Paintings have many parts. The art of the painting contains line, color, shape, texture, etc. When observing a painting it can also be helpful to understand what was going on in the life of the artist at they time they painted it. Why then do we treat music any different than other forms of art, such as paintings?
I think we should be cautious to label music “Christian” or “Secular.” Music has line, color, shape, and texture just like any other work of art. What do the words communicate? What emotion does it evoke? What associations are made in your mind? If these things dishonor God, then we probably shouldn’t listen to it . . . at least not without an extremely protected mind and heart.
God made music, and he made it good. Many people pervert it into something it isn’t. But I don’t think that means we should completely ignore any music that doesn’t have “Jesus Saves” on the front cover.
Nicely put. There’s nothing else to say!
I think that it was Rick Warren who said that the lyrics are what makes music Christian or not.
I am powerfully affected by music, though, so I have to be careful of what styles I listen to. Even if it’s got Christian lyrics, a hard rock song is going to get me feeling belligerent.
@Todd: Yea dude. Right on. Thanks for sharing that – its exactly what I’m saying. In your case, even “Christian” music can cause dishonor towards God . . . so what would be the purpose of calling it “Christian”?
Never thought I would say this, but I actually disagree with Rick Warren (or whoever said that)… there’s just so much more involved. If lyrics alone made music “Christian,” then why are Switchfoot, Reliant K, and MxPx considered “Christian” by most? I dare anyone to show me a single explicitly Christian word in any of the more recent music from groups like this.
@”big Chet” – right on. Studies show consistently that adults’ favorite style of music is the style that was popular when they were 18-25 years old.
@Everyone – Gosh. I’m commenting alot on my own site. I guess that’s because we’re talking about something I’m so passionate and educated about. 🙂
Great comments Adam. We just have to remember that whatever we do, we must stay focused on what is really imporant. Our worship to God. We must make sure we’re focused on what the lyrics say and mean it. Not just go through the motions(just like you said).
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify
me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a
comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment.
Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me
from that service? Kudos!
Right now it seems like BlogEngine is the top blogging platform
available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re
using on your blog?