Is "Classical" Music for the Christian?

[kittylover0991]

Hey everyone,

Well, I've been taking a class in Bible Institute about "Church Music" for about three weeks now, and so far we have covered about Contemporary music as to whether or not it's "Christian", but that discussion/argument is for another thread, maybe.

However, a question came up- is "Classical" (i.e. Baroque, Classical, Romantic Period, etc) for the believer? My teacher and I see to disagree on this becuase he said that it doesn't hurt one spiritually, like the songs of the world. Music is affects emotion, and some emotions are not right for the Christian, thus music is not amoral, as has already been discussed in the class. However, when I asked this question, I was asked how it was wrong and if it affected a believer negatively (as anyone who actually listens and/or studies music would say that music has an affect on a person). I couldnt' say no, but if one things about it, like a soccer game, unless there is some form of immorality that someone woudl be exposed to (for example, professional cheerleaders at a basketball game), then the game is, in a sense, neutral. Supposedly, "classical" music, for the most part (though certainly not all inclusive), such as the music if Bach (who claimed to be a Christian), and possibly Beethoven, is music that is sounds technically (i.e. musicality), but wouldn't really have a negative impact.

So, here's the question I have to ask: Is Classical music for the Christian? It may not have a negative impact, but does it have a good one?

[Ddavid from NC]

Crank it up! Classical is cool if that is what you are into. I can't think of any thing negative about it. Lyrical content is the only thing I am concerned about when I listen to music no matter what genre.

[kittylover0991]

David, I disagree.

If you look in Psalms, David used the playing of a harp to sooth Saul physically, mentally, AND spiritually. That means that even instrumental music has an affect.

Agapplem, you're absolutely right. Here's my question though, how does it help to point you to God though?

Oh yeah, Shostacovich is a personal favorite of mine Symphony number 9 is amazing

[Ddavid from NC]

David, I disagree.

If you look in Psalms, David used the playing of a harp to sooth Saul physically, mentally, AND spiritually. That means that even instrumental music has an affect.

Agapplem, you're absolutely right. Here's my question though, how does it help to point you to God though?

Oh yeah, Shostacovich is a personal favorite of mine Symphony number 9 is amazing

I don't understand how would Saul being soothed by music be a bad thing?

[godrulz]

Music can be neutral. Lyrics are an issue. Some classical composers were godless humanists and their spirit may be of concern. The famous 2001 Space Odyssey (Kubrick) theme by Richard Strauss was inspired by godless Nietzsche's book. Several composers were homosexual, alcoholics, died of syphilis, immoral, etc.

Much of classical music is neutral or religious. Much of modern 'Christian' music is poor quality with musicians who are in it for the money or have compromised lifestyles.

We should have discernment, but also avoid legalism. We need to recapture the arts instead of abandon them (Francis Schaeffer concern).

[godrulz]

Crank it up! Classical is cool if that is what you are into. I can't think of any thing negative about it. Lyrical content is the only thing I am concerned about when I listen to music no matter what genre.

I concur (did I spell that right?) We talked about Classical music in my Psychology class this week. It actually is good for people, regardless of religious beliefs. It's calming and it can help you focus. I love Tchaikovski!!! He's a genius!

He was also a homosexual, alcoholic, attempted suicide, etc. His music is good, but his life was a mess.

I am enjoying Vivaldi, CPE Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Metallica (14th century), etc.

[kittylover0991]

No, it was a good thing... but instrumental music can be used for bad.

This is not meant against you, I just have only about to minutes before I need to leave for work, but anyone who really looks at music, and is honest with themselves, will see that music (lyrical or NOT) can have a drastic impact on someone, either for the good or for the bad. Agapple has said some of the ways that certain music can be soothing- is it so absurd to say that music can be otherwise?

How much money do you thuink is spent in movies on music to create a particular effect, wehtehr it be eeirie walking into a haunted house, danger as someone is about die, or soothing like in a romantic type film?

Music without lyrics can have a major impact on someone and music shoudl conform to that of Christ, not Christ to the music.

How is classical music *good* in the spiritual sense?

[godrulz]

There is a place for entertainment and a place for worship. Work, arts, music, literature, etc. does not have to be explicitly Christian for us to be spiritual or sinful. Playing tennis is not Christian, but is also not anti-Christian (motive is part of the issue).

[georgesbluegirl]

A couple of things. First, to say that the only thing that matters about what music "means" is the lyrics really downplays the incredible power of music. There are some who would argue (and to an extent I agree) that music is the ultimate artistic expression. Music has the power to evoke great, sometimes unconscious, responses from the listener. It affects the brain in sometimes startling ways - have you ever heard of the riot at the opening of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring?"

That said, I see the point that words can have a more immediate effect upon the listener (by the way, don't forget that "classical" music can have words too!). As a general rule, I don't really like the "is something good for Christians?" discussion because it seems to me that you have to figure out what influences you want in your own life individually. But even if one were thinking that way, I have a hard time lumping all "classical" music together, because each piece creates a different response. I feel differently listening to Chopin than I do listening to Beethoven.

I guess when it gets down to it, if a piece of music is making you feel like you should go out and murder someone, maybe don't listen to it. In the end, though, music is evoking responses, but those are our responses to investigate, assess, and act upon. The fact is that "Rite of Spring" gets my heart pounding, but I listen to it without committing a pagan sacrifice or becoming violent.

[sweetycakes]

As a youngster, I never thought I would hear myself saying this, but I now sometimes find myself tuning into classical music when driving home from work late at night......usually a journey of several hundred miles.

Part of the reason is that I can't stand all this hip-hop, rap and other forms of 'popular' music. Also, with classical, I don't find myself 'singing along' with the track....usually because I don't know it. ...so I can concentrate more on driving.

I also can't stand the superficiality of Pop music......I mean.....just about every other word in pop songs is 'Baby'....when nobody in real life uses the word 'Baby'......it just seems a staple diet of pop songs....and so false. I think I've yet to hear a pop song that doesn't include the word 'Baby' in the lyrics.

Not to say that classical music is really that good....I hate how the volume keeps switching from loud to quiet...and I have to keep adjusting the volume

I don't think that listening to classical music is such a big issue with God, though....