Christian music
           "Anyone who asks shall receive Jesus in your heart. It's time for you to start giving God all the glory." Are these words from someone pretending to be a Christian in order to lead Christians astray? Those who say that the style of music is the determining factor in the Christianity of music seem to think so. I would have to disagree. The Christianity of music should be determined by the lyrics and the lifestyle of the artist, and not the speed, beat, or volume of the song.
           The foundation upon which the anti-Christian rock belief stands is that the music is evil, and, therefore, can not be used by God for His glory and to spread His word. They say that Christian rock, and most other styles of popular music, artists are merely deceived individuals who the devil is using to get into the church so that he can deceive the youth.
           What they fail to realize is that the Bible itself is not against any style of music. All reference to music mention nothing of the speed, volume, or beat of the music; only what was said and the heart and life of the singer. In fact, Psalm 150's mention of instruments seem to infer rather loud praise and worship. Therefore, since scripture gives no direct command against certain styles of music, it cannot be stated that the position that certain styles of music are evil is biblically based.
           What about the other things that are not directly mentioned in the Bible, such as pornography? They are all merely different ways for today's society to indulge in activities that are mentioned, and forbidden, in the Bible. Comparing music to these makes no sense since music is mentioned and condoned in the Bible.
           Another thing that they use against music to say certain kinds of music are evil is their claim that music creates specific emotions and therefore certain styles of music create specific morals. First of all, music does not create emotions. The emotions evoked in a listener are determined by the listener's experience with the style of music, mood, and musical tastes. It cannot be said that a style of music has the same effect on everyone. Therefore it cannot be said that music of any kind creates emotions of a certain motive in a listener.
           Some music does tend to get a common reaction in most individuals. Rock music makes most individuals feel angry. Where does the anger come from? From inside the person; not the music. The music merely draws it out. Is anger evil? Is it a sin to be angry? No, it is not. Jesus Himself got angry (Matthew 21:12-15). Also Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) states "be angry and do not sin." Notice it doesn't say "if you get angry do not sin." Therefore you can not claim that a specific emotion is evil, in and of itself. Only when it is wrongly pointed is it evil.
           Another accusation that is put against certain musical styles to declare them unchristian is that they, the music styles themselves, have profound physical effects on the listener. This accusation has never been proven. Music style has been shown to effect plants. But how can you compare the effect something has on plants to the effect it has on humans? It is ludicrous to do so.
           The last accusation that is thrown to Christian rock to declare it unChristian is that the music itself sounds like the world's. Therefore, they say, it is not Christian because we, as Christians, are commanded to "be seperate." My response to this is the Word of God.
           First of all, does "be seperate" mean to stay away from the world? No. Jesus hung around sinners. The scripture does not say that we are to stay away from sinners. If we do, how can we minister to them? Secondly, Paul states that he became "like a jew in order to win the jews." How is this any different than what Christian artists are doing? They are sounding like the secular artists in order to win the secular artists and those that listen to them. This does not mean, however, that they take on other habits of the secular artists which demean and wear upon their Christian life.
           Since the style of music cannot be used as a judgement of whether music is Christian or not, a certain style of music, such as rock, cannot be grouped together and it be said that all bands of that style are evil. Therefore, the Christianity of music has to be determined artist by artist. One must read their lyrics and determine if the direction the lyrics are leading is the direction she/he wants to go.
           The lyrics, unlike the music, have been proven to effect the listener's mood and belief system. Therefore lyrics are, and rightly should be, big parts in determining if music is Christian or not. If the lyrics point to Christ and praise Him then the music can be rightly labeled Christian. If not then it should not be labeled Christian.
           Here are a few lyrics that are from Christian bands that I believe show what the lyrics of music should be like:

"I am only a man who seeks to understand what Your will is for me. Lord I'm ready, show me."

"Those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ don't receive them or ever take part in their frontal lobotomy."

"The Lord who's Lord of All is not willing any perish. There's power in the blood to wash and make you righteous."

"Lord, if I ever needed someone. I need you."

"Christ is the only hope. We are but dust form of man. Don't forget eternity."

           Each of these lines either praise God or remind us of something that we, as Christians or as nonChristians, must do. They all point to Christ as the answer in one way or another. These type of lyrics, lyrics which point to Christ, are the lyrics which define Christian music. If the lyrics of music does not meet the biblical standard of truth and do not point to Christ then the music should not be labeled as Christian.
           The last standard which music must live up to before it can truly be called Christian music is that the lifestyle of the artist must be pleasing to God. The scriptures tell us to praise Him. Which, stated more plainly, means that our hearts must be sincere and free of sin when we sing. One cannot praise God when in sin.
           This standard should not be taken to an extreme though. If a Christian artist backslides or sins it should not be taken as an automatic reason to not listen to the music. If the artist shows a true feeling of remorse and is quick to right the wrong, then we must accept the apology and forgive. If the artist does not apologize, and continues on as if it never happened, then that is grounds to question whether Jesus is who is being followed and imitated. Which, in turn, is grounds to stop listening to the music.
           Like Six Feet Deep, a Christian hardcore band, says "What you embrace is what you become." Who you listen to determines who you will become. Listen to the music of man who denies God and your faith will be questioned and you may end up like the him. Listen to the music of a man who uplifts God and strives to live a Godly life and you will be uplifted and strengthened in your faith.
           Any music who's lyrics point to Christ and who's writer and performer are striving to live the Christian life is worthy of wearing the label of Christian music. Neither they, nor the ministry they have, should be rejected because of their style.

Works cited

Stryper. "More Than a Man." To Hell With The Devil. Hollywood Records, 1986.
Barren Cross. "Your Will." Rattle Your Cage. Rugged Records, 1994.
Vengeance Rising. "Frontal Lobotomy." Once Dead. Broken Songs, 1990.
Ultimatum. "Charged/Power." Puppet Of Destruction. Rowe Productions, 1998.
Lanny Cordola. "If I Ever Needed Someone." Salvation Medicine Show. KMG Records,1998.
Mortification. "Raw Is The Stonewood Temple." Triumph of Mercy. Rowe Productions, 1998.
Six Feet Deep. "Slip." The Road Less Traveled. Flying Tart Records, 1996.

written by Jonathan Johnston


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