Common Questions About Christian Worship Music
What Are Spiritual Songs?
The term “spiritual songs” is found in Scripture, and it give us direction about what types of songs Christians are to sing. Not only does the term refer to the lyrics, when we honestly look at the original Greek and compare it to other areas of holy living outlined in Scripture, we can safely conclude that the term must also refer to the style of music we should use to support those lyrics.
Aren’t Lyrics all That Matter?
Lyrics are important, but the message of the underlying music vehicle carries more weight; in other words, Christian lyrics cannot make immoral music right, no matter how spiritual the words.
Is ALL Contemporary Christian Music Wrong?
Not at all. There have been beautiful contemporary melodies and meaningful lyrics written throughout the decades and it goes without saying that the lyrics should be theologically and biblically sound.
As long as there are no carnal techniques in the music vehicle, apart from the lyrics, contemporary worship songs will meet the criteria for “spiritual songs,” as outlined in Scripture. Unfortunately, much contemporary worship music does not meet this criteria.
Isn’t Music Amoral?
Were you aware that this argument was initiated by Christians in an effort to defend CCM? Secular authors, scientists, and rock musicians have proved otherwise. If music is amoral, then why does CCM trigger moral failure in some people?
Isn’t Music Preference Subjective?
Anything experienced over and over becomes acceptable; therefore, preferences are learned. Those preferences do not necessarily make them appropriate for corporate worship music.
Additionally, when our preferences for carnal corporate worship music is questioned, we cry “legalism,” when, instead, we need to be honest and go to God’s Word for direction.
Isn’t This Legalism?
In the entertainment realm, most Christians don’t consider it legalistic to eliminate profanity, violence, nudity, and provocative situations from books, movies, or plays. But it would be legalistic to say that all secular books, movies, or plays are sinful.
This same principle should apply to worship music: it would not be legalistic to eliminate identifiable carnal music techniques that appeal to the flesh from worship music. But it would be legalistic to say that all contemporary Christian music is sinful.
What About Drums?
Drums in and of themselves are not inherently evil; the key is how they are used. However, their improper use can be sinful or even harmful. Additionally, certain specific drum rhythms can induce trance and/or demonic possession.
What is the Voice of the Harlot?
The “voice of the harlot” is a breathy or gravely vocal music technique that is very sensual in nature and should be avoided in Christian music.
What Difference Does it Make?
Using truly spiritual (non-carnal, non-flesh pleasing) songs in corporate worship, as outlined in Scripture, makes a difference because it demonstrates to ourselves and the world that we are striving to live set-apart lives in the area of music.
Conversely, using carnal “Christian” music in worship does not show any set-apart distinction and, if the lyrics are removed, it sounds exactly like the world’s music because it imitates worldly, carnal music styles.
Quotes About The Beat
(from secular musicians and scientific studies)
Secular musicians admit they want to promote rebellion and sensuality, and they purposely create music techniques (apart from any lyrics) to accomplish those ends.
Additionally, scientific studies link rock rhythms with sensuality and/or aggression.
Many (not all) forms of CCM/CWM contain these elements, from “mild” soft rock rhythms, to the heavy metal rhythms and everything in between.
Questions to Consider When Evaluating Music
NOTE: Be objective when evaluating music; do not let your feelings/emotions decide. We can learn to like new music: familiarity is the key. Since we hear pop/rock constantly, we are familiar with it, and we begin to like it. The same principle applies to moral music: the more we hear it, the more we will become familiar with it and begin to like it.
Christian Worship Music Comparison Chart
Click below to view a side-by-side comparison of Carnal Music vs. Non-Carnal Music techniques used in worship music.
