The Controversy in Christian Music
Bro. Terry Stalnaker

II Timothy 3:16
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God...”

So begins one of the most important verses in the Bible, 2 Timothy 3:16.  Among fundamental circles, this verse is seldom refuted. Preachers will lift their Bibles high in the air; proclaim that the Word of God is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”  Sermons exhorting Christians to follow “every jot and tittle” are preached often, and God’s children will testify that they are seeking to follow every command of God.

So with such commitment to being obedient to God’s Word, how is it that so many churches – which once stood by the Bible – are forsaking its principles in favor of bringing modern music into their services?  It certainly isn’t motive – after all, the reason most often expressed is that of wanting to draw the unsaved in, so they can present the Gospel.  Surely such a lofty and noble purpose must be in line with the will of God.

Much of the debate over what is proper or improper music stems from several misconceptions about the subject of music – and we do well to follow the examples of the Bereans, who “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.  We go to the Word of God, not our thoughts, feeling, or intents, to determine what is right in God’s eyes.

Misconception #1 – The Bible has little to say about Music Standards.

The Word of God records nearly 400 references to music throughout its pages – an average of about six references per book.  But if limit ourselves to just those references, we would be in direct violation of Biblical commands!  Consider these verses:

1 Peter 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

No one would consider this a verse about music, but doesn’t the music we play and sing fall under the umbrella of “all manner of conversation”?  We look at this verse exclusively in the context of holiness, but if we are to study holiness, we are also studying where our music fits within the definition of holiness!

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

While the context of this chapter deals with eating meat offered to idols, Paul expresses the command to do “whatsoever you do” to the glory of God. If we are honest, we know we are to apply this to the area of music, as well as any area of our lives. “All” means “all” – there is no exemption for music.  This verse then teaches us that we are to consider if our music not only brings glory to God, but if we chose that music for that purpose!

The Scriptures are filled with examples such as these – from not being “conformed” to this world, to not loving this world.  All these are Biblical principles that must be applied to our music as much as any other part of our lives. These are but a few examples, but the message is clear: there is indeed much in the Bible to learn of Music Standards!

Misconception #2 – Music is an Art Form.

This is exclusively the world’s point of view, not supported by Scripture.  Rather than music being a form of art, music is in fact a characteristic of God Himself:

Zephaniah 3:17  The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Note here that God is singing (ponder the thought of what song – and the style of music He would sing!)

See also this point: if music is an art form, then the criteria of “good” and “bad” rest solely on what the individual likes – or what “feels” good.”  It becomes a matter of what the flesh likes!  And so, churches take the fleshly, feel-good, music that the world portrays, and tries to place spiritual lyrics within it, to get the “best of both worlds” – attract the lost, and still minister to the saved.  But consider these Scriptures:

Galatians 5:17  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Romans 8:5   For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

According to these verses (and many others), the flesh and the spirit have no harmony with one another – they seek after their own.  Again, this applies to music as much as to any other area of our lives. 

The music of the flesh should not even appeal to the one walking in the Spirit.  That’s why we must be very careful with the music we select or listen to.  When a “Christian” song reminds us of a secular, fleshly song, then we know to avoid it.

God is the source of music – is our music Godly?

Read Part 2 and 3 of The Controversy in Christian Music:
The Controversy in Christian Music - Part 2
The Controversy in Christian Music - Part 3