Everything Is Soo Controversial PLEASE HELP

[Nitro89]

I belong to the Christian faith and recently have been trying to make myself a better Christian. I am very passionate about music and have recently read a article based on the temptations of music, however, I am tempted by music, that defines how I like it doesn’t it? It’s tempting for me to hear something new, explore new sounds in order to help create something new for myself.

Is temptation always bad?

Furthermore, in regards to this article, it stated that I should boycott an artist because they may swear or imply sex etc This is a bit extreme is it not? I like to listen to the instruments and lyrics, the language in the lyrics in the music itself is the artist expressing/sharing their feelings with the listener, I don’t have to agree nor disagree, maybe I like the way the artist pours their heart and soul into their work? I listen to artists such as; Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Kanye West, Pearl Jam, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rihanna, Robert Johnson, The Rolling Stones, Steve Vai, Van Halen, Velvet Revolver, Motley Crue and Jimi Hendrix etc.

The author of the article basically said to listen to classical music because it was beautiful and had no lyrics, but how can classical music not be sinful, maybe there are no lyrics there but the instruments were the lyrics, what if the composer was implying sex in their piece? It can be done depending on skilled of a composer and musician you are.

In another article I read that playing shoot-em up video games is sin, how??? You are looking at the face value of the game, look at something like Call of Duty, yes, in the game you are killing people, but to save the world from destruction, is it bad then? Same with Resistance, you’re killing the aliens in order to save the human race from extinction. Sometimes a nice game of cod allows me to forget about the world.

I also touched upon wearing fancy jewelery is sinful, Michael Jackson wore loads of fancy costumes on stage to create a larger then life character for entertainment purposes, and he did use a lot of the money and power he earned as an entertainer to help heal the world, is it sinful now???

One last point, if I apologize to God directly through prayer, do still need to go confession??? If so, why?? What’s the difference?

These topics are so controversial to me, please help.

 

[edwest2]

I’ll just deal with music and Confession. Confession is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As a priest said on Catholic Radio, You can’t do it by yourself. The priest is the one who grants absolution.

About music. You should speak to a Catholic musician, if possible. In the meantime, you should study music. You should understand not just the lyrics but the artists.

Jimi Hendrix was extremely innovative but his work is associated with the Hippie Free Love culture. He used illegal drugs and died after choking on his own vomit.

You should look into the roots of contemporary music: Gospel, Blues and ethnic rythyms. Music is not just personal expression. It is sometimes shaped not by the artists but outside forces that dictate its direction. I turned off the radio in the 1990s when the music was replaced with something I could not listen to.

You can read about the greats like Mozart and learn what motivated them and influenced them. Take your time.

It may shock you to know, but sometimes outsiders tell singers what to write and what to sing about. They even “design” them in such a way as to create an image that they present to the public. I would suggest staying away from music that goes beyond your own boundaries as a Catholic. It’s nice to think you can listen to the music as if the words aren’t there but that doesn’t make them go away.

Hope this helps,
Ed

 

[mary1173]

I belong to the Christian faith and recently have been trying to make myself a better Christian. I am very passionate about music and have recently read a article based on the temptations of music, however, I am tempted by music, that defines how I like it doesn’t it? It’s tempting for me to hear something new, explore new sounds in order to help create something new for myself.

Is temptation always bad?

Furthermore, in regards to this article, it stated that I should boycott an artist because they may swear or imply sex etc This is a bit extreme is it not? I like to listen to the instruments and lyrics, the language in the lyrics in the music itself is the artist expressing/sharing their feelings with the listener, I don’t have to agree nor disagree, maybe I like the way the artist pours their heart and soul into their work? I listen to artists such as; Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Kanye West, Pearl Jam, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rihanna, Robert Johnson, The Rolling Stones, Steve Vai, Van Halen, Velvet Revolver, Motley Crue and Jimi Hendrix etc.

The author of the article basically said to listen to classical music because it was beautiful and had no lyrics, but how can classical music not be sinful, maybe there are no lyrics there but the instruments were the lyrics, what if the composer was implying sex in their piece? It can be done depending on skilled of a composer and musician you are.

In another article I read that playing shoot-em up video games is sin, how??? You are looking at the face value of the game, look at something like Call of Duty, yes, in the game you are killing people, but to save the world from destruction, is it bad then? Same with Resistance, you’re killing the aliens in order to save the human race from extinction. Sometimes a nice game of cod allows me to forget about the world.

I also touched upon wearing fancy jewelery is sinful, Michael Jackson wore loads of fancy costumes on stage to create a larger then life character for entertainment purposes, and he did use a lot of the money and power he earned as an entertainer to help heal the world, is it sinful now???

One last point, if I apologize to God directly through prayer, do still need to go confession??? If so, why?? What’s the difference?

These topics are so controversial to me, please help.

First off you are tempted by music that is suggestive of sex? Try to think of God in that He would like you to respect the body He gave you. Keeping it holy until you are married. So as to not end up with a communicable disease such as A.I.D.S. The listener can like the music, but if the message is only revolving around fornication, then it is wrong. The body you have is the temple of your soul that God placed within you.
Playing games that glorify the act of murder are a sin because it desensitizes the mind of the game player toward how wrong it is to murder someone without reson for them to be murdered. If it is a military game, and it is used by the military, I am not so sure that is a sin…need to ask Fr. Serpa. It can be looked at this way. God said that whomever shall lay down his life for his fellow man shall be saved…God meant the soul of that person. Now if you kill someone in the act of saving someone else, God has the final say as to if the person who killed the attacker of the second person, will be saved.

As far as wealthy persons like Michael Jackson…God knew what was in Michael’s heart when he chose to entertain for the sake of making money. God also looks favorably on the souls of people who share their wealth with those less fortunate than they are. The costumes and fancy shows are a way to produce money. As long as the money is used to the good of the people, and not hoarded in greed then it is not a sin in God’s eyes I do belive that God means for His people to use what they have availabe to them at that time to help those in need.
It is not pride or a sin to wear jewelry. It is to make yourself presentable to God in the ways you know how. As long as you are contributing to the welfare of others, it is alright to wear a necklace, ring, etc. It is the love that is in your heart for others that God is looking for you to have…not if you have jewelry on.
Lastly, people go to confessoon to have the priest be the intermediary for them…the ears of God. So that when you confess your sins God will speak through the priest and absolve you of your sins…Hopefuly they are sins you truly repent of with a sincere heart toward not committing again. It also will put you at ease to know that God is present through the priest when you have your sins forgiven.
Peace be with you.
Mary1173

 

[St_Francis]

Here are a couple of links to talks about rock music. The second one really explains *why *even the music part of rock is not good for us, in that it stimulates and excites us, but does not come to a resolution, so we remain kind of hyped up afterwards.

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Rock_Subculture.mp3

alabamacatholicresources.com/Downloads/Rock_Music.mp3

Look at a crucifix, and really think about what Christ did for us, and then think about if He would have listened to rock music and gone to raves and danced like they do there. Do you think that He died for us so that we could indulge in those activities?

Confession is a great gift from Christ! Why would you *not *avail yourself of it? In addition to *knowing *that your sins are forgiven rather than having to rely on your feelings, you get a lot of grace from God to help keep you from sinning again. This is the first of 5 chapters in the Baltimore Catechism about Confession and related things.

And the reason you should go to Confession is that if you go directly to God, you need to have *perfect *contrition, but in Confession, you only need imperfect contrition (which is covered in the chapters above).

Why should you not play those types of video games. I do not know what the author of the article had in mind, but I know that some of the saints whose writings I have read suggested that while we indulge our imaginations in imagining super-heroic things, we get the *illusion *of virtue, and often end up neglecting the real everyday virtues we need in our lives.

There are times and places for lots of jewelry. I think that Michael Jackson was really messed up by his involvement in show business from such an early age and that might have contributed to his leading a not-very-holy life, and his life as an adult was probably not one for a Catholic to emulate, what do you think?

 

[kepha1]

1. None can sense more deeply than you artists, ingenious creators of beauty that you are, something of the pathos with which God at the dawn of creation looked upon the work of his hands. A glimmer of that feeling has shone so often in your eyes when—like the artists of every age—captivated by the hidden power of sounds and words, colours and shapes, you have admired the work of your inspiration, sensing in it some echo of the mystery of creation with which God, the sole creator of all things, has wished in some way to associate you…

…What is the difference between “creator” and “craftsman”? The one who creates bestows being itself, he brings something out of nothing—ex nihilo sui et subiecti, as the Latin puts it—and this, in the strict sense, is a mode of operation which belongs to the Almighty alone. The craftsman, by contrast, uses something that already exists, to which he gives form and meaning. This is the mode of operation peculiar to man as made in the image of God. In fact, after saying that God created man and woman “in his image” (cf. Gn 1:27), the Bible adds that he entrusted to them the task of dominating the earth (cf. Gn 1:28). This was the last day of creation (cf. Gn 1:28-31). On the previous days, marking as it were the rhythm of the birth of the cosmos, Yahweh had created the universe. Finally he created the human being, the noblest fruit of his design, to whom he subjected the visible world as a vast field in which human inventiveness might assert itself.

---

God therefore called man into existence, committing to him the craftsman’s task. Through his “artistic creativity” man appears more than ever “in the image of God”, and he accomplishes this task above all in shaping the wondrous “material” of his own humanity and then exercising creative dominion over the universe which surrounds him. With loving regard, the divine Artist passes on to the human artist a spark of his own surpassing wisdom, calling him to share in his creative power. Obviously, this is a sharing which leaves intact the infinite distance between the Creator and the creature, as Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa made clear: “Creative art, which it is the soul’s good fortune to entertain, is not to be identified with that essential art which is God himself, but is only a communication of it and a share in it”.(1)

more at
EL****TTER TO ARTISTS, by Pope John Paul II

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I belong to the Christian faith and recently have been trying to make myself a better Christian. I am very passionate about music and have recently read a article based on the temptations of music, however, I am tempted by music, that defines how I like it doesn’t it? It’s tempting for me to hear something new, explore new sounds in order to help create something new for myself.

Is temptation always bad?

Furthermore, in regards to this article, it stated that I should boycott an artist because they may swear or imply sex etc This is a bit extreme is it not? I like to listen to the instruments and lyrics, the language in the lyrics in the music itself is the artist expressing/sharing their feelings with the listener, I don’t have to agree nor disagree, maybe I like the way the artist pours their heart and soul into their work? I listen to artists such as; Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Kanye West, Pearl Jam, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rihanna, Robert Johnson, The Rolling Stones, Steve Vai, Van Halen, Velvet Revolver, Motley Crue and Jimi Hendrix etc.

The author of the article basically said to listen to classical music because it was beautiful and had no lyrics, but how can classical music not be sinful, maybe there are no lyrics there but the instruments were the lyrics, what if the composer was implying sex in their piece? It can be done depending on skilled of a composer and musician you are.

In another article I read that playing shoot-em up video games is sin, how??? You are looking at the face value of the game, look at something like Call of Duty, yes, in the game you are killing people, but to save the world from destruction, is it bad then? Same with Resistance, you’re killing the aliens in order to save the human race from extinction. Sometimes a nice game of cod allows me to forget about the world.

I also touched upon wearing fancy jewelery is sinful, Michael Jackson wore loads of fancy costumes on stage to create a larger then life character for entertainment purposes, and he did use a lot of the money and power he earned as an entertainer to help heal the world, is it sinful now???

One last point, if I apologize to God directly through prayer, do still need to go confession??? If so, why?? What’s the difference?

These topics are so controversial to me, please help.

This world is the relm of satan, there are many things used by him to tempt people into other more serious matters. It is truly best to avoid those thing that can be avoided.

 

[grndslm]

Well… I’ll just stick to the music, bit. The guy likes classical better because there’s one composer who creates the music outside his head based on what he heard inside his head. It’s not like a band that just randomly adds stuff in when one of the group members wants to riff or jam.

But I’ve just discovered this amazing band that is actually led by one composer, song writer. They’re called “The Asteroids Galaxy Tour” and just released their first album, called Fruit (download here ). It flows from beginning to end, has the best vocals you’ve EVER heard, and will easily re-introduce anybody to GOOD music. I think their name comes from the fact that they are SO VERY FAR OUT, MAN.

I hope you guys enjoy!

 

[NHInsider]

Any created thing can be corrupted and used by Satan - but God created all things good, and all creation can give glory to God. I don’t believe it is legitimate to say that one style of music is inherently evil and another is inherently good - and yes, there are classical composers who lived sinful lifestyles, and some classical music was condemned by some people as being too provocative/suggestive.

OP needs to consider his own heart. If a particular musical style or artist prompts you to consider evil as good or to desire to do what is wrong, you should avoid it. There is also another question of whether by purchasing a product you are supporting someone’s wicked life. But either of those are specific and individual questions, not blanket condemnations of a style of music because it is a particular style.

As to the video-game question, I think they are troubling for a couple of reasons. First, because there is evidence that they desensitize the player to the violence they depict, in the same way that violent images or being forced to watch abuses has been used to brainwash people so that they will be influenced to commit violence more easily. Next, because the images and the plot lines are often degrading and dehumanizing, which is a violation of Jesus’ teaching on the worth of all people. So I do think they should be avoided by anyone who is trying to “be conformed to Christ.”

Confession is a whole other subject worthy of its own thread. . . .

 

[shondrea]

There is good and bad in everything, the trick is being able to distinguish it. I’m the kind who might say This artists is offensive, but I would never go so far as to say, This genre is offensive.

It’s all about purpose and message. There is plenty of good new contemporary music that isn’t riddled with sex and immorality. For example, I’m currently hooked on the song Fireflies by Owl City, which is beautiful.

It also depends on your sensibilities. For example, I love country music, and if you know country music sterotypes, you know about the drinkin’ and the orneriness. Now, listeneing to a song about a cowboy drowning his sorrows in whiskey doesn’t bother me, but if someone were depressed or prone to alcoholism, then it wouldn’t be appropriate for the to listen to that song, because it may be a trigger.

Being said, I still believe we should avoid blatantly immoral songs, about clubbing and strippers and sex and whatnot. There’s nothing redeeming in these.

Contemporary music in and of itself isn’t the devil. An artist can create something beautiful and wonderful just as easily as he can something wicked.

 

[Major_Tom]

But I’ve just discovered this amazing band that is actually led by one composer, song writer. They’re called “The Asteroids Galaxy Tour” and just released their first album, called Fruit (download here ). It flows from beginning to end, has the best vocals you’ve EVER heard, and will easily re-introduce anybody to GOOD music. I think their name comes from the fact that they are SO VERY FAR OUT, MAN.

I hope you guys enjoy!

Wow! Crazy man! Just checked it out on iTunes… sounds like a cross betweens the Smurfs and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

That ‘Inner City Blues’ is a cover of a sweet Marvin Gaye original.

 

[grndslm]

Wow! Crazy man! Just checked it out on iTunes… sounds like a cross betweens the Smurfs and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

That ‘Inner City Blues’ is a cover of a sweet Marvin Gaye original.

Told ya!!

They are incredibly deep. I wish there were more composers putting bands like that together. That would truly be Heaven on Earth to hear sounds like that on a daily basis from several modern composers with great singers like her.

No joke… I’ve listened to the album about 20 times or so already, and I just can’t stop listening to it.

 

[Traditional_Ang]

Nitro:

Please bear with me, as this will take 2 posts (unless I delete something BIG). It is good that you’ve come to Christ, and that you want to become a better Christian. Please Note - Christ does that in us through His Holy Spirit. We don’t “make ourselves into better Christians” - We can only, “Keep our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” (Heb. 12:2) Who we can trust to, “Build us up to full maturity in the Lord…” (Eph. 4:13)

I belong to the Christian faith and recently have been trying to make myself a better Christian. I am very passionate about music and have recently read a article based on the temptations of music, however, I am tempted by music, that defines how I like it doesn’t it? It’s tempting for me to hear something new, explore new sounds in order to help create something new for myself.

Is temptation always bad?

Nitro, all temptation is bad and should be avoided because it provides an occasion for sin. In your case, it sounds like you’re a YOUNG Christian, so I would tend to emphasize what St. Paul the Apostle had to say to the Corinthians:
“For me everything is permissible”; maybe, but not everything does good. True, for me everything is permissible, but I am determined not to be dominated by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12
Take a look at the musicians on this list and ask yourself how they lived their lives and what their lyrics say. I’m sure some of them will be OK, but most of them lived their lives in “the Fast Lane” - “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll”, and some of them DIED because of it. Right now, until they aren’t a temptation to Sex, Drugs and other ungodly thoughts, it’s better that you leave most of these guys and their music alone.

Furthermore, in regards to this article, it stated that I should boycott an artist because they may swear or imply sex etc This is a bit extreme is it not? I like to listen to the instruments and lyrics, the language in the lyrics in the music itself is the artist expressing/sharing their feelings with the listener, I don’t have to agree nor disagree, maybe I like the way the artist pours their heart and soul into their work? I listen to artists such as; Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Kanye West, Pearl Jam, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rihanna, Robert Johnson, The Rolling Stones, Steve Vai, Van Halen, Velvet Revolver, Motley Crue and Jimi Hendrix etc.

The author of the article basically said to listen to classical music because it was beautiful and had no lyrics, but how can classical music not be sinful, maybe there are no lyrics there but the instruments were the lyrics, what if the composer was implying sex in their piece? It can be done depending on skilled of a composer and musician you are.

That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with listening to Classical Music. There is plenty of quality Christian Rock with strong messages that won’t “rot your brain” - Contemporary Music that will edify you where the musicians can rock with the ones you’ve listed - Just you won’t catch them doing illicit sex or illegal drugs…

Here’s an old piece by some people I lived with back in the early 1980’s…
Servant - Holy Roller Blues
youtube.com/watch?v=IhpXKK39jgo&feature=related
Another piece by some people who used to “come by” the Community
Petra - It is Finished Live (Greg x Volz) Legendado
youtube.com/watch?v=VMiSerizCXc&feature=related
Petra - Adonai Live 1986 (with John)
youtube.com/watch?v=ionf1EdQdsY
From Grand Central JEPUSA (a Community in Chicago)
Resurrection Band - Love comes down Live
youtube.com/watch?v=DmuOEonwwNI&feature=related
Rez Band - Rain Dance (German TV in 1989)
youtube.com/watch?v=_wKLD0dlqNo&NR=1

As you can see, you can listen to Rock music which glorifies God and preaches the gospel of Christ. You don’t need to listen to Rock which glorifies illicit sex, illegal drugs and gratuitous violence. There is something far more important important than environmental pollution - It’s soul pollution. You might be able to deal with more of the secular world when you’re stronger in the Lord, but why tempt yourself yourself now when you don’t have to…

Continued in next post, Michael

 

[Traditional_Ang]

Nitro - Con. from Previous Post…

Regarding the "Shoot-em up’s - I’ll only add two things to what our Brothers & Sisters have said…

Did you know the Military uses these “Third Person Shooters” to “desensitize” recruits to the idea of killing??
How much does the Military attempt to desensitize soldiers to violence?
answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070912213820AAo0l4f

In another article I read that playing shoot-em up video games is sin, how??? You are looking at the face value of the game, look at something like Call of Duty, yes, in the game you are killing people, but to save the world from destruction, is it bad then? Same with Resistance, you’re killing the aliens in order to save the human race from extinction. Sometimes a nice game of cod allows me to forget about the world.

Did you know this stuff makes people more violent?
Violent Video Games and Desensitization
tinyurl.com/5n6b3z

Nitro, it really doesn’t matter what Michael Jackson did. What matters is WHY you’re doing this and WHO you’re hoping to impress… What matters is what kind of impression YOU are going to make if you do this, and how doing this outlandish display of wealth is going to effect YOUR Christian witness? Again, I’m going to repeat some words St. Paul the apostle said to the Corinthians:
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NLT
Remember how much trouble Michael Jackson got into and how he died from a drug overdose? Is that the example you want to provide? or, Would you rather provide that of the Saints of our Church who tried to live simply so others could simply live?

I also touched upon wearing fancy jewelery is sinful, Michael Jackson wore loads of fancy costumes on stage to create a larger then life character for entertainment purposes, and he did use a lot of the money and power he earned as an entertainer to help heal the world, is it sinful now???

Have you heard of the Desert Father who came upon some thieves who were burgling his hut? He helped the surprised thieves take his possessions out and put it on their mule. If you took to wearing expensive showy jewelry, could you honestly tell me that you’d be able to do the same with your jewelry? or, Would you end up fighting to keep it, risking losing your life (or killing the robber) in the process of fighting for it? Could you honestly tell me it wouldn’t become either a false god or a god “before me” as the possessions did for the rich young man in the Gospel.

Well, there was a way the EARLY Church handles grave sin, and since you don’t want to go into that BOX, I guess we could see if the Bishop of your Diocese could Grant a Dispensation so that you could do it the POST-APOSTOLIC WAY…

You’re not off the hook, because EARLY CHRISTIANS confessed SERIOUS MATTER to the WHOLE CONGREGATION!! Did you know that the Eastern Orthodox will not allow anyone to receive the Eucharist who has not made a Sacramental Confession to a priest within the past week?? That means, If I were an Orthodox and I wanted to receive the Eucharist on Sunday, I had better go to Vespers on Saturday and make my Confession.

One last point, if I apologize to God directly through prayer, do still need to go confession??? If so, why?? What’s the difference?

These topics are so controversial to me, please help.

You’re getting off easy just having to go to Confession every year or whenever you are conscious of having committed some form of grave sin.

Some of this is controversial because, like many Catholics, you don’t know your faith very well, aren’t under Spiritual Direction and aren’t going to Confession. It seems that you’re willing to take direction, so I really do think you need to find a Priest or Deacon in your parish who’ll provide you with some Direction and Counsel. Find a priest and go to Confession - The first time is always the hardest, and if you haven’t been in a long while, it’s the first time.

Catholic Answers has some good resources, and I’d love to be of use, but I want you to see what’s available to you in your parish & your Diocese - Try Catholic Underground.
catholicunderground.net/home.html

I hope that helps.

Your Brother & Servant in Christ, Michael

 

[Nitro89]

Thanks for the help guys, but this is still confusing, if all temptation is bad, how do I know what I like and don’t, am I supposed to live in a box?

In regards to music and games etc being a bad influence, I am totally unaffected, seriously, I listen to artists such as Guns N’ Roses etc where sex, drugs and rock n’ roll play a huge part of their lives, but that message isn’t always reflected in their work. Furthermore, I am not influenced by the lifestyles and messages made in music and games etc, I believe in sex after marriage (always will), I don’t do drugs and never will unless for medication purposes, I am against war, I don’t like people killing each other and animals and I am not materialized and never will be (maybe unless I am entertaining like MJ) as in I don’t really wear anything fancy and don’t own anything fancy except a guitar, amp and PS3. I also put people before me all the time, I am well mannered and very considerate.

 

[NHInsider]

So if the various items are not near-occasions of sin for you, then the only remaining issues are that of supporting sin with your money, and whether you might influence a weaker person into thinking that they also ran no risk of being tempted.

Both of which are judgment calls you have to make for yourself.