The Christian's Relationship to Music - What Should it Be?

Back circa 1968, Christian theologians' opinion of music was simple: As a Christian you are not to listen to secular music, period. It is of the Devil. Music is created by God exclusively for praise and worship. Anything above and beyond that is sin. The Scripture usually used to back this up is usually found in Ist Corinthians 10: 31, which says "Whatever you eat or drink, do all to the Glory of God." According to this exegesis of Scripture, any music that does not specifically lift up the Name of Jesus is sin, like food offered to idols.

Let's extend that view to other areas rather than just music. Many Christians--preachers, mind you--who preach this doctrine--will turn around and look at the Super Bowl, cheering the winning team on at the top of their lungs. But how does the Super Bowl glorify God? Does kicking a rubber ball around lift up Jesus's name? Taking this theological perspective, indeed, would mean that accepting Christ into one's life must mean that one must give up all that does not specifically name Jesus by name--including all secular TV. Yes, that would, by the way, include any kind of sports. Christians would be restricted to TBN and TCT.

Now, if that is the way the Holy Ghost is leading you, you had better listen and obey. And while most certainly the Bible gives much scripture that would indicate that the primary function of music is praise and worship--there is no Scripture really prohibiting you from listening to other kinds of music. Jazz, R&B, blues, and even rock all have positive points and should be celebrated as part of American culture that is real and is to be appreciated and respected.