Music in Christian Living

[rweidn]

Hi. I’m sure this topic has been done before but i am seeking views in regard to the enjoyment of music in Catholic life. I was always into rock music and at nearly 50 years old I remain so. My main musical tastes are for rock/indie bands usually with a punk or psychedelic edge, from the 60’s through to the current day. These bands take me off on musical soundscapes and make me feel young, they make me envisage myself being in a band. I don’t listen to things that have obvious links to evil. Since my conversion to the Catholic faith I have over time been more drawn into the contemplative life, finding fulfilment in stillness, silent prayer and really trying to look into the scriptures. I am starting to wonder some times whether my musical tastes are basically bad for my spirituality. Should I ditch them? I like other music such as jazz and reggae that could certainly be argued to have more of the Spirit in them. I have tried to give up rock music but it never seems to last. What are your views?

 

[Gertabelle]

I LOVE music and have extremely eclectic tastes, and I have considered this question.

I am someone who needs time for silence and contemplation daily – I enjoy a good lonely, quiet day. But when I want upbeat music, I want UPBEAT music. And I want it LOUD.

For me, I know that certain music leaves me feeling peevish – so I avoid that.

Some music makes me want to get up and dance.

Some music keeps me going when working on big physical tasks (like remodeling projects, mowing the lawn, or spring cleaning).

Some music gives me hope.

Some music leads me into contemplation.

And so on…

Where does the music lead you in your heart and soul? If it leaves you peevish, or leads your mind and heart away from your relationship with God, it’s probably not helping you grow as a human being or as a child of God.

If the music leads you to contemplation of “whatever is good, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure…” then listen on!

 

[randomuser]

Hi. I’m sure this topic has been done before but i am seeking views in regard to the enjoyment of music in Catholic life. I was always into rock music and at nearly 50 years old I remain so. My main musical tastes are for rock/indie bands usually with a punk or psychedelic edge, from the 60’s through to the current day. These bands take me off on musical soundscapes and make me feel young, they make me envisage myself being in a band. I don’t listen to things that have obvious links to evil. Since my conversion to the Catholic faith I have over time been more drawn into the contemplative life, finding fulfilment in stillness, silent prayer and really trying to look into the scriptures. I am starting to wonder some times whether my musical tastes are basically bad for my spirituality. Should I ditch them? I like other music such as jazz and reggae that could certainly be argued to have more of the Spirit in them. I have tried to give up rock music but it never seems to last. What are your views?

I don’t believe in segregating music into separate “secular” and “CCM” categories. There’s no such thing as music that’s bad for your spiritually, only music that may present an occasion of sin. I will never not like Oasis, Social Distortion or, more recently, Kendrick Lamar (whose new album features U2) or Chvrches or Haim. I tried giving up rock music, too, but it didn’t make me any happier, didn’t make me feel any closer to Christ by listening to predominantly Protestant-themed (not Catholic-themed) songs all about sola scriptura.

 

[tjaugustine]

There’s no such thing as music that’s bad for your spiritually, only music that may present an occasion of sin

I had to stop listening to most of current pop music and any rap, precisely for reason of driving me closer to sin (lust etc.). Felt better with christian themed music. (I binge listen when in work to shield me from noise of open space, so for that occasion. For home I am more eclectic, it it about enjoyment). But as said by randomuser, these is not bad music per se, it depends on what listening does to you and points you toward

 

[Neildown]

I listen to just about everything under the sun and I have to echo the replies before me. There are some people who are passionate about death-metal and rock-and-roll, yet a lot of calming, religiously-themed music just doesn’t sound appealing to them. I like a little bit of everything. Whatever it is that feels wholesome to listen to, I’d say listen to it.

Some people feel that they should only listen to Christian rock and gospel music. Others like myself can listen to something like System of a Down or Metallica and be at peace with it. It’s really just how you interpret the music and what it tends to bring out in you.

I might listen to a full Drowning Pool album, but if I find myself changing for the worse as a result of overexposing myself to it, then sure, I’d probably lay off of that for awhile. So even if it’s just taking a break from particular things, and not making them a focal point, it might be better to just limit your exposure, rather than just cutting it off - kind of like having a fast every so often. No use throwing away good music.

As a side note, I’m of the opinion that all beauty is derivative of God. Even if a good beat has been given some foul lyrics, there’s still beauty somewhere in there. Just like a person, however deranged or seemingly evil, there is still goodness in there that just has to be sought out. If the ugly parts take a toll that can’t be handled though, then it’s time to back away and quit searching.

 

[Exiled_Child]

Hi. I’m sure this topic has been done before but i am seeking views in regard to the enjoyment of music in Catholic life. I was always into rock music and at nearly 50 years old I remain so. My main musical tastes are for rock/indie bands usually with a punk or psychedelic edge, from the 60’s through to the current day. These bands take me off on musical soundscapes and make me feel young, they make me envisage myself being in a band. I don’t listen to things that have obvious links to evil. Since my conversion to the Catholic faith I have over time been more drawn into the contemplative life, finding fulfilment in stillness, silent prayer and really trying to look into the scriptures. I am starting to wonder some times whether my musical tastes are basically bad for my spirituality. Should I ditch them? I like other music such as jazz and reggae that could certainly be argued to have more of the Spirit in them. I have tried to give up rock music but it never seems to last. What are your views?

You should start a band. Musical evangelization is an honorable pursuit…

 

[randomuser]

I had to stop listening to most of current pop music and any rap, precisely for reason of driving me closer to sin (lust etc.). Felt better with christian themed music. (I binge listen when in work to shield me from noise of open space, so for that occasion. For home I am more eclectic, it it about enjoyment). But as said by randomuser, these is not bad music per se, it depends on what listening does to you and points you toward

I just don’t understand why Catholics are supposed to shun “secular” music (whatever that means) for predominantly Protestant-themed and pro-sola scripture “CCM.” Listening to David Bowie or Death Cab For Cutie is more harmful to my soul than “Contemporary Christian Music” that sings the praises of sola scripture and other non-Catholic views? Really? Case in point: The CCM song “Mary, Did You Know,” which I would be hard-pressed to even recall if it weren’t for CAF since it’s relatively unknown in “secular” music circles.

 

[tjaugustine]

I do not say we have to, not at all. I just say I had to, due to subtext (and skmetkmes even just straig text) I often heard there wich was leading me in bad direction. Also, I am speaking about the newest pop and rap, which goes on in radios and charts (of course not all of it). Roughly anything pre 2010 does not present that problem to me.

So to reiterate, I think we are not supposed to shun any good music. Sorry if I wrote it read that way.

 

[Joe_5859]

I’ve wrestled with this question off and on for the last 20 years. I still listen to heavy metal. (I just picked up the new Ayreon album which I quite enjoy. )

There is a bit of a subjective element to it. I know some people that had to purge their whole secular music collection upon their conversion and switch to CCM music. Hearing that music of their youth dredges up memories of a past they left behind to follow Jesus. I’ve never really done that in part because none of the music I enjoy ever really held a musical connection to a life of sin.

I do still, periodically, ask myself this question, though. I know my own capacity for self-deception and rationalization and I never discount the possibility that I could be telling myself what I want to hear.

Honestly, though, I think the larger danger when it comes to music is the danger present in all modern media: over-saturation. We are a culture that is largely entertaining ourselves away from God. We fill all the empty space in our day with noise and images from speakers and screens and we miss out on the opportunity to hear the still, small voice of God in the silence.

Not to say that there isn’t plenty of garbage in the secular music of today that we would do well to avoid. There is that, too. In the end, as others have suggested, you need to discern whether the music is leading you to sin or not.

God wants us to put Him first in our hearts and in our lives. But he also doesn’t demand that we give up everything that brings us any happiness and/or pleasure. I do believe that He calls some of us to give up such things, but not necessarily everyone. Because sometimes we need to do that in order to properly prioritize our life.

 

[randomuser]

There is a bit of a subjective element to it. I know some people that had to purge their whole secular music collection upon their conversion and switch to CCM music. Hearing that music of their youth dredges up memories of a past they left behind to follow Jesus. I’ve never really done that in part because none of the music I enjoy ever really held a musical connection to a life of sin.

“Had to?” Or chose to? I’m not aware of any Catholic teaching that obligates the faithful to “purge” their music collection of anything secular, whatever ‘secular’ means.

 

[M-Dent]

I’ve wrestled with this question off and on for the last 20 years. I still listen to heavy metal. (I just picked up the new Ayreon album which I quite enjoy. )

There is a bit of a subjective element to it. I know some people that had to purge their whole secular music collection upon their conversion and switch to CCM music. Hearing that music of their youth dredges up memories of a past they left behind to follow Jesus. I’ve never really done that in part because none of the music I enjoy ever really held a musical connection to a life of sin.

I do still, periodically, ask myself this question, though. I know my own capacity for self-deception and rationalization and I never discount the possibility that I could be telling myself what I want to hear.

Honestly, though, I think the larger danger when it comes to music is the danger present in all modern media: over-saturation. We are a culture that is largely entertaining ourselves away from God. We fill all the empty space in our day with noise and images from speakers and screens and we miss out on the opportunity to hear the still, small voice of God in the silence.

Not to say that there isn’t plenty of garbage in the secular music of today that we would do well to avoid. There is that, too. In the end, as others have suggested, you need to discern whether the music is leading you to sin or not.

God wants us to put Him first in our hearts and in our lives. But he also doesn’t demand that we give up everything that brings us any happiness and/or pleasure. I do believe that He calls some of us to give up such things, but not necessarily everyone. Because sometimes we need to do that in order to properly prioritize our life.

Yes. Good point made regarding over-saturation - which, may also be understood as an orientation. If one is being led into a negative spiritual direction, such as; cynicism, apathy, despair or tempted to sin (pride, hatred, violence, lust) it’s something one should avoid. Apathy is a great temptation when one begins ignoring glaringly sinful lyrics but ignores the implications. If one simply appreciates the instrumentation and melody of much music it can be healthy.

 

[Joe_5859]

“Had to?” Or chose to? I’m not aware of any Catholic teaching that obligates the faithful to “purge” their music collection of anything secular, whatever ‘secular’ means.

Forgive my colloquial, imprecise phrasing. Yes, they chose to because they discerned it was in their best interest spiritually. I meant “had to” in the sense that it was necessary for them personally in their growth in holiness. I did not mean “had to” in the sense of some external Church law that would bind them (and others) to do so.

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify.

 

[Midwest88]

Try schola, polyphony and/or Gregorian chant music. Most Gregorian chant is done by Catholic choirs; polyphony is where Protestants reign.

youtube.com/watch?v=TFJ4hN7vxWo

As for your current music tastes, I say discern by weeding out those with vulgarity. I know there’s some issue among Catholics about jazz music, but I never fully understood their issues with this genre. I still listen to jazz.

Good questions to ask are “Does this draw me away from God?”; “Does this make my faith irrelevant or insignificant in my life?”; “Does this song or genre normalizes impure acts (premarital sex, drug use)?”

I listen to many secular songs but I also pay attention to the lyrics on what is being said. I’ve listened to some of my favorite songs and this time listened to the lyrics - I discovered the message/story was hedonistic if not self-centered. My feelings for some of my favorite songs changed and I never looked at them the same way. Many times we can get caught up in the melody yet forget about what the lyrics are actually saying. A good example is rap music that objectifies women and street violence. The songs can have a good beat but once you listen to the lyrics they’re pathetically degrading. This is not to say all rap music is bad.

 

[randomuser]

Good questions to ask are “Does this draw me away from God?”; “Does this make my faith irrelevant or insignificant in my life?”; “Does this song or genre normalizes impure acts (premarital sex, drug use)?”

Also good questions to ask (particularly for those who like “CCM”) are: “Does this song promote sola scriptura?,” “Does this song promote OSAS at odds with Catholic faith?,” “Does this song promote Protestantism over Catholic faith?,” and “Does this song reduce my Catholic faith to just another ‘denomination’?”

The dilemma with such a binary question as, “Does this song or genre normalizes impure acts (premarital sex, drug use)?,” is that there are LITERAL as well as METAPHORIC lyrics. There are those who think Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah” (which most recently showed up in the animated kids film ‘Sing’) meets that criteria - despite the fact it’s one of the most covered songs of all time (probably more covered than anything by The Beatles), including by Christian musicians. And speaking of The Beatles, by that criteria, “Happiness In a Warm Gun” by both literal and metaphoric criteria – the former celebrates the use of a firearm, and the latter celebrates a part of the human anatomy. Off-limits for Catholics.

What’s wrong with secular instrumental music, like movie soundtracks? If it’s instrumental only, there are no problematic lyrics. Danny Elfman (from the 70’s/80’s band Oingo Boingo), Vangelis, and Hans Zimmer, in particular…absolutely amazing music.

 

[Midwest88]

Also good questions to ask (particularly for those who like “CCM”) are: “Does this song promote sola scriptura?,” “Does this song promote OSAS at odds with Catholic faith?,” “Does this song promote Protestantism over Catholic faith?,” and “Does this song reduce my Catholic faith to just another ‘denomination’?”

I’m not sure what your religion is, if you have any, but if you’re looking for an argument, a Protestant vs Catholic one, you’re in the wrong forum.

The dilemma with such a binary question as, “Does this song or genre normalizes impure acts (premarital sex, drug use)?,” is that there are LITERAL as well as METAPHORIC lyrics.

You mad? No need to shout.

It seems you’ve missed my point. Plenty of songs normalize premarital sex, if not directly or indirectly. I bet there are those who may be sexually pious/chaste who listen to songs like Bruno Mar’s “That’s What I Like” and aren’t affected by the lyrics besides, saying “it’s a good song”, referring to the catchy tune. I also bet there are many who are asked about the content of the lyrics, if we ask them about the implied sex, they’ll shrug their shoulders and say it’s no big deal, that everyone does it.

If the person thinks that that song is a bad influence and eliminates it then I don’t see much of an issue. I mentored a teenager (black) who lived in a relatively bad neighborhood compared to neighborhoods 30 minutes away. In one session with his friends they acknowledged the content found within today’s rap music; they said they didn’t like what it promoted (gang violence, objectivity of black women, promiscuity) and that it was a negative influence on their demographic (young black men and women). They chose not to listen to such rap music.

There are those who think Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah” (which most recently showed up in the animated kids film ‘Sing’) meets that criteria - despite the fact it’s one of the most covered songs of all time (probably more covered than anything by The Beatles), including by Christian musicians.

Yes it does but you’re taking my questions as some sort of final measurement. I’d also say , from looking at the lyrics, it was a poor choice to use in a kids film. Whether or not a Catholic should listen to the song with enjoyment is based on their own judgement. I’m just giving ideas on what might guide this judgement.

I’m also not sure how Cohen’s song being covered by many Christian musicians adds to whatever argument you’re trying to argue. There is a very small percent of Christians who enjoy and practice Gregorian chant - it doesn’t mean it Gregorian chant is bad. The Novus Ordo is the primary way of celebrating mass in the Catholic faith yet it doesn’t mean those who prefer the Tridentine Mass are curmudgeons (if you don’t know what I’m talking about look google it).

Of course all of this isn’t black and white. I’ve noted it and others here have as well. There is much grey and as adults we have the capacity to discern various songs and whether or not they tempt us into doing impure acts. Where I draw the line is different from another Catholic.

And speaking of The Beatles, by that criteria, “Happiness In a Warm Gun” by both literal and metaphoric criteria – the former celebrates the use of a firearm, and the latter celebrates a part of the human anatomy. Off-limits for Catholics.

If that particular Catholic feels disgusted by the song, sure. It doesn’t mean he won’t listen to other songs by the Beatles.

Also, it seems you’re quite good at picking out songs with religious phrases/icons in them. I’ll add in my share since that’s the type of songs you’re selecting in your “gotcha” arsenal: Lady Gaga’s “Electric Chapel”.

What’s wrong with secular instrumental music, like movie soundtracks? If it’s instrumental only, there are no problematic lyrics. Danny Elfman (from the 70’s/80’s band Oingo Boingo), Vangelis, and Hans Zimmer, in particular…absolutely amazing music.

Nothing is wrong with secular instrumental music. It’s … instrumental music. I have numerous orchestral works from movies on my iTunes. In fact James Howard Newton’s work “End Titles” for Fantastic Beasts is currently the most played single in that category.

 

[randomuser]

I’m not sure what your religion is, if you have any, but if you’re looking for an argument, a Protestant vs Catholic one, you’re in the wrong forum.

Actually, if the “CCM” (Contemporary Christian Music) a Catholic is listening to espouses a sola scriptura or OSAS view of things, at odds with Catholic teaching, wouldn’t I be in the correct forum?

It’s ok to discuss if the lyrics promote immoral behavior but it’s not ok to point that “CCM” is predominantly Protestant in nature? Why not? Not looking for any argument, just asking an honest question – why’s it ok to scrutinize “secular” rock music for lyrics promoting immoral behavior but it’s not ok to apply a comparable level of scrutiny to “CCM” that promotes sola scriptura, OSAS, etc.? What’s fair is fair.