Nat King Cole was out on the beach watching girls in bikinis in 1958, and Roger Miller was singing 'Dang me.' Now, we're having a hard time finding a top 40 album without a obvious emotional attachment to the 'F' word, and songs about masturbation, drugs, aimless killing, and rape.
So is pop music of the devil? While avoiding falling into the traps of a simplistic moralism, Kevin Swanson analyzes music content and form. He presents various ways to handle perversion in art forms, and gives some practical ways to analyze music that makes it into your home.
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“ Great Sermon! ” Kevin makes valid points here. If Jesus came to your house, what would he think (of the lyrics/music you are listening to?). He even mentions some milder music i had never considered before, like Elvis's Marie's the Name (of his latest flame), as well as some country western. We need to disern, what is the message being sent by the music you listen to.
Steve Harpending (4/7/2007)
“ Great Sermon! ” Twenty-five years ago this year I became a Christian at the age of 18. I was an alcoholic, drug abuser, and listener of rock music. I know the first drug I did was the music. It laid the foundation for the rest. What the music does is chip away at your faith little by little until you can do the unthinkable. When I listened to the music after I was saved it became clear I had to either give up my salvation or the rock music. Apparently not everyone is harmed by it to the degree I was but even chanting the sinful lyrics to even the mildest of pop songs desensitizes you to sin. "It's not that bad." Some will say Christian rock/pop/rap doesn't have those bad lyrics. Okay, how do the people dance to that music? Sensuously? Violently? Arrogantly? The music apart from the lyrics affects us. See Music and Morals by Kimberly Smith
If you are lost in this world please feel free to contact me @ KulturkampfUSA@aol.com
mike (8/30/2006)
from mex
“ Great Sermon! ” I found it interesting that upon playing the real audio link here that the intro music would be defined by some as light rock music. :-)
Cheryl - Cal (8/30/2006)
“ To Anonymous ” I think one has to be very careful with contemporary Christian music. Not all is appropriate for listening nor does it honor God.
Humanism has infiltrated the modern churches, and the Christian music field is not immune to its influences as well. The music business has discovered that there is a market for contemporary Christian music, and many artists record on non-Christian labels. These same labels produce the offensive and vulgar music referenced in this sermon.
Christian music should glorify God, which means the words 'me' and 'I' and 'we' should be limited. Much, unfortunately, of contemporary Christian music is human-focussed. Sadly, that music is appearing more and more in churches, while the old hymns which focus on the awesomeness of God and Jesus are getting left by the wayside.
A generation of Christians are missing out on the feelings of holiness and majesty these hymns project to the world and inspire in one's spirit.
Parents need to be ever vigilant regarding all things concerning their youth and their involvement in the world, including even what Christian, so-called, music they listen to.
anonymous (8/4/2006)
“ Great Sermon! ” I totally agree with this topic and meaning. But, what about contemporary christian music...ex: Toby mac and etc.?
How can these be glorifying to our dear Lord?
What is your take?
A concerned parent
Kevin Swanson has served as elder and pastor of Reformation Church, OPC since its inception. Kevin was raised on the mission field in Japan in the 1960's and 1970's. Together with his wife Brenda, they are bringing up five children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord....
