by Johnny Hunton                                                                                       Vol. XX, No. 2, February 2007

There is a rising tide of opposition to rock and rap music by Christians and even by some who don't particularly label themselves as Christians. The outrage is especially in regard to filthy, satanic lyrics. God bless those who are going to a lot of trouble to expose such degrading, destructive trash! Some are pushing their governmental representatives to enact laws to prevent further production and dissemination of the stuff. This is great!

While some of these folks are blasting the lyrics of rock and rap, they, at the same time, recommend the so-called "Christian" rock and rap. They say that as long as the lyrics are biblical and Christ-honoring, then everything is all right. Evidently they have not read the research, both of Christian and secular critics, that it is the music that is causing the breakdown of holy living – not the words.

Before making any definite decisions and drawing any lines regarding that part of contemporary Christian music that is called "Christian" rock or rap, it would be of some help, possibly, to consider some of the following items:

(1) Rock music was born in the rebellion and darkness of the drug culture and the devil-worshiping crowd. Rap came on the scene in disco joints, which were originally places for homosexuals to congregate. The rock and rap performers openly state that their music is rebellion and sex! Having been born of evil seed, it could not be also something that has sprung forth from the heart of a Spirit-filled, God-inspired, Christian musician.

(2) Some "heavy-metal" rock groups call themselves Christians, however, they dress and act like the devil's rock groups – weird and wild!

(3) Using words from Scripture doesn't necessarily make the music godly and Christ-honoring.

(4) The rhythms, beat, wildness, and body gestures of the heathenish rock and rap concerts cannot be to God's glory – regardless of good words!

(5) Satan will go to any extreme to pollute the worship of God! His worship is to be done "in Spirit and in truth" and to be done "decently and in order."

(6) Heathen ways of worship are despised by God, Who calls believers to "abstain from all appearance of evil."

(7) Believers are to offer up to God in worship – offerings of "praise and thanksgiving...singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." Our music is to be an offering that is pure and spotless – holy, that is. God's word to Israel: "And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean." (LEVIT. 10:10) Israel's priests disappointed God: "Her priests have violated My law, and have profaned My holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and clean..." (EZEKIEL 22:26) There is no way that, in good conscience, a believer can call rock or rap music "holy" and "clean!"

(8) Rock and rap music is offered on Satan's altars. It is a desecration to offer on God's altar music that is neither "clean" or "holy" – regardless of the fusing of it with godly words!

(9) Rock and rap music are addictive and such addiction has spread rapidly throughout Christendom.

(10) Sincerity and "getting results" are not sure evidence that anything is holy or pleasing to God.

(11) The harsh, banging beat of "Christian" rock could not be motivated by the Holy Spirit! In fact, the same beat – with special emphasis on the drums – is what is used to call down evil spirits in many heathen cultures!

(12) A "corrupt tree" cannot bring forth good fruit. The "fruit" of rock and rap music does not produce holiness and purity – or a hunger and thirst for Christ and His life-style!

(13) "If any man love the world, or the things that are of the world (system), the love of the Father is not in him." (I John 2:15)

(14) Believers are to be "ambassadors for Christ" (II Corinthians 5:19-20), and if they stand up for God and His things, they are on the side opposed to rock and rap music. God's music soothes the soul and gives an inner peace, which the rock and rap cannot do – regardless of the words.

(15) Legalistic rules will not help the situation. We must simply ask: "Does rock and rap music, which originated in Satan's realm of darkness, please God when He hears it in His places of worship – or in any other places, for that matter?" After consideration of God's Word and under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the answer to that question is obvious: God abhors it! It would be well for every Christian to reevaluate their stand regarding music, and try to figure out from the Bible and by the leading of the Holy Spirit what kind of music is a God-pleasing offering of worship. It would seem that a God-inspired musician could come up with sounds and rhythms prompted by the Holy Spirit. Then, adding
appropriate lyrics, there would be wonderful opportunities for Christians to be obedient to the command found in Ephesians 5:18b-19: "...be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

[NOTE: This article has been written after much research. It is written in love for fellow Christians. My prayer is that Christians will henceforth offer up to God musical offerings that are like sweet perfume to His nostrils! If you would like to have a copy of my research manuscript on Contemporary Christian Music, please send $5 to me at 1079 Heathwood Dr., Goode, VA 24556 Johnny Hunton, Philippians 1:20-21, jhhunton@liberty.edu]