Christian Philosophy of Music

Music, whether secular or sacred, is a gift from God that plays an important role in everyone’s life.  The subject of music is very biblical.  There are over 500 references to music in the Bible.  Since music is so important to God, it should be important to us as well.  Whether in performance or theory, it is important to have a proper biblical perspective of music.

Through a biblical perspective, we provide students with the opportunity to expand to grow in the fine arts.  Students should also have the opportunity to minister. Whether in the church, the school, or a public area, it is vital that our music be for His praise.  Students’ talents need to be used, trained, and developed to glorify God.

The term “contemporary music” refers to music written during the current period. A work that is of enduring excellence eventually is referred to as a classic work of music.

Over the last 2000 years, a collection of Christian music has been written that embodies the heritage of the Christian church. The various Christian groups draw upon their particular historic heritage for music used in worship and for other church occasions; fundamental and evangelical churches share a common body of hymns, songs, and choruses. Many of the common hymns, songs, and choruses are also used in mainline and various Catholic groups.

Two movements in American culture have shaped the development of contemporary music used in church. The charismatic movement and secular pop music, particularly, rock, rap, and other similar types of “music,” have influenced churches to adopt music styles conforming to the general American culture. As a ministry of First Baptist Church of Westwood Lake, we believe God is a holy God who expects people to live holy lives. Christians are commanded to “come out from among them” (II Cor. 6:17). This idea of separation ought to be reflected in both the lyrics and the style of spiritual songs used in church ministries and in the personal lives of Christians. The Old Testament is replete with illustrations of God’s chosen people emulating the surrounding culture and the judgment of God on their conformity.

The concepts of holiness and our music heritage have defined both the music and lyrics for fundamental Baptist churches in the past. In recent years, some have felt the need to adopt music forms used in American culture in the church. The result has been the loss of the church’s musical heritage. The overuse of choruses and the adoption of pop music are driven by the idea that our current culture can only be evangelized by conforming to the surrounding culture. As a result, the culture has caused the church to conform to secular culture. The Bible teaches in Romans 12:1, 2 the opposite concept, i.e. “be not conformed to the world.”

Several music issues are important to address:

Contemporary music, in the sense that it has been composed recently is not inherently profane.
 
The purpose of music in church should be to:
• Praise God—Ps. 40:3, Acts 16:25, Eph. 5:19-20, Col. 3:16, 17; Heb. 13:15
• Glorify God—I Cor. 1:31, 10:31, II Cor. 10:17
• Edify believers—Eph. 4:29, I Cor.10:23, Col. 3:16
• Not to entertain, perform, or to focus on the presenter of the music.

The style and composition of the music should not reflect worldly values.
• The melody of the piece should flow out of the strong melody line and should not clash  with the melody.
• The use of percussion should not dominate the music composition and it should not reflect the rhythm and beat of “worldly music.”
• The rhythm should support and enhance the melody.
• The style should not represent any music that would otherwise be identified with immorality, drunkenness, rebellion, sensuality, or other themes that violate scriptural principles. If we put a Christian message to a style of music that is appropriate to a rock concert, nightclub, or the country western stage, it does not elevate those musical  styles to the level of the Christian message, but degrades the message to the level of the music style which has been already established by the culture (I John 2:15, 16).

The lyrics or text should not reflect worldly values.
• The lyrics should be doctrinally sound, scripturally accurate, and stated clearly.
• The lyrics should be appropriate text and should not be composed of street language or slang.
• The lyrics should teach biblical principles (Col. 3:16).
• The lyrics should admonish Christians to do the right thing.
• The words of a composition should not be over ridden by the music or rhythm.

Music chosen for church ministries should perpetuate the music heritage of the church with a balance between hymns, gospel songs, and choruses.

The music used should be age and “event” appropriate.

When secular music is used, such as school bands and choirs, the selections should not reflect profane themes, words, or music style. The words, though secular, should not be anything that would violate scriptural principles. The music style should not reflect the rhythm and beat of “worldly” music as cited above.
 
Some basic biblical principles that need to be applied to music:
 Love not the world—I John 2:15, 16
 Prove (test) all things by the Word of God—I Thess. 5:21
 Abstain from all appearances of evil—I Thess. 5:22
 The end does not justify the means—Rom. 3:8, 6:1, 14:16
 Do not become like the world to win the world—Gen. 13:5-13, 18:23-19:25 (Lot’s life)

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