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The Fine Line of Musical Convictions As far back as I can remember, I have wrestled with the idea of what constitutes acceptable music for spirit-filled Christians. I have had over 10 pastors in my life (because of my dad's work), and each one preached and believed differently. I had one pastor say that if it wasn't gospel or country of some type, then it was sinful. He often called the local Contemporary Christian station a wolf in sheep's clothes. I disagreed, but I was stuck there for awhile and felt strongly that I needed to be obedient to my pastor since I was in a leadership position. While in Bible school, I was a dorm supervisor. I honestly disagreed with many of the stated rules, but I felt strongly that the Lord honored obedience. We were not allowed to listen to any type of secular music unless it was classical. (If you studied some of the lives of these composers and the basis of their music, most Christians would stop listening to classical music.) I followed the rules because I was again in a leadership position, and I was still not sure of my stand on secular music. I took a year off after Bible college and decided to attend a Baptist college for my accreditation and teaching certificate. While at this school, my views on secular music changed. The people that I studied with did not have the Holy Spirit, but they were wise about their choices of music. I was still feeling out my views, so I took my required choir courses and nothing else. Of course, as a music major this made my resume somewhat unimpressive. It was then that I realized how my choices throughout high school and college not to be a part of choirs and chorales that sang secular music affected my career. I chose not to participate because of my indecision. (This was not secular music that would have compromised my beliefs, but would have further developed my musical ability.) Now, I have many regrets for not participating as I pursue my Master's degree and find myself so far behind other vocalists in my level. I look at music with an open mind. I had a person tell me once that it's not necessarily what the musician is singing, but the spirit behind the person that writes or sings the music that affects the listener. That's a bunch of bologna. I have known so-called Apostolics that have sung the power of God down in church while committing fornication and all types of unrighteous acts outside of church. It had nothing to do with the singer, but it had a whole lot to do with the person listening and responding to the music and words in their relationship with God. I realized a long time back that what I can handle as a Christian does not always relate to someone else. In many contexts one cannot push his/her beliefs and ideals on someone if the scripture does not plainly back it up. What you see as sinful and damaging to your walk with God develops your convictions. Convictions are tricky. They are developed from experience, background, and upbringing and cannot necessarily apply to everyone. Music serves so many purposes. Even in the Bible music had many purposes. It served as worship, education, edification, and evangelism. You will also find in Psalms and the Song of Solomon that it shares experiences, instruction, and examples. There are many Christians, not just Apostolics, that are close-minded and will not allow themselves to listen and expand their strengths so that they may further their abilities for the kingdom of God. I have learned so much more from secular singers (as far as proper technique) in singing than in church, because many church musicians and singers will not allow themselves to open up to new ideas and techniques. It amazes me how people sing incorrectly in churches, and wrong singing is encouraged by music ministers. They have no vocal training because proper singing is not encouraged in our Bible schools, and, if it is, many of the teachers have no clue. Yes, we must use what we have to worship the Lord, but it must be with preparation (as stated in I Chronicles 15:16-28, 25:1-31 and II Chronicles 29:25-30). I
am not talking about listening to foul-mouthed singers and half-clothed pop
stars, but I am talking about people with talent or who truly entertain me.
Entertainment is often a dirty word in our churches because if one person cannot
handle something, then it means we all cannot handle it. Of course,
entertainment is shallow, but everyone takes part in some form of it—be it
reading, socializing, or church functions. I will never stray from the doctrine,
and I will always be obedient to my pastor, but I also will work out my own
salvation with fear and trembling. For me that includes music. ninetyandnine.com ©
2001, Lakesha Stokes Lakesha Stokes is an elementary music teacher in the St. Louis area. She earned a Church Music degree from Gateway College of Evangelism and a Bachelor of Arts in Church Music/Music Education from Missouri Baptist College. She is presently working on her Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy at Webster University. |
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