|
BlindLemon5103 -> RE: Secular Bands OK? (4/9/2008 7:03:30 PM)
|
quote:
It's pretty simple really. If a band (or anything else) brings you closer to the one true God, it's OK. Otherwise, it's not. What may further your walk may not further mine. I went to the home opener for the White Sox the other day, baseball fan that I am. Had a nice time. I didn't feel that it drew me closer to the one true God, just that I had a nice day with some Christian friends, and enjoyed the sights and sounds, as well as the abilities of the players on the field. A completely secular event. Is going to the ballgame then sinful? Personally, I don't think so. God gives us all things to enjoy. Exactly what are those things? Do they not include leisure activities, interests and/or hobbies? I believe they do. I also believe there is some music that can be enjoyed simply on aesthetic grounds...the skilfulness of the players, the clever melodies, the craftsmanship...or even the pleasure, refreshment and enjoyment it might bring on musical grounds alone. Who gave us this ability to derive pleasure from a musical piece? Not the devil. Actually, I agree totally with the last part of the quote...."what may further your walk may not further mine"...how true! We are at all different stages of our walk with Christ, we all have our own likes and dislikes, as well as our own "baggage" we bring into the Christian life, etc. If listening to secular music, going to ball games or watching TV is hindering your walk with God, by all means set it aside. If not, use discernment and don't feel guilty about enjoying something you are free to enjoy. In another post, it was mentioned that certain heavy metal bands (Sabbath, Maiden, etc. were only for "flesh tickling"...well, the same could be said about polka music as well (doesn't necessarily glorify God either)...but my thought on the matter is this: All music, even Christian music has SOME appeal to the flesh, or else nobody would listen to it. And some of us are called to get rid of our secular music because it can have such a hold on us. I did so myself 20 years ago....and it was the right thing to do at the time. Nowadays,I do listen to those old bands (not exclusively), but through the lens of a Christian worldview. I see them far differently than I did back then, paying close attention to lyrical content and separating "wheat" from "chaff". Not everything those bands did was good, but neither was it all bad either. I am no longer the same person I was back then. But the old music does bring back fine memories of a time when things were simpler. By the way, I didn't "live the rock and roll lifestyle", I only listened to the music. I'm repeating myself again, so I'll stop here. I don't have all the answers, and I don't expect everyone to agree with me. It is what is is. Have a great evening everyone, grace, peace and blessings to all!
|
|
|
|