Can Christians listen to secular music? This is often a cause for concern or confusion in the lives of believers. Listen to Pastor Femi Osunnuyi as he explains biblically how to strike the right balance. After all, we are what we eat.
Music is a Gift from God
Can Christians listen to secular music? The answer is yes and no. And I think Psalm 19 really helps us here. In Psalm 19 verses 1 to 6 (Ps 19:1-6), the first division, God reveals himself in general creation. But in verses 7 to 14 (Ps 19:7-14), he especially reveals himself; he redemptively reveals himself in scripture, finally culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ as we read the Bible to its conclusion.
So what this means, if we take the first 6 verses, is that we can find God, and we can enjoy God, in the general things he has given to us. Food, art, poetry, entertainment, movies, sports and yes, in music.
We can find God, and we can enjoy God, in the general things he has given to us
Un-Christian vs. Non-Christian Music
But also it is known we cannot consume all forms of music. And so we must make a distinction between non-Christian music and un-Christian music. With non-Christian music, we are talking about music that conveys messages that the Bible will not oppose, and some ways the Bible even teaches. So, songs like Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Beautiful World’, Onyeka Onwenu’s ‘One Love‘, classical jazz, classical music, songs about injustice, songs about love… all of those things we can, and surely even, listen to.
And then there is un-Christian music. Its music that conveys messages that are in direct opposition to ethics and things that the Bible teaches. We need to reject some, we need to reject those types of music. And many times, the videos themselves constantly depict what the music is actually conveying.
We must make a distinction between non-Christian music and un-Christian music.
Informed by our Consciences
Now, what about things that are in between those two? Some would say, “I think there are songs in between those 2.” I think at that point wisdom and our consciences should inform us on the best forms of those kinds of songs that we can listen to.
