What is christian music?

How do you define Christian music?I define christian music as being something which is opposite to the world.

I define christian music as being something which is opposite to the world.You are asking a question that is centuries old. Also your definition is centuries old. The only problem is that there have been countless disputes over this very thing: Christian music. Countless Christians have zealously tried defending what they believed was "unworldy" music. And an equal number of disagreeing people have zealously tried to defend what believed was godly music. Only a few hundred years ago certain intervals were considered to be evil - like thirds and sixths, (though the perfect intervals like fourths, fifths and octaves were okay). There was a time when instruments in the church were worldly. People squabbled viciously over the organ entering the church. Then there was that violin - surely an instrument of the world - after all, it was played in wordly places. Then there were those devilish guitars (someone called them backslidden harps) .... On and on it goes. ... Then there were disputes about using "worldly" musical styles for sacred songs in the church... Today the CCM industry is run by the pagan world, by worldly standards, and they make big bucks off of the church. You don't even want to know the sins going on there. But yet, don't you enjoy some of the music it puts out? (I do) And don't you pay a good price for the CD's - all inadvertently supporting an ungodly industry? Perhaps other questions need to be asked. Maybe it is not a case of what kind of music we think is "Christian", but "Is my life approved by God? How can I please him better?" By the way, I think it is good you are asking questions. That is part of your growth in the Lord.Remember,that when people asked Jesus questions he did not usually give them straight answers. Instead he got them thinking about what was really important. And, you, Deltadom are no doubt a thinking person. Diane

I also thought that it could be anything that comes from God is christian music because it glorifys him and if it glorifys the evil one it is not

anything that comes from God is christian musicMusic is a human expression. Certainly God has given humans the ability to make music, and material from which to make instruments, but he has also given them the freedom to use their abilities as they desire. It doesn't fall down from the sky. As a musician, there are times when I wish God would just come down and "cause" me to do it, just as pushing a button "causes" the CD player to work, but alas, God seems to want me to go through the hard work of practise and learning and working patiently with people. Are you a musician? Diane

For some indepth thoughts on the subject, it's often good to search though the archives.Christian rock music....?

Today the CCM industry is run by the pagan world, by worldly standards, and they make big bucks off of the church. You don't even want to know the sins going on there. But yet, don't you enjoy some of the music it puts out? (I do) And don't you pay a good price for the CD's - all inadvertently supporting an ungodly industry? -Diane,-I enjoy reading your posts. They seem to express the spiritual depth and the "artistic temperment" that some of my musician friends have.. :-)-If we can conclude that the CCM industry is "run by the pagan world," do you ever find yourself conflicted by enjoying stuff put out by such an industry? One of my dear friends is a "worship leader" (a title that I have ALWAYS had trouble with), and we have had times of ministry together, yet I wonder sometimes about the direction that the music is taking. Your thoughts?..-I wonder if we preachers have "sanctified temperment" to compare with the "artistic temperment" of our brethren in the music ministry? (I hope you have a good sense of humor)..-Blessings!...

Diane,I also appreciate your comments about the "Christian music" industry. Although the majority of my music would fall into the "Christian" category and I screen my music by certain producers or writers or by lyrical content, I'm becoming increasingly disenchanted with the way the industry operates. As a musician and songwriter, I am annoyed and insulted by the lack of the depth of musical and lyrical depth in many mainstream recordings. There's a lot I could say about this, but it probably isn't necessary...As was stated before, this is a debate that has gone on for years. I don't want to take sides, but I will share what may already be obvious to some but bears repeating: Whether you adhere strictly to the idea of anointed Christian music only, or the other extreme, it's important to be led by the Spirit. What I mean by that is that if you decide to do something like, say, chuck your old record collection, make sure that the Lord has put it on your heart to do so. If He hasn't worked the desire into you, it's not necessarily a useless act, but you may find yourself wishing you still had your old music and then you may buy more stuff to replace what you threw out. Does that make sense? In case someone thinks otherwise, I am not putting down the act of throwing out certain types of music. I've done the same thing. If a certain type of music or a particular recording awakens old feelings or memories to such an extent that it causes you to stumble, then tossing it is just a matter of common sense.I know some wonderful Christian musicians who have been heavily influenced by secular artists. There are many secular artists who have influenced me growing up, even though I wouldn't necessarily listen to most of them now. I do believe everyone has draw a line with what he or she listens to, but I think it's also important to recognize that with regard to music (and all of its aspects of writing, production, recording, performance, distribution and so on) we do not live in a vacuum. I buy my guitar strings at the same store as every other ungodly rocker in my town. I have to use the same equipment, the same recording studio, etc. as the next guy. A friend and I once recorded a worship demo in a studio while a heavy metal band was going at it downstairs. Afterward, the studio owner (an unsaved Jewish guy) . My friend was able to talk with him about the Lord and he was very open to a discussion about spiritual things. It was not a Christian environment at all, but he was touched by the music and that opened a door. As Christians, we do not exist in a vacuum, but we try to act as if we do.Personally, I'm starting to avoid using the "Christian" music label. It's not because of shame of the cause of Christ, because if you listen to enough of my songs and spend enough time with me, you'll figure out what I'm about. But I think sometimes that the label has become so vague and cliched that it cheapens the Lord's testimony. I used to dislike Christian musicians who avoid the "Christian artist" label but, questionable motives notwithstanding, I understand this sentiment a little more.My $2.50...Blessings,marc

Clearly, anything with drums is satanic, and anything with piano is godly (tongue in cheek!)Okay, seriously now, with regards to what is appropriate in church... There are some churches, and consequently, some disciples of those churches, who will tell you straight faced that if a man has his hair touching the starched collar of his pressed white shirt, then he is a backsliding, "long haired" sinner and that you should refuse to have communion with him until he repented of this rebellion by conforming to the locally accepted guidelines for hair-length.Most of us would laugh at this sort of Pharisee-ism, recognizing it for what it is: teaching as laws the opinions of men. The tendency in some churches is to legislate a rigid code of what is "godly" and what is "sinful" - and such codes are almost always more restrictive even than the law of Moses (which no one was able to keep either!) So it is that we see the same thing happening with music.Here and there we find churches drawing lines in the sand, some draw the line at drums. Some at amplification. Some go so far as to determine what time signitures or metronome settings are "evil" (4/4 time, and nothing faster than 120 quarter notes per minute!) Some would say that only soloists are allowed, other only choruses. Some hate harmony, some allow only two part harmony, some only up to three part harmony. Some demand harmony.Clearly, once one desides that God hates one music style and likes another, it is plain to the people who make the decisions in a church, that God likes the same kind of music they like, and hates whatever the kids are listening to.I personally believe that God is more concerned with the heart of the "worshipper" than the style the worshipper is employing.That being said music is one of the primary marketing vehicles in the first world. Image sells, and music directly or indirectly defines that image. If I see a man walking down the street with a bright green mohawk, more piercings than ears, a torn leather jacket (complete with chains, safety pins, and patches) Green army pants, with suspenders hanging down, a big chain attached to an oversized wallet, and big old army boats - I don't have to ask him what kind of music he listens to - I know without asking, because for many people music and image are one and the same.So I while I respect that God doesn't prefer one music style over another - I must qualify that by adding that God is not hoodwinked either. God will not share his glory even with a particular musical style. The moment the music style drives the decision to select the song as being appropriate for worship (either in including it or excluding it) - in that moment someone becomes a hypocrite and a Pharisee, serving both the world and God.I would suggest that most people know the difference between "performance" and "worship" - between "affected/self promoting" and "edifying" - and even if they don't, most of can reason that a room full of seniors is not going to be edified by a thrash metal hip/hip fusion band no matter how "orthodox" the screaming lyrics happen to be. I am a firm believer in the thought that no sermon is worth listening to if you know the man preaching it is unrepentantly involved in an adulterous affair - likewise, there is a worldly compromise in music that ought to be obvious to all but the most backslidden believers.Just as in some countries we leave it to the parents to recognize the difference between physical correction (spanking) and physical abuse - reasoning that more than anyone, the parents of the children, by virtue of their vested interest, will know where to draw the line. Likewise, I suspect that most of us will know the difference between something edifying and something worldly, should it find its way into our church.We do well to guard ourselves against legalistic pronouncements, but we must never pretend that anything goes.With regards to "Christian music" - as in that stuff they play on "Christian radio" - I think this is one of those things that everyone is going to answer differently.There are all sorts of songs on Christian radio - not all of which are doctrinally sound, and most "Christian" stations have no doctrinal statement - playing whatever happens to be popular on the various "Christian" labels - even when songs are played back to back that conflict with one another openly and doctrinally. Frankly, I don't think a lot of thought goes into "Christian radio" - and because of that, a good definition of "Christian music" is going to be difficult to nail down.Dan/\\/\\/\\

Hi Dann (and everyone else too!!)I appreciate your comments regarding the fact that it is the heart of worship, and not the style of worship, that is the issue! God's looking for those who will worship in spirit and truth, not for those who follow a particular style or set. Right now, however, this is an issue with the particular pastor my husband and I are sitting under. He does not approve of rap music or rock, and he asked one guy in our church who was a rapper not to use it as a ministry tool. I definitely think that people can be drawn to songs of this nature for the wrong reason...i.e., the beat, and not the lyrics. But, I would not call rap inherently evil! I have also encountered others who believe that just because the artist proclaims themselves to be Christian, then the music is Christian. Yet there are those who bear this label yet produce music which is devoid of Christ. If the heart is to worship, and the purpose is to impact for him, then the music should reflect this. A token mention of God here and there does not "cut it" in my book!!!You can see this in attending some of the "Christian concerts" out there. Honestly, there should be no such thing. Anywhere where Christ is being lifted up through music, there should be worship - not enterntainment. It's intriguing to me to see the difference in the "performance" (I hate to even use this word) styles of different artists. You can see where their focus lies. Unfortunately, many mimic the world. The focus is more on their image, their ability to perform, and the size of their speakers. When I led worship for a Christian organization, God checked me on trying to sound perfect. As someone who has long struggled with perfectionism, I had to let go of how I sounded. Sometimes, my voice cracked in the middle of worship or went a little flat - but I had to let go of that self-consciousness or a need to sound perfect. If the anointing is there, and God is among His people, no one cares. They are simply happy to be with Him and be ministered to by His Spirit. And that is my heart's desire!!!! For whatever it's worth....God bless-psalm63 :)

John said, your posts… seem to express the spiritual depth and the "artistic temperament" that some of my musician friends have.. I have learned through countless experiences of pain, tears, failures, and disappointments in my many years (I am 52) as a musician. I think I could write a book, but there are perhaps more important things in life. Music, including the ability to use it well doesn’t fall from the sky, like a lot of people like to believe. I need to permit the younger generation that same journey of growth, rather than whack them on the head with all my “insight”. -If we can conclude that the CCM industry is "run by the pagan world," do you ever find yourself conflicted by enjoying stuff put out by such an industry? Just about everything in this world that we can enjoy has been touched or tainted by unholy forces. If I chose not to partake in something because somewhere along the line sinners were abusing the thing, I would have to decline everything. Yes, I do get bothered by the price on music books and recordings when I know that the ones who did the most work towards our musical heritage received very little. It is not always the most talented or most godly who get the money and recognition. As is typical, the middleman gets rich. Well, I guess it is that way with the Bible. The original writers got nothing but martyrdom, and since then a lot of people have gotten quite rich on it. One of my dear friends is a "worship leader" (a title that I have ALWAYS had trouble with), and we have had times of ministry together, yet I wonder sometimes about the direction that the music is taking. Your thoughts?.. Wow!!! At last I meet someone who is not thrilled with the title ‘worship leader”. I do not wish to be called that, but merely a “song leader”, or minister of music (my present title) Worship is NOT merely the singing time in the church, and it is NOT a certain style of music, or a certain way of raising your arms. The best way I lead anyone to worship God is to challenge them to put their trust in God, and not other things in this life. And that is a process through relationship. I think there is a movement towards worshiping our worship. And the temptation is ever present – with all the things available to polish this “idol”. I think that there are so many disputes over music because people are defending their idol. They have lost their first love, and they are not aware of their lack of love for one another. Spiritual growth is needed more than “blended worship”. -I wonder if we preachers have "sanctified temperament" to compare with the "artistic temperament" of our brethren in the music ministry? Ah – yes, I think so. Artists tend to be creative and divergent in their thinking. I think pastors can be a source of irritation to creative musicians, because pastors want to keep the church service rather predictable and in control, while the artistic, creative types like to redesign it and take risks. Maybe that “sanctified” (neat and tidy) temperament” of the pastor is too sanctified for the artistic temperament. Does that make any sense??? What a divergent thought that is!!! I don’t expect it to make any sense. As iron sharpens iron…. Diane

I am annoyed and insulted by the lack of the depth of musical and lyrical depth in many mainstream recordings It’s time we realize that we DON’T NEED these people. Christians who are gifted music writers should perhaps be willing to let God give them the recognition they need, including provide their daily bread. “Do not be unequally yoked think that reference applies here. We don’t need to lean on the ways of the world to get ahead. What I mean by that is that if you decide to do something like, say, chuck your old record collection, make sure that the Lord has put it on your heart to do so. …. Does that make sense? Yes it does. God may be merely testing one’s heart to see if their music means more to him than he does. Personally, I'm starting to avoid using the "Christian" music label. ….But I think sometimes that the label has become so vague and cliched that it cheapens the Lord's testimony. Labels have a way of changing their meanings through time and use, for example, “Gospel music” . You may see written in music, “Play in a gospel style”. This term has nothing to do with the Gospel, but with a style of music that used that label. The same goes for other words: Revival (now you can get revival caps and T-shirts)

I would agree with your definition, and would add a few more. Worship the Lord, Praising the Lord, Not offending anyone and being sensitive to older believers and the audience. When you sing Christian music, it is not a in your face attitude. It should be guided by the Holy Spirit, now I am speaking of something I am not knowledgable about. I am not musical but have witnessed the friction and abrassiveness certain types of music can have on different parts of the body of Christ. Some older, or conseritive believers believe rock and roll style music has no place in God's House.

Dan said, God likes the same kind of music they like. You have keen observation. This is very egocentric thinking, and, as you say, it is all too common. It has been said, “Man created God in his image, and worships his image. most people know the difference between "performance" and "worship" - between "affected/self promoting" and "edifying" -Most of the audience, probably, but the performers themselves might be quite blind to this. I often invite guest musicians to my church. I cannot always figure out where exactly they stand with God, and I don’t quiz them on their doctrine. I check for these things: Do they show respect for the values of the church? Will they portray respect for my congregation? Are they “in your face” – ie do they give an air of “me, me, me”? Do they respect good music, and do they prepare well? I may help guide the selections of songs. Psalm63 wrote I have also encountered others who believe that just because the artist proclaims themselves to be Christian, then the music is Christian. Yet there are those who bear this label yet produce music which is devoid of Christ. It’s been said, “the proof is in the pudding”. In other words, it’s not what people CLAIM that means anything, it’s what fruit they produce. The Bible says that in several places. The focus is more on their image, their ability to perform, and the size of their speakers. I takes a long time, and a hard process of dying to self, a work of God to subdue these misdirected desires. And it looks like God has been doing just that in your life. God bless you.

Some older, or conseritive believers believe rock and roll style music has no place in God's House. To older people rock and roll is a blatent icon of a self-indulgent worldly youth generation of their past. To them it feels like they are in a house of sin rather than a house of prayer. Music touches one according to what it has been associated with. Diane

hi, as i am a wierd old man, i believe that music is niether christian or worldly. it is cycles per second(hertz)falling on the ears of prejudist listeners. mine is good ,yours is bad. i have been to one concert in church where the Spirit of the Lord fell.that concert lasted about five minutes.reba rambo was singing 'don't let the wounded soldier die" and in the middle of the song she saw the crowd were on their faces sobbing and she stopped singing and came out to pray with us. one in forty years ain't too bad. jimp

anything that comes from God is christian musicSatan came from God (Gen 3:1). Does that make him christian?

CyberCarbon wrote:I am not musical but have witnessed the friction and abrassiveness certain types of music can have on different parts of the body of Christ. Some older, or conseritive believers believe rock and roll style music has no place in God's House.Once again, may I commend the thread Christian rock music...? Even if you don't want to read though this (as it encoumpases a change of opinion in some minds, mainly mine), I challenge to test the above opinion after listening to Power through prayer by Keith Daniel, asking yourself the question, "If there is nothing moral about music, then why did God do that to the stereo?" I'm not going to explain it. one, because I'll give away the surprise, and two, because I'm hoping your curiosity will cause you to check it out:P. (As Keith would say, "Oh, but now I'm being naughty, aren't I?")

I can only share my experiences with god.I dont believe that there is something like a "music code", no music in itself is evil.Well, there was a time the lord touched this area in my life, music.And i felt like i should give up every music thatcame from a non-christian.This wasn't about the music style, but the source it came from.Well, after a fight in my heart (because i reallyloved some of the music) i finally decided togive it up.But shortly after that God showed me that it wasntabout the music.It was about the role the music played in my heart.What was more important to me, the "worldly" musicor to obey him?Consider Abraham, he wasn't really supposed to sacrifice Isaac, it was a test of his heart.Since then i have a deep freedom listening to the music i like.For sure there is a line, i would never listen to any satanic band, but i have no problem with nearly any kind of music style.