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CBN.com – From D.L: As a singer who appreciates both traditional hymnody and classical music in general, I agree that usually it is not the music that is the problem. You're right about the litmus test of fruits, for the music as well as the performers. I expect Christian music to lead me into worship, not send me running for the nearest exit because of the sheer volume. God isn't deaf; He doesn't yell at us; why do we yell at Him? Coliseums-size speakers in a church auditorium are not only not necessary, but can be harmful.
Sensory overload is extremely detrimental to those of us with certain neurological diseases. It has also been often pointed out that we are raising the first deaf generation; "deafening loudness" isn't just a figure of speech. If opera singers can project over a full orchestra without amplification; surely contemporary Christian singers can present their message in such a way as to bring healing and hope and joy, not physical pain. This is NOT a moral judgment.
From S.R.: I would like to hear more about the type of fruits that this kind of music is generating. What are the listeners becoming in their lives?
From Scott: I can’t personally measure that. It’s a very general question. You would have to ask each artist and the individuals who have been affected by their music, work, artistry, etc. And then it's character, not just gifts, that ultimately are the standard of measurement. If I followed you around for a week what would I hear and see?
From S.F.: I enjoyed your message, and an old song came to mind… "God Gave Rock & Roll to You" by Argent. I think it was out of the 70s. I spent the better (or worst) part of my life in the Seattle area music scene in the 70s and early 80s, only to become the ‘dull, family, God-fearing man’ that I never thought that I would become. I look at those years of music as a developing tool that God used in my life, and as points of reference for my memories.
From G.L.: The Bible is clear on what we let come into our spirit. One tool is music. The Bible says to think on things that are true and pure. Music, like oldies, doesn’t glorify God in their lyrics and brings worldly thinking into Christians ears, leading to the heart. We need to safeguard our hearts from all secular music with lyrics. What’s the message? Does it glorify God, uplift our spirit as the Word says. Instrumental music of many variations is fine and don’t take a worldly stance in their lyrics. Oldies lyrics -- how do they glorify God? It doesn’t.
From Scott: I agree we need to safeguard our hearts and minds, but that all oldies bring “worldly” thinking? I tend to doubt that. That is a generality and mass indictment. I could make a list of many old songs that didn’t corrupt my thinking, then or now.
The instrumental argument is interesting to me. Years ago when doing a radio show, I had the same argument from a listener. So I played an instrumental piece and then asked the audience if that was acceptable. The telephone calls in response were overwhelmingly positive saying, “That was more like it.” I then informed everyone that the piece I had played was from George Bizet’s opera Carmen. The story is basically one of lies, seduction and murder. So much for nice instrumental music.
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