Secular Music and Christian Standards?
Upvote:5
Secular Music and Christian Standards?
If you do not mind I would like to answer your question from a Catholic perspective (which I think would be appropriate to some degree to other Christian denominations).
For the most part this question will depend on the lyrics. The tempo and beat are are of less importance to some degree, but should not be entirely overlooked.
Can you violate Catholic morality by listening to music?
Yes
What are appropriate genres of music? Should any genre be condemned?
•The Answer is no.
•Any genre of music is permitted if it:
•Does not go against the teachings of Catholic Morality (order of creation)
•Correctly discerns the purpose of its creation.
Proper context for contemporary Music
•Worship outside of church**
•Youth Groups
•Music
•Worship through your favourite genres of music is not condemned by church teaching.
•It is beneficial for teens and young adults to live a Catholic life by incorporating Christian values into their every day lives, including music.
Chastity
•"any man who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart," (Matthew 5:28)
•Sin does not begin with our actions, but rather in the mind. Unchaste thoughts are considered a violation against chastity.
"Sin is a desire contrary to the eternal law,“ - St. Thomas Aquinas
Statistics
•There is a direct correlation between the amount of media with sexually explicit material and an increased rate of teenage pregnancy.
• Does Watching Sex on Television Predict Teen Pregnancy? , Anita Chandra,PHD,
•Teens who watch a lot of sexually explicit media are at double the risk of early pregnancy than those who do not watch sexual content. -Sex on TV Increases Teen Pregnancy. Time Magazine.
Substance abuse
•Many contemporary music contains explicit lyrics encouraging drug and alcohol abuse.
•This is very common in Music videos
Kesha – Tik Tok
•Lyrics: ….Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack …. Ain’t got a care in world, but got plenty of beer
Why shouldn’t we listen to music with explicit content?
•In scripture: “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16 ).
Can you Listen to music with explicit music without going against its Purpose?
•No.
•One cannot worship and listen to music that clearly violates Laws set in motion by the Creator.
•Natural law
What is the purpose of music? (Natural law)
•God’s purpose for music: The purpose of music is to glorify God and bring us closer to God.
•Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. (Psalms 66:1-2)
•Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. (Psalms 33:1-4)
What about secular music with appropriate content? (Natural Law)
•1)Secular music can realise the full potential of its purpose.
•2) The One and the Same God is both Creator and Revealer.
•3) Therefore the Will of God is reflected in both the "Order of Creation" (the way things are put together) willed by God, and the "Revelation of Scripture" willed by God.
•4) When human reasoning correctly discerns the "order of creation" it cannot contradict the "revelation of Scripture," correctly interpreted.
•5) The Catholic Church's commitment to Education and openness to all forms of learning (including the physical and social sciences) is rooted in the conviction that truthful, valid reasoning about reality brings us closer to the Mind and Will of God. -Dr. Brodie (Gilbrodie.ca) - Catholic Church and Contemporary Music
The following articles may be of interest:
Upvote:10
Philippians 4:8 is an excellent guide when considering whether the lyrics in a song, or the words in a book, or a television programme, are appropriate for a Christian to read/see:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
It is the lyrics that determine whether a song is “acceptable” for a Christian to listen to. If anything leads you to think about or get involved in something that does not glorify God, it should be avoided. Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/secular-music.html
Songs that ask us to imagine there’s no heaven, and that there is no God (for example) fail to focus our minds on things from above and are dishonouring to God. However, within the bounds of Christian liberty it is up to individuals to exercise their conscience in such matters. Nobody has any right to tell you what you should, or should not listen to, read or watch. If your conscience troubles you, then act accordingly.
Having said that, this sort of question is likely to be closed because Christianity Stack Exchange is not in the business of giving pastoral advice. Please take our tour to find out what sort of questions are allowed, and how to avoid asking questions that will attract opinions (which is what I’ve done – oops!) https://christianity.stackexchange.com/tour
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