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I listen to heavy metal and Insane Clown Posse...is that bad for a christian?

Let me ask you something, does it glorify God?

They started their own 'religion' so I would not listen to them if i were you.

Here are a few questions just to think about. If you can ask any of my friends that knows me, I am strictly A Capella. I only listen to hymns in the songbook, because I believe they are the best songs to sing. Some of these authors gave their very lives. Treasures can be found, many doctrines can be found in a good solid hymn. My Faith Has Found a Resting Place, Amazing Grace, Rock of Ages, Day by Day, these songs is what they reflect out of the hearts of the true believers of the Lord. And I suggest to everyone to go to cyberhymnal.org. It is a good source of hymns as you can memorize them, and they do have a midi for most of them, so you know how they sound like.

But right now, I am not going to ask from my own personal perspective. I might a little, but only through my own knowledge of the bible.

1. Does it glorify the Lord? This is one of the major ones we should look at. What does the message implys? Does it magnify the Lord or is it just for entertainment? I believe we should do all things that brings honor and glory unto His Holy Name.

2. Who is singing the song? Is he/she a Christian as well? This is one you have to watch out for. It says that the devil was the angel of light, and he will deceive many. We have so many "Christian" artist, but what about their lifestyles? Are they living like the songs they are singing? I believe it is important to know this because their influence, rather can be good or bad, can and will affect the people that are listening to the song.

3. Is it Godly-oriented or Worldly-Oriented? It is said, "Whatever is flesh is flesh and whatever is of the Spirit is Spirit." The World and the Spirit cannot mix. I have seen it all over the New Testament. That is why I am against World's music with Christian lyrics. You cannot combine them. It is impossible, God says. The World is completely seperate from God. But the world is trying every way it can to deceive the next generation of Christians into believing that, "It is ok for me to listen or to watch this. It won't hurt me. It is just music, afterall." That, my dear brothers and sisters, is the devil's greatest lie. To believing that what we listen to will not affect us. In 1 Thess. 5:21 says "Prove all things and hold fast to which are good." I believe that implies to the Spiritual realm than the worldly items, don't you think? If we know it is bad for us, why do we need to prove it? No, I believe this verse implys to us that we need to take the things that are labeled as "Christian" and prove it by the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22 & 23). And if it is not worthy of us to listen or to partake in it, let it by the wayside. But let us stick to the good and to the most pleasing unto the Lord.

4. Is it for entertainment purposes? As I stated in question #1, is it for entertainment or is it for bringing God the Glory unto His Holy Name? I have said this many times, but many people keep telling me to listen to the words and not the music. But I replied, "Yes, but the music also displays a message as well." I have been on a lot of music fasts and I tell you what a blessing it is. You can actually get a lot of insight about music. But in my studies, I found out that even though there maybe some "Christian" words in it, if the music is corrupted, so are the words. In Exodus, after Moses was talking to God, the Lord says to Moses to go down the mountain for the people had corrupted themselves. It is not a sign of victory, nor is it a sign of defeat. It is simply noise to my ears. I believe this does inply with music. You cannot mix Worldly music with Godly and Spiritual words. It is just simply "Noise" to the Lord.

Anyways, that is some of my thoughts about music. If you have any questions for me, do not hesitate to ask. Feel free to ask me on here or just simply PM me. Have a great day and God bless you.

I like alot of whats been posted on this topic and agree to alot of it(i.e. does it glorify God, does it affect your walk...). I only want to add, is it music that you can worship God with, or give Him praise with. Can you use the song as a personal prayer to God? I believe that this is the most important way to look at music that's listened to.

marieaskelinton, that is a great way to determine what is good and what is not. thanks for posting that.