'Christians should never listen to 'Rock and Roll' or 'pop' music'

     This topic has proven to be a sensitive one in many churches, traditional and contemporary alike.  When considering this issue, some schools of thought lump all non-southern gospel music into a category of unholy and devil-inspired music.  Where other's listen to all music without regard to it's content or impact of the individual Christians life.  One thing is for certain, the style of music (i.e. southern gospel, rap, pop, country, techno, etc) has no effect on the 'holiness level' of a song.  In reality, music does have a deep impact on people.  A matter of fact, the reason this topic is so polarizing is because music deeply effects everyone.  From the most angelic saint to the most evil criminal, music impacts and deeply effects most every individual. Therefore, the topic of what music to listen to becomes an important one. 

     Music tends to amplify emotions or spiritual feelings.  If you are in a happy and outgoing mood, you will likely listen to music that reflects that feeling, thereby amplifying those feelings.  Likewise, depressing and sad music is usually listened to in times of depression.  In an individuals relationship with God, music helps many to draw closer to God, be it through praise and worship music or through other types of song.  Music can be a welcome companion throughout the toils of everyday life.  But the real question is, what is 'Christian music' or, more accurately, what music is appropriate and beneficial for a Christian to listen to. One thing is sure, this question can not be legislated through legalistic and 'dictator-like' decrees.  Let's look at Paul's words on the subject legalism toward food.  The same principle Paul uses to clarify what food to eat is quite applicable to the topic of what music to listen to.

"All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." (1 Corinthians 10:23)

    This principle taught by Paul does something that sends shrill shivers down the spine of a legalistic rule-maker.  It give a mature, individual Christian free will to make the choice of what to eat or what to listen to.  The legalist fears free will, while Jesus and Paul taught and demonstrated free will.    

Paul is saying:

1. There are no restrictions placed on individual Christians, but their are responsibilities and principles to live by.

2.  Some things that can, and might, be chosen are of absolutely no benefit to the individual Christian.

3.  The choices made by the individual Christian should edify, build up and glorify Christ.

4. Individual responsibility to adhere to Biblical principles replaces and trumps man-made rules and legalistic regulations.

     So, the answer to the question of 'should a Christian listen to pop or rock music?' is possibly 'yes', possibly 'no'.  The answer is not found in a black and white rule, but in a real, live relationship with Christ.  Some music carries a label of Christian, some doesn't.   The above principle of Scripture should govern what we listen to, not what the music industry labels and holy or unholy.  The same applies to local church tradition.  The principles of Scripture should govern what we listen to, not a local church dictate based on someone's personal music preference.  

Here are a few guidelines to help in this decision making process:

• Does the music stir up in you any thoughts or feelings that would not glorify Christ?  If so, stay clear of that music.
• Do you know the lifestyle of the artist to be anti-Christian or opposed to Christian values?  Be very cautious about listening to this music.  The artist's anti-Christian agenda may come through in the music.
• Does the song contradict Christian moral values and/or Biblical principles?  Avoid this song.  Remember, if you let garbage in, you will eventually be full of garbage.  There are too many garbage filled Christians around already.
• Does the song directly glorify God in a Biblically correct manner?  Listen to the music and enjoy doing so.
• Does the song stir up in you a desire to know Christ more and follow Him with more passion?  Listen and enjoy!

   I am a strong believer in Bible-based discipleship.  This discipleship guides a 'young' Christian down the path of a relationship with Christ.  Part of this discipleship is to teach such Biblical principles, such as the one given by Paul in Corinthians.  Where many discipleship programs go horribly wrong, is when they feel the need to implement legalistic rules to act as a type of 'guard rail' for a new believer.  Why teach and demonstrate legalism and man-made rules to a young believer, when freedom can be taught through proper teaching of the principles of Scripture.  Which of the following sounds more Christ-centered?  One, a young Christian named Billy has just got saved and is told he is no longer to listen to any rock and roll, rap or pop music.  He is ONLY is listen to praise and worship songs and song from the local Christian radio station.  Any other music is bad for him or is just plain satanic.  Or, two, Billy gets saved and the principles of a personal, Christ-centered decision making process are lovingly taught and demonstrated.  Yes, Billy makes a few bad choices as he is learning, but he eventually learns the freedom that is taught by Christ.  Of these two examples, the later demonstrates a Christ and Scripture-based approach to the issue.   

    As with many of the topic discussed on this site, the basic principle is this.  Setting up legalistic rules, is man's attempt to have power over individuals and to 'mold and shape' them.  Christ-centered freedom is man acknowledging that only Christ has the power to mold and shape man and gives Him the power.  Pastors and Christian leaders must move beyond the desire to be the 'benevolent dictator' of their flock.  Teach Scripture properly and put to death the man-focused legalism.  q