We are pleased to have Chris Mucha, Director of Youth Ministry at Fayetteville First UMC and LaGrange District Youth Coordinator, to answer the following question that was sent in:
Dear Pastor, I have always been a big fan of music. I have always listened to music all day, every day while driving, doing homework, and everything. Now that I am a Christian, a lot of the secular music I used to listen to doesn’t agree with my spirit. My question is, as a Christian, is it okay to listen to secular music? Thank you.
–LaGrange District Young Adult
Chris Mucha of Fayetteville First UMC
Dear LaGrange District Young Adult, I am a huge music lover! I grew up in a culture of the beginnings of rap and hip hop music and began to face the same concerns you are having. First of all, let me say that it is not my place to define what is ok or not for being a Christian. I will leave that up to Jesus. More specifically, I believe that everything good in this world comes from God, whether secular, or “Christian”. There is secular music that has some beautiful messages and there is Christian music that comes from ill heart. I also dislike the Christian label on music as it infers that we are separate, or “better”, than things non-Christian. It also broods our consumerism to convince you to buy “Christian” goods and services. So I think good music is good music regardless. If the music doesn’t agree with your spirit, that is a different issue. I think as we continue to strive for spiritual growth we need to stay away from things that hinder that growth. Only you can decide what those things are for you. I hope that answers your question!
*Feel free to add your thoughts and comments with a reply below! Send your questions to kingdomminded@ymail.com.
