MUSIC: IS IT NEUTRAL AND AMORAL? Dr. Jobe Martin Biblical Discipleship Ministries .

MUSIC: IS IT NEUTRAL MUSIC: IS IT NEUTRAL AND AMORAL?AND AMORAL?

Dr. Jobe Martin

Biblical Discipleship Ministries

www.biblicaldiscipleship.org

www.evolutionofacreationist.com

Much of the following comes from:Much of the following comes from:

• Contemporary Christian Music Under Contemporary Christian Music Under the Spotlightthe Spotlight, David Cloud

• “Issues Facing the Church” series

• Sound Christian Music vs. Contemporary Christian Music

• www.wayoflife.org

• www.understandthetimes.org

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC (CCM)MUSIC (CCM)

• “Contemporary Christian Music is built upon the premise that music itself is a neutral force and that only a song’s words determine its morality. CCM therefore incorporates the full spectrum of modern rock/folk/jazz/rap/country music, believing that any style of music is acceptable to carry the Christian message and to glorify Jesus Christ.” David Cloud

THE CHRISTIAN ROCKER’S CREED:THE CHRISTIAN ROCKER’S CREED:

• “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all music was created equal, that no instrument or style of music is in itself evil—that the diversity of musical expression which flows forth from man is but one evidence of the boundless creativity of our Heavenly Father” (CCM Magazine, November 1988, p. 12).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

• “…“…we have to remember that, strictly we have to remember that, strictly speaking, speaking, music is amoralmusic is amoral” (William J. ” (William J. Peterson, “O, What a Fantastic Day for Peterson, “O, What a Fantastic Day for Christian Music,” Christian Music,” EternityEternity, April 1971)., April 1971).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

• “I believe music, in itself, is a neutral forceneutral force” (Keith Green, Can God Use Rock Music?).

• “We’re like Billy Graham with guitars, basically,…rock and roll is neutralrock and roll is neutral. It depends on the spirit” (Michael Bloodgood, Duluth News Tribune, Oct. 9, 1987, p. 1C).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

“Music per se can be considered morally neutralmorally neutral—it is neither sinful nor holy—it is neither sinful nor holy. Its morality is determined by the use to which it is put” (David

Scheer, PG: A Parental Guide to Rock, p. 167).“I believe that music, particularly instrumental

music, is absolutely void of moral qualitiesabsolutely void of moral qualities for either good or evil” (Dana Key, Don’t Stop the Music).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

"There is no such thing as 'gospel "There is no such thing as 'gospel music.' Every style and form of music music.' Every style and form of music can become gospel, whether it's jazz, can become gospel, whether it's jazz,

pop, rock 'n' roll, or rap"pop, rock 'n' roll, or rap" • (Don Butler, Gospel Music Association, (Don Butler, Gospel Music Association, Inhouse MusicInhouse Music, ,

March/April 1991, p. 27).March/April 1991, p. 27).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

"There's no such thing as Christian "There's no such thing as Christian music. That's because all kinds of music. That's because all kinds of music are capable of expressing music are capable of expressing

Christian thought. It's not the music Christian thought. It's not the music that's Christian, it's the lyrics"that's Christian, it's the lyrics" (John Styll, (John Styll, "What Makes Music Christian," "What Makes Music Christian," CCM MagazineCCM Magazine, June , June 1991, p. 22; reprinted from the April 1987 issue; Styll 1991, p. 22; reprinted from the April 1987 issue; Styll [1952- ] is the Founder and Executive Editor of CCM [1952- ] is the Founder and Executive Editor of CCM

Magazine and President of the Gospel Music Magazine and President of the Gospel Music Association).Association).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

"We take the music of the street and "We take the music of the street and apply Christian lyrics to it"apply Christian lyrics to it" (Billy Ray Hearn, (Billy Ray Hearn, owner of Sparrow Records and creator of ABC's Myrrh owner of Sparrow Records and creator of ABC's Myrrh

label, cited by Ric Llewellyn, "Christian Rock," label, cited by Ric Llewellyn, "Christian Rock," Foundation, Vol. VI, Issue 2, 1985, p. 16).Foundation, Vol. VI, Issue 2, 1985, p. 16).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

"We need to know rock 'n' roll. We need "We need to know rock 'n' roll. We need to know the gentleness of a folk tune. to know the gentleness of a folk tune.

We need to know the majesty of We need to know the majesty of Handel's Messiah. We need to know the Handel's Messiah. We need to know the

awesome reverence of the Gregorian awesome reverence of the Gregorian chant"chant" (John Michael Talbot, (John Michael Talbot, CCM MagazineCCM Magazine, July , July

1998, p. 28).1998, p. 28).

• "Music is not good or evil because of the formation of the notes or the structure of the beat. Music is good because the heart of the person playing it is innocently and sincerely giving praise to our God" (Mylon (Mylon LeFevre, cited by Jeff Godwin, LeFevre, cited by Jeff Godwin, What's What's Wrong with Christian Rock?,Wrong with Christian Rock?, p. 122). p. 122).

• "Music is just music. It's the message that's important" (Mylon LeFevre, (Mylon LeFevre, Seattle Post-Seattle Post-Intelligencer,Intelligencer, Seattle, Washington, Oct. 11, 1984). Seattle, Washington, Oct. 11, 1984).

• "God is the King of Soul; He's the King of all rhythm" (Phil Driscoll, cited by Tim Fisher, (Phil Driscoll, cited by Tim Fisher, Battle Battle for Christian Music,for Christian Music, p. 82). p. 82).

"There's no such thing as Christian "There's no such thing as Christian music. Music is generic"music. Music is generic" (Chris (Chris

Christian, cited by Kit Frieden, "Christian Christian, cited by Kit Frieden, "Christian Music Guru Says There's 'No Such Music Guru Says There's 'No Such

Thing,'" Thing,'" The PatriotThe Patriot, Harrisburg, Penn., , Harrisburg, Penn., Nov. 29, 1986).Nov. 29, 1986).

"God gave rock and roll to you/ Put it in "God gave rock and roll to you/ Put it in the soul of every one/ If you love the the soul of every one/ If you love the sound/ Then don't forget the source"sound/ Then don't forget the source"

("God Gave Rock and Roll," Petra).

"All music was His to begin with and He'll "All music was His to begin with and He'll use any medium necessary to convey use any medium necessary to convey

this message"this message"

(Editorial in the Christian rock magazine (Editorial in the Christian rock magazine Take a StandTake a Stand, July 1987)., July 1987).

"The problem, essentially, is there is no such "The problem, essentially, is there is no such thing as 'Christian music.' There is only thing as 'Christian music.' There is only

music and what it's about. ... Every genre, music and what it's about. ... Every genre, every style, every media needs to be every style, every media needs to be

claimed--or reclaimed--to glorify God"claimed--or reclaimed--to glorify God" (Chris (Chris Well, Well, 7Ball7Ball, July-August 1998, p. 66; Well is Editor in Chief of , July-August 1998, p. 66; Well is Editor in Chief of

7Ball7Ball, a bimonthly publication which reports on alternative rock , a bimonthly publication which reports on alternative rock Christian music, such as metal, punk, rap, and ska).Christian music, such as metal, punk, rap, and ska).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

• “Using WHAT IS NEUTRALWHAT IS NEUTRAL in a society as a vehicle for the gospel is not only acceptable; it is sound missionary strategy” (Steve Miller, The Contemporary Christian Music Debate, p. 49).

IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?IS MUSIC NEUTRAL, AMORAL?

• Common sense tells us that music is not neutral, that all music is not the same. Such an idea is strictly contrary to our experiences in life. There is sensual music and spiritual music, music for partying and music for worship, music for marching and music for dancing, music for romance and music for warfare. The notes and components of music are neutral, but when these are arranged in a pattern, that piece of music no longer is neutral but becomes a voice,

Continued from last slide:

voice, a language. Just as vowels and consonants can become blasphemy and pen and paper in the hand of an artist can become pornography, so notes and rhythm, in the hands of a composer or artist can become sensual (Frank Garlock, Music in the Balance).

INDIVIDUAL LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET INDIVIDUAL LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET ARE AMORAL AND NEUTRAL!ARE AMORAL AND NEUTRAL!

As soon as alphabet letters are combined to form words and sentences, a message is

communicated and those letters are no longer amoral and neutral.

The letter “E” alone is amoral and neutral.

Combined with other letters, “E” can spell lovE or hatE; JEsus or dEvil; mEn or womEn, etc.

In the same way, musical components are neutral In the same way, musical components are neutral as long as they remain by themselves. But as as long as they remain by themselves. But as

soon as they are arranged into a piece of music soon as they are arranged into a piece of music

that piece of music communicates a that piece of music communicates a message which can be sensual or message which can be sensual or

spiritual, godly or satanic. The idea that spiritual, godly or satanic. The idea that music is neutral and amoral is contrary to music is neutral and amoral is contrary to

common sense and observation!common sense and observation!

• During a chase scene in a “cops During a chase scene in a “cops and robbers” movie, is a and robbers” movie, is a Brahms Brahms LullabyLullaby softly and sweetly playing softly and sweetly playing

in the background?in the background?

• Music is definitely not neutral!Music is definitely not neutral!

WHAT DO MEN OF THE PAST WHAT DO MEN OF THE PAST SAY ABOUT MUSIC?SAY ABOUT MUSIC?

Secular and religious men of the past have Secular and religious men of the past have recognized the power of music for good or evil. recognized the power of music for good or evil. In fact the strange idea that music is neutral is In fact the strange idea that music is neutral is

only a few years old.only a few years old.

Plato, B.C. 428-348:Plato, B.C. 428-348:

““Musical training is a more potent instrument than Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul”their way into the inward places of the soul”

(Plato, Fourth Book of the Republic)(Plato, Fourth Book of the Republic)

ARISTOTLE, B.C. 384-322:ARISTOTLE, B.C. 384-322:

• “Music directly represents the passions or states of the soul—gentleness, anger, courage, temperance. If a person habitually listens to the kind of music that rouses ignoble passions, his whole character will be shaped to an ignoble form. In short, if one listens to the wrong kind of music he will become the wrong kind of person; but conversely, if he listens to the right kind of music he will tend to become the right kind of person.”(Aristotle, Republic, Politics,1340, History of Western Music 1980 p.8)

BOETHIUS, A.D. 480-524BOETHIUS, A.D. 480-524

• “Music is part of the human nature, it has the power either to improve or debase our character” (Boethius, De Institutione Musica, cited in Paul Hindemith, A Composer’s World, Cambridge, 1952, p.7).

JOHN CALVIN A.D. 1509-1564JOHN CALVIN A.D. 1509-1564

• ““We know by experience that We know by experience that music has a secret and almost music has a secret and almost

incredible power to move hearts.”incredible power to move hearts.” (The Works of John Calvin, vol. 6)(The Works of John Calvin, vol. 6)

John Calvin would John Calvin would notnot say that say that music is neutralmusic is neutral??

MARTIN LUTHER A.D. 1483-1546MARTIN LUTHER A.D. 1483-1546

• ““For whether you wish to comfort the sad, For whether you wish to comfort the sad, to terrify the happy, to encourage the des- to terrify the happy, to encourage the des- pairing, to humble the proud, to calm the pairing, to humble the proud, to calm the passionate, or to appease those full of hate– passionate, or to appease those full of hate– and who could number these masters of the and who could number these masters of the humans heart, namely, the emotions, inclin- humans heart, namely, the emotions, inclin- ations and affections that impel men to evil ations and affections that impel men to evil or good?—what more effective means than or good?—what more effective means than music could you find?” music could you find?” (Martin Luther, quoted from (Martin Luther, quoted from Friedrich Blume, Friedrich Blume, Protestant Church MusicProtestant Church Music, p. 10)., p. 10).

WHAT DO PROFESSIONALLY WHAT DO PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED MUSICIANS SAY?TRAINED MUSICIANS SAY?

Dr. Max Schoen, Dr. Max Schoen, The Psychology of MusicThe Psychology of Music, 1940:, 1940:

“Music is the most powerful stimulus known among the perceptive senses. The medical, psychiatric and other evidence for the non-neu- trality of music is so overwhelming that it frankly amazes me that anyone should seriously say otherwise.”

• Howard Hanson, 1942Howard Hanson, 1942 - "Music is a curiously - "Music is a curiously subtle art with innumerable, varying emotional subtle art with innumerable, varying emotional connotations. It is made up of many ingredients connotations. It is made up of many ingredients and, according to the proportions of these and, according to the proportions of these components, it can be soothing or invigorating, components, it can be soothing or invigorating, ennobling or vulgarizing, philosophical or ennobling or vulgarizing, philosophical or orgiastic. It has powers for evil as well as for orgiastic. It has powers for evil as well as for good" good" (Dr. Howard Hanson, American composer, conductor, and (Dr. Howard Hanson, American composer, conductor, and teacher, Director of the Eastman School of Music at the University of teacher, Director of the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, Rochester, American Journal of PsychiatryAmerican Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 99, p. 317; the quotation is , Vol. 99, p. 317; the quotation is from an address entitled "A Musician's Point of View Toward Emotional from an address entitled "A Musician's Point of View Toward Emotional Expression," delivered by Dr. Hanson at the 98th annual meeting of the Expression," delivered by Dr. Hanson at the 98th annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association).American Psychiatric Association).

• Dimitri Tiomkin, 1965Dimitri Tiomkin, 1965 - "The fact that - "The fact that music can both excite and incite has been music can both excite and incite has been known from time immemorial. Now in our known from time immemorial. Now in our popular music, at least, we seem to be popular music, at least, we seem to be reverting to savagery and youngsters who reverting to savagery and youngsters who listen constantly to this sort of sound are listen constantly to this sort of sound are thrust into turmoil. They are no longer thrust into turmoil. They are no longer relaxed, normal kids" relaxed, normal kids" ((Los Angeles Herald-Los Angeles Herald-ExaminerExaminer, Aug. 8, 1965; Dr. Tiomkin is a famous , Aug. 8, 1965; Dr. Tiomkin is a famous composer and conductor).composer and conductor).

• William J. Shafer, 1972William J. Shafer, 1972 - "Rock is communication without words, regardless of what ideology is inserted into the music" (Dr. William J. Shafer, (Dr. William J. Shafer, Rock MusicRock Music, 1972)., 1972).

Richard M. Taylor, 1973Richard M. Taylor, 1973 - "We cannot change the basic - "We cannot change the basic effect of certain kinds of rhythm and beat simply by effect of certain kinds of rhythm and beat simply by attaching to them a few religious or semi-religious attaching to them a few religious or semi-religious

words. The beat will still get through to the blood of the words. The beat will still get through to the blood of the participants and the listeners. Words are timid things. participants and the listeners. Words are timid things. Decibels and beat are bold things, which can so easily Decibels and beat are bold things, which can so easily

bury the words under an avalanche of sound. There bury the words under an avalanche of sound. There are music forms, whether secular or sacred, which are music forms, whether secular or sacred, which

create moods of pensiveness, of idealism, of create moods of pensiveness, of idealism, of awareness of beauty, of aspiration, and of holy awareness of beauty, of aspiration, and of holy

joyousness. There are other forms of music which joyousness. There are other forms of music which create moods of recklessness and sensual create moods of recklessness and sensual

excitement. Surely it doesn't take much judgment to excitement. Surely it doesn't take much judgment to know which forms are most appropriate for religious know which forms are most appropriate for religious

functions.“functions.“ (Dr. Richard M. Taylor, (Dr. Richard M. Taylor, The Disciplined LifestyleThe Disciplined Lifestyle, 1973, pp. 86, 87)., 1973, pp. 86, 87).

Steven Halpern, 1978Steven Halpern, 1978 - "Words are incidental at - "Words are incidental at best, or monotonous and moronic as usual. But best, or monotonous and moronic as usual. But the points is, that they don't matter. What you the points is, that they don't matter. What you dance to is the beat, the bass and drums. And dance to is the beat, the bass and drums. And with this mix and volume, not only is the beat with this mix and volume, not only is the beat sensed, but literally felt, as this aspect of the sensed, but literally felt, as this aspect of the rhythm section takes precedence over melody rhythm section takes precedence over melody and harmony" and harmony" (Dr. Steven Halpern, (Dr. Steven Halpern, Tuning the Human Tuning the Human InstrumentInstrument, 1978, p. 14)., 1978, p. 14).

Steve Halpern and George Winston are known Steve Halpern and George Winston are known as the “deans” of New Age music. If music as the “deans” of New Age music. If music is “neutral,” how can there be music known is “neutral,” how can there be music known

as New Age Music?as New Age Music?

Leonard Seidel, 1980Leonard Seidel, 1980 - "There is a certain "There is a certain type of music around which demons type of music around which demons feel very uncomfortable. Check the feel very uncomfortable. Check the other side of the coin. There is a type of other side of the coin. There is a type of music under which evil spirits find it music under which evil spirits find it quite easy to progress with their work quite easy to progress with their work and influence"and influence" (Leonard Seidel, concert pianist, (Leonard Seidel, concert pianist, lecturer, lecturer, God's New Song,God's New Song, 1980, p. 9). 1980, p. 9).

Simon Frith, 1981Simon Frith, 1981 - "Most rock records - "Most rock records make their impact musically rather than make their impact musically rather than lyrically. The words, if they are noticed lyrically. The words, if they are noticed at all, are absorbed after the music has at all, are absorbed after the music has made its mark"made its mark" (Simon Frith, sociology professor (Simon Frith, sociology professor at University of Warwick in England, at University of Warwick in England, Sound EffectsSound Effects, , 1981, p. 14).1981, p. 14).

Mike Coyle, 1983Mike Coyle, 1983 - "Since music is an - "Since music is an emotional language, and since some emotional language, and since some emotions are wrong for the child of emotions are wrong for the child of God, then some music is wrong for the God, then some music is wrong for the Christian"Christian" (Mike Coyle, former world-class (Mike Coyle, former world-class professional French horn virtuoso, "Music: Is There an professional French horn virtuoso, "Music: Is There an Absolute?" Absolute?" Baptist BulletinBaptist Bulletin, April 1983, p. 10)., April 1983, p. 10).

David Tame, 1984David Tame, 1984 - "Music is a form of - "Music is a form of language ... music is more than a language ... music is more than a language. It is the language of language. It is the language of languages. Like human nature itself, languages. Like human nature itself, music cannot possibly be neutral in its music cannot possibly be neutral in its spiritual direction"spiritual direction" (David Tame, musical (David Tame, musical researcher, researcher, The Secret Power of MusicThe Secret Power of Music, 1984, pp. 151, , 1984, pp. 151, 187).187).

Carol Merle-Fishman and Shelley Katsh, Carol Merle-Fishman and Shelley Katsh, 19851985 - "Music is a form of non-verbal "Music is a form of non-verbal communication"communication" (Carol Merle-Fishman and (Carol Merle-Fishman and Shelley Katsh, music therapists and instructors at New Shelley Katsh, music therapists and instructors at New York University, York University, The Music Within YouThe Music Within You, 1985, p. 206)., 1985, p. 206).

Gilbert Rouget, 1985Gilbert Rouget, 1985 - "What we need to - "What we need to remember is that music has a physical remember is that music has a physical impact upon the listener and that it impact upon the listener and that it produces a sensorial modification in produces a sensorial modification in his awareness of being. This physical his awareness of being. This physical impact, of course, is what pop music is impact, of course, is what pop music is consciously striving for"consciously striving for" (Gilbert Rouget, (Gilbert Rouget, Music and TranceMusic and Trance, 1985, p. 120)., 1985, p. 120).

Leonard Bernstein, 1990Leonard Bernstein, 1990 - - "Music is "Music is something terribly special. It doesn't something terribly special. It doesn't have to pass through the censor of the have to pass through the censor of the brain before it can reach the heart. An brain before it can reach the heart. An F-sharp doesn't have to be considered F-sharp doesn't have to be considered in the mind; it is a direct hit, and, in the mind; it is a direct hit, and, therefore, all the more powerful"therefore, all the more powerful" (Leonard (Leonard Bernstein, cited in Katrine Ames, "An Affair to Bernstein, cited in Katrine Ames, "An Affair to Remember," Newsweek, Oct. 29, 1990, p. 79).Remember," Newsweek, Oct. 29, 1990, p. 79).

Tim Fisher, 1992Tim Fisher, 1992 - "Music is not neutral. It "Music is not neutral. It has the capability of communicating has the capability of communicating imbalance and sensuality, and it can imbalance and sensuality, and it can confuse the spiritual effectiveness of confuse the spiritual effectiveness of the message. Therefore, I as a Christian the message. Therefore, I as a Christian must draw a line. Any music that must draw a line. Any music that cannot appropriately communicate the cannot appropriately communicate the message is unfit to use to worship the message is unfit to use to worship the Lord."Lord." (Tim Fisher, musician, teacher, (Tim Fisher, musician, teacher, The Battle for The Battle for Christian MusicChristian Music, 1992, p. 56)., 1992, p. 56).

Robert Shaw, 1998Robert Shaw, 1998 - "I believe all the arts - "I believe all the arts are moral. I can't see how any of the are moral. I can't see how any of the arts can be neutral"arts can be neutral" (Kurt Woetzel, "Is Music (Kurt Woetzel, "Is Music Neutral? An Interview with Robert Shaw," distinguished Neutral? An Interview with Robert Shaw," distinguished choral music director, choral music director, FrontLineFrontLine, September-October , September-October 1998, p. 11).1998, p. 11).

Philip MerriamPhilip Merriam - "There is probably no - "There is probably no other cultural activity which is so all-other cultural activity which is so all-pervasive and which reaches into, pervasive and which reaches into, shapes and often controls so much of shapes and often controls so much of human behavior"human behavior" (Philip Merriam, (Philip Merriam, The The Anthropology of MusicAnthropology of Music).).

Ask the movie maker: Ask the movie maker:

Music paints a mental and emotional picture, creates a mood. The television/movie industry

understands this and they spend millions upon millions of dollars annually to create just the right musical effect for each scene. Tension and danger calls for tense music. Romance calls for romantic music. The musical score must precisely match

the script. How foolish, then, for CCM musicians to claim that the rhythms of a song do not have to

match the words because the rhythms are "neutral." There is no such thing.

Ask the tavern owner: Ask the tavern owner:

• Why does the owner of a tavern or a night club choose a certain kind of music? Because that type of music creates the right atmosphere to

promote the fleshly activities of that establishment. If a tavern owner attempted to

play traditional hymns, he would create an entirely different atmosphere which would not

be conducive for the type of recreation his patrons are engaged in. Every tavern owner

knows that music is not neutral.

Ask the band or orchestra director: Ask the band or orchestra director:

A band or orchestra director understands the power of music to move people in different

ways, and he carefully selects the type of music desired to create whatever mood or effect is

required by the situation. I played first clarinet in a large school band for six years and had an

opportunity to join a symphony orchestra. Music was never randomly selected. If our high school band was rallying the crowd for a football game,

we did not play a waltz or a lullaby!

Ask the rock band: Ask the rock band:

The rock band strives to create a certain reaction in its hearers, and it uses exactly the type of

music required to produce that reaction. Rock star Jimi Hendrix understood this:

"Atmospheres are going to come through music, because the music is a spiritual thing of

its own. ... You can hypnotize people ... and when you get them at their weakest point you can preach into the subconscious what you

want to say" (Life, Oct. 3, 1969, p. 74).

Ask the rock band:Ask the rock band:

• Hendrix was right. "Atmospheres" do Hendrix was right. "Atmospheres" do come through music. Consider the come through music. Consider the

godly atmosphere of peace and godly atmosphere of peace and blessing and conviction which comes blessing and conviction which comes through truly spiritual church music, through truly spiritual church music,

and contrast this with the atmosphere and contrast this with the atmosphere which comes through rock music. which comes through rock music.

Ask the advertiser: Ask the advertiser:

Businesses understand that music is not a neutral force. They know that certain kinds music can increase sales while other kinds of music can

actually reduce sales. The Muzak Corporation, which distributes music for businesses,

describes their philosophy of music: "The Science of Stimulus Progression -- employs THE INHERENT POWER OF MUSIC IN A CONTROLLED PATTERN TO ACHIEVE

PREDETERMINED PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON PEOPLE.

Ask the advertiser:Ask the advertiser:

Leading companies and commercial Leading companies and commercial establishments now employ the Muzak establishments now employ the Muzak

concept to improve environment, concept to improve environment, attitudes and performance" (Muzak ad). attitudes and performance" (Muzak ad). Muzak knows that music is not neutral, Muzak knows that music is not neutral,

because certain kinds of music because certain kinds of music produce certain kinds of responses in produce certain kinds of responses in the hearers, and other kinds of music the hearers, and other kinds of music produce entirely different responses. produce entirely different responses.

Ask the rock star:Ask the rock star:

Rock star Frank Zappa of the Mothers of Rock star Frank Zappa of the Mothers of Invention said:Invention said: "Rock music is sex. The "Rock music is sex. The big beat matches the body's rhythms" big beat matches the body's rhythms" ((LifeLife, June 28, 1968)., June 28, 1968).

Rock star Ted Nugent says,Rock star Ted Nugent says, "Rock is the "Rock is the total celebration of the physical" total celebration of the physical"

((Rolling StoneRolling Stone, Aug. 25, 1977, pp. 11-13). , Aug. 25, 1977, pp. 11-13).

Ask the rock star:Ask the rock star:

Gene Simmons of the rock group KISS Gene Simmons of the rock group KISS agrees:agrees: "That's what rock is all about--sex "That's what rock is all about--sex with a 100 megaton bomb, the beat!" with a 100 megaton bomb, the beat!" ((Entertainment TonightEntertainment Tonight, ABC, Dec. 10, 1987)., ABC, Dec. 10, 1987).

Debbie Harry of the rock band Blondie says Debbie Harry of the rock band Blondie says amen to this:amen to this: "Rock 'n' roll is all sex. One "Rock 'n' roll is all sex. One hundred percent sex" hundred percent sex" (cited by Steve Peters, (cited by Steve Peters, The The

Truth about RockTruth about Rock, p. 30)., p. 30).

Ask the rock star:Ask the rock star:

John Oates of the rock duo Hall & Oates John Oates of the rock duo Hall & Oates says,says, "Rock 'n' roll is 99% sex“ "Rock 'n' roll is 99% sex“

((CircusCircus, Jan. 31, 1976)., Jan. 31, 1976).

Rock drummer King Coffey observes:Rock drummer King Coffey observes: "...the whole idea of rock 'n' roll is to "...the whole idea of rock 'n' roll is to offend your parents" offend your parents"

((The Truth about RockThe Truth about Rock, p. 30). , p. 30).

Ask the rock star:Ask the rock star:

Lita Ford of heavy metal group The Lita Ford of heavy metal group The Runaways says,Runaways says, "Listen, rock 'n' roll "Listen, rock 'n' roll AIN'T CHURCH. It's nasty business" AIN'T CHURCH. It's nasty business" ((Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times, August 7, 1988)., August 7, 1988).

Malcolm McLaren, punk rock manager, Malcolm McLaren, punk rock manager, describes rock music asdescribes rock music as "pagan and "pagan and primitive, and very jungle, and that's primitive, and very jungle, and that's how it should be!" how it should be!" ((RockRock, August 1983)., August 1983).

Ask Ask TimeTime Magazine: Magazine:

Time magazine notes:Time magazine notes: "In a sense all rock "In a sense all rock is revolutionary. By its very beat and is revolutionary. By its very beat and sound it has always implicitly rejected sound it has always implicitly rejected restraints and has celebrated freedom restraints and has celebrated freedom and sexuality" and sexuality" (Time, Jan. 3, 1969).(Time, Jan. 3, 1969).

Allan Bloom observes:Allan Bloom observes: "... rock music "... rock music has one appeal only, a barbaric appeal has one appeal only, a barbaric appeal to sexual desire--not love, not eros, but to sexual desire--not love, not eros, but sexual desire undeveloped and sexual desire undeveloped and untutored" untutored" ((The Closing of the American MindThe Closing of the American Mind, ,

New York: Simon and Schuster, 1987, p. 73).New York: Simon and Schuster, 1987, p. 73).

Ask Rolling Stone magazine:Ask Rolling Stone magazine:

Rolling Stone magazine says thatRolling Stone magazine says that "...rock "...rock and roll is more than just music; it is and roll is more than just music; it is the energy center of the new culture the energy center of the new culture and your revolution" and your revolution" (cited by John (cited by John Blanchard, Blanchard, Pop Goes the GospelPop Goes the Gospel, p. 12). , p. 12).

Michael Ross, in his treatise on rock Michael Ross, in his treatise on rock music, observes that the music of music, observes that the music of licentious rock groups like the Rolling licentious rock groups like the Rolling StonesStones "REFLECTS THEIR WAY OF "REFLECTS THEIR WAY OF LIVING" LIVING" ((Rock Beyond WoodstockRock Beyond Woodstock, p. 13)., p. 13).

Concert pianist and musical researcher Concert pianist and musical researcher Leonard Seidel wisely notes:Leonard Seidel wisely notes: "Rock "Rock and roll's corrupt degenerate lifestyle is and roll's corrupt degenerate lifestyle is fueled by the language of a certain kind fueled by the language of a certain kind of music" of music" (Leonard Seidel, (Leonard Seidel, Face the MusicFace the Music).).

Ask the rock music lover: Ask the rock music lover:

If music is a neutral thing in and of itself, If music is a neutral thing in and of itself, it would be a simple matter for a rock it would be a simple matter for a rock music lover to give it up. That is not the music lover to give it up. That is not the case, though! "Any 'Christian' rock case, though! "Any 'Christian' rock star/fan who thinks music is neutral star/fan who thinks music is neutral should face up to one simple fact: should face up to one simple fact: nobody gets hooked on neutral music. nobody gets hooked on neutral music.

• Why don't you do a little experiment? Spend Why don't you do a little experiment? Spend the next 30 days without listening to or the next 30 days without listening to or

playing ANY rock music. Try it, C-Rock fans. playing ANY rock music. Try it, C-Rock fans. You'll quickly find yourself going through You'll quickly find yourself going through withdrawal. Rock music is a drug! Don't withdrawal. Rock music is a drug! Don't

believe it? Go 30 days without it" believe it? Go 30 days without it" (Jeff Godwin, (Jeff Godwin,

What's Wrong with Christian Rock?,What's Wrong with Christian Rock?, p. 38). p. 38). The same The same cannot be said for many other types of cannot be said for many other types of

music. This is irrefutable evidence that all music. This is irrefutable evidence that all music is not the same.music is not the same.

Ask the Bible: Ask the Bible: The Bible plainly states that music is not The Bible plainly states that music is not

neutral. Christians are instructed to use neutral. Christians are instructed to use a certain kind of music to worship God a certain kind of music to worship God

and to build up the Christian life.and to build up the Christian life.

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and

making melody in your heart to the making melody in your heart to the Lord"Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).(Ephesians 5:19).

Ask the Bible:Ask the Bible:• "Let the word of Christ dwell in you "Let the word of Christ dwell in you

richly in all wisdom; teaching and richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms admonishing one another in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" with grace in your hearts to the Lord"

(Colossians 3:16).(Colossians 3:16).

Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs do Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs do not describe the world's music. God's not describe the world's music. God's Word is reminding us that there is a Word is reminding us that there is a

music which is fitting to the Christian music which is fitting to the Christian life and there is a music which is not, life and there is a music which is not, and it is the Christian's task in every and it is the Christian's task in every

generation to glorify God only with the generation to glorify God only with the type of music which is fitting for that type of music which is fitting for that

exalted task. The music is to be exalted task. The music is to be spiritual as opposed to carnal.spiritual as opposed to carnal.

The philosophy that music is neutral and The philosophy that music is neutral and that apart from the words it has no that apart from the words it has no influence or voice of its own is the influence or voice of its own is the

Devil's lie, and this false philosophy Devil's lie, and this false philosophy could easily be used to aid in building could easily be used to aid in building

the ecumenical end-times apostate the ecumenical end-times apostate religious system.religious system.

The fact that music IS NOT neutral is a The fact that music IS NOT neutral is a loud warning to Christians that we loud warning to Christians that we

must be very careful about what type of must be very careful about what type of music we listen to and what type of music we listen to and what type of music we allow in our homes and music we allow in our homes and

churches. Some music encourages the churches. Some music encourages the flesh, while some music encourages flesh, while some music encourages the spiritual. Some is demonic and the spiritual. Some is demonic and

some is Spirit-inspired. some is Spirit-inspired.

A PERSONAL TESTIMONY:A PERSONAL TESTIMONY:

When I was saved in the summer of 1973, I loved rock music and I continued to listen to it for the first few weeks. I was excited when I heard about "Christian rock," because I thought it would allow me to please

the Lord while retaining the type of music I loved. One day I was riding along in my car with the radio tuned to a rock station, and I was praying earnestly about my new walk with the Lord. I was telling the Lord that I I was telling the Lord that I wanted Him to take complete control of me, that I wanted Him to take complete control of me, that I

wanted Him to receive glory from my life. wanted Him to receive glory from my life. ::

• I believe the Lord spoke to my heart and told me to turn off the rock music and to put it out of my lifeturn off the rock music and to put it out of my life. I reached over and turned off the radio and I have never again tuned my radio to a rock station for listening pleasure. I dedicated my radio and tape players to the Lord and determined that I would not use them for carnal rock music. http://www.wayoflife.org/catalog/catalog.htm

• It took awhile for me to learn to enjoy spiritual music, because my musical taste was corrupted by many years of complete devotion to rock music, but I praise the Lord that He dealt with me about music and that He gave me the wisdom to know that music is not a music is not a neutral thingneutral thing.