How Should We Judge Music?
Here’s a question that has perplexed me my entire life: What standards can we use for judging the morality and quality of music? (It's important to me, because I love to listen to music, and I want to be sure that it's good music.) Many people consider music (minus lyrics) to be amoral, but I’m an absolutist and believe that there is only black
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All music stirs you to certain feelings/emotions....either to march, to rally for war, to dance, to rebel, to relax, etc.
Perhaps there is a place for certain kinds of music to be used to "paint a picture" or to tell a story, but in most instances, listening to music for relaxation and enjoyment should also be music that will edity and "build up" spiritually. That is why I feel it's best to have God-honoring WORDS along with the music in most cases. We are to be constantly GROWING in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, developing our relationship with him and worshipping Him through the music we listen to.
Certain kinds of music tend to be addictive. These forms we should definitely stay away from...for God never wants us to be addicted to anything. Rock music, even "Christian rock" falls in this category.
Also, the Bible says we should "flee youthful lusts". If we are not married (or at least almost so), then we have no business listening to romantic music or music that would stir up our emotions in that direction. Also, they say that "rock" music and worse is sensual, and I do believe it is so....for it stirs one to want to dance in sensual ways.
I do believe some music is used to invite evil spirits. We need to stay very clear of this!
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If we are not married...then we have no business listening to romantic music...
Hmm. I think I agree, but I'm trying to apply this to myself, and think about a broader application. How far should this principle be taken, do you think? Does that mean no romantic piano music? Also, can this principle be applied to novels/movies/Bible? That is, should we avoid novels, movies, and Bible passages with romance as well? I'm thinking aloud; I really haven't considered these questions myself too much yet...
I'd be happy to hear some more of your thoughts on this!
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Meditate on these words and ask yourself what you think the author was referring to? What do you think?
Nice soft piano music without the words doesn't necessarily stir up romantic, sexual feelings, does it? Usually it just calms, soothes, and relaxes....and if scriptural words were added, it would create worship. But if romantic words are added, it can stir up the sensual feelings.
I think if most are truly honest they would say that romantic novels, movies, and yes, even the Song of Solomon affects them in a sensual way, at least if they truly meditate deeply on it. I understand that the Jewish people in olden times did not let their children read this part of the Bible until they were ready for it.
I don't even believe it's good for married people to watch romantic movies. They should create their own romance, not watch movie actors (that aren't even married) kissing on the screen. :)
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I was considering several "romantic" piano music CDs that I have, and whether or not I should throw them out (gotta love piano music :). That kind of music is, as you say, generally soothing. And no, I don't think soft piano music evokes sexual feelings. There's also a Josh Groban CD that I own... Probably half of them, though, I choose to skip due to the words/rockiness. (OK, let it be known that I don't listen to peaceful, tranquil music exclusively. A variety is good.)
There are a few atypical "romantic" movies that I've enjoyed in the past, like Sarah Plain and Tall, and Anne of Green Gables. But, in general, I agree that they should be avoided. Same for books. Several years back I read some Janette Oke books -- which might be classified as romantic novels -- but they seemed good, from the little I remember. They're probably atypical as well.
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