Music is a powerful part of human culture and identity. For Christians, navigating musical choices in a secular world can be challenging. Some Christians take a very restrictive view and avoid all non-Christian music. Others have a more permissive stance. What does the Bible say about Christians and secular music?
The Power and Influence of Music
Music has an undeniable emotional and psychological impact. Studies show music can influence our mood, behavior, and even our purchasing choices. For Christians, the spiritual implications of music are also important to consider. The Bible warns that we should be careful about what we allow into our minds and hearts (Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2). Secular music often promotes values that conflict with a godly lifestyle.
Issues to Consider with Secular Music
When evaluating secular music, Christians should consider several factors:
- Lyrical content – Does it contain messages that promote sinful behavior or unhealthy attitudes?
- Musical styles – Some believe rock, hip-hop, and electronic dance music have roots in ungodly spiritual practices.
- Performers and industry values – Many musicians embrace and promote anti-Christian messages.
- Personal weakness – Some music can stir up lustful passions or idolatrous admiration of musicians.
- Association – Secular music can tie us emotionally to ungodly relationships and memories.
The above issues don’t apply to all secular music. But they are worth analyzing when considering if a song is appropriate for a Christian to listen to.
Bible Principles on Influences and Entertainment
The Bible does not have specific instructions about musical styles and lyrical content. But it provides guidelines that can help us evaluate all forms of entertainment and influences, including music:
- Avoid evil influences – “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
- Control your mind and heart – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
- Consider your witness – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- Avoid offending others – “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (Romans 14:13)
- Renew your mind – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
- Think on praiseworthy things – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Differing Views on Christians and Secular Music
Given the lack of definitive biblical instruction about secular music, it’s not surprising Christians hold a variety of viewpoints:
- All secular music prohibited – Some believers seek to avoid all non-worship music. They believe exposure to any secular music opens the door to ungodly influences.
- Most pop music prohibited – Other Christians take a restrictive approach but may allow instrumental music or “safe” genres like folk or country.
- Evaluate song-by-song – Many believers exercise personal discretion based on the above guidelines for what they listen to.
- Freedom in musical forms – Some Christians enjoy exploring diverse musical styles as a matter of cultural preference and artistic appreciation.
Considerations for Christian Freedom
The Bible allows room for disagreement among Christians on disputable matters like music. But it also offers guidelines for exercising our freedom responsibly:
- Know your own weaknesses – “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
- Don’t judge others – “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” (Romans 14:1)
- Don’t cause others to stumble – “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9)
- Maintain self-control – “I try to exercise self-control in all things.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)
- Do all for God’s glory – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Questions to Guide Musical Discernment
Rather than making broad judgments about genres of music, Christians can evaluate specific songs through questions like:
- Does this song glorify God or conflict with biblical values?
- Do the lyrics promote sinful behavior or unhealthy attitudes?
- Does this music tempt me to sin or stir inappropriate passions?
- Does it make me feel closer to ungodly friends, relationships, or memories?
- Will this music build my faith and relationship with God?
- Could listening to this music weaken or stumble other believers?
- Am I fully convinced in my own mind this music is acceptable?
- Is it beneficial to fixate on or fill my mind with this music?
Prayerful evaluation along these lines can help Christians make wise choices about music that apply biblical principles to specific situations.
Developing Godly Musical Discernment
Learning to exercise discernment about secular music is a process that requires humility, wisdom, and grace. Here are some tips that can guide us:
- Study biblical principles about influences, entertainment, and the mind.
- Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance through His Word and Spirit.
- Consider mature Christians’ advice, but don’t blindly follow opinions.
- Analyze specific musical choices in light of biblical values.
- Anticipate areas of personal weakness and build safeguards.
- Work through gray areas with care and restraint.
- Make Christ-honoring music your primary influence and listening.
- Focus on edifying others rather than asserting your freedom.
- Follow your conscience as you develop discernment skills.
Being Salt and Light Through Music
The Bible calls Christians to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). How might this apply to our musical choices?
- Seek out praiseworthy music that aligns with biblical truth.
- Avoid promote music that glorifies sin.
- Look for opportunities to introduce biblical perspectives into musical conversations.
- Respect creative gifts while encouraging musicians toward godliness.
- Promote musical skill development and participation in local churches.
- Support ministries that use music as a kingdom-building tool.
- Pray for Christian musicians to gain influence and be effective witnesses.
Rather than boycott or total embrace, Christians can find thoughtful ways to interact with culture through discernment applied to music.
Seeking God’s Heart in Music Choices
Questions about secular music ultimately lead back to examining our own hearts. Here are some important reflective questions for Christians:
- Do I care more about personal freedom or God’s glory in this?
- Could I make small sacrifices in musical liberty for the sake of others?
- Is God’s Word shaping my thinking on this issue?
- Have I asked mature believers to evaluate my musical discernment?
- Is conviction from the Holy Spirit prompting me to make any changes?
- Do my music choices help or hinder my spiritual growth?
Seeking God’s heart on personal questions like these can guide us toward discernment based in love, wisdom, truth, and purity.
Moving Forward with Grace and Truth
Christians should thoughtfully strive to apply God’s Word to their musical choices. This looks different for each believer based on conscience and context. Legalistic rules struggle to keep up with a rapidly changing musical landscape. Biblical principles paired with humble discernment provide timeless guidance. As we wrestle through disagreements, the body of Christ should be characterized by grace and truth that point one another to Christ (John 1:14).