Should Christians Listen To Secular Music

Left to Right: Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, Marshmello, Adele,  and Post Malone

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 

whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or 

praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

It's been a question I get a handful of times throughout the year every year. Are Christians allowed to listen to secular music?. The immediate answer is yes. The better question is SHOULD Christians listen to secular music. That's where we need to do a bit of unpacking. A lot of Christians who are zealous in the faith with give a resounding "No!" as the answer. However, if we take a breathe for a second, put down the bible and pick a up a dictionary we can start there. The first two definitions of secular according to Merriam Webster is "1a. of or relating to the worldly and 1b. Not overtly or specifically religious." So here's the thing a song that contains no religious over or undertones is considered secular. You know what that means? Any and I mean ANY songs that don't specifically mention God, Jesus, the scriptures or the Christian church in a heavy matter is secular. That doesn't only mean the popular songs you  hear on radio today but that also means any song from "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to insanely popular "Let It Go" from the Disney movie "Frozen."

Disney's smash hit film "Frozen's" lead character Elsa sings the
popular song "Let it Go" which currently has 1.7 billion views
on Youtube. 

I know what you're thinking "C'mon Will, seriously? Those songs are different than the secular garbage on the radio." Not true. Based on the definitions we've read not only does Frozen fall into that category but so does all Disney original songs, nursery rhymes, Sesame Street and even our national anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" is a secular song. So this is where we have the consider the content of the song itself. What is the song saying? If it's a love song, say, Michael Jackson's "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" is the song in itself wrong? Can a loving Christian couple or even a married couple listen to this when feeling in romantic mood? Or Do you want to be lovey-dovey while listening to "Reckless Love"? We complain of the artist who sings the song. "Their lifestyle doesn't honor God so I don't want to listen to their music." Well, what if you're in a restaurant and an Atheist or LGBT person cooked your food? Would you still eat it? What if an outfit you absolutely adored was made by a Muslim or Buddhist? Would you still buy it despite their lifestyle? And who's to say that all of our beloved Christian/Gospel artists are living righteous. When Kirk Franklin confessed his porn addiction, many still listened to his music. When Gospel Singer Tye Tribbet or Gospel Rapper Da' T.R.U.T.H. had extramarital affairs , people were still listening. 

A superstar of the early 2000's Avril Lavigne
released a faith based single this year "Head Above Water"

Now, this is no excuse to listen foul mouthed, sexually explicit, violent music. It's clear as Christians this is something we should avoid as music is indeed a powerful thing. The largest book the bible is a book of songs. The bible, as a matter fact, has songs about praise and worship (obviously) but it also has songs of love and even intimacy in the Songs of Solomon. It has songs on death and mourning in Lamentations. So music doesn't have to exclusively be praise and worship based on the structure of the Bible alone. Personally, again, personally, I believe it's perfectly fine for a believer to listen to music that isn't promoting sinful behavior. Why I say this? Because as stated, music is powerful and in it's atmosphere it can cause influence. I personally can listen a song that's full of bad language and I know I won't be influenced because I know I'm strong in that regard, however there are people, especially young people who are not. When a song plays that begs the listener to "shake it" will almost always trigger a young person to either sing along or to shake their behind. It's the influence and atmosphere that the music brings. So I will say this, if you know that certain kinds of music will trigger a fleshly impulse in you, than please, stay away from it. There are plenty of faith based alternatives if your trying to avoid mainstream music as a whole. There's Christian rap, rock, edm, pop, country, metal, blue grass, reggae, Latin, etc. It's all there for you to choose from. If you are a believer who, like me, is fine listening to mainstream music, please be considerate of those who do not understand that point of view. It may confuse and cause them to stumble. If you have friends come over who listen to only Christian/Gospel music you can pause your PrettyMuch playlist for a few hours as to not make them uncomfortable or confuse them. 

In the end. Music in itself isn't wrong or evil. God made it! Yes, the enemy may be running things behind the scenes but there is a difference between running and owning. Not all non-Christian songs are wicked, evil, 4 minutes of satanism. My dad who is a son of a Pastor and an active member of his local congregation likes Adele, My mother is lover of old school songs from the 80's and early 90's, My sister loves Ariana Grande and I have personally warned her about not all but some of her songs and to listen carefully. Me? I love everything but I know what I don't like and what's in the end not beneficial for my spiritual life. When it comes to secular or mainstream music; listen with caution or don't listen at all. Choice is yours.

What do you think?

Is all secular music wrong regardless of content?

Secular or Mainstream? What do you call it? Does it make a difference?

Even if it doesn't affect you, would you still listen to secular music that's vulgar?

Is listening to just Christian music dull, boring and repetitive?

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