SHOULD CHRISTIANS LISTEN TO SECULAR MUSIC? (4 Things to Consider)
Intro:
Checking my Facebook account on Saturday morning, I saw a post made by a pastor friend about Christians singing secular songs in my newsfeed. I shared it on my page (see the screenshot a little way down) with a qualification and then decided to give my take on this issue of whether Christians should listen to secular music or not in a more comprehensive manner through this post. (After all, it is from listening to songs that we sing them when we wish to.) In doing this, I am relying on my personal experience and Scripture. Many thanks to Pastor Hero Obasuyi for bringing up this matter. I pray that everyone who reads this will be blessed in Jesus’ name.
Should Christians listen to secular music?
This is a controversial subject and when I was much younger, I avoided those who said we couldn’t. You need to know the times I’m referring to. This was between the late 1970’s to the early 1990’s. Born again Christians then lived more or less a strait-laced sort of life. Many only wore their natural hair (hair treatments were seen as gateways to marine spirits), wearing fashionable clothes was seen as vanity (even brothers who wore jeans and T-shirts were in some circles seen as worldly), the television was called the devil’s box by some, music in church was largely choral with organ accompaniment (to some, electric guitars were straight from hell).
This was during the analogue era when music production was a big deal. To mix anything worth listening to, you probably needed to go abroad and many local gospel acts couldn’t afford that. Besides, because of low acceptance of different musical genres in church, most of gospel music was in the nature of hymn singing. A very popular duo then was Voice of the Cross.
People like me insisted that Christianity didn’t forbid listening to good music. I saw it as part of my education to explore and expose myself to great music, both gospel and secular. My collection was largely foreign as the best music production studios were abroad as I inferred above. I listened to the likes of The Commodores, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Shalamar, Abba, Bob Marley and the Wailers on the secular side and Andrae Crouch, Amy Grant, The Genesis, Marilyn Baker, Sandi Patty, Carman, The Reverend Al Green and Candi Staton (among others) on the Christian side, although I loved most of Al Green and Candi Staton’s mainstream stuff.
As I grew older, I began to skip secular music. My reason was that it became increasingly difficult to find wholesome stuff on that side, both in their audio and video formats.
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(Related: My Experience In Church Today – Anointed Singing Breaks Yokes)
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In addition, gospel music in Nigeria had come a long way. Presently, the artistes are just as skilled and talented as the secular musicians. (In America, many successful musicians in the mainstream honed their skills in church before moving to the wider world stage. That may not quite be the case here but modern pentecostal churches give voice, instrumental and performance training to their choir members such that when they pick up musical careers, they lack nothing in ability and showmanship.)
Also, gospel music comes in almost every available music genre now, here and elsewhere, including rock, rap and reggae. And application of digital technology in music production has resulted in anyone with the know-how being able to cook high-fidelity music from a tiny studio anywhere on the globe. So right now, I find that my music tastes are satiated by listening mostly to gospel music. But I listen to some secular songs occasionally out of curiosity or if for any reason my attention is seriously drawn to them.
Based on my experience in listening to music from both sides of the divide, I have the following advice for young believers (both youths and new converts) on this matter.
It’s up to you to decide whether to listen to secular music or not but there are things you should consider as you do this:
4 Things to Consider if You Wish to Listen to Secular Music
1. You should be grounded in the Scriptures so you can sift the message of the songs:
Musicians are philosophers. They share their world views, their convictions and perspectives through their songs. As a Christian, everything you take in, music included, should be judged by the word of God. You need to know that word to do so, otherwise you will imbibe some erroneous beliefs through the songs and other stuff you’re exposed to. This is why the Bible asks us not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can know what pleases God (Romans 12:2).
As an undergraduate, I loved to listen to George Benson sing “The Greatest Love of All” and later to Whitney Houston’s powerful rendering of the song. But as I grew in my knowledge of the Scriptures, I realised the message of the song from the lyrics written by Linda Creed was the antithesis of Christian teaching.
“Everybody’s searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone who fulfilled my needs
A lonely place to be
And so I learned to depend on me
‘I decided long ago
Never to walk in anyone’s shadow
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I’ll live as I believe
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“Because the greatest
Love of all is happening to me
I’ve found the greatest
Love of all inside of me
…
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all”
We cannot be disillusioned and say we’ve found no hero to inspire us when we have the Lord Jesus as our perfect example. As Christians, we should be “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), and not to fallible human beings. Furthermore, the Bible does not teach that self-love is the greatest love. Rather, it teaches that love of God is. That is followed by love of others before ourselves. And we will be alright. Bringing up our children with any other notion is laying a precarious foundation for their lives.
“37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38. This is the first and great commandment. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” – (Matthew 22:37-40)
“3. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)
2. Understand that the ears and eyes are gateways to the soul, so the nature and mood of the song you listen to can invade your life:
The songs you listen to and their videos that you watch stay with you long after the music ceases to play. They form part of your thoughts, language and possibly actions. One can become depressed after exposure to melancholic songs. One can feel aroused after listening to/watching the videos of sensual songs. If you’re not careful, something dishonouring to God or harmful to you might result from repeated exposure to such songs.
Bottomline is that creativity is a spiritual thing. Who is the muse behind the music you’re listening to? We can invite dangerous spirits into our lives unwittingly when we listen to all manner of music and suffer demonic oppression because many popular artistes are alleged to be in covenant with negative powers to ensure their success. The scary thing is that a musician friend of mine once claimed that some gospel singers desperate for fame are going down the same treacherous path. You can google “Dark Pacts: Strange Tales of Real Deals With the Devil” by Brent Swancer and gospel singer Skid Ikemefuna’s claim that “Many popular young Nigerian musicians have sold their souls to Satan” if you want more info on this.
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(Related: Wealth and Fame – Poem)
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3. You may send the wrong message to others, especially young believers:
Young believers who are not properly rooted in the Lord may be emboldened to listen to what you do and be harmed thereby. Weigh the dangers in that regard against your desire to enjoy such music. In the Bible, when Apostle Paul discussed such a situation with regard to the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, this was his stance:
“8. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11. And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” – 1 Corinthians 8:8-13
4. You may discredit your witness if you are not careful about the secular music you listen to:
Some secular music you listen to can call your Christianity to question and weaken your witness before the world. As I said earlier, there’s a lot of unwholesome stuff out there and some of it is so popular. As you sing along to songs that are vulgar, misogynistic, violent, idolise money, etc., and celebrate those who release them, you bring yourself down from the pedestal on which your salvation has placed you and those who are aware of this lose their respect for you because they fail to see that distinction that should exist between you as saved and they as unsaved.
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(Related: Child of God, Your Language On Social Media Matters)
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I remember when I used to sing along with Midnight Star about wetting my whistle until a friend jokingly pointed out I had no whistle to wet. I had been oblivious of the sexual innuendo the band attached to the expression. You can imagine my embarrassment! Now picture me trying to preach to anyone who had heard me singing such a song. They would just dismiss me! Unless they, like me, did not catch the allusion the song made.
Conclusion:
In sum, I feel that if you so desire, for purposes of entertainment, education and familiarisation with pop culture, you may listen to secular songs What you learn may come in handy when you want to minister to unbelievers. It may provide relatable themes to discuss with them and establish some rapport. But keep your guard up bearing in mind the points above and any other warnings the Lord may drop in your heart.
In other words, as I said earlier, whether or not you as a believer listen to secular music is up to you. But as with everything you do, ask God for guidance as the Lord Jesus taught us to pray: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13).
You are richly blessed in Jesus’ name.
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The scriptures in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except wnere otherwise stated.
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I would love to also hear your views on this. Do you listen to secular music? Why do you listen or fail to do so?
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I love this.
In truth, I listen to secular music. In fact, what I listen to, is secular music. I know very very few Christian songs.
But I totally agree with this post, especially the fourth point. Many secular songs of today have very terrible lyrics, and so I understand why they’ll deter any born again.
Many times, I find myself feeling disappointed in the things I hear from Flavour, or Phyno; some of those lyrics shame my womanhood.
And the new song from Olamide, where he kept chanting “See Mary, see Jesus”, just doesn’t sit well with my Christian faith. I always refuse to fully listen to the song.
But there are some secular songs with good lyrics. Any Christian should explore…but with discretion.
Happy September, ma’am.
I agree, Chinemerem. There are secular songs that are great but we must avoid the ones that debase morals, etc. Happy September to you too, my dear!
And lest I forget, you are missing a lot by not listening to gospel music. Why don’t you google the music of Frank Edwards, Sinach, Tenth Avenue North, Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams for starters?
Ahhh! This is a subject dear to my heart. I LOVE music. Any Kind of music. When I was much younger, no song was bad but as I grew older and gave my life to Christ, for a while (my UNN days) I restricted myself to gospel and since it has a wide set of genre, I could do hip hop, rock, rap, jazz, blues, reggae and so forth. After I graduated, I fell by the wayside ???. I am more careful now though as some songs really don’t make sense but I really love good music and my curiosity leads me to a vast array.
I’d say though that I have been convicted about a particular song and I had to delete- I love Disney soundtracks and this was from the Hunchback of Notre Dame where the wicked man was singing to Quasimodo about his failings and it went like this:
Wicked Man: You are deformed
Quasimodo: I am deformed
WM: And you are ugly
Q: and I ugly
WM: and these are things the world would never forgive…
And as I sang those lines, it was like I was confirming that I was deformed and ugly. The Holy Spirit said delete. That’s the only time I have deleted a song. Most times I try to argue or plead my case, silly me.
But I love good music. They’re some songs I’ve listened to and it seemed clean until I saw the video and saw it was promoting the gay love and such. Good songs fa! They’re songs I’ve loved until I heard the inspiration behind it. It’s all about research, knowledge.
I have found it safer to remain in the days of ‘when music was music’ that is from the 50’s to 2010. I am an old soul.
All these being said, I agree with your points above Ma’am.
Old soul, lol! I guess I could describe myself as such. On TV, I can only watch shows like Rewind, or anything on hits from yesteryears. It’s important to listen to the Holy Spirit and not place our perception of what’s enjoyable over his clear leading to steer clear of some stuff that may seem manifestly harmless. As you said, we need to research the full lyrics of songs and their meanings.
Has been a pleasure reading your views on this. Thank you and be lifted in Jesus’ name.
Great piece from Aunty Edith! Really, this is a very controversial issue, and your submissions were apt. We must continually work with God’s spirit in us as regards which music to listen to. (Romans 8:14). May God strengthen you more.
Amen in Jesus’ name. Thank you so.much, James!
A great piece. An eye opener. I’ve never liked secular music – most of them. The greatest love of all was one of those I loved. Looking at it’s lyrics here, I find the song merely appealing to the flesh. I get worried by some of the ideas pastor hero canvasses. Please talk to him, aunty Edith. Many thanks to you, aunty for the soul-uplifting posts on your blog.
Hi Edidiong! Glad you were blessed by this post and thank you for commending my blog. Glory to God!
On Pastor Hero’s posts, I think he acts like a Christian gadfly more or less. My opinion is that he is playing an.important role by getting believers to reflect on certain issues and think outside the box. I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says but I will not interfere with his right to say them.
Keep up the good work you’re doing at Ritman Univ and remain blessed!
Beautiful. The ideas explored here are exceptional. A few secular songs have inspired me, although I do not have secular songs on my phone. I choose to not have them because I think that most of them are inspired by foul spirits. And because I do not know which one is, I try to keep them away from my devices (reach).
There is practically no way one can avoid listening to secular songs. They are everywhere in the streets, market places, radio to mention a few. The onus lies on the believer to guard his or her heart with all diligence. Thank you for sharing this, Ma.
Yes, my dear, these songs are ubiquitous and quite popular but, as you pointed out, we must exercise godly wisdom regarding them, especially with respect to harbouring them. Much love and blessings to you and yours in Jesus’ name.
I love this article. I used to listen to all manner of music and was attracted to the reggae genre, loved Shaba Ranks, Shaka demus and Pliers, Eric Donaldson, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube,Majek Fashek, Raskimono, Oritz Wiliki etc. much for their political philosophies. When I became born again, i continued listening to their songs and didn’t see anything wrong with them. Let me mention that as i grew older, i became a lover of Jazz music and almost became addicted to YANNI. I used to listen to every secular music provided the lyrics were not obscene and violent.
However, as i began growing in the WORD OF GOD, i began to see, that most of this songs were rooted in wrong belief and philosophies contrary to the Word of God and were quite misleading. I discovered i couldn’t enjoy them as i used to. Infact the more of God’s word i read, the more the desire to listen to those songs waned. I struggled to give up Michael Jackson and Yanni, in fact i argued that Yanni’s kind of Jazz was good for a believer since it is more of Instrumentals than vocals, until the Holy Spirit started talking to me about the source. He made to understand that the source of a musical composition mater as it is the source that will determine the spirit behind the song and the spirit will influence the life of the listener.
Having learnt this, I became very selective of the kind of songs i listen to, even the gospel songs. Now, for me, it’s not just about the music but the person and the inspiration behind the music that mater.
I agree with all the points raised here by Aunty Edith. A christian must be careful of what she listens to, as music is a strong gateway to the soul of a man. Today i enjoy Frank Edwards, Sinach, Ada, Joe Praise, Hezekiah Walker, Don Moen, Donnie McClurkin, Nathaniel Bassey and a whole lot of contemporary christian gospels. Am glad that the Nigerian gospel music industry has grown so much along side the Secular scene. You can get good christian music every now and then to enrich your soul.
What a beautiful comment, Brother Sunday! Thanks for sharing from your experience to enrich us. You are highly blessed in Jesus’ name.
I came to the Lord in the late 80s while I was a student at Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin. before then I grew up listening to the genre of music you listed in this write up. I also played different kinds of instruments haven been raised in a C&S church. But there were these mentors we had in our fellowship after my conversion that encouraged me to leave the worldly music i was used to (my collection of cassettes were with my ex-girlfriend and the encouraged me not to go asking for them). Instead they offered me their collection of Christian artist, who soon became my daily staple.
it was hard for me leaving those music i grew up listening to, but I’m glad I did.I wouldn’t have been able to leave the toxic relationship i was in if I had gone back for my cassettes. It does seem at times that the unbelievers have all the good stuff, but the object of music is not the edification of self (that is the perversion of music by the devil). Music was and always will be for the glory of God, and in expression of that glory we are edified and blessed, because while prayers move mountains, praises moves God.
And they really don’t have the best music anymore. You just have to search for the gospel artistes because they may not be as widely known as the secular ones. There is so much mind-blowing and wholly edifying music on the gospel side today. God bless you splendidly in Jesus’ name!
I can now form my own opinion in a more enlightened way…
Thanks Miss Edith for sharing!
Glad you benefited from it. You are richly blessed in Jesus’ name.
“Understand that the ears and eyes are gateways to the soul…” This is so true. When I was a teen, there was a singer who, after listening to her songs, I felt like I wanted to die. We don’t realize what we are letting into our souls when we allow anyone to speak straight into our souls through music. That’s why for the most part it’s better to listen to Christian music, unless there is a love song between a husband and wife or some other music that makes you feel joy about life.
Yes, Susan, people could even be initiated into something dangerous because they opened their lives to it through music. May God help us to stay safe in Him in Jesus’ name.
YES! I agree. we only listen to christian music in the car especially because its good to be filled with encouragement, we have a baby and the passenger in my car could use the encouragement too. We as believers need to show our faith and love for God in all areas of our lives. I like that there are different genres of Christian music as well.
Yes, Hyla! Listening to gospel.music is definitely a good way to share our faith. God’s grace with parenting and ministry in Jesus’ name.
I so much cherish the fact that you didn’t actually discriminate it ma…more grace
Thanks my dear Mum for sharing this information which I know many people have little or no idea of.
Music as a form of pleasure especially for good had been done on such a way to suit our selfish end without bothering whether it pleases God or not.
I agree with this quote that,
“For modernism tends to make a cult of feelings, especially of pleasure. Whatever is against these feelings is dismissed as wrong, stunting to one’s personal happiness. Saying ‘no’ to self is not popular these days, and thus is a modernist affliction upon ascetical living — even spirituality can become one more ‘I-centered’ promotion of commotion. Think of it this way: When I say ‘no’ to self (to food or drink or anger or entertainment) then I am saying ‘Yes’ to God.” – JOHN LOMBARDI
As for my stand on secular music, I personally do not play it neither do I have any intention to play it but for those who cannot live without playing it, they should please sieve out the good ones, those ones that are not against our faith as Christians. More importantly, we must run away from those ones that lead us to sin which is against God.
Ultimately, we must always bear this in mind:
“Moral principles do not depend on a majority vote. Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is wrong. Right is right, even if nobody is right.” – ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN
Thanks, Mum, for sharing this. God bless you!
Thanks a lot for your beautiful comment, Cyprian. The quotes you included are so on point and very inspiring. I pray that you will affect your generation greatly with your God-centredness. Amen in Jesus’ name.
Thank you very much ma for dealing with this subject, at least now I have the points to defend my view on this issue. Few months ago, I told someone that if it’s a sin to sing secular music, then everyone should on the road to hell for singing national anthem. I love music, yes! But I pay attention to the message of the song to see if it is Biblically right.
I’m blessed by this, thank you very much, ma.
You completely nailed it ma. I don’t think I’ve read a better argument on this topic better than this. In as much as I am a gospel music person, I have to agree that some secular music are way better than some so-called gospel music. Lyrics and its in-depth meaning should be the basis for the selection of what one wants to listen to.
I always try to be selective about the secular songs that are worth listening. May God help us in making the right decisions as well. But i believe if we can pay keen attention to the lyrics then we can be guided on which to avoid.
Thanks for outlining things to consider before listening to secular music. Also one should be very careful in the Christian music you listen , you should be selective based on the basic doctrine of your Faith.
Well I don’t think it’s so wrong to listen to secular music and sometimes, the artistes express their feelings and thoughts through their music; which we may not clearly understand. May the spirit guide us in all we do. Thank you for pointing out this issue.
I believe that one is not termed holy because he or she knows only good things. One is termed holy when he knows both good and bad but only chooses to do the good.
Knowledge they say is power and that also includes knowledge of good and evil. It is all part of getting a broad based education.
I concur with what pastor Hero Obasuyi said about secular music. It all has to do with our perception and mindset. I listen to both secular and worship music and I gain a lot of knowledge from both.
Even the Bible said “allow the weed and crops to grow together, during harvest we shall separate them and burn the weed”
From that passage I believe that some of the secular music are part of the weed which we cannot get rid of, but all we need do is remain steadfast and not get deceived into immorality.
May God help us all to apply caution in everything so as to always take the right decisions and put the right knowledge into practice .
Wonderful comment, Blessing! You certainly have a good head on your shoulders!
I like listening to secular and gospel music but I think you’re right about being grounded in the gospel and discerning the good and the bad. It’s no news that the circular songs of today have lyrics that are not entirely wholesome. This means that it is up to the listener to decide what to take from the songs he listens to. The ears and eyes are indeed gateways to the soul and as a consequence anything we listen to shows in our lifestyle, thoughts and words. Imagine someone who only listens to Nickiminaj’s or Cardi B’s songs all the time. They’ll probably start saying things that they(Nickiminaj and CardiB) say and walking around the streets almost naked. On the other hand, listening to Gospel songs can be truly magnificent. It takes you to heavenly places, puts your mind at rest, reaches deep inside your soul and connects you to the most high. In the end though, gospel music is beyond compare. You addressed this issue very well ma’am. Thank you
To me music is life , no day will pass without me listening to either gospel or secular.
I believe that each moment has a type of music to be played in it .
The most important thing as you said ma is to be grounded in the world of God ,so that when you listen to the likes of olamide ,flavour , future and migos u will be able to take in a meaningful message and drop the chaff.
So my music collection is both secular and gospel for lesson purposes.
I listen to both secular and Christan songs. What matters is how well you digest both, there are some secular music I find disheartening and some I listen to when I have mood swing, itall depends on the individual. Just like what you said in conclusion, we should ask God for his guidance and direction not to fall into temptation..
For me, I listen to Christian music majorly. I believe that as you journey with God, the Holy Spirit has a right to select the kind of songs you listen if you have surrendered totally to him. He knows you best and he knows the kind of things that are of help to you. So, having a firm ground in God and being able to discern what he is saying concerning a matter in this case music is also important.
Someone once told me, “if we can’t listen to cellular music, then we can’t read cellular books also”. I used to think that the person had made a very big point then. But now, I realise that it is more than that. We should be guided both in the music we listen to and the books we read. If it doesn’t glorify God, then it is not worth it.
This has been a bothersome question for me, I listen to gospel music only but sometimes am faced with the temptation to listen to secular music too. Thank you for the above stated guidelines it’s quite helpful.
What we read and listen to sometimes mould the way we behave and may lead to addiction. Thanks ma for the wonderful guide because as much as we try to avoid it we are tempted to check it out.
Well, I comfortably listen to both because I enjoy both. I think the only issue is what you do with the music you stream or how you act after getting it. I believe that if it does not affect your spiritual life or overly influence the younger ones around you. But thank you ma for reminding us to sift out the extremes in order not to corrupt us.
Many Christians struggle with this question. Many secular musicians are immensely talented. Secular music can be very entertaining. There are many secular songs that have catchy melodies, thoughtful insights, and positive messages. In determining whether or not to listen to secular music, there are three primary factors to consider: 1) the purpose of music, 2) the style of music, and 3) the content of the lyrics.
This is one of the topics many stumble and stutter with. The harmonization of sounds to produce beats and songs is talent and everyone loves to enjoy a good one. But if the lyrics of the music is blasphemous or not particularly neutral, the secular music may be harmful to the spiritual life of a Christian
This is so educative…i agree with what she said, listening to secular song doesn’t make you an unbeliever, and also listening to gospel doesn’t make you a believer. You just have to be conscious of your lyrics.
When I saw this post I cringed because to me this is a controversial topic but when I clicked on it and read it, I was amazed on the way this topic was handled and I want to say “THANK YOU MA FOR ANSWERING ONE OF MY MANY QUESTIONS IN THE MOST INTERESTING AND INTELLIGENT WAY. GOD BLESS YOU “.
This article is powerful. I love the fact that you don’t play “safe” with your articles. On the issue of listening to secular music, I feel as Christians, whatever we do should be subjected to the leading of the spirit and knowledge of Christ. We some Christian ladies who don’t wear trousers because of their personal convictions.
I feel that something is missing from your comment- the part about ladies who wear trousers.
Perfectly said, we should know that what we give our mind to also shapes our destiny both positive and negative so they is need to listen to those music that edify us and will add something positive to our lives both physical and spiritually and not the other way and most importantly align our choice of music in accordance with the word of God.
What we see and what we hear oftentimes dictate how we think or act. Being exposed to both good and bad, tests our resolve as to how disciplined we are. What is the use of only exposing yourself to good and when you encounter evil you get swept away by the tide? Listening to secular music or gospel songs are two sides of a coin. You learn from both and the experience guide you through life besides one cannot afford to lag behind in such things as it’s advisable that we know a bit of everything. I listen to both type of music but I know my limit as regards secular songs because some of them really have nothing to offer.
What we see and what we hear oftentimes dictate how we think or act. Being exposed to both good and bad, tests our resolve as to how disciplined we are. What is the use of only exposing yourself to good and when you encounter evil you get swept away by the tide? Listening to secular music or gospel songs are two sides of a coin. You learn from both and the experience guide you through life besides one cannot afford to lag behind in such things as it’s advisable that we know a bit of everything. I listen to both type of music but I know my limit as regards secular songs because some of them really have nothing to offer
Some Secular music lyrics sometimes make sense but the issue with our generation is that we love that which is invoke without knowing the motive for such…sometimes we sing along with artist without knowing the lyrics simply because the beating is wow….there is one thing about Christian songs, it makes us to reflect about our life if we truly understand and he who sings is also prays. This is a controversial topic but am impressed the way you handled it.
Thank you very much mma, I personally ,I don’t love listening to secular music, and I was thinking that it was because of the way I was brought up by my parents. But I just recently realized that it not because of them, but it’s displeasing me anytime I choose to listen to it. I feel very bad and uncomfortable. So I got to stop it and only listen and play Christian music which makes me very excited and connected to my creator (God)
I must say this, I remember when I requested one of my friends to send music for me and she asked me wether to send secular and Christian songs for me, I told her only Christian music. She was amazed and asked my of church, another of my friends answer her, that it is because she is a pastor’s daughter. They just failed to understand at that point that salvation is personal and not inherited.
As much as I don’t like secular music and can only listen to it when I am ask to as a mass communication student, I don’t totally also judge those who do as long as their conscious Free them.
“Should Christians listen to secular music”. Well, for me it’s not a bad idea and it depends on the TYPE of secular music you listen. Some secular songs pass across messages that are useful, and I advice that if you’re a born again and you want to listen to secular songs, you should know the lyrics of the song before listening.
The ears and eyes are truly the gate way to the soul. I cannot outrightly condemn secular music but I suggest we all pay attention to what we feed our minds with. It really goes a long way in our subconscious mind and affects us as individuals
Thank God I saw this. Of a truth this topic is controversial but I will always say we have the spirit of discernment which is available to all true believers. This gift is not only to discern good word from bad or good spirit from bad. It helps us filter songs. It opens our eyes to songs that will edify us and songs that will not. We should be careful least we are deceived.
There are secular songs that carries an idea.just be grounded in the word of the Lord and his spirit,be able to discern the truth from lies and don’t let your spirit or mind assimilate the bad idea.but there are some we should not dare to listen to( your waist , your waist all I want is your waist)abeg let’s flee from it.
There are some secular songs that come with meaning and which can be listened to but we have to be careful about some songs we listen to because they tend to poison our mind and lead us in the wrong direction.
Bless you Ma’am for this post. The secular music world has turned to something else. I have no problem with listening to secular music but as the second point says “The eyes and ears are gate ways to the soul.” Food for thought it is.
Wow! I think I’ve gotten an answer to a question I’ve been asking myself. I do play secular music so I wondered if it is absolutely wrong. God bless you ma’am for this.
i don’t think it is bad to listen to secular songs, however, one must do so with caution. we should be able to filter our playlist and know the kinds of songs we listen to and sing too. i don’t believe all secular songs are the same so it’s up to individuals to decide what they actually listen to and judge if it’s right or wrong.
We should as Christian do somethings with caution for the sake of our faith and to do so, we should be grouded by the word of God and not mere answering of Christian, and by so doing, we will get to choose the things that will be helpful in growing our faith and discard the ones Which don’t and this includes the kind of music we listen to
I wish the kind of secular music in the earlier days are still trending because the current secular music isn’t worth listening to. I totally agree with the four important points laid out. As Christians, we should be careful of the kind of secular music we listen to because it will either mar us or question our faith.
Well said, listening to secular music must be done with caution. Nice piece ma
It’s not bad to listen to secular music but we should be very conscious of which kind we listen to because some secular songs may have bad content which may open the evil sides of people or may influence them negatively. Also, some churchy people who don’t listen to such secular songs tend to judge them badly and see them as ungodly people. My opinion is that we should stop judging one another, judgement is only meant for God
Secular music, indeed can be misleading. I listen to it a lot though but, shall I say this post have opened my eyes to look beyond beats in every music track. I should also consider the lyrics. That is, I should consider if the music is motivating me as a Christian, or trying to dissuade me from my belief. Thanks so much, Aunty for this post.
Just like you mentioned ma, the lyrics of the song is all that matters. know what you want to educate yourself with, and don’t listen to anything that isn’t it
I wish pastors can read this as well I love the step two ears and eyes are gateway to the heart, listing to it depends on your level of maturity of mind.circular music to me is not a sin because most of them are better than some Christian music we listen,but some churches see it as sin but they dance the dancing steps in their church i wonder if that is not a sin.
As a Christian you should not listen to vulgar and too sensual music because they are unedifying and are constraints to the flow of the holy spirit. That doesn’t mean you can’t listen to blues and other secular music. I like them and I listen to them also.
I wholeheartedly believe that even secular music have something to say that can impact our lives positively. We just have to be very careful so that we take the right messages off the lyrics and not the wrong ones.
I won’t lie I love secular music but not that I dont listen to gospel music. I belief that God gave some favoured individual the talent to sing but the difference is what are you singing for?, what is your message to the Audience? Not all secular music’s are worldly like in aspect of Bob Marley which speaks on the society. Evolutionary music. Also there are some secular music’s that has unique ethical theme. But as a musician ask yourself how is the lyrics of my song profitable before God and man.
As a listener ask yourself what images or idea comes to you when you play such music. But as a moral we should deep ourself to appreciate the gospel music.
Well said ma, secular music will indeed send the wrong impression to young believers who are looking up to one so I believe that one should mind the kind of secular song one listens to inorder to avoid misleading others.
Nice post Ma! I listen to both secular and gospel music but along the line when I started seeking for the presence of God and encounters in the spirit I ceased listening to secular musics. This issue of should Christians listen to secular or gospel music is a choice and also base on purpose because, every being on earth is working on fulfilling his/her purpose. So your purpose directs you on what music to listen.
This has been a controversial issue. Indeed as you opined, it is a matter of choice to listen to secular music or not.
Personally, i consider music lyrics the most important thing. Some songs may have certain rhythmical pattern which might be considered not so Christian like but might really have interesting edifying lyrics. Thank God
This issue of if Christians should listen to secular music has being a controversial issue. But for me I think there is no relationship between the darkness and the light. Therefore, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.
Sigh, am a big fan of music, in general. All kinds cause music pleases me and I can’t do without it. With this message. I have to be careful the kind of music I consume so as not to question my faith. Thank you ma this is an eye opener may the Lord continue to strengthen you, to carry on the good work.
I love music. Particularly secular music, because I derive pleasure from listening to them, sweet pleasure, but totally harmless. But you’re right, I too feel guilty when I listen to some songs with sinful lyrics, knowing fully well I don’t glorify God in them.
I think this is based on the individual, its optional i believe, because some secular songs carry messages. but we should mind the lyrics of the songs we listen to.
Hahaha???… What a coincidence.. just finished washing a movie”God’s not deal” and the theme, a controversial one: “GOD DEAD OR ALIVE?… You must watch it if you have not…
Sincerely, I love listening to gospel songs.. reasons are ;
1. It conveys powerful messages about the mind of God, it’s a source encouragement, comfort and strength to me in times of hardship..
2. It deters me from committing sins most times… Believe me it that powerful
3. It draws me closer to God’s presence… I am not condemning secular songs not even movies but can we be sincere to ourselves by answering these questions below.
1. What is my action after listening or watching that secular song/movie
2. Do do I gain from it?
3. Believe me when I say, no matter how bad, or spiritual a person might claim… What you hear, or watch registers in our mind and it has the power to either make or mar…..
Thanks for sharing these post Aunty Edith, God bless you
This is a controversial topic as a Christian youth. I honestly think we could enjoy secular music for the beat and sometimes some secular music or musicians sing about not completely worldly things like drugs and money but also evils done by the government or people for example Fela Kuti
We as Christians are admonished to do all things for Christ sake beside being against worldly musics the question I have always asked young ones listening to them is do you understand the meaning of what you are listening to ‘guess the answer ‘,your guess is as good as mine they don’t, secular songs are nothing to write home about, some of these song convey useless and demonic meanings therefore, listening to them should totally not be associated with us as christains
Wow … this is an a eye opener for me,I can now form my own opinion in a more enlightened way… Thanks Miss Edith for sharing!
One should be careful of the type of songs we listen to and sing. Some of them talk against christainity and we just sing them. Some of them are demonic, sent to make us even renounce our faith in God without knowing. One must be really careful about it.
This is very powerful. Thanks for the message.
I might be a tad bit late to this, but I just had to say my view. I grew up listening to old blue songs from my dad, a pastor. Like “I believe in Angels” and several others during our car trips, and I was enthralled by the way the lyrics were so simple yet meaningful and packed with sound melody, not too much, not too less.
Then I turned 15 and started listening to secular songs, because I LOVED their voices and the use of eccentric melodies, but their lyrics especially about heartbreak never sat well with me, because I couldn’t understand how a person will go back to the same person that keeps hurting you.
But now I LOVE gospel music. I can say they have evolved so much. I just recently found out about upcoming Christian rappers and I’m all in for the message, mean you with trendy beat too.
I also LOVE scores or soundtracks. Sometimes I prefer listening to the instruments, melody, or sound rather than words. It helps me read my books, and write up some pretty amazing poems too
I believe you should flee from all appearances of evil, but also be knowledgeable of them.
Besides I just gave my life to Christ last year “genuinely”, and now I’m having a personal relationship with Him. I am feeling giddy just saying it. I feel like a new-born babe.
Congratulations on giving your life to Christ. It’s the wisest and most important step anybody could ever take. Don’t ever let anyone or anything come between you and Him. He will always be there for you and grant you a fulfilled life.
This is really a nice piece Mar.
Yes just like you concluded, everything God created is clean and never the other way round, but rather our abuse of them might make it have a bad effect on us (not in itself ).
So religion i think is all about knowing God and walking in his ways no matter what or how people perceive those acts of ours..
May the Lords name be praised .
Remain blessed, Ma!
Interesting!
I totally agree with you.
It doesn’t matter what category a song falls in.
What does the lyrics say?! Does it glorify God?
Is the message it potrays in line with our believe, faith and aspirations as christians.
We can’t be preaching against drug abuse and at the same time dance and sing to a song that idolizes smokers. That would be quite contradictory.
Some secular music has gone so far in corrupting the younger ones as their audio and video is nothing to write home about…. I was once a victim but Thank God for his intervention in my life.. God bless you ma.
I believe that some secular songs are worthy of attention, however some of them can make us go further away from Christ because the Bible also stated that we should keep our minds fixed on heavenly things. Some baby Christians prefer not to listen to anything that doesn’t talk about Christ in order to protect their growing hearts. It all depends on what your heart is at peace with based on the teachings of Christ.
What you hear or see influences you either negatively or positively, as Christian’s we have to be spiritually alert, I believe listening to secular music isn’t bad but knowing the right ones to listen to is what matters. Always Remember everything should be done based on God’s teaching!
This is interesting.
I so much love music that I didn’t even care for the type of muscs I listened to including their lyrics and I was attracted to many of them. But having realizing and knowing and also understanding that the eyes and ears are gateways to the souls. Music is life. But as we Christians we should also be careful and mindful on the type of music we listen to cause some of this music can destroy our lives especially those that their lyrics are so ungodly;cause some of this music can distance us from God and his word and likewise destroy us. So I just advice us including myself to try and avoid any temptation.
I agree with this post ,I actually do not see anything wrong with listening to secular songs,especially the ones with good lyrics. Any Christian Christian should explore