Struick

That's exactly why I wouldn't take a chance on it.
When there is an appearance of evil there usually is some evil.
Why be bothered to play with it.

Boanerges

I have always considered myself an optimist although I always keep one foot on the ground- But at least so far I have seen Godly fruit borne out of it and they seem to reach young people who wouldn't even listen to me- and praise God this is still America and we can listen to what edifies us!

Allilaloca

Forgive my insertion into this topic if it is out of line, since I am new. Music is an interesting thing. It(like anything else) can be used for God or apart from Him. However, I completely disagree with anyone who would say that certain types of music "appear evil". The reason anyone thinks that a sound in music "sounds" evil is simply the connotation that that person has with that musical sound or the connotation that they have with something of which it reminds them. One real problem that I have found among myself and my friends is that when there is not God-praising music available in a genre that we/they/whoever likes, if the person likes it enough, they still will listen to the secular songs in that genre. If anything I would like to see more versatility in the Christian music industry and I think we are indeed starting to see that around the country. We are blessed here in Columbus to have a station which plays Christian pop, rock, rap, electronic etc. Although I may or may not agree with everything that any station does. The vast majority of this music is uplifting to God and to other people. That for me is the "litnus test". If it enables you to become closer to God and others to do so as well, then its is probably not a problem. I always think about the kosher meat issue for which I am sure someone else has the verses, but I have to run right now and don't have time to look them up. Again, hope I didn't step on any toes and if you have read this far thank you.

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Daniel

That's interesting, because there was a Christian music critic who also felt somewhat the same as you do. It wasn't about rap, but it was a controversial style of music. Here is a quote from that man...

There exists a vast mass of love songs of the poets, written in a fashion entirely foreign to the profession and name of Christians. They are the songs of men ruled by passion, and a great number of musicians, corrupters of youth, make them the concern of their art and their industry; in proportion as they flourish through praise of their skill, so do they offend good and serious-minded men by the depraved taste of their work. I blush and grieve to think that once I was of their number. But while I cannot change the past, nor undo what is done, I have mended my ways. Therefore, I have labored on songs which have been written in praise of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The person who said this was Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c. 1525-1594), and the style of music he was referring to was hymns! Yet, many Christians today would consider hymns to be holy and pleasing to the Lord. I'm sure one day, rock, metal, and even rap will be considered the same. It's all about point of view, unless God Himself says otherwise. And since there's no scripture which says what kind of music God likes/dislikes, we are probably safe with Christian rap (I personally can't stand the stuff!).

However, having said all that, if you feel that this type of music offends you, then by all means find a place to worship in a way which makes you comfortable. I don't think anyone should have to be forced to worship one way or another.

Struick

Thanks for copying and paste-ing.

Anyhow..... considering your opinion about Christian schools and a few issues on other threads, it's probably wise for me not to discuss rap music with you.

Arenlor

Anyone ever hear Fireproof or any other band that raps? They are part of Battlecry *cough*

Daniel

I just watched the video now. I'm surprised to hear they're still pushing the "backwards message" thing. I've always had a hard time with that because they first tell you what to listen for, and then they play the backwards message. I wonder what one would hear if no suggestion was given as to what to listen for? Anyway, there's no doubt that secular music (of any genre) is not pleasing to the Lord. I only purchase Christian music now (with the exception of movie soundtracks). I used to be a huge Led Zeppelin fan, but as I got older, it just wore off. Now I could care less to even hear their songs on the radio! Anyway, thanks for the link!

Boanerges

When the organ began to appear in churches the congregations rebelled calling it the devils bagpipes- now the old tradtional style churches wouldn't have a service without them- You can use almost anything for good or evil but I stick to my supposition that music was created to worship God and all it's expressions can be used in holy ways.

Parabola

Amen to that, what Boanerges just said is wat i think too. simply because there ppl that rock music for god eg. planet shakers,switch foot and Hill song.

gsoldi123

i don't think music can affect people that much to change someone's belief...most of the songs written in the world are about love, if music affected ppl that much, the world would be full of love