I'm currently in the middle of writing a series of posts on my blog about music, and CCM in particular. I was wondering what the Christians on this board think about it, and if you don't see anything wrong with it, what are your thoughts on the 20 common arguments against it I put on this post:
The whole series can be seen here:
http://www.nathanrice.org/?tag=musicseries
Thoughts?
Contemporary Christian Music
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youngborean
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Post #11
The basic rule of interpretation that I would apply is that a dismissal of the OT would have to be justified by specific reference to the issue, unless they would include that children honoring their parents was also judaizing. Their argument is that playing stringed instrument is Judaizing without any negative reference to the practice in the NT. It simply reflects the anti-semitism inherent in much of Classic Christian interpretation, thank you for pointing out the history of fear around the issue of music in religion. Unfortunately, it still seems to be a controversial topic.Which principles of interpretation have they violated?
Post #12
Here are my guidelines on music based on the Bible:
I remind myself of what I should play (I'm a musician), and listen to by these three principles: (And yes it's cheesy, but it helps me remember)
Message,
Motive, and
Mood.
1. The message must be clear and discernible. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says "God is not the author of confusion". 2 Corinthians 3:12 stresses "plainness of speech". So whether performing, or listening, How can we call it Christian music, if we can't tell that it is so?
2. The message should be positive and edify our Christian walk. Romans 14:19 tells us to "follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." In addition, Phillipians 4:8 tells us to think only one pure things.
3. The motive is a very hard principle to judge if we are the listener. But easy if we are the musician. The motives of Christian music should be to praise God, (Psalm 28:7, 33:3), and spread the gospel (Judges 5:3, Psalm 101:1). Matthew 7:20 says "by their fruits ye shall know them", so as a buyer and listener, many times we can tell if the band or singers' motives are wrong. If it's to gain wealth and fame, obviously the musicians are not glorifying God in their music.
4. The mood of the music is probably the most debatable concept, but one I stand firm on. Music carries emotion with it. We can't deny it. Slow love songs aren't played when a football team rushes the field, fast bluegrass music isn't played when a couple is on their anniversary date. The mood matters, and it affects us emotionally. A positive sound should accompany a positive message. I would think Christian music carries a positive message.
As far as CCM, it's a style. That's it. In my opinion there's nothing sinful about it, as long as it follows the above principles.
I remind myself of what I should play (I'm a musician), and listen to by these three principles: (And yes it's cheesy, but it helps me remember)
Message,
Motive, and
Mood.
1. The message must be clear and discernible. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says "God is not the author of confusion". 2 Corinthians 3:12 stresses "plainness of speech". So whether performing, or listening, How can we call it Christian music, if we can't tell that it is so?
2. The message should be positive and edify our Christian walk. Romans 14:19 tells us to "follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." In addition, Phillipians 4:8 tells us to think only one pure things.
3. The motive is a very hard principle to judge if we are the listener. But easy if we are the musician. The motives of Christian music should be to praise God, (Psalm 28:7, 33:3), and spread the gospel (Judges 5:3, Psalm 101:1). Matthew 7:20 says "by their fruits ye shall know them", so as a buyer and listener, many times we can tell if the band or singers' motives are wrong. If it's to gain wealth and fame, obviously the musicians are not glorifying God in their music.
4. The mood of the music is probably the most debatable concept, but one I stand firm on. Music carries emotion with it. We can't deny it. Slow love songs aren't played when a football team rushes the field, fast bluegrass music isn't played when a couple is on their anniversary date. The mood matters, and it affects us emotionally. A positive sound should accompany a positive message. I would think Christian music carries a positive message.
As far as CCM, it's a style. That's it. In my opinion there's nothing sinful about it, as long as it follows the above principles.
