by Ruth Woodhouse

Created on: September 28, 2007

Britain's "prince of pop", Cliff Richard, a devout Christian who has been singing rock'n'roll for nearly five decades, sang a great song some years ago that asked, "Why should the devil have all the good music?" Cliff's phenomenal career which has been largely secular but has also included many Christian songs, presents a worthy argument that it's fine for good Christians to listen to - and even perform - secular songs. No fair person could doubt that this man is a very genuine and committed Christian, whose life and words are a glowing testimony for his faith in God.

Of course there must be guidelines and limits with regard to the kind of secular music Christians listen to. It's clear that Christians should not listen to any heavy rock music that has satanic messages. Nor should they purposely listen to songs that have lyrics promoting a decidedly immoral lifestyle. When I say purposely I mean that they should not buy such music for their own personal collections. If we are living in the real world we cannot help but be exposed to such music. After all any secular radio station is going to play some such songs and if we want to listen to the radio, we will hear them - but we ought not condone or give credence to them by listening to them by personal choice.

I also believe it is decidedly inappropriate and unethical by Christian standards to fill one's mind with the kind of morbidly depressing songs which is classed as "emo" music. Why? Because it's very likely to promote suicidal thoughts. This type of music which so many young people are listening to in these times is terribly dangerous and I would say it certainly goes against the Scriptural instruction we are given to fill our minds with things that are positive, wholesome and God-honouring. Even Christians can get depressed and cannot be blamed for that - but purposely listening to such music would most certainly be giving the devil a foothold.

That's not to say that listening to the occasional melancholy love song or ballad is a bad thing - and as long as the lyrics are not out of harmony with Christian living and values, there is nothing wrong with listening to secular songs. Why should Christians have to miss out on the pleasure and personal enrichment of listening to a wide variety of songs and styles of music that express so much of the human experience? God has given us the capacity to create and enjoy music of all kinds. Christians can have all kinds of interests and hobbies that are wholesome and

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