when I personally start to listen to secular music more, it turns my desire for christian music off. I had to delete an entire Spotify playlist (there were sixty songs on there, man!) because I only had a desire for that type of music. I’m personally convicted not to listen to secular music and try to stay away from it.
Exactly! Yahh know I think that this is the discussion topic that people are most diverse in their opinions in. But I agree 95 percent with your comment. lol The only thing I have against it is this: If we’re striving to be Christ-like, we need to ask would Christ listen to “meaningless” songs? For me I kinda doubt it. “Meaningless” is a word that both the Bible and Do Hard Things seem to oppose. Yes?
Right. I agree! My point was I don’t really feel conviction over these meaningless songs, but I dont seek these songs out on my spotify or anything. If my softball team wants to play the Harlem Shake before a softball game to get us pumped, Im fine with it. However Idont go home and listen to these songs, but rather songs with value and knowledge; songs that draw me closer to God.
I dont think I worded my other comment very well on this. It wasnt really whatI was trying to say. Sorry about that :);)
Haha oh okay, gotcha. Oh cool I love soft-ball, well base-ball anyway. lol So what R some of your favorite groups, bands etc? And it’s fine I do it ALL the time on this site. 😛
Baseball rocks! I like a lot of artists/bands. I enjoy Lecrae, Andy Mineo, and basically everyone from the 1-1-Six Clique. I also like bands such as Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, and POD. My favorite band since I was 7 (I’m almost 15 now) is Family Force 5. All of this music can be kinda controversial in the Christian music world, but thats probably a different discussion for a different time.
I also enjoy stuff thats a wee bit more contemporary. For King and Country, Rend Collective (I know them pretty well!), and NeedToBreathe are all groups that I like.
You?
Haha I know right? Oh wow, I think I like most of those actually, except I don’t like Skillet. And I like For King and Country, Mathew West, Il Divo, (you probably don’t know who that is), Josh Groban, some of Lyndsey Stirling, and stuff like that. If you don’t know some of them look them up and than tell me what you think. 🙂
Josh Groban!
Yeah! Can’t go wrong with a lil’ Josh Groban every once in a while. 🙂
One of the few artists my mom and I both like – she’s into worship music, while I’m into harder stuff from Tobymac to some Red.
Haha yeah basically all of my 8 sibs like him, wich is pretty crazy cuzz we’re all way different from the others! And yeah I heard Red live at Winter Jam and didn’t like them very much. I just walked out and looked at the booths with my girl until they were done, but still had fun. lol But yeah Tobymac I like. 🙂
You have 8 siblings?! I have seven, nine if you count in-laws. If you average that out, that comes out at eight. Are you sure we aren’t twins?
You were at Winter Jam?? Lucky… if I lived there I’d be going! And I was thinking of the wrong group – I meant Skillet. Although there’s a couple of songs from Red that I like, they’re harder than I appreciate in general. (And a little depressing, ya know?) Yeah, I can see looking at booths being fun if you have good company.
I forgot, or I didn’t ask – how old are you? I’m sixteen. And if you’re sixteen, this is gonna be CRAZY!
Haha yep! you know I think that we very well may be twins. I’m not 100 percent convinced either way yet! Yeah the last time I went was in 2013 and I haven’t gone since, I’ve seen reasons not to. And oh gotcha, yeah I used to like them but now I’m kinda like neutral I guess. And yeah totally agree? Mhmm it was. Surprisingly enough, I wasn’t even saved at that point and now I disagree with dating that young. Haha Oh, too bad, know we know that we’re not twins, I’m 14, 15 in May. Well ain’t that a bummer?~!
What reasons have you seen for not going? All I know is that it’s a concert with mostly cool bands.
Yeah, I was kinda surprised that you said you were looking with you girl, but the way you phrased it you looked like you didn’t really like that anymore. What are your philosophies on dating now?
Ya know, we should move this over to another thread so we stop spamming this one. Do you know the blog “Soldiers of God”?
Well, it’s mostly a lot of personal convictions that might not apply to most, and I’m sure many(even on this site!) would think it’s a little too conservative. Yes, good incite, I was just going to Winter Jam for the thrill and because I had friends going with me as well as a girlfriend. I, now that I’m saved, find dating before you’re serious about it and “testing” the person for a potential marriage possibility, to be quite frankly a waste of time, and I have decided not to date until I’m in college. Because contrary to the ideas of this generation, dating should be a “free-trial” of marriage, not to do it just to fulfill our human desires for companionship. And yes I do. Let’s! Reply to this message on that blog I guess?
Did you see where I tagged you? Just want to make sure it worked 🙂
Found it!!…..2 days later. 😉 haha
not to butt in… buy yeah same here! my mom likes guys like big daddy weave and the like… i like them too but i enjoy christian rock/rap/techno more…
What are some bands you like? You too, @disqus_clxqoYwM08:disqus I’m trying to find some good, current-sounding songs for something. (Harder is probably better too.)
For King & Country has some awesome, modern-sounding stuff. Lecrae is also great 🙂 I love Tenth Avenue North, too
Thank you 🙂
tobymac, switchfoot, dc talk, and guys like that are awesome. friend me on facebook and look at my spotify playlist
Can’t friend you – don’t have Facebook. Your name’s Nathan McCoy, right? I’ll look it up tomorrow 🙂
(Reply to this so I remember, will ya? I forget EVERYTHING!)
yeah thats me
I found you, but now I don’t see your playlist; is it private maybe?
no i made it public….
I still don’t see it… 🙁
just click on the ‘view all suggestions’ and scroll thru till u find me. it helps a lot when ur friends with me on facebook when tryin to find playlists on spotify…. i will c what i can do for u
https://play.spotify.com/user/12175499546/playlist/0Lre9Y514hFw7cGp3YQppT
I find you through the link, but it’s weird… I don’t see any public playlists through the normal icon. You’re the only Nathan McCoy who’s following/followed by your sister, right?
yup.hmmm
here ya go!
Yeah, some people like Skillet, some don’t. It just depends on taste. 🙂 I actually like all of those artists! (except Il Divo, I’m not sure who they are.) Matthew West’s song Do Something really inspires me.
Ok, I thought I replied to this but can’t find it so forgive me if this is the second time!(Yeah, well that’s good to hear, and you should look Il Divo up and tell me what you think. They’re a very select taste so you may not like them but than again crazy things have happened!(me for example) 😉 haha Oh yes I like that song~!
Actually, they weren’t too bad! Don’t worry… you only replied once 😉
Thanks for the introduction. I enjoy exploring music 🙂 🙂 🙂
Haha good! I can never tell. 😉 And np, me and my family like them a lot. 🙂 Well consider yourself…hmmm explored??? lol
thank you!! i totally agree. spotify rocks.. am listenin to it right now! and i like radioactive..
There is a difference between what’s right and wrong and what’s beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23) Is it wrong for Christians to listen to secular music? As long as it doesn’t contain inappropriate content, no. I don’t think it’s wrong. If, however, the songs you are listening to have very little meaning to them and are more full of “fluff,” there are probably better things you could be listening to. There are a lot of songs out there that while they may not be definitively “Christian” songs, they actually have a fairly good message. On the other hand, there are also technically “Christian” songs out there that have a pretty shallow message and aren’t particularly beneficial either. I personally have chose not to listen to secular music because I would rather be spiritually encouraged by the songs that I listen to. I don’t think it’s wrong to listen to secular music, but I would challenge anyone struggling with this question to evaluate the message that the songs they listen to convey. It’s probably a better use of your time and resources to be listening to music that is uplifting and glorifying to God rather than songs that don’t have much meaning to them.
Great comment. Very accurate. Some comments seem to have “excuses” why it’s not wrong to listen to fluffy “gray area” music and they probably don’t realize it. And that’s very inconsistent with what a Christian is and should be. (Not preaching at anyone just saying it the way it comes to my mind.)
Right on!
My feelings exactly. Well said!
As an example, I personally don’t like Francesca Battistelli that much, because the lyrics seem somewhat self focused, even though she is a Christian Artist.
I personally don’t think “gray area” music is bad to listen to, but I don’t listen to it that often because there are so many better alternatives! I love listening Tobymac, Lecrae, Capital Kings, Owl City, Royal Tailor, Hillsong Young and Free, etc… They glorify God AND sound awesome!!! 😀
I know most of those names, except for Royal Tailor. You gave me someone new to look up – thank you! 🙂
I love Royal Tailor!
so do i… and tobymac!
Yep!
i love tobymac!! manafest has some good stuff too…
I like Manafest too! And Switchfoot, and Abandon, and Skillet, and Mat Kearney, and Mandisa, and KJ-52, and Colton Dixon and… shall I go on? 🙂 Believe me, there’s more!
i like all those guys too!!! lol thats kolo.
Cool! What’s your playlist called on Spotify?
just under nathan mccoy ‘awesome songs’
Cool, thanks.
There are all kinds of playlists titled ‘awesome songs’ :,(
i mean kool lol
dude you need to check out my spotify playlist
Do you, by any chance, listen to Air-1 radio?
Yeah, I do!
YOU ROCK!!!!! I know just about all those bands because of Air-1. Where do you live?
Thanks, you rock too! 😀 I live just outside of Portland, OR.
I live west of Indianapolis. In a town called Avon. Near the Prestwick golf course. In a neighborhood called Prestwick Green. : ) Too bad you live so far away: I’ll bet we could be buddies!
Bummer, that’d be cool!
Yeah. Me and my neighbors play kickball and whiffle ball in the court we live in. We spray-painted white bases on the asphalt and we use the court as a baseball diamond. 🙂 It’s pretty fun.
Cool, that does sound fun!
And Lecrae, Matthew West, Chris Tomlin, Brandon Heath, Stephan Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Phil Wickham, Rend Collective, Tenth Avenue North, For King and Country, and on and on and on…
🙂
YES!!!!!
@disqus_ePP3Yyx781:disqus I just looked at your profile on Disqus, and saw that you liked photography! That is one of my interests as well. What camera do you use? An EOS Rebel? Do you have any other lenses than the 18-55mm?
That’s cool! I have a EOS Rebel XSi and unfortunately just the kit lens. What about you?
Neat! The XSi is a good camera.
I bought a Powershot when I was 12, then a Rebel T2I when I was 13, and then I bought a 60D when I was 14 (last year). Hard work pays off, eh?
As far a my lenses, I have a 50mm prime 1.8, a 18-55mm, 55-250mm an older 35-80mm USM lens, and another that is not.
If you are looking for a lens, I would get the 50mm prime 1.8. 🙂 Great quality and very affordable for a lens. ($100 new)
Take a look at some of these photos that I took, and let me know your thoughts/critique :
http://ethanhutchison.zenfolio.com
And these below are from a baptism in a small pond this summer. 🙂
http://ethanhutchison.zenfolio.com/p670772926
Wow, those are really great photos!!! You’re really good! Thanks for the lens suggestion… I’ll check it out.
I’m not sure about that… I just take a lot. I have over 12,000 photos that I have saved. 🙂
Hopefully a dozen or so should be good!!!
Wow, that’s a lot of photos! I’m trying to get a photography site set up too. I can give you the link when I publish it if you want…
Sure! I’d love to see it! I think flicker may do something like that. Not sure, though!
Hey, Ethan, love the new profile picture. ; D
Me too! And I caught a reference in Christian pop culture… that’s pretty awesome 🙂 I wouldn’t have caught that two years ago.
Good! What reference are you talking about?
“Love Ran Red”
Oh! Yes. It is pretty amazing to think about the simpleness yet amazing message in those three words!
Yes…
I’m going to the Love Ran Red tour with Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, and Rend Collective this weekend!! SO excited :).
Those are three of my favorites! I’m slightly jealous 😀
Yes! Me too… I’ve always wanted to see Chris Tomlin, and the others make it even better!
Did you have to tell us?
You’re just rubbing salt in a wound!
Yes, she had to tell us… to do otherwise would be to conceal the truth.
Yep yep! I couldn’t resist the force…
What can I say? You’re a teenager 🙂
But wait….isn’t the purpose of this site to explode low expectations??? 😉
Yeah… Ooops…
Sounds like fun!
I’m going to sound like I don’t know much (actually that’s not too far off in the world of current music), but who’s Rend Collective?
The most famous band in Christian music history.
Just kidding… They are a great Irish band. Awesome.
Irish? I have to look them up now!!
Yes! Look up My Lighthouse.
Okay 🙂
Yes! I love that song!
Love that song!
FYI, if you look up My Lighthouse and start it playing while you’ve got the LOTR soundtrack playing, it sounds really weird!
I like it 🙂 Thank y’all for pointing me to another great band!
Sure!
When anything is Irish it’s automatically awesome =)
Oh yes, especially my sister-in-law and music 🙂
You’re sister-in-law is Irish?
Yes 🙂 Not native Irish, but almost full Irish background. And she married a German… does that mean their kids will have German stubbornness and have an Irish temper? That would be a sight to see!
Thanks man! I was tired of the thorn…
OH! is that what it was? I thought it was just a stick or something……………
Hey, I know it’s been a long time but I finally published a photography site if you’re still interested. It’s at http://www.wrphotography.weebly.com. Wait, why does it say you’re a guest?!
Ethan left the Reb…he’d been commenting w/o his parent’s permission. :-((((
Oh, bummer. Thanks for letting me know.
I just looked at your site 🙂
Thanks! =D
You’re welcome 🙂
I found your last name 🙂
Ahhhh I found it. 🙂 I’ll have to tell @mimeforjesus:disqus 😛
Not any more!!! Haha…
I found it first! :p
All of those bands/artists are amazing!!! And Air-1 is the best.
What is Air- 1? That may be a stupid question, but…
🙂
Oh, Air-1 is a radio program. Where I live the station is 90.5, but I’m assuming that is not what it is for you. Look it up at airone.com (I think that’s what the website is…)
Thanks! To bad that we don’t have that here! 🙁
Are you sure you don’t get it? I think that it is broadcasted in NY, and I get it in IN.
Hey! I just got an idea. What’s your zip code, I can find what the frequency is for you where you live.
(By the way, the website is Air1.com, with the “one” an actual number.:)
The closest station (Joplin, MO )is over an hour away, and there is a non christian station near us that broadcasts on the same frequency. 🙁
I am going to try their app, though!
I wonder if anyone on these comments sections is a HAM radio operator… I am, and that would be fun! You could get your license (Very easy!) and we could talk on the radio!!!
HAM radio operator?
Haha, sorry!
HAM radio (aka Amateur Radio) is a set of frequencies in the radio wave spectrum devoted to “The increase of international goodwill” according to the FCC. So basically, it is for fun. 🙂
More logistically, it is a fm/am radio for personal use. It requires a license, but it is easy to get, and low cost ($20). You then can hook into repeaters, and bounce radio waves off of the atmosphere, to all over the world. So, I (in SW MO) could talk to you (in Indiana)!!!
It is a LOT of fun, and it is used a lot in emergency communications :).
http://www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio
Sweet! I’ll have to check out that website in the near future! ;D (using the capital “d” makes smiley faces that much more expressive!) 😀
Yes! It does.
😀
What do you think of that?
This is a GREAT conversation!
Yes! It is!
🙂
🙂
😀
😀
@(^_^)@
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Ok, I’m impressed…….
I’m working on getting a license but where do I take the test?
That is exciting!
You can find out more info at http://www.arrl.org and find a place near you. Then, when you get your license, TELL ME and we will try to talk over the radio. That will be fun! I live in SW Missouri. Any other questions???
🙂
sweet, sounds good! Also how long will it take to get a license?
I bought a book on amazon, and went through most of it over a few months. Then, I took the test, passed and am waiting for you to get your license to be my first contact on the radio!!!
The book: http://www.amazon.com/Technician-2014-18-Element-License-Preparation/dp/0945053797/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1424832167&sr=8-3&keywords=ham+radio+book
nice, thanks for the link. what class are you?
Technician class. Have you already started studying?
And BTW, welcome to the comments!
I’ve kind of been looking into it and thanks, I feel welcomed!
Good! Let me know if you have questions!!!
alright will do, oh btw what is your call sign?
KEOB0H
Nice, I’ll tell you mine when I get it!
Ok!
What instruments do you play?
I play violin and trumpet. I am learning guitar, mandolin, french horn, and want to learn upright base!
Neat! I play the violin as well! How long have you played??? That is a lot of instruments!
i’ve played for 9 years. You?
Two. 🙂 Sazuki Violin book 2, at the end.
You must be pretty good!
i’m Ok. I kind of strayed off the Sazuki path and went with fiddle!
That’s fun too!!! I know a few fiddle songs, but I mostly enjoy playing praise and worship songs. You should try Come Thou Fount!
ok, I will. that is a great song. have you listened to Pillar yet?
Not much yet! I will though…
🙂
Nice!
I’m about to look them up! 🙂
nice
Have you started studying yet??? Just thinking about it, and thought id ask.
um, no, not yet, I’ve got caught up in school work for a bit. I probably will start over break.
That’s fine! Let me know when you do…
🙂
k will do 🙂
Yes.
Me too! It is an awesome passage to memorise.
thanks, I think it’s a good verse to keep in mind, especially when we do hard things!
Yep, I LOVE those verses too. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible :).
definitely a good chapter:)
As far as the radio itself, you can get a inexpensive one for $25, but that will not reach me. But, you can get a free app called EchoLink that I can use to get to a local repeater in your area.
ok, I’ll definitely look into that. great meeting someone else who’s into ham radios!
Yea! And who is a Christian!
I am!
Me as well. Fun!
nice!
Oh, if you want to take your profile off of private viewing, I will follow you! 🙂
oops I’ll do that
alright I did that!
YOU ROCK AS WELL!!!!!! I’m not saying that those who don’t listen to air-1 for whatever reason don’t rock, (just to prove my point: those-who-don’t-listen-to-air-1-for-whatever-reason, YOU ROCK!!!!!) but air-1 really is a good source of Christians songs and encouragement. 😀
Haha, agreed! If all other music fails and I can’t decide what I want to listen to, air-1 is always playing exactly what I need to hear. It’s so cool how God uses everything, even radio stations, to impact our lives just at the right moment!
You said it!!!! I like how people call in to Air1 and tell their stories. 😀
Totally! It’s such an awesome reminder that He’s working everywhere, 24/7! :))
Yes. I’m glad that they are using their talent to glorify The Lord.
Love all of those singers!
Yeah! Well worth listening to!
That’s why they are my favorite singers!
you should check out capital kings yall….
Capitol Kings has some really awesome remixes! We used to always use them as warm-up songs during basketball games 🙂
awesome!
Call me paranoid, but I’m somewhat careful with TobyMac. I like some of his music (Speak Life, Forgiveness), but I just can’t stand some (Eye On It, Unstoppable) because they just creep me out.
BTW, I don’t think anyone’s mentioned Jonathan Thulin
Who’s Jonathan Thulin?
I like Tobymac, but I can see how you wouldn’t like some of his music; I personally like Eye On It, but to each his own 🙂 And Speak Life is awesome!!
I don’t think you’re paranoid, I have “Christian” artists (but even more, authors) who I avoid like the plague.
Another singer (What did you think?) Hahaha. I really like his song Architecture.
Wow, sometimes I wonder if I’m going nuts! Sometimes I epitomize a lack of thoroughly reading what I’m replying to…
The grey is not the way. God says that He spits out the lukewarm (The grey area). I just recently found some very troubling news about Katy Perry. She was raised in a Christian environment but when she grew up she left that and became one of the most demonic women in the world. I watched a video where she said “I deny Christ to live for satan.” I was shocked! But before that in my book she fell in the grey area. That was an eye opener to me.
a good friend of mine recently told me he was a satanist…. i was shocked.
Yikes!
Check out this website, if you haven’t already: http://www.livingwaters.com
Great evangelistic materials.
ok thnx
Sheesh, that’s hard. I had a friend leave Christianity, but he didn’t turn Satanist. I can only imagine your situation. Praying for your friend!
thanks… appreciate it
No problem. I kinda know what you must feel like. 🙁
There is a line where we need to stop. But, just because there is a song that doesn’t mention God or isn’t Christian based does not mean that it’s wrong. For instance, macklemore’s song, “can’t hold us”, it is definitely not a Christian song, but I don’t think that it’s a bad song to listen to.
Agreed, but I also think we should look into what the particular artist believes or supports before we just listen to something that may sneak in things that are not healthy for our soul.
For example, you wouldn’t want to support an artist that donates millions of dollars to a homosexual group, or something of the like.
Am I wrong here? Correct me if I am.
That is actually a thought I have been wrestling with a lot, is it right to support companies that support homosexuality? A lot of big brands have put out commercials featuring such relationships (Gap, Starbucks, Target, Burger King). I really don’t know. Sorry to be so off topic, but if anyone has any thoughts, I’d like to hear ’em:)
That’s where it gets so hard… I personally don’t buy anything from JC Penny anymore because they donate to Planned Parenthood, but there are so many brands that support homosexuality now that it’s hard to buy anything anymore without supporting one wrong thing or another. Can’t help you, but I have the same question 🙂
(FYI I find abortion to be worse than homosexuality, that’s why I used JC Penny as my example.)
Wow I did not know that about JC Penny thank you so much for pointing that out. That’s really a shame, I monogram towels for an orphanage and they have a great color selection, I will have to pray about that. I had never thought before just now about how so many companies support Susan G Komen, and that organization donates a lot to Planned Parenthood. Do you know of any other companies that support PP? You know how we admire abolitionists for all that they did? There’s a part of me that wants to be like that, and there’s another part that wants life to be easy. But Paul did say to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols… idk. Sorry-thinking out loud:)
Interesting quote by a guy who was eventually executed for opposing the Third Reich. “Where does the truth lie? Should one go off and build a little house with flowers outside the windows and a garden outside the door and extol and thank God and turnone’s back on the world and its filth? Isn’t seclusion a form of treachery of desertion? I’m weak and puny, but I want to do what is right.”
Ooh, that’s a hard one. How could we be okay with supporting such companies? I agree that PP is worse, but both are sin.
@Brett Harris
what are your thoughts on this issue?
@Clare @mimeforJesus
Why don’t you submit this for everyone to answer?
Good thinking 🙂 You want to, @disqus_9p1eGFJkII:disqus ?
I did earlier this week, but if you or anybody else want to submit the topic go ahead you may’ve thought of something I hadn’t:)
Great! Thanks!
@disqus_9p1eGFJkII:disqus @mimeforjesus:disqus
Why don’t you submit this for everyone to answer?
That was me below, but something did’t work.
Good thinking 🙂 You want to, @disqus_9p1eGFJkII:disqus ?
I don’t think they directly support PP, it’s just SGK. But yeah, it’s sad. (You notice that after they started supporting SGK, their business went downhill…)
I don’t think it’s right to defend them for their position, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t buy things from them. If we tried to pick and choose where we shop based on the company’s positions on gay marriage and abortion, I think that we would basically have nowhere left and we would be forced to be completely self-sufficient (except maybe for Chick-fil-A). Yet I do feel guilty purchasing from a company that effectively pays for babies to be killed.
That’s true it’s an almost impossible position to maintain. Really if a pure standard were to be kept, we would have to nix taxes (which the Bible clearly says are to be paid) and most healthcare. It’s a very sticky situation. I guess it would depend on how much of the proceeds was going to abortion/homosexuality. Course then, I’m still funding an abortion, just a smaller part of one:/
Yes. I think we should pay our taxes like Jesus said, and He will judge those who use that money, by the way that they use it.
Great job getting this into a discussion!!!
Thanks!
Chick-fil-A!!! *happy dance*
I’ve really only listened to christian music, but I believe that if it doesn’t honor God it’s not nesisary. After all, what are we doing on this earth? I don’t think its to listen to pop music! We are here to spread the gospel!!
Right! I listen to christian music only as well.
Great!! So I’m not the only person! 🙂
Yes! I like music that encourages me and doesn’t tear me down. 🙂
No! You’re not the only one. Other than at work (other people choose it there) I listen to Christian, Christian, and nothing but Christian 🙂
I’m not disagreeing, but listening to Christian Music doesn’t spread the Gospel either, especially certain “Christian” songs that are nearly indistinguishable from secular music.
For Example (Not saying that these are bad):
Hold Me – Jamie Grace
Eye On It – TobyMac (This one creeps me out, check the official music video; I actually think there might be something going on with TobyMac)
By Your Side – Tenth Avenue North (I actually really like this song)
Draw Me Close – Many Versions (I know, this one is a common worship song)
Yeah, a lot of songs are what my family calls “Christianeze”
That depends on how you look at it, I have some friends that with the music and message combined got saved.
I guess some songs might help, but I still think that the majority of Christian Contemporary music won’t help much.
I think it goes both ways… it’s not helpful in some cases, and in others it is helpful.
For me, ’tis much easier to keep my mind on God when I listen to Christian music.
Completely agree, I like to have christian music playing all night so I go to sleep hearing God and wake up hearing him in the morning.
I’m so stealing that idea!!!!!!
Its not a bad song… But is there songs better that you could be listening to that would draw you closer to God instead?
i believe that anyone can interpret any song any way. for instance some people say that radioactive by imagine dragons is a song supporting the new age, and i definitely see where they are coming from…. however different people interpret it differenty….i see that song as how the singer sort of now sees what the new age movement really is “im waking up” and stuff. i do believe that many songs are demonic and stuff, so it is wise to use discretion when choosing what secular music to listen to, but its not all bad
Wasn’t Lucifer in charge of the music before the fall? Or am I not remembering well. Anyway, he sure knows how to use it to his advantage and to suck people’s attention away from God.
What? I’ve never heard that before where do you get that from?
I don’t remember exactly (I probably am wrong!) but here are two articles that may explain:
https://carm.org/questions/about-demons/was-lucifer-originally-angel-worship
http://www.turnbacktogod.com/lucifer-angel-of-music/
Hmmm just now read the carm article but I don’t think half a verse from Ezekiel is enough to support an entire doctrine on…satan does know how to use music for his advantage but we we are supposed to praise God through music as well.
I agree; it doesn’t even matter that much. If I was using a half of a verse to “prove” that satan is Jesus’ brother; you should ban me from this forum!!!
🙂
Everything that God made good, satan distorts to try make it bad.
I always heard it myself… I asked about it once, and was thoroughly convinced (a gazillion Bible verses and my brother expounding on every word therein).
That’s what I hear too.
I completely agree. I think it is because most Christians aren’t homosexual, but they do lie, steal, commit adultery, etc, so they don’t think what they do is as bad as what others do.
@disqus_9p1eGFJkII:disqus, @disqus_rHUVb4P7uQ:disqus, @mimeforjesus:disqus, and @karljacobn:disqus, The PERFECT passage on this subject: Romans 1:18-the first part of chapter 2. Yikes! 🙂
Yep that’s pretty serious. I think there’s a fine line btwn being judgmental in a way that only God has the right to be and being tolerant of sin. I love 2:4, the OT law shows how great God’s wrath towards sin is, in light of that it is amazing how He has been soooo gracious with this world for so long. His wrath is so great and this world is so evil, His patience is overwhelming. Surely I, who do not begin to know how horrible sin really is, can be patient and gracious to those wrestling with sin.
Amen! You actually used the word “wrath” in connection with “God.” I’m impressed! You must secretly be attending my church haha. 🙂
Or she’s from my family…
M4J, I think I saw somewhere that you like Spanish, if so, do you know of any good books or cds or anything you would recommend?
Co-op. It is the best way to go. Or if you have a community college where you could dual-enroll, it is TOTALLY worth it. Other than that – I found this online curriculum which I think works better than a book… I’ve used it to get ahead of my class or to brush up before a test. If it’s of any help: http://www.spanishdict.com/learn
And if you want to come on here and talk to me in Spanish I’d love to chat like that 🙂 If you ever need help I’m pretty good at speaking the language, so maybe I could help you…
Awesome thanks so much! I’d love to talk Spanish and will definitely take you up on the help! Right now I’m trying to memorize the ser and estar verbs:)
Es difi’cil, ?no?
My class in emails to the teacher will put apostrophe’s after a letter that has an accent and do ? and ! where we really should have an upside-down ? or ! You want to do that?
It looks kinda funny, but it works…
Si, es muuuuuy difi,cil. Sino yo soy lento con el engleis(not sure how to spell that), entonces el Español…. Yep that is a really great idea I had never thought of that!
Okay, I’ll correct you if I see something wrong. But just because it doesn’t make sense to me doesn’t mean you’re wrong – I’m still learning, too!
What year are you? I’m seeing words I don’t know yet!
?Cua’ntos hermanos tienes?
!Bien gracias! Tengo tres hermanos. Mi hermano Felipe, tiene quince an~os, mi hermana Mari’a tiene once anos y mi hermana mas pequen~a llamada Belita tiene tres an~os. (Mi nombre en el Espan~ol es Clara). ?Cua`ntos hermanos tienes tu`?
Yo tengo siete hermanos – cuatro hermanas y tres hermanos. No debo hablar sus nombres en el Internet. :/
Tengo die’ciseis an~os.
?Que’ haces cuando tienes tiempo libre? (I have no idea if I”m allowed to say “free time” that way…)
Wow tu familia es muy grande, que un bendicio`n! Yo tengo die`cisiete anos. Para el tiempo libre (sounds good!) yo lee mucho (ficcio`n, teolo`gico), eschucho a musi`ca, knit (don’t know the word for that) y estudio el Espan~ol y American Sign Language (no soy deaf):) Y tu?
Si’, es un bendicio’n grande 🙂
?Lees mucho ficcio’n? (What genres?)
You knit! 🙂 I crochet!
?Te gusta escuchar musica de quie’n?
!Estudias ASL! Yo se’ un poco tambie’n, pero no lo estudio; lo aprendo de mis amigos 🙂
Tambie’n soy una mimea y actri’z, y yo escribo muuucho. This is a ton of fun!
( @Brett_Harris:disqus – are you okay with us talking in a language you can’t really monitor? Just realized you’re trying to monitor this…)
Si mucho, problamente mas de yo debo:) Yo gusto todo de los genres excepto romance y el ficcion de las scienia`s, son buenos, pero no mis favoritos. Especialmente gusto los mysteries, sino es dificil ‘finding’ los appropriados, Randy Alcorn escribo unos buenos. Tambie`n gusto los ficciones historical. Tu lees mucho?
!Que suave! Yo crochet un poco tambie’n:) Que gusta crochet? So as far as I know, ‘suave’ and ‘chido’ both mean cool, do you know if they are interchangeable?
Oooh, mis favoritos son los Casting Crowns, Newsboys y Mandisa:) Y tu?
El ASL es bien porque si no se’ una palabra, puedo ‘spell’!
Wow es muy suave tu gusta ‘acting’, por cuantos an~os have you acted? Yo gusto escribiendo tambie`n, que gusta escribes? I agree!
Lo siento no veo (past tense) tu pregunta de el an~o que estudio el Espan~ol:) Estudio como quatro an~os con la Rosetta Stone, y ‘spent’ un poco tiempo en el Mexi`co. Yo pienso la Rosetta Stone es bien por el vocabulario, pero mi grammatica esta un poco malo:)
Ver in past tense is “vi” FTR 🙂
!?Cuatro an~os?! !Ma’ma mia!
?Por que’ estuviste en Me’xico? Si’, Rosetta Stone es bien/buen (?) por el vocabulario 🙂
Pienso que to gramatica es un poco malo… No se’…
Oooh gracias-that’s muy helpful:)
Yo voy a el Mexico por los ‘trips’ de missio’nes:) ?Usas tu la Rosetta Stone? !Yo gusto mucho tu username nuevo!
No, no uso Rosetta Stone ya. Lo (la?) use’ cuando fui muy pequen~a. !gracias! !Me gusta tambie’n! FYI – using “gustar” you’re actually saying “To me _____ is pleasing” so you’d say “!(A mi’) me gusta mucho tu username nuevo!” The “A mi'” part is optional – it gives more emphasis to something or other…
!Que chido! ?Por (para?) cuantos an~os estudias el Espan~ol? Bueno gracias! Im trying to figure out su/suya/o. Pense` entendi` pero ahora no se:)
Estudie’ el espan~ol para dos an~os. No problema!
Yo no entiendo su/suya/suyo — you’re ahead of me! 🙂
Hmmm, I’m running out of things I know enough vocabulary to talk about — how about you?
Yep, that’s about the full extent of my vocab:) (sorry it took so long to respond to you I’ve been super busy)
It’s totally okay! 🙂
Great passage. Thanks for sharing!
Mmm so true. At the counselling center I volunteer at, most of the women claim to be Christian and most are out of wedlock. It is so sad how normal it is.
there is a good video on youtube that yall should watch. its called ‘the real and and only truth about this world pt. 1’. it is very creepy and insightful.
I think the real and only truth is pretty much just God and the Bible… 🙂
yes but it is based on the bible
One of the problems is when the children are affected by it; growing up with two fathers or two mothers is something that is harmful to the child, and they don’t have any choice in the matter. I agree, we should focus on following God ourselves, more than on others’ lives. (If you want to see good discussion on this, look at the DQ “Should Christians legislate morality?” It was a lot of fun to read through!)
His comments are pretty crude, so I’ll post a link to another site containing the quote. BE WARNED!!! http://pastebin.com/6VNa8kXs Mods, feel free to delete this if you feel it’s inappropriate for this discussion.
(BTW, I don’t have TV either; I saw it on the internet.)
You could edit it out yourself… just a thought. I’ll just take your word that it’s pretty crude. I have no wish to put that in my mind.
You don’t have TV! Finally someone who understands me 🙂 Do y’all have Netflix?
Hey, we don’t have a tv or Netflix either! And haven’t for 10 years. Never missed it!
I grew up without TV, but then my parents got a “bundle deal” for phone and internet, and TV came along with it. It really drained time from all of us… I’m glad they dropped it after about a year. My family does have Netflix, but I last used it… let me think… two weeks ago with my brothers and sisters; before that, it was a really long time ago. I wouldn’t really miss it if my parents dropped that, either 🙂
It’s is kinda annoying, though, when my friends are all talking about a new movie and I’m like, “What are you talking about?”
Me too! And I actually don’t mind. I didn’t even know what pokemon was until last year, and the people that I was talking to couldn’t believe it!
Pokeman? I actually don’t know that name! Normally I don’t mind, but some specific friends have a way of making me feel like I should know what they’re talking about.
But I get to redeem the time in better ways, like writing for SOG and the Reb 🙂
Yeah, I think it’s some sort of video game that everyone is supposed to know about! I like knowing about useful things, rather than wastes of time! Like working on Revive…
What is SOG?
Hmmm I posted a reply but it disappeared. I apologize if you get this twice…
It’s Trent Blake’s blog “Soldiers of God.” =)
Just once!
I’ll have to check it out!
You should! His url is foreversoldiersofgod.blogspot.com 🙂
Thanks!
Soldiers of God 🙂 If you haven’t checked it out you should!
Haha I just gained a lot of respect for you. 😉 Pokemon is some sort of Japanese video game series that makes trading cards with different characters (pokemon) on them. It’s kind of like…I don’t know violent creepy Mario with trading cards. =P
Oh. What is Mario?
Was that a joke? BC if you don’t know who Mario is… 😉
No joke! Now you know why everyone thinks I’m weird… I was hoping to fit in here…Oh well.
Just kidding, but I really don’t know what Mario is. Dead serious. 😐
Lol that’s fine we’re (almost) all homeschooled here 😉 Mario is a unlikely video game hero, a pudgy Italian plumber who wears a red hat and overalls. He (and his brother Luigi) always have to rescue a princess from the villain of the game, either a giant ape called Donkey Kong or a…turtle/dinosaur thingy named Bowser. He’s been around since like the 80’s I think, and they’ve released hundreds of games with him in it. They released a bunch for the one gaming system I have, a Wii. =)
Oh, so I’m not missing out on anything! Glad to know that. Something else I don’t have to be concerned about!
🙂
I feel like such an outsider not being homeschooled. I was through 8th grade…but not anymore. ;(
(winky frowny face!!)
Quick question if you want to answer: Which one do you think contributed to your growth – homeschool or “real school”? I’m always curious, and since I can’t find out for myself I ask people who did it 🙂
I can’t really say one or the other. Both have influenced me quite a bit. I do go to a Christian school in my town; it’s really amazing to have teachers who are also believers! I think that homeschooling helped me to become a better student and to have a Biblical base to build upon. “Real” school, I think, has forced me to address my faith against real-world moral issues instead of just avoiding them. Having friends who I can trust and teachers who are mentors has been a big influence, too. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!
Okay, thank you 🙂
I don’t have any specific questions right now, but I’ll ask you if I think of any!
What!?!? Donkey Kong is a Mario villain??? I thought he was the hero (along with Diddy Kong) of the Donkey Kong games…
Yup…have you ever played the original “Donkey Kong” game? It’s an arcade game that started the whole Mario thing…Donkey Kong kidnaps peach and mario has to climb to the top of a structure while jumping over flaming barrels that DK is rolling at him. It’s fun! =)
I wouldn’t know what Mario is, either, if I hadn’t been over at a *public-schooled* friend’s house one afternoon, and she wanted to play on the Wii…
Funny how a public-schooler introduced me to it 🙂 If it hadn’t been for her, I would have no idea what people are talking about, either.
Okay, interesting… kinda.
Haha you don’t have to say it’s interesting…it’s not really. 😉
Interesting in a weird way…
Yeah, that’s pretty much it… only the characters are weird hybrid animals that always have huge grins on their faces and evolve when they level up enough. One of my friends could probably tell you the name of every pokemon at every level. Yeah, I’m a homeschooling gamer…
I know exactly what you mean… it never bothered me that i had no clue what my friends were talking about until recently… do you have any advice? It’s all trivial, i mean, it doesn’t matter in light of eternity, but it doesn’t feel great to be left out :/
I do! It may not be right, but…be proud of not knowing about it! And know a ton about other more worthwhile things. That’s my two cents!
Thanks for the encouragement, Ethan… I think you are spot on 🙂
Um… I used to be “weird” and proud of it, but recently I’ve wanted to know some of what my friends are talking about too. One thing I did is, I would look up a movie they were talking about, and see what-all was in it. Most of the time, I would be turned off by all of the bad stuff in there, and I wouldn’t want to watch it any more.
You could try and find common ground somewhere — anywhere! I mean, I know that most of my friends love LOTR, so I can think “You know this movie, and I don’t, but we also both love the other movie.” I dunno… for me it works. Makes me think of the Blimey Cow video about friends… I think this was one of the things friends do to you – they make you feel _____ for not having watched X movie. I’ll tell you more if I remember it – it’s 11:30 my time, so I’m not thinking at maximum capacity right now.
That sounds so much like me, it’s scary 😉 Yeah, LOTR Is amazing, but most of my friends think that’s weird too… oh well. I like your advice, about finding middle ground though… I’ll try that 🙂 Thanks MFJ! I really appreciate you replying!
Did I already answer this? Cause if I did, I won’t do it again… if not, I will answer you! (My computer and Disqus don’t get along well.)
I don’t think you did, or if you did, i didn’t get it 🙂
Oh, okay then! I must have thought out a reply and not ever typed it up… I do that a lot 🙁
Even if you just find out that you and another person both like to read one book, you and this person then have a connection. Find enough people like that and your whole group of friends is like you in one way or another.
Something else you can do is, if you look up a movie that’s referenced a lot, and it doesn’t look too bad, you can try watching it. Probably it’s only good to watch one time through (a lot of movies are STUPID!!!) but then you might have an idea what people are talking about, anyway.
And you can always talk to us weirdos on here who don’t know current movies, either! 🙂
Ooops *facepalm* i think you did reply to this once… sorry! But Thank you SOOOOO much for replying to my vent of sorts 🙂 I really appreciate all you guys and gals on here 🙂
That’s what we’re here for! 😀
Yeah, I couldn’t edit it out really. It’s pretty much the whole quote. Let’s just say that it’s a little too…anatomical.
No Netflix here, but we do have Amazon Prime. Not a huge selection, though, and they just removed Doctor Who so I’m bummed about that.
I meant you could edit out the link, actually…
I never got into Doctor Who, so I can’t say I feel your pain. Did it ever strike you as weird?
Done! And yes, it does strike me as weird on occasion, but generally it’s in a good way. I guess I’m just a nerd at heart.
I know some fellow-nerds of yours, then. All four of the kids in the family are Dr. Who fanatics!
Is your profile pic from Dr. Who?
Yes, yes, it is.
Hi Seth! Welcome to the Rebelution!
I’m with you about (Christian?) friends listening to country music… do you have any advice on how to counter that? I have a job where it’s like that/
My thought is kind of like this: if the song is not obviously degrading, inappropriate, or just plain wrong, then I think one should be careful about confronting that person about the song. In that person’s conscience, they might feel ok about listening to that type of music. I think we need to discern between wether or not the music is wrong or it’s just a style that we oursleves don’t care for. It’s a rather grey area in the Christian walk, so there will be many different view points. I think it’s mostly a heart issue, though.
If a certain song serves as a stumbling block for you, though, in a certain area of life, I think it would be ok to confront someone and ask them not to play the song around you. If they refuse to stop then it’s an issue between them and God. It’s easier said than done though! 😣
Sorry for the late reply! Somehow I thought I’d already answered you when I hadn’t, and then I was too busy to make sure.
Thanks, I see what you mean. One of those things I have to figure out… It’d be so much easier to decide it’s their problem, not mine!
Yup I hear ya!
i agree.. altho a lot of country talks about God too.
Yeah, but most of the country I hear nowadays only mentions God as a swearword… probably depends on what country you’re listening to.
yeah i mostly listen to older stuff
The older country songs are the best! 🙂
yup
Hey MFJ, @jesusfreaknate:disqus and @disqus_zxr2krNx5O:disqus – if you guys want a country singer who’s a Christian too, I can highly recommend Colin Buchanan. He’s Aussie (and so his songs do revolve a lot around Aussie country and situations), and he’s won multiple Golden Guitars (which I’m pretty sure is our highest country music award). Not exactly sure how Aussie ‘country’ genre compares to the US ‘country’ genre, but they can’t be that different. I’d definitely recommend you check him out.
Okay, I’ll look at him 🙂
I love Colin! He’s great! I grew (and am growing) up listening to him!
Hey! Fellow Aussie!!! *high-fives*
I am now following you!
I followed you back! 🙂
Hey, well, since we are in the minority, we must stick together! 😀
Haha, yes indeed!
cool, thanks
Yeah, but I haven’t heard many country songs that talk about God respectfully. Examples: “God made girls… He said boys look out cause I’m about to rock your world”, “The boys ’round here, sendin’ up a prayer to the Man upstairs, backwoods legit, don’t take no s**t…”, “God is great, beer is good…”, and a host of others. Like I said, there definitely are some good country songs, but the majority of country that I’ve heard does not promote a healthy view of God. That’s my opinion though. 🙂
Yes. Brandon Heath’s Blue Mountain is country enough for me! And awesome words…Good Christian artist.
I listen to Christian artists only.
I only listen to Christian artists (or, if my mom’s around, Josh Groban – one of the few artists we both appreciate, and he’s fully clean; many songs actually could be about/from God) by choice; I only know country because of my job 🙁
I’m really blessed, I work in a restaurant, and that only plays classical music 🙂
Oh, wow… you are blessed! :
You sound like you work at my job… I recognized one or two of those quotes 🙁
where do u work?
A grocery store, in the back. People bring in whatever they feel like to listen to, and it almost always is the bad side of country music.
I never knew I could love worship music until someone brought it in one day! It’s not my normal style but I loved it right then!
cool, a grocery store we go to a lot has a computer with pandora radio playing all the time, and they let customers change the type of music.
i usually change it to tobymac. 🙂
Nice 🙂 If only I could… I’ll be working up front now, so I only have to deal with bluegrass isntrumental music now.
yeah most of that new stuff is just stupid
https://play.spotify.com/user/12175499546/playlist/0Lre9Y514hFw7cGp3YQppT
hey @disqus_ePP3Yyx781:disqus and yall here is tha link for my playlist
Thanks…
no prob.. let me know what u think
If the songs aren’t encouraging immorality or have suggestive content, you should be in the clear. It is up to your judgment to determine what is and is not inappropriate, and, although I prefer the Christian pop, just as long as you are only looking for a catching tune, you’re fine. The following are my favorite non-secular or Christian pop artists:
-Britt Nicole
-Jamie Grace
-Francesca Battistelli
-One Girl Nation
and so many more! I hope I have shed some light on the subject.
I love all those artists! I actually just saw Jamie Grace in concert a few days ago, on the Rock and Worship Roadshow tour. She’s an amazing singer, and such an inspiring person as well.
Are you new to The Rebelution? If so, welcome! :))
I only listen to Christian music. I don’t like most of the borderline Christian stuff. (as in things that aren’t obviously Christian) My favorites are lyrics straight from the Bible. Particularly Sons of Korah. When you listen to music, watch a movie or read a book you are engaging with another mind and have to be on your guard. The Scriptures are the only place I can open my mind completely, so I find that more relaxing. I have one exception though. Classical music which has no words. I find it relaxing too.
Yes, it’s important to do that. Have you ever listened to Marty Goetz? He is a Jewish man that came to Christ. A lot of his songs are almost directly out of the scripture.
That’s funny I saw this on my homepage and was like Mario Goetze???? (who’s the soccer player that scored the winning World Cup goal for Germany lol) #soccernerd
Haha. Funny!
Never heard of him. I don’t listen to music a lot. And I never go around looking for things. Some of what I listen to is stuff our family had on tapes before I was born. Keith Green in particular.
It does sound like something I would like though.
I feel like the question here isn’t whether we should listen to secular music but how the music will affect our daily lives in living for Him.
I listen to pop all the time, but I always make sure that the music isn’t hindering my walk with Him.
I feel today that secular music is regarded by Christians as evil (at least that’s how it’s looked at in my church). I believe that every human being is longing for Him. He has just created us that way. And so those pop artists make songs about looking for love or meaningful relationships. They want fulfillment, but they don’t know where to get that fulfillment from. In reality they want the same thing that Christians want. But the way they go about it is different.
Not all worldly music is bad, just most of the artists. This is coming from a teen who loves christian music, and usually listens to that alone. Whenever I tune into a worldly station,some of the first words are bad ones. So I usually stay away from that genre of music.
Hi there, Blake! I feel the same way about music; secular stuff is so often sickening, and for me at least, it directly affects my thinking.
Welcome to the Rebelution! I’m glad you’ve joined this community of teens 🙂
I believe the question should be rephrased as “can christians listen…” instead of “should”. If they “can” then they “should” if they desire to. Christians can listen to secular music if they desire to. While there are obvious limitations. I don’t think we should be jammin to the the Ying Yang twins, because what you take in does affect you (matt 6:22) and has a say in what you believe. Unfortunately a lot of mainstream (really popular on the radio) music does have content that is not congruent to what we believe. Now for the “grey area”, the music that is neither worship or just really dirty, is fair game to listen to. Some might protest, which is understandable. But if you alienate yourself from the culture completely you will have a very hard time relating to people who are not Christians (which is important since we’re purveyors of gospel towards such people). It is not a sin to listen to “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles (if it is, please provide a biblical reference along with theological explanation). It’s ok to listen to secular music. It’s also appropriate to not listen to music that we condone because of the content so opposite of the lives we strive to live.
personal music taste: My favorite artist is John Mark McMillan. I also like NeedtoBreathe, Lecrea, The Avett Brothers, and Mumnford and Sons (I’ll probably take some flack since the have a bad word in one of their songs). I appreciate other secular music as well as other christian artist who may or may not sing worship music.
Hi, Person! Welcome to the Rebelution! 🙂
I too think that the non-dirty but non-Christian music is sometimes fun, and can indeed be really inspiring – one of my favorite songs is “You Are Loved” by Josh Groban (if you haven’t heard it you should!).
Hm, I don’t know most of those names… other than Lecrae! Are the others similar to Lecrae, or are they different? I always love finding new artists to listen to 🙂
Hi back! lol and yes and no. John Mark McMillan and NeedtoBreathe are different music genres from Lecrea, but are similar in their approach to music. John Mark is like indie rock and NeedtoBreathe is just rock I guess but they are are pretty popular. But all of those guys and Lecrea are similar in that they are Christians but not all their music is necessarily worship. They almost create a new genre. Since they are all artist they express themselves (since that’s what art is) in their music, however, since Christ is prevalent in their lives themes of Christianity and other subject germane towards such often come out in their music. Like Needtobreathe has a song called “something beautiful” which does not mention God directly, but you can tell that they are kind of singing about/to Him. then they have a song called “A girl named Tennessee” that has nothing to do with God at all. Then you have “mutiplied” that could almost be a worship song if not already considered. And the others have similar styles in this sense. They are actually my favorites to listen to, I recommend them to any christian that just likes music
ps. John Mark McMillan is the author of the song “How He Loves”. David Crowder got permission from him to sing it. If you hear the story behind it you”ll probably cry, and the original version sung by John Mark will make you cry at the end as well. Lots of crying
Oh, I like those sort of artists; just because they’re Christian doesn’t mean that every song has to be about God!
I’ll look up the background for “How He Loves”! 🙂
Ahh, Josh Groban is the best. A girl’s got to have her love songs once in a while! 😛
Have you heard of 116, the rap group made up of a ton of different Christian rappers like Lecrae? They’re pretty awesome!
Lol, it took me a while to figure out some of his songs were love songs! I mean, “My Confession,” “Remember When It Rained,” “You Are Loved”… all those could be about/from God, and that’s how I took them. Most of his English love songs I just roll my eyes at, actually. But I like… *the name escapes me at the moment, so pretend like I just said the name of your favorite song* 🙂
No, I haven’t heard of 116; I’ll look them up! 🙂
Haha, it’s awesome how so many songs that were supposed to be about romantic relationships can be sung to God! Others… not so much. 😛
It’s interesting…
OK. First of all, some “christian” music can be just as bad as secular music. “ITS ALLLL ABOUT MEEEEE AND MY FEELINGSSS!!!!” You know? My dad (who is a pastor at my church) likes to say “If it can be sung to your girlfriend/boyfriend, it shouldn’t be sung in church.”
Also , it comes down to discernment. GO TO GODS WORD AND TO YOUR PARENTS before listening to something that might be “questionable.” It always helps to do research!!!
Also, if you want to listen secular music just to dance or get pumped up, go to Lecrea, Tripp Lee, Britt Nicole, Skillet, Warr Acers, Beckah Shea, Shai Linne, (And I’m sure you can find more.) IT IS SOSOSOSO GOOD and doesn’t make you feel guilty after listening to it. There is so much good music, might as well not bother with the junk.
That’s all I have for now. Hope it helps!
Philippians 1:27
I love nearly all of those artists! (And the other ones are going on my artists-to-look-up list.) Some of my other upbeat favorites are Hillsong Young & Free, Tedashii, Maniac Drive, and Group 1 Crew.
Are you new to The Rebelution? If so, welcome! :))
Yes I am! And thank you for the welcome! I love all those artists to!!
I REALLY recommend ALL of the ones I listed. They are so fun to listen to!
I haven’t heard Maniac Drive before. Are they more of a christian rock band?
Yeah, Maniac Drive is more rock and rap. I’m listening to Warr Acres right now for the first time. They’re amazing!
I 100% agree! I love their song freedom. and I found Maniac Drive. They are really good!! 😀
I am really enjoying finding out about all these new bands and singers! Keep it coming!!!!
Have you heard of Colton Dixon? He is really good! He is a Christian singer; don’t let his hair scare you away!!!
XD
Ha! His hair is pretty scary. XD He’s not my favorite artist, but he is good.
Haha!! Yes! =) He’s got some pretty good music
Which of his songs is your favorite? I think I like “More of You” the best. That vocal/instrumental thing at the end of the chorus just will NOT get out of my head. (And you know I’m humming it right now, lol.)
I would have to agree. The way he mixes the classic version with the more modern music is really cool. (Not to mention the original hymn is A-M-A-ZING!) 🙂
Yeah, I always like when contemporary artists “flip hymns”, so to speak, or use part of it for a bridge or something. It just connects you to the song that much faster. 🙂
If you like the hymns, try Indelible Grace. They are really really good!!
I’m a blonde homeschooled southern pastors daughter. Very little scares me!
Haha… Did you see the picture?!?!
OK. I admit it. that’s just FUNNY!! It’s weird to think how much hair gel he must go through…XD
Yeah! For the album cover Anchor he used jello in his hair for the underwater shot!
Jello? In his hair? I think you’re getting jello and gel mixed up, my friend. 😛
And on a side note y’all are going crazy with the comments today!
Haha… I don’t think so!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5OLetvabFs
That’s his video of the photoshoot. Crazy we are!!!
WOW his hair is AWE-SOME!!! lol but jello? why?????
It wont dissolve in water.
LOL!! That is nuts. But I guess you gotta do what ya gotta do!
YES!
ahh ok
It reminds me of Kevin from 3-2-1 Penguins!
LOL! I know right?! It’s AWESOME!!!
The comments or jello? or both? 😉
Both. 😉
Lol =) Are you new here?
Yep! Joined about 4 days ago. I AM LOVING IT!!!!
Haha great welcome to the Reb! =D
The comments or jello? or both? 😉
I’m thinking that too… I’ve got SO many comments in my inbox from this!!
I think that all the time!
Haha awesome! Well, if you want any more, I just found out about a band called I Am They, and I’ve fallen in love with all their songs!
Welcome!! 🙂 A lot of Britt Nicole’s new remix album is perfect for dancing to. Her music is a lot of fun!
I LOVE Britt Nicole!!! Whats your favorite song of hers? Mine is headphones. It is so fun to dance to!!
Thanks for the welcome! I am really loving The Rebleution!!! 😀
Headphones is awesome! I used to be pretty obsessed with her music (I’m sure I could sing Headphones by heart), but I think I overdid it–I got kind of burned out. I still really enjoy her music though. My favorite??…All This Time, Glow, The Lost Get Found…I can’t choose a favorite, lol. Although I LOVE the remix of Set The World On Fire. It took an awesome song and made it perfect. =)
Awesome!! What brought you here?
I have been browsing here for a while, and love it so thought it was high time to get involved! And so far, so AWESOME!!
I love all those songs too! But I haven’t heard the “Set the world on fire” remix. I’ll have to look that up!
What other singers do you like?
I’m glad you did! And let me know what you think when you listen to the remix. 🙂
Oh…For King & Country, Anthem Lights, Hillsong Young & Free, United, Moriah Peters, Superchick, Building 429, Newsboys, The Afters, Francesca Battistelli, The Piano Guys, Pentatonix… It’s a long list. =)
You sound like me! LOL!! I like soooo many different kinds of music, it’s weird! I like everything from rap to Celtic!
That was the best remix i have ever heard! And I don’t really like remixes much!!
Have you heard let it go by Anthem Lights? I thing it is the funniest song EVER!!
Haha, I’m not really into rap, but Celtic music is awesome! I know what you mean, though. 🙂 I’m glad you liked it! I’m not really into them either, but it was fun to hear a few of Britt Nicole’s songs in a new light. The remix of All This Time is good too. 🙂
Yes!! You mean the cover, right? They did a really awesome job, but they do on everything. I’m a total Lightbulb. XD Have you heard their K-Love song of the year mash-up?
No. that’s another I need to look up now! What a musical day this turned out to be… LOL!!
Have you heard the Glow remix by Britt? I like that one allot.
Whats your favorite Celtic song? Mine is Red is the Rose. SO PRETTY!!!!
Music can make any day awesome. =) I have! That’s another one I really like.
I just listened to it–beautiful song! I don’t listen to celtic music quite often enough to have a favorite, but I do really enjoy it. 🙂
Do you play any instruments?
I play the piano. You?
I agree about music. It is truly a gift from God!
Whats your favorite genre of music?
Awesome! I play the piano and sing. How long have you been playing?
Yes! And…uh…I don’t really have one. XD I only listen to a few groups that aren’t Christian (and they either do covers or just instrumental stuff), so I guess you could say I’m into the Christian genre?? Haha, like you said, I enjoy a wide range of music. What about you?
I’ve played the piano for abut 7 years, and I like to pretend I can sing. 😉
Same. My top 3 are rap, rock and (brace yourself) Celtic! I’m just weird that way! XD
I also like film scores for movies like Narnia, LOTR, Sound of Music and Cats. Those are VERY fun!
Cool! I’ve played piano for eight years. And don’t worry, I pretended to sing for years before my voice finally figured out how. 😉
Film scores are fun! I usually like ones from action movies, though. They motivate me to do stuff and not just sit around, if that makes sense, lol. But it’s another kind of music that I don’t go out of my way to listen to, I just enjoy it when I hear it. 🙂
I LOVE Anthem Lights too!! Like I’m kinda addicted right now :). That K-Love mash-up they did was awesome! I’ve been listening to it almost non-stop 🙂
Awesome!!! Yes, they are very addicting. They’re going to do another K-Love mash-up this year! I’m so excited!! 😀 Which of their other covers do you like?
Sorry for the delayed response, I’ve been crazy busy :).
Are they? I didn’t know. Yay!! Oh, I don’t know if I can pick a favorite, but I have to say I love their new Journey cover “Don’t Stop Believing”, and I also like some of the covers they did for One Republic. Hbu?
That’s fine! I know what that’s like. 🙂 The Journey cover is so good! I haven’t listened to the One Republic ones very much, so I’m having a hard time remembering. I’m not sure either… I currently like their covers of “Out of the Woods” and “Pompeii”. Have you tried listening to Caleb + Kelsey at all? I love their cover of “Maps”; they sound so good together!
No, I haven’t, but I’ve seen that they have a few songs and I’ll check them out. Have you heard their cover “Don’t You Worry Child”? It’s beautiful. That actually might be my favorite :). But I also love their original songs. Their new album “Escape” is great.
Cool! I just listened to it; it was one of those songs that somehow slipped under my radar. It was really good! Not like there was any other option, though. 😉 Me too! Although I haven’t gotten much of a chance to listen to their newest album. Maybe it’s time to get started. 🙂 Which one on the new album do you like the most?
My favorite is probably the song “Give Me A Lifetime” – I dunno, but I feel like it would be perfect for a wedding :). I also like “Be With You” mostly just cuz of the hilarious music video :D.
I hadn’t heard that one before, I love it!! Man, now I feel all mushy inside. 😛 lol. Haha, yes, the t-shirt craziness. XD have you seen their video for “Run Away”? I think I like that even better! 🙂
😀 Lol! Ikr, it does that to you!!
Yes, it’s classic. The stretching on the mill after they’re done, and Joey trying to give Alan a high-five and then failing =D.
Yessss!! That is exactly why I don’t give people high-fives. Too much potential for awkwardness! Poor Joey. XD
How long have you been a lightbulb? Were you a fan back when Kyle was around?
Ikr, the awkwardness!! It’s like when you wave back at someone across the room only to find that they’re not. waving. at. you. Whoopsi. (Oh, the horror!) 😉
No, I don’t remember Kyle. Who was he? I’ve only been a fan for about a year or so.
No, anything but that!! But then I get so paranoid about accidentally doing that that I sometimes don’t return waves that are intended for me. And then I feel so rude. 🙁
Kyle Kepucky; he was the member that Joey replaced. He began a career as a solo artist when he got married. He’s really talented!!
You should look up their Bruno Mars cover “Just The Way You Are”. First of all, it’s AMAZING. And it showcases Kyle’s voice well.
Also look up their music video “Can’t Shut Up”. It’s totally incredible, also has Kyle, and did I mention it’s totally incredible?! Plus, aside from their t-shirt/treadmill/etc. craziness, it’s the only actual music video they’ve ever done of an original song. So for that reason alone, it’s a must-see!
Ah! I’m going to stop now. 🙂
Whoa, that dude has an incredible voice. Do you know why he left the band? And that song is amazing!! It’s harder than a lot of the stuff they’ve done, but it’s so good. And I just listened to “Can’t Get Over You”. So good.
He does! You should check out his songs after he went solo, they’re really good. Well, apparently he always felt a calling to be a solo artist. So when he joined Anthem Lights, they all understood that it was just a step toward that and that he always had the intention of leaving someday. “Can’t Get Over You”, yes! I kind of miss them doing original Christian music. I mean, their new songs are good, but that was something special. Have you listened to “Stranger”? It’s one of my favorite songs of theirs. 🙂 “Outta My Mind” is really good too.
OH!! I didn’t realize that “Stranger” was their song!! I’ve heard it before but I never made the connection :P. Wow, I’m loving them even more now :).
Haha, I love when that happens! And just when you think it wasn’t possible to love them anymore.
*any more
🙂
Gah! That makes a big difference!
Haha. Did you see that TheRebelution is shutting down?
Ooooooh, now I get it….
They posted the new K-Love mash-up an hour ago!!! So gooooood!!!
I know!! Love it!! *deep happy sigh*
Ooh, Set The World On Fire is amazing, both in the original state and the remixed one!
Yes! Which of the other remixes do you like?
Welcome! 🙂 I’m glad you’re here. 🙂
Well thank you! I’m glad I’m here too! 😀
I like rock and roll, stuff that makes your adrenaline run. Problem is its hard to find a good rock band that isn’t cussing. I selectively pick songs from lots of different bands.
MUmford and Sons
NEEDTOBREATHE
Imagine Dragons
Pink floyd
Lumineers
These bands are good, i just recommend looking up the lyrics of their song first.
I think that as christians we are going to have to peicework our playlists with music from all different bands. Sure praise songs are good for church, and as teenagers we are naturally going to look at what our friends are listening to and what is cool.
That is just my two cents, let me know if you guys know of any good rock bands out there.
Alex
Hi there! Welcome to the Rebelution!
I hadn’t thought of that – picking the clean/good songs from secular artists. I tend to listen to all of someone’s music or just not try to listen to them. Good thinking! 😀
Hi Alex! Welcome to the Rebelution! I really like Imagine Dragons.
Hey, welcome to the Reb! NEEDTOBREATHE is a Christian band, right?
Kind of, the band is christian themselves, and some of their songs are christian, but a majority of their songs are just singing about life.
Ok, cool! Yeah, I usually try to avoid saying “Christian bands”, since the people can be Christian but the songs don’t have to be. It’s just my default setting to say Christian bands, though. 😉
It’s neat that you’re selective about what you listen to. Have you tried listening to Christian (there I go again) rock bands? Songs can have a positive/Christian message without being the “praise and worship” songs you associate with church.
Like MercyMe, Casting Crowns, and or Toby Mac? Yeah, i have tried listening to them but they just do not sound right. They sound like a rock wannabe. I dont really know of any other Christian authors other than those three.
Try Skillet, Warr acres, Thousand foot krutch, and Group 1 Crew. All of them REALLY rock!
Yeah, those are the big three in the Christian music world. There’s a lot more out there, though. Rock is a pretty broad genre, so I’m not really sure what to recommend (and I’m not familiar enough with the groups you mentioned to go from there). What kind of musical qualities do you look for in bands?
Hey! Try Lecrae if you’re looking for rap, or check out Disciple (a little older, but I like it), Red, or Skillet.
Disclaimer: I don’t really know what musical genres are called, so if they’re not rock please tell me! My family doesn’t really listen to current genres, so I have no idea what sound is “rock”. 🙂
Oh, and Mandisa is awesome, but I don’t think she qualifies as “rock”.
Yeah, I was going to recommend some of those. 🙂 the only thing is, like Skillet (which I think would be hard rock or something) is really different from NEEDTOBREATHE, but they’re both technically rock. It’s confusing. 😛
I tend to call genres that play Skillet’s type rock “metal” and the lighter stuff like NEEDTOBREATHE, Building 429, etc., just “rock.” My dad always specifies it that way. 🙂 Yet, Skillet calls their style “rock and roll” which makes me think, like, Elvis! So it’s definitely personal opinion! xD
That’s makes sense. I usually call Skillet hard rock. But then there’s folk rock and whatever else and oh….it makes my head spin. 🙂 But it usually doesn’t bother me unless I’m trying to recommend stuff. Otherwise, not knowing (or understanding) what genre a song is isn’t going to make me enjoy it any less. =)
Okay… This is really confusing!
Seriously! I usually avoid talking about music genres to avoid embarrassing myself. 😉
I didn’t even know how to pronounce genre until two years ago!
Oui, le mot genre est très difficile!
Wow, my autocorrect really didn’t like that. XD But yeah, I know how you feel. The thing about being home schooled is I’m just guessing how things are pronounced.
Yep! That’s good and bad. Not exposed to a lot of bad stuff!
Oh yes, absolutely. Not knowing how to pronounce stuff is this tiny speck under “cons”, whereas there’s a flood of things under “pros”.
And I can always just ask Google how to pronounce stuff. 🙂
Yep! Totally.
You and @Ethan__H:disqus should look up Brian Regan’s “The Epitome of Hyperbole.” (part of it is about pronunciation) Brian Regan isn’t a “Christian comedian” but he’s 98% clean and OH MY GOSH oh so funny. XD He replaced Tim Hawkins as my favorite comedian a while back.
Okay.
Not to be mean or legalistic, but gosh is another word for God. For some reason that just really bothers me! Do you think that is taking Gods name in vain?
Really? Hmm you’re right I looked it up in the dictionary; it is a euphamism for God. :-/ Thanks for pointing that out!
Me personally, it never bothered me (up until now hahaha) but I’m not sure I would consider it taking the Lord’s name in vain unless you know that it’s just as bad as “God” (which I do now)…anyway I’m going to try to stop saying it. Thanks, bro! =)
And don’t worry you didn’t come across as mean/legalistic.
Sure! Thanks. Be sure to tell me when I do something that bothers you!
Hey I fixed it. Do you think “oh my goodness” is better?
“dude” is a good replacement some of the time, too 🙂
Oh my dude? XD jk I get what you’re saying. =)
XD I’m totally gonna start saying that now!!
I know, right? you should! =P
lol I will!
Oh my dude awesome! XD
XD
Oh, brother…
Oh my dude what are you saying? =P
Oh my dude! You are totally going nuts with that word, dude.
Dude.
Oh brother… What did I start?!
Something great.
Yeah what Carson said hahaha.
heyo, that’s a new profile pic!
Yeppers 🙂
I like it! 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Haha welcome! ^-^
And this is how it all began…
Dude.
Oh my dude, we talked about this five days ago?!
Dude.
Dude, you love that word, don’t you?
Oh my dude, I do!
Thanks! I don’t have much of a problem with that, because it’s not a name for God, though if we do have any goodness, all we have at best is imputed righteousness. 🙂
Yeahhh agreed! =)
I couldn’t find that exact one (YouTube said it had been removed), but I watched some of his other videos and he’s really funny! Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
No prob! =D
Omg I absolutely LOVE Skillet and RED! But yes, those bands are extremely rock. “Rock” is like, electric guitar and pounding drums that makes you bang your head back and forth.
Hey, not to be mean or anything like that, but please don’t use God’s name in vain. Even gosh is a form of that, because it was just modified a little. Even so, all of it is swearing. So please don’t be offended; that is not my intent. Just please be aware that I don’t think that God enjoys hearing it.
Thank you!
Ethan
I never thought of it that way but ok. What would you say I could say instead?
Thanks. You could say, “oh wow!”, “that’s amazing”, “that’s crazy”, “how neat”, or something like that. Thanks for asking!
lol! Oh wow, thanks for the advice! That’s amazing! how crazy and neat it is for another person to give advice like that! 😉 JK. Thanks tho!
Haha….That made me laugh!!
lol!
I apologize.
That’s okay! The important thing is to do what you did, and ask how to change when something is brought to your attention. We all need that sometimes! Please tell me if I do anything offensive!
Ok, I will! After all, we’re supposed to hold each other accountable!
Right!
Ohh, okay…
Oh, and Ethan was saying “omg” isn’t a good idea then you asked him what else you could say. I’ve seen people use “dude,” like that, like this:
Dude, I absolutely love…
OR:
Dude! I absolutely love…
Dude.
Dude, that is an awesome comment. One word which says it all.
Haha.
lol! I say that a lot actually.
Me too, I was realizing…
I like the new Christian rock group VERIDIA, and they have one (awesome) EP out now. It’s definitely harder rock, if that’s what you’re going for! =)
the only way to answer this question is to be honest with yourself. When you listen to secular music does it effect you? If so, probs shouldn’t listen to it lol(:. If not, why are you listening to it? If you “don’t like the words, you just like the beat”, why wouldn’t you just give yourself the benefit of the doubt and listen to upbeat Christian music? Stay strong in the Lord(:
I agree! Another solution I’ve found is to rewrite the lyrics to catchy songs. It’s a lot of fun, and then you can glorify God while jamming to an upbeat tune. 🙂
Are you new to The Rebelution? If so, welcome!!!
Yeah, it’s a sad situation. She needs a lot of prayer. 🙁
Are you new to The Rebelution? If so, welcome!!!
Like you said, there’s music that doesn’t mention God, and then there’s music that goes against God. I think it’s fine if you listen to any kind of music as long as it doesn’t draw you away from God.
I have found that rock music helps motivate you to clean your room however… Last time I cleaned my room I blasted “Monster” by Skillet. I was flyin’ around the room screaming the words and throwing stuff where it goes. I got really sweaty tho. My mom said it’s the best it’s looked since I was 9!
I’ve got a funny story about “Monster” if anybody wants to hear it…
I know, good music is so motivating! Unfortunately my mom thinks it’s distracting during job time… 🙁
You sound a lot like me now!
I do!
One time my sister-in-law Amanda,
who is easily startled but is also one of the toughest gals I know (my brother says
he “fell in love with her sassy streak”), was cleaning up in the kitchen while
she and my brother Vernon
listened to “Monster”. You know that
piece near the end where the monster-like voice comes on and says “FEEL LIKE A
MONSTER!”, well Amanda likes that piece, but she also gets a little freaked out
by it. So the song played up till that
part, and Vernon
was like, “here it comes,” and Amanda listened to it and went back to cleaning
up. Vernon got this great idea and rewound the
song to the chorus before it does that “FEEL LIKE A MONSTER!” piece, then he just
sat down and waited for it to come. When
that line came on, Amanda shrieked really loud, jumps, and then she showered
the kitchen with all the animal crackers that *had been* in the box that she
had in her hand.
GTG now!
Lol…that’s hilarious! So funny. Any more?
I’ll think about it and answer you tomorrow!
Okay!
Or I’ll answer five days later…
Those two are great for stories, let me think… Again!
lol yeah my mom doesn’t like that song. It was sweet when Skillet played it at Winter Jam. What’s your story; I wanna hear it!
Okay, so here’s my story:
One time my sister-in-law Amanda,
who is easily startled but is also one of the toughest gals I know (my brother says
he “fell in love with her sassy streak”), was cleaning up in the kitchen while
she and my brother Vernon
listened to “Monster”. You know that
piece near the end where the monster-like voice comes on and says “FEEL LIKE A
MONSTER!”, well Amanda likes that piece, but she also gets a little freaked out
by it. So the song played up till that
part, and Vernon
was like, “here it comes,” and Amanda listened to it and went back to cleaning
up. Vernon got this great idea and rewound the
song to the chorus before it does that “FEEL LIKE A MONSTER!” piece, then he just
sat down and waited for it to come. When
that line came on, Amanda shrieked really loud, jumps, and then she showered
the kitchen with all the animal crackers that *had been* in the box that she
had in her hand.
Sorry about the formatting, I typed it up in Word, then I pasted it over here…
XD Sounds like something I would do.
XD
I’m honestly knew to God, so I’m still trying to figure this stuff out. Who do you guys recomend for music that wont draw me away from God?
Good question! It really depends on your style, but some really good ones are Lecrae, Matthew West (completely different styles), Mandisa, Brandon Heath, Newsboys, Stephen Curtis Chapman, and Sidewalk Prophets to name a few. There are lots more, but these are my favorites and help bring me closer to the Lord.
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Ok, so Lecare is officially my new favorite. Thanks : D
Okay! Good choice!
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Hey Faith! If you like Lecrae, there’s a whole stack of other rap artists he works with who are awesome too – Tedashii, Trip Lee and Andy Mineo, to name a few. A bunch of them collab under the title ‘116 Clique.’ Check em out! 🙂
Ok, definetly! Thanks 🙂
And Shonlock
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When did you become a Christian? Recently?
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Yeah, the local church had a youth concert like 3 weeks ago, so pretty recently 😀
That’s so neat! Is the rest of your family Christians? Just out of curiosity to see what your answer is, why did you come to Christ? That’s a big question, but I have faith that you can answer it!
That’s so neat! Is the rest of your family Christians? Just out of curiosity to see what your answer is, why did you come to Christ? That’s a big question, but I have faith that you can answer it!
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Well…that’s a realllllllllllly long story. And I don’t really know where to start. I can tell you that my family….they aren’t Christians, they are very strong Atheists, and I’m trying to figure out how to tell them. Because they….they’re not gonna like it. I wanna tell them, just don’t know how.
Here’s an idea. Don’t tell them just yet. Just let them notice your change. Christ will grow you to be like him, and in the meantime, get started reading. There is sooo much evidence for a creator…anyway http://www.livingwaters.com may have some pretty good stuff, as well as answers in genesis. Is there any way I can help you???
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Yeah, I have one question. What book do you recommend I start in?
The bible. Do you have one yet? After that, I would watch this video, it does an amazing job of making sure you understand the fullness of the Gospel. Very sound biblical teaching! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0oARXAAl9zY
After that, tell me and I will have thought of a good book.
One thing to beware of: there are many people out there to try and trap you into false theology. Once you are saved you are always saved, but they can be misleading. Always go back to the bible as your ultimate authority. You can rely on it.
And pray! He will take care of you. Praise the Lord that He saved you!!! And pray for your family.
Does that help? Let me know when you have watched that video. 🙂
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Yeah, this does help!!!! Thanks so much, for the advice, and for the video 🙂
Sure! Do you have a bible?
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Yeah, I got one at the concert. 🙂 But it’s only the new testament so…my friend has one for me, but I don’t have it yet.
If not, I’m sure I can come up with a way to get you one.
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Thats ok! I have the new testament for now, I should have the full Bible…hopefully tomorrow, when I see my friend at school! 🙂
Do you ever listen to podcasts?
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I’ve never really listened to one, no. Why?
Because there is a podcast that is really, really good. Do you have a way to listen to it? (iPod touch, smartphone). If so, I will tell you more about it. 🙂
Yeah, I have an iPod touch.
Good! The podcast is called The Way of the Master Radio. They are now reruns from 2006, but they are super good at strengthening your faith, and they are fun to listen to! I listen to it every day.
I’m glad you have a Christian friend! Not catholic, right? Because that’s way different. 🙂
I’m also thankful that you are getting a bible! It is truly amazing.
Another good podcast is Wretched Radio. And also the movie Amazing Grace. They are very encouraging!!
Yeah! I listen to wretched radio every day, but only the free 15 minute segments. We don’t get it broadcasted near us. 🙁
Yeah, I have one question. What book do you recommend I start in?
Here’s an idea. Don’t tell them just yet. Just let them notice your change. Christ will grow you to be like him, and in the meantime, get started reading. There is sooo much evidence for a creator…anyway http://www.livingwaters.com may have some pretty good stuff, as well as answers in genesis. Is there any way I can help you???
I’ll be praying for you! God is with you 😀
I’ll be joining GodsThespian in praying for you! Welcome to the Reb!
Well…that’s a realllllllllllly long story. And I don’t really know where to start. I can tell you that my family….they aren’t Christians, they are very strong Atheists, and I’m trying to figure out how to tell them. Because they….they’re not gonna like it. I wanna tell them, just don’t know how.
Yeah, the local church had a youth concert like 3 weeks ago, so pretty recently 😀
I’m so glad you’ve joined the family! 🙂 http://www.klove.com is a good place to start. You can listen to their radio online if you don’t have it in your area. As for specific artists, personally, I really enjoy For King & Country, Hillsong Young & Free, Building 429, Newsboys, The Afters, Francesca Battistelli… I could go on, but I think that’s good enough for now. 🙂 What kind of music do you usually listen to? Maybe I could recommend some more specific artists.
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Hi Faith! Welcome:) Here are some of my favorite singers! For King & Country, Hillsong, Building 429, The Afters, Francesca Battistelli, and Brit Nicole! The list could go on and on, but that’s mostly who I listen to.
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We have a lot of the same favorites! You have good taste… 😀
Thanks! So do you! I mostly got interested in those singers because of my sis:) Have you heard of Kari Job? Listening to her right now! Good singer!
Yes, she is very talented! Another nice thing is that we have a similar range, so I can sing her songs without doing vocal acrobatics, lol. What song are you listening to?
So you said that you like Hillsong. Does that include United and Young & Free?
I was listening to the Revelation Song! Now I’m listening to 10,000 reasons, by Matt Redman. Yep that does include United and Young & Free.
I also like Casting Crowns:)
I love that song!! I sing it in church a lot. 🙂 And I think I’ve listened to 10000 Reasons too many times, but it is a good song. Cool! Which of the Hillsong groups is your favorite?
I just turned on my radio, and it’s Hillsong, lol. =)
I don’t really have a favorite Hillsong group! I like both of them. I probably have listened to 10000 Reasons to much to! Right now I’m listing to You Are God Alone. One of my favorites! Almost every song is my favorite.
Haha, I know what you mean. Have you heard Wake by Young & Free? It’s one if my favorite songs ever. And Oceans by United…just wow! You Are God Alone is good too! I’m listening to Cinderella by SCC…such an amazing, sad song.
I could do this all day, lol. 😉 But here’s a random question: do you play any instruments?
I love Wake! But for the last three last three days, I’ve had the acoustic This Is Living stuck in my head 🙂
Awesome!! Oh… “This is living nooooooow….” Haha 🙂 Their songs are really catchy.
Yup! I could listen to their music all day (assuming I won’t get distracted by all the other amazing praise music on Spotify) 😀
Haha 🙂 Do you recommend Spotify for listening to music? I’ve never tried it. Lately I’ve gone through stages of using Pandora, Milk Music, TuneIn, and iTunes Radio. I have Amazon Prime music too, but I don’t use it very much.
My first choice is almost always Pandora, but that’s just me. My dad really likes Spotify though.
I’m not even sure what the difference is. 😮
All of lecrae’s albums are on Amazon prime music, as well as Brandon Heath. I really like him! (Give Me Your Eyes)
Cool! I’ve never really gone out of my way to listen to Lecrae, but knowing that, I may have to give it a try. I love the collab he did with FKC. 😀 Brandon Heath is really good! And that song is a classic. 🙂
Yeah! And Kari Jobe. That’s a good one! It’s called broken.
I’ll check it out!
I use iTunes as well, but I really like Spotify. The only downside is that there isn’t every song. The free version has ads and doesn’t let you play one certain song. The paid version isn’t too bad for pricing, although it is a subscription, not a one time purchase. In all, I really do like it, and it’s really nice for going through music phases, because you get unlimited songs for a fixed fee. 🙂
If you’re a student, it’s half price. 🙂
Really?! How do you sign up for that? I have to renew my subscription this week, but manually since I use prepaid visa cards to pay for it, and the one I have on there is out of money…
Oh wait, I think you have to be a college student. Any siblings who are?
No :/ Oh well, it’s only $10 🙂
Ms. Moneybags.
Jk! $10/mo is $120 a year. Just think, if you bought a new album every month. And then when you were done, you can keep them! They don’t vanish! Just think about it…
That’s Miss Moneybags to you, sir! Not Ms. Moneybags…
Yes, mother! Aka Miss Moneybags.
Sonny, I am not Miss Moneybags. I’m just telling you how to interact socially.
*spoken to someone else* The problems with homeschooling these days… Especially over the internet!
Ooohhhhh! I never knew! Haha.
What did you never knew?
*wonders whether these funny rebelutionary conversations improve with age*
*thinks that if they do, I’ve totally got to get on and read through some of these in five years* 🙂
How’s life, Sam?
Really good, thanks, Laura. Busy, but great. 🙂 (Music, school, preparing for the SAT on the weekend.) How’s everything going for you?
I’ve got the same SAT this weekend! Everything’s going pretty well, nothing outstanding seems to be happening in my corner of the world. 🙂
All the best for SATurday! 🙂
Ha, ha, ha! I’ve missed your puns. 🙂
(I try to wish people well, and they just laugh at me! What is the world coming to?)
*Missed* them? You’ve gotta be kidding…
(I don’t know, but I think it’s probably good!)
Yep, *missed* them. 🙂 How’re you feeling about the SAT tomorrow? Think you’re ready for it?
Well, I just did it. 🙂 I was very happy with how it went. How about you – feeling reasonably prepared?
I’m glad it went well for you!
I shouldn’t be awake to see this, but I am… I’m feeling okay about it, this is more of a practice run for me. A chance to get a little more used to testing like this, see what I’m up against, find out how I do without prep. I haven’t prepared practically at all, I’m going entirely off of my preparation for the PSAT nearly a month ago.
If you have a .edu address you’re good, like “[email protected]” But if you don’t, you don’t count as a student, you’re right.
Are you implying something? I’m watching you.
🙂
Like what? *sickeningly-sweet innocent face*
You tell me! *suppressing a smile*
And you’re making me literally laugh out loud, which is making my sister ask me what I’m doing out here, which gets really hard to answer… how do I say I’m laughing at someone’s face when he’s over in MO?
Me too! That’s funny. You got some ‘splainin to do!
Was that said in a Cuban accent???
Hahahahahahahahahahah……..hillbilly. SW Missouri is full of ’em!
Okay, it looked like a common line in an old TV show.
What sort of “hillbilly”? I thought y’all talked like me!
Well, the Beverly hillbillys were from around me…
Hmm, okay! I might have to get used to a new accent around there, then 🙂
But really, I’m implying that with your contacts in the NSA, you could get anything you wanted, including a .edu address so you get half off Spotify 🙂 As if you would use high-level contacts for such a menial endeavor…
My sister is in the NSA? Oh wait, yes!
Actually, she is in college. 🙂 we still don’t have it though.
I wouldn’t have it except that my sister needs it for a course she’s taking; it’s easier for her to just make a playlist of ____-era music and her professor sees it, than for it to work a different way.
You didn’t know about your sister? Really, Ethan, you have to work on your relationships with your siblings 🙂 And I would know, being your mother…
Oh my, forgive me mother! Wait, I was born when you were one? How does that work…
lol 🙂 I don’t want to know…
Me neither!
Oh, I met my new manager at work, and I found out his name is Ethan, and all through my shift I wanted to mention NSA… You almost got me in trouble with my new supervisor! 🙂
Seriously, he reminded me of conversations with you on here. I think his last initial may even be H! But not H******** 🙂
Hahaha…..funny! I only know one other Ethan. Tell me more about him! Hair color, etc.
Okay, well… one of those tall, skinny types with dark hair, darker-complected than most white people (Greek descent maybe?)… I don’t know what more to say… personality-wise, he seems pretty smart, a good choice for manager.
Oh yeah, and he’s probably twenty-five or so… a little older than you, eh?
That’s my cousin!!!!
Okay, just kidding. Not really. Opposite of me! Except for the hair…
Loi 🙂
So what do you look like?
Not much of a clownfish like our other friend…brown hair, large framed.
And I now have a general framework for describing you on that other thread we were talking on! Muahahahaha 🙂
I don’t remember which one that is! Oh well…
SOG?
Good to know! But I do my best not to spend money if I don’t have to. 😉 I get used to ads and stuff. iTunes isnt too bad about the ads, but you can’t favorite songs or look at recently played songs, which bugs me. It’s just too convenient, though.
So, if I didn’t go for the paid version…is it worth trying Spotify?
Yeah, it is. Especially on a computer; you can pick any song you want.
Yeah, I had a free subscription for 6 months before I ever upgraded (And that was only because it was 99cents for a 3 month membership) 🙂 Now I’m just hooked on the paid 😀
Haha, they pulled you in! That’s what happened with us and Netflix. We tried the one month free membership and we were doomed. XD
I love Spotify! But then again, I’m on my sister’s account so I don’t know if it’s worth the cost…
I haven’t heard the song Wakr yet, or Oceans, but I’ll look it up. I used to play the paino. I don’t know if I rember how. I can play a couple of easy hyms. What about you?
Cool! They’re amazing songs. I’ve played the piano for almost eight years, and I sing as well. 🙂 So why don’t you play piano anymore?
I just wasn’t to interested in playing anymore. I am doing ballet though.
Haha, and I used to do ballet but I don’t anymore. It was a really long time ago… Do you enjoy it? The only kind of dancing I do now is swing dancing with friends.
I really do enjoy ballet. Right now, we are working on our spring recitle dance, the actual recitile won’t be until June though. I’m really excited:)
I really do enjoy doing ballet. At the studio that I take lessons at, we are working on our spring show recital. The theme is Maleficent, and the ballet version of Sleeping Beauty. My class is going to be dragon flies. I’m really excited! What type of Swing dance do you do?
Awesome! I hope it goes well! 🙂 I do east coast swing, some west coast. Are you familiar with it?
Not really, but have you heard of Dancing With The Stars? It is really fun to watch! Some of the swing groups perform, where I live.
Cool! I’ve seen it once or twice, but we don’t get regular TV so it’s usually just when it happens to be on at a friend’s house. Yeah, dancing is pretty amazing… But I think my mom’s a little worried that I’m going to fall down and die, though. 😮
And did you pull a MimeForJesus (username switch) on me? 😉
Yeah I did. 🙂
Wait, a username switch is now a “MimeForJesus”? I have gone viral!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Haha, congrats! Did you follow BlimeyCow’s steps?
I hope not…
Haha 🙂 Well, as long as you give me credit for coining your viral phrase, I’ll be happy. Just a footnote in your autobiography, maybe. 😉
Maybe… wait, I’m writing an autobiography someday? Awesome!
Well, go viral, write a book, and make a ton of money; sounds like a good plan to me! 😉 Happy Easter!
I know! That is an amazing song.
I’m so glad you like it!! Most of my friends have never even heard of Young & Free, so it’s nice to extol their virtues at last. 😉
I have heard of them, but I’m not familiar with them. Do you want to fill me in?
Whoops, I was replying through the Disqus site and I got really confused about which song you were referring to. You were talking about Cinderella, right? Anyway…the fact that SCC lost his daughter makes the song that much sadder. 🙁
Ok, so Y&F. They’re part of Hillsong, just targeted toward a younger audience. So, awesome lyrics (as Hillsong always has), but with a fun twist. You should definitely check out Wake by them. 🙂
Again, sorry for the confusion!
Haha yes. He actually said he would never sing it again after she died, but during a concert he felt convicted. I’ll check them out!!
I didn’t know that! 🙁
What? I didn’t know SCC lost his daughter. I’ll never hear “Cinderella” the same way again. 🙁
Yeah. It was in an accident in their driveway. So sad. We actually know someone that was good friends with them!
Wow…
That’s exactly how I felt when I first found out.
That song makes me and my dad cry. 🙁
I’ve listened to 10,000 reasons 10,000 times!
Oooooh no you didn’t! Lol XD I actually thought about doing that, but I was too lazy to write 10000 twice, haha.
Yeah, maybe that was an exaggeration. By about 1,000 times. 🙂
My Church sings that song to. We haven’t sang it in a while though.
So I guess your church has a contemporary style of worship?
We have different songs, and we also learn new songs. Our Church plays different styles, if that’s what you mean.
Yup! We’re mostly contemporary, but we try to do hymns too. Do you have a praise band or something different?
Well, more than a few people in our Church play instruments, one person plays the drums, we have two people who play the guitar, my dad plays the piano. My sis, and sometimes 3 other people sing, but we all join in with the singing. It’s kind of confusing.
That’s cool! How big is your church? We have one guy my age on the drums, two guitarists (one of whom sings), our worship leader who sings harmony, and me on the piano and singing. And..that was a bit of a mess, sorry. 🙂
It’s ok. Well, I just asked my dad, and he said that we have around 80, to 100 people on our church. How many people do you have in your church?
We’re about the same. 🙂 Do you like the size? I’m a small church kind of person, but I know some people prefer bigger churches.
I preferre a smaller size church because, I feel like you can know everybody better. Everyone knows each other, so if you were struggling with something, you could just pick up the phone, and they would help you out. That’s mainly why I like smaller churches. How come you like smaller churches?
I’m pretty much the same! In really big churches, I feel like I’m just a number. You can go to a big church without anyone realizing you’re new (though for some people I know that’s a good thing). But yeah, in a small church, you can make connections with almost everyone.
What denomination is your church?
This conversation is interesting! Our family used to do all of the worship at our church…before everything fell apart. 🙂 at the church we attend now, it is about the same size, and my sister plays the piano.
Yikes, everything fell apart? That’s not good! And are you saying your church is about the same size as ours, or the one you used to go to?
They both are!
One of the elders moved away, and so there was no balance of power. 🙁
Haha, that works. 🙂
I see. It’s tough when those things happen at church. We’ve had our share of similar things to deal with…
So you said your whole family used to do worship? Is your family still really involved with the church you’re at now?
Yes. Well, it was just our family, not all of us! Just two to three of us. Nobody likes church hopping!
Ah, ok. So what denomination is your church?
Nondenominational, but closely aligns with Southern Baptist. So, Christian. 🙂
“So, Christian”, I like that. 🙂 We’re nondenominational too.
And that was a really long word! I got the m and the n that comes before it mixed up once… It was not good. XD
That’s my favorite answer!
The only thing is, just because a place calls themselves Christian…well, it doesn’t mean much anymore. 🙁
Right. Almost nothing.
It’s kind of like a box of food saying “all natural”. It means nothing.
Wow, I just compared church to food. XD #healthnut
Yeah. Or “15% more free” or something like that.
Lol 🙂 or those infomercials that claim they’re throwing something in “for free”. We all know they raised the price of whatever it is to cover for that and then some. 😛
How did we get here? XD
Haha yes.
Church denominations. 🙂
I’ve been to those same types of churches! Right now is the second time ever that I remember being at a church that wasn’t like that…
And that doesn’t mean much to many people, does it?
That’s great! No, it doesn’t. 🙂
Let’s just say that most of my life I’ve been in similar churches 🙂
LOVE for King and Country!!!!
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Hailey Steidle (Message was rejected by the recipient.)
Thanks for saying hey and welcome! Glad to be here…and yeah, I don’t know whats up with that either. : /
Hey faith, I just thought of a something. It is called the evidence bible, and it has bible facts at the bottom of the page to help strengthen your faith. You can read it for free here: http://www.evidencebible.com I think you’ll like it!
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Hailey Steidle (Message was rejected by the recipient.)
Don’t know what “rejected by the recipient” means. Just know when that happens it isn’t actually me lol….i have no clue what it is.
Welcome to the family, Faith!!! It is so cool that you were bold enough to take this step even though you knew your family wouldn’t approve. God must really be working in your life!
Two of my favorite bands are Casting Crowns and Sidewalk Prophets. 🙂 I also like Britt Nicole, tobyMac, All Sons & Daughters, Capital Kings, and a boatload of others.
I agree with Ethan–let them see your changed life, and they’ll ask what happened to you.
I have some books to recommend. There’s an author named Lee Strobel who used to be an atheist. He explored the evidence (he was very skeptical) and ended up becoming a Christian! He’s written a lot of books now. A couple that I’ve read are The Case for Faith and The Case for Christ (both in the student editions). They’ll help strengthen your faith, and you could recommend them to your family and friends eventually, too.
When you get a Bible, I suggest starting with the book of John, then Romans, and then maybe 1 John which is towards the end. The table of contents should help you find your way around. 🙂
If you have any questions, feel free to ask us or submit them to Brett as discussion questions. We are here for you! 🙂
P.S. Also, if you haven’t read Do Hard Things yet, I totally recommend it. 🙂
Thanks so much Amanda! 🙂
You are welcome!
Any idea why your comments keep looking like that with the failed message thing? Your computer must be mad at you or something 😛 lol
Yeah….I have nooo clue :/
Hmm. Are you getting emails when someone replies to you? Maybe if you entered your email wrong and it is sending it to a nonexistent email…I don’t know.
Wait, you can reply to comments like this??? From my email.
Haha…I never knew. How convent! What a time saver…
Wow! That’s awesome!!!! I like that sooo much better. Thanks Sam!
I think I fixed it….hopefully xD
Oh yeah, welcome! I think I forgot that…
🙂
I’ve been reading through the other comments, and I think that that’s amazing that you’ve given your life to Christ!!! *virtual hug* You’re going to love it here.
If you like Lecrae, you should listen to Air1. It’s a Christian radio station, and it plays all sorts of Christian music! Mostly upbeat stuff, but there’s more slow and worshipful songs as well. The stories they share on the station are really inspiring, too. You can listen from http://www.Air1.com, through the Air1 app, or on the radio. (Not sure what stations it would be on where you live.)
You are so brave for stepping out of the boat and following Jesus, like Peter did a long time ago. Do you plan on going to church, even though your parents don’t know or want you to?
Keep us updated! :)) And somebody’s always here if you ever need prayer or someone to talk to. Welcome to the most awesome, most encouraging, and most loving family ever, the family of God! <3
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I’d suggest Toby Mac, Mandisa, Casting Crowns… there’s a billion of Christian Contemporary bands to choose from. Depending on where you live, you may have either K~LOVE or Air1 (both christian music radio stations.) They’re great! I guess you can just google one of them and find out a station near you.
And welcome to the large club of God Followers!!! 😀 (that’s the biggest smile I could do, but I’d do it much bigger if I could.)
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Do what now?
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Hailey Steidle (Message was rejected by the recipient.)
I love all of those singers!! Explicitly Casting Crowns:)
lol! I could think of a lot more but there’s a ton of ’em.
If you like upbeat songs, You should try Toby mac and other christian rap artists like lacrae. If you like some upbeat and some slower listen to Newsboys or casting crowns.
Ok!! I’ll check them out, thanks 🙂
What? You guys have met in real life?
Neat! Where at? In MI?
Ooohhh. That place! I won’t say…
You were saying something to josh about never having done that a few weeks ago… 😉
Faith-
For metal and rock I’d recommend Skillet and Veridia. For Hip
hop and rock I agree that Tobymac is the perfect choice, but Blanca and
Superchick are close seconds. For sort of nonsense upbeat catchy songs
Family Force Five are perfect. And of course, Lecrae is king of
christian rap! If you more into sweet songs with deep lyrics I’d go with
plumb. Barlow girl, Danny Gokey, Unspoken, Britt Nicole, and DC talk
are some other magnificent bands. And those were just a few bands there
are tons more to chose from! Well, hope this helps! And Welcome! It’s so
great that you can now call yourself GOD’s adopted daughter!
Thanks Jolie! Do you know who Hillsong is? My friend was talking about them, but I don’t really know much about e’m.
Hillsong is a great band! They do Christian contemporary and are very popular. I’m not a big fan of their music simply because it’s just not my style, but if you do listen to their music you can expect great lyrics!
PS
sorry i took so long getting my answer to you. I’m still getting a hang of this Disqus thing. 🙂
Ok, thanks 🙂 And that’s ok, I’m new to this too 🙂
Faith, it’s your birthday? Happy birthday! 😀
Happy birthday!
also for rock Pillar is pretty great. and sorry to contradict but for rap, have you heard of Tedashii?
Welcome to the family!!!!!!!!!!!
Hmmm, what type of music do you like? Christian music has different genres, too, so you can find hip-hop, rock, etc. within Christian music, like secular music.
I know I’ve probably said this at least 3 times in this forum, but try Jonathan Thulin. FYI, his three albums feel so different (especially his first one and his new one), so if you don’t like one, try the others.
You need to know that what comes in must come out. If you are listening to music that drops the F-bomb every few sentences, than you need to ask yourself if it is helping you out in your relationship with God. If it isn’t, i would say you need to not listen to it. Even if its not really THAT bad, you need to think about weather it’s going to make you stumble or help you get up in your walk with Christ.
Faith-
For metal and rock I’d recommend Skillet and Veridia. For Hip hop and rock I agree that Tobymac is the perfect choice, but Blanca and Superchick are close seconds. For sort of nonsense upbeat catchy songs Family Force Five are perfect. And of course, Lecrae is king of christian rap! If you more into sweet songs with deep lyrics I’d go with plumb. Barlow girl, Danny Gokey, Unspoken, Britt Nicole, and DC talk are some other magnificent bands. Well, hope this helps! And Welcome! It’s so great that you can now call yourself GOD’s adopted daughter!
all those bands are great! also Switchfoot is great…. btw do u have facebook?
also for rock Pillar is pretty great. and sorry to contradict but for rap, have you heard of Tedashii?
never heard of Pillar, but I have listened to some of Tedashii’s music, I’m still sticking with Lecae though =)
On the should Christians listen to secular music question- I believe that as long as the music is clean and promotes things that GOD approves of it’s totally ok. Make sure that they strengthen your relationship with GOD not hurt it. One way to test this is to consider the following… “If Jesus was at my house would I listen to this music with Him?”
Philippians 4:8
I’ve been wondering about this for a while. I’m 14 and quite a few people around my age have been listening to Hozier’s Take me to Church and I’m not quite sure of it’s meaning and whether it’s appropriate enough to listen to since everyone else seems to be fine with it?
That is a very bad song. It is about a gay person, “I was born sick but I love it”. Read through these lyrics: HOZIER LYRICS
My lover’s got humour
She’s the giggle at a funeral
Knows everybody’s disapproval
I should’ve worshipped her sooner
If the heavens ever did speak
She’s the last true mouthpiece
Every Sunday’s getting more bleak
A fresh poison each week
“We were born sick” you heard them say it
My church offers no absolutes
She tells me “Worship in the bedroom”
The only heaven I’ll be sent to
Is when I’m alone with you
I was born sick
But I love it
Command me to be well
Aaay. Amen. Amen. Amen.
[Chorus 2x:]
Take me to church
I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I’ll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife
Offer me that deathless death
Good God, let me give you my life
If I’m a pagan of the good times
My lover’s the sunlight
To keep the Goddess on my side
She demands a sacrifice
Drain the whole sea
Get something shiny
Something meaty for the main course
That’s a fine-looking high horse
What you got in the stable?
We’ve a lot of starving faithful
That looks tasty
That looks plenty
This is hungry work
[Chorus 2x:]
Take me to church
I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I’ll tell you my sins so you can sharpen your knife
Offer me my deathless death
Good God, let me give you my life
No masters or kings
When the ritual begins
There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin
In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene
Only then I am human
Only then I am clean
Ooh oh. Amen. Amen. Amen.
[Chorus 2x:]
Take me to church
I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I’ll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife
Offer me that deathless death
I would never listen to this. Do you think Christ would be pleased? Welcome to the Reb!
eww
Thanks Ethan, I try to block out the words when I have to listen to songs at work… Now I’ll know what this song is, anyway! (Not really a problem – I got the jist of the song, anyway.)
Euggggggggh! Now I have to listen to something good to get those words out of my mind!
Yeah. The problem is that it’s so catchy. Can you hear satan playing the drums?
Thankfully I have Princes and Frogs playing right now, and I can’t recall the other song. 🙂
I’ll have to look that up!
here! YouTube link, just for you 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfYNi9WRJb8
As I remember, the video is nothing but the lyrics… but I’m not promising anything!
Oh my….What can I say?
ikr? It’s been a family favorite for years. Another favorite from that group is “Wonder What His Name Is” here’s the link to that one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q62vb0yiKY
This one is more understandable for girls, but it could give you guys an idea what you’re up against!
Again, I think this is nothing but the lyrics, but no guarantees!
*speechless again* um…is that what girls do??!?! I’m still trying to figure out what I just heard… Do you want to interpret is for me? Lol.
Yes, it’s very true, believe me. We’ve all had that experience at some point. Our emotions move very quickly. 😛
I believe you! Guys don’t understand emotions. 🙂
Well neither do girls, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have crazy ones and follow them. It can be a real problem.
Yup.
Totally true!
Hey! I’m a guy and I am pretty good at understanding emotions!
Really? Explain them to me!!!
🙂
XD
Lol, you guys….:D
I can’t explain yours for you, but I know a few things about mine. Go read my first post on the Rebelution and then tell me if I’m qualified 🙂
http://therebelution.com/blog/2014/08/i-have-depression/#comment-1720322003
Wow. I guess you probably do! I don’t really know what I don’t know, If you understand what I mean.
That kinda makes sense…
Okay, okay…
Well, let me say, not all girls are as silly (for lack of a better word) as this song suggests. It’s exaggerated so that it’s funny. However, I will say that I have seen every single one of those verses played out. Yeah, even the one about the movie star. It wasn’t pretty!
Girls often get way ahead of reality when it comes to guys: “Oh my dude! He looked at me! And he’s so cute… I’m now in love!”
That the interpretation you were looking for?
Yeah. Just making sure that was stretched. 🙂 can you reply again to the one I was supposed to answer? I don’t remember where it’s at. 😉
The one on SOG?
Was that the one you were looking for?
Fun song 🙂 Superchick is awesome!!
A fellow Superchick fan!!!
Yes!! I’m so sad they disbanded. I still love listening to their music, though. 🙂 What are some of your favorite songs?
I wish they were still together, too! :`( I haven’t heard anywhere near all of their music, but I like “We Live,” “Wonder,” “Princes and Frogs,” “High School,” and… I can’t think of any more right now. What about you?
Same with Barlow Girl. They disbanded. 🙁
Whaaat?! So sad…
In case you can’t tell, I’m not up-to-date on current music. But I don’t really mind all that much, ’cause y’all can enlighten me, right?
Right. It was in 2012 I think.
I haven’t heard all of their music either. 🙂 I recognize all of those but “High School”, so I’ll check it out! I also like “We Live”, and “Rock What You Got”, “Hey, Hey”, “Stand In the Rain”, “Beauty From Pain”, “Pure”, and I’ll stop now. 🙂 I don’t know if you’ve heard of them, but did you know Superchick basically gave Barlowgirl their start?
Interesting!
Yeah! 🙂 They wrote a song about them called Barlow Girl, and… Yup. 🙂 just a random bit of trivia.
I saw that song, wondered if it was before or after Barlow Girl got her start 🙂
🙂 Depends on how you look at it, I guess. Anyway, that’s all the trivia I’ve got. 😉 Do you listen to Tricia Brock at all now that she’s solo?
No, I didn’t even know Tricia Brock was solo… do you like her?
Lol, I don’t even know. XD I’ve heard one of her solo songs maybe once a while ago and I think I liked it but I can’t remember. 😛 lol. I was just wondering if you did.
Mmm, okay 🙂 I’ll look her up!
wait, how do you put videos in the discussion?
If you put in the link it will automatically do the rest.
ok thanks! Have you listened to Pillar yet?
Some. Sorry, I’m not much into rock. 🙁 I love hip hop, and just about anything with violin in it. Always Christian.
nice, in that case check David Crowder and Tedashii!
Yeah! I like tadashi!
I know right! I just got to see him live! It was great!
Oh I love that song! It’s so funny, and so true…
Yeah…I’m still not sure what to think of it!
Lol I think it’s hilarious.
I never thought about what it would be like for a guy to listen to it!
Just gonna be honest, my heart melted just a teensy, TINY little bit at the last line(*^.^*) I think pickup lines are adorable:) (as long as they’re creative and appropriate!)
Hehe, if somebody ever uses that line trying to get my number, my first thought will be “Superchick!” then “Oh, he wants my number!”
yeah no kidding!
PUKE, PUKE, PUKE
VOMIT, VOMIT
nnnoooo!!! now its stuck in my head!!!!
I should also add that “I was born that way” is a major part of the gay propaganda.
Gay propaganda or no. I think you can take any song and devise your own meaning from it. Like “I was born this way by Lady Gaga. I think it’s less about accepting gays and lesbians and more about accepting yourself as a person.
“You can take any song and devise your own meaning from it.” That’s true–I do it all the time…
I don’t think, though, that we can justify listening to any music this way. Music is a strong force which affects our emotions in ways we don’t always recognise. (I know that I often find myself being influenced by the music I’ve been playing lately in ways that I didn’t expect, whether good or bad.) It’s up to us to identify how what we play / listen to affects our lives and our thoughts. And the fact that it affects different people differently should encourage us not to be dogmatic to listen to others’ responses and help them as well.
(I don’t think I’ve disagreed with you? 😊)
Nope. You pretty much read my mind Samuel 😀
Thanks 🙂
Yes, it is. And, ironically, that sort of thinking has an element of truth in it since we are all “born sick” because of sin. The idea that we are basically corrupt is something the world really can’t accept.
Yeah. The problem is greater when you say, “it must not be a sin if I was born like this”.
Everyone wants to believe that we are basically good. That’s also the reason there is not a punishment for a crime. They “keep them away from the bad long enough” so they become good again. Then they let them out.
Welcome to The Rebelution!
i listened to lyrics fully and from what i got from it was…like the girl was church or something and the guy basically worships her. really weird.
Kind of creepy…
exactly.
One thing with music is that most of it isn’t “secular” at all. Just because it doesn’t have an explicitly “religious” tone doesn’t mean that it has no moral / faith-based message that goes along with it. Since as Christians our whole lives should be “living sacrifices” for God (Romans 12), we should be aware of the subtle messages behind what we listen to–does it help us appreciate God, or simply encourage our own ego?
It’s a tricky one because music is about emotional response, and one piece might encourage different responses in different people. I guess the important thing is not to be either “liberal” or “legalistic”, but to try to build each other up in the Lord. (That’s my experience anyway…)
Good point! Subtle messages are huge. Like the song I was talking about below, it is subtlety about being homosexual.
I still don’t see how it’s gay… Probably because I don’t understand the terminology.
Yeah. Todd Friel had a radio segment on it, explaining everything. (Wretched radio) Also, “sharpen your knife”?
Oh, I’m not saying it’s good… eugggh. I just don’t get how… But ’tis not very important.
Music is a powerful tool, Satan uses it to bring him glory see these two vids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMMfgsF6DnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIfOH428_p8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8GfWJKyPVc
It isn’t looking goood….This is why I deleted all their music from my library.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suQB-3skeZg
I Am they is an amazing group. They just came out with their first album in January.
I love I Am They! I just bought their album two days ago. It’s my favorite genre–worship-folk-pop.
I like I am they too!
They are amazing!
Hey y’all, I just found a great music group! @christopher164:disqus has talked about Apologetix a lot, and I just looked them up this week. They rock! They’re a parody group that takes old(er) music and changes the words to be God-honoring. If you’re into 60’s music (I think that’s the time era) you should check them out!
I looked up Apologetix the other day! OH MY GOSH THEY ARE AMAZING!!!! my two fav parodies are “Don’t Stop til Egypt” and “Hotel Can’t Afford Ya!”, I love how they make their lyrics rhyme with the original’s so it sound even more like the original song:)
It is impossible to categorize music, because secularists is in the eye of the beholder.
I’m with you by avril lavigne? To me christian.
Give you what you like, same artist? To m e, secular.
” +starts singing+ I’mStanding on the bridge Im waiting in the dark i thought that you’d be here, by now…
Right now music for me is a struggle. When I was about 14 I was practically in love with tons of Christian bands(literally) and suddenly now at 16 I’m in love with Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, and Fall Out Boy.(just to name a few) And occasionally I’ll listen to Christian music. Sadly the reason I sometimes I dont listen to that music anymore is because I kinda get tired of all the repeating lyrics and ocean songs and talking about the cross. I feel like its missing something. I’ve found only a few artists I listen to now that i really enjoy such as for king&country but im stuck in secualr music. Just last night my brother was saying how we all had loved listening to christian music (we’d been hearing Kristian Stanfill in the car) he than said we got introduced to secular music and thats about all we listen to. My parents have pointed it out when we start singing bad lyrics or in my case rapping that we’re becoming like the world.Tho i admit worship lyrics bring me peace. Im stuck guys. What do i do?
It’s okay to like “secular” music, as long as yo u find God In it. But you might like superchick. They are very fresh after all the Christian music, but their songs are christian.
ive heard them before. but im seriously stuck in secular music. dude my playlist is a mix of christian and like nicki minaj and eminem. one minute its all jesus and the next its taking someone home. tho i like lecrae and trip lee which helps….
Try going through your playlist and READING the lyrics online. Sometimes I get caught up in the rhythm and miss the words. I don’t know about you though.
my spotify has a lyrics app that i can read thru as the song plays. like months ago i deleted all my secular music andf tried to stop listening to the radio but i downright failed
True dat OR chech this out Katy Perry is a big no no
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHknzzJeK6Y
Hi there! I forgot to welcome you to the Rebelution! We’re glad you joined us 🙂
Thanks : )
You’re welcome! How did you find us?
Have you heard of NF? You should check him out : )
Not until you mentioned him (them?) but I’ll check him out 🙂
Katy Perry and was joking in that interview. It is not funny, or anything to joke about, but it was a joke.
Most people know Egyptian magic from children’s books. Even I didn’t know that it was associated with the devil, and if pretending to be a witch is a sin, half the little girls in America are going to h ell.
But there are parts I agree with, and it provided some new information, so thanks for the link
I’ve heard that Andy Mineo is good, if you like Lecrae. I don’t really know that genre, though…
i’ve heard him. and its hiphop/rap.
What about Matthew West?
tbh no offense i got bored with him. does anyone get what i mean i get bored with these artists and honestly feel like dirt listening to them because i feel like such a hyprocrite. does this make any sense….? i feel like i can relate to the secualr artists than to the christian artists….i guess thats part of the problem.
Yeah, I sorta understand, a little. Hmmm. I don’t know. Lecrae is really good, (as you know). What about Stephen Curtis Chapman?
I’m really into Aaron Ray. And Rapture Ruckus. Hmm.. I don’t listen to loads of hip-hop! Lecrae is great, all the 116 Clique guys are. Let me see… here’s my list: KJ52, Derek Minor, Tedashi, maybe Kirk Franklin ( I don’t think he’s completely hip-hop, but you might try some of his music), ZG, and Dillon Chase. Capital Kings has some hip-hop leanings, if you like a lot of dubstep mixed in. There are so many of them!!
Hmm. You need to pray! Or at least pray more.
Have you tried Colton Dixon?
Speaking of prayer… I CAN”T WAIT UNTIL REVIVE IS UP!!!!!!!
Thank you and @programguy:disqus for all the work y’all have put into Revive!
We should do a countdown on here…
By the way, I totally want to be in on Revive! How do I sign up?
It’s ready!!! Go to: http://www.revivingtheredeemed.org
Thanks! =)
I just signed up! The website is really nice!
Sam S. and I, with some help from others. 🙂
Hmmm. I know what you mean about the repeating lyrics.. have you treid Red?
loved them to bits but i rarely listen to them anymore
Okay… Well, I second Superchick…
i need serious help dont i…? im turning to the dark side people!!!
Like I said, I’ll be praying for you. You do realize you’re “turning to the dark side,” and that’s definitely a step in the right direction! Nobody can fight what they don’t know is happening 🙂
Oh yeah, Disciple is good too… I have no idea what genre they’re called, I’m not good with music genres.
One of my faves is “Dear X (You Don’t Own Me)”. It’s on YouTube 🙂
Have you tried Jonathan Thulin? He’s my favorite, even though his newest album sounds COMPLETELY different than his first one.
wait IS IT IN SPANISH??!!! what the…
He has a few Spanish versions of a few of his songs, but he’s originally Swedish.
OH i’ve heard him before never knew the name. he’s cool.
ok thanks guys. I was supposed to be in “school” like three hours ago. i’ll keep ur advice in mind. ttyl.
Ever listen to David Crowder? His voice is not my favorite, but his lyrics are… different than most Christian music. It’s deep, and poetic, but not sappy 🙂
Dear Hope,
I want to start of my thanking you for admitting your weaknesses. I have struggled with something very similar to what you are going through. After thinking about this and praying, I felt led to say this.
I went back and forth between God-honoring and world-honoring entertainment for so long. My dad says, “The only thing sitting on the fence gives you is a sore bottom.” I don’t want to come across as harsh, but I want you to know the truth. You have expressed that you know what you are listening to is profane. Hope, you cannot sit on the fence forever. “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you,” (1 John 2:15, NLT). God is not impressed by half-hearted commitment. The world is not impressed by it, either. It will get you nowhere. I get attached to forms of entertainment, too—I know how hard it is to put something down. But you have to draw the line. Not to overuse the phrase, but you have to do hard things.
Go into your room with a trash bag and throw out anything that can’t fit God’s entertainment definition: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise,” (Philippians 4:8, NLT). Switch the station in your car. Delete those songs off your iPod for good. No, it’s not a waste. It’s getting serious about God. I know it’s hard (I’ve had to do it!), but it really boils down to this: do you love God enough to follow His leading in all areas of your life? Or will you go on saying, “Thanks, God, you can have all of me… just not my iPod.”
There are Christian alternatives; you clearly know that. Search for the pure music in whatever style you like. No, you don’t have to listen to only Chris Tomlin. 😉 (I would probably be alienated from Christian music if it were ALL praise and worship! Thankfully, it’s not!) Find some newer bands that play your style of music; I always reccomend VERIDIA for those who like rock, and bands like Rapture Ruckus for hip-hop fans. There are great artists doing every type of music style for God’s glory, you just have to be willing to look. Maybe surf websites like New Release Tuesday or listen to radio stations like Air1 just to get an idea of what’s out there. (Or you can ask around… between all us Christian music lovers on here you’ll find something you like! x) Joshua 23:8 says, “Rather, cling tightly to the LORD your God as you have done until now.”
I am praying hard for you, dear sister. You do not fight alone. We are all in this together— you, me, all the other rebelutionaries. We all struggle. None of us are perfect. We care about you. I hope this helps and addresses what you’re going through. Thanks so much for opening your heart on here and wanting to change. It means the world to me.
Your sister in Christ,
Sarah
P.S. And thank you if you got all the way through that! xD #whydiditgetsolong?
Thank you so much!! It means a lot. Pray for me guys that this is a commitment I can keep. Most battles aren’t victorious immeadietly.
Absolutely!
I shall pray that the Holy Spirit gives you strength and moves you to do things you didn’t even know you could. All things are possible WITH GOD 🙂
Slow and steady wins the race, not that this is a race…
I couldn’t have said it better! =)
I will be praying 🙂
Hope!
well you certainly banged that nail on the head!! 🙂 I have absolutely also had my struggles. I used to listen to Eminem, Drake, Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Kanye West. Whew! It took some adjusting but the trick was that I was informing myself with GoodFight ministries on YouTube. There is this insane video about Eminem, I willl put the link for sure you need to hear it.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=goodfight+ministries (all their videos)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJNmN60l_Y8 It is POWERFUL VIDEO
My advice is to go slow, easy does it. One artist or album at a time if that works better. That’s how I did it. If you want to do it all at one all the more power to you ^_^
I can totally get why you moved on to other genres. You can’t possibly keep listening to the same things and keep that sense of appreciation (ha well I can’t) I am always getting new music! Which is totally why I recommend NoiseTrade.com They have free, legal music with a christian section in the website. I recommend Canopy Climbers they are super chill. Also Falling Up, they are not on Noisetrade but have awesome music. Same with OneRepublic, Owl City & Lights they are Christian bands. Lights new album is killler! You gotta check it out
Also you said you enjoy hardcore rap? NF’s new album is amazing and he keeps his rap clean. Same with Lecrae, Tedashii, Flame and Andy Mineo. Good music no P words in the rapping like mainstream rap. (Also another good site: The Good Christian Music Blog)Rapzilla.com (Christian Rap) is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Free song and album downloads, need I say more?
Also here are a few artists I can also recommend to jumps start your variety so you will be very busy checking all this out : ) Out with the old, in with the new!
So: Beckah Shae dance music with biblical lyrics, the Afters, Above the Golden State,Anberlin, Anthem Lights, The Anchor Fellowship, Britt Nicole!!, Chris August, Civil Twilight, Evan Wickham (NT), Everyday sunday, Group1Crew Rap/techno :), Jason Gray, A Jesus Church, John Tibbs,Kerrie Roberts, Lifehouse, Mandisa, Mat Kearney (his new album Just Kids SO SO SOGOOD) , NewSpring Worship (NT) We Shot the Moon on Noise Trade now these guys are just plain gooood! Kayla Starks has a new single out she is a Christian Rapper her single is called FYD Follow Your Dreams download it at http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/music/freemp3s/10532-kayla-starks-fyd
I hope this helps!
Give me a shout back : )
Wow, you know soooo many artists! How did you find all of them?
(Time : ) & Well since I don’t partake in illegal drugs or ingest large amounts of alcohol, music is my drug of choice for sure.
So I just find songs on firstly noisetrade becuase they are legal : ) Movies, trailers and I always try to get artist’s I know new albums 🙂 I seeek it out and it could be a hobby of mine.
It affects me quite powerfullly so I have to integrate it in my life.
Since I mentioned movies a realllly good one is :We Bought A Zoo. The soundtrack is also very good : )
& I can’t believe I did NOT mention Manafest!!!! He is an amazing artist. I’ve met him a couple times he is so inspirational and he wrote a book. His new albums are awesome tooooo a tres good fellow that one : )
Also Abandon’s Album Love Prevails is a gooood album definitely listen to Warrior, Sound of Love and Heaven.
Also this is a good Christian rapper video by Skrip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HphWYorBrro
The lady in his video is…..fully clothed!!
Okay.
Wow! So rare in today’s society. Thanks!
I know right?
I’m like oh yeah good stufff
Women as objects are so prevalent in society…
I’ll check them out! And a fully-clothed lady in a music video — what @Ethan__H:disqus said 🙂
Nice! I’ve actually gotten to talk to Evan Wickham a couple times. 🙂 I’ve never run into anyone else who’s heard of him before! Also, Anthem Lights and The Afters are amazing!
Btw, welcome to The Rebelution!
Thank you!
& I agreee Anthem Lights really lights the Holy Spirit’s spark in me or something fierce! The After is are also amazing…
I honestly never heard of Phil’s brother until I saw the name & I’m like yah!! Good music to sleep to I tell yah
Yes! 🙂 I didn’t know about him either until he came to speak and lead worship at a conference I went to. But you had a lot of awesome groups on your list. Anthem Lights and The Afters are just a couple of my favorites. 🙂
Is he related to Phil Wickham?
I’m not 100% but he sounds heavenly as well
#genetics
Haha. They’re great!
Oh yah!! Definitely same with Joel Baker he’s got a song called Further Than Feelings, that’s what love is holla! haha
Same with Prestige hes got a single called Lights Off & its good he talks about what you should really look for in a friendship possible relationship
Wow! You should write a comprehensive list of Christian artists. You could do it from memory!!!
You know I probably should! More importantly I totally could I just set up my blogging website today, I think everything is set besides a page for a contact form that stubbornly refuses to work on wordpress…bah!
Thank you for suggesting I really will put this on my to do list:D
Good! That will be neat!
For sure…actually that is what i was doing before I stumbled on this website. I was compiling a list of my favourite websites stumbled over here and yah had to list a ton of music options ; )
Cool. What’s your blog? I’ll have to look at it. 🙂
k ttyl & this is how my mind works
http://distractify.com/people/if-your-friends-ever-say-they-have-adhd-just-show-them-this/
My Blog is laughterisfoodforthesoul.com
I need to go to sleep. Ttyl!
He’s his older brother, I think. 🙂
Okay! Good to know. I’ll look him up!!!
Cool! I’m not very familiar with his music, but from what I’ve heard he seems talented. 🙂
My trick is to rewrite the lyrics. Some secular songs are just so catchy, and they won’t get out of your head. So all you have to do is correct the lyrics, and guide the song back to God’s Word. Most songs are relatively easy to remix, because most are already love songs. 😛 It might not work for some people, but it worked for me!
i do that a lot, but then my siblings say i’m singing the song incorrectly.
Have you ever listened to Apologetix? They’re a Christian band that changes the words to secular songs, like you’re talking about. I love them!
i’m gonna look into that, thanks
Have you heard of ApologetiX? They’re a Christian parody band that does the rewording for you! I love their music 🙂
No, I haven’t heard of them! I’m definitely going to check them out, though. That sounds awesome!
Hey Gabrielle! I don’t know if you ended up liking ApologetiX, but if you did… the guy who introduced me to them has a blog, and he talks about ApologetiX often over there. The link is christopher164.weebly.com If you want to check it out. He can’t comment over here, so he asked me to invite you, because he really wants to talk to you about them!
I can relate 😉
As a christian it is good for us to listen to christian music and nothing else because secular music teaches bad value although some teaches good moral value but we as a christian should always respect our christian value reather than our so called moral value because in Ecclesiates 7:5 it say, it is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise than to listen to the songs of a fool, it is kindly saying that people than are singing these songs are christian who know the word(Jesus) and yet they don’t care and 2Timothy 2:16 says we as christian should avoid ungodly chattere because it makes us more ungodly,and again what glory does secular music brings to God when Jesus stated that we should do everything to the glory of God in 1 Corinthians 10:31. To close here mine dear friend it is more important to live by the spirit so we may not gratified the desire of the sinfull Nature.
Philippians 4:8
FYI i tweeted this
Since I mentioned movies..Noah is not an honest depiction
Here’s why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-36Cs-B5iG4&index=32&list=PLT-puWqkk98JM0SYUoADMaXwZJ12Zh9sm
Noah, the $460,000,000 failure?
Yeah. I saw the trailer, and that was more than enough.
Welcome to the Reb!
Smart guy! I just never went but the intro to this video is like hilarious of course Noah is not a Murderer. He was the only good guy left!
Why thank you kindly : )
Right!
I could think of quite a few better uses of 460,000,000 dollars….
Definitely!!
I have heard their song:blink before. I am listening to it right now.
It’s really good thanks for the recommendation : )
haha okay I clicked on the link AFTER but yes to both
Really! Like what?
Hmm…pay taxes!!! I’m kinda sore about that now. 15%!
Give a bunch to VOM, a bunch to livingwaters, and pray like nobody’s business on what to do with the rest!!!
VOM deserves it; who’s LivingWaters?
LivingWaters is an insanely Christian organization that helps prepare Christians to witness to people the way Jesus did. They also have several movies now; the 180 movie; Evolution vs God; and now coming soon is Audacity. You should check them out!!!! http://www.LivingWaters.com
will do!
Looks like a good organization!!!
Hey remember how I said I was starting a blog? Well I finallllly got it up and live. Feel free to check it out. Also I didn’t write a post about switching over to non-secular music yet & all the Christian artists out there. I am open to any more suggstions topic wise 🙂 Here is the link: http://www.laughterisfoodforthesoul.com/
Looks great, LaughterisSoulfood! Ethan won’t be answering, unfortunately… he had to leave us :`( But I look forward to exploring your blog more!
Why thank you! Also he had to leave the online world of he died? Hopefully he is alive…
That is good! I still have so many posts to write & just get done but I have been lagging on it bahhhh…
I plan to have 10+ posts prewritten & scheduled 🙂
No, he didn’t have his parents’ permission to be on here, so he needed to leave. 🙁 It was very sad…
Wow, there’s an industrious goal! I wish you the very best!
Why thank you! Also he had to leave the online world or he died? Hopefully he is alive…
That is good! I still have so many posts to write & just get done but I have been lagging on it bahhhh…
I plan to have 10+ posts prewritten & scheduled 🙂
Have you checked out Revive?
http://www.revivingtheredeemed.org
My dad brought that movie home from the library, and we watched it as a family. It was honestly a bit scary, and the only biblical parts were that the guy’s name was Noah and he built a boat. XD
Exactly right? I mean they completely twist it around to suit their liking really..
I know, that is so sad and discouraging how everything that honors God gets twisted. Thankfully we have a hope beyond this world and its ways! This world is not our home!
My mom and I were actually talking about this. There is nothing in the Bible that says “No, you can’t listen to this or that music.” But the Bible does say that we can’t worship idols. There are many things that can be called “idols”. If you are putting secular music before God, then yeah, it stops there. But I think that a good way to listen to this kind of music is to be able to discern. You can hear something and think “Well I know that’s wrong because God’s Word says so.”
But… You can also start turning away from God if you don’t change the way you hear things. Listen like a Christian!!!!
(And btw, I’m not a teen yet but I’ve got several older siblings ;))
TRUE YEAH
Thank you! I should research more like you do – the link was really helpful. 🙂 Also, I looked into Canopy Climbers and like them too. I’ll be thinking on whether or not I should part from Taylor Swift or not.
Sounds good! I am glad you found it helpful 😀
So glad you like Canopy Climbers!!! I love them they are definitely soul music. K I totally recommend Civil Twilight, all their songs, really but definitely Next to Me, Letters from the Sky & Wasted & River (Ra Ra Remix) they are Christian but not directly so…
Also Fire Escape by Civil Twilight is really good
Kinda like Falling Up check them out too they are chilllll
Awesome! I’ll look at those!
you know whats a good country song?
Jesus Take The Wheel.
That’s the only one I know. 🙂
im only
Jesus by tim mcgraw and goin by the book by johnny cash
Same here 🙂
bahhh not a big fan of that song…its good and all buuuut
What about it?
Well I have heard it too many times it gets boring. I find I relate more to Capital Kings or NF because all of there songs speak to the Christian life specifically. I am pretty sure that the rest of Carrie Underwood’s songs are sappppy. Not my cup of tea sapppy (carrie underwood anyway)
Yeah. I agree! It can get old. I’ve only listened to it a couple times. 🙂 I’m not big into country.
Telll me about it & like why make one song super Christian and the rest just whatever?
Doesn’t make sense to me. Country can be repetitive talking about beer, ladies and trucks.
Every. Single. Song.
hahaha
Right. Well, I think the only thing that makes that son different is because it’s about Jesus, mostly. And it’s a clean song. So….I don’t know.
Carrie Underwood has another Christian song called “Temporary Home”, which is one of my favorite songs. It’s seriously amazing.
@laughtterissoulfoood:disqus you forgot the ripped up Jeans:-D
In what’s left of those blue jeans..
You mean “clean/good, but not necessarily Christian” or “Christian”? ‘Cause I can probably find any of the above 🙂
well i know some of each..
So are you looking for songs or just talking about them? I’m confused now…
just talking lol sorry to confuse u
Okay 🙂
I’m easily confused!
lol…
I like the song Me and God by Josh Turner. Unfortunately, there aren’t very many good clean/ Christian country songs. Are there any that you would recommend?
Check out ‘newworldson’ & sleepy man banjo boys 🙂
Thanks! I will! 🙂
I checked them both out and like them both! Thanks for the suggestions! 🙂
Not a problem 🙂
Love them both myself!
i love josh turner 🙂 yeah, it is unfortunate there arnt more good country songs.
I love Josh Turner’s songs at least the old hymns. Have you ever heard 3 wooden crosses by him? It is an amazing song!
Yea! He has an amazing voice:)
Yes he does. I do wish that he didn’t sign so many love songs though. Have you ever heard of John Waller? He is a Christian artist who’s best known for his song: While I’m waiting in the movie Fireproof.?
yeah, its a pity 🙁 yes!!! I LOVE THAT SONG!!! 😀
John Waller has some really awesome songs. You should check out more of them on YouTube! I would suggest “as for me and my house” and “somebody else’s story”. I own 2 of his CDs, and I listen to them several times a week!!!!! (It sort of annoys my family) 🙂
I also love the song while i’m waiting.
long black train by josh turner 🙂
taylor swift’s discography :gaycat:
Sounds like a disturbing movie… But anyway — Pluggedin.com is also good for movie reviews. Unfortunately it’s only for newer movies, but that’s most of what “us teens” watch anyway, right? It’s by Focus on the Family, FYI — it accounts for spiritual elements, as well (and general weirdness!)
Absolutely it was disturbing & I did not know how disturbing & stupid it was until I stopped the movie whew!
Really sometimes following through is NOT a good thing.
True plugged in does reviews although it’s review of divergent was disappointing because there is something like a satanic ritual in that movie & they didn’t mention it.
There was one other time that they missed something in a movie I was watching, too… But most of the time I’ve found them to be accurate 🙂
How did you like Divergent? I’ve been… well, I guess “curious” is the best word for it. I wonder what all the hype is about, really — not really like I want to watch the movie, I’m just curious.
I’m a sucker for those kinds of movies although that one aspect of it isn’t good! There is also a part where the main character, Tris, says she wants to go slow & he says, “There is enough blood on the floor.” Like ew! & its not mentioned in the review… I quite enjoyed it really but that’s me. I also thought The Conjuring was insane! Although Wild with Reese Witherspoon SUCKED. I took notes. I am definitely going to blog about it when I have my blog all configured the way I like it 🙂
Ew, that sounds bad…
I don’t recognize any of the titles you’re talking about! Good in some ways, bad in others… 🙂
True I don’t know why they kept that comment in there. The rest of it was good. Although sometimes its not worth it just because most of it is good but there are some bad parts. I recommend We Bought A Zoo. It is really good you probably won’t regret it! Also The Way,Way Back & The Kings of Summer. Which in my opinion are decent 🙂
imdb.com will tell you all about it
New profile pic!
You stole my comment!
I sure did!
Hahaha you guys! Also I seeee… Imdb will fix that issue but I do caution you on which movies to watch because some are NOT good. At all. They are gnostic. (Such as ‘classics’ The Matrix & Fight Club = really are just garbage) Good Fight Ministries has a good documentary on it: Hollywood’s War on God: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=good+fight+ministries+hollywood%27s+war
Anyhow you guys have to check out Mat Kearney’s new album Just Kids & definitely Young Summer who is featured on on of his songs : )
I also recommend you guys check out this cool info on personalities & the 5 aspects of personality : ) Vanessa Van Edwards is really awesome and teaches a lot of neat things about body language.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-van-edwards/how-to-optimize-your-personality_b_7074544.html
Here is the personality test : )
http://www.scienceofpeople.com/test-personality/
I’ve heard of We Bought A Zoo, but I’ve never seen it…
Hmm, I’ve never heard of the others. No surprise, really – I’m a “sheltered homeschooler”!
very good, yes 🙂
Most of the time, I listen to/play CCM, hymnals, jazz instrumentals, and anime songs (hehe, see my avatar). I also listen to secular love songs as a part of my part time job as a wedding musician.
I think, you just need to watch out to what emotions the music/ lyrics of the song/piece you’re listening to are suggesting/expressing. Emotions can affect your personality and your being as a whole, then the lyrics too. Read Philippians 4:8
as long as the songs aren’t promoting bad things, I think its ok to listen to whatever you want, as long as you’re listening to the Holy Ghost/ conscience at the same time. I generally don’t listen to secular music, though because so much of it these days is junk.
I wrote a blog post on a topic related to this, if anyone would like to check it out! It’s about the power of positive & “Christian” music and what God has revealed to me 🙂
http://establishedinfaith.blogspot.com/2015/05/what-moves-us-to-our-feet_25.html
I don’t think I’ve commented on this post. Even though it’s old, I’ll still comment. DEFINITELY NOT!! Music has a spirit behind it, and can take you places. You should never play with secular music!!! Musicals are fine, like The Music Man, The Sound of Music, etc…. Some secular music has been messed with, meaning there are mixed messages hidden in them that don’t need to enter your spirit man.
TRUE
To start off with, this is a topic my fiancée keeps going on about. She says, “you shouldn’t listen to music that isn’t ‘CHRISTIAN’ “. Well having done some serious research in the bible and on internet, I have come up with a simple answer.
You’ve done a good job on your Bible study. I believe the same thing you do. It doesn’t matter if it’s art or science or philosophy or music, or whatever. Knowledge and any art is not wrong as long as it is listed in Phil 4:8.
I remember a time back in the 70’s when so many people claimed Rock & Roll would hurt you, that the beat was catchy and that was obviously Satan’s work. As a result, I totally missed out on some good Rock like Kansas. Another aspect of rock is similar to opera. You don’t start out with the heavy stuff and expect it will be great. Also today’s heavy is tomorrow’s dentist office music or in the case of AC/DC (Ironman music). 🙂
As a parent, I would monitor my kids’ music until they were of such an age that they would understand how to ensure that what they are listening to is as Phil. 4:8 states.
Thank you for the great response. 🙂
Listen to the Ask Pastor John podcast episode #650 it REALLY shows a different perspective on this topic. It is AMAZING!
YES, you should listen to “secular” music!
What is so hard to understand about this?!
Now admittedly, I’m agnostic, so I take no sides, but think of it this way: if God is real (not saying he is or isn’t), and if he really loves his children, wouldn’t he want them to be able to listen to awesome secular music without having to fear his divineth wrath coming down uponeth their accursed souls? I don’t think God would want people to spend every second of their lives blindly worshipping him. I think God would be a chill guy who probably jams to the Beatles and Journey while walking around in flip flops sipping a margarita, and I think he would be okay with his kids letting their hair down and bopping to some groovy songs about love, ya know, the kind that you share with a human? But hey, thats just my opinion. Everyone will see it differently, but I just gotta say, you guys are MISSING OUT!
😎
Discussion on the “Christian Industrial Complex”
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/masters-of-divinity/id1089629742?mt=2#episodeGuid=tag%3Asoundcloud%2C2010%3Atracks%2F253928813
I don’t necessarily think it’s bad to listen to secular music. I listen to many different kinds of genres because I am a musician, but I tend to be more metalcore, alternative metal, and Christian hip hop. That being said, I prefer the music to be Christian oriented. If it isn’t, then I either listen to it for the music, or the song has a positive message in it.
I would consider the quantity. We are spiritual beings. Just like our bodies need exercise and nourishment our spirit does as well. If we eat french fries and soda every meal we would end up dead or living miserably on our earthly journey. Can we have french fries, once a day? Well, it would probably be better if we limited the quantity of consuming french fries to 3 times or less a week. It’s the same with music. What are your feeding your spirit first? I enjoy secular music occasionally on my radio and am particular about it’s content. I mostly hear it in the malls, television and at the gym which is quite enough for me on many occasions. So, I go back to quantity. You and God decide about the quantity of time you spend listening to music that will nourish your spirit. We all can enjoy french fries occasionally if we exercise and MOSTLY eat food that is nourishing. It’s the same with music. Keep your spirit man healthy and strong first! Then listen to quality diverse music.
Listening ? Try writing secular music like country music
It can drive you nuts
Got a buddy who loves metal music
I have no idea if its demonic
I dont care for it