OK, so I have a question for atheists. The intent in merely to get you to think, not to poke. The question is about Christian music. Would you, or do you listen to it? The reason I ask is because well, music is music. If it sound good we listen to it. I would be the first to say that much of Christian music is ... bad. But some is quite good. Whether you are Christian or not has little to do with your ability to hold a tune or the quality of your voice. So, if the song sounded good, but the message was about Jesus or God, would you listen to it? The opposite of course, is the message of music. Obviously, no one can force you to listen to anything, but why is the message important? If so, why is a song about God bad, but a song about craven sex, irresponsibility, death, and gangsterism .... acceptable? That would seem to be .... running at cross purposes as, well, most atheists do not exactly advocate gangster violence or the rape and/or prostitution of women. So why is that message not equally as wrong? I am a little perplexed by this one.
I like All That Remains, Flyleaf, and Dredg. They all have pretty Jesus-y songs. All That Remains is very metal, though, so most people don't realize their a Christian-ish band. Look at the lyrics for "This Calling" and it's pretty obvious. Similar for Flyleaf. "All Around Me" is definitely about god. Some of P.O.D.'s stuff is okay, too. I definitely feel more of a connection to non-Christian music, though. I don't necessarily like songs about drugs and sex, unless the melody is good. I'm more into stuff like Coheed & Cambria, whose songs are very story driven.
How do you know any music is Christian music? Again, we all have different tastes in music, but for every music genre out there, there is a Christian equivalent. About the only genre I have never heard anything 'good' that was Christian was rap. But then, I also remember being atheist and deliberately shying away from Christian music for reasons I cannot quite fathom either then or now? Not sure about that one at all?
I close my eyes, and twirl around three times. Then I go on a magical bridge that gives me splinters, until I reach the wise guru, who I ask if the song is religious. The wise guru knows all. Why do you think I'm asking for the lyrics? Once again depends on if I know the lyrics. And even then, lyrics aren't my big concern. I think I should have been a little bit more open about that from the begining. Just believe in yourself, you'll find the answer. I'm sure the other athetist who posted here, Burzmali likes Christian music. I didn't realize that All Around me by Flyleaf was religious. No, I get a basic idea.
How can I give you specific lyrics for a genaric genre song? And I am just wondering whether atheists would listen to Christian songs. This cuts two ways. As an atheist I shied away from Christian Music. However, I once read that 'Hotel California' was a referrence to Anton Levay's compund (a former hotel) on California Street, and that certainly knocked the song down a bit. (Still listen to it though, but even knowing that story is crap it still dangles) On the flip side of that is Music in Christianity, which is an open way of praising God. So, on this one, am just curious about music an spirituality in general, and, as an offshoot, into censorship (self or otherwise) of messages in music? Does it reflect us, or does it shape us? Or both? So, if the majority of atheists do not listen to Christian music because of the message, it would seem to be the former. If its the opposite, perhaps teh other? Just curious, but now that I think about it, I probably should have made this one a poll .... hindsight is always 20/20. Its not really about 'me'. I am curious in a general sense. As a former atheist, there is much in common that I see with many of the atheists out there today. What I do not know about is music (hence asking), it both is and is not important. I am trying to get a gauge on that issue from other people's perspective.
To me, a song concerning "God" is not a bad thing unless and until it is played in my presence and, but of course, for the purpose of "'saving' me" (i.e., within a public setting). At that point, what would be "bad" would have nothing whatsoever to do with the song itself while it would have everything to do with someone's arrogant and groundless assertion that I am somehow in need of being "saved." Yes, other forms of music are aired in public venues, such as grocery stores and restaurants, but never with songs that depict "craven sex, irresponsibility, death and gangsterism." After all, consumers must be kept in a passive frame of mind so that they may consume, consume, consume... It's odd, though, I once saw Stryper in concert while fully cognizant of their being a Christian band just because I admired/admire Michael Sweet's guitar work and wanted to experience it both live and in an outdoor setting (the then "Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine, California). I simply paid no attention to the lyrics. Good night. Yours. GM
Don't, that's why I said: Once again depends on if I know the lyrics. And even then, lyrics aren't my big concern. I think I should have been a little bit more open about that from the begining. I can't say for all the athetists out there, but the real probelm for me isn't the lyrics, it's the music itself. Keep it in mind for next time then. Whatever Religious music is to the person, it is to them. Let them have their own opinion on it.
I will disagree on two points. #1 - the public playing of Christian Music is not necessarily about saving you. It is as much about the player praising God as anything else. In such circumstances, it is acceptable in public. #2 - You may not hear 'unaccptable' music at Disney, but you can hear it thumping out of almost any bar or nightclub after hours. Not surprisingly, it is played for those engaging in alcohol and other libations. So, the question, does it reflect us or shape us? Does that thumping music praising the objectification of women pull you into the bar? Or are you already aiming for it when you head into the bar? Is it any wronger for the bar to play that music to tempt you then it is for a Christian to 'save' you? Sorry to push, I am just curious about the music and how it pushes us? Think advertising in a larger sense if you will?
You're not pushing at all, bro. You have simply raised an interesting subject matter and in a rather eloquent fashion: a subject matter that is near and dear to my heart; music and the ways in which it moves us. Until tomorrow. Out!
One of my favorite bands is a Finnish band called Nightwish - I no longer listen to their new material (they have a new lead singer) but the older stuff was great. Most fans claim the songs have nothing to do with religion, but if you read the lyrics, many of their songs contain references to Jesus and Judas and other religious figures. I Wish I Had An Angel references Judas and his betrayal, for instance. There are others, too many to name. I like most of their songs but I don't care about whether they reference religion or not. I listen for the music, not for the message.
I listen to a lot of Christian rock and metal. Despite being an Atheist. One of my faves are these guys: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXqc09EP2VQ"]A Hill To Die Upon - Heka Secundis (Live Footage from Nordic Fest 2009) - YouTube[/ame]
In my line of work I have had the opportunity to hear quite a lot of "Christian" music. Can't say I've really heard any that I liked. But some people seem to enjoy it quite a bit so good for them I suppose.
There is a great tradition of wonderful music associated with Christianity, and there are people continuing that in various forms of modern music. I don't think you need to be a Christian to appreciate and enjoy listening to it, or even to enjoy singing it. I don't see what difference it makes - the music can just be appreciated for what it is. The same with the words, in fact - they can be appreciated as having value in a lyrical and poetic sense without a person actually having to personally 'agree with' the actual content and meaning. The same holds true, of course, for the opposite - music which has apparent lyrical 'satanic' (although that is more often tongue-in-cheek than actual 'worship', of course) or 'anti-religious' content can still be fully enjoyed and appreciated for merits and qualities it has without having to agree with that content. Music doesn't have to be considered as 'all about the message' at all. It can be enjoyed for what it is, and even have a completely different significance for people, far removed from the actual words. I can guarentee you, for example, that not everyone singing along in this kind of situation is a Christian, or thinking of praising God as they sing: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahm7j4lLl5U"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahm7j4lLl5U[/ame]
There's lots of music that is nothing to do with religion of any sort, of course - I guess you could describe that as 'atheist' in a way, but it could have equally been made by a Christian, atheist or anyone else, so that wouldn't be very accurate! There is also specifically 'anti-religious' music about, but again that's not really 'atheist' as such, but simply 'anti-religious' - it might have been made by an 'atheist', but also perhaps by a disaffected religious person (particularly if it is attacking 'the church' rather than religioun itself) - it's not there to 'praise atheisim', but to 'attack theism', which is a very different thing. There's also 'Satanic' music, some of which is more than tongue-in-cheek stuff, but again that's 'anti-religious' sentiment rather than 'atheist', or in the case of genuinely 'satan worshipping music, of course, something else entirely. I doubt there's much music that is 'in praise' of 'atheism' as such - that would in itself be essentially contradictory. The question really is whether Christians would listen to music that is either expressely 'anti-Christian', or 'pro' some other religion (there is obviously religious music from many/most religions - much of the early reggae, as an obvious example of stuff that made it into popular western culture). I guess you could also ask whether a 'fundementalist' creationist would listen to music that 'glorifies' science, scientific thinking, darwinism and so on, too.
I'm an atheist but if I listen to music I listen to Classical music so I don't usually know if it has a Christian theme or not. My passion is reading, not listening to music. I won't read a book billed as a "Christian" novel for the same reason I don't answer my door when it's a person wanting to proselytize and who has no interest in what I want.
As you know, I was a church musician. The music of Bach has been my favorite for 30 years. The message is not particularly important. Music with no words doesn't have a message. Wordless music is intended to communicate but is not pedagogical. I think nearly all contemporary Christian music with a popish aspect is absolutely awful. Things like Christian metal and Christian rap are sneaky and underhanded in intent. They regurgitate what the kiddies are listening to in order to sucker them into the religion. I call it "invasion of the body snatchers music." Bach was not "invasion of the body snatchers music." He was not attempting to immitate popular styles in order to sneak Christianity into people's lives. He was, in fact, the creator of a style unknown in his time and virtually impossible to imitate by anyone in his own time or in ours. He was even once reprimanded by church officials for confusing the congregation with his complex and often dissonant works. One of the greatest modern creators of church music in America is Ned Rorem. I've performed a number of his works and find his choral works top-notch. His choral harmonization of Sing My Soul, His Wondrous Love is as delicious as eating cotton candy and so incredibly mild and appropriate. For Rorem, that his choral works have a religious message is obviously not a problem and does not hinder the tenderness and respect with which he approaches the subject matter. One might take issue with the apparently confused philosophy behind an atheist composing such works. But when you listen to his music and are sensitive to it at all, such questions seem worse than irrelevant. On the other hand, to hold a bias against this great music because an atheist wrote it is to do no less than slice a chunk out of your own soul. This is the effect of all irrational biases, to cut yourself off. I have no sympathy for those who cut themslves off from beatuiful things. Edit: I found an excerpt of Sing My Soul. I couldn't find one last time I looked http://www.classicalarchives.com/work/79737.html Click the play button at the bottom
There is some "atheist music" but not much. Her'es one of my favorites. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf62wptEP8M"]Greydon Square Extian with lyrics - YouTube[/ame]
Hmmm..... interesting question. I have some 175ish albums and perhaps five of them I know to be from Christian groups, NeedToBreath and FlyLeaf. Both are descent bands, however the lyrics are not what I would consider overly religion, i.e. like gospel music. NeedToBreath has an awesome song "Something Beautiful", open D tuning, hence the only reason why I haven't learned it. There are probably more groups in my collection, however I pay little attention to the groups background and religious beliefs. That being said, most of the music I listen to I assume is secular. I have little use for the lyrics of nihilist metal, or womanizing hip hop. If I like the beat, and the vocals as an instrument go with the music, I'll listen to just about anything. However I will sway towards music that fits my views, understanding, compassion, etc. Slapping yo hoes is simply a disgusting outlook....... a disgusting aspect of our popular culture. I simply cannot believe that some (*)(*)(*)(*) can be so popular and at the same time so opposite of what a person should strive to be. It actually bothers me. Such music, lyrically anyway, appeals to the lowest common denominator in my extraordinarily biased opinion. On the rock side of things, I find the lyrics of groups like Korn and Slipknot disturbing. The music is good, however I have issues with the message. I love Tool, probably my favorite group. Tool is certainly atheist, however still promote a greater understanding of the world, compassion for others, and the dismissal of societies attraction to shallow and empty personalities. I would consider it somewhat spiritual music because there are many Buddhist/Eastern Religion leanings to the lyrics, however the music strongly rejects the notion of a personal loving god. Opiate is a good example. Instead wishes the listener to achieve a higher level of understanding through their own will and actions. And classical music, nothing quite like Pinot Noir, bread, goat cheese, and classical music. Hmmmmmmm.....
Funny thing is, my schooling said just that. Rock music was the work of the devil and Christians who associated themselves with even Christian rock music were selling themselves out.
