I've been dealing with this for a long long time and though I know God has been bothering me a lot about it I'm not sure what kind of inspection I should do over the music I listen to see if it's all right to listen to in regards to the health of my spirit. Body and mind at that. So while I have decided how to judge them at some point I haven't ever held to it because I don't know if it's the right way to do it.

If you judge by artist for example. Do you judge by the way they dress or how they talk or do you judge by the way they write? Just because they don't write Jesus and God every other line doesn't mean they don't have a real and personal relationship with Jesus I know that. If you judge any other way you're just making assumptions on the way they walk out on stage with chains on or they say they're christian on MTV yet put a picture of a naked angel on the front of their next cd, as P.O.D did.

If you judge by song, do you judge on whether it has a positive message or not? What about love songs is there anything wrong with listening to Don't Want to Miss A Thing by Aerosmith though the band obviously doesn't have a great rep of caring much about morals. What if a song talks about something like a past of cutting which you very much relate to and the message is how to cope with life yet the band is Slipknot? Even to go back to great songs by the Beatles or Elvis, which have a good rep somewhat but looking back we know they weren't Christians necessarily.

I guess I would have to figure most of you are going to tell me to just wait on God to answer my prayers about this I have prayed much about it of course :) It's just not the greatest answer when music is a big part of your life as it is mine. Music is everywhere and in everything from Mc Donald's to the YMCA to the arcades. I mean constantly which means you have to watch what you listen to because it makes a big difference on who you are. Life and Death are in the power of the tongue am I right? Garbage in garbage out?

Last thing I would like to say is that just because a band says they are christians or are labeled as such does not mean they are, many false prophets come in the disguise and I don't believe this generation quite realizes that or acknowledges that. Looking at bands such as Switchfoot and Lifehouse I've got to wonder how many people out there are listening to music that is 'Christian' but written by people who couldn't be any farther from God. By no means am I saying that any of the bands I've listed are either way Christian or not I'll leave that discetion up to you. Any help on this topic would be great and I would really appreciate some scriputure to back it up to and thanks.

Hello Mettalic,

Usually on this topic you'll get answers from just about every possible point of view. My own personal viewpoint is if you're spiritually mature and keep things in context it really doesn't matter a whole lot what you listen to. The bible teaches us that there is nothing unclean of itself, but there is a line to be drawn and YOU must decide where that line is for you.

I used to hear how evil rock n' roll was, how evil drums are and that God only liked hymns and southern gospel - but that's all nonsense. I listen to most types of music - but I do draw the line at music with vile lyrics - I see nothing of value in that. Otherwise it's largely a matter of taste, and if your taste is Switchfoot then listen to Switchfoot - just not while I'm around :D... Just kidding, I listen to everything from the Beatles, Steely Dan, Genesis to Allison Krauss, Steven Curtis Chapman (my favorite), Newsboys and the Supertones. But that's me, you have to decide what's right for you, and I'd say if the music affects you negatively then it isn't right for you.

This is what Jed McKenna says about judging music for yourself:

"Here's a simple test. If it's soothing or comforting, if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy; if it's about getting into pleasant emotional or mental states; if it's about peace, love, tranquility, silence or bliss; if it's about a brighter future or a better tomorrow; if it makes you feel good about yourself or boosts your self-esteem, tells you you're okay, tells you everything's just fine the way it is; if it offers to improve, benefit or elevate you, or if it suggests that someone else is better or above you; if it's about belief or faith or worship; if it raises or alters consciousness; if it combats stress or deepens relaxation, or if it's therapeutic or healing, or if it promises happiness or relief from unhappiness, if it's about any of these or similar things, then it's not about waking up. Then it's about living.

On the other hand, if it feels like you're being skinned alive, if it feels like a prolonged evisceration, if you feel your identity unraveling, if it twists you up physically and drains your health and derails your life, if you feel love dying inside you, if it seems like death would be better, then it is not what your spirit needs."

I will give this site to read through - although it appears to be more for testing the music for worship, but some of it applies for personal use.
Founders Ministries Blog: Guest Blog: Finding Our Voice in Worship (Part 1) Ken Puls

You are right when you say just because a band says it is Christian, does not mean it is so, nor does it mean their message is the message your spirit agrees with. Developing discernment is something you will be doing.

Basically, what I listen for, when I am listening to music, is this - does the song minister to me in a way that I want in my walk with the Lord or does it tear down my beliefs? Only I can answer that for myself. Just as only you can truly answer for yourself. Read, take counsel, but pray about what you hear and what you are counseled.

Best to you.

It is very simple, if the music is based on sin and based on evil, it is bad.

I agree with the above posts. I don't judge by the group or type of music (although there are some that I won't give a chance) but how the music makes me feel. IF it brings me closer to serving GOd or my neighbor or causes me to try to do better then it is good. If it causes me to think negative thoughts or the music causes me to feel anxious it is wrong for me. We have music to enjoy. It can be a great source of happiness to us. Some have used it though to degrade others and weaken our standards.

What about dance, it is good or bad, some times dance is a good exercise. And gives to mind lot of concentration.

RR kelly has a nice song titled I believe I can fly ,I believe I can touch the sky, spread my wings and fly away, He is a perve with video tapes of him and a young girl... if the artist goes against my morals and values... I have no reason to listen to their music... even a song like this with beautiful words... it's a sham

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That helps a lot and makes a lot of sense the only thing is what about something like Metallica why is it hard to let something like that go?

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Why is it hard to let go? I'm sure some will say "Satan's got a hold on you" but I'd prefer to think you just like it. Don't get me wrong, I do believe Satan will use whatever he can to appeal to the believer but the fact you're concerned and want to please God in this tells me you're on the right path. I'm sure there is something out there in the world of Christian music that could satisfy your Metallica craving.

Music doesn't have to have lyrics like "hide me thou O Rock of Ages" to be 'Christian' anyway. What a lot of people don't seem to get is every generation has their music and language, so just because some stuffed-shirt behind a pulpit says "Satan is the author of Christian rock" doesn't make it so. Just because some well-meaning former rock star preacher says drums aren't mentioned in the bible so they must be of the devil doesn't make it so. Just because he complains that "loud, up-beat drums, electric guitars and digital key-boards have replaced the worshipful sound of the organ" doesn't mean God hates those instruments and loves the organ.

These are the same people who have probably never preached or taught on Deuteronomy 14, where God tells His people if the place I chose to take your tithe is too far for you, to "use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice." It's contrary to their idea of what is Godly and what isn't. I don't recall ever reading a joke in the bible but I've never known a preacher that didn't tell jokes. You have to decide where that line is for you, and with your attitude I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Steve

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Originally Posted by shygrneyzs

if it feels like you’re being skinned alive, if it feels like a prolonged evisceration

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Kind of like most hip-hop does to me :D

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Originally Posted by cassini

what about dance, it is good or bad, some times dance is a good exercise. and gives to mind lot of concentration.

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A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance Eccl 3:4 :)

If music turns your focus on God and His greatness and grandieur, then music is wonderful. If music teaches strong family values or morals in general, then it's a good thing. If music causes someone to have feelings of suicide or criminal activity in general, then it's evil. If it turns the attention of the listener to Satan and his philosophy, then it's evil.

Thanks speechlesstx!

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Originally Posted by Metallic

thanx speechlesstx!

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You are most welcome :D

I say, when in doubt, throw it out! Let the Holy Spirit be your guide!