CCM question...clarification regarding BB member's classification

There was another thread...or two...concerning music. While this is not a matter of much concern for me, I do have a question. I asked in a thread, but it remained unanswered. For the record, I prefer traditional hymns...but I do acknowledge that there are some CCM worship songs that are in fact more biblical.

Anyway, my question is, what are we talking about?

Are we speaking of this as ungodly music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiDukXIeVY

or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnHn_nY0rr0

or both?

 

While I disagree with some in that I do not believe that music in itself carries moral implications, I apply this to some music but not all. At one time I was a heavy metal fan, and it was not the lyrics but the …for a lack of a better word…hostility and darkness that the music brought. So I am not opposed to the idea that music (without lyrics) can be dark and contrary to the Christian life.

But I do not see an issue with CCM like my first example (Revelation Song). It is certainly contemporary…but it is more biblical than many of the hymns that many of us love.

My question is whether or not those opposed to CCM distinguish between music like “Revelation Song” and “Artificial Light.” For me, I see “Revelation Song” as worship music while “Artificial Light” is music intended for the believer who likes that type of music (and I believe that the type - metal - of music is distinctly secular and designed to elicit an “evil” atmosphere….but perhaps this is due to an appreciation of the style on my part as the music evolved).

Metal was always pushing boundaries…and taking us fans along for the ride. But those boundaries were always how much more evil, anti-culture, and offensive they could become and still sell records (cd’s or digital media for you young guys). But the OP is concerned with whether or not those who are opposed to CCM would reject http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiDukXIeVY as being satanic. If so, why.

 

I think that we all have opinions. I also like secular music, although I have grown less inclined to some of the music of my past. The true test, however, is Scripture. What fruit does the music style encourage?

The flesh sets its desire against the Spirit. Things that come to mind are immorality, impurity, sensuality, strife, anger, and dissensions. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Regardless of the lyrics, look at what is produced. Then decide.

 

Don’t get me wrong. My intent here was to understand exactly what constituted CCM for many who object to the music. I certainly would not view the music that you presented as appropriate for congregational worship…beyond that it is a matter between you and God. I have no problems with much of “Christian rock.” The Demon Hunter song I provided may be another story (I do not see it as being in line with the fruits mentioned in Galatians, but instead closer to the flesh). Not all of their songs are like that.

That said, I don’t think one can dismiss the idea that the music is basically clinging on to the secular (I’m not saying that it is right or wrong here…just something that shouldn’t be so easily dismissed). Personally, I like much of CCM. Having been a metal fan in the past I do not see “Christian Metal” up to par in regards to the music…but the music itself is something I have chosen to leave behind in my life (for me, it does not encourage those fruits previously mentioned).

But I am in no way condemning you for your musical taste. I am making observations from my own experiences (I liked things like Danzig, Tool, Anthrax, Zombie, Metallica…mostly older Metallica before they sold out, etc.). But that music is particularly dark and I have grown to believe it has no place in my life as a believer. They certainly convey emotion and are an “art” form, by today’s standard anyway (it seems any media that conveys emotion or idea is considered “art” today). But I cannot reconcile that musical style with the fruit that marks the life of a child of God. I likewise would not go to see a stripper who painted Bible verses across her body to “share the gospel.” But that is me, my walk…seeking to present myself as a living sacrifice. People, even brethren, see things differently. So please feel free to consider my remarks as subjective…much of them are.

 

Don’t worry about derailing this thread…it was doomed from the beginning. :smilewinkgrin: Perhaps those opposed to CCM as a whole cannot support their argument beyond the theoretical (they flounder when asked directly to put their "discernment" into practice). So it’s basically been a discussion, and I’ve enjoyed ours.

My rule of thumb is to evaluate everything in light of the characteristics listed in Galatians 5. Does it speak to the flesh or to the Spirit? Here we have two groups distinctively set before us. Does (you fill in the blank) produce within me a sense of strife, sensuality, or dissension? If so, then it is something that I need to avoid. Is this something more characteristic of love, gentleness, kindness ,etc.? These are the questions I ask because on my own and without relying on Christ I would make the wrong choice.

There is a problem also, IMHO, that many seem to view culture(s) as amoral. But culture itself carries within it a set of values and a way of looking at the world. This also needs to be considered if one is really going to examine this topic. Perhaps that would be interesting for a future thread….but here we are simply discussing our views.