by Lindy Johnson

Created on: October 01, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

We've all heard the argument: "Is it acceptable for Christians to be listening to Rock Christian music?" Before we can answer this question, we must first look at both sides of the argument.

Rock music has long been the core of where sinful events seem to follow. The lyrics often describe thoughts and lifestyles that contradict that of a Christian. You can often find people banging their head to the hard sounds, and they often find themselves in another world. It's pretty evident that Jesus Christ would not listen to Rock music if He were to walk the earth today. But would he listen to the Christian Rock that most Young Christian teens listen to these days?

Most Christian Rock music leaves out the sinful lyrics found in mainstream rock. Sometimes the lyrics are about God, and sometimes they're about everday life (though they may not speak specifically of God). The music however, is unchanging. Is it acceptable for a Christian to listen to this type of music?

The fact is, the music is NOT what is sinful. It is the lyrics. As long as the lyrics are pleasing to God and the artists exemplify a life pleasing to God, I find no reason as to why this would be unacceptable. By placing Christian music into the Rock genre, we are able to reach a wider range of non-christians. For example, if you have an unbeliever who listens to Rock music, are you going to hand him/her a Southern Gospel cd? Chances are, they'll just throw it in the trash. We should be in the world, but not OF the world. We are to be set apart from it. Christians have every right to use the same tools as unbelivers, we just need to make sure we are using it for His glory.

Be mindful, however, that just because a group claims to be Christian, they are not. We can tell if the artists are glorifying God by their lifestyles and the lyrics in their music. It is very important that each of us ask the famous question, "What would Jesus do?" If you do not believe you would be playing the music if Jesus were in the car with you, then you shouldn't be listening to it anyways. The music should please God. Afterall, isn't that why we're here on the earth?

So go on out there and listen to your music and Praise God!

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