Music and Meat

[tenor]

I figured I'd get something going here.

The discussions on what music is and the use of "parodies" of secualr songs for Christian purposes have been interesting. I added a comment on the 'Apologetix' thread about music styles and even worship styles being similar to the idea of "meat sacrificed to idols."

Can choice in music and/or worship style fall under the principles given by Paul in his discussion of "eating meat sacrificed to idols?"

What think Ye?

Tim

 

[Pastor Larry]

Yes, of course it can. But not all styles of music fit that analogy.

 

[jshurley04]

Well, since Paul said that meat sacrificed to idols is just Bar-B-Q to him but an offence to others that are less mature in grace, so when he was around the others he would not eat it. I think that music can be seen the same way. Those who are less mature in grace need to cast stones at music that is not in a hymnal and those who are mature enough to understand that God is glorified by all styles of Christian music need to attempt to gently help those who are less mature grow a little.

 

[Pastor Larry]

It is correct to say that God is glorified by all styles of Christian music. It is incorrect to fail to point out that not all music labeled "Christian" truly fits that bill. It is important for the less mature who do not realize this to be taught so that they will "have their sense trained to recognized good and evil," as the book of Hebrews puts it. IT is often a long road of spiritual maturity and some are inclined to stop at the comfort level of their old life. We should constantly be teaching and admonishing one another about these issues so that we may approve things that are excellent, and may think on teh things that are good, righteous, holy, true, etc.

 

[tenor]

Originally posted by Pastor Larry:
It is correct to say that God is glorified by all styles of Christian music. It is incorrect to fail to point out that not all music labeled "Christian" truly fits that bill. It is important for the less mature who do not realize this to be taught so that they will "have their sense trained to recognized good and evil," as the book of Hebrews puts it. IT is often a long road of spiritual maturity and some are inclined to stop at the comfort level of their old life. We should constantly be teaching and admonishing one another about these issues so that we may approve things that are excellent, and may think on teh things that are good, righteous, holy, true, etc.

I am in agreement with you on this one. However, we differ on the definition of what is "excellent, ... good, righteous, holy, true etc." when it comes to musical style.

Tim

 

[Daniel]

No two humans will agree. In fact, as soon as someone submits a list they have "crossed the line" into false doctrine. God graciously did not speak of musical styles in the Bible because of infinite wisdom. He created variety. People all have different tastes, likes, and preferences. It not my place to draw lines where God did not draw lines. The only line we draw is a clear-cut doctrinal line about the truths of scripture as communicated in our music. I don't hesitate for a second to condemn some CCM for its false doctrine; however, I don't condemn a style of music because I don't like it or it doesn't fit into a certain college or church's playbook.

All you will get here at BB when we discuss styles of music is opinions, not actual doctrine. There is no music style doctrine! Trust me, I've been here for years on both sides! If you don't mind this you can have a lot of fun and sharpen your mind. That's all I use it for (and a few good laughs!

)

 

[Travelsong]

I think most people who find who find sin in particular musical styles do so because of association. Watch a rap video on MTV and anyone who hasn't heard the music in any other context would be tempted to consider all rap descended from the minions of Diablo. I mean, rap was created by the children of satan looking to pervert and distort all that is good!!!

 

[Pastor Larry]

To say things like that is to ignore music. It is easier to take your position because it requires less from you. But the nature of music doesn't change. It communicates in and of itself, and therefore, is moral by nature.

This is not opinion. It is universally recognized fact.

 

[Daniel]

Pastor Larry...briefly, but concisely, please explain what you mean about music communicating in and of itself and therefore by your conclusion being moral by nature. Thank you!

 

[Pastor Larry]

Music communicates emotions and has emotional impace.
Some emotions that are sinful.
Therefore, some music is sinful.

That is a very simple nutshell that has been expounded on by many. Even secular composers such as Bernstein and Copland recognize this. The only people who argue against it are Christians interested in defending CCM.

I am not even saying where we should draw the line. I am merely addressing the principle that music is moral.

 

[Daniel]

What part of the music is sinful? The lyrics? The music itself?

 

[Pastor Larry]

The music ... that is what we are talking about specifically here. THe lyrics are a different issue. THey too can be sinful.

 

[Daniel]

Again, as concisely as possible, how is the music itself sinful?

 

[Pastor Larry]

I already said. What part of it did you not understand? It doesnt' get much more concise than three lines. It can be much more fully explained, but then you lose the conciseness.

 

[Travelsong]

What you said is that music can communicate sinful emotion. You have not demonstrated how it does this, nor have you explained what emotion is sinful.

 

[Daniel]

I guess I don't get the "sin connect" with music like you made about the "sin connect" inherent with some emotions. How do you Biblically get to your conclusion? I honestly don't see the path from a Biblical POV. Please elucidate a little more. Thank you.

 

[Pastor Larry]

What you said is that music can communicate sinful emotion. You have not demonstrated how it does this, nor have you explained what emotion is sinful.

Actually I did. Music is an emotional language. It communicates, long before you put any words with it. Music that elicits sinful emotions (responses to the language) is sinful music.

I am not sure how much more plain I can make this.

 

[Daniel]

Where are getting this stuff from? That's what I would like to know. Statements without prooftexts do not hold up to proper scrutiny.

 

[Pastor Larry]

I guess I don't get the "sin connect" with music like you made about the "sin connect" inherent with some emotions. How do you Biblically get to your conclusion? I honestly don't see the path from a Biblical POV. Please elucidate a little more. Thank you.

Biblically we are taught that certain things are sinful. This is the application of that.

 

[Daniel]

Please tie this in to music.