By John Sleadd, July 30, 2007
Why Does The Devil Get All The Good Music?
This statement, dressed up like a question, is more of a whine than an assertion. It implies that God doesn’t get any good music, but should. Can this be true? Does the Devil show up first at the cosmic music outlet and snatch up the best CDs for his immoral parties before God can shop for his church music? Does Satan get all the rock, punk and rap, and leave God with the polka? Who gets Three Blind Mice, and who gets Twinkle Twinkle Little Star from the kiddie section? What about musicals? Does Satan get Grease and God get The Sound of Music, or do they quibble over each song in the score? Does Satan get all the good sacred music, too? The very thought confuses me.
Who Is The Devil?
Here’s a quick biographical sketch of Satan according to the Bible. Lucifer (another of his names) was God’s chief angelic worship leader in heaven until he was cast out for leading a rebellion. He apparently wanted the praise to go to himself instead of to God, so he convinced a bunch of the angels to worship him and participate in his stupid insurrection. They all got the boot and wound up here on earth (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:14; Luke 10:18).
Satan played his star role in the deception of Eve in the garden, where he twisted God’s commands to make them sound stingy and unreasonable. Nowadays he’s busy twisting the truth about what is good and what is bad. He’s doing his part to make certain kinds of music sound steamy and sensual. That and tempting dysfunctional teenaged boys into playing guitars and drums in garage bands.
Satan should be neither feared, nor ignored. He is a destroyer, deceiver, demeanor and detractor. That’s why he’s top dog of the de-mons. His stealthy work is to draw attention away from God and to himself. He is called the father of lies, and his life’s ambition is to get God’s people tangled up in unbelief and sin. Although he prowls around like a roaring lion, we should remember that any power he has is permitted by God (1 Peter 5:8; Romans 13:1), and he cannot prevail against God’s elect. His ultimate doom is certain (Revelation 20:10).
What Is Good Music?
According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, music is the art of combining tones to form expressive compositions, or any rhythmic sequence of pleasing sounds. Good music, then, would be the compositions that are most pleasing. The characteristics of physical sound (e.g. pitch, rate, volume, frequency, attack, decay, etc.) are generally not thought to possess inherent moral value. The same is true of the musical elements of melody, harmony and rhythm. So when we say that music is good, we usually mean that is has artistic beauty and worth, rather than moral value. We also mean that such things as order, balance, form and variety are evident. Music that is poorly composed or poorly performed, is not said to be immoral. It just stinks.
It's unfortunate that good music can be used for immoral purposes. I once watched a movie that played the musical piece, Bolero, during a depiction of sexual immorality. Whenever I hear Bolero, now, I think of that stupid movie. But is it the music’s fault that it got associated with fornication? Could we redeem Bolero if we used in a Billy Graham film during a conversion scene?
Can Music Make Me Sin?
Slow music can put me to sleep. Beautiful music can make me weep. Scary music gives me the creeps. What’s up with that? Does music possess inherent power to affect my behavior, or have I simply been conditioned to respond in certain ways because of repeated exposure?
When I attend symphony concerts I regularly battle the nods during the second movement, which usually is the sloooooow part of the piece. On the other hand, I generally feel perky when I hear steel drums and a Calypso groove. Maybe, back before I can remember, my Mom dosed me with Mozart in largo when it was time for nap nap, and sauced me with Salsa in presto (not a spicy dip) to get me moving. Since other people don’t pass out at the symphony, or boogie to steel drums, I must conclude that my responses might be different from their reactions. It is curious, however, that lullabies help pacify babies and marches help invigorate soldiers, instead of vice versa. Heavy metal music is rarely played at funerals for some reason. Propriety seems to have some guiding principles even in behaviorally challenged America.
Music can cause people to sin in the same way that wine can make a man drunk and pizza can turn a man into a blimp. Too much music can turn a person into an antisocial iPod attachment, but generally we control music, instead of it controlling us. I’ve heard politicians defend gun ownership by saying, “Guns don’t kill. People do.” Maybe music is like that. Left all by itself music wouldn’t harm a fly, but let a carnal song writer get a hold of a catchy melody and soon we’ll hear kindergartners singing “I’ve got to have my baby tonight.” No one will be thinking of expectant mothers.
Is Rock Music Of The Devil?
I’m not a sociologist, but I think it’s easy to observe the correlation between rock music and widespread sexual immorality among those who like it or play it. Sex and drugs and rock n’ roll have been a tight trio on the American band scene for quite some time now. The very label “Rock ‘n Roll” was chosen for its sexual connotations. It has been so popular that it has evolved into such distinctive styles as acid rock, soft rock and punk rock, to name a few. The label, “Christian Rock” seems somehow mismatched, given the history of the style. It’s more than just oxymoronic, like “jumbo shrimp.” It seems morally contradictive, like “honest deception,” or “pure fornication.” I wouldn’t be surprised if these were titles to Country Western songs, which may also be of the devil.
If the devil is in the details of rock music, then I’m curious what it is about it that he likes so much. Rock music is characterized by a strong, regular back beat. It is typically played with guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. Does Satan prefer music produced only with these instruments, or would he enjoy a string quartet if it had a drummer as a fifth member? Would he like a brass quintet if the tuba tooted out a strong backbeat? I know he likes the coarse, suggestive, lyrics and the immodest, exhibitionist performers that give rock music its reputation, but I wonder if there’s something about the accompaniment alone that makes it suitably devilish. My gut feeling is that Satan has invested heavily in rock stock because its popularity guarantees him huge returns in sin.
Can God Redeem Immoral Music?
Is anyone or anything beyond God’s redemptive power? He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and good. Our God rocks! er, reigns! He spoke the universe into existence by the power of His Word. He declared his creation good in its original manufacturer’s condition. He was not surprised by the fall of mankind, but orchestrated the whole thing to save sinners by His Son to the praise of His glorious grace. (Ephesians 1:5-6) Although all creation is winding down in thermodynamic entropy, God is still sovereign and in control. He has promised to restore things to perfect condition in the future. In the mean time, He has called us to be instruments of redemption as ambassadors of His gospel. This may well include our treatment of music.
When I was in college as a music student I played in jazz combos and dance bands. I played R&B, rock n’ roll, funk, swing, disco and pop in night clubs as a guitar player and singer. Our perfomances included some great instrumental music, which was really fun, but we mostly covered immoral lust songs with a thumping beat. I became a Christian while I was in the band, and after annoying my fellow band members by refusing to sing songs with sinful lyrics, I eventually quit. Soon I was invited to play my guitar and sing at church, and I have been involved in musical ministry ever since. I mention this to allow you to sniff out bias or self-justification in my views.
It makes sense to me that if God wants to redeem and transform musician sinners, like me, then He can transform what they do as well. In redemption a sinner usually confesses and repents of his sin, trusts in Christ, and commits to walking by faith in newness of life. The born again believer experiences a radical life change. Would we expect a saved rock musician to clean up his life but keep playing the same music? Would he keep listening to it? Would he bring it to church and play it there?
Who Let Satan Into the Sanctuary?
Christian theologian Francis Schaeffer once wrote about how worldly philosophies originate among elite intellectuals and then trickle through the culture via popular media and entertainment until they are widely accepted. Evolutionary naturalism, moral relativism, and sensuality are but a few examples of ideas that have been popularized in contemporary music. Once the mainstream culture is saturated with permissive views about sexuality and romance, it is no surprise to see these ideas spreading among church congregations. In many cases the church has conformed to the world, instead of striving to transform it with Biblical truth. So much for light in darkness.
Imagine that an entire punk rock band of Satan worshipers repent, believe and are saved. Next they ask what they should do about their demonic jewelry, apparel, tattooes, CDs, books, friendships, and music, which all glorify the devil. What should they toss and what may they keep? Can they play their same music, but change the lyrics to make them Christian as a relevant witness to other practicing Satanists? Can they join the church’s worship team next week?
God is under no obligation to redeem. He had the choice to convert and redeem Pharoah, or to harden his heart and destroy him. He chose the latter. Pharoah would not change. This tells me that God decides whatever he wants. He is sovereign over His church and over the music that is used in it. He may consider the genre of "Christian" Rock lawful and glorifying, or He may regard it as an insult to His holiness.
I’m embarrassed to say that my early days in music ministry included some instances of spiritual immaturity. I played in a worship band that once performed a Christian R&B song for special music. We wore dark glasses and fedora hats like we were the Blues Brothers. It seemed cool and funny at the time, but church elders corrected us privately, me in particular. I’ve used too much distortion on my guitar, played fills that were too flashy, and sometimes treated Sunday mornings like they were country club gigs. I had to be reminded that Christ was the focus, not the music.
What Kind Of Music Does God Forbid?
Music is mentioned quite a bit in the Bible, but musical style is not addressed. Nor is there any musical notation in scripture, only text. This puts us in a pickle if we want to know what kind of music is pleasing to God.
Some have claimed there is no Christian music, only Christian lyrics, so any style will do for church as long as it's popular. Others claim that only the music that is mentioned explicitly in the Bible is allowed in church. If it’s not mentioned, it’s not allowed. This causes some problems because it pits the New Testament, which doesn’t mention instruments for worship, against the Old Testament, which does. A virtual big band played at the temple in Old Testament times. Psalm 150 alone lists the following instruments (ESV): trumpet, lute, harp, strings, pipe, tambourine, cymbal.
2 Chronicles 5:12 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; 13and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD,
I personally think that God has given us liberty to use all lawful things to bring Him glory, which includes a variety of instruments and a variety of musical styles, even formally corrupt styles. But this freedom should be used to build others up and not cause anyone to stumble morally (Romans 14:21). The Bible gives us directions for to kind of music we should use as Christians.
Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
What Kind Of Music Does God Command?
Christians are commanded to sing with thanksgiving and make melody to their God. (Psalm 147:7) Joyful, corporate singing is required of all who claim Christ as Lord and Savior. If we get this right, we will be prepared to join the angels who sing in heaven. And it will be exquisitely beautiful music. If we get this wrong, we’ll probably continue with our snotty worship skirmishes like libertines against legalists.
I think congregational singing is the highest musical priority for the Lord’s Church. A church that loves to sing will know when the instruments are too dominant. A church that sings will know when too many soloists keep the body from having their turn. A church that sings will take songs of praise into their homes and fill those places with God’s presence.
In Conclusion
The devil does not get all the good music. He might be messing things up a bit right now, and helping to pollute the air waves, but in the end he gets no music at all, only the hissing and bubbling noise of a lake of fire.
I say let there be a variety of styles of music in the church. Let there be loud crashing cymbals, and let there be singing a cappella. Both are biblical. Let God’s Word be the lyrics of our songs along with fresh new lyrics of love and adoration. Let us rejoice and be glad for our God is great and His Son has conquered death to save us. Let the Lords’s people sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in their hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
Why Does The Devil Get All The Good Music?
This statement, dressed up like a question, is more of a whine than an assertion. It implies that God doesn’t get any good music, but should. Can this be true? Does the Devil show up first at the cosmic music outlet and snatch up the best CDs for his immoral parties before God can shop for his church music? Does Satan get all the rock, punk and rap, and leave God with the polka? Who gets Three Blind Mice, and who gets Twinkle Twinkle Little Star from the kiddie section? What about musicals? Does Satan get Grease and God get The Sound of Music, or do they quibble over each song in the score? Does Satan get all the good sacred music, too? The very thought confuses me.
Who Is The Devil?
Here’s a quick biographical sketch of Satan according to the Bible. Lucifer (another of his names) was God’s chief angelic worship leader in heaven until he was cast out for leading a rebellion. He apparently wanted the praise to go to himself instead of to God, so he convinced a bunch of the angels to worship him and participate in his stupid insurrection. They all got the boot and wound up here on earth (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:14; Luke 10:18).
Satan played his star role in the deception of Eve in the garden, where he twisted God’s commands to make them sound stingy and unreasonable. Nowadays he’s busy twisting the truth about what is good and what is bad. He’s doing his part to make certain kinds of music sound steamy and sensual. That and tempting dysfunctional teenaged boys into playing guitars and drums in garage bands.
Satan should be neither feared, nor ignored. He is a destroyer, deceiver, demeanor and detractor. That’s why he’s top dog of the de-mons. His stealthy work is to draw attention away from God and to himself. He is called the father of lies, and his life’s ambition is to get God’s people tangled up in unbelief and sin. Although he prowls around like a roaring lion, we should remember that any power he has is permitted by God (1 Peter 5:8; Romans 13:1), and he cannot prevail against God’s elect. His ultimate doom is certain (Revelation 20:10).
What Is Good Music?
According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, music is the art of combining tones to form expressive compositions, or any rhythmic sequence of pleasing sounds. Good music, then, would be the compositions that are most pleasing. The characteristics of physical sound (e.g. pitch, rate, volume, frequency, attack, decay, etc.) are generally not thought to possess inherent moral value. The same is true of the musical elements of melody, harmony and rhythm. So when we say that music is good, we usually mean that is has artistic beauty and worth, rather than moral value. We also mean that such things as order, balance, form and variety are evident. Music that is poorly composed or poorly performed, is not said to be immoral. It just stinks.
It's unfortunate that good music can be used for immoral purposes. I once watched a movie that played the musical piece, Bolero, during a depiction of sexual immorality. Whenever I hear Bolero, now, I think of that stupid movie. But is it the music’s fault that it got associated with fornication? Could we redeem Bolero if we used in a Billy Graham film during a conversion scene?
Can Music Make Me Sin?
Slow music can put me to sleep. Beautiful music can make me weep. Scary music gives me the creeps. What’s up with that? Does music possess inherent power to affect my behavior, or have I simply been conditioned to respond in certain ways because of repeated exposure?
When I attend symphony concerts I regularly battle the nods during the second movement, which usually is the sloooooow part of the piece. On the other hand, I generally feel perky when I hear steel drums and a Calypso groove. Maybe, back before I can remember, my Mom dosed me with Mozart in largo when it was time for nap nap, and sauced me with Salsa in presto (not a spicy dip) to get me moving. Since other people don’t pass out at the symphony, or boogie to steel drums, I must conclude that my responses might be different from their reactions. It is curious, however, that lullabies help pacify babies and marches help invigorate soldiers, instead of vice versa. Heavy metal music is rarely played at funerals for some reason. Propriety seems to have some guiding principles even in behaviorally challenged America.
Music can cause people to sin in the same way that wine can make a man drunk and pizza can turn a man into a blimp. Too much music can turn a person into an antisocial iPod attachment, but generally we control music, instead of it controlling us. I’ve heard politicians defend gun ownership by saying, “Guns don’t kill. People do.” Maybe music is like that. Left all by itself music wouldn’t harm a fly, but let a carnal song writer get a hold of a catchy melody and soon we’ll hear kindergartners singing “I’ve got to have my baby tonight.” No one will be thinking of expectant mothers.
Is Rock Music Of The Devil?
I’m not a sociologist, but I think it’s easy to observe the correlation between rock music and widespread sexual immorality among those who like it or play it. Sex and drugs and rock n’ roll have been a tight trio on the American band scene for quite some time now. The very label “Rock ‘n Roll” was chosen for its sexual connotations. It has been so popular that it has evolved into such distinctive styles as acid rock, soft rock and punk rock, to name a few. The label, “Christian Rock” seems somehow mismatched, given the history of the style. It’s more than just oxymoronic, like “jumbo shrimp.” It seems morally contradictive, like “honest deception,” or “pure fornication.” I wouldn’t be surprised if these were titles to Country Western songs, which may also be of the devil.
If the devil is in the details of rock music, then I’m curious what it is about it that he likes so much. Rock music is characterized by a strong, regular back beat. It is typically played with guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. Does Satan prefer music produced only with these instruments, or would he enjoy a string quartet if it had a drummer as a fifth member? Would he like a brass quintet if the tuba tooted out a strong backbeat? I know he likes the coarse, suggestive, lyrics and the immodest, exhibitionist performers that give rock music its reputation, but I wonder if there’s something about the accompaniment alone that makes it suitably devilish. My gut feeling is that Satan has invested heavily in rock stock because its popularity guarantees him huge returns in sin.
Can God Redeem Immoral Music?
Is anyone or anything beyond God’s redemptive power? He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and good. Our God rocks! er, reigns! He spoke the universe into existence by the power of His Word. He declared his creation good in its original manufacturer’s condition. He was not surprised by the fall of mankind, but orchestrated the whole thing to save sinners by His Son to the praise of His glorious grace. (Ephesians 1:5-6) Although all creation is winding down in thermodynamic entropy, God is still sovereign and in control. He has promised to restore things to perfect condition in the future. In the mean time, He has called us to be instruments of redemption as ambassadors of His gospel. This may well include our treatment of music.
When I was in college as a music student I played in jazz combos and dance bands. I played R&B, rock n’ roll, funk, swing, disco and pop in night clubs as a guitar player and singer. Our perfomances included some great instrumental music, which was really fun, but we mostly covered immoral lust songs with a thumping beat. I became a Christian while I was in the band, and after annoying my fellow band members by refusing to sing songs with sinful lyrics, I eventually quit. Soon I was invited to play my guitar and sing at church, and I have been involved in musical ministry ever since. I mention this to allow you to sniff out bias or self-justification in my views.
It makes sense to me that if God wants to redeem and transform musician sinners, like me, then He can transform what they do as well. In redemption a sinner usually confesses and repents of his sin, trusts in Christ, and commits to walking by faith in newness of life. The born again believer experiences a radical life change. Would we expect a saved rock musician to clean up his life but keep playing the same music? Would he keep listening to it? Would he bring it to church and play it there?
Who Let Satan Into the Sanctuary?
Christian theologian Francis Schaeffer once wrote about how worldly philosophies originate among elite intellectuals and then trickle through the culture via popular media and entertainment until they are widely accepted. Evolutionary naturalism, moral relativism, and sensuality are but a few examples of ideas that have been popularized in contemporary music. Once the mainstream culture is saturated with permissive views about sexuality and romance, it is no surprise to see these ideas spreading among church congregations. In many cases the church has conformed to the world, instead of striving to transform it with Biblical truth. So much for light in darkness.
Imagine that an entire punk rock band of Satan worshipers repent, believe and are saved. Next they ask what they should do about their demonic jewelry, apparel, tattooes, CDs, books, friendships, and music, which all glorify the devil. What should they toss and what may they keep? Can they play their same music, but change the lyrics to make them Christian as a relevant witness to other practicing Satanists? Can they join the church’s worship team next week?
God is under no obligation to redeem. He had the choice to convert and redeem Pharoah, or to harden his heart and destroy him. He chose the latter. Pharoah would not change. This tells me that God decides whatever he wants. He is sovereign over His church and over the music that is used in it. He may consider the genre of "Christian" Rock lawful and glorifying, or He may regard it as an insult to His holiness.
I’m embarrassed to say that my early days in music ministry included some instances of spiritual immaturity. I played in a worship band that once performed a Christian R&B song for special music. We wore dark glasses and fedora hats like we were the Blues Brothers. It seemed cool and funny at the time, but church elders corrected us privately, me in particular. I’ve used too much distortion on my guitar, played fills that were too flashy, and sometimes treated Sunday mornings like they were country club gigs. I had to be reminded that Christ was the focus, not the music.
What Kind Of Music Does God Forbid?
Music is mentioned quite a bit in the Bible, but musical style is not addressed. Nor is there any musical notation in scripture, only text. This puts us in a pickle if we want to know what kind of music is pleasing to God.
Some have claimed there is no Christian music, only Christian lyrics, so any style will do for church as long as it's popular. Others claim that only the music that is mentioned explicitly in the Bible is allowed in church. If it’s not mentioned, it’s not allowed. This causes some problems because it pits the New Testament, which doesn’t mention instruments for worship, against the Old Testament, which does. A virtual big band played at the temple in Old Testament times. Psalm 150 alone lists the following instruments (ESV): trumpet, lute, harp, strings, pipe, tambourine, cymbal.
2 Chronicles 5:12 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; 13and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD,
I personally think that God has given us liberty to use all lawful things to bring Him glory, which includes a variety of instruments and a variety of musical styles, even formally corrupt styles. But this freedom should be used to build others up and not cause anyone to stumble morally (Romans 14:21). The Bible gives us directions for to kind of music we should use as Christians.
Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
What Kind Of Music Does God Command?
Christians are commanded to sing with thanksgiving and make melody to their God. (Psalm 147:7) Joyful, corporate singing is required of all who claim Christ as Lord and Savior. If we get this right, we will be prepared to join the angels who sing in heaven. And it will be exquisitely beautiful music. If we get this wrong, we’ll probably continue with our snotty worship skirmishes like libertines against legalists.
I think congregational singing is the highest musical priority for the Lord’s Church. A church that loves to sing will know when the instruments are too dominant. A church that sings will know when too many soloists keep the body from having their turn. A church that sings will take songs of praise into their homes and fill those places with God’s presence.
In Conclusion
The devil does not get all the good music. He might be messing things up a bit right now, and helping to pollute the air waves, but in the end he gets no music at all, only the hissing and bubbling noise of a lake of fire.
I say let there be a variety of styles of music in the church. Let there be loud crashing cymbals, and let there be singing a cappella. Both are biblical. Let God’s Word be the lyrics of our songs along with fresh new lyrics of love and adoration. Let us rejoice and be glad for our God is great and His Son has conquered death to save us. Let the Lords’s people sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in their hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
