WEBVTT 00:00:16.070 --> 00:00:18.989 Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back 00:00:18.989 --> 00:00:21.309 to another episode of the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. 00:00:21.850 --> 00:00:24.010 If this is your first time tuning in, thank you 00:00:24.010 --> 00:00:26.190 for doing so. And if you've been here before, 00:00:26.469 --> 00:00:27.929 welcome back. Today we're going to be talking 00:00:27.929 --> 00:00:30.550 about what many believers question. Is it a sin 00:00:30.550 --> 00:00:33.229 for Christians to listen to secular music? Does 00:00:33.229 --> 00:00:35.429 enjoying mainstream music somehow compromise 00:00:35.429 --> 00:00:38.679 our faith? So, if you like to take notes, I encourage 00:00:38.679 --> 00:00:40.439 you. And while you're at it, have your Bibles 00:00:40.439 --> 00:00:42.340 out, because we're going to be diving into many 00:00:42.340 --> 00:00:44.659 passages of scripture that might help us with 00:00:44.659 --> 00:00:49.539 our discussion today. This topic has turned debate 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:52.560 in Christian circles for years. Some argue that 00:00:52.560 --> 00:00:55.500 all secular music should be avoided, while others 00:00:55.500 --> 00:00:57.820 believe it's about discernment rather than outright 00:00:57.820 --> 00:01:01.009 rejection. I get it. There's a lot of discussion 00:01:01.009 --> 00:01:02.729 in Christian circles about whether we should 00:01:02.729 --> 00:01:05.750 only listen to Christian music or if it's okay 00:01:05.750 --> 00:01:08.909 to enjoy secular songs. Some say all secular 00:01:08.909 --> 00:01:11.310 music should be avoided, but others argue it 00:01:11.310 --> 00:01:14.109 depends on the content. So let's break it down. 00:01:14.549 --> 00:01:17.209 Music is a powerful part of our lives. It moves 00:01:17.209 --> 00:01:19.870 us, speaks to us, and often expresses what words 00:01:19.870 --> 00:01:23.459 alone can't. As Christians, we're often encouraged 00:01:23.459 --> 00:01:26.060 to guard our hearts and minds. But what does 00:01:26.060 --> 00:01:28.480 that mean when it comes to meaning music outside 00:01:28.480 --> 00:01:31.099 of the Christians of John? First, let's be clear. 00:01:31.739 --> 00:01:34.260 Does the Bible explicitly prohibit listening 00:01:34.260 --> 00:01:36.859 to secular music? The short answer is no. There's 00:01:36.859 --> 00:01:39.159 no verse that says thou shalt only listen to 00:01:39.159 --> 00:01:42.459 Christian contemporary or biblical music. However, 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:45.299 the scripture does guide us to guard our hearts 00:01:45.299 --> 00:01:48.760 and to be mindful of what influences us. Philippians 00:01:48.760 --> 00:01:51.939 4a says, finally brothers and sisters, whatever 00:01:51.939 --> 00:01:54.719 is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, 00:01:55.200 --> 00:01:58.900 whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:02.180 is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, 00:02:02.280 --> 00:02:05.299 think about such things. This verse encourages 00:02:05.299 --> 00:02:08.740 us to focus on uplifting things that align with 00:02:08.740 --> 00:02:11.919 God's goodness. So the real question isn't is 00:02:11.919 --> 00:02:14.419 secular music sinful, but rather does it align 00:02:14.419 --> 00:02:17.620 with the godly values? Some people believe that 00:02:17.620 --> 00:02:19.879 as Christians we should strictly listen to worship 00:02:19.879 --> 00:02:22.400 music or songs with overtly Christian themes. 00:02:23.240 --> 00:02:25.599 They argue that secular music with its varied 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:27.960 messages could influence our hearts in the wrong 00:02:27.960 --> 00:02:31.259 direction. But is that a fair assessment? Is 00:02:31.259 --> 00:02:33.919 it possible to appreciate secular music without 00:02:33.919 --> 00:02:37.719 compromising our faith? Some Christians worry 00:02:37.719 --> 00:02:39.840 that listening to secular music can lead them 00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:43.319 away from God. While music is powerful and can 00:02:43.319 --> 00:02:45.539 influence our thoughts and emotions, not all 00:02:45.539 --> 00:02:48.479 secular music is harmful. Many songs promote 00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:51.099 love, joy, and reflection without contradicting 00:02:51.099 --> 00:02:54.159 the biblical values. For example, love songs 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:57.759 that can celebrate commitment and deep relationships 00:02:57.759 --> 00:03:00.000 align with God's desire for love and marriage. 00:03:00.719 --> 00:03:03.659 However, there is a real constraint when music 00:03:03.659 --> 00:03:06.520 promotes messages contradicting our faith. Lyrics 00:03:06.520 --> 00:03:10.520 that glorify sin and materialism or a lifestyle 00:03:10.520 --> 00:03:13.319 opposing to biblical teachings should be approached 00:03:13.319 --> 00:03:17.379 with caution. Proverbs 4 .23 reminds us, above 00:03:17.379 --> 00:03:20.159 all else, guard your hearts, and for everything 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:23.439 you do flows from it. If certain music influences 00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:26.560 you negatively, causing impure thoughts, anger, 00:03:26.800 --> 00:03:30.479 or dissent from your heart towards God, it might 00:03:30.479 --> 00:03:33.639 be wise to reconsider your playlist. However, 00:03:33.919 --> 00:03:36.900 not all secular music is bad. Have you ever considered 00:03:36.900 --> 00:03:38.879 that secular music can be a form of worship? 00:03:39.719 --> 00:03:42.139 Now, I know what you may be thinking. We typically 00:03:42.139 --> 00:03:45.259 associate worship with hymns, prayer songs, and 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:47.979 church services, right? But what if I told you 00:03:47.979 --> 00:03:50.400 that secular music, not explicitly religious, 00:03:50.759 --> 00:03:53.439 can also express themes of love, hope, struggle, 00:03:53.740 --> 00:03:55.979 and redemption? Well, what if we could finally 00:03:55.979 --> 00:03:58.520 connect those messages back to our faith? Let's 00:03:58.520 --> 00:04:01.639 start by defining what secular music is. Secular 00:04:01.639 --> 00:04:05.219 music is typically characterized as not having 00:04:05.219 --> 00:04:08.319 religious themes or intentions. It encompasses 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:11.699 many genres, pop, rock, hip hop, country, and 00:04:11.699 --> 00:04:15.620 more. Yet within these genres, we often encounter 00:04:15.620 --> 00:04:18.939 lyrics that resonate deeply with the human experience, 00:04:19.259 --> 00:04:22.160 including aspects of faith, morality, and the 00:04:22.160 --> 00:04:25.279 search for meaning. To answer this, we must look 00:04:25.279 --> 00:04:28.339 at the heart of worship. Worship is about ascribing 00:04:28.339 --> 00:04:31.939 worth to God and acknowledging His presence in 00:04:31.939 --> 00:04:35.910 our lives. It can take many forms, spare, service, 00:04:36.389 --> 00:04:40.129 and yes, even music. If we approach music with 00:04:40.129 --> 00:04:44.889 an open heart and a desire to see God's fingerprints 00:04:44.889 --> 00:04:47.889 in our lives, we realize that worship can happen 00:04:47.889 --> 00:04:51.170 in unexpected places. Let's take a moment to 00:04:51.170 --> 00:04:54.829 examine the power of lyrics. Lyrics are the poetry 00:04:54.829 --> 00:04:58.689 of music, which can evoke a wide range of emotions 00:04:58.689 --> 00:05:00.589 and thoughts. Think about your favorite secular 00:05:00.589 --> 00:05:04.110 songs. What themes do they touch on? Love, loss, 00:05:04.470 --> 00:05:07.889 joy, and struggles? These are universal experiences. 00:05:08.069 --> 00:05:12.610 Many echo the themes found in scripture. As Christians, 00:05:12.689 --> 00:05:15.129 we can interpret this through the lens of our 00:05:15.129 --> 00:05:17.790 faith. Does this reflect the heart of God's love 00:05:17.790 --> 00:05:21.209 for us? Does the desire to heal mend and bring 00:05:21.209 --> 00:05:24.449 hope in times of struggle? I want to clarify 00:05:24.449 --> 00:05:27.990 that I'm not suggesting we replace traditional 00:05:27.990 --> 00:05:31.389 worship music with secular songs. Instead, I 00:05:31.389 --> 00:05:33.490 invite you to consider how we can incorporate 00:05:33.490 --> 00:05:36.670 secular music into our faith journey. When you've 00:05:36.670 --> 00:05:39.209 listened to these songs, we can reflect on the 00:05:39.209 --> 00:05:41.750 messages and how they align with our Christian 00:05:41.750 --> 00:05:44.490 values. One way to do this is through intentional 00:05:44.490 --> 00:05:47.430 listening. When you hear a secular song that 00:05:47.430 --> 00:05:50.410 resonates with you, ask yourself, how does this 00:05:50.410 --> 00:05:52.870 connect with my faith? Well, what emotion is 00:05:52.870 --> 00:05:55.870 it stirring within me? Can I find a biblical 00:05:55.870 --> 00:05:59.009 principle that relates to this? Let's take a 00:05:59.009 --> 00:06:02.060 moment to... discuss the importance of discernment. 00:06:02.560 --> 00:06:05.899 As we explore psychedelic music, not every song 00:06:05.899 --> 00:06:09.300 will align with our faith values. Some may promote 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:12.399 messages that conflict with our beliefs or lead 00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:18.019 us away from God. We must approach our music 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:21.379 choices with wisdom and a discerning heart. Let's 00:06:21.379 --> 00:06:24.519 remember that music in itself is a gift from 00:06:24.519 --> 00:06:27.850 God. It's a form of expression. creativity, and 00:06:27.850 --> 00:06:32.610 even worship. James 1, 17. We're reminded that 00:06:32.610 --> 00:06:36.850 every God and perfect gift is from above. M 'huzik 00:06:36.850 --> 00:06:40.389 in its essence is not evil. Whatever matters, 00:06:40.910 --> 00:06:42.829 what matters is how it's used. In the Bible, 00:06:43.089 --> 00:06:45.769 we see M 'huzik being used for different purposes. 00:06:46.529 --> 00:06:49.290 David played the harp to calm Saul. 1 Samuel 00:06:49.290 --> 00:06:53.329 16, 23. The Israelites used music to celebrate 00:06:53.329 --> 00:06:56.610 victories, and the Psalms are filled with poetic 00:06:56.610 --> 00:07:00.050 expressions of joy, sorrow, and praise. Not all 00:07:00.050 --> 00:07:03.149 of these were strictly worship songs, yet they 00:07:03.149 --> 00:07:05.490 had a purpose. One of the biggest misconceptions 00:07:05.490 --> 00:07:08.910 is that if a song isn't labeled Christian, then 00:07:08.910 --> 00:07:12.350 it's automatically sinful. Let's think about 00:07:12.350 --> 00:07:16.470 that. Some secular songs talk about love, kindness, 00:07:16.970 --> 00:07:19.660 and perseverance, or... and even faith in a way 00:07:19.660 --> 00:07:22.180 that aligns with Christian values. Meanwhile, 00:07:22.339 --> 00:07:24.399 there are songs under the Christian label that 00:07:24.399 --> 00:07:27.500 might not be the theologically sound or even 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:30.600 glorifying God properly. Philippians 4 -8 gives 00:07:30.600 --> 00:07:33.540 us a great filter. Whatever is true, whatever 00:07:33.540 --> 00:07:36.579 is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:40.139 whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:42.300 anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think 00:07:42.300 --> 00:07:45.000 about such things. This means we should focus 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:47.569 on the message of the music rather than just 00:07:47.569 --> 00:07:50.509 its category. I want to share a personal story 00:07:50.509 --> 00:07:53.769 with you about how an artist known for his raw, 00:07:54.009 --> 00:07:56.470 often controversial lyrics, Eminem has helped 00:07:56.470 --> 00:07:58.810 me improve something that I have been struggling 00:07:58.810 --> 00:08:02.230 with for most of my life, my stutter. Now how 00:08:02.230 --> 00:08:04.810 does listening to a secular rapper fit into the 00:08:04.810 --> 00:08:07.670 faith -based conversation? That's a fair question. 00:08:08.129 --> 00:08:10.449 While I'm not here to justify every lyric or 00:08:10.449 --> 00:08:13.050 message in Eminem's music, I want to talk about 00:08:13.050 --> 00:08:16.180 how his music played a role in something deeply 00:08:16.180 --> 00:08:18.160 transformative. I know I talk about this all 00:08:18.160 --> 00:08:20.399 the time, but if you've been a long -time listener, 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:22.939 you know that I've stuttered since I was about 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:25.079 five years old. If you're just tuning in for 00:08:25.079 --> 00:08:26.839 the first time, you've probably also figured 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:30.100 that out. Speaking in public, reading out loud, 00:08:30.300 --> 00:08:33.379 even casual conversations, these things were... 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:36.840 I dread. It felt like my words were trapped inside 00:08:36.840 --> 00:08:39.440 me, unable to come out how I wanted them to. 00:08:39.820 --> 00:08:42.320 I prayed about it and worked on it, but nothing 00:08:42.320 --> 00:08:45.490 seemed to change. Then, one day I came across 00:08:45.490 --> 00:08:48.669 Eminem's music. I've been listening to Eminem 00:08:48.669 --> 00:08:51.789 since I was 13 years old. What struck me immediately 00:08:51.789 --> 00:08:54.610 was not just his talent, but his lyrics, speed, 00:08:55.049 --> 00:08:57.850 rhythm, and precision of his lyrics. His ability 00:08:57.850 --> 00:09:01.389 to deliver words flawlessly, almost like an instrument, 00:09:01.649 --> 00:09:04.070 fascinated me. I started trying to rap along, 00:09:04.370 --> 00:09:07.250 slowly at first, but then gradually picking up 00:09:07.250 --> 00:09:09.389 the pace, and something incredible happened. 00:09:09.570 --> 00:09:11.850 I stopped. I stopped stuttering when I rapped. 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:14.860 I later learned that rap music, especially how 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:18.840 Eminem constructs his rhymes, can help rewire 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:22.139 speech patterns. The rhythm and flow forced your 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:25.539 brain to follow a structured pattern, making 00:09:25.539 --> 00:09:29.059 it easier to articulate words. For the first 00:09:29.059 --> 00:09:33.120 time, I was speaking fluidly without hesitation. 00:09:33.779 --> 00:09:36.480 Let's be real. Eminem's lyrics aren't always 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:39.620 clean. As a Christian, I had to be mindful of 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:42.169 what I was taking in. But here's what I realized. 00:09:42.769 --> 00:09:46.409 God can use anything for good. Romans 8 .28 says, 00:09:46.649 --> 00:09:49.049 and we know that in all things, God works for 00:09:49.049 --> 00:09:51.769 the good of those who love him. In this case, 00:09:52.090 --> 00:09:55.210 something unexpected, secular music, helped me 00:09:55.210 --> 00:09:58.370 find confidence in my speech. It didn't replace 00:09:58.370 --> 00:10:01.490 my faith, but it became a tool that God allowed 00:10:01.490 --> 00:10:05.129 in my journey to healing. This experience taught 00:10:05.129 --> 00:10:08.230 me an important lesson. Sometimes our breakthroughs 00:10:08.230 --> 00:10:11.679 come in ways we don't expect. Would I have ever 00:10:11.679 --> 00:10:14.200 imagined that a rapper known for his edgy lyrics 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:17.720 would help me overcome a personal struggle? No. 00:10:18.200 --> 00:10:21.179 But it reminded me that God works through all 00:10:21.179 --> 00:10:24.159 kinds of circumstances. Now, does this mean I 00:10:24.159 --> 00:10:26.419 endorse everything Eminem says in his songs? 00:10:26.639 --> 00:10:29.480 No. But I believe that music, whether Christian 00:10:29.480 --> 00:10:31.960 or secular, can have a purpose in our lives. 00:10:32.379 --> 00:10:35.480 It's about discernment, recognizing what edifies 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:38.179 you and what doesn't. So what's the takeaway? 00:10:38.549 --> 00:10:42.210 God moves in unexpected ways. Maybe your breakthrough 00:10:42.210 --> 00:10:45.809 won't come through rap music, but might come 00:10:45.809 --> 00:10:49.230 from an unexpected place. The key is being open 00:10:49.230 --> 00:10:51.629 to how God wants to work in your life, even in 00:10:51.629 --> 00:10:54.769 the ways that don't fit the mold of what we usually 00:10:54.769 --> 00:10:57.289 consider Christian. If you're struggling with 00:10:57.289 --> 00:11:00.529 something, a stutter, anxiety, or another personal 00:11:00.529 --> 00:11:03.250 challenge don't limit how God can work in your 00:11:03.250 --> 00:11:05.769 life. He might use a conversation, a book, a 00:11:05.769 --> 00:11:08.450 song, or even something unconventional like rap 00:11:08.450 --> 00:11:11.710 music to help you. Interestingly, I'm not the 00:11:11.710 --> 00:11:14.850 only one who has experienced this. In an interview 00:11:14.850 --> 00:11:17.990 on the Howard Stern Show, Ed Sheeran, the world 00:11:17.990 --> 00:11:20.690 -famous singer -songwriter, openly shared how 00:11:20.690 --> 00:11:22.889 he struggled with the stutter as a child. He 00:11:22.889 --> 00:11:25.450 credits Eminem's album, The Marshall Mathers 00:11:25.450 --> 00:11:29.779 LP, for helping him overcome it. He would repeatedly 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:32.960 listen to the album, rapping along, until he 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:35.860 realized that his speech had improved. Like me, 00:11:35.960 --> 00:11:39.899 he found that rhythm and flow helped retain, 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:43.080 retrain his... It's amazing how something as 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:45.700 unexpected as rap music can be a tool for healing. 00:11:46.419 --> 00:11:48.840 While secular and Christian music often exist 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:52.039 in separate spheres, the reality is far more 00:11:52.039 --> 00:11:56.409 complex. Many auras navigate both worlds. blending 00:11:56.409 --> 00:11:59.250 faith -based themes with mainstream appeal, or 00:11:59.250 --> 00:12:02.289 using secular platforms to express spiritual 00:12:02.289 --> 00:12:05.590 messages. The evolution of music genres, audience 00:12:05.590 --> 00:12:08.750 reception, and industry trends contribute to 00:12:08.750 --> 00:12:12.350 a growing overlap between these realms. By exploring 00:12:12.350 --> 00:12:15.549 the historical roots, cultural impact, and artist 00:12:15.549 --> 00:12:17.789 crossover between secular and Christian music, 00:12:18.169 --> 00:12:21.429 we can better understand how this divide is being 00:12:21.429 --> 00:12:25.259 challenged and ultimately bridged. As listeners, 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:28.600 we often find ourselves drawn to different music 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:31.840 genres, styles, and themes. Some of us gravitate 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:34.159 towards the uplifting messages of Christian music, 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:37.220 while others might find a connection in the storytelling 00:12:37.220 --> 00:12:41.220 of emotional depths of secular tunes. But where 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:44.659 do these worlds collide? And where does secular 00:12:44.659 --> 00:12:47.360 music cross a line that conflicts with our faith? 00:12:47.919 --> 00:12:50.200 Well, let's start by taking a look at the landscape 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:53.059 of music today. Music is a universal language. 00:12:53.230 --> 00:12:57.669 It transcends cultures and brings people together. 00:12:57.990 --> 00:13:00.710 Within this vast world, we have various genres, 00:13:01.190 --> 00:13:04.070 pop, rock, hip -hop, country, and gospel, to 00:13:04.070 --> 00:13:07.610 just name a few. Christian music, often characterized 00:13:07.610 --> 00:13:10.490 by its faith -based lyrics and themes, serves 00:13:10.490 --> 00:13:13.970 a specific purpose for many people. It provides 00:13:13.970 --> 00:13:17.509 encouragement and inspiration and a sense of 00:13:17.509 --> 00:13:20.409 community among believers. On the other hand, 00:13:20.629 --> 00:13:23.909 secular music often explores themes of love, 00:13:24.210 --> 00:13:27.190 heartbreak, social issues, and personal experiences, 00:13:27.450 --> 00:13:30.049 which can resonate deeply with listeners regardless 00:13:30.049 --> 00:13:32.710 of their faith backgrounds. But here's the question. 00:13:33.090 --> 00:13:35.990 Can we find common ground? Can secular music 00:13:35.990 --> 00:13:38.629 be a source of inspiration, even for those who 00:13:38.629 --> 00:13:41.110 identify as Christians? The answer might surprise 00:13:41.110 --> 00:13:43.970 you, and that's what we're here to unpack today. 00:13:44.450 --> 00:13:47.110 Before we delve any deeper, let's consider the 00:13:47.110 --> 00:13:50.240 purpose of music. For many, music is a form of 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:53.059 expression and a way to connect with emotions. 00:13:53.799 --> 00:13:56.580 It tells stories, it conveys experiences, and 00:13:56.580 --> 00:14:00.679 it can be deeply personal or universally relatable. 00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:04.700 In many ways, secular and Christian music serves 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:09.000 as the same purpose. To evoke emotions inspire 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:11.860 and connect with listeners. For instance, a love 00:14:11.860 --> 00:14:15.320 song and secular music may express emotions that 00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:18.120 mirror the joy or longing in Christian worship 00:14:18.120 --> 00:14:21.200 songs. The difference lies in the intention and 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:24.360 the underlying message. Take for example a song 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:27.840 that speaks about overcoming struggles. A Christian 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:32.000 song may attribute that triumph to faith and 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:34.539 divine support, while a secular song might not. 00:14:34.559 --> 00:14:36.820 Both can be uplifting and motivating in their 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:40.639 own right, but the interpretation and application 00:14:40.639 --> 00:14:43.679 may vary significantly. Let's address the elephant 00:14:43.679 --> 00:14:46.519 in the room. When does secular music cross the 00:14:46.519 --> 00:14:49.220 line? This is where listeners' opinions vary 00:14:49.220 --> 00:14:53.279 widely, particularly within Christian communities. 00:14:53.720 --> 00:14:57.539 For some, any reference to themes like promiscuity, 00:14:57.879 --> 00:15:00.899 substance use, or violence in lyrics can be seen 00:15:00.899 --> 00:15:03.740 as crossing a line. Others may argue that music 00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:06.519 reflects reality and that artists often draw 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:10.379 from their life experiences. So should we dismiss 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:13.120 an entire genre because of a few songs that don't 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:16.580 align with our values? Or is there a way to engage 00:15:16.580 --> 00:15:19.899 critically with the music we listen to? One approach 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:23.500 is to evaluate the intent behind the music. What 00:15:23.500 --> 00:15:27.039 message is the artist trying to convey? Is it 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:30.639 meant to glorify negative behaviors or is it 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:34.620 a commentary on the struggles of life? Understanding 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:37.360 the context can help us navigate our choices 00:15:37.360 --> 00:15:40.840 in music while staying true to our beliefs. So 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:42.940 how can we bridge the gap between secular and 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:46.519 Christian music? One way is by recognizing the 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:49.740 artistry involved in both. Music is often a reflection 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:52.559 of the human experience, and by appreciating 00:15:52.559 --> 00:15:55.940 the craft, we can see both beyond, beyond. Lyrics. 00:15:56.460 --> 00:15:59.179 Moreover, we can engage with secular music critically. 00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:02.899 We can listen and reflect on the lyrics, asking 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:05.519 ourselves what resonates with us and what does 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:09.159 not. This practice allows us to enjoy music without 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:12.200 compromising our values, fostering a deeper understanding 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:15.539 of ourselves and the world around us. Let's talk 00:16:15.539 --> 00:16:18.960 about the impact music has on our faith. Music 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:21.919 can shape our beliefs, influence our emotions 00:16:21.919 --> 00:16:25.039 and even inspire action. It can be a tool for 00:16:25.039 --> 00:16:27.960 worship, a vehicle for ministry, or simply a 00:16:27.960 --> 00:16:31.700 source of comfort in tough times. For many, Christian 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:34.100 music serves as a foundation for their faith. 00:16:34.429 --> 00:16:38.289 It reinforces beliefs, provides encouragement, 00:16:38.470 --> 00:16:40.940 and creates a sense of community. On the other 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:44.039 hand, secular music can inspire us to think critically 00:16:44.039 --> 00:16:46.299 about our beliefs, challenge our perspectives, 00:16:46.679 --> 00:16:49.279 and foster empathy for other experiences. As 00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:52.259 we navigate our music preferences, we can find 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:54.899 ways to incorporate both secular and Christian 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:57.980 influences into our lives. For instance, creating 00:16:57.980 --> 00:17:01.000 playlists that mix both genres can lead to a 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:03.820 richer listening experience allowing us to draw 00:17:03.820 --> 00:17:06.519 inspiration from different sources while remaining 00:17:06.519 --> 00:17:11.390 anchored in our faith. role in how we engage 00:17:11.390 --> 00:17:14.069 with music. In many Christian circles, there 00:17:14.069 --> 00:17:16.670 can be a tendency to isolate ourselves from secular 00:17:16.670 --> 00:17:20.210 music, fearing that it can lead us astray or 00:17:20.210 --> 00:17:26.210 elude our faith. However, our respective communities 00:17:26.210 --> 00:17:29.529 can also provide a space for dialogue and exploration. 00:17:30.770 --> 00:17:33.730 By discussing music openly with friends, family, 00:17:33.849 --> 00:17:35.789 and fellow believers, we can share our thoughts 00:17:35.789 --> 00:17:39.009 and experiences. This dialogue can help us navigate 00:17:39.009 --> 00:17:41.690 the complexities of music, allowing us to learn 00:17:41.690 --> 00:17:43.950 from one another and find a balance that feels 00:17:43.950 --> 00:17:46.390 right for us. Moreover, connecting with artists 00:17:46.390 --> 00:17:49.609 who express faith through music can be incredibly 00:17:49.609 --> 00:17:52.890 fulfilling. They often share their personal stories, 00:17:53.170 --> 00:17:56.289 struggles, and triumphs, allowing us to see the 00:17:56.289 --> 00:17:58.730 intersection of faith and artistry in a new light. 00:17:58.880 --> 00:18:01.900 So how can we bridge between the two worlds without 00:18:01.900 --> 00:18:05.200 compromising our core beliefs? Number one, listen 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:08.059 with intention. When you listen to music, think 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:10.779 about the message and intent behind the lyrics. 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:13.619 Ask yourself how it aligns with your values and 00:18:13.619 --> 00:18:16.940 what you can learn. Number two, create diverse 00:18:16.940 --> 00:18:19.740 playlists. Make secular and Christian music in 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:22.319 your playlists. This can expose you to different 00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:24.960 perspectives while allowing you to appreciate 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:28.559 the artistry of both. Number three, Engage in 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:31.299 dialogue, talk about music with others, share 00:18:31.299 --> 00:18:34.079 your thoughts and listen to theirs. This can 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:37.119 lead to a deeper understanding of how music intersects 00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:41.059 with faith. Number four, support artists. Follow 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:43.960 artists who navigate both realms. Their work 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:47.019 often bridges the two worlds and supports them, 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:51.079 and supporting them can encourage more conversation 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:54.660 about faith and music. And number five, reflect 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:58.279 on your journey. Consider how your music preferences 00:18:58.279 --> 00:19:01.359 shape your faith and values. Are there areas 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:04.279 where you feel challenged? Embrace that. Remember 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:07.079 music is a powerful tool that can enrich our 00:19:07.079 --> 00:19:09.640 lives, challenge our perspectives, and draw us 00:19:09.640 --> 00:19:12.059 closer to our faith. Whether you're a fan of 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:15.019 Christian music, secular tunes, or both, I encourage 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:17.380 you to keep an open heart in mind as you navigate 00:19:17.380 --> 00:19:20.740 your musical journey. Another key point to consider 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:25.750 is personal conviction. Romans 1423 says, whatever 00:19:25.750 --> 00:19:28.910 does not proceed from faith is sin. If listening 00:19:28.910 --> 00:19:31.529 to certain music makes you feel distant from 00:19:31.529 --> 00:19:35.849 God or violates your conscious sense, then you 00:19:35.849 --> 00:19:39.549 might not be making the right choice. But this 00:19:39.549 --> 00:19:42.609 doesn't mean it's a universal rule for all believers. 00:19:43.029 --> 00:19:46.390 One person might feel convicted to avoid secular 00:19:46.390 --> 00:19:48.970 music altogether, while another might enjoy it 00:19:48.970 --> 00:19:52.160 without spiritual conflict. There's also an argument 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:54.960 that many secular artists express deep emotions 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:58.039 in real life struggles through music. Some of 00:19:58.039 --> 00:20:01.299 these themes, like loss, perseverance, and hope, 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:04.779 are things that Christians also experience. Engaging 00:20:04.779 --> 00:20:07.779 with these perspectives can help us understand 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:11.019 others better and even open doors for meaningful 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:14.019 conversations about faith. The key to creating 00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:17.759 that playlist is balance. 1st Corinthians 1031 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:20.640 tells us, so whether you eat or drink or whatever 00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:23.920 you do, do it all for the glory of God. If secular 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:26.319 music distracts you from your walk with God or 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:29.599 takes precedence over worship and spiritual growth, 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:33.619 then it may be time to re -evaluate. Music should 00:20:33.619 --> 00:20:36.319 never replace our relationship with God, but 00:20:36.319 --> 00:20:39.079 it doesn't have to be exclusively Christian to 00:20:39.079 --> 00:20:43.859 be enjoyable or meaningful. So how do we navigate 00:20:43.859 --> 00:20:47.809 this? The key is to is discernment. Ask yourself, 00:20:48.349 --> 00:20:51.009 does this song influence my thoughts in a way 00:20:51.009 --> 00:20:53.710 that draws me closer to or further from God? 00:20:54.450 --> 00:20:57.089 Does it glorify things that go against God's 00:20:57.089 --> 00:21:00.490 teachings like immorality, violence, or idolatry? 00:21:01.029 --> 00:21:04.109 How does it affect my heart and mind? For example, 00:21:05.210 --> 00:21:08.769 some love songs can remind us of the beauty of 00:21:08.769 --> 00:21:11.509 marriage and God's design for love, while others 00:21:11.509 --> 00:21:14.049 may promote lust or unhealthy relationships. 00:21:14.509 --> 00:21:17.430 Some secular songs can inspire us to overcome 00:21:17.430 --> 00:21:21.029 struggles while others may encourage sinful behavior. 00:21:21.589 --> 00:21:25.049 It's not about avoiding all secular music. It's 00:21:25.049 --> 00:21:28.049 about choosing wisely. A good rule of thumb is 00:21:28.049 --> 00:21:30.430 to ask yourself, does this music draw me closer 00:21:30.430 --> 00:21:33.750 to God or pull me away? It might not be beneficial 00:21:33.750 --> 00:21:36.190 if it's for healing your heart and mind with 00:21:36.190 --> 00:21:39.930 negativity, lust, or rebellion, but if it's simply 00:21:39.930 --> 00:21:42.609 entertainment or even a source of encouragement, 00:21:42.890 --> 00:21:45.210 there's no biblical reason to call it sinful. 00:21:45.869 --> 00:21:48.109 At the end of the day, ask yourself this question, 00:21:48.410 --> 00:21:50.930 where's your heart at when considering all of 00:21:50.930 --> 00:21:53.849 this? Meet music like any form of entertainment 00:21:53.849 --> 00:21:56.789 should be approached with discernment. Instead 00:21:56.789 --> 00:22:00.069 of making overhidged rules, we should seek wisdom. 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:04.079 be mindful of our hearts, and ensure that what 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:07.880 we listen to aligns with our faith. So is it 00:22:07.880 --> 00:22:10.740 a sin for Christians to listen to secular music? 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:13.920 No, not inherently, but it's wise to be selective. 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:18.000 Use discernment, ensuring that what we consume 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:21.299 glorifies God, enriches our spirit, and aligns 00:22:21.299 --> 00:22:24.500 with our values. Music is a tool, and like any 00:22:24.500 --> 00:22:27.180 tool, it depends on how we use it. Instead of 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:30.299 drawing a hard line, Let's be intentional about 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:32.700 what we consume and ensure it aligns with our 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:35.359 faith. Let's strive to honor God in all things, 00:22:35.700 --> 00:22:38.380 even in the music we listen to. Whether through 00:22:38.380 --> 00:22:41.859 Christian worship, positive secular songs, or 00:22:41.859 --> 00:22:44.119 a mix of both, let's make choices that bring 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:46.339 us closer together. We want to challenge you 00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:48.859 to create a playlist of secular songs that will 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:51.279 resonate with your faith's journey. Look for 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:54.109 tracks that speak to love, redemption, hope, 00:22:54.230 --> 00:22:56.869 or struggle. This exercise can help bridge the 00:22:56.869 --> 00:22:59.289 gap between your everyday experiences and spiritual 00:22:59.289 --> 00:23:02.670 life. As we wrap up today's discussion, I encourage 00:23:02.670 --> 00:23:05.569 you to keep an open mind and heart. Music is 00:23:05.569 --> 00:23:07.690 a powerful tool, and when we approach it with 00:23:07.690 --> 00:23:09.910 intention, it can lead us to deeper connections 00:23:09.910 --> 00:23:12.930 with God in our faith. So the next time you hear 00:23:12.930 --> 00:23:15.349 a song that moves you, take a moment to reflect 00:23:15.349 --> 00:23:19.069 God's message. You may find it at least you closer 00:23:19.069 --> 00:23:22.630 to God than you ever expected. Thank you for 00:23:22.630 --> 00:23:24.970 joining me today on the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. 00:23:25.329 --> 00:23:27.549 I hope you found this discussion on Psychic Music 00:23:27.549 --> 00:23:30.190 and Worship enlightening. If you enjoyed this 00:23:30.190 --> 00:23:32.150 episode, please share it with friends and family. 00:23:32.509 --> 00:23:34.730 And don't forget to follow so you never miss 00:23:34.730 --> 00:23:37.589 an episode. I'd love to connect with you. Follow 00:23:37.589 --> 00:23:40.289 me on my Instagram, the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. 00:23:40.809 --> 00:23:43.319 Until next time, stay rooted in the word. stay 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:46.039 connected to Christ, and as always keep seeking 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:48.339 those fresh perspectives and keep seeking those 00:23:48.339 --> 00:23:50.980 unfiltered conversations to understand the world 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:52.319 around us just a little better.