Should Christians Listen To Secular Music?

Many Christians struggle with the issue of whether or not they should listen to secular music.

We can best address this issue by examining three key areas:

1. The purpose: Is music designed solely for worshipping God, or did God also intend it for entertainment and relaxation? The most famous musician in the Bible, David, primarily used music for worshipping God (as shown by the psalms). However, when Saul was tormented by evil spirits, he would call on David to play the harp to soothe him (1 Sam 16:14-23). The Israelites used musical instruments to warn of danger (Neh 4:20) and to surprise their enemies (Jud 7:16-22). Paul instructed Christians to encourage one another with music (Eph 5:19). So the Bible does allow music to be used for purposes other than worshipping God



2. The style: The controversial issue of music styles can cause great division among Christians – even causing churches to split. Some Christians demand that no instruments can be used in church. Some prefer to only sing hymns. Some claim that all instruments are OK except for drums (which were used in satanic rituals in the time of the Bible). Most Christians prefer to worship God with contemporary music. Many large modern churches give the majority of their service over to a ‘rock concert style’ of worship. Instead of recognising these differences as personal preferences and cultural distinctions, some Christians believe that their preferred style is the only biblical one and they condemn all others as ungodly. But nowhere does the Bible condemn any particular style of music or musical instrument



3. The lyrics: Philippians 4:8 is an excellent guide as to how we should measure music lyrics: ‘Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things’. Are the lyrics in a particular secular song true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy? If yes, then there’s nothing wrong with Christians listening to that song. But so much secular music does not meet this standard. Secular music often upholds immorality and violence while demeaning purity and integrity. If a song glorifies anything that is in opposition to God and His Word (such as immorality, blasphemy, Satan worship, etc.) then a Christian should never purposefully listen to it. However, if a secular song makes no mention of God but still upholds godly values, such as honesty, purity, integrity or the sanctity of marriage, etc., then Christians can listen to and enjoy it.

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