Do I have to give up my favorite musician?

[Giovanna]

I play guitar; and one of my favorite influences is George Harrison. Now that I have (this past year) rededicated my life to Christ, is it sinful for me to listen to his music, and cover his songs in bands when I’m playing out, because I know that he converted from Christianity to Hare Krishna idolatry, and frequently included songs dedicated to Krishna on his later albums before he died? Or is the music itself okay, as separate from its messenger, so long as I don’t actually believe the content of the lyrics?

 

[StratusRose]

I just downloaded Nelly songs on my ipod. I like the way they sound…dont exactly care for the lyrics but I don’t think listening to the song and “getting jiggy with it” in the privacy of my home is a mortal sin. George Harrison, in my opinion, was a good person who led his life dictated by Natural Law. It is a shame he was not a Christian, but a good person nonetheless. I don’t see why you shouldn’t listen to his songs or cover them on guitar. Rock on with your bad self.

 

[Lion]

I play guitar; and one of my favorite influences is George Harrison. Now that I have (this past year) rededicated my life to Christ, is it sinful for me to listen to his music, and cover his songs in bands when I’m playing out, because I know that he converted from Christianity to Hare Krishna idolatry, and frequently included songs dedicated to Krishna on his later albums before he died? Or is the music itself okay, as separate from its messenger, so long as I don’t actually believe the content of the lyrics?

Hi Giovanna!
In some ways I think you answered your own question (“so long as I don’t actually believe the content of the lyrics?”)
The way I understand it is he influences your music (i.e., the style in which you play guitar) and not not his lyrical composition, or topic of song. Go for it! He was definitely an incredible musician (lyrics and beliefs aside)… do YOU have any music you’d care to share? I’d love to hear it!

 

[Julianna]

I play guitar; and one of my favorite influences is George Harrison. Now that I have (this past year) rededicated my life to Christ, is it sinful for me to listen to his music, and cover his songs in bands when I’m playing out, because I know that he converted from Christianity to Hare Krishna idolatry, and frequently included songs dedicated to Krishna on his later albums before he died? Or is the music itself okay, as separate from its messenger, so long as I don’t actually believe the content of the lyrics?

fagghettaboutit…don’t worry about it…George Harrison is harmless. Where do you think the gift of music comes from? If the music is the food of love…play on…

 

[CathCentrist]

Let the music of the artists speak. I’d never give up Harrison over his Krishna song if it meant I had to stop listening to “Something”

I simply dont listen to My Sweet Lord.

Sadly, many have written off Tom Hanks past movies and over reacted to him doing Da Vince Code. Really, I’m gonna give up Forest Gump, Cast Away, Green Mile, etc, over a speed bump of a decision he made? Way to judgemental imo.

 

[Celtic_FC]

I wouldn’t worry about it. Your soul shouldn’t be in danger, and it is good music. Hopefully you still listen to some good Christian music to mix it up a little. ; )