The Controversy in Christian Music - Part 2
Bro. Terry Stalnaker

“1 Samuel 16:23
"And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him."

Misconception #3 – Music is Amoral. The thought here is that there really isn’t any such thing as “good” or “bad” music – and that music in itself doesn’t affect anyone.  We really don’t need to spend much time on this, as the Word of God gives a great example of the affect that “good” music can have on an individual:

I Samuel 16:23  And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Ask any mother – the lyrics of the lullabies they sing to their babies isn’t what sooths them and ushers them into sleep – it’s the style of music.

The music David played was good enough to “refresh” Saul – and the music we present in our churches needs to refresh as well.

The “amoral” concept is only propagated by the religious crowd – to excuse the use of fleshly music.  The world (i.e. rock musicians) all know the effect music can have on the listener:

“Rock ‘n’ roll is pagan and primitive, and very jungle, and that’s how it should be!” (Malcolm McLaren, punk rock manager, Rock, August 1983).

“Rock and roll is fun, it’s full of energy ... It’s naughty” (Tina Turner, cited in Rock Facts, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum).

These quotes are from the rock industry itself – they are well aware of (and openly exploit) what music does to the soul.

Much scientific study has been made with respect to the effect music has on the human body, and it’s well documented that the body responds differently to different styles of music.  Music can be used to encourage and lift up the soul (as in the case of King Saul), and can be used to make on uneasy or disturbed (just think of the music used by Hollywood in any horror film).

Music is very powerful – and has a very powerful affect on the soul!

Misconception #4 – Gospel Music should be Evangelical.

As we mentioned last time, the motive most often mentioned by the CCM proponents is that they are trying to “draw” in the unsaved by appealing to their taste in music.  But though Godly music can be used to present the gospel to the lost, the main purpose isn’t to evangelize; it’s to be used by God’s children to worship Him! A lost person visiting in church may be drawn by the excitement we have in singing to God (and turned off if we are not excited in our singing), but if they find similarities in the music we present with that which they already listen to, we are not showing that we are any different from them.  In addition, many CCM artists openly admit that they are trying to “hide” their message, hoping to attract their audience with the music, instead of the message:
"I want to sneak into their hearts with the music….Contemporary Christian music needs to branch out a little more, get a little sneakier." (Jon Gibson, CCM Magazine, May 1987, p. 11)

All throughout the Scriptures, we find God’s people breaking out in enthusiastic music to worship and praise Him.  What we don’t find is God’s people using that worship to draw the heathen in.

One final thought about the concept of “drawing” the unsaved into the service with fleshly music.  The first song recorded in the Bible is found in Exodus 15 – the song of the children of Israel after the victory by God at the Red Sea. Consider these “lyrics” from this song:

Exodus 15:4  Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Now imagine inviting some of the Egyptian army to join in our “worship.”  Just exactly what style of music could possibly be played to make this song “enjoyable” to them?  The point is simply this: we have a message that is going to offend the lost – watering it down, and presenting it with a pleasing melody isn’t going to confront anyone of their sin – it will only make them happy to continue in the flesh-pleasing lives they presently live!

As we examine the music we love – is there a strong, solid message that will point the listener to the Savior?

Read Part 1 and 3 of The Controversy in Christian Music:
The Controversy in Christian Music - Part 1
The Controversy in Christian Music - Part 3