MUSIC & THE CHRISTIAN
Dr. Paul Fedena
1 Corinthians 14:7-11
Dr. Paul Fedena
1 Corinthians 14:7-11
1 Corinthians 14:7-11 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification 11 Therefore if I know not the
meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
INTRO.:
A. Often Christians become very emotional and illogical about things they have developed strong opinions about (whether right or wrong). If you ask a believer why he prefers or accepts certain kinds of music and rejects other kinds, it will often elicit statements like “I know what I like” – which really means “I like what I know.” A more sensible answer would be “I know why I like what I like.” The believer must differentiate between conviction and opinion.
B. Some Christians reject (they think) any and all “contemporary” Christian music and may even refer to it as “rock music.” But when asked to define “rock music” they are unable to do so. They simply state “I don’t know how to define it, but I know it when I hear it.” Definitions in both cases are needed if clear thinking is desired.
NOTE: An absolute definition of “rock music” is difficult at best, but several general things may be said with certainty:
1. Rock music reverses or mixes up musical order: melody, harmony, rhythm.
2. Rock music emphasizes rhythm (beat) and builds tension without release. (Good music should have a climax and not leave you hanging.)
3. Rock music makes the music, not the words or harmony, most important.
Wikipedia Article on Rock Music: The sound of rock is traditionally centered around the electric guitar, which emerged in its modern form in the 1950s with the popularization of rock and roll.
[1] The sound of the electric guitar in rock music is typically supported by the electric bass guitar pioneered in jazz music in the same era,
[2] and percussion produced from a drum kit that combines drums and cymbals.
[3] This trio of instruments has often been complemented by the inclusion of others, particularly keyboards such as the piano, Hammond organ and synthesizers.
[4] A group of musicians performing rock music is termed a rock band or rock group and typically consists of between two and five members. Classically, a rock band takes the form of a quartet whose members cover one or more roles, including vocalist, lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist, bass guitarist, drummer and occasionally that of keyboard player or other instrumentalist.
[5] Rock music is traditionally built on a foundation of simple unsyncopated rhythms in a 4/4 meter, with a repetitive snare drum back beat on beats two and four.[6] Melodies are often derived from older musical modes, including the Dorian and Mixolydian, as well as major and minor modes. Harmonies range from the common triad to parallel fourths and fifths and dissonant harmonic progressions.
[6] Rock songs from the mid-1960s onwards often used the verse-chorus structure derived from blues and folk music, but there has been considerable variation from this model.
[7] Critics have stressed the eclecticism and stylistic diversity of rock.
[8] Because of its complex history and tendency to borrow from other musical and cultural forms, it has been argued that "it is impossible to bind rock music to a rigidly delineated musical definition."
[9] Unlike many earlier styles of popular music, rock lyrics have dealt with a wide range of themes in addition to romantic love: including sex, rebellion against the establishment, social concerns and life styles.
[10] These themes were inherited from a variety of sources, including the Tin Pan Alley pop tradition, folk music and rhythm and blues.
[10] The predominance of white, male and often middle class musicians in rock music has often been noted
[11] and rock has been seen as an appropriation of black musical forms for a young, white and large male audience.
[12] As a result it has been seen as articulating the concerns of this group in both style and lyrics.
[13] Since the term rock began to be used in preference to rock and roll from the mid 1960s, it has often been contrasted with pop music, with which it has shared many characteristics, but from which it is often distanced by an emphasis on musicianship, live performance and a focus on serious and progressive themes as part of an ideology of authenticity that is frequently combined with an awareness of the genre's history
and development.
[14] According to Simon Frith "rock was something more than pop, something more than rock and roll. Rock musicians
combined an emphasis on skill and technique with the romantic concept of art as artistic expression, original and sincere".
[15] In the new millennium the term rock has sometimes been used as a blanket term including forms such as pop music, reggae music, soul music, and even hip hop, with which it has been influenced but often contrasted through much of its history.
[16] Article by Frank Garlock: If all musical styles are neutral,
WHY DO ROCK MUSICIANS CLAIM THAT THEIR HEAVILY SYNCOPATED RHYTHM IS SEXY?
Following are just a few of the many quotes we could give along this line...
🎤“Rock music is sex. The big beat matches the body’s rhythms” (Frank Zappa of the Mothers of Invention, Life, June 28, 1968).
🎤“That’s what rock is all about--sex with a 100 megaton bomb, the beat!” (Gene Simmons of the rock group Kiss, interview, Entertainment Tonight, ABC, Dec. 10, 1987).
🎤“Rock 'n' roll is 99% sex” (John Oates of the rock duo Hall & Oates, Circus, Jan. 31, 1976).
🎤“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).
🎤“The great strength of rock ‘n’ roll lies in its beat ... it is a music which is basically sexual, un-Puritan ... and a threat to
established patterns and values” (Irwin Silber, Marxist, Sing Out, May 1965).
🎤“Rock and roll aims for liberation and transcendence, EROTICIZING THE SPIRITUAL AND SPIRITUALIZING THE EROTIC, because that is its ecumenical birthright” (Robert Palmer, Rock & Roll an Unruly History).
🎤“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).
🎤“Rock and roll was something that’s hardcore, rough and wild and sweaty and wet and just loose” (Patti Labelle, cited in Rock Facts, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum).
🎤Rapper Missy Elliot’s 3rd album, “Miss E ... So Addictive,” is described as “a seductive cocktail of quirky rhythms and hypnotic beats.”
🎤The blues music (predecessor to rock and roll) that was played in Gayoso brothels in Memphis, Tennessee, in the early part of the 20th century is described as “sexually syncopated sounds” (Larry Nager, Memphis Beat: The lives and Times of America’s Musical Crossroads).
Why do these secular rock lovers describe the heavily syncopated rock rhythms as sexy, primitive, seductive, rough, hardcore, naughty, loose, wild, and hypnotic? What do they know, or what are they admitting, that the Contemporary Christian Music crowd denies? They are admitting that music is not neutral and that the heavy backbeat of rock & roll is sensual. This tells me that music is a language.
If all musical styles are neutral, WHY DOES ONE OF THE FOREMOST EXPERTS IN DRUMMING CLAIM THAT
CERTAIN RHYTHMS CAN ALTER THE STATE OF ONE’S CONSCIOUSNESS?
Mickey Hart, drummer for the Grateful Dead, has traveled the world researching the power of drums. In his book Drumming at the Edge of Magic he observes:
“Everywhere you look on the planet people are USING DRUMS TO ALTER CONSCIOUSNESS. ... I’ve discovered, along with many others, the extraordinary power of music, particularly percussion, to influence the human mind and body. . . . There have been many times when I’ve felt as if the drum has carried me to an open door into another world.”
Why does Hart say this?
Because he knows that music is not neutral, that certain music and certain rhythms produce certain results, that music is a
language.
C. Some Christians try to place all contemporary Christian music (anything “new” or being written today) in the same category. They reject, usually without Bible support, any music written recently (Fanny Crosby’s day or earlier). There is no doubt that much (most?) of what is being written today is shallow, frivolous, without merit, not doctrinally sound or oriented, more sensual than spiritual and will soon fade away. But time has a way of sorting and sifting the wheat from the chaff and some of today’s Christian musicians are serious,
dedicated, proficient, Spirit-filled believers producing excellent, Christ-honoring music. The “safe” position adopted by many Christians of just sticking to the music in our hymnals is not the sane position. Hymn books are not inspired! (In fact some of the music in many hymnals is doctrinally unsound!)
TRANSITION: Let’s try to put away our background, preferences and our biases (along with our opinions) and
attempt to examine music using biblical principles. After all we Bible believers are supposed to allow the Bible to be our final authority.
I. MUSIC IN THE BIBLE:
A. The First Music in the Universe – seems to have been when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy...” Job. 38:7 – during creation week.
B. The First Music on Earth – seems to have originated with the grandson of Cain – “Jubal...the father of such
as handle the harp and organ...” Gen. 4:21
NOTE: No doubt the birds and all the creatures of God used their vocal chords to praise the Creator-Lord before the Fall. Psalm 148 – Look it up!) After man’s fall the entire creation was limited. The creature’s song would now be in the minor key. Man too, created with vocal chords and in fellowship with God before the Fall would have automatically praised His Creator. Regenerated man is capable of praise today and is commanded to do so in “...psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” Col. 3:16
C. Man and Musical Instruments – were and are to be used to sing God’s praises.
Psalms 150 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
NOTE: The above Psalm lists a variety of musical instruments. Many more have been invented since then and may also be used to praise the Lord. There is no such thing as an “evil instrument” – only evil men who pervert their use. (Drums may be an exception since they are not mentioned in the Bible and are used primarily in pagan religions, and of course in secular and devilish music.)
Psalms 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
1. In the Temple:
2 Chronicles 29:25-28 And he set the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets. 26 And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel. 28 And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters
sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord: 13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.
1 Chronicles 15:16-22 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. 17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the porters. 19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass; 20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth; 21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. 22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
2. In the Palace:
Ecclesiastes 2:8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
NOTE: Someone estimated that there were over 500 references to music in the Bible – the vast majority in the
Old Testament. There are very few in the New Testament, probably due to the fact that the Jews were familiar with the Old Testament and New Testament believers were commanded to study the Old Testament. (2 Tim. 2:15 – only in a King James Bible!). There is a Bible principle we can use to guide us found in the following passage:
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
In the Old Testament there were singers, an orchestra and individual musicians who used every type of instrument (wind, stringed and percussion!) to praise the Lord. We read of none of these in the New Testament.
Perhaps that is why in researching this subject, the authors offer their opinions without citing Scripture for their beliefs, and then write or preach as if their opinions were “thus saith the Lord.”
3. In the New Testament:
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...
a. These passages apparently only deal with singing.
b. No musical instruments are specifically mentioned, though they may be implied.
NOTE:
🔅In the N.T. era there were few, if any, “church buildings” (none specifically mentioned). Believers met in homes, synagogues (Acts 18:4-11), or any place that happened to be large enough. Thus the omission of references to musical instruments may only be due to lack of space, money or opportunity and not due to any prohibition by the Apostles or early Christians. In fact, the omission may be an assumption that any believer who knew his Old Testament and understood the use of instruments used there for worship, would incorporate them into his worship and service. God hadn’t changed!
🔅Those who reject all forms of music other than “religious” or “sacred” music forget about the wonderful Song of Solomon – a love song! True, this is inspired Scripture, but doesn’t it reveal that the emotions (love at least) may be an appropriate vehicle for our musical menu?
TRANSITION: We must beware music (and art, literature, etc.) which inflames the “lust of the flesh.” (Bob Jones University, for example, has very strict standards for music, but is very lax when it comes to art which appeals to the lust of the flesh – including nudity! They also perform worldly operas and plays on campus – hardly “religious” or “sacred” in nature. Where is the consistency?)
With such a vehicle at his disposal (music and the arts), surely Satan will take advantage of these things to lure and capture his subjects and enslave them. So let’s take a look at...
II. MUSIC AND THE DEVIL:
A. Satan Was a Musical Creature:
Ezekiel 28:12-17 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I
have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
1. He has first-hand experience and access to music.
2. He is corrupted and now seeks to corrupt others.
3. He will abuse and misuse anything God has created for His glory.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
B. Satan Uses Music:
1. Much rock music is obviously Satanic and even deals with devilish and fleshly themes.
2. The theme of most of the music produced in and by the world is fleshly, sensual and devilish, including country, rap, hip-hop, gangsta-rap, jazz, blues, many ballads, etc.
NOTE:
Biblically, objects may have demons attached to them. It is highly possible that those purchasing rock albums, CD’s, etc. get more than they are aware of or that they bargained for.
Acts 19:18-19 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
Perhaps many Christian homes need to have a large bonfire to include any object(s) which may have demons attached to them. (We held several such bonfires in ministries with which I have been associated). It might be wise to start with books (see Scripture above), and include magazines, occult objects, religious objects [beads, statues, medals, scapulars, crucifixes, idols, etc.] and then include music tapes, CD’s, videos, gambling devices, etc.
3. Their performances are often bizarre, grotesque and loaded with sex, violence, perversion and rebellion.
NOTE: Satan loves rock music! He uses it and rap, etc. to enslave millions. (Have you ever wondered why otherwise intelligent and professional people place their stamp of approval on all this? They are addicted, blinded and enslaved!)
Even the album covers of much worldly music will immediately reveal the Satanic source. Then look carefully at the names of the bands, singers, groups, song titles, etc. and YOUR EYES WILL BE OPENED!
III. MUSIC FOR THE LORD:
Ephesians 5:18-20 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...
A. The Mood:
1. What mood does the music convey or trigger?
2. Does it depress, confuse and jangle the nerves?
3. Does it soothe, encourage, exalt Christ, edify the saints, lead to worship and praise?
NOTE: When Saul had an evil spirit that caused depression, he called for David to come and play his harp to soothe him. Music is powerful for good or evil. It may be spiritual or sensual or somewhere in between or amoral (e.g., marches, some classical music, choruses, patriotic, etc.)
Christian music is not always “worship” music. Some convicts of sin, exhorts us to live holy lives, tells of the experiences and circumstances of believer’s lives, testimonies (“spiritual songs”).
B. The Motive:
1. Is the motivation fame, fortune, personal pleasure on the part of the composer, musician, performer?
2. Are the musicians scriptural, obedient, Spirit-filled?
3. Are the “artists” saved? Are they surrendered? Spirit controlled? (Which “spirit”?)
C. The Method:
1. Does the method (arrangement, presentation, “performance”) distract or detract from the message?
2. The method should enhance, adorn and accent the message.
3. The music should be the vehicle to bring praise to God, not the main attraction.
4. Is the musician just displaying his or her talents and thereby taking away from the praise the Lord should receive?
5. Is our Savior simply the platform (or excuse) the musician uses to display his fleshly achievements.
D. The Message:
1. It should be clear and must be scriptural.
2. It should not be obscured by the arrangement, performer, performance or presentation.
NOTE: Remember, the first messenger who came to the king but forgot the message? The second was slower but clearly gave the message. Music must not be an “uncertain sound” – but have a clear, accurate and Christ-honoring message. (See 2 Sam. 18:22-33)
3. The focus must be praise (the word “praise” is used 13 times in 6 verses in Psalm 150!):
a. The concept of praise is to “laud” or “bless.”
b. The object of praise must be the Lord.
c. The subjects of praise are the Person and work of God.
ILLUS.: Music which praises man or his achievements is not proper for use in worship for the believer. The first recorded singing in the Bible was by angels at the Creation. The first recorded song in Scripture was by God’s people at the victory over Pharaoh at the Red Sea. (Not man’s victory, but God’s, was celebrated that day! Ex. 15). In both cases the subject was to praise the Lord.
E. The Means and Method of Praise:
1. The human voice:
a. In 1 Chron. 15:16-22 David appointed singers for Temple worship.
b. In 2 Chron. 29:26-28 when revival came under Hezekiah, “the singers sang” while sacrifices were offered to the Lord.
NOTE: The New Testament tells us that “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” are appropriate vehicles of musical expression. “Psalms” = God’s Word set to music; “hymns” = doctrine sung and taught via music; “spiritual songs” = testimonies of praise for what God has done for the believer.
2. Musical instruments: 2 Samuel 6
a. Brass instruments: “the trumpet” v.3a
b. Stringed instruments: “the psaltry and harp” v.3b
c. Percussion instruments: “timbrels...cymbals” v.4a,5
NOTE: Apparently any instrument that man can devise can be used to praise man’s Maker; also every part of the human body (“dance...” Psalm 150:4).
2 Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
CONCL.:
✨“...the method should never distract or take away from the message. The method should enhance, adorn or accent the message...when the focus is drawn away from the message to the music, the musician becomes another music star and becomes the main attraction instead of the Lord. Jesus becomes the platform for the musician to display his flesh. This would be like Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people applauding the donkey. How foolish and sad.” - Author unknown
✨CCM as it is referred to is dangerous in that it introduces into otherwise sound churches a taste of the world and its deadly influences.
✨Obviously all Christian music was originally “contemporary” i.e., it was written and used while its writers were still alive. But what we are speaking of now is music that is placed in a worldly setting, and often
played and sung in a sensuous way. Many of the words to CCM are fine in themselves, but it is the arrangement and performance which is often objectionable. (Christian music is NOT amoral!)
✨Of course only time will tell what of present day CCM will survive. Bible believers have a spiritual sense (discernment) which enables them to throw out the bad and retain the good. For example, what Bible believing church today hasn’t used the songs “People Need the Lord” or “The King is Coming” with great blessing?
✨Originally they were CCM but time and discernment has enabled them – and others - to survive. Many of the old hymns in our hymnals were “contemporary” music which was rejected by believers initially, but later accepted because of intrinsic value.
✨One need only look at the CCM “performers,” - their gyrations, accompaniment, use of instruments, clothing (or lack thereof), make up, body language, hair styles, etc. to know that they somehow don’t “fit” in a Bible-believing atmosphere. The discerning, spiritual saint feels uncomfortable when they “perform.” The blessed indwelling Holy
Spirit bears witness with our spirit that something isn’t right.
✨✨Things to consider: 🔹When the “beat” overpowers the words, 🔹the appearance of the “performer” belies his or her testimony, 🔹the sensuousness of the presentation moves the flesh more than the spirit, 🔹the music appeals more to the flesh than the spirit, and 🔹the performance directs more attention to the performer than to the Savior, the Spirit-filled saint should back away.
Music is subjective, and tastes vary widely. For example this author recently preached in a Liberian church service where the music would be out-of-place in an American Bible-believing church, but due to the cultural difference, the obvious sincerity of the saints, and the scriptural emphasis of the music, I was not uncomfortable at all.
(These factors were all a part of African American Christian music [“Negro spirituals”] in early America among the slaves.)
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
INTRO.:
A. Often Christians become very emotional and illogical about things they have developed strong opinions about (whether right or wrong). If you ask a believer why he prefers or accepts certain kinds of music and rejects other kinds, it will often elicit statements like “I know what I like” – which really means “I like what I know.” A more sensible answer would be “I know why I like what I like.” The believer must differentiate between conviction and opinion.
B. Some Christians reject (they think) any and all “contemporary” Christian music and may even refer to it as “rock music.” But when asked to define “rock music” they are unable to do so. They simply state “I don’t know how to define it, but I know it when I hear it.” Definitions in both cases are needed if clear thinking is desired.
NOTE: An absolute definition of “rock music” is difficult at best, but several general things may be said with certainty:
1. Rock music reverses or mixes up musical order: melody, harmony, rhythm.
2. Rock music emphasizes rhythm (beat) and builds tension without release. (Good music should have a climax and not leave you hanging.)
3. Rock music makes the music, not the words or harmony, most important.
Wikipedia Article on Rock Music: The sound of rock is traditionally centered around the electric guitar, which emerged in its modern form in the 1950s with the popularization of rock and roll.
[1] The sound of the electric guitar in rock music is typically supported by the electric bass guitar pioneered in jazz music in the same era,
[2] and percussion produced from a drum kit that combines drums and cymbals.
[3] This trio of instruments has often been complemented by the inclusion of others, particularly keyboards such as the piano, Hammond organ and synthesizers.
[4] A group of musicians performing rock music is termed a rock band or rock group and typically consists of between two and five members. Classically, a rock band takes the form of a quartet whose members cover one or more roles, including vocalist, lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist, bass guitarist, drummer and occasionally that of keyboard player or other instrumentalist.
[5] Rock music is traditionally built on a foundation of simple unsyncopated rhythms in a 4/4 meter, with a repetitive snare drum back beat on beats two and four.[6] Melodies are often derived from older musical modes, including the Dorian and Mixolydian, as well as major and minor modes. Harmonies range from the common triad to parallel fourths and fifths and dissonant harmonic progressions.
[6] Rock songs from the mid-1960s onwards often used the verse-chorus structure derived from blues and folk music, but there has been considerable variation from this model.
[7] Critics have stressed the eclecticism and stylistic diversity of rock.
[8] Because of its complex history and tendency to borrow from other musical and cultural forms, it has been argued that "it is impossible to bind rock music to a rigidly delineated musical definition."
[9] Unlike many earlier styles of popular music, rock lyrics have dealt with a wide range of themes in addition to romantic love: including sex, rebellion against the establishment, social concerns and life styles.
[10] These themes were inherited from a variety of sources, including the Tin Pan Alley pop tradition, folk music and rhythm and blues.
[10] The predominance of white, male and often middle class musicians in rock music has often been noted
[11] and rock has been seen as an appropriation of black musical forms for a young, white and large male audience.
[12] As a result it has been seen as articulating the concerns of this group in both style and lyrics.
[13] Since the term rock began to be used in preference to rock and roll from the mid 1960s, it has often been contrasted with pop music, with which it has shared many characteristics, but from which it is often distanced by an emphasis on musicianship, live performance and a focus on serious and progressive themes as part of an ideology of authenticity that is frequently combined with an awareness of the genre's history
and development.
[14] According to Simon Frith "rock was something more than pop, something more than rock and roll. Rock musicians
combined an emphasis on skill and technique with the romantic concept of art as artistic expression, original and sincere".
[15] In the new millennium the term rock has sometimes been used as a blanket term including forms such as pop music, reggae music, soul music, and even hip hop, with which it has been influenced but often contrasted through much of its history.
[16] Article by Frank Garlock: If all musical styles are neutral,
WHY DO ROCK MUSICIANS CLAIM THAT THEIR HEAVILY SYNCOPATED RHYTHM IS SEXY?
Following are just a few of the many quotes we could give along this line...
🎤“Rock music is sex. The big beat matches the body’s rhythms” (Frank Zappa of the Mothers of Invention, Life, June 28, 1968).
🎤“That’s what rock is all about--sex with a 100 megaton bomb, the beat!” (Gene Simmons of the rock group Kiss, interview, Entertainment Tonight, ABC, Dec. 10, 1987).
🎤“Rock 'n' roll is 99% sex” (John Oates of the rock duo Hall & Oates, Circus, Jan. 31, 1976).
🎤“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).
🎤“The great strength of rock ‘n’ roll lies in its beat ... it is a music which is basically sexual, un-Puritan ... and a threat to
established patterns and values” (Irwin Silber, Marxist, Sing Out, May 1965).
🎤“Rock and roll aims for liberation and transcendence, EROTICIZING THE SPIRITUAL AND SPIRITUALIZING THE EROTIC, because that is its ecumenical birthright” (Robert Palmer, Rock & Roll an Unruly History).
🎤“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).
🎤“Rock and roll was something that’s hardcore, rough and wild and sweaty and wet and just loose” (Patti Labelle, cited in Rock Facts, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum).
🎤Rapper Missy Elliot’s 3rd album, “Miss E ... So Addictive,” is described as “a seductive cocktail of quirky rhythms and hypnotic beats.”
🎤The blues music (predecessor to rock and roll) that was played in Gayoso brothels in Memphis, Tennessee, in the early part of the 20th century is described as “sexually syncopated sounds” (Larry Nager, Memphis Beat: The lives and Times of America’s Musical Crossroads).
Why do these secular rock lovers describe the heavily syncopated rock rhythms as sexy, primitive, seductive, rough, hardcore, naughty, loose, wild, and hypnotic? What do they know, or what are they admitting, that the Contemporary Christian Music crowd denies? They are admitting that music is not neutral and that the heavy backbeat of rock & roll is sensual. This tells me that music is a language.
If all musical styles are neutral, WHY DOES ONE OF THE FOREMOST EXPERTS IN DRUMMING CLAIM THAT
CERTAIN RHYTHMS CAN ALTER THE STATE OF ONE’S CONSCIOUSNESS?
Mickey Hart, drummer for the Grateful Dead, has traveled the world researching the power of drums. In his book Drumming at the Edge of Magic he observes:
“Everywhere you look on the planet people are USING DRUMS TO ALTER CONSCIOUSNESS. ... I’ve discovered, along with many others, the extraordinary power of music, particularly percussion, to influence the human mind and body. . . . There have been many times when I’ve felt as if the drum has carried me to an open door into another world.”
Why does Hart say this?
Because he knows that music is not neutral, that certain music and certain rhythms produce certain results, that music is a
language.
C. Some Christians try to place all contemporary Christian music (anything “new” or being written today) in the same category. They reject, usually without Bible support, any music written recently (Fanny Crosby’s day or earlier). There is no doubt that much (most?) of what is being written today is shallow, frivolous, without merit, not doctrinally sound or oriented, more sensual than spiritual and will soon fade away. But time has a way of sorting and sifting the wheat from the chaff and some of today’s Christian musicians are serious,
dedicated, proficient, Spirit-filled believers producing excellent, Christ-honoring music. The “safe” position adopted by many Christians of just sticking to the music in our hymnals is not the sane position. Hymn books are not inspired! (In fact some of the music in many hymnals is doctrinally unsound!)
TRANSITION: Let’s try to put away our background, preferences and our biases (along with our opinions) and
attempt to examine music using biblical principles. After all we Bible believers are supposed to allow the Bible to be our final authority.
I. MUSIC IN THE BIBLE:
A. The First Music in the Universe – seems to have been when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy...” Job. 38:7 – during creation week.
B. The First Music on Earth – seems to have originated with the grandson of Cain – “Jubal...the father of such
as handle the harp and organ...” Gen. 4:21
NOTE: No doubt the birds and all the creatures of God used their vocal chords to praise the Creator-Lord before the Fall. Psalm 148 – Look it up!) After man’s fall the entire creation was limited. The creature’s song would now be in the minor key. Man too, created with vocal chords and in fellowship with God before the Fall would have automatically praised His Creator. Regenerated man is capable of praise today and is commanded to do so in “...psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” Col. 3:16
C. Man and Musical Instruments – were and are to be used to sing God’s praises.
Psalms 150 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
NOTE: The above Psalm lists a variety of musical instruments. Many more have been invented since then and may also be used to praise the Lord. There is no such thing as an “evil instrument” – only evil men who pervert their use. (Drums may be an exception since they are not mentioned in the Bible and are used primarily in pagan religions, and of course in secular and devilish music.)
Psalms 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
1. In the Temple:
2 Chronicles 29:25-28 And he set the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets. 26 And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel. 28 And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters
sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord: 13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.
1 Chronicles 15:16-22 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. 17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the porters. 19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass; 20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth; 21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. 22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
2. In the Palace:
Ecclesiastes 2:8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
NOTE: Someone estimated that there were over 500 references to music in the Bible – the vast majority in the
Old Testament. There are very few in the New Testament, probably due to the fact that the Jews were familiar with the Old Testament and New Testament believers were commanded to study the Old Testament. (2 Tim. 2:15 – only in a King James Bible!). There is a Bible principle we can use to guide us found in the following passage:
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
In the Old Testament there were singers, an orchestra and individual musicians who used every type of instrument (wind, stringed and percussion!) to praise the Lord. We read of none of these in the New Testament.
Perhaps that is why in researching this subject, the authors offer their opinions without citing Scripture for their beliefs, and then write or preach as if their opinions were “thus saith the Lord.”
3. In the New Testament:
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...
a. These passages apparently only deal with singing.
b. No musical instruments are specifically mentioned, though they may be implied.
NOTE:
🔅In the N.T. era there were few, if any, “church buildings” (none specifically mentioned). Believers met in homes, synagogues (Acts 18:4-11), or any place that happened to be large enough. Thus the omission of references to musical instruments may only be due to lack of space, money or opportunity and not due to any prohibition by the Apostles or early Christians. In fact, the omission may be an assumption that any believer who knew his Old Testament and understood the use of instruments used there for worship, would incorporate them into his worship and service. God hadn’t changed!
🔅Those who reject all forms of music other than “religious” or “sacred” music forget about the wonderful Song of Solomon – a love song! True, this is inspired Scripture, but doesn’t it reveal that the emotions (love at least) may be an appropriate vehicle for our musical menu?
TRANSITION: We must beware music (and art, literature, etc.) which inflames the “lust of the flesh.” (Bob Jones University, for example, has very strict standards for music, but is very lax when it comes to art which appeals to the lust of the flesh – including nudity! They also perform worldly operas and plays on campus – hardly “religious” or “sacred” in nature. Where is the consistency?)
With such a vehicle at his disposal (music and the arts), surely Satan will take advantage of these things to lure and capture his subjects and enslave them. So let’s take a look at...
II. MUSIC AND THE DEVIL:
A. Satan Was a Musical Creature:
Ezekiel 28:12-17 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I
have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
1. He has first-hand experience and access to music.
2. He is corrupted and now seeks to corrupt others.
3. He will abuse and misuse anything God has created for His glory.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
B. Satan Uses Music:
1. Much rock music is obviously Satanic and even deals with devilish and fleshly themes.
2. The theme of most of the music produced in and by the world is fleshly, sensual and devilish, including country, rap, hip-hop, gangsta-rap, jazz, blues, many ballads, etc.
NOTE:
Biblically, objects may have demons attached to them. It is highly possible that those purchasing rock albums, CD’s, etc. get more than they are aware of or that they bargained for.
Acts 19:18-19 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
Perhaps many Christian homes need to have a large bonfire to include any object(s) which may have demons attached to them. (We held several such bonfires in ministries with which I have been associated). It might be wise to start with books (see Scripture above), and include magazines, occult objects, religious objects [beads, statues, medals, scapulars, crucifixes, idols, etc.] and then include music tapes, CD’s, videos, gambling devices, etc.
3. Their performances are often bizarre, grotesque and loaded with sex, violence, perversion and rebellion.
NOTE: Satan loves rock music! He uses it and rap, etc. to enslave millions. (Have you ever wondered why otherwise intelligent and professional people place their stamp of approval on all this? They are addicted, blinded and enslaved!)
Even the album covers of much worldly music will immediately reveal the Satanic source. Then look carefully at the names of the bands, singers, groups, song titles, etc. and YOUR EYES WILL BE OPENED!
III. MUSIC FOR THE LORD:
Ephesians 5:18-20 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...
A. The Mood:
1. What mood does the music convey or trigger?
2. Does it depress, confuse and jangle the nerves?
3. Does it soothe, encourage, exalt Christ, edify the saints, lead to worship and praise?
NOTE: When Saul had an evil spirit that caused depression, he called for David to come and play his harp to soothe him. Music is powerful for good or evil. It may be spiritual or sensual or somewhere in between or amoral (e.g., marches, some classical music, choruses, patriotic, etc.)
Christian music is not always “worship” music. Some convicts of sin, exhorts us to live holy lives, tells of the experiences and circumstances of believer’s lives, testimonies (“spiritual songs”).
B. The Motive:
1. Is the motivation fame, fortune, personal pleasure on the part of the composer, musician, performer?
2. Are the musicians scriptural, obedient, Spirit-filled?
3. Are the “artists” saved? Are they surrendered? Spirit controlled? (Which “spirit”?)
C. The Method:
1. Does the method (arrangement, presentation, “performance”) distract or detract from the message?
2. The method should enhance, adorn and accent the message.
3. The music should be the vehicle to bring praise to God, not the main attraction.
4. Is the musician just displaying his or her talents and thereby taking away from the praise the Lord should receive?
5. Is our Savior simply the platform (or excuse) the musician uses to display his fleshly achievements.
D. The Message:
1. It should be clear and must be scriptural.
2. It should not be obscured by the arrangement, performer, performance or presentation.
NOTE: Remember, the first messenger who came to the king but forgot the message? The second was slower but clearly gave the message. Music must not be an “uncertain sound” – but have a clear, accurate and Christ-honoring message. (See 2 Sam. 18:22-33)
3. The focus must be praise (the word “praise” is used 13 times in 6 verses in Psalm 150!):
a. The concept of praise is to “laud” or “bless.”
b. The object of praise must be the Lord.
c. The subjects of praise are the Person and work of God.
ILLUS.: Music which praises man or his achievements is not proper for use in worship for the believer. The first recorded singing in the Bible was by angels at the Creation. The first recorded song in Scripture was by God’s people at the victory over Pharaoh at the Red Sea. (Not man’s victory, but God’s, was celebrated that day! Ex. 15). In both cases the subject was to praise the Lord.
E. The Means and Method of Praise:
1. The human voice:
a. In 1 Chron. 15:16-22 David appointed singers for Temple worship.
b. In 2 Chron. 29:26-28 when revival came under Hezekiah, “the singers sang” while sacrifices were offered to the Lord.
NOTE: The New Testament tells us that “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” are appropriate vehicles of musical expression. “Psalms” = God’s Word set to music; “hymns” = doctrine sung and taught via music; “spiritual songs” = testimonies of praise for what God has done for the believer.
2. Musical instruments: 2 Samuel 6
a. Brass instruments: “the trumpet” v.3a
b. Stringed instruments: “the psaltry and harp” v.3b
c. Percussion instruments: “timbrels...cymbals” v.4a,5
NOTE: Apparently any instrument that man can devise can be used to praise man’s Maker; also every part of the human body (“dance...” Psalm 150:4).
2 Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
CONCL.:
✨“...the method should never distract or take away from the message. The method should enhance, adorn or accent the message...when the focus is drawn away from the message to the music, the musician becomes another music star and becomes the main attraction instead of the Lord. Jesus becomes the platform for the musician to display his flesh. This would be like Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people applauding the donkey. How foolish and sad.” - Author unknown
✨CCM as it is referred to is dangerous in that it introduces into otherwise sound churches a taste of the world and its deadly influences.
✨Obviously all Christian music was originally “contemporary” i.e., it was written and used while its writers were still alive. But what we are speaking of now is music that is placed in a worldly setting, and often
played and sung in a sensuous way. Many of the words to CCM are fine in themselves, but it is the arrangement and performance which is often objectionable. (Christian music is NOT amoral!)
✨Of course only time will tell what of present day CCM will survive. Bible believers have a spiritual sense (discernment) which enables them to throw out the bad and retain the good. For example, what Bible believing church today hasn’t used the songs “People Need the Lord” or “The King is Coming” with great blessing?
✨Originally they were CCM but time and discernment has enabled them – and others - to survive. Many of the old hymns in our hymnals were “contemporary” music which was rejected by believers initially, but later accepted because of intrinsic value.
✨One need only look at the CCM “performers,” - their gyrations, accompaniment, use of instruments, clothing (or lack thereof), make up, body language, hair styles, etc. to know that they somehow don’t “fit” in a Bible-believing atmosphere. The discerning, spiritual saint feels uncomfortable when they “perform.” The blessed indwelling Holy
Spirit bears witness with our spirit that something isn’t right.
✨✨Things to consider: 🔹When the “beat” overpowers the words, 🔹the appearance of the “performer” belies his or her testimony, 🔹the sensuousness of the presentation moves the flesh more than the spirit, 🔹the music appeals more to the flesh than the spirit, and 🔹the performance directs more attention to the performer than to the Savior, the Spirit-filled saint should back away.
Music is subjective, and tastes vary widely. For example this author recently preached in a Liberian church service where the music would be out-of-place in an American Bible-believing church, but due to the cultural difference, the obvious sincerity of the saints, and the scriptural emphasis of the music, I was not uncomfortable at all.
(These factors were all a part of African American Christian music [“Negro spirituals”] in early America among the slaves.)
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.