In my opinion, I think one can apply those verses and say that punk is ok if the lyrics are edifying to God because I think it is wisdom to use whatever tools are possible to get the Gospel to unbelievers.
Unfortunately, as is most always the case when this topic comes up for discussion, most everyone here is arguing either for or against a certain "style" of music on subjective grounds and/or pragmatism. I firmly believe that one can and MUST scrutinize all forms of music from an objective standard and then bring in some of the more salient subjective elements. Of course, if one begins with a presupposition that everything is a-moral, then one can make a case to use or do anything as long as the intent is to glorify God, e.g., opening a "Christian bordello". [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/drop.gif" alt="drop" title="drop[/img]
It doesn't matter whether one likes of dislikes a type of music. What does matter is if the music is good in and of itself and most importantly, does it reflect God's attributes and will (aka: glorify God).
I was indeed a punk before Jonny Rotten set fire to his toothbrush.
Now, as a Christian saved by The Blood of my Lord Jesus Christ , music has no dominion OVER ME as it might previously of had. Music is simply another tool to be used when needed , much the same as chocolate or tv or golf or hats...............IMHO
MOST christians that are known to me personally, will understand this comment as I hope you will do some day.
What is edifying about other music, Howard? Nothing in itself. Music is amoral. It is the content that is moral. I like bluegrass, which is frankly just as loud and fast as much rock music. And bluegrass gospel is not exactly slow. Rock music hurts my ears.
One bit of advice...we have been down this path before. Howard, you likely were not hear but this topic was covered in great detail earlier. Check it out if the thread is available.
Ooops, sorry, I did not catch the entire drift, I thought Howard was discussing "Christian" rock music.
No, Howard, people can NOT separate the lyrics from the music. I have never known anybody who could. That being said, secular music is not inherently bad.
Music without lyrics is amoral provided it does not cause you aggression. If rave music does not, then it is fine. It causes me to break out in hives [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/flee.gif" alt="flee" title="flee[/img], so I guess it is a problem for me? I'm sure listening to me play Foggy Mountain Breakdown on the banjo might do the same to you....
"What redeeming qualities can one find in "Rock 'n' Roll"?"
1) SOME are very talented musicians. We have one at our church. And he has written some very impressive songs (that are NOT played during the service.)
2) There does exist some very complex music. As a musician (albeit a bad one) I can appreciate the redeeming qualities of complex and challenging music.
Yes, we have been down this "rock(y) road" before. And I am always amazed how anyone can claim that music is "amoral". [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/drop.gif" alt="drop" title="drop[/img]
There have been a number of articles added to The Highway that deal with music, e.g.,:
In reply to:Whats edifying in classical music country, jazz, opera etc, etc ?
Can't say anything about country, opera, jazz, etc, etc, because I don't listen to it all that much. But classical music, ah, there's an easy one. Just take a look at the lyrics to some of Vivaldi's or Bach's choral music. Bach wrote primarily for the church. In fact, he composed new pieces every week for the services. Vivaldi's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" is a pretty good example. The lyrics are entirely, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo". That's it. Glory o God in the Highest. If you ask me, I'd say that's derned God-glorifying. Or Bach's "Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ". All to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Check out http://www.cpdl.org to find a lot more of Bach's Sacred Choral Music, or http://www.classicalarchives.com to hear the MIDI versions. Or, hey, how about Handel. "The Messiah". Or Mozart. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Amadeus means "Beloved of God". I imagine he might have been. His "Great Mass in C Minor" sounds pretty God-glorifying. But that's just my opinion.
In the midst of your sadness and woe, when you are tormented and afflicted, have comfort! God's will is done.
Since you seem to be a lover of Handel's Messiah, I wonder if you might be able to help me a bit. A few years ago I had a cd of Handel's Messiah that had a copy of all the words included with it. Small print, but readable. As you know it is all scripture and there is a wonderful story behind it's composition, by Woychuck, but I'm getting off subject as usual.
Any way, I lost the cd and I wonder if you know of a good edition, I think mine was the London Philharmonic, but it wouldn't matter if it was a good quality and had the words with it. Short of that, do you know where I might get a copy of the words separately? One that came with the music would be better because I understand that the performance can vary and I would like the written copy to match the performed one as close as possible so I could follow along, but I would be willing to improvise.
You might try http://www.naxos.com for the music. I think they have the entire Oratorio. As for the seperate lyrics, I imagine you could try www.Isaiah-40-in-the-Bible.com. They have it here, too:
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