Christian Music Comparison Chart

Carnal Christian Music

(Offbeat rock or jazz rhythms, etc.)

Disorderly. (1 Cor. 14:33)
Rhythms originated from pagan cultures. (Jer. 10:2a; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 5-11)
Appeals to the flesh. (Rom. 8:3a; 8:8)
“Pictures” conflict of our new redeemed spirit vs. our old sin-nature. (i.e., spiritual lyrics vs. carnal music). (Rom. 7:14-25; Gal. 5:17)
Tickles the ears to draw people to the church. (2 Tim. 4:3)
Imitation of the world. (1 Jn. 2:15; Lk.16:15b)
Use of sensual techniques. (1 Jn. 2:16)
Contributes to emotionalism in worship. (Jn. 4:23-24; 1 Cor. 14:33)

(“Spiritual Songs” –straight-forward rhythms)

Orderly. (1 Cor. 14:40)
Religious music of Western civilization originated in New Testament church. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)
Appeals to the spirit. (Jn. 4:23-24; Rom. 8:6b)
Pure; “pictures” denial of flesh (old sin-nature) and self-control. (Rom. 8:12-14; Gal. 5:22-25; Ti. 2:11-12)
Acknowledges that it is God Who draws people to Christ through the Holy Spirit. (Jn. 6:44)
Separateness from the world. (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-17)
No sensual techniques used. Morally righteous. (Rom. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:15-16)
Encourages true, spirit-filled worship. (Jn. 4:23-24; Phil. 3:3)