Music III - The Elements Of Bad And Ungodly Music

Introduction: We are conditioned by our culture. Since our cultures are pagan, the amount of pagan culture in our lives, even after we become Christians is far more than we realize. If we were to analyze our beliefs and behavior we will probably discover that we are primarily Chinese Singaporeans, and secondarily Christians. In other words, most of us are at "heart" Chinese Singaporeans with a superficial Christian behavior.

Let us consider four prevalent cultural trends that affect our music:

Relativism: While most Christians acknowledge that there are God-given moral standards, few Christians believe that there are God-given aesthetic (ie, beauty) standards. For example, most Christians believe that the choice of music is a purely personal matter. In other words, one form of music is as good as another - according to one's personal taste. This philosophy of relativism believes that man is the final authority and God has no part 'in such decisions. It teaches that every man becomes "god" and sets his own standards 'in most areas of life, and God's authority is limited to only certain areas of man's life. The truth is that God has set standards for everything through biblical principles taught in the Bible. For example, 'in the area of food, we are to be thankful (I TI 4:4), willing to eat whatever is provided (I TI 4:4), sanctify it by prayer (I T1 4:5), guided by contentment (1 Tim 5:8), reasonably careful not to harm our bodies (I CO 3:16,17), or stumble others by our eating (I CO 8:13). While God does not tell us exactly what to eat (ie, He gives us much "liberty" in our food choices), He does give us many principles regarding eating.

In previous sessions, we learned that God is musical. Therefore, the idea that God does not care about our choice of music is ridiculous. To believe this is to stretch relativism to ridiculous limits! Relativism has reached epidemic proportions - even among Christians.

Humanism: In Latin "God" is "Dei" We should have a God-centered lifestyle, ie, deism. However, we live in an age of self and have a self-centered lifestyle, ie, meism. While it is true that an unsaved man seeks God for selfish reasons (eg health and wealth), the primary goal of a saved man is God's glory. This does not mean that when we glorify God in worship we are not blessed. But it means that the primary purpose we worship God is to glorify Him - and in the process we are blessed (ie, our blessing is secondary not primary). lf our primary purpose in worship is self rather than God, then we have made ourselves "god" and have become idolaters!

Most Christians have forgotten the primary purpose of worship, and ask themselves "What did I get out of this morning's service?' rather than "What did I give in service?"

Hedonism: The "god" of many Christians is self and the goal of many Christians is pleasure. Their criterion of whether something is good is not whether it pleases God but whether it pleases them. They say: "That was a good worship because the music ministered to m6" (translated it means "That was a good service because the music suits me - and therefore, I will respond to it"). In other words, the criterion of a good church is one that gives them pleasure. They prefer amusement to discipline. The teaching of Jesus on self-denial OLM 9:23) is very foreign to hedonistic Christians.

Pragmatism: In today's success-driven society, pragmatism reigns. In other words, "if it works, it must be good." But as Christians we should say: "If it is God's will then it is good." Whether it works or not is secondary (I CO 3:7)

Contemporary Christian Music : CCM has replaced traditional hymns in most churches because it satisfies the prevalent cultural trends mentioned above, namely, relativism, humanism, hedonism and pragmatism.

While many godly people realize that CCM is unsuitable for worship, they are unable to stop its usage because the philosophy of relativism prevents them from judging the music. While no nightclub owner will play hymns in his nightclub because he realizes that it is totally unsuitable for his nightclub, most pastors will play nightclub music in their churches! Any nightclub musician knows when to play dance music, sentimental, soothing music or sense-deadening music to suit the occasion, but most church music'-directors are too influenced by relativistic beliefs to make right choices.

The lyrics of many CCM songs are man-centered rather than God-centered, eg. about how God can lift us up, make us happy, help us. Though it is true that God does all these to us, we must be careful not to make man's needs the focus of Christian songs. Christ should be the focus of Christian songs. When we focus on God - we too are lifted up.

CCM is designed for easy listening pleasure. Since it appeals to the flesh (rather than the mind or spirit) it produces immediate satisfaction. (Fleshly pleasures are easily and quickly produced but mental and spiritual ones are more difficult to produce.) CCM is designed to produce instant pleasant feelings - a rebellious youth will be instantly satisfied by hard rock music, a sentimental adult will be instantly satisfied by sentimental music, and a energetic dancer will be instantly satisfied by dance music. The hedonist says: "I want it now, and I want it the way I like." A godly Christian says: "Your way Lord not mine - mould me in your image God." CCM brings in the crowds. The pragmatist says that if it produces church growth then it must be good.

Elements of bad music: Rhythm is king - We earlier learned that in good music, melody (which corresponds to the spirit) should dominate. Incessant LOUD rhythm is hypnotic and erodes the sense of responsibility (much as alcohol does). If the rhythm is too fast (ie, much faster than the body's natural rhythm) it causes emotional tension. It is extremely difficult to listen to rock for any length of time without responding physically to the music.

Rhythm is syncopated - The natural beat (ONE-two-THREE-four) beat is replaced by a backbeat (one-TWO-three-FOUR) or breakbeat (one-AND-two-AND-three-AND-four-AND). Heavily syncopated music causes emotional tension that needs to find release with drugs, sex or rebellion.

Relativistic music - Music has a melody (equivalent to the text in literature). Therefore, it should be sung accordingly - with minor variations allowed for expression and effect Bad music ignores the melody and allows "flipping" away from the tune, and to "sliding" into a note (ie, start lower and then slide into the right pitch).

Elements of ungodly music: Lyrics are man-centered and shallow. A performer is worshipped. CCM musicians dress, sing and are promoted in ways that make them idolized. In godly music, God must be the focus. Style is sensual - Various singing styles are used to produce sensual feelings. "Flipping" and "sliding" are used to tug sensually at our hearts. These methods are equivalent to a flirtatious style of speech. The microphone is held very close to give the feeling that the singer's lips are next to our ears (within the intimate zone reserved only for spouses). Facial and bodily gestures are sexually suggestive.

Conclusion: The church's job is to preach truth not provide entertainment. Christians must live by faith not feelings. Worship must primarily please God not men. The worth of a piece of music must be measured by God's principles (eg. does it stir the spirit or the flesh?) not by carnal preferences. Though music is a very emotional issue, to the extent that many would forsake God rather than their music, we must prayerfully consider our musical choices and choose what pleases God.